When we last left the host club:
The only thing on Kaoru's mind was, what if this happens again? What if it's worse? What if I'm not there to help? I need Hikaru. Just as much as I ever had.
EPISODE 6: Choices
One month later the hot weather had gone away, and Hikaru's ankle was healed. The host club was enjoying the perfect warm weather outside after the day was about to end. It was 2 weeks before school started again, and the host club would only be on weekends, and school breaks.
"Hey, by the way." Kaoru said, turning towards Eniko and Nibira with a curious expression. "Where do you two go to school anyway?"
"Oh, we're both home schooled." Nibira said.
"Yeah, our parents hire private teachers for us." Eniko said, the twins nodded.
"But then you wouldn't be able to make new friends." Tamaki said from the background.
"But, there are also perks!" Said Honi, "They haven't even met the zuka club!" A few members shuddered, the others gave small laughs. Eniko and Nibira both arched an eye brow.
"Who's the zuka club?"
"They're the host club's arch rival."
"They're witches!" Tamaki said over dramatically.
"Hello host club." A familiar voice said from behind them. And the host club turned around to stare into the eyes of the devil.
Tamaki screamed and hid behind the couches.
"Lo-" A short bronze haired girl sang.
"-bel-" A taller light brown haired girl continued.
"-i-" The tallest of the girls sang, she had very short dark brown hair.
"-a!" All three girls sang together out of tune.
Suddenly their clothes were changed. The two shorter girls on the outside were dressed as fairy princesses. And the tallest girl in the middle was wearing some sort of king outfit in gold.
Now the rest of the host club, along with Tamaki were hiding behind the couches. Except for Eniko and Nibira, who were still staring at the three girls with arched eyebrows.
"Uh, who are you?" Nibira asked.
"Why young maidens." The tallest of the three started, taking a step forward. "We are none other than Lobelia Academy's famous white lily league. Also known as… the zuka club!" She exclaimed with a child like twinkle in her eye.
"Lobelia!" All three girls harmonized in a low pitch.
"Lady Beni Bara. High school 2cd year. Crimson rose." The tall girl in the middle said.
"Lobelia!" They exclaimed again in a higher pitch.
"2cd year student. Lady-" The long light brown haired girl started, but Eniko interrupted her.
"Whoa! Whoa!" She said putting her hands out in front of her, she turned towards where the host club was standing. An annoyed expression on her face, a few of the members poked their heads up. "This, is the zuka club?! You have to be kidding me!" The members shook their heads.
"Pardon my interruption maiden," Beni Bara said getting closer to Eniko who took a step back. "but who do we have the pleasure of addressing?"
"I'm Eniko, and this is my friend Nibira." She stated simply.
"It's amazing what great timing you girls have." Nibira said, a hand on her chin. She narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Almost, as if on cue."
"We are two of the host club's newest members." Eniko said, Tamaki jumped up.
"No, wait!" He cried a moment too late. Lady Beni Bara fumed.
"What has this world come too?!" She exclaimed, the two other members appeared at her side. "The ominous host club has captured another pair of innocent young ladies once again!" She said grabbing her hair and falling to her knees.
"Wait." Nibira said, eyes widening then narrowing again. This time she fumed. "You mean they know about Haruhi too? And you were worried about us telling her secret?!" She yelled.
"We weren't worried! We just had gotten used to it, that's all!" Kaoru explained over the couches, then was pulled back down by Hikaru.
"Listen to me maidens," Beni Bara said standing up with a frantic look on her face. "You can not stay here with these idiots! You do not belong! If you come to the zuka club, we will involve both of you in numerous activities which include the arts of singing, dancing, and acting! Activities that the host club has not, and will not ever do!"
"Um, we will have to pass, thank you." Eniko said, hands flying up in front of her again. "I think we're going to stay with the host club. Right Nibira?" She said, when there was no response from her best friend she turned to look at her. Nibira's eyes were huge as she stared at the three girls in costume, her mouth was hanging open, and she look like a person who had just been petrified. "Nibira?" Eniko asked again. The host club members had come out of hiding to stand in front of the speechless girl.
"My, my." Beni Bara said, calmly. "Looks like we have ourselves a potential candidate."
"I uh, I'm going to call this a day, everyone. I may see you tomorrow." Nibira said stiffly. She robotically grabbed her things and walked out of the entrance. With that the zuka club twirled out of the room with a soothing laughter.
"Uh, Eniko? Are you going to be alright." She was staring where Nibira had left. And had a similar expression Nibira had, had just minutes ago. Although along with shock, there was also a hint of disgust. The twins eyed her worriedly.
"So, do you think there is a chance? Do you think that she may want to join the zuka club?" Tamaki asked whimpering.
"I don't know. Me and Nibira have always been fans of any kind of music. Nibira especially."
"Kyoya." Tamaki said snapping his fingers. "Order us some fancy dresses, and wigs. We're organizing the freebie campaign once again."
"Oh no!" Haruhi and Eniko said together backing away.
"She's told me enough about that plan, to have me know that Nibira will not enjoy having those pictures in her mind." Eniko said tilting her head quickly at Haruhi. "Besides Nibira wouldn't care about who was in the club with her, she'd care more about the music. That summer camp we first met at between 5th and 6th grade she entered the talent show, and won 2nd out of 50 other contestants, just by singing a lullaby. She likes a song that is played on the piano, she learns it, same with guitar, trumpet, drums, you name it. Now that I think about it, she has good rhythm too. The only problem would be her acting, though, now that we've been in the host club for a couple months, that may have helped her fine tune her mistakes." She sighed.
The next day Nibira didn't show up for the host club. Or at least the host club thought, she didn't. In reality she was secretly watching from a small window in the corner. She saw her best friend Eniko inside sitting at a table all by herself reading a book. Without me there, Nibira thought, Eniko probably will be too shy to talk to any of the hosts today. She instantly felt guilty, but then she saw Eniko smile and roll her eyes, she put the book down and walked over to where the twins were sitting, calling her over to them from what it looked liked.
Eniko was sitting at a table by herself skimming over a book. She had realized about an hour ago that her mind wasn't registering any of the words she was reading. But she really didn't care, the only thing on her mind was Nibira. Where she was, and what she was thinking.
"Hey Eniko! Get over here!" Two simultaneous voices called. She smiled and rolled her eyes. While she was putting her book down, she walked over to the twins. Who were sitting side by side on the couch.
"What is it now you two?" She asked, she was glad that she was getting entertained. She needed something to take her mind off of Nibira.
"We have a new idea for our brotherly love act!"
"We need to see what you think of it!" Eniko laughed.
"Go right ahead." She said.
Nibira watched as her best friend laughed at the twins. She was able to figure out that the twins were testing out a new act for Eniko. Nibira decided to watch as well. Hikaru and Kaoru were talking casually as usual, but seconds later, Kaoru turned away, a sort of depressed slash shocked look on his face. Hikaru looked at Kaoru with concern, and gently held his shoulders to turn him back around to face his older brother. At first Nibira thought that they were actually going to kiss this time, she didn't think she had seen their faces that close to each other's. Their foreheads and noses were touching, but about a centimeter of space was separating their lips. Kaoru's hands touched Hikaru's shoulders as well. While Hikaru's hands went down Kaoru's arms slowly and gently, making their way down to his hips. Eniko's only response was a burst of laughter and a thumbs up. The twins heads jerked over to look at her, huge smiles on both their faces. Hikaru sat up from leaning over Kaoru. Well, I guess I don't have to worry about her social problems anymore. Nibira thought, she loved the fact that Eniko was getting more comfortable around the other hosts, but she couldn't help feel a pang of jealousy at that display. Nibira took a deep breath, and walked away to the limo waiting to take her back to her house.
The next day had a terrible gloom to it. It was cloudy, and the sun would refuse to poke his head from out of the sky. Nibira hadn't come to the host club either that day. And Tamaki decided not to have guests over today, and just take a break.
"Eni-chan have you heard from Nibi-chan yet?" Honi asked. He was sitting across from her, and occasionally wandering to Bun-bun who Honi had insisted Eniko hold. She just sighed at first.
"I haven't tried." Eniko said finally. "I think that me saying anything to her now, would just make the decision harder for her. And I don't want that to happen. I want her to make her own personal decision."
"Eni-chan that's so sweet! You're like a double chocolate strawberry cupcake with Bun-bun sprinkles on top!" Honi squealed, he leaped over to hug Eniko. Who after the hug smiled and handed the stuffed bunny back to its owner.
Suddenly the doors to the host club opened and the members all looked to it confused. They had told all their regular customers there would be no host club today. Was it a new guest? Once the confetti of rose petals all settled onto the floor Beni Bara stepped in, an evil smirk on her face. Her two minions, the host club noticed, were not with her. She was alone.
"Oh don't mind me." She said still holding that evil smirk. The host club eyed her uneasily. "I was just here to pick up Nibira's stuff."
"Um, the host club's members don't leave any of their things here." Tamaki said, in so much of a mumble that you could barely understand him.
"Oh, silly me. Well I guess I'll just pick some of her stuff up at her house. The zuka club's next meeting is this week, you know. We have to get ready for the beginning of the school year."
"What are you talking about?" The twins asked together, thoroughly annoyed.
"Oh! She didn't tell you? Nibira is quitting the host club. She's joining the zuka club instead." She said breezily.
"You're lying." Eniko said standing up. Beni Bara turned around from the door to look at the aggravated red head. She still had that evil smirk.
"If you don't believe me, just read this." She handed Eniko a piece of paper.
Dear lady Beni Bara,
I have given it a lot of thought and I have finally made my decision. So starting right now I am the zuka club's newest member. I realized that friends can't get in the way of you living your dream right? I have always been very fond of the musical arts, and thought of this as a window of opportunity.
I talked my parents into stopping my home school program and transfer me to Lobelia Girls Academy. I must admit that all of this was a terribly hard decision for me, because I really do love all the members of the host club. So could you do me a favor, and not talk about them around me, at least not in a way that makes them seem bad. And could you do some other things for me? They will be small, I promise.
If you ever see the host club again. Could you tell them I'm sorry for just quitting on the spot like this? Could you tell Honi that he's always welcome to go to our families bakery, and that I even asked my father to design a special cake dedicated to him? Could you tell the twins, Hikaru and Kaoru that they should keep up the brotherly love act, that it is really great for attracting girls, and really humorous for the people in the club? And could you tell Eniko just that I'm so sorry? That I'm sorry for everything? And that I'm sorry I couldn't be there to tell that to her myself?
I'm going to try and avoid the members of the host club, including Eniko for awhile. I couldn't bear speak to them after what I have done.
But I can't wait to start working for the zuka club! I'm sure this will open my identity to the musical world!
Love,
Nibira
"No. You forged it. There is no way Nibira wrote that!" Hikaru said, as he finished reading the letter.
"She isn't lying." Eniko said flatly. "This is her handwriting. Nibira wrote this. I know it."
"She will be the lady of the red tulip, I think that suits her. Hmm, well farewell host club." Said Beni Bara, as she slid gracefully out the entrance. Once she was gone Eniko realized she was gripping the letter a little too tightly, and loosened her death grip a tad. Then a tad more. Until the note finally slipped from her hands and floated to the ground. She stiffly walked towards the couches, and sat down. She barely noticed that fact that the rest of the host club had apparently became statues.
"But, Nibira hates the color red." Eniko said to herself still thinking about the last thing the evil leader of the zuka club had said.
After a few minutes of struggling, Eniko gave in to the tears and let them fall one by one silently down her cheeks. She knew this was a decision that Nibira had to make herself. She knew Nibira loved music, a lot, Eniko did too, but not nearly as much as Nibira did. But this whole time, for the past two days, she only thought she knew what Nibira's final decision would be. That she would see that the boys of the host club hated the zuka club, and the host club barely hated anyone, so they must have a good reason. And she only thought Nibira would realize that because of her beautiful voice, she would get tons of other better offers. But apparently she thought wrong.
Eniko didn't care that she was making a puddle on the tile floor with her tears. She knew that Honi, and Tamaki were probably crying too. Maybe even the twins. But that didn't stop her tears. They just kept coming, and coming. Faster and faster. Bigger and bigger, and her face just became wetter, and wetter.
She felt two hands rest on her shoulders moments later. And looked up to see the Hitachiin brothers staring down at her. Sympathy and grief in both their eyes. None of them said anything, instead the two brothers went around the couch, each one of them sat on one side of the crying girl beside them and each wrapped one arm around her shoulders in attempt to comfort. Eniko looked down at her knees.
A few seconds later she heard movement in front of her. She looked up to see the rest of the host club, either squeezing into the couch across from the three or standing behind it.
"Would Nibi-chan really do that?" Honi asked, a tear rolling down his cheek, Mori wiped it off before it could reach his chin.
"I didn't think she would." Eniko said, sighing. "But apparently, I don't know her as well as I thought I did." She finished with a shrug.
"Oh, of course you do." Hikaru said giving her a small squeeze. "She's just momentarily delusional that's all."
"Nice try Hikaru." Eniko said. Both twins noted that she could tell which twin was which. But neither bothered to bring it up. "But Nibira has made her decision. It's done."
The host club sat in silence. And one by one the host club members left. Finally leaving Eniko all by herself in the dark empty room. Until she finally got up the courage to stand, and walked back home.
Lights flashed around Nibira everywhere. Loud eruptions of applause came from the audience, as she was raised 100 feet up on the platform. Revealing her large ruffled green dress.
"Lobelia!" She sang. And the eruptions from the fans became even louder.
She was enjoying this, she had to admit. The host club was now behind her and she took in everything that was around her. To the flashing lights of cameras that the viewers really were not supposed to use but she didn't care otherwise. To the countless numbers of white lilies scattered all around the stage below her.
"Lobelia!" She sang again, now with all the rest of the zuka club members. All the screaming fans hopped up from their seats and clapped. She skimmed over the entire audience. Trying to live this moment to it's fullest. But when she got to the very back row, she noticed that there were four audience members not standing up. Not clapping at all. Her eyes went huge when she realized who they were.
The first was Honi, hugging Bun-bun to him. The next were the twins, sitting side by side as always. And the last seat was taken by her best friend Eniko. She noticed that all four of them had a single tear rolling down their left cheek.
"They-they came?" She said aloud. Her stomach dropped when she realized the microphone was still on. The clapping stopped, and all of the audience sat down. A spotlight hit the four seats in the very back row. She saw her four friends more clearly now. Now they were the only ones standing up, but their tears were gone, and they were all glaring at her. After what seemed like hours the four marched out of the theater together.
"No!" Nibira yelled. She started to run after them. But then she realized much too late that she was standing on a 100 foot platform. And fell towards the hardwood floor of the stage.
"Ah!" Nibira screamed sitting up from the floor where she had fallen off of her bed. Her eyes widened even more when she realized what she had just been put through was only a dream.
"Ugh." She groaned, she slammed her head against her knees and cried.
The next day the host club was open for business. Though even the guests could notice the strange melancholy the room held. Boys were sent home disappointed with the news of Nibira. After the day was over the host club members got back into the position they were the other day. The twins with their arms around Eniko, and the other members on the opposite couch. Though no one was crying this time. Still no one was talking.
"Wow. What is up with this place? Why do all you guys look so depressed?" A lovely familiar voice said from the side. The host club looked up to see none other than Nibira. With one hand on her hip. She looked more like herself as usual.
"Uh…" Some members said. Others just stared. She confidently strode over to where Hikaru had his arm around Eniko.
"Move!" She said with a smile, teasingly shoving Hikaru away from Eniko. "This is a huge couch we don't need to squeeze in like that." She said taking the seat where Hikaru was a few seconds ago.
"Nibira?" Eniko said, confusion mixed with a small piece of irritation made up her expression.
"Yeah?" She responded casually.
"Wait. I thought you said you were going to avoid the host club?"
"You read my note didn't you?" She sighed, "I specifically told her just to give the apologies." Nibira looked at Eniko and shrugged. "Sorry, I needed it to sound convincing."
"Needed what to sound convincing?" Kaoru asked, leaning over.
"My letter of course. Beni Bara wouldn't have fallen for it, if it wasn't convincing."
"Fallen for what?" The rest of the host club asked. They were all getting massive headaches because of her.
"For the fact that I was actually joining the zuka club." Nibira gave a scoff and laughed. "Please like that'll happen!" She said still giggling.
"But-" Tamaki started, Nibira sighed.
"When I saw how scared you guys were of those girls… I got mad. So I decided to pay them back. I made them think that the host club was going to lose a member. Then just rip it all out from under them. The only problem is I don't get to see her face when she realizes that I'm not coming." She gave a small scowl, then chuckled lightly.
This was all finally starting to register in Eniko's head. "Wait." She said getting even angrier at her brunette best friend. "If you were planning this whole thing from the beginning… Then why didn't you tell us? Or at least me?"
"Because then Beni Bara would see through it when she came here! You guys would have to be genuinely hurt for it to really work." She shrugged again. "Sorry."
After a few moments of awkward silence, two shrill voices squealed, "Nibira!" Honi, and Tamaki ran over to her and captured her in a hug.
"Ah! Get off!" She screamed, but neither would let go. Eniko breathed a sigh of relief as she watched her best friend at her side again. Well, thank god I actually do know her as well as I thought I did.
Next time:
"Wait, Hikaru." Kaoru whispered to himself as he watched his older brother leave. What he didn't see though, was Eniko right behind him, watching, and hearing him. Her eyes widened, she understood.