If you have ever seen something shatter, it's beautiful in a terrible sort of way. Hundreds of tiny ceramic shards scattered at random across the tile and for a moment all was silent and light reflected off the pieces, irreparable, but somehow more beautiful than before.
At least until I stood and broke the spell. I brushed off my pants and with a tight lipped smile said, "Well, that went smashingly." I earned a groan from Fujioka for that, or maybe that was because we ran into each other. I lend him a hand which he takes and I lift him to his feet. He's surprisingly light.
We had attracted a crowd of customers who looked on with concerned expressions. I adjusted my glasses which had miraculously remained on my face and surveyed the damage. Definitely not anything I could fix.
Ootori was the next to break the silence, "Well, Haruhi, looks like we'll be adding that to your debt." To which aforementioned host groaned again.
I quickly intervened, " Please don't, it was largely my fault anyway."
"Well, I suppose as long as someone can pay for damages it's all right." This guy is not going to cut me any slack and boy do I need it.
I look sheepishly at the floor, "I can't actually...Pay for it, that is." Everyone looks at me like I'm insane, I wish I was.
"Wait, isn't you family rich, what about that whole sole heir thing?" asked Fujioka in confusion.
"Well, you see... since my family only came upon our wealth recently, we were pretty accustomed to a more common lifestyle. When the company started doing well, my mother insisted on keeping it that way in order to make sure I wasn't spoiled. So while my family has the money, it's not really mine to spend..."I explain with embarrassment. Murmurs of sympathy rose from the crowd of ladies. I spot Tomoko among them. I flush a little, I'm not used to sharing things about myself in such a public setting.
"Looks like we'll be adding another commoner into our ranks, how wonderful." Exclaimed Tamaki excitedly. I stare at Suoh and the twins as they chant the word commoner over and over again, like it was some sort of ritual. Honestly? I worry for their sanity.
"Er, What?" Hopefully they don't mean what I think they do.
The twins paused there demon summoning to examine me, "Well, he looks good enough." Wow, thanks.
"We might have to do something about the curls though, the glasses too." I flinch at that, I never took well to contacts and what was wrong with my hair? I like my hair! I look to Tomoko for help, but she just sends me an encouraging smile. I should have stayed home. I'm entirely unprepared for this level of public interaction.
"Wait what's going on?" While I have my suspicions, I want to be absolutely sure. Fujioka offers me a sympathetic smile.
"Looks like you're about to be recruited. Sorry about all this. You're a really nice guy though, I think you'll do fine, you get used to the weirdos around here pretty quickly." All I could do was sigh, but in all honesty I wanted to wail. I was hoping to work up the courage to ask to join the art club, I did not want to be spending my afternoons entertaining people with my non-existent charms. Things are spiraling out of my control far too quickly for my liking.
"That's right! From now on you'll be working here as a host." I raised my hand to interject, but I am cut off again by Tamaki's gushing. "If you feel you skills are inadequate, then fear not because you will have only the best instruction, from me of course!"
"Yay." I deadpan, while waving my hands in mock excitement. I'm officially done trying. I was partially done earlier, but now I'm stating it, it's on record. If my testimony is required for the trial in which I am accused of murdering the host club, that is all I will be submitting as evidence. "It's as I had always dreamed, thanks for fullfilling my lifelong wish."
"Now, listen here, Christoph, if you want to be a good host you're going to have to drop that attitude." None of the ladies are going to want to talk to you if you keep sassing them."
"He's right you know, and you do need to reach a quota, which I'm writing up for you right now and it doesn't look too good for you right now. You're going to need to be on top of your game if you want to hit this by the time you graduate." Informs Kyouya helpfully.
'Thanks Ootori, I knew you were trying to crush my soul from the moment I met you. I'm glad I can count on you to keep me in debt forever.' Is what I want to yell, but I don't because you should never insult people whom you owe money. Kyouya can hold totally hold this over my head now. 'It's not fair, why am I so stupid.'
"You know as much as I am very greatful for all your ridiculously helpful advice, don't you guys have stuff to do. You know, club to run, ladies to woo, or something on that track?" I suggest while grinning exaderatedly and sweeping my arms towards the hordes of young women crowded around us. Fujioka just pats me sympathetically on the shoulder, the weight of his hand seems to bring the pressure from all my problems crashing down on me and for a moment I think I'll collapse, but then I inhale and straighten my back. I manage to convince myself I'm fine.
"You can come sit with me while I talk to my customers if you like. Maybe some of them will be interested in meeting with you tomorrow."
I smile with exhaustion, "Sure, thanks." and I follow him to a couch where a gaggle of girls lie in wait. Haruhi waves and gestures towards me.
"Hello, ladies, this is Christoph and as you may have heard, he's joining the club so, I hope you don't mind if he sits in with us today." I wave awkwardly at the mention of my name. I desperately need my composure back. As much as I appreciate Haruhi's help, its not the same as it used to be with Leon.
"Not at all!" Chorus all the girls with bright smiles. I thanked them and took my seat. I try to stay engaged, but I'm pretty tired, so I ignore the conversation darting between the host and his customers.
"So what about you, Christoph? How was your day?" I start out of my trance and shake my head at being addressed.
"Oh, uh, well busy I guess...What with all this suddenly being dumped on me. Sometimes it feels like its constantly spiraling downward, but after a while I realize that I just have to push through it. I know there's that light at the end of the tunnel, if only I can work hard enough to reach it."
"That was surprisingly deep." Fujioka blinks at me.
"Wow thanks, I'm glad you have my back, Fujioka." He laughs, thank god someone understands my sense of humor. I crack a grin, but only a little one because my cheeks hurt. Maybe with a friend by my side things wouldn't be so bad.
By the end of the day I'm ready to pass out. The circulation in my legs cut out from sitting so long and I struggle to push myself up. Once on my feet I give my legs a little shake to bring the life back to them.
Fujioka smiles at me and thanks me for my hard work. "You know... you should listen to your own advice a little. What you said earlier, I think it would help you out if you acted on it." He waves and I give a melancholy smile.
"Hmm, yeah." I look down at my feet thinking about his words, while wiping my glasses clean.
The clack of heels on the tiled floor lifts my head. Three women are huddled together, whispering excitedly to each other. All at once they turn to me, "Excuse, us, but Christoph?"
"Yes, ladies?" I smile gently, I feel Kyouya's eyes boring into my neck, my life depends on this.
"We were wondering if we could sit with you tomorrow?"
"That would be lovely, if you don't think I'm too much of a bother, that is." They titter and walk away in a flourish of garish yellow skirts.
"See you tomorrow!" Comes the call over a puffy shoulder.
Maybe I do have a chance, just maybe.
a/n: short chapter, I know, but I figured I hadn't updated in a while, so I hope you enjoyed. Reviews are always appreciated!
Oh and in case you weren't informed I don't own Ouran Highschool Host Club.