"Where are we going?" I asked, finally. I was in the middle of everyone. The twins were talking among themselves, Honey was riding on Takashi's back and Tamaki and Haruhi were in front of me. We had been walking for some time and believe it or not, it took me a bit to gather up the courage to say something. Despite no one talking to me, I was content. It felt almost natural to be with a group of people. Who knew that this would be happening to me of all people. I saw this every day. A group of friends being together, talking without a care in the world. I never pictured myself with others, but now that it is happening. I was filled with joy.
Tamaki looked behind his shoulder, "you'll see." I was filled with curiosity. Where could we be possibly going? I noticed the building around us was becoming less frequent. Why were we leaving town?
Honey tugged on my clothes, "You're gonna love it!"
"We're going to sell you on the market." The twins sneaked up behind me and whispered into my ears. My eyes went wide as I looked at them with shock, were they serious?! Haruhi butted in with a small smile on his face.
"Don't listen to them. To be honest, this is my first time going to this place as well so it'll be an experience for the both of us." He said. I was relieved, but also happy. Was it going to be his first time too? I felt less alone and it was nice.
Hikaru pouted, "Thanks for ruining the fun."
"Besides that, you two are going to have a life changing moment." Kaoru smiled. By looking at the two, you could tell they were full of energy and very close. I didn't know them that well, but I could tell they spent every waking moment together. To have that must be wonderful. I wonder what my life would be like if I had a twin. What would they be like? Would we look the same? To have someone so close, I can't imagine it.
Tamaki checked his cell phone, "Kyoya will be there soon with the stuff." Hearing his name made me feel uneasy for only a slight second. I don't know why though, he never did anything to me. But...He does treat me rather cold. It must be my imagination though. Besides that, what stuff? Where could we possibly be going? My curiosity was going through the roof.
Some time passed and before I knew it, we were far from home. Trees were all around us, snow was falling but not too heavy and I could tell the Host's were getting more excited. Where were we? "It should be right over there," Tamaki said, pointing over towards the hill in front of us. I felt Honey grab my hand and tugged me along.
"Come on!" He urged, pulling me. We rushed up the hell and my breath was caught in my throat. It was beautiful. Below us was a pond, frozen over. The ice sparkled for us like it was begging us to just skate on it. Trees were around the area, like a complete circle. The short boy pointed towards the edge, sitting there was a small cabin, already some smoke coming from the top of the chimney.
"Kyoya must have already gotten here," Haruhi spoke. He began to walk down the hill along with Takashi and the twins.
Honey ran after them, "Wait for me!" I stood there, my feet stuck in place. I didn't know what to do. Should I run down this hill with them full of joy and excitement? No, that wasn't like me at all. Should I turn around and pretend this never happened? That's even crazier. Tamaki put a gentle hand on my shoulder.
"Nervous?" His smile made me feel at ease. I was quite nervous. I've never done something like this before, but this time I wasn't complaining. I was overwhelmed with so many feelings that I didn't know which one to choose. I only nodded not knowing what to say. "That's okay, you're going to have a blast." He led me down the hill, making sure I didn't trip or anything. We approached the cabin, I was right behind Tamaki as he opened the door. He let me go in first, everyone was already at home, talking and giggling to one another. I felt out of place, but I wasn't about to let it get to me.
The intimidating voice of Kyoya rang out, "She's here?" The tone he had made me cringe back. Tamaki went up to him with a big smile.
"Yeah, we decided to bring Hara along with us." He said. Kyoya didn't look happy, but yet not displeased either. It was hard to tell what he was thinking about and got to me a bit. I was used to my family. Mother being easily angered and always expecting the best from me. Seika who always got her way and was flowing with confidence. Then there was my father... He was someone you could read like a book no matter who you are. A man who worked to provide for his family, but also a man who you could easily push around.
Kyoya moved away from his friend, walking past me. I felt the tension as he shut the door behind me, "It'll get cold." His smooth voice said, not revealing an inch of emotion. I went to the window, looking at the beautiful snow. It sparkled like jewels, making me want to just run into it. I wish I could feel it. To let cold white ice like clouds run through my fingers. To feel the chill through out my body, making want to return inside to the warm fire. It's different now. I could out there and sit in it without any clothes on my body only to feel nothing but the emptiness inside me.
"Wanna go play in it?!" Honey appeared beside me, having to stand on his tippy toes to see through the window. Looking back at it, an unknown feeling filled inside me. "Let's go!" He didn't wait for an answer as he grabbed my hand, tugging me outside the door. He then ran in front of me, picking up the snow and throwing it around him. "Yay!" He cheered.
I didn't know what to do. It felt awkward just standing still until I moved towards him a bit. The feeling inside me was growing more and more until I couldn't hold it in anymore. I ran with all my might, going in circles. Enjoying the sound of the snow crunching beneath my feet. I couldn't hear myself laughing as I was filled with so much joy. Before I knew it, I tripped over a mound of snow, landing straight on my back. I didn't stop laughing. When was the last time I felt like this? It's been so long.
"Mother!" I yelled, finishing the snowman. Father put a carrot on its face for a nose. It looked so silly. The poor snowman was oddly shaped and its eyes were some rocks I found around the park. Mother walked up, her hand resting on her baby bump that was barely visible. Her face was relaxed as she gazed upon our creation.
She smiled, "It's lovely, sweetheart." My face was already pink from the cold, but knowing Mother loved it made me even redder. Father kissed her on the forehead. They looked so happy together. I ran up to her, placing my head on her tummy.
"Mother! I can't wait to kiss her!" I laughed.
Mother stroked my hair, "Or him." She stated, "You could have a little brother."
"No!" I pouted, "I want a sister!"
Father scooped me up, swinging me around in the air. "We'll just have to wait and see!" He was so full of life. I couldn't stop laughing as we played at the park all day.
The memory was sudden, but it made me smile. What I would do to go back to those days. I still can't figure out what all happened to us. What made Mother change so drastically? For Father to become so submissive? I wish I knew, I wish I could fix it. To make everything better. "Hey! Hara!" I broke out of my thoughts, seeing the twins holding out their hands. I took both of them and when standing, I wiped the snow from my back.
"Thought you fainted or something," Hikaru said.
Kaoru smiled, "At least you're having fun."
"I am!" I laughed, smiling with all my teeth showing. They smirked back, as Hikaru picked up some snow and formed it into a ball. I remained still, confused on what he was doing. Kaoru instantly knew what he was doing and ran for cover. Why is he running? Then I felt something hit my chest, knocking me back into the snow. Startled and now covered in snow, Hikaru was chuckling aloud. Then the back of his head was hit also with a snowball.
He made another, chunking it at Honey. "I'll get you for that!" He yelled. I felt someone behind me, looking up I saw Haruhi.
He helped me up, wiping me clean. "You need to watch out." He smiled, quickly ducking as a snowball flew over him. I was shocked at how calm he was. My eyes darted around, seeing all the Host's outside, enjoying their snow fight. "Come on, like this." He formed a ball and handed it to me. I held the frozen ball in my palms, feeling nothing as I looked it over. Was I suppose to hit them with this? I couldn't see the fun in this.
"Try and hit me, Hara!" Tamaki called out to me. He wasn't too far away, waving his arms around with a wide smile. I never was good at throwing things. I wasn't allowed to do anything physical related like sports. Mother said it wasn't lady like and boys wouldn't be attracted to a girl who played in sports. I moved my arm back and threw with all my might, it barely hit his legs. I was suddenly filled with excitement. This is fun! I made another one, only to be hit on the back by Haruhi who laughed. I quickly turned and hit him back.
Several hours passed, my clothes were caked with ice and snow. The sun was setting and everyone was going back inside the cabin. I stood, staring at the fading sun. Did time really pass that fast? I really should be getting back to Tomo. "Hara! It's cold, come on!" Haruhi called to me. I rushed into the cabin. Everyone was already starting to relax. Honey was sipping hot chocolate that Takashi had made for him. I wish I could enjoy some of that. I went to the window, it was starting to snow again.
Tamaki stood beside me, "Looks like we may have a storm." He said.
"Good thing we are staying here for the night." The twins nodded. Staying?!
"No!" I blurted. I quickly felt embarrassed as everyone looked at me with odd eyes. I couldn't stay. I had to return to Tomo. He was kind enough to open up his home to me and if I was to just not show up, especially after I left him today for the Host's, he surely would be angry. I would be fine going home. It's not like I feel the cold. "I mean, I must be getting home."
Kyoya tilted his head, "In this weather and at night." That did look strange to them. Going out this late and when there might be a storm. I shook it off. I would be fine and Tomo would be in a much better mood if I came home. Surely, he would forgive me for leaving his side today.
"I'm sorry that I must go, thank you for today. I had a lot of fun." This was true. Today was something I would never forget. To feel the rush of excitement and I learned how to snowball fight! Everyone's smiling faces would never fade from my mind. A big grin spread across my face, "I truly appreciate what you guys did for me today. I haven't had this much fun in a very long time."
Tamaki butted in, "But it might storm and you can't walk in that! We can leave in the morning."
"Please, I must go." I said, "I'll be fine." Kyoya placed a hand on his shoulders.
"Let her go."
Tamaki glared at him, "Not in this weather."
"Yeah! You'll freeze to death!" Honey frowned, almost spilling his hot chocolate. I looked at everyone's concerned eyes and sighed. What was I to do? They were not going to let me leave. No matter how much I told them I'd be fine. Tomo would be very upset if I didn't come home and I had no way of telling him that I wouldn't be home. I'd have to think of something.
I finally answered their stares, "I'll stay." The tension in the air disappeared almost instantly.
"Good, we would be worried about you." Haruhi smiled, he too was drinking hot chocolate. I took a seat on one of the couches, next to Takashi and Honey. Takashi was leaning back, relaxing. He hasn't said a word about me wanting to leave, it made me feel a bit uneasy. Did he not care? I brushed it off, I shouldn't be concerned with that. If anything, I should be upset over Kyoya who said to just leave. I could tell I wasn't his favorite person around.
Tamaki spoke up, "So how is your family like? Will they be worried?" I felt my body shiver from the mention of my family. I couldn't tell the truth. Not to them. They were much too kind to me and I wouldn't want to seem like someone who needed even more help.
I faked a smile, resulting in Kyoya and Takashi raising an eyebrow. "They're perfect." I said, "I live with my Mother and Father, including my younger sister. My Father brings in the money while Mother takes care of us. She's really sweet. I couldn't ask for more."
"So they'll be okay with you being with us?" Kaoru asked. I simply nodded, not wanting to say any more about them.
Hikaru smirked, "Well, we weren't going to let you leave even if they didn't want you here." They had no idea what situation I was in. I ran away from home and I had no idea if they were looking for me or not. However, I knew for certain, that if I was to return home. I wouldn't be able to leave.
"You're too kind," I said, touched by how they cared for my well being. However, I couldn't stay. My mind was telling me that I had to go. I wouldn't tell them though, my plan was to sneak out. Everyone already looked tired and slipping past them wouldn't be hard. I'll just have to apologize whenever I can, after all, this is over.
Suddenly, Honey shot up from his seat. "We should play a game!" He cheered. A game? Didn't we just get done playing outside? Honey was just like a child, so I wasn't surprised in the least. The twins smirked at one another.
"Truth or Dare." I felt a bit nervous as they looked like they had something up their sleeves. I've never played this game before, but I've heard about it from the girls in school. It always ended up pretty badly in my opinion.
"I don't know about that." Tamaki sighed.
Haruhi patted his shoulder, "It will be fun." He was up for it and since Haruhi said he wanted to play, Tamaki had no problem with it either. Kyoya showed no interest and neither did Tamaki.
"Then it's settled!" Honey laughed, jumping on the couch. Kyoya removed himself from the group, saying he didn't want to join. I was actually excited, it could be an experience.
"I'll go first," Kaoru said. "Hikaru, truth or dare?
"Truth."
He smiled, "Hikaru, is it true you hate sleeping with clothes on?" My face flushed from the question. They were already starting out personal.
"It is true." He laughed. I had to look away. knowing this was something I didn't have to know. Hikaru noticed my discomfort and dived in for the kill.
He pointed at me, "Hara, Truth or dare." I was silent for a moment. I didn't know which one to pick, I didn't want them to dig too deep into my life so I was scared to pick truth, but what about the dare? What would he dare me to do?
"Dare," I said with uncertainty.
A huge smirk spread across his face, "I dare you to drink a homemade shake of mine." Gasps were heard all around.
"No!" Honey screamed.
Haruhi frowned, "That is rather unpleasant." I didn't freak out as much everyone else, due to the fact I couldn't taste anything. However, I didn't want to throw up later. I couldn't refuse the dare though, I had to accept it.
"I'll do it."
Hikaru along with his twin rushed to the kitchen, started to grab random things and blending them up. It didn't look good at all, it was a weird brownish liquid by the time they finished. I gulped, picking it up. Everyone crowded around me and I felt the pressure getting to me. I wasn't worried about the taste at all but it did look disgusting. It pressed against my lips and I swallowed it down. It felt slimy and thank god I didn't taste it.
"Ew!" Honey made puking sounds.
Haruhi covered his mouth, "Oh my." Tamaki was already in the other room, covering his mouth, trying not to vomit. I wiped the liquid off.
"You downed it like it was nothing!" The twins gasped.
I giggled, "I've had worse." I glanced at Tamaki, knowing it was my turn to ask him to do something. "Tamaki, truth or dare?"
Once he calmed his stomach he answered, "Dare."
"I dare you to jump in the snow and lay in it for several minutes." I laughed. It would be funny to see him squirm.
"I'll do it!" He said with confidence, opening the door and running out. Everyone went outside to see if he did it. He was already laying in the snow, shivering like crazy. "I won't give in!" I was chuckling under my breath, still standing in the kitchen. Then suddenly, I felt it in my stomach. Oh no...Why this soon? I was bent over, holding onto my gut. No one was paying attention to me, as I covered my mouth, trying to keep it down. Suddenly, Kyoya was in front of me.
"Not feeling well?" He didn't look the least concerned. I stood back up, biting my cheek, thinking it would help.
I managed to speak, "I'm fine." This was a lie, I could feel it rising. I couldn't hold back as I rushed to the sink, vomiting my guts up. Only this time it was different. It was pure black, nothing like the drink. Oh no... My eyes averted to everyone but they were still watching Tamaki in the snow. Then I went to Kyoya, who's eyes were wide. What should I do?! What is he going to say?! I was frozen, staring at the black sludge in the sink. A hand went past me and turned on the water, washing it all away.
Kyoya spoke, "Either you tell me what's going or I'll make you."