The club members hurried down the hall towards the room the receptionist told them Haruhi was in. Once Kyoya woke up, he was alerted by his father about Haruhi being attacked by the killer and was now resting in the hospital. He wasted no time getting ready and headed over to the hospital. He had alerted the guys once he made it to the hospital, who dropped everything they were doing to head over to the hospital.
"Haruhi!" Tamaki shouted as he opened the door to her room.
Haruhi jumped and averted her attention from Kyoya to look towards the door at her friends who flooded her room. Tamaki ran up to her and took a hold of her face as he began examining her.
"Did he do anything to you? How badly are you hurt?"
"I'm fine Tamaki." Haruhi tried to reassure her boyfriend and friends. "The killer didn't hurt me too badly."
"But you were still attacked, love." Tamaki tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. He then looked at Kyoya for answers. "How bad is it?"
"She has only a few gashes. One on her side and her arm. Her arm was just a graze, but she needed stitches on her side."
"But why was the killer after her?" Kaoru asked. "She doesn't have any real connection with Seika."
Kyoya looked over at Haruhi to meet her eyes. He motioned his head for her to tell them the information she had told him not long ago.
Haruhi let out a sigh and removed Tamaki's hands from her face. "The killer isn't after Seika…He's after me…"
The room was silent. The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock on the wall. Her friends just stared at her. Not knowing how to react to the news Haruhi had just given them, but she knew they were uneasy by how tightly Tamaki was gripping her hands.
"What does he want with you?" Tamaki was finally able to choke out.
"He didn't say. He just said that he was doing all this for me. All the people he has been killing have been connected to me. They're all people I've had issues with."
"Then why did he attack you?" Hikaru asked. Kneeling down at the other side of her bed. "It seems like he wants to protect you by how you're wording it. So, why would he hurt you?"
"He's playing with her." Kyoya seethed. He was trying to keep his composure, but it was starting to become more and more difficult as they talked about the killer. "It's all a game to him. Even though he claims that he is doing all these killings for her, he has an end motive. Which is most likely to kill her."
Tamaki's face grew dark in a way that Haruhi had never seen before. He stood up and turned to Kyoya.
"Kyoya, call your private police force and get the best security team you have. I don't care the price, I'll pay for it."
Kyoya put his phone to his ear. "Already on it."
"Wait, guys." Haruhi tried to interject. "It's fine, really. I don't need security."
"You don't need security?!" Tamaki almost laughed at her comment as if she was stupid. "Don't try to act the way you did back at the beach five years ago. This wasn't just some random guy who was harassing you. This guy is a literal killer who has already attacked you once. I am not allowing it to happen again!"
She could see the wetness forming in his eyes. These attacks had affected him greatly. People he cared about were being killed, and now one of the people who loved the most was the main target. He couldn't live with himself if he didn't do anything to protect her. That's what all her friends thought. Tamaki was right. This wasn't like that time at the beach. Even though those guys were assholes and ganged up on her, it was nothing compared to a bloodthirsty killer.
She just gave Tamaki a nod. Letting him know that she understood and grabbed his hand. She could feel him shaking. He was trying his hardest to keep it all together.
Her dad would be happy with the security. He was now worried about leaving her alone when he had late shifts, but he knew he had to go to work if they wanted to make any money. Once he got back after fetching Haruhi some fresh clothes, he'll be ecstatic.
…
Haruhi was discharged from the hospital later that day. Tamaki gave her and Ranka a ride home. She could feel herself dozing off in the limo. With barely any sleep from the nightmares as well as having countless interviews with police, she was exhausted. She couldn't wait to get home and sleep. If her body would let her finally.
Once they arrived at Haruhi's place, there was still police tape that covered Yamato's apartment. Just staring at it made a chill run down her spine. She couldn't believe what happened last night was actually real. It almost felt like a too-realistic nightmare. Her neighbor was also dead. She didn't know him that well, but from what her father heard from the other neighbours was that he was a kind man who loved his family. He would always have them over for Sunday dinner and enjoyed watching his grandkids. It truly was a terrible way he had to die. She wished she actually got to know him.
Tamaki held the door open for her and Ranka. Haruhi didn't waste any time and went to her room to sleep. Tamaki tried to follow her, but Ranka berated him for trying to go into the room of a young girl. Haruhi was already irritated by the lack of sleep she had and just told Tamaki to leave because she didn't want to deal with her father yelling at him. When they were outside her apartment door, out of Ranka's view, they said their goodbyes with a kiss before Tamaki left. He had informed her in the car that the security team would be over around six o'clock to watch her apartment complex. Since her apartment was so tiny, it would be hard for a guard to be in her apartment 24/7. So outside surveillance was the best option.
…
The next few days were quiet. Nothing happened, and there was no word about the killer. The twins came over Sunday night to chill and help Haruhi make dinner. She had to supervise them because they were still pretty careless in the kitchen, but they always made cooking fun. They decided to try and make some homemade pizzas. Haruhi thought it was going to be a disaster from the start, but surprisingly, the kitchen didn't get too messy.
Haruhi took a bite of their finished product and chewed it. Letting the flavour hit her tongue.
"Soooo, how is it?" Hikaru asked. Kaoru and him were impatient waiting for her review.
She took a few more chews before swallowing. She smiled at them. "It's not half bad. I would say a little overbaked, but other than that. The flavor is nice."
"Yay!" The twins cheered.
The twins took a slice of their own and in less than fifteen minutes, more than half the pizza was gone.
"So, how are you feeling?" Hikaru asked. "And I'm not just asking about physically."
"I'm…alright." Both twins raised an eyebrow at her. "I'm coping."
"Is the security actually making you feel safe?" Kaoru asked.
"You know in an instant we would move in here to make you feel safer, or you could always move into our house."
Haruhi chuckled. "Thanks, guys, but I'm fine here. I also don't think your girlfriend would like you living with another girl Hikaru. I know Tamaki would be against it."
Hikaru playfully waved it off. "Who gives a shit what they think. Your safety is more important than my girlfriend's jealousy. Speaking of my girlfriend, Shiori wants to go on a double date with Tamaki and you. She said her parents would allow her out if there was a group with at least two guys, so it should work out."
The four of them have done a double date in the past. When Hikaru and Shiori first started dating. It made Haruhi's heart swell how Hikaru finally found a person who he loved. She always feared that he would always be stuck on her, waiting for her to be single again. But from how Tamaki and her have been dating for so long, Hikaru knew they most likely wouldn't break up anytime soon. If at all. Seeing him so happy now, made her happy.
"I would love to. What day are you guys thinking?"
"Shiori mentioned Friday if you're feeling up to it."
"Yeah, that would be great. I'll just have to double-check with Tamaki, but that day should work."
He smiled at her. "Perfect."
…
Once Haruhi entered school on Monday, she was bombarded with questions about how she survived the Ghostface killer's attack. As if she was a celebrity and her peers were paparazzi, they swarmed her. Tamaki had to act like a bodyguard for her to get through the crowd so they wouldn't accidentally hurt her. She knew news reporters were quick, but the writers covering the Ghostface killings were working overtime to keep getting the stories out on time.
During the lunch period, Haruhi didn't want to eat where she and her friends usually ate since that was the most crowded place on campus. Hikaru recommended the garden. He has eaten with Shiori there plenty of times and said barely any people eat there since it was out of the way from classes. Haruhi would usually be one of the people who would say it was too far away, but right now she felt like it was too close to everything.
"Oh Haruhi, I'm so glad that you're alright." Shiori cried once she saw Haruhi. She ran up to hug her but stopped before she touched her. "Is it alright to hug you? I don't want to hurt you."
"It's alright. The only place that hurts is my left side. So hugging is fine."
She gave Haruhi a tight squeeze. She let out a ragged breath as if she had begun to cry. "When Hikaru told me what happened to you, I was so scared. I already lost Tsubaki, I couldn't handle it if I lost you too. Remember, we have to be each other's bridesmaids."
Haruhi laughed. "That's the reason why I fought. I wouldn't forgive myself if I couldn't be part of your bridal party."
Shiori chuckled at her joke and wiped the tears from her eyes. She then turned to her boyfriend and grabbed ahold of his arm. "Come on, let's go eat. Hikaru said the guys are going to meet us there once they get their food."
The couple led the way to a small bench that was inside the hedge maze. Almost completely out of sight from everyone. No wonder they liked to eat here. She wondered how many couples would sneak out here to have alone time with their partners.
About ten minutes or so later, the rest of the guys came. Tamaki had grabbed Haruhi some food so she wouldn't have to face the crowd and settled down next to her. Haruhi was happy that she could finally have some peace with the people she cared about, but it only lasted a few minutes before she heard some footsteps coming their way, and an irritatingly familiar voice.
"There she is." Akira Komatsuzawa, the newspaper club president called out to his lackeys before making their way over to her. He held up his phone to Haruhi's face to record her answers to his questions. "Haruhi Fujioka, how does it feel to be the only survivor of the Ghostface killer?"
"Dude, what the fuck?!" Hikaru cursed, swatting Akira's phone away from Haruhi. "Don't you see that she doesn't want any of you fuckers around?!"
Akira glared at Hikaru and whipped the hand that Hikaru had slapped on his pants as if he were dirty. "I am only trying to get the story like everyone else Hitachiin. Also, if I publish the story, everyone will leave her alone since they can read all about it. For a small price, of course."
The twins just rolled their eyes. Tamaki looked over at Haruhi as if he was seriously considering Akira's offer.
"Maybe it's something you should do," Tamaki suggested.
"Are you for real?" The twins couldn't believe Tamaki.
"I mean, he's right. If the newspaper club does a report on Haruhi, the crowd of people will leave Haruhi alone. They'll get all the information from the paper."
"See, this is always why I liked Suoh," Akira smirked over at his lackeys, who just nodded at him.
Kyoya pushed up his glasses, trying his best to hide the irritation on his face by the newspaper club, and his stupid excuse for a best friend. "We'll pass."
"But Kyoya…"
"Haruhi had an extremely tragic experience during this attack and does not want to relive it while telling the story. I suggest you leave before I take it up with the chairman that you're harassing her, and you know he won't take this lightly. Since this isn't your first time doing something like this to her."
Akira clenched his jaw tightly, knowing Kyoya's threats were real. If they did go to the chairman about him, he would most likely be kicked out of the college for harassment. It would make his family and their publishing company look bad if he got kicked out for harassing someone for a story.
"Whatever." Akira snarled and began walking away. "The story isn't even worth our time anyway."
"What a crybaby." Kaoru huffed. "I'll be cheering the day he graduates from here. I won't ever have to see him again."
"Do you really think that was the best option Kyoya?" Tamaki asked. "His offer sounded good."
"Tamaki, you're a dear friend to me, but you're an idiot."
"What, why?"
"Do we even have to explain it to you?" The twins cocked an eyebrow.
Honey and Mori just nodded, and Tamaki let out a sigh. "I know they're not the greatest people, but I do truly think the story would stop the crowds forming around Haruhi. At least for a little while."
"If people actually read the paper that is." Hikaru sniggered and began texting on his phone.
Kaoru looked over Hikaru's shoulder to see what he was texting. "Yeah, even the newspapers he's been writing about the recent killings aren't selling that great. I'd doubt anyone would read it."
"He's probably just going to make shit up anyways. That's what he did with the other papers I assume." Hikaru said, to which Kaoru nodded to. "I mean, there is no way he knew that much detail unless he was there or he was the killer himself."
There was an eerie silence after Hikaru said that. He was confused about why everyone was looking at him until it finally hit him. "Wait, you guys don't think…"
"It's a possibility." Kyoya cupped his chin in thought. "The killer is obsessed with Haruhi and since Akira's reputation has tanked after trying to expose Haruhi for "tricking" everyone with her gender, he might be trying to get revenge."
"I have always found him a bit creepy," Shiroi commented. "He would always ask me weird questions in high school about my family's business or my friends. If I didn't give him a straight answer he would just insult me."
"What an asshole," Hikaru grumbled. He then looked over at Haruhi. "We'll make sure he won't bother you anymore Haruhi."
"Yeah Haru-chan," Honey clenched his fists tightly. His demeanor turned dark. "Even if we have to pay him a visit."
Haruhi looked at all her friends, who began planning a way to jump Akira. She wanted to stop them, there was no proof that he was the killer who was after Haruhi, and she didn't want to hurt an innocent man, no matter how annoying he was to her. The only other level-headed person in the group raised his hand to get the group to quiet them down.
"Now, I want to bring the killer to justice as much as the rest of you," Kyoya said. "But we need evidence that he is the killer. If you guys beat up an innocent man, you're the ones who are going to rot in jail."
Haruhi could tell that the guys didn't think about that and calmed down. It would look bad for their families if they got arrested, especially if the person they jumped didn't do anything. She loved her friends and was glad that they wouldn't think twice about defending her, but God, were they stupid.
…
Akira was sitting at his desk, grumbling as he stared at the blank page. He needed to get the story out by tomorrow if he wanted to make the deadline. If only that dreaded former Host Club didn't get in his way while he was trying to interview Haruhi. Then he would have his story. Those people always got in his way. Now they were risking his career. After getting in trouble while trying to expose Haruhi as a liar for hiding her gender for most of her high school career, the chairman stopped the school from funding their club for hate speech. Ridiculous! He was just spreading the truth. Now, his club was just hanging on by a thread from being shut down. The only reason why they were still running was because of the recent killings. He knew it was demented to think that way, but he was glad for the killings. They were saving his career. Even if the papers aren't selling as much as he would like, they are making their way around the school.
But the interview with Haruhi would've been a goldmine. He could just bullshit a story, he just needed it to sound realistic. If only he had the killer to interview, then that would sure be a great story.
Akira took off his glasses and rubbed his temples. If he wanted this story to sound realistic it was going to take all night. He needed a drink. He went down to the kitchen and went to his family's liquor cannot. He opened a bottle of the strongest liquor they had and poured himself a glass. He downed it in one gulp before pouring another. Before he could down that one, his phone began ringing. He looked at the caller ID and saw it was Chikage.
"What? This better be good since you're calling me at 11 at night."
"Y-Yes sir." Chikage stuttered out. "I think you would like to see this. It's related to the killer. I found out who his next victim was."
Akira smiled, God was on his side. The story might not be as good as the one about Haruhi, but until he's able to get that one this should work. "Tell me where it is and I'll meet you there."
…
Akira parked his car at the location that Chikage sent him. He got out of his car with his camera around his neck and looked around. This place was sketchy and he had no idea where Chikage got the tip that the killer killed his latest victim here, but that didn't matter at the moment. As long he was able to get a story out of this, he would go anywhere.
Akira began walking down a dark alleyway scanning the area in search of his clubmate.
"Chikage, where you?" He called out.
He walked for a minute longer down the alley and saw nothing. No dead body in sight, or his clubmate. He was beginning to grow irritated. He travelled all this way out here in the dead of night when he had a story to write and there was nothing here. If Chikage was pranking him, he'd make sure there was an actual dead body.
"Chikage, if this is a prank it's not funny. You know I don't like having my time wasted."
"Help! Help me please!"
Akira jumped at the sudden scream and began looking around for where it was coming from. It was coming from his left. He knew that the safest thing to do was to go back to his car and go home, but the journalist in him wanted to find out what that scream was about, and that's what he did. He began walking towards where the scream came from, and a few seconds later, he heard another.
"President! Please help me!"
"Chikage?" Akira whispered.
He began walking faster towards the direction of where the screaming came from and soon began hearing sniffling and whimpering. It grew louder and louder as he kept walking and once he made it to the end of the alley, to his left there he was. Chikage was badly beaten on the ground, with his hands and feet bound together. His bowl haircut was dishevelled and what Akira could see in the horrible alley light was Chikage skin covered in what looked like mud and blood. His face was badly bruised and cut, and there was a huge welt growing on the left side of his head, where he was most likely hit in the head to knock him out.
When Chikage saw Akira, he almost cried. "President!"
"Chikage, what the hell is going on here?"
"Pr-President, I'm so sorry!" Chikage began to sob. "The killer, he said if I didn't bring you out here…"
"Well, well, well." Akira turned around and saw the killer had suddenly appeared there. "Hello, Akira."
"Chikage, what is this?" He asked.
"I'm sorry." Chikage sobbed harder. "I had to do this or he would kill me."
Akira looked at the killer. "So what, you're just going to kill me right now? That's it?"
"No, no. I want to harass you a bit. Make you suffer like the people you harass for the god-awful stories that you publish. I want to play a game, and if you refuse." He pulled out his knife and pointed it at Chikage. "I will kill your poor little staff reporter."
Chikage whimpered and looked up at the president pleading. He didn't want to die and thought if the president played the killer's game there was a chance that they could both make it out alive, but Akira had something else in mind.
"I don't don't care what happens to him."
"..."
Chikage eyes widened at what Akira had just said. "Wh-What."
"I agree with breadhead over there. What?" The killer questioned.
"I don't care what happens to him," Akira repeated. "All he did was slow down the production quality of the newspaper anyway. To be honest with you, it would probably be best if you killed him. I only kept him in the club because my father worked with his, but if he dies, it doesn't affect my family's business."
"President..?"
"But," Akira ignored his clubmate and walked closer to the killer. "I would love to work with you."
"With me?" Akira nodded to the killer's question. "Are you on crack?"
"Not at all." Akira laughed as if it were a joke. "I really think the both of us working together will benefit us. You probably have done your research on me and know how we are struggling as a paper, but the killings are booming the sales. If we work as a team, I can get you victims and you can give me stories."
"Pre-President, you can't!" Chikage exclaimed. "If you do that, you're just as bad as the-"
"I don't give a shit!" Akira hissed out. "All I care about is getting a story! That's what true journalism is about!" He looked back at the killer. "So, what do you say? I can even pay you for your time."
"I don't want just any victims." The killer said as if he was considering the deal. "I want people connected to Haruhi Fujioka."
"Haruhi Fujioka? Why her of all people?" The killer didn't answer, and Akira raised his hands in defeat. "Alright, I can do that. I guess it makes sense that you fancy here since you kept her alive unless that was unintentional. I can give you the whole Host Club that she used to work with. I'll be happy to see those assholes go. So, what do you say?" He raised his hand for the killer to shake. "Do we have a deal?"
The killer remained still for a few moments before slowly walking up to Akira and grasping his extended hand. Akira smirked gleefully.
"Perfect, and I already know the first person of the dreaded Host Club group that you can kill."
"And who might that be?"
Akira's smirk widened. "Tamaki Suoh. He has been a pain in my ass since the day he arrived at Ouran. Always getting special treatment since his dad is the Chairman of the school. With him gone, I shall be the most popular guy at Ouran."
"You're really still on about that?" The killer said, making Akira's smirk fall.
"What?"
"Give it up already." The killer began leaning closer to him, his face only becoming an inch away. "You are not unpopular because of a stupid Host Club. You are unpopular because you are intolerable to be around." His grip around Akira's hand began to tighten, bringing intense pain. "Harassing people to get a fucking story, how pathetic are you? You harassed Haruhi, trying to expose her in multiple ways, for what? Just to get a fucking story? To get revenge on Tamaki?" His grip was so tight and it felt like Akira's hand was going to break. He descended to his knees and he tried to get his hand out of the killer's grip. "You hurt Haruhi multiple times and I can't allow you to hurt her ever again, and don't worry. I already have Tamaki in mind."
He then stabbed Akira in the chest, then again, and again. Chikage let out a scream as he watched Akira fall to the floor. His breathing beginning to grow ragged. This was it, he was going to die. He knew he should feel scared, but for some reason, he didn't. He felt relaxed. The most relaxed he's felt in years. However, the journalist in him still had one more ace up its sleeve.
As the killer leaned over him, about to stab him again, Akira reached up and ripped the mask off of him before using his camera to snap a quick picture.
"So…" Akira wheezed out. "That's who is behind the mask…"
With one last stab in the chest, Akira's breath left his body.
…
The killer pulled out the knife from Akira's chest before looking at the camera that was around his latest victim's neck. Akira had taken a photo of his face before dying. What a cheeky little bastard.
He carefully removed the camera from around Akira's neck and began fiddling with it before he was able to find the gallery. There, the first photo that popped up was the one of his face. He smirked, it was a shame. It was an actual good photo of him, but he couldn't risk something like this going around. He clicked the delete button and watched it disappear. He then began examining the camera. This would work for him on stakeouts, as well as taking pictures of the person in question. With the fantastic quality of the pictures, even in the high intense zoom, this camera must have cost a fortune. He'll be sure to use it to his full potential.
Once the killer got up he retrieved his mask and put it on. He then looked over at Chikage, who just looked at him petrified.
"You recognised me, didn't you?" The killer asked.
Chikage shook his head. "No, no, I don't recognize you at all! I promise."
That was a lie, and the killer knew it. He began walking towards him and Chikage tried to squirm away, but his arms and legs were still bound together.
"I promise I won't tell anyone. I don't even know whi-"
"Shh," The killer squatted down next to him. "You know, I was going to let you go. Other than following that useless guy around, you were a nice guy to Haruhi. But unfortunately, you saw my beautiful face. So," In one swift movement, he slit Chikage's throat. He let out a small gasp as blood began pouring from the cut. "I have to get rid of you. Can't let there be any witnesses. I know you understand."
…
Mr. Komatsuzawa was in his office, reviewing the latest article before it would be published. He yawned as he continued to scroll. He has been so tired with all the articles that his company have been pushing out to try and keep up with the other publishing companies that were reporting about the recent killers. He has been staying in his office for almost eighteen hours every day because of how busy his company has been.
He reached for his coffee mug that was next to his laptop and noticed that it was empty. He looked at it and let out a huff before clicking a button on his desk phone to call the receptionist. "Kimiko, please grab me another coffee. Make sure to add four shots of expresso."
"Are you sure sir? You've already had four cups today. You know your cardiologist doesn't want you to drink too much caffeine."
"I know, but I have to push these stories out and I'm the only one here tonight. I'll drink less tomorrow."
"Alright," she muttered, knowing that he wasn't telling the truth. "Oh, also a package was just delivered to you at the front desk. Would you like me to bring it up to you with your coffee?"
"Yes please."
Kimiko hung up the phone and Mr. Komatsuzawa went back to reviewing the article. However, he felt himself began to doze off as he waited for his coffee to be brought up to him. He knew he wouldn't be getting any work done right now and decided to take a break until he could get some caffeine in his system. About ten or so minutes later, there was a knock at his door.
"Come in." He informed.
Kimiko entered his office with another cup of coffee and a brown box. She placed the coffee next to the empty cup and the brown box in front of him. As he looked at who sent it to him, Kimiko grabbed the empty cup.
"Hmm, there's no name on here." Mr. Komatsuzawa muttered as he took a sip of his new drink. "Did the person who delivered it say anything?"
"No," Kimiko shook her head. "But he was acting a bit weird though. As if he couldn't wait to get out of the building. I just thought he was behind on his deliveries."
Mr. Komatsuzawa picked up the package. It had some weight to it. If he could estimate, it weighed around ten to fifteen pounds. He was going to place it back down on his desk when he felt something wet soaking the bottom of the box. Whatever it was, it must've had some sort of liquid in it. Maybe the driver was in such a hurry to get out of there because whatever was in the box was broken and he didn't want to get in trouble.
He placed the box back down on his desk and went to rip open the tape to get access when he noticed that his hands were now stained with a dark red liquid.
"What the hell?"
Kimiko looked up from her tablet and noticed what her boss was talking about and her eyes widened. Mr. Komatsuzawa lightly flexed his hand and examined what was on it. The liquid was thicker than anything water-based. It felt a little heavier and had a sticky consistency. He smelled it, but it had no odor. He was beginning to get a bad feeling in his gut, but he needed to know what was in the package. He grabbed a pair of scissors from a cup on his desk and as Kimiko watched him, he sliced through the tape on the top of the package to open it. Once the tape was removed, he could barely see what was in the box from the flap being lifted a bit. He could vaguely see what looked like brown hair peeking out of what looked like wrapping paper.
"Should we call the police?" Kimiko asked, too scared to find out what was in the package, but her boss ignored her.
With shaky hands, he slowly lifted one flap at a time to open the box. The pink party wrapping paper was stained red on the left side. He gulped and began unwrapping the paper and once he saw what the content in the box was, he felt his body grow cold. He had to grab onto his chair so he wouldn't miss it as he collapsed into it.
"Sir!" Kimiko rushed over to her box, but once she saw what was in the box she let out a blood-curdling scream and dropped her tablet onto the floor. There, in the box was the severed head of Mr. Komatsuzawa's son Akira. Along with a note tapped on his forehead.
'I hope this is the killer story that you were looking for.'
With Love,
Ghostface 3