Emotionless

6 - Acting on Remembrance

Haruhi Fujioka

Once class had finally concluded, students all around me began packing up to go home or to go to their after-school clubs. Some practically sprinted out of the school, but some were regulars of the host club and I knew they'd be here for a while. 

"Hey, Haruhi. Wanna walk to the club together?" The twins bug me so much when they talk in unison, but at least they're not picking on me this time. 

"That's alright you two, I've got to drop by the library first anyway. I'll catch up with you guys, see you at the club!" I gave a small smile and wave as I finished grabbing my backpack, hearing their 'see you's' as they headed out of the room before me. 

Because of how quiet it was, I almost didn't see Okami, who was silently standing from his chair, ready to leave. I rushed up next to him, planning to redeem my awkwardness from earlier. "Hey Okami! Any plans after school? I'm sure the twins would love if you dropped by our club," I mustered up the best welcoming smile that I could, hoping I didn't look weird. 

Still, he looked down at me with his usual blank, indifferent expression. "No thank you. I do appreciate the invitation though, Ms. Fujioka." 

Why won't he show just a sliver of emotion? 

I found myself wishing to know what he looked like with a genuine smile on his face or what he looked like when he laughed. Hell, even if he was super mad - that's still a change in expression I'd pay to see.

Thoughts clicked together in my head and I paused, hitting my right fist on the palm of my other hand in a sudden realization. "Oh! I've got it! If the club manages to rope you into being a host I bet you'd be the mysterious type!" At that, a tiny shimmer of a smile tugged at his lips, but it never reached his eyes. Without that tethering connection, it was gone in an instant yet again.

Still, he did sound slightly amused as he spoke. "I don't plan on becoming a host quite yet, so don't be too set on that ending to this story," we continued to walk as he explained, "after all, I've only just arrived at this school, and I don't plan on attending for the simple luxuries of friends, not that I think I'd be able to make any in either case." 

What?

"That's not true! I bet you could make plenty, all day every day if you just tried. You're very likable, Okami. Like...what about that girl from this morning? She looked like she was head over heels for, even though - as you said - you just got here. I'm sure there are plenty of people that'd love to get to know you." I spoke animatedly, voicing my opinions quite loudly before muttering "like me, for example," under my breath. 

"She was head over heels for me because she quite literally bumped into me and almost fell face first." His reply was quick-witted and blunt, sending me into laughter in a way I haven't even laughed around the club yet. 

I was still holding back giggles as I attempted to reply, "I didn't think you were the kind of guy to be so funny like that. Anyways, I do have to run to the library before getting to the host club, so I guess I'll be seeing you later. Bye Okami!" I tried to stay light and smile, even going as far as to think back to Tamaki's weird host-coach advice in order to get some sort of reaction from him, but there was nothing.

"Yes, very well. Have a nice day, Ms. Fujioka. I'll see you in class in the morning," Okami gave a polite bow before continuing to walk in a different direction as I stopped in front of the library doors. I stared after him, watching his back disappear down the hallway as all of the thoughts and memories from the day flooded my mind, bouncing around in a jumble of bizarre confusion before I pushed it aside to focus on the task at hand.