Youkai Academy

Chapter 21

The darkness enveloped them as they stood outside the dilapidated shack that belonged to Haruhi. The clouds loomed heavy with the promise of rain, adding to the ominous atmosphere. The members of the Host Club, with the exception of Haruhi and Kagome, were gathered outside the structure, unable to conceal their shock and disbelief at what lay before them.

"Is this even possible?" Tamaki stammered, his eyes glued to the tattered structure in front of them.

Suddenly, the front door creaked open, and Haruhi appeared. The Host Club members flinched collectively, taken aback by her frail and disheveled appearance. Haruhi beckoned them inside with a weak greeting.

Hesitantly, the club members stepped inside the humble dwelling. It was stark and filled with echoes of hardship, making them visibly cringe.

"I'm sorry I don't have much to offer," Haruhi said with remorse, "I'll make some tea. Although..." she trailed off, biting her lip, "I may not have enough cups."

She swiftly made the tea and distributed it amongst mismatched mugs, bowls, and even a measuring cup, showcasing the direness of their circumstances.

"What is happening..." Hikaru broke the eerie silence. "This place...this is where Haruhi lives?"

Kaoru examined their surroundings suspiciously. "This doesn't feel real, it's like we're on a movie set."

Tamaki shook uncontrollably, "N-N-No... Surely, this must be some sort of storage area. Beyond those doors...there has to be something better..."

As the mood began to descend into somber silence, a knock on the door disrupted the eerie silence. The members swiveled towards the entrance, their eyes landing on Kagome. She looked worn and ragged, her clothing tattered and hair mussed with twigs and leaves, giving her the appearance of a mountain witch. "Hi, everyone," she managed, mustering a weak smile, "Sorry I'm late, it's difficult to get here because I live in the woods."

Haruhi helped her in, supporting her by her elbow and helping her pull leaves from her tangled hair.

Just then, a warm smile surfaced on Haruhi's weary face. "Father told me to serve a meal, knowing you would visit. We've not eaten for three days to save money, and used every penny I had so that I could offer something suitable." Proudly, Haruhi reached into a cupboard and presented some store-bought sushi sets.

"Oh wow!" Kagome gushed. "I've never seen such food before!"

"Is this Fatty Tuna? This is the first time I've had fatty tuna." Haruhi eyed the dry fish with starry eyes, before taking a bite. She beamed with delight. "It's delicious!"

"No!" Tamaki screamed, jolting upright. His hair fell into his eyes in a wild mess. "That's just normal lean tuna and... definitely not fatty tuna!"

Sweat beaded his forehead as he panted, staring wide-eyed at the opulence of his room, which stood in stark contrast to his nightmare.

He immediately reached for his phone, Tamaki called Kyoya.

~o.O~O.o~

Haruhi mussed softly, silently going over her shopping. She didn't often indulge when grocery shopping, usually sticking to necessities with their limited resources. Growing up, she learned to manage the household expenses and prioritize the needs of their small family after her mother's passing. So when she spotted a sale at the grocery store, she couldn't resist buying a few treats, her father's favourite pocky snack, and melon pan. When she saw the deal Haruhi was reminded of Kagome's fondness for the bread shaped like a melon, so of course she got it.