The Truth About the Girl With the Broken Smile [Ouran Host Club] (Editing)

On the Surface

“Indie, I hope it’s not rude of me to ask, but what’s that scar around your neck?” Honey asked shoving an oversized piece of cake into his mouth. My body was on fire, my insides screaming at me to get out as fast as possible; but what was the point? I was already discovered. I grinded my teeth together, not quite knowing what else to do. “Indie?”

“Honey,” the large boy boomed sensing my discomfort. A smile twitched at my mouth. At least I had him on my side.

“Sorry, that was rude, wasn’t it? Oopsies!” He giggled, but giggling wasn’t going to fix any of this. It was all so surreal. I was floating above my body, watching the scene unfold from an unknown perspective. How could I explain the scar? “Hikaru and Kaoru tell me you sing, Indie. Is that true?” Honey said, quickly changing topics. I had forgotten to breathe; my skin crawled as I tried to register his words.

“Yes.” I finally exhaled. I felt like everyone was watching me, wondering about my scar. “I do a little singing.”

“Awesome! I’d love to hear you sometime, would you sing to me?” He asked funneling more sugary snacks down his throat. I nodded.

“S-sure.” I was a mess. With each ticking second, I found myself shutting down even more.

“Cool! We’ll have to set it up when it’s not so busy, ‘kay?” Again, I nodded. But I was only half-listening. I was at a loss. Where’d my necklace go? I cursed myself for picking the stupid trinket in the first place; I should’ve gone with something more secure, not a silly ribbon that kept coming undone.

“Miss Valentine, is everything alright?” Kyoya asked, clipboard in hand. I could see my own reflection through his glasses. I shuddered. The scar was raw

Obvious.

Disgusting.

“I-“ I snapped my mouth back shut and lowered my head. I was ready to tear my skin off, but the last thing I wanted to do was cause a scene and draw even more attention to me. I pursed my lips. I was stuck.

“Miss Valentine, why don’t you follow me into our special back room?” He smiled, but something told me he was up to something. He extended his hand. “Don’t be shy, right this way.”

Without giving it another thought, I took his hand. He yanked me to my feet, carefully placing himself in front of me, and toted me into the back. Two giant double doors separated us from the rest of the world, and once inside, I felt safe. He snapped the doors into place.

“Sorry about that.” He grinned, hugging the clipboard. “I take it that scar isn’t something you’re proud of, which is why you cover it up.”

I just stared at him. He nodded, circling around to the other side. He pulled open a drawer and held up an almost identical chocker, only this one had a metal clasp.

“This one seems more secure, does it not?” He mused, holding it up to the light. Relief washed over me, but it was only for a second. I felt an ultimatum coming on.

“What’s the catch?” I found myself asking. He snickered.

“Tamaki asked me specifically not to charge you for today, but I must admit I’m curious about you. Mysterious new transfer student with nothing in her file but a name and a face. I have questions, Indie. I’d like some answers.”

“What do you want to know?” I asked shifting my weight. His eyes were hollow. Soulless. I prayed he wouldn’t ask about the scar, but I felt the question coming.

“What happened? Why are you here? Why Japan?”

“Japan?” I smiled. “I was born in Japan. My dad’s an inventor. He lives here.”