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

Desperately Crying For Help

[Kaoru’s POV]

“Why does she need to get to Ryley?” I asked in English. I couldn’t shake her face out of my head. She seemed so worried and concerned. My whole body ached. Even with Kyoya’s new information, I couldn’t help but think there was more to the story. Indie had given me no reason to distrust her, she had to have a reason for lying.

“She told you about her scars, right?” The girl with long black hair asked in Japanese. I smiled.

“That’s right.”

She frowned. “She made up some story about a serial killer who kidnapped and tortured her, didn’t she.”

My smile dissolved. The whole room froze over. Haruhi took my side.

“I heard her. She was in tears. There’s no way should could fake that level of raw emotion. It really happened.”

The girl with black hair nodded. The other girl, with short wavy brown hair, leaned against her shoulder. A glazed over expression took control of her face. She had no idea what was happening.

“You’re right. She couldn’t fake that level of emotion. October is a horrible liar, which is why I’m guessing Kyoya was so driven to find us.” She glared at him out of the corner of her eyes. He smirked back. “October is a good girl. She would never intentionally lie to hurt someone. She’s kind hearted and genuine, which is how she managed to get herself into so much trouble. The October you know is no different than ours. Yes, she’s a bit more gloomy, but considering everything she’s gone through, I’m surprised she hasn’t killed herself.”

“What do you mean?” I found myself asking. The girl shuffled to a chair and sat down. She calmly scanned the room and sighed.

“Have you ever been hurt by someone you love?” I froze. She nodded. “I thought so. It sucks, doesn’t it? But, you see, it’s completely different in October’s case. Ryley was the serial killer. He’s the one who kidnapped her and gave her her scars. He’s the one who beat her to the brink of near death. Yes, it was Ryley. And I can assure you she lied in order to protect him. I’m even willing to bet that’s the reason she feels the need to find him now.”

I couldn’t breathe.

Everything felt wrong.

My blood ran cold.

My  mouth went dry.

My skin prickled to life.

Ryley, her own brother?

I glanced back at Hikaru and shivered. I couldn’t imagine the amount of hurt and pain she must have been carrying around with her. No wonder her smile was broken.

“No.” Everyone turned to stare at Kyoya. He scribbled something onto his clipboard and frowned. “It’s a lie. Where are your facts?”

“Facts?” The girl chuckled and shook her head letting her long, dark hair mask her eyes. “Did you even bother researching her family? Ryley was adopted at the age of two just before October was born. October’s parents believed they couldn’t have children, so made it a point to adopt someone from a local agency in the United States. They named him Ryley, and a year later October’s mom found out she was pregnant. By this time, they were already in Japan. October came along and the family was complete. The two were closer than close. No one really understood Ryley the way October did. She showered him in love and affection, and he loved her.” She paused to pour herself a glass of tea. The other girl raced over to her side and curled up on the seat next to her.

“So then what?” Haruhi asked eagerly. She broke out of Tamaki’s hold. “How does all this add up? It’s not making any sense!”

I bit my lip feeling Hikaru’s stare graze me. I looked to the ground. I wondered if he was feeling any amount of guilt for what he’d put Indie through. I wondered if Kyoya was doubting his own decisions, as well.