Hostess with the Mostess (a Reader x Host Club Fanfic)

Chapter 16: Challenges and Winners

    It was 10 pm and they had only gotten through two challenges. (Y/N) was already exhausted but she was enjoying herself as she watched the Host members play the games. She couldn't remember the last time that she'd had so much fun with friends. For the first time, she was glad to have joined the Host Club. They truly were a great group of friends.

But (Y/N) couldn't help but feel worried for her mother at home. She was always there before her mother came home from work and by then household chores would be done and dinner was just getting started. (Y/N) understood that her mother was an adult, but being in charge of the house for so long meant that she got homesick. Ever since her father left (Y/N) and her mother have depended on each other. Without (Y/N) around how would her mother feel? Would she feel like (Y/N) left her too?

She couldn't stop the thoughts from coming. On the bright side, she was so glad that Kyoya had at least sent word home, so that her mother wasn't completely clueless about her and knew that she was going to come back. What was she doing now?

"-/N!) (Y/N!)"

A voice brought her out of her memories and (Y/N) turned her head to the voice.

Haruhi was standing right next to her with a concerned look on her face. "Are you okay? You took so long to get the milk that I came to check up on you. You seemed like you were in deep thought. Sorry, if I interrupted something."

(Y/N) shook her head, "Sorry I took so long. I already poured the drinks. Will you help me carry them in?"

Haruhi nodded and grabbed a tray with cups of milk in it and led the way back upstairs to everyone. "You know you can always talk with me about anything, right? I know it's been such a long time since we've seen each other. Not since we were kids. But we are still best friends and I'm happy to lend an ear anytime."

(Y/N) glanced at Haruhi to see the honest expression that hadn't changed ever since they were kids. It was one of the qualities (Y/N) admired about her: that she was observant to see when something was wrong and was ready to help out at anytime. Not to mention her completely pure honesty. When they were little, Haruhi was honest to a fault. It was a trait that lit a light to (Y/N)'s world even when it was hurtful. (Y/N) could always count on Haruhi to be truthful.

"Thanks Haruhi. That means a lot to me. I was just worried about my mother that's all. I've been with her for so long, that being apart from her feels so grievous." (Y/N) admitted.

Haruhi nodded her head, "Yeah, I felt like that too earlier. I was concerned for my father as well but then I stopped because he's an adult and he can take care of himself. There will be a time when I'll leave for college and I won't see him so he has to learn to take care of himself."

(Y/N) chuckled, "You sound like a mother talking about her child."

Haruhi laughed at the thought, "You're right."

"I understand what you are saying. There will come a time when I can't be there for her so we just have to learn how to get used to it." (Y/N) said with a relief as her worries began to lift off her chest. "Thanks Haruhi."

"Anytime." Haruhi said and they both shared a smile.

"Are you ready to eat these ghost peppers?" Renge said holding up a tiny innocent pepper.

"A ghost pepper?" Haruhi questioned. "Don't you think that's a bit too, well um...extreme?"

"Why Haruhi?" Kaoru appeared on her right.

"You chikening out?" Hikaru said on her left.

"What? No of course not!" Haruhi exclaimed. But (Y/N) knew why Haruhi was concerned. Haruhi wasn't one for spicy foods and even a mild chili sauce was to hot for her. That's why (Y/N) had a plan. She would substitute a ghost pepper for just a regular chili pepper. Haruhi might die from the ghost pepper.