Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is one the highlights of the year at Ouran's high school host club. Haruhi had never paid much attention to Valentine's Day, usually too distracted by her studies or chores at home. 'Why would anybody waste their money on ostentatious gifts for a holiday that was created by a company who's aim was to sell more greeting cards?' she thought. Yet, she was intrigued as always what the guys at the club had in-store for her and the guests.

At 6am Haruhi awoke to loud a banging on her front door. She did not have to wake so early anymore as one the boys, (usually the twins; Hikaru and Karou) would pick her up for school. Haruhi looked around confused thinking it must be someone next door. The knocking persisted however, and Haruhi groggily dragged herself to the door.

'Had her father ordered something and forgot to mention it?' she wondered.

She opened the door and her vision was filled with a gigantic bunch of crimson roses. They were in a perfect semi-bloom, just half open. The delicate curved petals gave them the most beautiful coupled shape and the promise of more beauty to come. The roses were covered with tiny water droplets and glistened as they caught the light of the early morning sun.

"Miss Fujioka?" the deliveryman enquired.

"Yes" she answered.

"Sign here please"

She signed and had troubled wrapping her arms around the bouquet. Looking into the bouquet she searched for a card. She found one nestled between two of the roses.

The elegant script read.

'Dear Haruhi,

Thank you for all your work over this past year.

Kyoya'

Surprised at Kyoya-senpai's thoughtfulness, she searched for a vase...or something large enough to put them in. Noticing some smaller text in the corner of the card she read "These flowers were purchased from the profits of Haruhi Fujioka's chopsticks." She signed, frustrated as she had looked for those chopsticks in the club room for two hours last week.

Gently placing down the elaborate arrangement, she noticed the tag from the florist was written in English. Suddenly nauseous, at the thought of how much they must have cost.

Approximately 2 minutes later and there was more pounding at the door. Hesitant, she opened the front door again and was engulfed with another four huge flower arrangements. All the cards revealed they were from Honey-senpai, Mori-senpai and one each from the Hitachiin twins.

She sighed. Haruhi preferred if they wouldn't waste money on gifts like this for her.

Haruhi regarded the assortment of chocolates she made for the club members. A wave of self-consciousness washed over her as she regarded how simple they appeared compared to the extravagance of the flowers she'd just received. Immediately shaking the thought away she continued to get ready for the day.

The chocolates were merely a small token; to acknowledge their friendship, to thank them for how much they had given to her over this past year. Much more than she cared to admit. It was not just lending (she would return it after she had graduated) her the hideously expensive school uniform, they gave her friendship, unquestioning loyalty.....and fun. She turned to her mother's altar. All her life she was determined to be independent, ambitious, to gain respect of her peers, (future) colleagues and finally become an attorney.... just like her mother. But the hosts had managed to convince her to have some fun... just a little bit, just enough to bring some enjoyment to her brief high school life.