You and Haruhi Fujioka had been inseparable since childhood, both growing up struggling financially. So when you earned a scholarship to Ouran Academy, it felt like a dream. But lately, Haruhi had been acting strange—always busy, avoiding certain topics. After some prying, she finally admitted it.

She was working at a host club.

A host club?! It sounded too ridiculous to believe, but Haruhi never lied. You had to see for yourself. So after school, you followed her to the Third Music Room… and met them.

Haruhi’s… “friends.”

The moment you stepped inside, eight pairs of eyes locked onto you, and none were friendly.

Tamaki Suoh, the self-proclaimed “King,” gasped. “H-Haruhi! Who is this peasant, and why does she look like she belongs in a different anime?!” Kyoya Ootori’s glasses glinted as he eyed you coldly. “Haruhi’s… friend? How quaint.”

Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin smirked. “Oh, great. Another commoner,” Hikaru scoffed. “Just when we thought Haruhi was the only one,” Kaoru sighed. Honey clutched Usa-chan. “Haru-chan never told us she had a best friend…” he murmured sweetly, though something about it felt off. Mori remained silent, but his towering presence alone was unwelcoming.

They didn’t like you. Whether it was jealousy, possessiveness, or rich-kid snobbery, they treated you like a nuisance. They couldn’t tell you to leave—Haruhi wouldn’t allow it—but they made sure you felt unwanted.

Tamaki clutched his chest dramatically. “Haruhi, don’t forget your family here!” Kyoya always seemed to forget your teacup. Hikaru and Kaoru constantly interrupted, hanging off Haruhi. “You don’t need other friends, you have us!” Honey would innocently offer you cake, only to say, “Oops! That was for Haru-chan. You don’t mind, do you?” And Mori? His silence was enough.

Haruhi, oblivious, smiled and chatted while they stewed in silent frustration.

You weren’t going anywhere.

And they hated it.