Author's Note: So this picks up supposedly a few weeks after the anime ends. For our story's sake, let's pretend that there are four years of high school, so Honey and Mori are fourth years, Kyoya and Tamaki are third years, and the twins and Haruhi are second years. Yasuchika and Satoshi will be making an appearance as new Host Club members, I promise!

The Broken Hearts Club

Chapter 1

Usually Music Room Three was anything but quiet. However, at this point, all of the guests had left, and all of the hosts were listening to their oh so esteemed King as he played a piece of his own creation on the elaborate grand piano that sat next to the window. Haruhi was smiling slightly as the peaceful notes drifted through the air.

With a slight flourish of his left hand, Tamaki finished the song. He was grinning like a maniac as he stepped away from the piano.

"So, what did you guys think? I really want to play this piece for my audition at Tokyo University. It will be in front of the Director of the Music Department and everything, so it has to be perfect!"

Haruhi was the first to speak, cutting the twins off before they could say anything to upset Tamaki. "It was great, sempai. I'm really happy for you. I mean, I'm happy you decided to follow your dreams instead of your grandmother's."

Tamaki smiled at her, his violet eyes shining with happiness. "Well, she still thinks I'm going to study business and education, but my father says he's ok if I study music and business. I just have to get into the music program first," he said with a sheepish grin, his hand rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

"Don't worry boss, Tokyo University would have to be filled with idiots to turn you down," Kaoru said, followed by Hikaru going, "And even if it does turn out to be filled with idiots, you know you'll be in good company!"

Honey piped up. "Yeah, Tama-chan, don't worry about anything! You're a great musician!"

"Ah."

"I have to say," Kyoya interjected, adjusting his glasses, "I have researched your main competition, and while I am not one of the judges for admission into the music program, I think you have an excellent chance."

Tamaki was set to bounce off the walls at this point.

"I'm so happy! Everything is falling into place! Mother is at the Second Mansion and Grandmother doesn't know about it! And I get to study music and Grandmother doesn't know about it! There's only one thing missing!"

Silence fell on each and every Host Club member then. Tamaki turned to look at Haruhi.

Haruhi tilted her head to the side in curiosity. "What else is missing, sempai?"

Tamaki looked ready to explode. "You are, Haruhi," he said softly.

The petit brunette just kept looking at the blonde, her expression blank.

"What do you mean? I'm right here?"

Tamaki let out a nervous laugh as the other hosts looked on. The tension in the air was palpable to everyone but Haruhi.

Hikaru was tenser than his brother, but they had discussed the girl at length and agreed that, since they could not both be her special someone, they should both be her best friends.

Kyoya had been anticipating this day ever since he'd seen that look in Tamaki's eyes as Haruhi danced with Kanoya in preparation for the Host Club Ball. He would be lying if he said he wasn't a little annoyed by the blonde for getting to Haruhi first.

Honey was watching his cousin very intently out of the corner of his eye.

Mori was stiff, his shoulders were set tighter than was comfortable, and his jaw was clamped shut in and effort not to scream.

"Haruhi, the thing is," Tamaki began. "I've liked you for a while now. You're one of my best friends, but recently I've been seeing you as something else. Something more. You are beautiful, brilliant, and you make me laugh. I think . . . I think I might be in love with you. And I was wondering . . . if you would accept an invitation to go on a date with me this weekend?"

The six boys in the room waited with bated breath for the only girl in the room to give her reply, to say that one word that would change everything between them.

Haruhi, meanwhile, was frozen. Her body felt as if it had been sheathed in a block of ice. Her brain, on the other hand, was in overdrive.

This cannot be happening. I mean, I love Tamaki, but nothing like that! He's like my best friend or something. I mean, the twins are my best friends, but Tamaki's like a brother or, or, or anything but a . . . a boyfriend! This cannot be happening. I mean, I'm in love with—

"Haruhi?" Tamaki asked tentatively. She had been silent for over a minute.

"No," she whipped out, her bluntness getting ahead of her. "I'm sorry sempai, but I just don't see you that way. You've been a great friend and all, but you're not the kind of guy I picture myself being with. Not," she amended, "that I go around daydreaming about boys or anything. And I don't want you to change! I like you the way that you are, and I'm sure someday you'll find a girl who loves you the way you are. I just don't think that girl is me, ok?"

Tamaki nodded slowly. "I suppose I understand, Haruhi. But if you change your mind, I'll be right here."

Haruhi let out a breath she didn't know she had been holding. "Thank you sempai, but I don't think that's likely. Anyways, I have to get home. I'll see you all tomorrow."

She had reached the front doors when a voice she hadn't heard in a while reached her ears.

"Hey, Haruhi, can I give you a ride home?"

Author's Note: This one is short because it is the set up. The chapter to follow will be longer because I will have more to say. I will do my absolute best to put up new chapters a few times a week, which should be possible since I'm on summer break.