Seventh attempt: Kaoru Hitachiin – Poem
Once he got his regular breathing back, it was time for the last host's attempt. Surprisingly (or not), none of the hosts' attempts were close to successful. Kaoru suspected it had something to do with her being a literature student, therefore in his own logic; literature students are able to manipulate words into convincing statements upholding the person's view.
That was probably why he chose literature as a full subject in the first place.
Clutching the piece of paper in his right hand, the thin host dragged his reluctant friend towards the endless patch of grass and gestured to sit beside him under the shade.
Making herself comfortable, Hotaru began her routine of waiting quietly for the host's plan on "cheering her up". Lying on the grass, she decided to take it easy this time as Kaoru was the last one to attempt.
"Hey look at the clouds."
Kaoru cocked his head, while Hotaru's eyes were still fixed on the sky. "Clouds?"
"There's a shape of cow."
"Why cows?" Kaoru had no idea where she was going but since it was the first time she spoke first in ages, he decided to play along.
"Hmm…? Did you expect me to say hearts? White, fluffy ones…" She scratched her head and grinned albeit sheepishly.
Lying down on the grass beside her, he laughed, "No, it's just that you're talking about clouds in the middle of nowhere."
"What's wrong with clouds?"
Turning to face her, Kaoru had a somewhat frustrated expression which Hotaru did not see. "Your reactions are always so unpredictable, Hotaru."
Nodding absent-mindedly, she agreed, "Just like the clouds."
He propped himself up on an elbow. Smoothing out the piece of paper he had been pondering over the previous night.
Typically, she read the paper without his consent. It was then Kaoru could clearly look at his new found friend.
In his totally honest opinion, Kaoru never thought Hotaru as a girl. She was more of 'one of the guys', contrasting to Haruhi's more feminine don't-care attitude on appearance and manner in general. His friend beside him would surely mind if him and Hikaru somehow trick her into wearing something pink, or frilly. He could not believe he was actually comparing the two of them but since the occasion had come it was inevitable.
Haruhi, in that case, intrigued many admirers because of her open attitude and effortless charm. Hotaru on the other hand, was open but distant at the same time, humorous, but not charming.
People are hard to understand. Kaoru sighed and turned off his imagination to see how Hotaru was reacting to the piece of paper.
Someone I know
She's sad.
That's too bad
Because the clouds
Today, are cows.
"I like it."
Not believing his luck, Kaoru asked hesitantly, "Then do I win?"
"First, give me back my foot."
Stretching lazily, she secured her 'foot' and lay down once again. "I'm going to nap."
Smacking his forehead at her unconcerned mood, he was about to protest when he heard light snoring. Unconvinced, he prodded her leg. She responded accordingly by facing her back towards him.
"Oh help, someone just fell into coma because it's supposed to be scientifically impossible to fall asleep in less than ten seconds." He said dramatically to no one in particular.
Later…
Rubbing her bleary eyes tiredly, she swept some leaves away from her clothes before noticing another sheet of paper floating down onto the grass.
Don't catch a cold
Looking around, she spotted a blue jacket lying not far away from where she previously slept. He was sleeping soundly, nearly startling her – or giving her a heart attack.
"Thank you, you baka."
Opening one eye, he grinned mischievously, "I heard that."
By then she was already gone – together with his jacket.