Music Piece 20: Every Life Counts
As usual, Takara sat down on the front steps of Ouran. She peeled off the plastic wrapping of her onigiri. She adjusted herself to a comfortable sitting position and bit into the soft rice ball. Although she had made new friends, the girl preferred to eat alone. Here, she could put her mind to rest and organise all her thoughts properly.
" Look at that pitiful thing! "
" Eww, I hope it doesn't have rabies! "
" I hate animals! "
" Get it out of my sight, now! "
" It's gross! "
The word 'animals' perked her up and quickly she scrambled to her feet. Carelessly, she re-wrapped the onigiri again and stuffed it into her pocket. She followed the direction of the voices and it led her to a clearing behind the school building. She saw an injured puppy surrounded by a group of boys and girls. The guys were kicking and prodding the poor animal.
" Hey! What do you think you're doing?! " Takara shouted out, running towards the group.
She pushed past the guys and flung herself onto the ground, using her body to shield the puppy from them.
" Hey tramp, mind your own business, would you? " one of the guys demanded.
Takara glared up at him.
" How dare you pick on something as defenceless as this injured puppy?! " she shot back angrily. " The poor thing is hurt! "
He loomed over her threateningly." What? Do you want to kick me as well?! " she continued, smirking.
That was it. He had enough of her mockery. He wanted to get at her but his friends held him back. Takara stood up cradling the puppy in her arms.
" You know what?! All of you are just a waste of space! Why don't you just pick n somebody your own size?! " The fifteen-year-old snapped and walked off.
" You know, you don't have to be afraid of me, " Takara spoke up gently.
The puppy looked up at her, its brown eyes trusting.
" I won't hurt you… "
Huh?
Immediately, she stopped and looked up. Kaoru Hitachin walked up to her, hands in his pockets.
" Are you… Kaoru? " Takara stammered, blushing.
He smiled and shook his head quickly.
" I saw everything you did earlier. Why go to such trouble? "
Her deep blue eyes bored deep into his melted chocolate brown eyes.
" I wanted to save this poor puppy. It's a living thing. Doesn't it have feelings too? Even when they're tormented or hurt, they can't talk neither can they express feelings. We, humans, only know how to inflict pain on others not caring about the feelings of others. I just couldn't bear to leave it there like that. "
Kaoru smiled and patted the puppy's head.
" I see that you like animals, don't you? " he asked, softly.
" Uh-huh. I love them, " she answered truthfully.
They started to walk.
" So, why are you here? " the fifteen-year-ol asked, looking up at him.
" The Host Club sent me to get you, " he replied.
" Oh, I see. Well then, I'll habe to dress his wounds there then. "
Kaoru stared at her and smiled.
NNN
" Taka-chan, where have you been? All of us have been waiting for you, " Senior Hani Honey ran up to meet her, the moment Takara herself came in followed by Kaoru.
" I know and I'm sorry, " Takara replied, looking apologectic. " I found this little guy, injured behind the school compound. "
Takara knew that it was a white lie since it was half the truth.
" Poor little thing. I wonder how it got inside. " Haruhi said.
" I don't know, "
" Ooh, but it sure is adorable, isn't it, Takashi? " Senior Hani Honey asked.
Senior Mori nodded.
" Does it belong to anyone? " Hikaru asked her.
" Maybe we could return it to its owner, " the bespectacled guy spoke up.
He must have an underlying motive as usual, Haruhi thought, staring at Kyouya. I can see a cunnign glint in his eyes.
" No, I don't think so. There's no collar, " Takara answered, shaking her head.
" We better dress his wounds first, " Kaoru suggested. " Come on, let's take him to the bathroom. "
The girl nodded. As soon as the two of them was out of earshot, Tamaki launched himself into a very heated discussion.
(With the exception of Kyouya and Mori, of course. Both Haruhi and Hikaru was forced being into it.)
" Hey, what's with Kaoru? " Tamaki demanded.
" What do you mean, 'What's with Kaoru?' " Senior Hani Honey spoke up curiously.
" How should I know?! " Hikaru replied, angrily.
" You are his brother, aren't you? " Tamaki pressed, looking excited.
" So? " Hikaru said, looking rather bored.
" Tell him, Haruhi! " Tamaki urged, turning to face the fifteen-year-old.
" I don't know what you're talking about, " was all she gave as an answer.
Instantly, Tamaki sank into depression and sulked in a corner. Hikaru burst out laughing.
" Chicken sulker! Chicken sulker! Ahahaha! "
(In the end, Tamaki could not continue his 'discussion'.)