Music Piece 22: A Mistake

" Yay! Voting! Voting! " Senior Hani Honey announced happily. " Let's vote! "

" Okay, we'll start with… "Hikaru looked around and his eyes landed on Haruhi, who stood there, spacing off.

" Haruhi! "

The girl blinked, puzzled.

" Me? "

Everyone stared at her and nodded, silently awaiting her verdict with bated breath.

Before, Haruhi could answer, Tamaki interrupted suddenly.

" WAIT! "

(Oh yeah, he recovered from the 'brutal' remark in the previous chapter.)

They sighed angrily and turned to face the Host Club's honcho.

" What is it, highness? " Hikaru demanded, looking irritated.

" As head honcho, we're not dressed up for this sacred voting event and I must insist that we do this! "

Tamaki stuck a dramatic pose while pointing at his members and Takara, who stood there with a blank look in her eyes.

(She doesn't know what to make out of the Host Club.)

" Ahem, may I interrupt? " Kyouya suddenly spoke up.

(You are already interrupting.)

" Tamaki, we happen to be short on funds for costumes because of some reasons or other so no. "

Tamaki's mouth fell open in shock.

" Wh-Wh-What?!? But this is preposterous! I can't carry on with the sacred event unless we have costumes. We need those costumes! " He protested.

Kyouya shook his head and smiled, " Tamaki, you can still carry out your sacred event without the costumes. "

(Note: That particular smile is one of doom.)

" Oh, o-okay, " Tamaki stammered, forcing a smile.

He turned to face the rest of the Host Club. He cleared his throat.

" Right, sorry about that. Let's carry on- "

" Yeah, yeah, whatever. " Hikaru cut Tamaki off. " Anyway, you are not allowed to take part in the voting process. "

" WHAT? " Tamaki demanded. " WHY? "

" You already have a dog so why take part? " Kaoru replied breezily.

Tamaki sank into depression and sulked in a corner.

(Okay, so he's out…now what?)

" Now, we'll continue with Haruhi who will vote first, " Hikaru continued.

" I'll vote for Takara. "

" Good, now explain why you voted for her, " Kaoru instructed.

Haruhi thought hard for a moment.

" Well, I think she needs a companion for one and besides her mother would have company when Takara is at school. "

" An excellent reason, Haruhi. Now, Kaoru, your turn. "

" I choose Takara as well. Since, she found it, I think she deserves to keep it. Plus, she's an animal lover and I just know that she'll take good care of the puppy. "

Kaoru glanced at Takara but the girl was did not catch his eye. She was too busy staring at Haruhi.

" How did you know about my mother?! " Takara demanded.

Her sudden question caught Haruhi, off-guard and rendered her speechless.

" I…I…I, " she stumbled, not knowing what to say.

Takara glared at her, her eyes burning deep into Haruhi's.

" I remember that I told no one about my mother, " she spoke through gritted teeth.

Then, she glanced at everyone in turn.

" Oh, now I finaly realize something. Silly me, for giving you guys, a chance for friendship. The reason why you want me to be friends with you is because you feel sympathetic right?! You're all feeling sorry for me! Now, let me tell you something, I don't need your sympathy. I can live without it in my life! " Takara said angrily before she picked up her bag and walked out of the room.