Music Piece 27: By Trial and Error
" This one here's Keiko the bunny rabbit. "
Dr. Nori had finished her introduction of her animals to Takara. Amongst all her other past assistants, Takara was different. This girl was an extremely fast learner and her love for animals was definitely genuine and sincere. She had watched as all the animals interacted animatedly with the newcomer. Inwardly, she smiled.
" This little girl here is cute! " Takara cooed sweetly as she hugged Keiko and stroked her soft fur.
Dr.Nori leaned down and patted the rabbit's head.
" This girl was abandoned and left to die by its last owner. I found it and nursed it. Once it was well enough, I wanted to set it free but it came skipping back to me so I took it in, " she explained.
" Poor Keiko, " Takara said in a sad and sympathetic voice..
She hugged it protectively.
" Well, Keiko's not going to suffer anymore because Takara will always protect you! " the girl said, determinedly.
" May I ask you something Takara? " Dr.Nori asked suddenly.
Takara looked at the owner of the pet shop curiously and nodded.
" I hope you are not offended or anything, but a girl like you would not possibly want to work at a pet shop. Why would you want to? I mean you're famous aren't you? You have money, don't you? Why? "
The fifteen-year-old could only smile, a small but sad smile.
" I may be famous but fame don't necessarily bring you happiness and money, doesn't it? "
Dr.Nori frowned in confusion.
" What do you mean? "
Takara's eyes grew misty and wistful.
" Let's just say that I'm having a few problems which I need to solve on my own. "
" Yes, I see. "
The woman nodded, understandingly.
" But, if you do have any difficulty facing these problems, please do come and tell me about it. Maybe, I could be of help one of these days… "
The fifteen-year-old smiled but did not reply. She knew that her problems were her business and not others."
After all, you have to stand on your own two feet in this world. You can't possibly rely on anyone to help you out. At least, that's what Daddy used to say…
" She's not here, either! " Senior Hani Honey announced after he had emerged from the public library.
(Oh yeah, for your information, they have already changed from their uniforms and into causal wear. Clearly, their aim is to 'blend' in with the common folks.)
" So, what are we going to do now? " Hikaru demanded, fanning himself.
He was getting agitated and the scorching heat is increasing his irritation. He was hot and sweaty and was in a desperate need of a bath.
" How do these peasants take this heat? " Hikaru snapped. " Why don't we just let her be?! I mean, we've already been searching for her for three hours! And I'm getting sick of it! "
(Oh, how I understand Hikaru's feelings. I've wasted at least 3 whole chapters just for this uneventful search!)
" It's getting dark soon. Maybe we should call it off. I could apologise to her in school tomorrow, " Haruhi agreed with Hikaru.
" But, don't you see? Takara lied to her mother about going to some birthday party. As far as I know, she hasn't got any friends since we all take the same classes she do, " Kaoru replied.
" Hey, wait a minute! " Tamaki spoke up, brightly. " I might have an idea on where she might be at the moment! "
(Finally, at least someone has an idea on Takara's whereabouts!)
" Are you sure your idea on her whereabouts is correct? " Hikaru asked. " Honestly, I'm not so sure. "
The poor sixteen-year-old sank into depression and sulked in a corner.
" That's it! " Kaoru exclaimed, triumphantly. " I definitely know where she is right now! "
The rest of the Host Club members looked hopeful.
" Didn't she say she loved animals?! " Kaoru continued. " My guess I she should be at a pet shop! "
" Yeah, that's it! " Hikaru agreed with his brother.
" Hey! You stole my line! " Tamaki accused Kaoru.
" But I said it first! " Kaoru argued, smirking.
They started bickering.
" What's wrong, Haruhi? " Senior Hani Honey asked the girl who was suddenly silent.
Everyone stopped and faced them.
" But aren't there many pet shops here? How are we going to find the right one? "
" Oh yeah, that's right! " Tamaki yelled.
They turned to him, their hopes all raised up high.
" I didn't think about that, " he added, sheepishly.
And everyone collapsed.
(What an idiot!)
" Well then, we'll just have to do it, the primitive way. Searching every single pet shop until we find her! " the Head honcho announced.
(Yeah, yeah. Took them three whole chapters to narrow down the possible possibilities.)