“Eat a lot, giraffes.”
I unwrapped the bread package and handed it to the giraffes one by one. The giraffes were so fixated on me that they didn’t even glance at the food others were offering.
But there were so many giraffes that the bread ran out quickly. I reluctantly gave up and patted a giraffe’s face, saying, “You can go to other people too, giraffes.”
As if they understood me, the giraffes scattered in perfect sync and started eating the food from other visitors. I watched the scene with a warm heart. This is the fun of coming to the zoo—being able to feed the animals up close. It’s something you can’t even imagine just watching on TV or your phone. Interacting with animals like this adds a whole new layer of enjoyment.
Since I’d seen enough giraffes, I went to see other animals. I didn’t forget to hold Haru’s hand. If Haru got lost, it would be a disaster.
“Where are you going, Hana?”
“Penguins! Let’s go see the penguins!”
“You don’t have to rush.”
“But still!”
Thinking about how every second and minute at the zoo was ticking away made me feel impatient, like I was in a time attack. There were so many animals I wanted to see. I could always come back, but since I was here, I might as well see as many as I could.
Penguins were just as popular as giraffes. Their small size, waddling walk, and adorable appearance made it hard to find anyone who didn’t like them.
Squeezing through the crowd, I finally saw the penguins. They were inside a building. Unlike the giraffes outside, the penguins needed a cooler temperature, so it made sense. Of course, it was cold enough outside now, but in the summer, it would be a different story.
Watching the penguins waddle around made me happy. Haru seemed to feel the same way.
“Wow… they’re so cute. Not as cute as Hana, though…”
As she said that, Haru took out her phone and started filming the penguins. I was also watching them walk around. But after a while, I felt that familiar tickling sensation in my chest again.
Then, as if they had all agreed, the penguins started gathering and heading toward me. The group of penguins in front of me flapped their wings and made joyful noises, as if welcoming me.
“Wow! Look at the penguins flapping their wings!”
“Mom! I want to take a picture too!”
The people around me, seeing this rare sight, took out their phones to film the penguins’ synchronized dance. I watched them with a warm smile. If there hadn’t been a barrier, the penguins might have escaped.
I smiled warmly as I watched the penguins. They were truly adorable. But it seemed like the timing was off, as the penguin keeper looked at me with a troubled expression.
It was feeding time, but the penguins were all crowded around me.
Aren’t they hungry? No matter how much they like me, they should still eat, right? The keeper was waving sardines to lure them, but the penguins showed no intention of leaving my side. Maybe I should just give them the sardines?
I shared this thought with Haru.
“Haru, can I go in there? I want to give the penguins some sardines!”
Haru thought for a moment and said, “Hmm… since this zoo is part of the Starlight Guild, if you ask nicely, they might let you in for a one-day experience.”
So it was possible. Haru walked to the back of the exhibition hall and after a few words, got the okay. Of course, it wasn’t as crowded as the giraffe area, so it was easier to move around.
“Here, put these on! Then you can go in!”
The keeper handed me boots and a work uniform. I put them on, and now I looked like a proper keeper.
Heheh!
Feeling my confidence rise, I headed to the penguin area. As soon as I opened the door and entered, the scattered penguins quickly gathered around me. It was like soldiers falling into formation—incredibly fast.
“Ababababababab!”
The penguins made unique sounds as they circled around me. Not a single penguin was near the keeper who had come to watch. Even though they must have bonded like family, the penguins were clearly charmed by my charisma.
The keeper looked dejected, his shoulders slumped.
It seems like they’re all sprawled out, but it must be my imagination…
So, I put down the bucket full of herring I received from the zookeeper on the ground. It was so heavy that when I placed it on the floor, it made a thud. There are a lot of penguins, but do they really need this much food?
Brushing off my slight doubt, I took out a herring to give to the penguins. But the chaotic surroundings made me dizzy. The penguins all look the same, and with them swirling around, I couldn’t tell who was who. At this rate, some penguin might end up hogging all the herring.
“Line up, please!!!”
Thanks to the penguins moving around randomly, I thought this to myself, and then something amazing happened. It was as if they heard my inner voice—they started lining up in perfect order. The sight was so unbelievable that even the visitors watching the penguins were shocked, covering their mouths.
“Look, the penguins are lining up!”
“They’re acting like humans…”
“Take a picture, quick!”
The visitors were thrilled by the amazing behavior of the penguins. I decided to reward the well-behaved penguins first. I took a herring from the bucket and fed it to a penguin with its mouth open. After happily eating the herring, the penguin waddled away and then *plop*—it went to the back of the line.
It was an incredible sight. If I uploaded this to YouTube, the views would be guaranteed. One penguin would eat a herring, then go to the back of the line—it was perfectly organized.
I petted the penguins’ heads as I fed them. They seemed to enjoy it, letting out joyful cries every time I stroked them.
*Flap flap!*
The penguin that had just eaten a herring flapped its wings energetically. It was so happy that I felt happy too, as if emotions were contagious. It felt like my heart and the penguins’ hearts had become one.
I kept feeding the penguins until the bucket was empty. Being a zookeeper seemed like it could be fun.
—
“Mmm… mmm…”
Haru smiled softly as she looked at Hana sleeping in the passenger seat. She had been so energetic earlier, but after running around the zoo all day, she must’ve been exhausted—she fell asleep as soon as she got in the car.
Haru played some classical music and realized something new about Hana today. Hana had an incredible affinity with animals. No, it wasn’t just high—she was like a mother to them.
I’d sensed something strange with the giraffe earlier. And then with the penguins, lions, tigers, and other animals—they all followed Hana’s lead and showed a deep bond with her. It was to the point where they ignored their lifelong zookeepers and followed Hana instead. The level of affection was unreal.
I also noticed that the animals seemed to understand Hana to some extent. Whenever she gave a command, they followed it diligently. I’d seen Hana’s abilities before, but seeing this new side of her was fascinating.
Spending time with Hana today was really fun. When the giraffe grabbed her earlier, my heart almost dropped. After all, the number of people Hana has captured is in the tens of thousands. Thankfully, the artifact Kim Sehee gave her last time to prevent physical harm came in handy.
If it weren’t for that equipment, it would’ve been hard for Hana to go out. If Hana got hurt or damaged, it would cause massive losses.
Well, Hana is still adapting to modern society, so it’s going smoothly for now. But once she gains enough knowledge, she might start her own company or sell her hair under better conditions—it’s up to her.
Haru had the heart to support Hana no matter what choice she made. Haru gently pinched Hana’s cheek as she slept. The way it stretched was oddly addictive.
