My Enigma

What's Her Problem?

As Gon left the building behind him, he felt as if he was leaving all his toxins and negativity with it. The moderate temperature of the autumn air brushed over the boy as he spotted his friend near the front entrance.

Before Gon was able to say anything, Killua emitted a subtle, yet awkward wave.

Changing his walk into a smooth jog, Gon reached Killua. "Ready?"

"Yeah." Killua nodded.

As the two set out, they were completely unaware of a duo of two girls in their vicinity keeping a keen eye on them.

"So, what are you going to do?" Neon curiously asked.

"They'll know soon enough." Retz smirked with malice.

"Yeah, I know. That's why I was asking." Neon complained.

"Whatever. It doesn't matter," Retz rolled her eyes, "just wait and see."

After a brief walk of around fifteen minutes, Gon and Killua have reached their destination. Before them stood a typical suburban home.

"We're here! My aunt isn't gonna be home until six so we've got some time to ourselves for a while." Gon enthused.

"Well, let's go." Killua replied with simplicity.

Gon proceeded to unlock the door and step over the threshold, motioning Killua to come inside.

"Let's go to my room!" Gon suggested. Killua didn't object.

"Gon?"

"Yeah?"

"Does your aunt even know I'm here?" Killua inquired.

"Yup, I texted her. She's excited to meet you!" Gon beamed.

"What does she do for work anyway?" Killua asked with genuine interest.

"Believe it or not, she's a bartender. She used to work short shifts but now she works full-time, but she likes her job so it's fine!"

"That's pretty cool."

"So, what do you wanna do?" Gon asked, shifting the subject matter.

"You were the one who invited me," Killua teased, "got any ideas?"

"We could watch a movie." Gon suggested.

"Sure, I don't see why not." Killua responded with a slight smile.

"Cool! Let's look for something." Gon encouraged as he turned on the television in his room. That was one of the first times I saw him smile...

A digital clock set on a bedside table read '4:15pm' as the credits were rolling. Killua yawned, stretching his arm up above his head. "That was mediocre to say the least."

"I didn't think it was that bad," Gon interjected, "wanna watch another?"

"Not really, I'm kind of bored." Killua answered honestly.

"Hm. What time do you have to be home, anyway?" Gon asked.

"Well, I don't really have a set time," Killua replied inconspicuously, "It's not like my family would care, anyway."

"What? What do you mean? Of course they care about you!" Gon insisted.

"You don't get it." Killua sighed, "I barely see my family around. My mom and dad are usually never home, always staying in their so-called 'real home' in the state over. The only person I see sometimes is my big brother, Illumi. Thing is, he never pays any attention to me. He only comes by to drop something off or whatnot. And to tell you the truth, I have no idea what any of them do for work. All I know is that it's unethical and mischievous, so they refrain from providing explicit details."

Gon was at a loss of words. Sure, he could tell Killua was introverted and modest, but would've never guessed Killua had a neglectful family. "Killua, it's okay," Gon grabbed his friend's hands, "I'll be here for you."

Killua tensed up as soon as Gon cast contact upon him. He jerked his hands away, but kept staring into Gon's pupils. Having just met recently, Killua couldn't grasp what made their relationship grow, especially since the whole concept of a friendship was relatively new to the boy. Still, he was captivated by the allure possessed by Gon.

"Now come on. Are you hungry? I'll go get us something to eat." Gon chuckled.

Killua's eyes lit up. "I'll be right behind you," tailing Gon out of his bedroom. How can he be so bright and optimistic all the time? Such a radiant personality, it's like his light takes away the darkness wherever he goes.

"Is something wrong?" Gon asked with curiosity as he noticed Killua awkwardly staring off into the distance.

"Huh? Oh, no, sorry." Killua laughed nervously. What was I even thinking about?

Gon shuffled through the pantry, sounds of various movements and collisions filling the room. "Mind if I ask you something?" Gon asked, trying to make conversation.

"Go ahead."

"What is it with you and Retz?" Gon hesitantly asked.

Although this was a very uncomfortable topic for Killua, he felt comfortable enough with Gon. "Retz unethically loathes me, and I don't really know why. All I can go off of is..."

He paused for a brief moment, "Retz and I used to be 'friends,' if you will."

Gon remained collected, looking at Killua with curiosity.

"She wasn't a real friend. Turns out she was just using me because she was having difficulty in one of her classes and I helped her study. Once back on her feet, however, she spread this rumor, and I kid you not, this is what she said. She said I tried to 'harvest her kidney' and sell it. Conveniently enough my family is a bunch of weirdos and everyone believed her. No one has really approached me since then." Killua opened up with a saddened tone.

Noticing the major shift in atmosphere, Gon spoke up. "Killua, listen... screw Retz! We don't have to pay her any attention. We'll stay together, no matter what. I'll always be your friend."

Killua's eyes glistened as Gon solidified a permanent friendship. I cannot thank you enough.

Shifting his mood, Killua smiled. "Thank you, Gon."