Exam day had finally hit York New City. The one day in the year every student dreaded and ardently anticipated with equal measure. To say Gon was unprepared would be somewhat of an understatement. The lumia carp fishing season had hit Whale Island at the exact same time as the final exam and, much to his regret, Gon had dedicated his free time to landing the biggest lumia the folks of Whale had ever seen. That didn't, however, do his academic progress many favors. As Gon arrived at YNC Academy he could feel the nerves beginning to build, the knot in his stomach tighten and his face flush. Being so unprepared, could he actually pass? Did he even have the right to ask for a miracle? I have to do this, Gon thought, otherwise Aunt Mito is going to kill me. Steeling himself for a moment, he paused, took a deep breath and entered the exam hall.

The period leading up to the final exam had been pretty productive for Killua. He had planned his time wisely and studied every module of his work that was required. Such an accomplishment was hardly surprising for Killua, though. Top of his class and a certified genius, his mind was as sharp as a knife and encased in a wisdom that surpassed his years. By the time Gon had arrived, Killua was already seated in the exam hall, his pen set neatly at the top of his desk, a book about advanced mathematics in his hand. Some last minute studying can't hurt, Killua thought to himself, as other students looked on in discreet amazement and a hint of disgust. I wonder if Gon is here yet? No sooner than he thought this, Gon burst through the door, flushed, sweating and haggard. With a frantic look in his eyes, he searched the room and quickly found his seat, much to his relief.

Killua turned around at the sound of Gon's explosive entrance. "Oh boy, typical Gon," he said quietly to himself through a poorly suppressed giggle. It's one of the reasons I love you. Allowing his mind to wander on to the deep love for his best friend that he daren't speak of quickly stole the smile from his face. Setting his mind to rights, as he was so easily able to do, he turned to face the front of the hall and focused his mind on the exam.

Three hours had passed since the start of the exam and, to a collective sigh from the students present, the adjudicator announced the end of the allotted time period. "Pens down, please!" he exclaimed, with the passion of someone who enjoys having authority just a little too much. "The final exam for 2019 has now officially come to an end. Please leave your papers on your desk and leave the room one row at a time, starting from the back.

Gon was seated three rows from the back and quickly found it his turn to leave the exam hall. For seconds that seemed like an eternity, he stared at his exam paper in fear.

I haven't done enough.

I'm going to fail.

...I'm stupid. I'm an idiot.

That last thought crept up on Gon like a shadow. A lump formed in his throat as he felt his eyes begin to moisten. Aunt Mito will be so embarrassed. A quiver began to form on his bottom lip. Gon wasn't used to feeling down and had very little tolerance for it, simply choosing to raise the spirits of those around him rather than see them sad. Noticing that other students were waiting for him, he summoned a second-wind of resilience, gathered himself together and left the exam hall. Killua hadn't noticed Gon's reaction to the exam, choosing to remain stoically focused until the bitter end. After a few minutes, Killua collected his things and left the exam hall. The final exam over, his mind now found itself purely focused on Gon.

After leaving the exam hall, Killua rushed to find Gon. The excitement of an undoubtedly successful endeavour left him clamouring to discuss it with his best friend. Hordes of relieved students filled the corridors of YNC Academy as exams in all the available halls had ended at the same time. His smaller stature working against him, Killua tried his best to peer past the other students, but with little success. Getting increasingly frustrated, he decided to text Gon and ask him where he was.

'Gon, where are you? I couldn't find you after the exam finished'

Leaning against the corridor wall, away from the hustle and bustle of a very busy YNC Academy, Killua waited for Gon's reply. He checked his phone: 5 minutes had passed. Weird, Killua thought to himself. Why hasn't Gon replied already? The urge to talk to his best friend eating away at him until it was no longer bearable, he decided to call Gon.

*Ring Ring*

*Ring Ring*

*Ring Ring*

No answer ever came. Within a minute of the missed call, however, Killua received a text.

'Had to go. Sorry.'

Concern etched itself on Killua's face. He knew Gon better than to believe he just had to leave. Knowing it would be pointless to try and reach him again, Killua began to search the now emptying corridors of YNC Academy. They had all the same classes together, but Gon was nowhere to be seen. He tried the classrooms, he tried the gym, he even tried the cafeteria, but much to his dismay there was no sign of Gon. Growing more frantic, Killua wracked his brain to try and think of where Gon could have gone. Suddenly, like a bolt of inspiration, it came to him. The river! He realized. Gon always loved to sit by the river when he had something on his mind! Without a moment's hesitation, Killua bounded off in the direction of the riverbank. He had to find Gon; something wasn't right. He had to be with the boy he loved.