As if there aren't enough High School AU's out there.

Legit Summary That Still Sucks: Killua Zoldyck, our lovely sophomore protag, has recently moved to California. There, he enrolls in the prestigious college-prep Hunter Academy, where each student is labeled a Hunter specific to their major. Those who don't know what they want are called Misfits, and Killua just so happens to be one of them. But what does that even mean? That's what Killua's ready to figure out.

No nen, no famous assassins. Sorry :3 but there will be lots of characters we miss and love - all stuck together in a high school setting. Fun stuff ahead B-)

Disclaimer: hxh not be mine

Chapter One: Chagrin

Chagrin- distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated

( ꂧ᷆ ◞ ˑ̼̬ ◟ ꂧ᷇ )

My name is Killua Zoldyck, and on September 14 of 2014 at the arcade on Main Street, I ran into what would be the best thing that ever happened to me-though technically, it was my fist that did the running into.

"Ow!"

In my triumphant air fist-pumping after clearing the final level of Greed Island, I'd accidentally rammed my knuckles right into the nose of the kid standing behind me.

I quickly whipped around, hands ready to help if they could. "I'm so sorry, are you al-"

Runny blood dripped onto the floor from the boy's nostrils, making a resounding plip with every drop. He didn't seem to notice though, cuz he was grinning.

"Don't worry about it." He chuckled. "It doesn't really hurt."

I pointed a shaky finger at his face. "You- you're bleeding."

"I am?" He glanced at the floor, which now had a small puddle forming on it. His mouth formed a perfect "O" as the realization dawned on him. "Ah, you're right." He tilted his head back and pinched his nose. "All better, ne?"

Certainly not.

I fished around in my backpack for a package of tissues (summer colds are the worst) and started to wipe up the mess on the floor, all the while rambling incoherent apologies.

Out of the blue, the boy asked, "Hey, do I know you?"

My eyes slowly traveled up his figure. Knee-high green boots, lot's of smooth, tan skin, and the shortest shorts I'd ever seen on a guy - which happened to be the same awful green as the boots. He also wore a black bro-tank. My vision stopped there. Call me a mouse, but I almost felt scared to look at the guy in the eye.

That didn't matter though, because he stuck his upside-down face directly in front of mine. Like, DIRECTLY in front. Being this close, I was forced to observe his features, from the dimples on his cheeks to the small spray of freckles on his nose. The only thing that alarmed me about his appearance (besides his gravity-defying jet-black hair) were his eyes. Huge and round and hazel. Almost the exact opposite of mine.

"I swear I've seen you before." The boy blinked and tilted his head so that he was looking at me right-side up again. "Have we been on the same sports team?"

I drew my head back, stammering, "N-no, I don't think we have..."

"Soccer? Baseball? Rugby? Anything?"

"No..."

"Hmm." He sat back, placing a finger on his chin. In horror, I noticed that his nose had started oozing again. Then he asked, "What's your name?"

"K- Killua. Oi, your nose-"

"Oh. Never mind." He shrugged apologetically. "Guess I was thinking of someone else." He stuck out his hand, the one that was on his chin and now speckled with blood. "I'm Gon!"

I made no move to shake that bloody hand.

"Uwaah!" Gon finally noticed the dilemma. He threw his head back, pinching the bridge of his nose again. The whole scene just made me feel even guiltier.

"Again, Gon..." I handed him another tissue. "I'm so sorry about that. I beat the game and I wasn't even looking and- "

"Hahahahaha!" Gon's laugh was so innocent and pure, like a little kid. "Congratulations! Greed Island's really hard, isn't it?"

Something about the fact that I couldn't get my apology across to him irritated me. But at least he wasn't mad. Then it'd just be awkward and I'd never want to show my face here again. Actually, maybe I still didn't.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at it real quick and saw a text from my mom.

Killu! Where are you!? It's almost dark! Come home right now! Love, Mommy

I sighed long and loud. Mom was definitely a piece of work - and crazy paranoid. Sunset wasn't for two more hours!

Gon ogled over my iPhone, which made no sense to me. Sure, I was new here in California, but I didn't live in the ghetto. Surely a smartphone wasn't a rare sight.

"You're cellphone is so cool!" He dug around in his mustard yellow backpack (which went perfectly with his celery green outfit) and pulled out an old flip phone.

I suddenly wanted to hide my luxury, but he didn't seem embarrassed or jealous. Just awed.

A moment of extremely awkward silence passed.

"Listen," My eyes traveled along the tiles on the ground. "That was my mom. I gotta go."

"Oh, okay."

The air in the room seemed thinner. "I'm sorry."

To my surprise, Gon groaned in exasperation. "No more apologies, okay? I'm fine!" He pulled the tissue away. "See?"

All I saw was crimson blood gushing out. I hadn't hit him all that hard, had I?

"Right..." I said.

He replaced the tissue.

"Well... I'm off, I guess."

He called me back before I could start speed-walking away in shame.

"Killua," Gon said. "Can I have your number?"

I raised a brow.

"Maybe we can meet up here again. I come every Sunday, so..."

I wasn't sure what I wanted. I had no friends yet since school didn't start til the next day. But honestly, I'm lone wolf. Friends or no friends, I'm fine. It's not like I had all that many back on Kukuru Mountain.*

I smiled and gave it to him. There wasn't much more to say, so I left him to bleed all over his outdated flip phone.

Once I was outside, I breathed a sigh of relief. The air was so much fresher out here. I looked left, then right before crossing the street on my way home.

βακα…_〆(・ｪ・*)

"Killu, darling~~"

Exactly the greeting I want to hear.

I slip off my beat-up Converse and immediately jam my earbuds into my ears. I turn my iPod to shuffle and Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl"** comes on -

anything to drown out my mom's horrid gushing.

I can see her stroking my hair and see her abnormally bright red lips forming words, but none of it reaches my eardrums, thank heavens. I deal with this constantly. It's one of the perks of being "Mommy's favorite".

She finally leaves, probably off to prepare dinner or something, which means another night of starvation for me. I'll never understand why she doesn't just hire a cook. Maybe it's her pride as a mother.

I pad down the dim hallways of our new home, making my way to my room. We've only lived here in Dentora*** for a couple weeks. Today was the first day I've left this house. Really, it was just practice for tomorrow, so I just searched up the nearest arcade and expected to have a quiet evening roasting all the score boards. You know, before that happened.

Before today, my room was my habitat, which wasn't bad at all. I have a king-size bed, 72 inch flat screen, every video game system ever created within the last couple decades, mini fridge packed full of ChocoRobo-kuns - you get the idea.

We're kind of wealthy.

Scratch that, the Zoldyck's are filthy rich.

I'm not one of those spoiled brats though. Sure, I have my moments, but doesn't everyone? I try to play it down, unlike my older brother, Milluki. I hate it when people know I'm wealthy - I feel like they look at me differently, treat my differently. That's why I felt so uncomfortable when Gon stared at my phone like that.

I flop onto my bed, the force causing me to bounce a bit. There's a dull buzz in my sweatshirt pocket. I pull out my phone.

Speak of the devil.

Hi Killua! :D this is Gon :3 I'm so glad I have your number! Text me back (｡^‿^｡)

I probably read over the text like 10 times before I even consider replying. But even if I do, what do I say? "Hi"? I break into a nervous sweat before my phone buzzes again.

P.S. My nose stopped bleeding!

I sigh in relief.

P.P.S. It's broken though (´⊙ω⊙`)

And then I slam my face into a pillow.

P.P.P.S. But don't worry! It still doesn't hurt! It'll be back to normal in a few weeks! :)

Right, like that makes me feel any better.

P.P.P.S. Please don't feel guilty! (╥A╥)

I noted just how often he used exclamation points and emojis.

P.P.P.P.S. Oops! I used P.P.P.S. twice... ๏_๏

At this point, how could I not answer?

Yo, Gon

I felt satisfied with that. Maybe.

UWA! KILLUAAAAAAAA! YOU ANSWERED!

It's not like I have anything better to do

I winced after reading it over. It sounded a lot harsher written out than it had in my head.

Do you start school tomorrow?

Yeah

Me too! d(*⌒▽⌒*)b What grade are you in?

10th

ME TOO! °˖✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧˖° WE HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON ALREADY

Such as...?

Let's see... We're both boys, the same age (?). We like the arcade. We've both beaten Greed Island. Um... Im sure there's more! We just have to find out! (•̀ᴗ•́)و ̑̑

ρ(￣ﾍ￣ ﾒ)

I completely lose track of time tonight. Eventually, Gon tells me his aunt wants him to go to bed, but promises we'll talk tomorrow.

I glance over at the clock; my face contorts into a weird mixture of surprise and confusion. It's only 8:30 at night, yet Gon is going to bed?

The kid is definitely abnormal.

A yawn escapes my lips, and I realize just how tired I am. And as soon as I realize it, exhaustion completely incapacitates me. I manage to plug my phone charger in before practically passing out in my jeans and sweatshirt.

(ᴗ˳ᴗ) zzz

Mom wakes me up bright and early the next morning.

"Killu! You're going to be late on your first day!"

My cerulean eyes crack open to read the green numbers that are way too bright for the early morning. As soon as my brain registers that it's 7:36 a.m., I'm wide awake and scrambling into the bathroom with the uniform mom had laid out for me.

No time to shower - luckily I had before going to the arcade. My hair is a fluffy rat's nest, but when isn't it? I run a comb through it and brush my teeth at the same time. I pull the uniform on in a few seconds, though my fingers fumble over the many buttons on the shirt and blazer. I grab the nearest belt and loop it around my waist, tightening it to the last notch (one of the many kinda tall-very slim guy problems). All that's left is the worst part of my morning ritual - contacts.

Technically, since I use monthlies, I can just sleep with my contacts in. But I had taken them out the day before because the arcade game screens hurt my eyes, especially with contacts in.

I stick my finger in the solution, fishing around for the contact. And of course, the cliche happens - I drop it in the sink and it disappears down the drain, never to be seen again.

I had more, right?

Wrong. I'd forgotten to ask mom to order another batch.

This is turning into a terrible situation.

"Killu!"

"C- coming!" For a split second, I think about going like this, but my head is already starting to ache from straining my eyes for too long. With a sigh, I open up a drawer where I keep my glasses. They're big, black, and thick-rimmed - and I haven't worn them in months.

Mom says if I didn't play so many video games, my vision wouldn't have gone bad in the first place. I beg to differ.

Slowly, I slide the frames onto my face. My reflection becomes clear. I can see every detail of my features, even down to the tiny stitching on my maroon blazer. I give my face a quick glance. The glasses make me look younger, like a little 12 year old kid. Not only that, but I still have that disgusting cold, so the sniffling just adds to the dorky look.

I dare a peek at the clock.

7:45

Too late to look back now.

(｡ŏ﹏ŏ)

I thought my cloud-esque hair would be the thing that attracted attention to me. But no. It's the Porsche my mom drives.

But then she completely ruins the image of "cool mom" when she drops me off with a kiss and a sack lunch covered in those embarrassing messages most mothers write to their kindergarteners on their first day of school.

"Mom." I mutter. "I'm in high school now. Lay off."

Seeing the look on her face is enough to kill me internally, but she has to brutally murder what little of my image I have left when she wails that "my baby boy is growing up!" loud enough for the entire student body to catch an earful of. Can't say I expect positive things from this school year.

I make the walk of shame past all the maroon and navy blue clad students, keeping my sight low to ensure I don't accidentally make that really awkward eye contact with anyone. It mostly works, until I get to the gate.

"May I see your proof of enrollment, young man?"

I look up to see a green man wearing a suit and gloves. Or rather, I look down. He's probably like 4 foot 0, no joke. And green. I read the name on his tag and almost burst out in fits of hysterical laughter. Beans. His name is Beans!

"Please hurry if you can. There are a lot of students to get through."

I fish around in my backpack for the letter of acceptance and hand Beans the crumpled, yet official, documentation. He looks it over before typing a few things into his iPad.

"Smile."

I give him a confused look right as he takes a picture of me.

"Sorry." He apologizes, typing some more. "We don't have time for retakes, but fortunately, these are only temporary."

I understand what he means when he sends me off to orientation with the stupidest ID photo I've ever taken. Have you ever seen Side-eyeing Chloe? That's what I look like. Except with more of a deer-caught-in-headlights look. I'll just have to remember to store my ID deep in my bag and never take it out under any circumstances.

The staff (who's faces are plastered with the fakest smiles I've had the privilege to lay eyes upon) direct the incoming students to the auditorium. Inside, it looks like a movie theatre, only bigger and with comfy velvety seats.

Since I don't know anyone, I shuffle my way to the back where I can enjoy orientation alone in the shadows. But of course that doesn't work out.

"Hi!" Some perky curly-haired brunette sits down next to me even though there are 50 other empty seats around me. I give her a small smile.

"You must be a sophomore. I don't recognize you." She sticks out her perfectly manicured hand, obviously expecting me to shake it with as much enthusiasm as she's putting into this.

I'm a nice guy.

"Nice to meet you." I say shyly.

The girl grins and continues in her chipper voice. "I'm Maia, your student council president! I'm here to ensure that you enjoy your time at Hunter Academy. I want to be your friend, so never hesitate to ask me anything! Just because I'm a senior doesn't mean you should be intimidated by me. I was a sophomore once too..."

Maia goes on and on about things she probably isn't even sincere about, but my eyes have long since glazed over. Why can't people like her understand that not everyone likes attention? That some people actually like and want to be left alone?

And then, past Maia's shoulder at the entrance of the auditorium, I see the scariest sight in my entire life.

Spiky black hair. Big doe eyes. Childish laughter that fills the entire room.

What is he doing here?

"Is... Something the matter?" Maia glances back in the direction I'm staring (with a horrified expression, no doubt).

I shake my head, scratching the back of my neck nervously. Right now, I'd give anything not to be here. Suddenly I don't want Maia to leave. Because if she leaves, I'll be completely exposed and he'll see me. And I don't know what I'll do if he sees me.

I need some excuse to keep her here. Anything. I glance around at all the posters and get an idea.

Hunter Academy: Hunting for your dreams since 1987.

"Er, I do have a question actually."

She perks up and faces me, creating the perfect wall between me and my greatest fear.

"S- so..." I stutter, trying to come up with words on the spot. "Um... What if I don't know what... major to join?"

Hunter Academy is a bit different from the average private high school. The goal by graduation is to earn your Associates Degree, so there's a Major system. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are specialized learning days, specific to the major you choose. Tuesdays and Thursdays are General Ed, your core classes. There's an extremely wide variety of Majors, from health care to humanities, athletics to algebra. And if you don't know what you want to do, there's always the General Ed Major, which is basically anything and everything.

It's smart but a little overwhelming.

Maia clasps her hands together, and I can tell she has a speech memorized on the topic. But I'll listen if it means avoiding him. Or at least, pretend to listen.

"So this week is Fair Week. You can try out any class you want, all week. You're not even required to stay the whole period if it doesn't interest you. The purpose of this is to encourage students to find where their hidden talent lies so that they can excel in the Major they choose..." Etc etc etc. I know all this. I did my research before applying. But even now, I still don't know what I want to do. I'm really only good at video games, and the closest thing to that is the Game Design major- yeah, no thank you. I figured this first week would give me an idea, but I don't have my fingers crossed.

A shadow darkens the area above us, and for a second, I freak out because I've been found. But it's actually just one of Maia's friends, and before I know it, my barrier is wishing me luck and I'm exposed. Bare. Vulnerable.

Why am I so nervous? Because I broke his nose? Nah, I could get over that. Maybe it was just the whole situation, the way that we met. Or maybe the fact that I had this idea in my head that we'd be online buddies, nothing more, nothing less.

But of course fate hates me, as seen by the punching incident and the glasses, and all I feel is a sick nauseating emptiness in the pit of my stomach and I wish I had eaten breakfast and Holy Hunter, did he just look this way, no he's walking this way-

Rrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiing!

Saved by the bell. It's 8:00.

A blonde guy in a sparkly gold suit (the principal?) steps onto the stage, shining and shimmering the whole way. He brings a microphone to his perfect smile, and his equally perfect voice echoes throughout the auditorium, asking the student body to take a seat.

I sink into the velvety cushion, and to my relief, he disappears in a crowd heading toward the front. The horrible nausea eases up a bit, but my nerves still tingle like crazy.

"Good morning, Hunters, and welcome to Hunter Academy!"

The crowd erupts in fits of clapping, screeching, and whistling. It's so loud that my hands come up to my ears on reflex.

The blonde patiently waits for the noise to die down, which takes a few minutes. "For those incoming sophomores and others who are just joining us this year, I am your Vice Principal, Pariston Hill. It is my duty to you to make this school a better place and provide an enhanced learning experience to each and every one of you."

After boasting about the school and himself for a bit, Pariston introduces the other staff members, who all give a quick intro into what they teach and how they're going to help you "hunt for your dreams". I don't know how the other students keep up their intense enthusiasm, but the noise never lets up the entire hour.

And if I think that was bad, what comes next is killer.

Pariston sparkles. "But enough about us! We, the Hunter's Administration, know who you really want to see. So I present to you the one and only, our beloved Principal, Isaac Netero!"

The crowd goes wild. Like, absolutely insane. Kids are standing on their chairs swinging their blazers around, waving their phones back and forth. Celebratory music plays and out onto the stage an old dude wearing the weirdest wooden sandals I've ever seen falls from the rafters in the ceiling. He lands on his feet with a loud thud, and confetti rains down around him. But his entrance doesn't affect me like it does the others. All I can focus on are those retarded shoes. How does he even walk wearing those? And how are they even comfortable?

Netero takes the mike and turns to face the audience, pausing dramatically before garbling, "Hohoho~ It's good to be back."

I'm starting to doubt the promised poise and maturity of the Academy. At first, I assumed it was just the first day jitters or the students themselves, but this Netero guy seals the deal. What am I getting myself into?

"In just a moment," He says. "You will all be dismissed to the Fair. You may join any classroom, as long as it has open occupancy, and take any classes you'd like this entire week. But be prepared for Friday, because major sign-ups and schedule orders will be filled. It's first come, first serve."

I can almost imagine the principal adding, "so use whatever means you can to ensure your spot", but Netero leaves the implication alone.

He explains a few other things that the other administrators have already gone over, but then he gets serious. Obviously, this means business, because a hush settles throughout the room.

"We really are here to help." He says evenly. "Remember the motto of a good Hunter."

"A good Hunter always catches his prey!" The juniors and seniors chorus.

I purse my lips.

"I can tell we're in for a fantastic school year, fellow Hunters!" The principal chimes. "Now get out of here."

As soon as Netero dismisses the students, bodies start rapidly pouring down the aisles and out the doorway like beetles spilling out a hole in the bottom of a jar. I think about joining the crowd and slipping away unnoticed, but that would require a lot of pushing and waiting. So I stay where I am, my maroon blazer blending into the seat. I'm a chameleon. If only my hair weren't so white, I'd be virtually invisible.

I count each second. In just forty-seven, the entire room (minus lingering staff) is cleared. Vaguely I wonder if I should've hurried, but I could care less if I get stuck in a home ec class or something. Who knows, maybe I'll even be good at it.

Creaking like an old man, I stand, stretch, and stroll out into the hallway, prepared to enter the first classroom I see. Kudos if it's a boring class, because napping will be even easier.

But you know, life doesn't work out like that. Ever. Especially when your luck is as plentiful as your tolerance level (low).

There he is, standing right in front of me.

"KILLUA YOU GO HERE?! I DO TOO, THAT IS SO COOL ﾟ･✿ヾ╲(｡◕∇◕｡)╱✿･ﾟ"

I breathe in.

Yeah.

Next time, on Misfits:

Cachet- the state of being respected or admired; prestige

Some notes:

The first section is in a different tense than the rest. Well, that's cuz this is basically Killua's thoughts as he goes about his day, and he doesn't start reflecting on his daily life until AFTER that incident.

*Kukuru Mountain- where the Zoldyck's live in the HxHverse. Even though this is set in our world, I decided to keep the name.

**I Kissed a Girl- yeah I... Don't even know

***Dentora- the region where Kukuru Mountain is located. Since I'm not very creative, I just kept the name. Let's pretend there's a town named Dentora in California. Hmm. Dentora, California. Catchy.

Alrighty, that was the beginning of a random, probably stupid idea that came to me during math class. Maybe it'll lead to something. Actually, probably not. Also, sorry for the emoticon outbreak. I just have this odd obsession...

Please please please let me know what you thought (the good AND the bad!) because that would be awesome and we all like to be awesome.

Thanks for reading!