Hello HuntexHunter fandom! With this story, I make my debut in this fanfiction fandom world! This is my first story for my new children, one of many, and I hope you all like it!

But honestly, what am I doing, and what did I get myself into? I'm doing two of the things I hate/am horrible at: Career switches and musicfic... But AUs are fun, so I'll try my hardest. I generally want this fanfic to be kid friendly, at most rated T, with warnings of more mature stuff at the beginning of chapters (I hope I remember to do that). There are real world themes explored (as best as I can) in this story such as: Financial trouble, Anxiety/stress, Self-confidence, Just to name a few.

Through the story, I'll be using songs from real singers and I'll put the names and specific song version I used for the story at the bottom before authors note (To let you know if I used a cover song for the story/chapter in stead of the song from the original song artist). And because I'm not an actual songwriter, and it'd be difficult for you all to know what song it is if I made it up, there will be some songs that I say the characters made originally but it's actually not!

Anyway, I also recommend actually looking up the songs I put. This is all for the fun, and to get the full experience of my story, it'd help to look up the songs the characters are singing! If that's too much for you, there are a couple songs I will put astridges (***) by, that means it's probably be best to look up this specific song, the least, if nothing else. I'll specify why I would want you to look it up in the actual section and by the astridge.

I want to thank my editor for all her help and putting up with all my whining that my story isn't really good, which she promptly helped me with: Canzie (Her tumblr is canzie-gum and whats-wrong-aniki)


Musica Academy

For the musical elite, anyone serious about being a World Star or Idol,
a diploma from this school is the ticket to fame. Anyone who graduates from the school are almost guaranteed
a fantastic career in the entertainment industry. People from the surrounding regions flock to enter the prestigious school.
Great Talent, great wealth, reputation, or connections are the only way in, some applying for years and never even getting chance to audition.
There is no age limit of students or of school year standings, ranked only by talent and completion of required criteria
of every year. This school is the crème de la crème of the crème de la crème, creating what everyone truly calls
World Stars.


Chapter 1: Bells and Whistles

Gon ducked his head of dark spiky hair out of the passenger side car door and reared his head back to take in the full view of his new private school. He smiled broadly and felt the familiar quickening beating of his heart from excitement. he knew it well, he felt it often just before a performance. A brief honk abruptly brought him out of his reverie. He whipped his head back around to see Mito, who looked slightly annoyed but he could see in her eyes that she was just as happy as he was about this new change.

"Gon, you have to close the car door when you get out, I thought I raised you well!" She said with false exasperation and a hand to her head. The fifteen year old held back a snicker as he closed the door then rounded the car from the front.

"I'm going to miss you too Mito-san!" He cried out, pulling open her door and clambered in for a hug. The older red head yelled out as she tried to hold herself up from the assault, the car shaking around and the horn being honked a couple times in the exchange. Those walking past looked over suspiciously.

"Really, Gon, you almost wrinkled my shirt! I have to go straight to work after this!" Mito giggled as she was finally able to untangle herself from Gon and the steering wheel and got him standing up straight outside the car again.

"Sorry!" He chuckled, closing his eyes and rubbing the back of his neck, while his tongue stuck out in a false apologetic manner. Mito smiled up at him affectionately while he wasn't looking. He was going to do great, and he was going to go places. She just knew it.

"Ok, well, remember," Gon opened his eyes as she addressed him, looking at her with attention. "I only came to drop you off for the first day of school. After today, I'll be waking up earlier than you to go to work at 5 and won't be coming back until around 6. You can take the car or walk to school after this because a coworker offered to carpool with me, but Gon!" At this she poked Gon in the chest menacingly and he held back a surprised gasp. "If you scratch or crash the car, or get pulled over… I might disown you…!" Gon blinked, feeling a sweatdrop going down a side of his face before he started laughing nervously.

"Haha, very funny Mito, I understand though." the japanese fifteen year old waved off her concern, waving his hand flippantly. She gave him a deep look that held promise.

"I wonder if you really do…" She hummed and Gon blinked again but then she was back to smiling and she closed the door so she could only speak to him through the open window.

"Ok, I'll be back later, if you get hungry I left you 20 dollars and there's leftovers you can heat up. Bye, love you, become a great star!" She cheered loudly and anyone else still out in the courtyard of the school looked over at the loud voice of encouragement. Gon laughed lightly in embarrassment.

"Thank you! See you later!" He chuckled out while waving. She finally turned forward and drove off. Gon watched the back of the car shrink as she drove off farther then finally looked up at the music academy and again couldn't stop the wide smile from the excitement. A new chapter was starting and Gon was determined to be the cause of every sharp and flat.

"Whoo!" He cheered out in a high pitch and ran for the front entrance, again drawing attention of those around, either in annoyance or interest. As Gon made his way forward, he could have sworn he'd seen something silver on the roof reflecting sun into his eyes, catching his attention. When he looked up, he didn't see anything, so he ignored it, continuing his onslaught forward.

Silver tuffs of hair shimmied backwards to lean back against an industrial fan on the roof of the school. He thought about what he just saw in lazy interest. "I haven't seen him before, must be new… whatever," He muttered, the music in his headphones letting soft beats spill out into the air. "Won't make a difference…" And he let his head loll to the music.


As he entered, Gon looked left and right, taking in all of what was now his new school. The walls were a pristine white, which was hidden behind cobalt blue lockers with lime green accent on the combination locks and edges of each locker. Various types of students stood at the entrance at the school, some with instruments on their backs, other with crazy hats and make-up, holding up pieces of paper to show their other equally crazy looking friends, some looked too tired to do anything but sip at their coffees clutched in their hands while barely registering they were in the presence of others.

Gon's lips quirked up in a small smile that may have been concern. "Are these what music artists are like?" He asked himself. Just then he heard squealing from his right. He turned his head and saw the hallway transitions out into a breezeway that leads out to the next building. Just off the breezeway he could see a group of people were gathered on the courtyard grass, looking toward something he couldn't see from where he was. Curious, he began making his way over.

He poked his head around the corner and realized what he thought was a group of people was actually a group of squealing girls. It actually almost looked like a celebrity got swarmed out in public by adoring fans warring for their attention.

"Ah, so there must be musicians at the school that have fans, there's actually people this popular at the school…" Gon said to himself, "Makes sense, if this place is basically a giant talent show, people are bound to like what you're doing and become fans…" He crossed his arms and looking up as he thought. He snickered giddily to himself. Is it possible I can ever get fans like this? He began to move away when he realized with a start he didn't even know who they were crowding like that! Was it someone who had already debuted but still went to school? Was it someone he knew and was inspired by? He turned back to the group of girls and poked one on the shoulder. She swiftly turned her head, almost looking like she was insulted that anyone would interfere with her attempts to get closer to whoever was in the middle. Gon instinctively held his hands up in a pacifying manner and let a couple of nervous chuckles out to indicate his benevolence.

Geez, these girls are crazy, I've got to be more careful… He thought to himself, although he didn't really see how he could have approached anymore amicably. But he'll still take it upon himself to improve, because that's who Gon was.

"What do you want?!" She bit out, trying not to completely ignore him instead of giving her full efforts into trying to get closer to her source of affection.

"Er, I just wanted to know who that was in there, you know, I can't see from here…" Gon commented, trailing off at the end. Her eyes lit up at that and she finally took him in as though waking up from a dream.

"Oh, goodness, you're new aren't you? Oh my, it's Illumi-sama! He's amazing! He has an amazing voice that could make flowers bloom~, He's a great hip hop dancer and to top it all he's dark, tall and handsome" He screeched, her voice reaching pitches only dogs could hear. Unfortunately for Gon, he could hear that high. But that didn't mean it still didn't hurt. He put one pinky in his ear as he turned it left and right, trying to get the ringing to stop. He only picked up about half of that, his name was Illumi, he's tall and apparently gorgeous.

"Ahaha, thanks… for telling me!" Gon let out in a friendly chuckle as he started to turn and leave. Now that he knew his name, he knew it wasn't someone he knew or an idol he wanted to meet. Was it even someone who debuted already? The girl blinked as she read that his tone inflected he was going to leave.

"EH?! Aren't you going to try and meet him? It's ILLUMI!" She shouted as Gon started backing away.

"Er, no… I just wanted to know who was in there…" Gon admitted sheepishly.

"AH?! THAT'S FINE! When you meet him, you'll know! When you meet him YOU'LL LOVE HIM LIKE I LOVE HIM!" She squealed after him, getting herself hyped again and immediately turned back to the group to squeal out in hopes of attracting the attention of Illumi in the center. It almost looked like she was never talking to him in the first place with how quickly she returned to what she was doing before. Gon could only continue backing up, disturbed by the fanatic. Sure, he's seen his fans scream after him before, after he's finished a show, but he believes they were just trying to convey how much they liked his song and performance, not to convey their unrequited crazy love. He never seen it in it's raw form head on before. He gave a small shiver and turned to continue down the hall, he decided to go down the opposite hall away from the breezeway to continue exploring. He was halfway down the hall, absorbing the school's decors and classroom numbers when he remembered what he was looking for.

"AH! I should have asked her where the front office is!" He cried out frustrated, fisting his hair. Pass-byers again gave him weird look, but of course, Gon being Gon, he didn't care. He looked up and made eye contact with a small boy with thick eyebrows, white T-shirt and black jeans. The boy immediately seemed distraught to have caught the attention of the weird teen in the hall and he turned his head to look anywhere else, pretending to whistle away like he was never looking. Gon smiled and approached anyway.

"Hi! I'm Gon." the boy finally acknowledged him again with a small veer of his head in Gon's direction. He let out a sigh and stood up straighter as he faced him. If I'm going to be branded with a weird boy, might as well be nice about it.

"Hi. I'm Zushi." He said holding out his hand for the taller one to shake. Zushi's height only came up to Gon's chest, below his shoulder. Gon couldn't help but give an affectionate smile at him as he took his hand to shake. Smaller people were just so cute - they were like children but living adult lives. He knew it was condescending to think of short people like that, but he wouldn't tell them, so as long as he kept it to himself, no one should be offended, right?

Zushi was slightly caught off by the smile Gon offered. It's normal for people to smile at those they are meeting for the first time, but the way Gon smiled and his eyes shone, it as like they were never strangers, just two friends meeting back up after a long summer of not seeing each other. Zushi smiled back more friendly instead of just politely, Gon's air around him infectiously radiating off in a positive way.

"Hi Zushi. I'm new here. I'm 15 years old and I'm entering as a sophomore." Gon provided as way to start the conversation.

"Huh?! You're entering as a sophomore?" Zushi cried out incredulously. It probably would have been rude to act so overdramatic at that information if he was stranger, but Gon didn't feel like a stranger to him and Zushi wanted nothing more than to quickly get to know him and actually be a friend.

"Yea! I know this school doesn't really have age restrictions on grade levels as long as you meet the requirements and know the information of the grade level before… So I was pretty happy I didn't have to start at being a freshman again!" Gon gave a small chuckled, rubbing at the back of his head happily.

"Wow, so you must have some experience." Zushi commented.

"Yea. My old school district was pretty small, so big city entertainment was hard to come by for the students. So I started performing for them, but I guess I was already pretty engaging in class…! Er, I believe I was voted class clown." He let out a good laugh and Zushi joined in, believing it, and picturing something he might have done in class based on his personality now. Maybe ask a dumb question during a tense test and made everyone laugh while also easing the tension. Zushi opened his eyes from laughter before Gon and looked on at this kid who had such a friendly atmosphere it made him want to rest in it and stay a while.

Gon finally let his laughter die down to continue his conversation with his new friend.

"Anyway, how old are you? You don't look older than me, but you're in a high school!" Gon asked, letting his hands gesture around as he spoke. Zushi let a faint blush of embarrassment cross over his face.

"Yea… I'm only sort of a student here… My adoptive dad is a teacher here so I got in through him. Some people are mad about that, they had to either pay a ridiculous amount of money to train at this prestigious institution or audition to showcase their talents resulting from years of hard and arduous work… while I just 'slide on in' through 'connections'." Zushi said, forming slight annoyed air quotations with his fingers. "I'm 11, nearly 12, and I've been here since last year but I'm still a freshman. My dad wants me to keep training until my basics are down pact."

Throughout the whole time Zushi was talking, his eyes never really met Gon's again, roaming about as he recalled, so he never noticed how Gon's eyes had drifted up in serious thought. When he finished telling his woes, he drew his eyes back up and just barely caught the tail of Gon looking up as he had dragged his eyes back down almost simultaneously.

"But… I didn't do either of those?" Gon stated. Zushi blinked.

"EH?!" Gon shook his head as he was certain.

"I never auditioned and I never paid anymore. I believe I'm here on a scholarship."

"Full ride?!" Zushi realized he was being loud, and from personal experience he got for not having to do much to have entered the school, he slapped his hands over his mouth and looked to his right where there were only a few passing students looking on suspiciously. He let out an internal sigh of relief as he let his hands fall away from his face. Hopefully they only got a vague idea of what they were talking about and nothing discriminating.

"Then what did you do?!" Zushi asked in more of a hushed voice. Gon blinked.

"Well, it was after my concert and someone came up to me backstage and said I should apply for here. It'll be a school of nothing but performing and singing, which I loved to do, so I knew I'd be happy to go, plus he said I'd be training to become a better singer and performer and had a chance of become a World Star." At this Gon's eyes shone with excitement. "That sounded so exciting and great… a World Star! I definitely wanted that! To at least try. And If I failed, I would have had lots of fun and gained lots of experience along the way!" He smiled happily, dismissing his intense look he harbored at the mention of World Star. "So I sent an application and 2 weeks later a letter came in the mail saying I was accepted, had a full ride scholarship and entering as a sophomore and to get my schedule when-" His jaw dropped and realization entered his eyes as though it gripped at his heart. Zushi tensed at the intense emotion his friend was experiencing, feeling fear as though it was happening to himself. Before he could ask anything, Gon began to speak again.

"My schedule! I still need to find the office! That' what I wanted to ask you!" Zushi blinked, the rigid leaving his body, followed by slack jawed hanging in disbelief. He straightened back up and put a hand to his head and a relieved smile on his face.

"Oh, geez, you really gave me a start. But yes, we should probably get you your schedule as soon as possible, most students get their schedule in the mail before coming to school, so you'll want to know what classes you've got and maybe locate your first few ones before classes start." Zushi explained, moving his hands to his hips. He pulled up one wrist to look at a watch.

"Ok, we've got about 5 minutes before class, the office is right down here, so if we hurry we can find your first period before the rush of students. Follow me." Zushi waved his hand over his shoulder as he turned to continue down the hall. Gon smiled happily at the new friend he made and jogged to be able to walk next to the smaller boy.

"By the way…" Gon started as they walked and Zushi noticed his pause so he looked up to his left to see Gon's face. Gon was still looking straight ahead but there was a determined intensity to his eyes. "I won't let anyone give you any problems for wanting to be in school with your dad." He finally looked down at Zushi, the intensity hitting Zushi full on and he suddenly felt vulnerable under the gaze Gon gave him. "They'll have to deal with me first."

It was too much. Zushi looked away, returning his focus on leading the way down the hall. It took a moment, but a surge of happiness hit him and the smile so wide was on his face before he could even control it.

"Yea."

He's only just met Gon,... but he wondered if this was what it was like to have an older brother…

-o0o0o0o0o-

They entered the office where a rather exasperated looking secretary was seated, looking off down one of the branches of the main office where multiple doors could be seen lining either side of the hall. She didn't seem to notice the two students enter and they observed her offput mood and where she was staring. Gon leaned forward a bit to look down the hall where she was glaring and it looked like she was glaring at the double doors at the very end of the hall.

"Hey!" She yelped out, having been brought out of her reverie by the student slightly in her personal space. It startled Gon and he abruptly scrambled back to stand in line with Zushi, who had straightened up taller, disciplined, and the fear of authority was evident on his face.

"Er, sorry, sorry!" Gon apologized with a lopsided smile. The woman caught herself as she remembered where she was and that these were students.

"It's fine, I'm sorry too, I kinda dazed off there…" She said, pushing her glasses further up the bridge of her nose with her middle finger before giving her attention fully back to the kids. "Ahem, welcome to Musica Academy, can I help you?"

"Oh, yea, this guy needs his schedule." Zushi answered good naturedly, relaxing after the secretary had.

"You need a schedule? You should have already had one…" She said, but began fiddling with her computer anyway. "What's your name?"

"Gon! Gon Freecss." Gon supplied. The woman brushed one of the various stray strands of hair out of her face and attempted to join it with the rest of her gathered hair in it's messy bun. "Oh, hum... Yes, I see. Well, ok, I'll print it out for you and the printer is in the room where you'll also need to take your picture for your school ID. That room down there. Just pass two doors then turn left." She provided, even lifting a finger to point it out from her seat.

"Ahh?! I need to take a picture?! I had no idea! I'm not presentable! I would've worn my church clothes!" Gon freaked, looking down at his clothes, which was a plenty presentable black t- shirt with a dark green lightweight jacket and jeans. He snapped his head to his smaller companion. "Zushi! How's my hair?!"

"Horrible! It's sticking out everywhere!" Zushi cried out with mock concern.

"You have to be more specific! It's pretty spiky!" Gon cried, taking it seriously. Gon began to pick at his hair, trying to make sure they were all straight. Zushi barely contained his sniffled giggles when he launched back into his serious face.

"Here, let me help you!" He exclaimed, going on his tiptoes to reach.

"Thanks!" Gon expressed and leaned down to allow him better access. Zushi proceeded to purposely stick his hair out in odd angles, well, odder than they already were. Gon's hands would wander away from parts of his hair he fixed and Zushi followed after him, messing up that same area, then Gon would go back to the section to fix it.

"ZUSHI! You're making it worse!" Gon finally deducted, and swatted away his hands. At finally being caught, Zushi let out bellowing laughter as Gon finally was able to fix his hair in totality, a miffed expression on his face.

The secretary was watching on with a blank unbelieving expression at what transpired. As Gon finally finished fixing his hair and Zushi's laughter died down, the snort was first caught in her throat, causing her cheeks to puff out. Then the force of the laughter ricocheted out and bounced off the walls as pure amusement poked her insides, meriting the roaring laugh. Zushi at having been reminded of the cause of her laughter, joined back in with her and Gon finally cracked a smile then laughed along with the two.

"O-oh, goodness, I'm sorry, t-that was really unprofessional of me…! I shouldn't be laughing at students' expenses!" She giggled out, trying and failing to regain her composure. Gon just gave her a wider smile and leaned on the desk to speak to her more comfortably.

"It's fine! Besides, you looked way too grumpy for the day just starting, so I'm happy we were able to return a beautiful smile to your face."

The young secretary blushed at the genuity in his voice and comment and waved her hand around in a dismissive motion.

"Ah~! No, no no, there was nothing wrong, I would have been fine, I'm sorry I had to cause such concerns, but thank you… anyway." She trailed off, her sentence losing vigor as she spoke until she could only humbly play with her nails.

"Mh! Ok, I'm off to get my ID and schedule, right? Ok, thank you." Gon waved himself as he started down the office hallway. "C'mon Zushi." Gon commented over his shoulder.

"Right." Zushi followed dutifully. The secretary stared at his back as he found the door he needed to turn into and she could only wonder who this was… she's never seen anyone with such presence before, it was raw and not even completely refined, but once it was, this kid would blow the whole world away with his impact. Feeling warm emotions wash over her that could have left goosebumps, Cheadle was suddenly very excited for the day this boy came out professionally with his music and albums. She'd buy every single one.

Her mood plummeted again when the double doors at the very end of the hall opened and the Academy chairman came out, flanked on either side with two strict looking administrators.

"Oy~ Cheadle, what's going on out here?" He called out as he made his way down the hall. "I've never heard you laugh so loud that it reached me in the conference hall! I just had to put it on pause to see." Cheadle grumbled, not really up to the chairman's antics after that morning and the workload he poured on her that he seemed to have specifically saved up to dump on her for the 1st day of school. She had just opened her mouth to speak when Gon was bounding out the office door with his arms outstretched seemingly pleased with the picture that was taken. Just as the chairman was passing that 3rd door on the left.

"My ID, I'm a real, for real-!" Gon had been shouting out when he bumped into the most important person in the whole school.

"Ah-! Hey!" The administrators shouted out. "Who's this unruly child?!"

Zushi, still inside the room, looked at who Gon bumped into and realization dawned on his face. He held out his hands as if to contain the situation that happened.

"Ah! Chairman! I'm so sorry, he wasn't- we were just-!"

"Hey! Netero! Hi, long time no see!"

Gon, who was bumped stumbling nearly to the ground, had just gotten his bearings back and turned around only to yell that out, effectively freezing the scene for a brief moment like a video buffering. At processing what was just said, the administrators were the first to react, Netero having just started to recover himself.

"Hey, show some respect, you could have hurt the chairman!"

"How dare you call him like that!"

"G-Gon!" Zushi cried out, fearful for both their careers here at the Academy. "That's- that's-!" Everyone was cut off once again by a deep bellowing, absolutely amused laughter. A confused Gon, looking around at everyone as they bombarded him with yells, finally seemed to have become relieved at the man's laughter, a smile on his face.

"Hey, Gon, it's been a while." Netero smiled, raising an open palm in greeting. Everyone witnessing, including Cheadle, was confused like those stumbling into an inside joke.

"W-wait! Chairman, are you hurt?" One of the administrators said at his arms.

"What? Do I look hurt? Am I really considered that old that a simple bump will injure me now?" He snapped, irate.

"B-but, he had no respect for-"

"Ya, suspension for an attempt on your-"

"What?! You two sound ridiculous, it was an accident and I'll forgive it as one. After all, this is an old friend."

"HUHH?!" Every let out, including Cheadle from her seat, while Gon just sheepishly rubbed at the back of his neck.

"I'm not that old of a friend. We met this past summer!" Gon chuckled.

"Yes, but it has been a while. How have you been, Gon, settling in ok?" Netero asked, stroking his long ashen beard.

"Yep! I just got my ID picture taken, what do you think?" Gon asked, presenting the face of the plate to the man where a little square of Gon smiling earnestly could be seen. Netero blinked at the photo.

"Hmmm… nice, very… 'public school'. Y'know, most academy students take their ID photo as though it were a headshot for a music company interview, but your way is nice too." Gon took a beat to process this then pulled the small plate to his chest.

"AH!? Oh no, I totally could've posed and smiled way better if I took it like that." Gon muttered. Netero gave a chuckle along with Zushi when a chiming noise came over the speakers in a melodic tune.

"Huh? What's that?" Gon asked, unaware of a half panicked Zushi beside him trying to pull out his phone and check the time.

"Oh, man, we're gonna be late!" Zushi cried. He bowed to Netero politely, "Thank you for letting us go with a warning, sorry for bothering you again!" He let his head up and grabbed Gon's forearm and slipped his schedule out of his hand, starting to drag him away. "We don't even know where your first period is!"

"Ah, right! Bye Netero!" Gon called back at him with affection.

"Right! Drop by anytime, young man, I'll be here… bored… probably in a meeting…" Netero began muttering to himself as Gon got farther away and out of earshot.

"S-sir, you met him this summer…?" Cheadle asked, slightly confused, but realization slowly dawned on her. "You told him to apply didn't you? And accepted him without an audition, didn't you? Why? It'll only make the others angry at the unfair treatment."

"Oh, who cares what the other's think? You know, they're half the reason I did it. These students are all high and mighty and think they are above all else and think all they have to have to succeed in life is an exceptional talent. Well, that kid's got talent if I've ever seen it. Maybe he could teach these kids a thing or two on how to sing from the heart, not the larynx." Netero laughed at his own joke. "Their music will sure sound better."

Cheadle sweat dropped.

"Don't let them hear you talking like that…" She muttered helplessly.


Zushi ran into a classroom with Gon on his heels and the younger boy let out a huge sigh of relief. "Thank goodness we're not late!" Gon let his eyes wander over the classroom to see the dynamics of the class in general.

The door was on the left wall, closest to the front of the classroom, where the whiteboard is. The right of the room was windows from the front to the back wall. The teacher's desk was situated by that wall of windows, closest to the front of the room. On the left wall, next to where the door was, there was a smaller chalk board with the music staff marked out with tape, the board itself weathered from chalk written and erased. There were 3 rows of desks toward the front and in the back of the room stood a sizable area where there's small couches and love seats and bean bag chairs, book cases filled with books and instruments Gon recognized a few of, like a kazoo and metronome. Some of the people in the class were looking over at them and giving them glares, others odd looks for running in and the rest were just indifferently glazed over as they carelessly waited for class to start.

Gon looked down at his schedule to figure out which class he was in again. Music Theory 200? Gon read, and looked at who would be the teacher. A 'Mr. Wing?'

"Hey, Zushi, what's this class about? Do you know the teacher? Is he nice?" Gon asked, putting the schedule in front of the winded boy.

"Huh?" Zushi panted, and looked down at Gon's schedule. "Oh, right! This is Music theory, and it says 200 hundred because it's for second years. This is probably the only class I'll have with you because the other classes I have are in 100s. I was able to enter this class because I showed advance knowledge of the basics, and the teacher is, well, that's my adopted dad!" Zushi admitted.

"Wow! Really?" Gon exclaimed. "To think I'd meet your dad this quick!"

"Yea, I think he'll like you." Zushi mused, sliding a hand through his hair as he finally caught his breath. "Well, where do you want to sit?"

Gon gave another survey of the room, and figured being in the front will give him the best experience for this once in a lifetime privileged opportunity to study at such a prestigious place.

"Let's sit right here." He said, sitting in the front row, almost center. Zushi smiled at his contagious eagerness and sat next to him. Soon after the late bell rang, the teacher came in and Gon's mouth fell slightly open at how someone so professional could look so… unprofessional. He seemed to have let the wind do his hair for him and his shirt was untucked on one side. Not to mention the tall lean man came into class late, causing the students waiting to break out in idle whispers. Gon was barely able to ponder further on this before he noticed the class instantly quieted down and the teacher began talking.

"Hello class, I'm Mr. Wing, welcome to Music Theory. In this class we'll be expanding your understandings of the basics as you have learned it last year in Music Theory 100. Since it is the first day today and you're probably a little rusty from this summer-" At this the class gave scattered chuckles. Gon leaned over and whispered to Zushi.

"What's so funny?"

"Well, the school prides themselves on working on their careers even when not in school. No one would really be rusty on their basics."

"Oh."

"-As I was saying, to take it easy for the first class, we'll just do review of Music Theory 100. I'll pass out these worksheets, and you guys can work in groups to get them done for the first half of the class, it'll be turned in for a grade so do take this seriously. I'll let you all know when your time is up."

Gon nodded seriously. "Great! Zushi!" Gon called and Zushi nodded already knowing what he was going to ask. The scooted their desks to face each other then Gon looked over at the teacher who already started moving around the room to pass out worksheets to everyone before facing Zushi again. The rest of the class had also began their own idle talking of what they did during the summer.

"So that's your dad?" Gon asked, and Zushi seemed to blush a little.

"Yea. He seems a bit messy, and I try to fix him up before we leave every day, but he seems to fuss with his clothes out of nerves or something. I don't know how he does it. But don't worry, he's really good at teaching the basics in music, even advance things! Just ask him anything and he'll know it!" Zushi said, his voice morphing into one of pride at the end. Gon smiled warmly at his friend.

"I'm happy you like your new dad! Do you know what happened to your other parents?" Gon asked, before putting a hand up to his mouth, realizing his insensitively.. "Oh, er, unless you-" Gon tried.

"No, it's fine. I only vaguely remember them, but Wing said they gave me up because they didn't have enough to take care of me. That they only wanted what was best for me and they gave me up so I can have better than what they could give me." Zushi said with slight melancholy, but then he looked up happily. "I should remember that they really do love me."

"That's what I tell him everyday." Wing said, suddenly behind Gon, worksheets in hand. "Are you Zushi's new friend? He normally doesn't share that information with anyone."

"Ah! Hello, yes, we met this morning. I'm Gon." Gon said, doing half a bow from his seat, giving his respects to the black haired teacher.

"Wing! Yea, Gon is really amazing, I wanted you to meet him, I think you'll like him." Zushi said, motioning for Gon to completely face the teacher.

"Really? Well hello Gon, I'm Wing, your teacher, and as you've probably heard, Zushi's dad." Gon gave an open mouth smile, ready to say something when Wing's eyes narrowed almost threateningly at Gon, and his smile fell slightly. "I can't imagine you have something to say about that, right?"

Zushi suppressed an eye roll but he knew better than to try and say something. Zushi knew his dad was just trying to see if Gon was like everyone else at this uppity school who complains and assumes Zushi was only allowed here because his dad works there, and not because of the work they put in. If only they knew how hard Zushi really did work to be allowed in the school. Zushi knew his dad was testing Gon but he didn't have to worry, Gon wasn't like everyone else. Zushi felt happy next to the welcomed warmth that was Gon. He was planning on sticking around. He just had to wait to see what Gon would say to his father to soothe his doubts.

"Oh! I do have something to say about that!" Gon said, his smile returning with vigor. "I think that's amazing! According to Zushi, because he has you as a dad, he has a fantastic understandings of the basics! I don't even know what's considered the basics because I'm self taught! I can't wait to learn as much from you!" Gon said, throwing his hand out for a handshake with his head slightly lowered as proper for japanese upon meeting respectable characters. Wing blinked then gave an easy smile.

"That's very nice Gon. I'm happy you could have befriended my Zushi, I was worried he was getting lonely." He said, returning the handshake. Gon lifted his head revealing a slight frown.

"Yea…" Gon won't let Zushi be lonely again. He was a nice person, people shouldn't be mean to him just because they're jealous.

Those around them began talking, murmuring among themselves on the new kid.

"Why is he hanging around Zushi?"

"Who is he anyway, I didn't see him last year, did he enter as second year?"

"He's either really good, or a cheater like Zushi, he must know someone upstairs…"

"We'll find out when the singing assignments start coming in…"

"Alright," Wing said, counting off paper, "I'll leave you two to it now. Make sure to get good marks, especially with my Zushi helping you." Wing winked, and Zushi blushed.

"Right." Zushi said, embarrassed, but determined.

"Mh, let's get started!" Gon said, twirling a pen in his hand before setting down on the paper. Class carried on like this, with idle chatter that wasn't disruptive and Gon and Zushi getting to know each other better when the door to the classroom opened. Gon turned his head with most of the class as they quieted down, looking over as well out of curiosity. Porcelain skin and silver locks glided in the room. Gon's breath caught in his throat as he took in the icy gaze that didn't even grant the class an uncaring glance. He watched as the white haired teen moved with a weird grace and fluidity towards Wing, who had stood up from his desk once he came in. He was wearing a mint and blue plaid open front button up shirt over a plain white tee and jeans, and dark silver headphones hung around his neck with a symbol of a screeching cat head on the hull of those large housings. Something about the way he walked seemed familiar to Gon, but it definitely wasn't how most people normally walked, it was distinctive, composed, almost arrogant, as the one thing he could pick out immediately was that he held his chin up higher than most.

This guy was gorgeous though.

"Wow, lucky! I thought we didn't have a class with him!"

"Oh, my friends will be so jealous to know we have a class with a Zoldyck!"

People began to ease back into their conversations, although it seemed to revolve around this new arrival. Gon could pick up bits and pieces of their murmurs while he stared at the white haired teen speak to Wing... Although it looked like Wing was trying to scold him in a one sided conversation.

"...on... ? Gon!" He finally snapped out of his revere to look at Zushi who seemed to have been trying to get his attention for a while.

"Who's that?" Gon asked without skipping a beat, and took that opportunity to look back at the teen, as if he was scared if he looked away too long he'd disappear like a dream he was having.

"Oh, you really don't know? That's Killua, one of the Zoldycks." Zushi said as Gon stared at how the light coming in from the windows lit up his fair skin and made his eyes seem like they were sparkling. But maybe Gon could see a… sadness in there?

"The Zoldycks are alumni of the school and they've sent their children here. They're all musically gifted and classically trained, they're basically celebrities already to the school."

"Celebrities?" He dazed off in thought, remembering the group that morning with those people he thought was crowding a celebrity but was crowding around someone named… Illumi? "Like Illumi...?"

But the thought didn't last, fading out in a fog over his mind as Gon watched Killua nod noncommittally at something Wing said and his fluffy hair bounced with the movement. Gon felt a chuckle climb up his throat at such a cute feature of the boy. He wondered how soft his hair really was if it looked this fluffy from afar.

"Right," Zushi nodded, answering the question Gon already forgot about. "They all have something they specialize in but they have general knowledge of everything. I heard it's because they go through hellish training by their parents, but they don't really say how they train outside of school. Everyone always wants to partner up with any of the Zoldycks because it means a guaranteed A. You know… if they'll work with you." Zushi finished.

"Wow… so he's really talented…!" Gon sighed out, seeing him in a new light. His thoughts turned to his World Star dad and wondered if Killua had the talent to be a World Star like him already at this stage. If he did, Gon definitely wanted to try and learn from him, become friends, and have lots of fun together while they're still in school. He felt like they would be great friends.

"Hold on, Zushi!" Gon cheered out as he jumped out of his seat.

"G-Gon, where are you going?!" Zushi asked. He reached for an arm to try and catch Gon to stop him in his tracks, but he whiffed and missed his chance. Gon continued his beeline for Killua. "Gon, no!" He strained out. The others in the class began looking over in curiosity.

"What is he doing?"

"No way… for real?"

"He's heading straight to Killua!"

"He must be new!"

These murmurs built up as Gon got closer, and Wing finally noticed Gon and stopped talking in surprise. He barely had time to open his mouth to question him when Gon reached them and stuck out his hand to Killua.

"Hi! I'm Gon!" Gon said in the quiet of the classroom, as everyone waited in anticipation and curiosity of what Killua would say. Killua was still facing Wing when Gon had stuck his hand out, so first he lazily looked down at the hand before trailing his cat like eyes up to Gon's round wide ones. Gon felt goosebumps wash over his body briefly when his eyes locked on those deep hues, his stare seemed intense and judgmental. It didn't scare him, it only made him excited.

"What do you want?" He breathed out in a deep silky voice. Behind Gon, he could hear people let out dreamy sighs. Gon couldn't blame them. Just from hearing his voice, Gon could already gather his singing voice must be beautiful.

"Let's be friends!" Gon said, finding his voice again.

-o0o0o0o0o-

"Let's be friends!" Killua's eyes widened slightly before a frown formed on his lips. Killua had to admit he was surprised when this kid came up to him. If he remembered correctly (and he does), this is the same kid that was in front of the school this morning, making that giant scene. It was quite amusing to watch, especially rare to see in this dumb school, where it seems none of these people know how to get that stick out their rears.

Killua could pick up that this guy had a pair of vocals on him, his speaking voice reverberated in his chest in a pleasing rumble. He could tell, on stage, this guy could be plenty loud without a mic. Killua thought he might be fun… if only he didn't know this guy won't last a week. Killua saw it in his eyes when he finally met his gaze, he was too honest and wasn't disciplined enough. Killua didn't know who this guy's (Gon's?) examiner was when he auditioned for the school but he didn't know why he let him in when he doesn't seem to meet 3 out of 10 of the minimum requirements of 1st years.

This school was going to chew him up and spit him out soon, so he won't waste his time with him.

"No." He let out then faced Wing once more. Killua vaguely registered that Gon's hands fell down to his side, disheartened. "Ok, so do I need to do this sheet or what?" Wing sighed and shook his head.

"Just please try not to be late to my class anymore. Take this seriously. We'll be starting up some material soon." Killua nodded and turned to head to the back when he almost bumped into that Gon kid.

"W-wha-!" He sputtered out. "You're still here?" He asked. Gon blinked as though realizing that himself. He chuckled, his eyes closing with the action.

"Sorry! I guess I was kinda…" He trailed off. Gon didn't want to admit he was staring.

"Whatever. Move." Killua scoffed, the harsh air coming out in a chiming tone. It made Gon think any noise coming out of him will be musically pleasing to listen to. Even just his voice, Gon wouldn't mind listening to all day. Killua moved past him and headed to the leisure area that was set up in the back, heads rotating to follow his movement and he let himself down on a beanbag in an easy twirl. His charisma and charm attracted Gon, and even though he was being a little mean, it didn't deter Gon. Killua just looked even cooler to him and he couldn't wait until they could be actual friends and maybe sing together.

"Back to work, Gon." Wing mumbled behind him before he sat back down at his desk. Gon blinked as he remembered Zushi and he rushed over.

"Wow, that guy is so cool!" Gon gushed as he plowed back into his seat. "Did you hear his voice? It sounded amazing, do you think his singing is better? Have you heard it since, you know, you were here last year?"

Zushi blinked, and then chuckled easily at his rambling friend.

"Right, I didn't tell you. It seems his brothers are willing to sing with others and you know, participate in class, but not Killua. Since I've been here, I haven't heard Killua sing once unless it was at a Zoldyck sponsored concert. He won't even sing the scales! I hear he's really particular about who he sings with or for." Zushi said. Gon nodded.

"Do you know his standards?" Gon asked and Zushi blinked before looking up in thought.

"Mh… no. He never really sang with anyone so we don't have a feel for the type and the only person he's ever asked to sing with him doesn't go here anymore. Graduated."

"Huh? Who's that?" Gon asked.

"Canary." Zushi nodded.

"Canary! Wow, I love her, I have a bunch of her albums, wait- she went here?! Wow, I really will be on my way to become a World Star from here! So, did they ever sing together?"

"No, she ended up saying no, and he haven't asked anyone else yet."

"Wow…" Gon hummed to himself, looking to the back of the room to see Killua had pulled one of the books off the shelf and began reading, a soft distracted smile gracing his features. Gon was staring again, wondering what he was thinking about when he suddenly turned back to Zushi.

"Ne, let's go do our worksheet with Killua!" Gon said. Zushi blinked out of shock then finally responded with a, "Huh?!" Gon nodded vigorously, excited to talk with the talented boy again. He really wanted to just listen to him talk all day, get him to sing if he could.

"Yea, let's go!" He gushed, trying to get Zushi's hand to bring him over. But Zushi waved his hands around to avoid it getting caught in Gon's grip.

"Gon, I'm not sure if you were listening!" He finally reached out and grabbed Gon's hands himself to still the excited asian. "He is super talented with crazy training from his family. The Zoldycks can ace every class without trying. The teachers know this and don't try to force them to do anything they don't want to. They'll participate as they see fit. If Killua's not doing the worksheet, he doesn't want to and won't." Zushi explained while Gon listened patiently. Gon nodded slowly once all the information was given, then his nodding slowly increased in speed as he seemed to conclude to something.

"Alright, so then let's just ask Killua to help us complete it! He doesn't have to do one himself!" Gon smiled widely and got one hand free to grab both his and Zushi's worksheet before keeping his grip on Zushi's hand and dragging him over to the back.

"G-gon, please-!" He said, his face red from embarrassment as the class looked over at the two idiots trying to befriend the loner. Wing had half risen from his seat, seeming like he wanted to say something, but he did tell them they could work in groups. Killua still hadn't acknowledged them yet since he's used to people not bothering him, or even acknowledging him.

"Killuuuaaa!" Gon sang out, and Killua stiffened at the sound, Gon's deep note again reverberating in his chest cavity in a pleasing way, annoying him. It was rare he found anything aesthetically pleasing as a product of the school. Getting over his shock, he put on a scowl and turned his head to look over his shoulder to see exactly who he knew it'd be making his way over with a smaller kid in tow.

"Oy, kid, I already told you I don't want to be your friend. I know you only want whatever good grades I can get you." He complained. Gon stopped in his tracks, Zushi finally able to right himself and get his hand back, and Gon looked down at the two worksheets in his hands. He seemed conflicted with something so Killua raised a silver eyebrow at the kid behind him. Zushi just chuckled nervously and shrugged his shoulders, then made a gesture that seemed like he wanted to apologize for Gon and then tried to get his hand. As he reached for Gon's hand, Gon noticed and instead quickly slipped the sheets in Zushi's hands then jumped to sit in a bean bag across from Killua.

"What are you reading about? You looked like you were enjoying yourself." Gon asked, placing a hand on his chin. Killua took a beat to process what happened and what he said when a faint blush settled over his features.

"W-what the heck? You were staring at me, you creep?" He asked, slamming the book closed and placing it on the ground next to him.

"Well… I didn't mean to. I was curious as to what you were doing because you weren't doing the worksheet, and you were smiling and you looked so pretty and I was wond-"

"Wh-what the hell! Why are you saying something so embarrassing-! I'm not pretty!" Killua bit out, his blush deepening. He seemed to catch himself then glared at the teen. "I already told you I won't be friends with you, so stop talking to me!" He cried. Gon pouted and Killua looked back in shock. What was he, 12? This was nothing to pout over, this was high school, this was real life, the real world, he should just- he can't just put on that face- "Stop pouting!" Killua snapped. Gon sucked in his bottom lip in surprise like he didn't know he was pouting.

"Why don't you want to be friends? I don't want to use you for the good grades, but sometimes, it'd be nice to have friends help you when you're struggling with things in school. I think that's the best things about friends, besides just hanging out and having fun." Killua scoffed.

"Ha, if you think you're going to have fun at this school, forget a week, you won't last three days here." Killua smirked. Gon blinked back at him.

"Well… yea, I will have fun, are you not?" Gon seemed genuinely concerned and Killua just had to extensively observe this guy who seemed thick in the head.

"Are you ok?" He asked slowly, carefully bringing his hand to try and check Gon for a fever. Gon laughed and was bringing his head forward to let Killua check, but then Killua seemed to remember where he was and placed his hands back at his side.

"What the heck man, what's with you, you were just going to let me check if you were insane? Where'd you even come from? I don't remember you from last year." Killua snapped, crossing his arms over his chest. Gon pulled his head when Killua retracted, but his eyes roamed up to the roof in thought.

"Well, I guess... If you checked if I was crazy and you saw that I wasn't, you'd feel better, I suppose? Anything to ease your mind!" Gon chuckled good naturedly. "And, yea, this is my first year here! I got in as a second year." Killua blinked at him.

"No way… really? You must be really good." Killua's mouth began twitching up in a smile. "Let me hear you. Let's see, sing what you sang for the audition." Man, this guy seems really interesting, a real hoot. Killua thought as he waited for whatever was next to come out of his mouth. Gon seemed to think about it.

"Hmmm… only if you sing for me too!" He stated, raising a finger. Killua blinked then rolled his eyes, settling back in his beanbag. Of course, this again. He thought, picking up the book at his side and opening it. Meanwhile, Gon was freaking out as he could visibly see Killua close off from him again. What did he do wrong? He was enjoying talking with him so much! His eyes seemed to finally get some of that sadness out and his voice danced with amusement and his smile looked best on him, and now he wasn't smiling anymore, and Gon did that? He just wanted to hear him sing, using that beautiful voice. That's what they were at school for right? To sing?

"Haha, hey, Killua, I was kidding?" He said, although it seemed more like a question, and nudged at his knee. Killua curiously looked up at him once more, his cat eyes lazily meeting his eyes, as though it was when Gon first introduced himself. Aw man, progress was completely reset?

"Um, so what are you reading? You looked pretty happy to be reading it." Gon asked, and Killua's eyes left him, making Gon feel like an ignored pet. Killua's eyes went to Zushi's who froze up at the sudden intense gaze on him. Gon gave a quick glance back and seemed to remember he was there.

"Oh! Killua, Zushi, Zushi, Killua!" Gon introduced, waving his hands back and forth. Killua rolled his eyes.

"So, what, you wanna be friends too?" Killua asked and Zushi shifted nervously.

"Er… you're really cool." He admitted and Killua's eyes brightened up again like it was before during his talk with Gon even though an embarrassed blush fell over his cheeks.

"Who are you guys, the embarrassment brigade? Don't you see everyone else?" He swung his finger out at the class, "Don't you see they're all leaving me alone and being normal? Take a hint!" He bit out, waving his hands as though that would drive them away like stray animals. Gon sighed, and was about to say something when Wing stood at the front of the class to bring attention back to him.

"Alright class, I think it's about time to start some lecture, start turning in your worksheets." He addressed, looking over at the leisure area curiously, but then focused his attention on those passing the paper's to him.

"Ah! Oh no, Gon, we didn't even get halfway through, we're going to get a bad grade on our first assignment, we're gonna start the new year off labeled as ne'er do wells, and I'm gonna disappoint my dad!" Zushi freaked, latching onto Gon's arm.

"Oh no! I'm gonna be labeled as a ne'er do well?! But I wanted to try so hard for this opportunity that was so nice! I don't- I don't- I don't-!" Gon sputtered, as the two freaked out and Killua just stared at them, again believing they were crazy.

"OH Shut up and gimme the papers!" Killua growled out, fishing out a pencil from his pocket.

"Huh?" Gon croaked out, looking over dumbly as Zushi quickly passed it over with tears in his eyes. Killua's sharp eyes scanned the questions quickly before jotting down the answers in the space provided, all the while muttering under his breath.

"These idiots, didn't even do their work before coming over and bothering me, these questions are freaking easy and now I have to do two of them in 20 seconds," He glared up with fire in his eyes, directing it at Gon, "Geez, it's only 20 questions, what's wrong with you, do your work next time if you don't want to be labeled as a dipstick the first day of class!" He scolded, and went back to the sheet, continuing his muttering. Gon's mind slowly rebooted and realized what was happening.

"Killua… are you helping us?" He asked. He received an annoyed growl in response. Gon let a small relieved chuckled leave his lips, he was so happy. This meant Killua thought of them as friends in some kind of way, and they won't fail, although he felt kinda bad about cheating to do it though. A moment later, the papers were shoved into Gon's chest although Killua wasn't looking at him.

"Thank you! So much." Zushi cried, hopping up to pass their papers up. Gon stayed behind and studied the profile of Killua's face as it was turned away in a huff.

"You… helped us. We're friends now!" Gon cheered and Killua met his eyes with an incredulous look.

"What, no we're not! You just looked so pitiful, you two were so panicked you couldn't think straight where if you just looked at the thing, you'd see it was, like, the most easy questions in the universe. You just, just leave me alone." Killua crossed his arms again, a blush on his usually fair skin. I don't even really know why I helped… Killua thought, wondering why he did what he did. Now this guy's got the wrong idea of why he did. Gon wanted to say something else when Wing called from the front, "Gon, come now, class is starting. Leave Killua alone." He said. Killua sighed out, finally feeling like he could be left at peace. Gon pouted and stood.

"Ok, well, I'll meet you after class, and we can talk more then!" Gon stated and went to go sit next to Zushi. Killua's breath caught in his throat in annoyance. Annoying. He thought bitterly. He'll have to avoid him so he can get the message. He eased his wireless headphones onto his head and pulled out his phone to shuffle his music. The deep soothing bass came out and reverberated through his body and Killua couldn't help but notice that it was familiar to a way a certain boy- Killua's finger pushed the next button faster than he could register. Piano came on and he put his phone down.

Don't think about it.

Wing began his lesson, talking about famous World Stars and stars that graduated from the school, and began listing their styles and brand and the theory of how they could develop their own style and brand, called Hatsu at their academy. But Gon could barely pay attention, he was too busy thinking about Killua and what happened.

He closed off once Gon asked him to sing, which was unusual to him. If someone is studying to become a World Star in the singing business, shouldn't it be because they love to sing? Gon loves to sing, and he does it as often as he can, often mumbling, humming or straight up singing to himself when idle. Why would Killua not like singing, as Zushi said. There must be a reason. He peaked over his shoulder to see Killua sprawled out on the beanbag, his whole body lax as though he were sleeping or dead.

A good habit for a healthy voice.

Gon turned back forward, eyebrows furrowed. Killua was really confusing, doing things that were obviously to promote good singing, when apparently he doesn't like to sing? Oh well, he'll just have to ask him after class when he meets up with him. What seemed like way too long of a time later, the bell rang to signal class was over.

"We'll talk about assignments Thursday!" Wing announced to the students packing away. Gon stood up, packing away his things as well when Zushi entered his line of sight.

"Well, this was really fun Gon! No one but you would try to talk to Killua but I'm really glad we got to do it. He's actually really cool and his voice is really as pretty as they say..." He chirped, then began playing with the hem of his shirt. "I won't see you in my other classes, but maybe we can meet up for lunch?" He said, peaking up with his head inclined towards Gon. Gon smiled warmly that made Zushi light up knowing what his answer was already.

"Of course! Where can we meet up?" He asked. Zushi's mouth formed an 'o' and he shuffled through his bookbag side pocket for a pen before writing on Gon's hand a '597'.

"That's my locker number. We can meet there. It's pretty close to the cafeteria, so it's not out of the way. And if you're wondering where your locker is, it's on your schedule." Zushi chuckled, already anticipating the question. Gon smiled warmly again.

"Thanks, Zushi." He looked down at his hand then, with urgency, he glanced at the back of the room.

"Aaah~ Killua's gone! Well, I've got to find my next class. See you at lunch, Zushi!" Gon said, having started running in place at seeing Killua gone. He moved to action with the end of his sentence and jogged out the room, looking left and right.

"Bye!" Zushi called.

Gon tried to give an extra bounce in his step to look over the heads of the teens in the halls to spot the unique silver tuff of hair Gon probably memorized. Not locating it, he started to actually jump up and down for any sign, and after the 5th jump, he stopped, a pout on his features.

He felt kinda bad Killua didn't wait for him, but he supposed it was ok. Killua was still warming up to him. Instead, he looked down at his schedule and found the number for his next class. He walked along the halls, trying to get a feel for the number arrangements of the classrooms. He was able to find his way to a room that was apart of the building which held the school's auditorium. He looked at what class it was again.

Vocal Training 250.

Gon began getting excited again. This was good, he needed to work on his vocals. His voice wasn't bad, but it held a husky element to it that didn't sound as smooth as he's like. Training his voice will definitely refine his voice to sound better.

He opened the door to the room and gave a sweep of the students that were inside. He saw big people, small people, people with weird outfits and others with fashionable outfits. There were desks but they were along the wall, curved slightly to face the board. There was a lane down the middle of the desks leading to the back of the classroom, which were left open and free. The very back had a similar leisure area as Wing's class. And in the back kneeling in front of the bookshelf and playing with the metronome situated there was…

"Killuaaa!" Gon cried out happily, running over. Killua tensed up, hearing the call over the music in his ears, and he barely had the time to look over his shoulder when Gon collided with his body, knocking them both over in a hug.

"G-Gon! What?!" Killua asked, bewildered. "Get off me!" Killua cried, shoving him off, and Gon rolled off and sat up next to him. Killua sat up and was met by everyone in the class staring at them in awe. Killua… had a friend?!

"What?!" He snapped, daring them to say something. They turned back around, pretending like they didn't see anything. Killua snapped that intense gaze on Gon, and when his eyes hit him, Gon again got that wave of excitement from the eye contact.

"And you! Why did you jump me like that? I have such a thing as personal space y'know. Hugging me out of nowhere is considered rude in some cultures." Killua scolded, brushing at his shirt, before tugging down his headphones and pulling out his phone to pause his music.

"Sorry! When I saw you again I got so excited, I couldn't contain myself!" Gon answered, placing a sheepish hand behind his neck, his eyes closed in the action, and his tongue shot out apologetically.

Killua rolled his eyes, collecting his legs closer to cross them more comfortably. Gon noted again how the way Killua composed himself was different than how others would when sitting criss crossed on the floor. He seemed more graceful the way he held himself, but he still didn't know what it was.

"I thought I told you to leave me alone?" He asked, an eyebrow arched elegantly. But Gon could see in his eyes, amusement was held there, there was no actual defensiveness… yet.

"I know, but…" Gon had to approach this carefully or he'd close off again. "I wanted to know why you don't like to sing." Well, there's no better way than the straight one anyway. Can't avoid it, and Gon's never been good at beating around the bush to get an answer. And as expected, the deep sea of Killua's eyes turned icy and shallow, revealing nothing. He rolled his eyes, letting his gaze fall on the front of the room.

"Cause I don't wanna. Does there really need to be a reason?" He stated. Gon pouted which Killua saw from his peripheral vision, but he refused to peak at him through the corner of his eyes. He still remembers what happened the last time he saw this kid's pout, he ended up doing his work.

"But, but-" The teacher walked in just then, his long white hair topped with a blue bandit cap ghosting over his eyes. He wore a turtleneck and dress pants, showing off his tall and lean body, and Gon recognized him, distracting him enough from Killua.

"Y-you're Kite!" Gon gasped, giving the man a point just as he closed the door behind him. Kite turned to look at the teen at the back, and the rest of the class followed suit to make him the center of attention. Kite gave a small chuckle.

"That's right, how'd you figure?" He asked with a small smile. Gon looked at everyone looking at him and flushed a little, but he was rather used to people suddenly giving him the floor as he tended to say rather abrupt and weird things, and commonly in silence. Plus, he was a performer! He thrived in the spotlight.

Gon gave a chuckle himself before pointing at him. "I've seen you on the cover of the albums we have back at home. Smooth jazz instrumentals, and they're really good. My aunt Mito-san use to play them for me before I went to sleep." Gon explained. Kite looked impressed while the others in the room began murmuring to themselves.

"No way, Kite-sama's albums are expensive!"

"I doubt he has alot of them!"

"How'd he get the albums...?"

"He probably just wanted to show off that he did his research before coming to Kite's class…" Kite began clapping to get their attention back.

"That's enough everyone." He called out. "That's impressive, Gon, not everyone can get into instrumentals, especially jazz. But know after today, I expect my students to be in their desks at the start of class…" He said pointedly, raising an eyebrow. Gon gave a start and did see everyone else was in chairs, but then again that's how it was in Wing's class too. Oh well, he supposed no one else really goes to the back except Killua, so while he was just trying to hang out with someone outside his league, he should realize he doesn't have the same exemptions as him.

"Right… sorry!" Gon chuckled and turned to where he last saw his silver haired friend. "C'mon Killua, you can sit next to…" He trialed off once he saw the musically inclined boy was no longer next to him, but in a seat closest to the back. The seat next to him already taken too. He pouted, then realized Killua didn't get in trouble for being in the back either. So even Killua knows not to be in the back of the class before class starts. Gon jumped and pointed an accusing finger at the male, causing Killua to hide his snickering behind his hand.

"Oh! You sneaky-!"

"Whaaat?" Killua drawled out with a smirk on his face, causing some others in the class to sigh at hearing his silk voice used in a near-singing manner. Gon huffed but then looked around for another seat. He saw a couple free, but there was one near the front, and Gon was determined to be in the front of every class to be the best student in the room. If he stayed in the back with Killua, he's be easily distracted and probably get nothing done. He didn't want to squander this opportunity. He bounded up to the front, the other students watching him move and Gon soaked it up, finishing with slipping in his seat with a flourish, both hands under his chin beaming up at Kite.

Kite regarded him a brief second more, wondering if this guy was going to be a problem but then decided to move on.

"Alright, so welcome to Vocal training. You can consider this 'classroom number one' as we'll be using the auditorium in this building almost as often. We'll meet in here everyday, so don't worry about knowing which day we're suppose to be in the auditorium. In this class, we'll be learning techniques for loosening up the vocal chords before a performance and techniques to practice and train your vocal chords in tip top shape. Now of course before we can begin making voices come out of our mouths, we need to learn proper body stance for singing. Everyone up and next to your desks."

Gon bounded up first, excited to start, and he looked behind him. He saw even Killua was standing. Gon tried to wave, but Killua's eyes breezed over him before seeming to pointedly stare fixedly away to the front of the room.

"Alright. Proper standing singing position," Kite said, shaking out his limbs, some students copying. "You should be relaxed. You should raise your chin slightly, allowing your throat to be straight for maximum airflow. Shoulders back to align your spine, feet apart parallel to your shoulders, and your weight should be distributed on either foot. This is the proper singing position while standing. Everyone try to get it right, I'll tell you once everyone's got it down." He said, sweeping his eyes over the class.

Gon raised his chin and shifted his body to have as Kite did, but as he looked at Kite and looked at the others around him, he began to think everyone was looking familiar. The positions everyone was striking seemed to Gon like he'd seen it before, somewhere on someone… very recently… His eyes widened and he looked back at Killua.

That's right! Gon remembered when Killua first walked in to Wing's class, he looked like he walked differently than everyone else in a much more composed manner. His chin raised slightly making him look arrogant or haughty. His shoulders back and his weight distributed on either foot gave him that fluid graceful movement when he walked. And knowing that, Gon thought back to when they were sitting down on the floor in the back and Killua seemed to have been composing himself strangely again, Gon could bet he had his shoulders back and spine straight again. A proper singing position. Killua's always in it, as though always prepared to start singing at a moment's notice, and it was natural to him, like second nature for him to compose himself like that.

At that moment, Gon's eyes sparkled with admiration, and his heart began to beat faster again out of excitement. Killua was really amazing! He must have worked really hard to get that position into his essence like that. Gon now thinks Killua lies when he says he doesn't like to sing, and he'll get to the bottom of it.

-o0o0o0o0o-

Killua fought down the irrational curiosity to glance over at Gon. He could feel his sparkling gaze from a mile away, it was glaringly bright and he was wondering what exactly he was staring at him for this time. He had to admit, he liked the attention from this dork, it gave him a warm feeling, and for some reason, it was easy to be playful and sassy with him. Killua knew Gon wouldn't hate him for the snarky comments he makes that are suppose to come out as a joke. But this kid was still intent on Killua singing and he wasn't having it. He didn't need friends. Especially not from this school.

Instead, he busied himself with studying the forms of his "peers" and pointing out their faults in his head. His eyes flitted from one to the next as he mentally noted what each did wrong.

Your shoulders are too far back, you'll constrict your airflow like that.

Your chin isn't high enough, you won't be able to have good voice control like that.

Your feet aren't parallel with your shoulders, you'll find yourself trying to keep balance as well as trying to sing, taking away from your quality of singing.

Killua's eyebrows furrowed as his eyes wandered up the body of that last one he noted, noticing that the rest of this guy's form was crap too. Shoulders hunched, chin too far back in thought, wasn't relaxed- Killua's thoughts stopped as his eyes rested on the face. It was Gon. He wasn't gazing at Killua anymore, instead, head up with eyes on the ceiling, seeming to be thinking of something, his mind far from class. Killua's jaw dropped slightly, allowing for a small gap on parted lips.

Seriously? Who is this guy- who let him in here-? He thought, incredulous, but his thoughts screeched to a stop as he saw Kite stop in front of the spacing Gon.

"Chin lower." He commanded, obviously having already made his way around the room correcting others because he seemed fed up with the incompetency and was now physically fixing mistakes. He took Gon's chin in his hand and lowered it to the proper height, and Killua felt himself bristle from the unnecessary contact.

Don't touch him like that! The hostile thought coming to mind before Killua realized what he was thinking. I don't care. He immediately amended and went back to try and pointedly ignore Gon as to keep his sanity. He felt it slowly unraveling since he met the guy. Along with his resolve not to have friends.

As Killua looked away he didn't see the rest of Kite's interaction with Gon.

"Sorry!" Gon chuckled, apologetically then arranged his body so he fell into the position moderately well. Well enough for Kite to nod approvingly.

"Yea… don't daze off anymore." Kite said, giving him a point with a raised hand. Gon nodded. Kite noted Gon did know the position, unlike some others in the class, he just wasn't aware Kite was coming around to see it. Kite peaked at Killua from the corner of his eye. He knew Killua would always be in proper position, even if his mind did wander. Kite would be ecstatic if he could get his class to be like that, so in tune with the proper singing position, it was like second nature. But he knew how much drilling that took, so he would never do that kind of training with his students. He also felt slightly bad for Killua, to have to had lived a childhood that resulted in such discipline. Probably hours on end of staying in that position, and other stuff he couldn't imagine... But, this was still a professional school, and he won't be pulling any breaks for any student. If he was gifted, Kite'll be expecting him to ace the class.

"Ok, everyone got it down well enough, we'll keep practicing that as the school year goes on. Now we'll go into proper singing position while sitting." Kite clapped, calling for attention.

-o0o0o0o0o0o0o-

Well into the class, Gon started to note that these classes were longer than in his old school, and a familiar dull feeling in his stomach told him he was getting hungry. But it was only the second class! Was the schedule different here? He'll have to ask Zushi at lunch. He looked down at his hand to make sure the number Zushi penned onto his hand was still there and smiled to see it was. It didn't matter that much if it rubbed off, Gon already memorized it. It was a useful skill to have a musician, so it was one Gon really wanted to improve when growing up. He'd say it was well above average, and it was a skill he was proud of! Gon blinked when he realized he was dazing off in class again while Kite was still teaching so he shook his a head a bit and dialed back into what Kite was saying.

"So, before class ends, I want to give out an assignment as a sort of pretest for the rest of the year. But it will also be graded as a project grade."

Gon gulped. He really hoped it only had to do with singing and nothing hard like math. He might get a bad grade on something as huge as a project grade! The class seemed to share his sentiment.

"Aww, really!?"

"C'mon, Kite-sama, it's the first day a class, why such a huge assignment?"

"Awwww, fu-"

"Hey!" Kite barked out, silencing the class. "Shut it, before I add more to your assignment. You all should listen to it before complaining, it's actually pretty easy, you're welcome." He intoned, a stern hand on his hip. The class didn't dare to say anything more. "Now, I want you all to partner up. By this time next week, I want the two of you to have a song ready, either original or a cover song, to perform. We'll be in the auditorium and I'll be making note of the performance. I just want to hear your guys' voices so I know what exactly I need to focus on for the majority of the class needs work on. So make sure whatever song you choose, each person in the pair has a solo of at least 8 counts, and that the two of you sing together in a duet for at least an 8 count. This assignment will also help you guys get the feel of how it'll be like in the real world when you have to work with other artists in a compilation because your company orders you too. You'll either click, work well enough, or dispute the whole time, all of which are totally legit situations that could happen in your future careers, so get over it.

"What I'll actually be grading is a report each pair will have to do as well. You need to write what you contributed to the project, what you learned from your partner or what they contributed, and then something you both learned anew, either your likes, how to harmonizes, if the techniques you learned today actually helped, the like. Easy, right?" Kite said, looking down at the roster on his desk situated at the front of room. Even before Kite finished explaining the assignment, people began sending hungry glances back at the Zoldyck in the room, which Killua pointedly ignored. They knew if they could pair up with Killua, they would ace any assignment, and with him as a singing partner for the pretest, they could take it easy for the year. so they eagerly awaited for when Kite said to partner up.

"Er…" Kite said after a beat. "It seems there is an odd number of students, so there will be one group of three. Now, everyo-" Kite started, only to stop as a sole porcelain hand raised up into the air, catching his attention. The students bristles at Kite being interrupted, thus halting their preparations to lunge at the white haired teen. They had hardly noted that the one they all had their sights on was the one that raised his hand.

"Yes, Killua?" Kite said.

"I'm not doing the assignment." He stated simply, allowing his hand to fall back to his side. Kite blinked at him, the rest of the class stilling.

What?

Gon looked back curious as well. What was he doing? Did he really not like singing that much? Kite wasn't having any of that.

"What do you mean you're not doing the assignment? This is a pretest, it's not exactly your choice to make."

"Well, I'm not going to sing up there for everyone, and I'm especially not going to do it with a partner. This isn't a Zoldyck sponsored concert, so I have no obligations to sing." Killua replied back smoothly. Kite's frown deepened and Gon got nervous at the tension increasing in the air. He didn't like where this was going.

"How about this is a school environment, and I'm not going to give you A's just for coming to class and looking pretty." He replied back snarkily. The class's heads turned to the back to see what Killua would reply. He was looking down at his desk in what seemed like thought, however his face didn't betray much emotion.

"Mmmmh…" He hummed. That one sound bouncing around in the cavity of his mouth betrayed the beauty of his voice. That made Gon just want to know how he sounds when he was actually trying to sing. Suddenly Gon wanted Killua to do the assignment just as much as the rest of the class, even if it was just in a solo.

"Well then, it can't be helped… I'll take the failing grade. I'm not doing the assignment. And now you don't have to worry about that odd number anymore." Killua replied coolly, bringing his cat eyes to meet with Kite's in a gaze that seemed to dare him. Kite revealed some teeth in his frown but picked up roster next to him and drew an obvious circle on the paper, what could only be interpreted as a zero for Killua, before placing it back down.

"Fine. Everyone, partner up."

The students let out audible noises of dissatisfaction and began trying to find partner with less vigor than before. However, Gon couldn't focus on that, he was more worried about Killua and his grade. He just accepted a bad grade, and now he'll start the school year marked as a ne'er do well and a delinquent. Gon didn't want that, especially when Killua had just helped Gon in the last class from getting bad grades. As people around him began pairing up with what was obviously their second choice, Gon got up from his seat and moved to the back of the room where Killua sat, reclined with his hands crossed behind his head. He had his eyes closed in rest so he didn't notice the tanned teen make his way over, a determined look on his face. Some people paired up looked over curiously, wondering what he would try to do to the Zoldyck that claimed he wouldn't be participating in the project.

Gon placed his hands firmly on Killua's desk, causing him to jump and open his eyes in surprise before they narrowed in irritation.

"Hey, I thought I said-" He started.

"You can't!" Gon cried, leaning forward, his amber eyes catching the light and making them seem like they were glowing, the intensity catching Killua off guard and causing him to lean back away from Gon. He blinked when he realized he didn't expand on that statement.

"Huh?" He asked dumbly, still in shock.

"You can't take a bad grade! You'll be starting off the school year all wrong." Gon said, his eyes softening so that Killua could see he wasn't really angry, but more concerned than anything. Killua blinked once more, allowing a beat to pass so he could properly process everything. Then he pressed his lips together amused, his eyebrows furrowed from the effort not to laugh. That's what he's thinking about? He's worried about his grades? This guy was too cute, from freaking out in first period for his own grades, then assuming everyone else is as concerned for their grade point average. What kind of honest, simple minded guy was he? He breathed once through his nose to compose himself once more. He had to remind himself he was ignoring Gon..

"You think I'm worried about my grades? I can do more than enough to get them back up." Killua scoffed, crossing his arms and turning towards the window.

"But now Kite will think you're a bad student." Gon cried, his arms on either side of the pale teen in exasperation.

"You think I care about that either? These teachers aren't going to teach me anything I don't already know and they're not gonna be able to help me become a World Star any faster if I suck up to them. If I don't have a reason to sing, I won't." He huffed. Gon's eyes softened even more and Killua shifted in his seat slightly before looking away. Those eyes were too warm and it made Killua feel like he was exposed as Gon freely examined his soul, he couldn't keep contact.

"Do you really hate singing that much?" Gon asked softly and Killua's breath hitched from the question. He wasn't expecting it, but he knew where this was leading to. He scoffed.

"I don't owe you an explanation." He said coldly, still not meeting his eyes. Gon saw the wall again and knew he wouldn't get anything more right now. He sighed and turned around to see most of the class had began to start on their projects already and he now realized he didn't focus on the project first and had to settle for whoever wasn't paired up yet. Well he supposed that wasn't too bad, he loved making friends and the last person needed to be paired would be lonely right now, so he'll happily be their partner. He scanned the room and finally found his future partner.

She was round and plump with dark grey hair that cascaded over her shoulders and a light brown bandanna over her head, tied in the back. She wore large round glasses, a light purple turtleneck sweater and a lime green skirt that flowed all the way down to her ankles, just revealing the front of her black shoes. She sat playing with the cuffs of her sleeves, staring across the room.

Gon smiled warmly and bounded over, not noticing Killua's eyes on his back. Maybe now after this assignment, I can hear this guy sing... maybe get an idea why he got accepted here… Killua thought.

Gon sat next to the girl, seeming to startle her out of her revere.

"Oh!" She gasped out softly, turning her green eyes on the teen who suddenly made himself known.

"Hi, I'm Gon!" He said, sticking out his hand, the girl gingerly taking it while Gon leaned forward to try to follow her line of sight and find what she was looking at. "What were you looking at?" Gon asked. The girl blushed.

"Oh, er nothing… um, My name is Melody." She said, trying to change the topic. Gon looked back at her.

"Really? That's beautiful." Gon said and the girl blushed.

"Oh, no, it's not- I'm not- it's a normal name." Melody said, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear and Gon smiled at her brighter.

"Even if it is, it's a cool name for someone who want to be a musician. I can imagine it now, in the future, people will be like 'Ah, Melody's new melody came out' or something like that! It sounds almost poetic for your name to be Melody and for you to pursue the music industry." Gon complemented, shifting to face her properly. Melody smiled coyly.

"Thank you very much, you're very kind Gon." Melody intoned in a soft voice. "Your name is very unusual. Where does it originate from?" She asked, facing him as well.

"Oh, it's japanese. I was actually born there but I've lived here in America for most of my life." Gon said and Melody let her mouth drop open a smidge.

"Wow, that sounds so intriguing." She said, pushing her glasses up her button nose. "Do you know Japanese?" She asked.

"Well, yes, I didn't have to, but since I was originally from Japan, I wanted to keep up with my heritage, so I asked my aunt Mito to teach me some. Oh, and I also used some online lessons." Gon smiled good naturedly.

"Amazing… I've lived in America my whole life, and I'm pretty sure my family has lived here for generations. I might have England descent in my blood from long ago, but I'm more american than anything." She provided, her eyes closed in thought. She opened her eyes, a faint blush on her nose.

"Oh, I've probably talked too much about myself, you're probably bored already. You probably just want to hurry and finish the project so you don't have to-!"

"What?! Who would say that! We're just getting to know each other and you're so interesting, there's no way you're boring…" Gon said, grabbing her by her shoulders to stop her train of thought. Melody blinked then turned her head to the side, looking back in the direction she was staring at before Gon had joined her.

"Some say…" She admitted, eyes longing. Gon blinked and pressed his cheek to hers as to accurately follow her line of sight. He was just too curious as to what she was looking at and he felt she wouldn't have said herself.

His eyes fell on a another pair of working students, but the one that caught his eyes was this beautiful androgynous blonde student. Gon thought he was almost as beautiful as Killua, with similar cat shaped eyes but deep grey instead of the sharp blue. He was lean and he had a carefree look on his face as he chatted with his partner, exuding elegance and grace just from the way he held himself.

"He hurt you?!" Gon gasped, his cheek still pressed against Melody who was sputtering in shock.

"No-no!" Melody tried to assure, pushing Gon's face off hers. It was completely weird how she could have just met someone and be comfortable with that person touching her as though she's known them her whole life. The friendly way he approached just made her feel as ease. "It's not, he didn't say… well…" She tried, looking back over and Gon followed her trail again. Gon could barely believe someone that pretty could do or say something mean, it almost looks out of character. Gon blinked then looked back at Killua who had his earphones on again, gazing out the window. Actually, maybe.. Being mean was a trait of pretty people?

"It's nothing like that… That guy there, his name is Kurapika. He's really lovely. He plays string instruments mostly and he has a beautiful voice with a wide range." She said, glancing off longingly, a blush on her features. Gon watched her carefully from the corner of his eye while he also studied the man she described. "I've tried to be friends with him since freshman year, but he seems to keep me at arms lengths. He's no Zoldyck…" She said, gesturing to Killua in the back, bringing Gon's attention back to that interesting teen for moment before focusing on the rest of Melody's sentence, "Which, by the way, I think Kurapika sounds better than any of them, but Kurapika is selective about who he sings with, like the Zoldycks. But lower standards I suppose. Although it seems I don't meet his standards, so I've never been able to sing with him." Gon smiled softly. She had a crush on him.

"If you never had a chance to sing with him, why don't you use this assignment? I'm sure if you ask to trade partners, they wouldn't mind." Gon said. Melody looked down sadly at that.

"I already told you, it seems he doesn't see me as someone worthy to sing with! I asked him to be my partner first and he said no…" Gon gasped at that.

"What? He-" Gon's frown was directed in Kurapika's direction, the troubled expression looking unnatural for someone who was usually so bright, and Melody caught it instantly.

"No! Gon, please, it's ok. I understand why he did. I'll feel fine if I can just support him from the background through his career."

"But… why wouldn't he want to sing with you? Even Kite said we'll all have to work with people we don't know in this industry, so he won't know how amazing you are until he works with you!" Gon half whined. Melody just fussed with her nails uncomfortably instead of answering, but in the silence, Gon was able to think and his face lit with an idea.

"Well, I guess we'll have to show Kurapika how wrong he was in not choosing you as a partner or someone who meets his standard!" Gon declared, standing up with hands on his hips. Melody blinked up at him.

"Huh?" She croaked.

"Yea! We'll both ace this pretest performance, and show him you're totally up to his standards!" He cried, pumping his fist. He brought it back down in slight hesitation. "Er… what are his standards again?" Melody blushed from embarrassment.

"I don't know, please Gon, quiet down, you're attracting attention!" She cried, waving her hand in a placating fashion.

"Oh, Melody, that's one of the first things we gotta work on! As a World Star, you've got to learn to love the attention!" Gon cried out happily, taking one of her hands and fake waltzing around their desks. Students' conversations died down as they were distracted by the two dancing. They're conversations kicked back up again with Gon and Melody being the focus. Killua's attention was caught by the sudden movements and an amused smile lit his face as he watched his friend be goofy in class again, soaking in the attention. He barely caught himself when he realized he referred to Gon as his friend.

I-I don't-! He thought to himself, and then furrowed his hand through his hair in frustration, and pointedly looked out the window.

Kurapika looked over at them as well, noting the new student. He regarded him closely, taking in his energy, and let a small smile grace his features.

How interesting. He thought, before turning back to his partner. "Right, so we can meet up Wednesday after school since school will let out early…"

Soon after, the bell rang and Gon wanted to wait for Killua so he could ask him to eat with him. Gon smiled at Melody as he bid her goodbye and she left. They didn't really end up getting a lot of preparing done, as Gon mostly goofed with her to get her to loosen up but he got her number, so they'll get it done eventually! They've got time. Gon then turned around to scan the quickly clearing room for the porcelain boy and he spotted him lugging his bookbag over his shoulder, having just finished packing and zipping it up. Gon was about to call for him when someone beat him to it.

"Killua." Kite said, leaning casually on his desk. Killua's eyes immediately darted to the teacher, no chance of seeing that Gon was waiting for him, and he started making his way towards the teacher. Gon didn't know much about Killua, but he's watched him enough to probably memorize those elegant movements he walks with, and Gon noticed how his composure was just slightly more rigid than before. Was he scared or nervous? Gon's eyebrows furrowed in both nervousness and frustration. That's what Gon was telling him! Why take the bad grade if you didn't want the consequence? But Killua assured him he'd be fine, and watching him stand laxed before Kite, Gon started to think he was imagining the rigid in his movements and decided to believe in Killua.

He'll be fine.

Well, he couldn't wait for Killua when Zushi was waiting for him. Gon didn't know how long Kite would keep Killua and he didn't have Zushi's number to text him that he'd be late. Plus, Gon's sure Killua doesn't even know Gon's waiting on him, so he'll have no reason to try to be brief. He decided to leave him be for that day, and started out the door, glancing once over his shoulder to see Killua lazily blink, leaving Gon on a good mood. He trotted out.

Killua's so cool! He gushed in his head as he rushed for Zushi's locker.


Killua met Kite's darkened gaze, standing before him. Killua already had a feeling of what this talk would be about, and he wasn't exactly thrilled but it wasn't something he couldn't handle. He hoped.

"So you won't be singing for the pretest?" Kite asked. Killua scoffed. He was starting to hate people asking him to sing.

"No." He answered coolly, effectively masking any feelings of irritation.

"Why? I won't have any way to know how to teach you and improve your vocals through training." Kite pressed. Killua successfully suppressed an eyeroll.

"If you want to hear my vocals, get a recording of my audition tape. Or come to one of the family concerts." Killua said, uncaring and ready to leave already. This was eating up his lunch and alone time.

"And what about duet vocals? How am I supposed to know how well you sing with another, how well you work with them, or how you compensate for your partner's faults?" This time, Killua did roll his eyes.

"That's another thing. I only sing duet or group with my family. You want to hear that? Get a concert ticket. And yea, I don't work well with others." Killua offered. "You can try to focus on that for my training, but I can tell you now, I won't improve." Killua said smoothly, sliding his hands that were on his bookbag straps into his pockets. Kite gave him a long stare, and Killua had half a mind to cheekily check his wrist that had no watch to show his impatience.

"Why don't you want to sing with anyone else? They might surprise you."

"Yea, surprise me with how bad they really are. Why should I have to try and suffer to sing with someone who doesn't have to pitch or range to keep up with me, who doesn't even know the difference between a G flat and G sharp? I'm here to gain passage to be a World Star, not for others to ride my coattails into the sunset." Killua replied sassily. Kite suddenly understood his reaction in class but his frown only deepened. Then who would ever be able to sing with you?

"Can I go now?" He asked, now bringing his arms out his pockets to cross over his chest. Kite sighed.

"Just one more thing. You know I'll have to alert your parents of the failing grade?" Kite asked, and Killua tensed up almost imperceivable. That was what he knew was coming.

"Yea, whatever…" He mumbled, finally removing his piercing gaze from Kite to the ground. Kite frowned at that, picking up the change in the boy's aura, where he was just confidently snarky but was now submissively passive.

"... I don't have to give you a zero."

Killua looked up suspiciously at him, but Kite saw in his eyes, his curiosity was drawn.

"I'm not singing for you now either." Killua stated, trying to guess where he was getting at. Kite held up his hands in surrender.

"I know, you're not going to sing, not now, not ever. At least in my class. So, I have a proposal for the pretest. You help me with grading, show your knowledge of the stuff and I give you a 40. I can't just pass you since you're not doing the actual assignment, but it's better than a zero. It'll help you pull up your grade with other assignments."

Killua's eyes roamed up and about, seeming to be throwing the idea around in his head trying to find anything wrong with it.

"Fine." He finally breathed, his hand going to the one strap hanging off his shoulder and made to move when he paused, seeming to remember something and moved back into his original position.

"You're still gonna tell my parents?" He asked, but it sounded more like a statement. Kite sighed, and Killua noted he'll probably be doing that a lot every time he has to deal with him.

"Yea, I have to… Is that ok?" Killua was caught off guard by the question.

"W-what? What kind of dumb question is that, of course it's ok, even if I said it wasn't you just said you have to!" Killua rambled in a stream, as though every word was glued together. He huffed and realized he lost his composure and Kite looked slightly taken aback. Killua took a calming breath and raked a hand through his hair.

"Sorry. Yea, it's fine, they just don't like it when we fail…" He muttered, readying himself mentally for when his parents find out.

"Ok… I'll be sending the email by Wednesday the latest." Kite said. He normally doesn't tell his students when he sends out the emails, but he felt as though Killua needed the heads up. Killua nodded timidly, making him look like he was really a kid. Kite almost forget, he composed himself so maturely.

"Get out of here." Kite said amicably and Killua wasted no time in turning sharply for the door. Kite watched him go, hoping he'll be ok.

I guess the hellish training he went through to get that talented had to come from somewhere…


Zushi brightened up once he saw Gon rushing his way.

"Gon! Over here!" He cried out, happy to see the older male.

"Hey!" Gon said, slowing down by the dark skinned boy. "Let's go, I'm starving!" Gon cried out, grabbing his hand and heading where the others students were marching towards, never really having completely stopped. Zushi laughed.

"Gon, there's no rush!" Zushi giggled out, and Gon stopped only after he opened the doors to what seemed like the cafeteria. It was huge and spacious, table spread out across the large area, far apart enough that people could walk in between comfortable and someone from the next table wouldn't be able to make out the other table's conversation. In intervals along the walls were food counters offering multiple menus, some of them being popular venues who had a branch right there in the school. There weren't long lines for any of them and the atmosphere was very chill.

"We have an hour for lunch." Explained Zushi. "You can even go off campus for lunch if you wanted to. Some classes require you to sing after lunch, and it's not ideal to sing right after you eat, so the school wanted to slot as much time as possible to allow the food not to be a problem." Gon nodded taking in all the information.

"Oh yea, I wanted to ask." Gon said, pulling out his schedule. "It's only after the second period and it's time for lunch, but look, I have 8 classes listed. Plus the first two was pretty long. What's the schedule like?" Gon asked. Zushi began to move foward, looking at the menus around the cafeteria.

"Oh, you didn't know? We have 8 classes altogether, but we have 4 classes a day. The first 4 classes you have listed there are for Mondays and Thursdays. The next four are for Tuesdays and Fridays. On Wednesday, it's a short day and we have academic classes, going through 8 classes that day on a shorter time slot. Our music classes are about an hour and half long, allowing for plenty of time for singing and teaching." Zushi explained.

"Ah… so there's only 2 more classes left… and I don't have the same classes tomorrow… and Wednesday's actual, literal school stuff?!" Gon exclaimed lastly as he processed everything Zushi said. Zushi laughed.

"I'm guessing you're not too good at academia?" He asked. Gon scratched at his head.

"Ahaha, I guess… it's mostly math though." He admitted.

"Ok, so, take your pick, we can eat from any of these counters." Zushi said, waving his hand around the room. Gon let his eyes sweep across the colorful banners and such before looking to his left at the closest one curiously. He saw the menu had prices listed next to the food item names and Gon got a little nervous.

"H-hey, Zushi, why do they have those prices there? They're not for… students, are they?" Gon asked. Zushi blinked back at Gon.

"Gon… this is a private school… we have to pay for our lunches. Wait, Gon, did you not do any research for this school? Why- how- what?" Zushi asked, flabbergasted.

"I don't know anything about this school! I was just told to apply and I got the acceptance letter soon after, I don't have any money, Zushi-!" He cried out before Zushi covered his mouth, concern etched across his feature as he scanned around for anyone who heard him. There were some people sending looks his way, and Zushi knew it'd spread now, that Gon barely had to work to get into a school he barely knew a thing about while there were still people obsessing over every aspect of the school while hoping for a chance to get an audition to enter the school.

Gon wasn't worried about that right now, he was freaking out over the fact that lunch was real actual money and by the looks of the menu he spotted, it's nowhere near cheap. He couldn't afford to buy lunch today, let alone every day. Mito was struggling to keep up with the bills herself and Gon's sporadic concerts sometime accrued more costs than it covered. Zushi finally let go of his mouth and Gon let out a look that could have broken babies' hearts.

"I don't have any money…" Gon whined and Zushi finally brought his attention back to his friend instead of everyone who was around them.

"Ah, Gon-" Zushi started, then just had to chuckle at how pathetic Gon looked when there was a simple solution. "I can pay for you today." He said with an earnest smile. Gon's bright smile lit the room again at the statement.

"Really? Are you sure? I don't want to impose…" He said, but his face told Zushi he was ready to order.

"I'm sure, I have plenty. Being a teacher here pays well and Wing gave me my lunch money this morning." Gon smiled.

"Whoo! Thank you! I promise you won't have to do this often, just for today. I'll be bringing my own food from now on. I have organic and natural stuff anyway that are good for the vocal chords I rather eat anyway." Gon said. "But man, I'll have to make my own bentos… I haven't made any of those in a while, I hope I can still do it well enough." He muttered to himself, moving forward to a simple pizza counter.

"Bento?" Zushi asked, following after him. Gon looked down at the boy at his side.

"Oh, right! You guys probably call them lunch boxes right? Well, it's similar, like a japanese lunch box, but it's suppose to be prettier if you make it right. It holds rice, meat, fish, and vegetables in little sections, and it's all balanced and full of love! Mito used to make them for me, but when she got busier she taught me how to make it. But once we got qualified for free lunch back in middle school, I didn't even bother anymore." Gon explained, then ordered 2 pizzas.

"Bentos… wow, so you're japanese?" Zushi asked, looking at Gon in a new light. "Yea, I see it! That's cool. I'm egyptian myself, Wing adopted me when he was visiting the country during his business.." Zushi supplied, adding to Gon's order with 2 more slices and drinks for both of them.

"Egyptian?!" Gon gushed, making Zushi jump slightly. "That's so cool! Oh, wow, I totally see it! Wow, Zushi's actually really exotic and cool!" Gon said, then turned his attention back to the counter when they got their pizzas, missing Zushi's flush.

"It's not that cool, I don't know anything about being egyptian, unlike you who seemed to keep your Japanese culture...?" Zushi said, trailing off for confirmation.

"Yea, my aunt followed my dad out here when he became a World Star, but he moved so much, she didn't want to chase him anymore, so we stayed here. But she made sure we kept our culture in the house." Gon explained, starting to walk out to the tables.

"Your dad… he's a world star?!" Zushi exclaimed, realizing what that meant. "Why aren't you with him?"

"Yeah…" Gon said wistfully, scanning over the cafeteria, and the serious glint in Gon's eyes told Zushi he didn't want to talk about it. He complied. Gon spotted tables with crowds again and he turned to Zushi.

"Who are those guys?" Gon asked, giving a point. Zushi blinked then chuckled.

"Hard to tell. There are alot of top tier students around here. It could be Illumi, but he normally ignores everyone as he eats and leaves when he's done. It might be Milluki, Killua's other brother, but not alot of people hang around him when it's time for lunch. He'll have the whole table filled so that no one else can sit, and it's gross to watch him pig out, but some fans are into that. It could be Hisoka, another upper classman, but he might just be with Illumi too. In all honesty, it could be any upperclassman because they're more experienced, get more school sponsored concerts, thus showing off their talents and gaining more fans, and closer to be being World Stars." Zushi explained. Gon blinked.

"No one would be around Killua?" Gon seemed to remember and searched avidly for the tuff of hair he knew well.

"Er, no, usually Killua doesn't even come in here, sometimes he does for food if he forgot his own or there's a special in here, for like chocolate or something." Zushi explained. Gon looked over at him.

"Chocolate?" Gon asked.

"Yea, I guess it's no secret Killua loves chocolate. Chocolate anything, hot chocolate, chocolate muffins, brownies, chocolate milk. There was once a chocolate festival in the cafeteria, one of the times Killua came to the cafeteria, and I'm pretty sure he went to every stand and was almost banned from one stand because he tried to eat them out. But he had the money, so…" Zushi shrugged.

"He loves chocolate…" Gon said, almost experimentally, then his nose scrunched up in an amused smile. "That's so cute!" Gon giggled, and felt his chest tighten at the thought. It was too cute.

"Yea, it's almost contradictory. Sugar is no good for singing or for your voice, but it's like if he had to choose between something and chocolate, he'd choose chocolate every time. Given how strict his family is, I don't even know how he got introduced to chocolate." Zushi mused, looking down at his food. Gon's mind lingered on his new discovery about Killua.

I wonder if I should get him some chocolate… how would he react? Would he wear a huge smile? I bet his smile's beautiful, like him… would he be my friend once I got him chocolates? Oh! I should definitely get him chocolates! What kinds does he like? Would it be fine if I got him hershey? Gon finally got out of his head and looked towards Zushi who started talking at that same moment.

"So where do you want to sit?" He asked just as Gon's mouth opened. Gon's mouth closed in thought, forgetting his previous train of thought.

"Well, where do you normally sit?" Gon asked Zushi. He looked down a bit.

"Anywhere, mostly by myself." He answered. Gon's frown appeared at the thought. There's something I've got to change about the school…

"Ok… well, you said Killua doesn't come here, do you know where he goes?" He tried again.

"Um… no. He could go off campus, or anywhere on campus, some people eat under the trees out by the track field, some others sit at the courtyard, some students even go to teacher's rooms if they let them." Zushi said. "He could be anywhere." Gon gave that thought.

"We can eat anywhere huh…" He trailed. He then turned to Zushi with an idea and a bright smile that blinded Zushi with his excitement. "I know just the place!"


Cheadle looked up tiredly. Ugh, maybe the chairman was giving her too much work… She could swear there were students making their way down the hall to the chairman's office. And they looked like those students she met this morning. They must be mirages of pleasanter times, back this morning when her morning was made a little brighter by those students. She took another swig of her coffee to wake herself a little more and get on with her mountainous work. She can do this! She won't let this snowball like last year.

Gon knocked nimbly on the door then peaked his head inside.

"Netero-san?" He asked politely, and he was met with the man in a yoga suit, stretching in what seemed like an impossibly flexible position. Netero looked him in the eye, a sweat drop beading down the side of his face. Gon smiled politely before closing the door. Zushi looked at him curiously and cocked his head to one side.

"What happened?" He asked. Gon chuckled lightly.

"What do you mean? We just got here. We should knock before we go in, right?" He smiled and tilted his head to mimic Zushi. He turned away and knocked on the door while Zushi was confused by Gon's reaction. Gon poked his head in again.

"Netero?" He smiled warmly, feigning ignorance.

"Ah, Gon! What a nice surprise." Neter said from his desk, a casual suit over his frame. He waved him in. "Please come in, come in, what brings you here?" He asked. Gon smiled at the more welcoming sight.

"Well, it's my first day here and I didn't make alot of friends yet, so I didn't want to try and pick a table when we can eat anywhere! I wanted to talk with you some more anyway!" He said, sitting down in one of the chairs angled towards the man's desk.

"Ohoho, how nice. No one interesting ever comes to visit me during the day, only people in suits and administration demanding meetings! How thoughtful of you." He said, motioning his hand towards the other chair to invite Zushi to comfortably take part as well. He happily sat down, enjoying the inviting hospitality from the most powerful man in school.

"So tell me how you're day has been. What do you think of the school?"

"Oh! Great!" Gon exclaimed, his smile wide. "The classes I've been in so far have been so fun and helpful, and-!" His heart flipped at the passing thought of the white haired boy he's seen in every class. Where was he? Was he ok? Was he happy? "I met Killua! He's really cool and amazing! He's apparently really good at singing but he hates it for some reason!" Gon stated, then his eyes slowly drifted downward as he thought about the class project.

"And some people refuse to sing with other students… they say they have standards or something… I don't think that's right… I don't understand why someone has to prove themselves to sing with someone else… Singing is fun and even if the other person is not the best singer, they can definitely lend anyone a good time while singing. It's like a new connection is formed with the other person when you sing together, and why would you wanna limit the people you have a connection with!" Gon said, starting out despondent but slowly getting renewed with vigor. "Netero!" He shouted at last, and the old man who was listening intently jumped at the outburst.

"Ah, yes?!" He asked, sitting up straighter.

"I want to change that!" He said resolutely. Netero blinked at him.

"Huh?"

"I want to change that about the students in this school! I want to make sure they know it's ok to sing with whoever! And I want to find out why Killua doesn't like to sing! Then I wanna make him sing with me! I want everyone to be friends!" He said, like spouting out a new year's resolution, and Zushi thought it sounded as impossible and crazy as one too.

"Hey, hey, Gon, that's not really…!" He started to say, but was cut off by a laughing chairman.

"Ohoho, Gon! Thank you!" He cried out, and wiped a laughter induced tear from his eye. Gon lifted an eyebrow in confusion but never lost the fire in his eyes.

"That's exactly why I brought you to this school with no screening." He muttered softly. He turned to Zushi like he was an old drinking buddy he needed to tell a crazy story of his other drinking buddy.

"Let me tell you what happened and how I met Gon." He chuckled out, and Gon seemed to finally come down, sitting further back in his chair and a sheepish hand rubbed at the back of his neck, not really sure what Netero would say about him.

"It was the end of July, about time for August to start, and I wanted to get away from my students who are so sure and confident of their talents and their strict training regime and all cocky. I wanted to get back to the fundamentals, so I see a poster for a local unfunded concert. Undiscovered talent? I wanted to check it out. I get there and it's pretty packed for a no-name." Netero chuckled, tossing a thumb in Gon's direction. Gon laughed a bit sheepishly but waved his hands in front of him.

"That's too mean. That was a pretty small night compared to what I'm used to…" Gon defended. "I don't think I was so no-named."

"You weren't signed and you were performing on a public space. Anyway, moving on. This firecracker comes out and starts singing and dancing his heart out, mostly covers, few originals and the crowd was eating it up. They loved his dancing and his energy, and but the thing I noticed the most was how much fun he was having. Goodness, I was a pretty popular 80s World Star, and I think that was the last time I really saw any one World Star enjoy their time on stage. I think that's something that lends to Gon's signature performance style, the presentation." Netero said, and Zushi listened intently, eating his pizza absentmindedly. He kinda wished he could see a concert of Gon's now.

"I met up with him after the concert, but I almost couldn't get the chance. This kid took the time to sign every one of his fan's autographs that went backstage to see him. Everyone. I had to wait near a half hour later for the crowd to disperse before I could reach him." Netero continued on in a mellowed tone, and Gon blushed at his tendencies being presented so freely. "I was floored by his kindness, his care and attentiveness. He really enjoyed being a performer!" His tone took on more of a challenging inflection. "That's more than I can say for these kids at this institution. They seem to forgot why they wanted to be performers, where the want came from. Maybe they were three and couldn't help their explosive singing when a camera was rolling. Or out in public, they tried any way they could to bring people around them smiles with their presentation. But now all this is to them is business, they carry themselves around like they are entitled because they sing a little better than others, or most people enjoy listening to themselves. Well they forgot to enjoy themselves, that others are happy when the performer is happy. They forgot the emotions they can evoke in anyone that listen with just the mere manipulation of their songs. So Gon!" He cheered at the end and Gon straightened himself to attention.

"I want to see you try! I welcome it and I'll endorse you in your endeavors. I'll help anyway I can. Change this school Gon. Make sure you remind everyone what it means to be a World Star. Make everyone remember it's supposed to be fun. Maybe pull a couple of sticks out of people's backsides." Netero snickers. Gon smiled widely at him and he pumped a fist to his chest.

"Mh! I'll try my best!" Gon cried. Zushi clapped as an audience of one.

"Wow! You're really amazing Gon! I'll try to be like you, you're really amazing!" He said.

"Thanks, Zushi, you know, we could always…!" Gon said, carrying on his conversation as Netero looked on fondly at this bright kid. He would never forget the sight he saw when Gon performed. He was brighter than any stage light that hit him. He didn't have the best voice but he made up for that with his delivery and everyone at the concert ate it up. It gave everyone a sense of happiness, a peace of mind, transported them elsewhere than any problems they might have been dealing with. It was a little slice of paradise enjoying one of his concerts. Netero brought this kid in hoping his brightness could spread and he could finally produce some graduate World Stars he was proud of.

Go on and change the world, Gon. Be the leading light.


Gon bid Zushi goodbye and turned down a hall with lockers reading up into the 700's. The dismissing bell from lunch had rung not too long ago and with the extra time he had before class he decided to find that locker Zushi mentioned he had. He looked down at his schedule and read his locker number again. 726. Gon looked left and right before realizing the even numbers were on his left then he stared at it, counting up the lockers.

"... 20, 22, 24… 726!" He cheered, and began to put in his locker combination listed at the top of his sheet. He opened his locker and saw it was packed with some of the books he'll need for his classes, including the ones for academia. "Ooh, wow, I should've checked my locker sooner. Now I don't have to worry about my books for the school year anymore." He said, then stuck his bookbag in there so he didn't have to carry it around anymore. He didn't really see anyone carrying their bookbags much around school, so he suppose this is what most do. He kept his schedule with him and pulled it out to see where he should head next for...

Harmony 202!

Wow, harmony! Gon's never really tried harmony, he was always a solo act. He's heard it in the music he listened to but it's not like he's recorded music himself and overlapped a harmonizing track, he didn't have a music booth, studio, or home equipment to do it. Plus… he didn't really know how to harmonize. What notes do you hit? Melody was easier, all you had to do was generally hit the same notes the instruments were making. So this class would definitely help him learn how to be a World Star. Oh! And hopefully he could get a chance to work in a music booth and make his own harmonizing track when he's learned how. He was lost in these thoughts as he wandered into the room for Harmony when a strangled gasp took him out of his thoughts.

"Seriously?!" An outraged cry, and Gon turned his head towards the sound. His face lit up once he saw the Zoldyck at a desk in the back, hands planted on the surface from slamming it down.

"Killua!" He cheered and ran over to hug his friend. Killua stepped out from behind his desk but he only stuck his hand out plant it on Gon's head, ceasing his advancements. Gon flailed his arms in a windmill fashion in an effort to get his hands on Killua.

"What the hell man, are you stalking me?" He growled out, and his eyes darted down Gon's person. He whipped his hand out and pulled the schedule out of Gon's front pocket and shifted his weight to let Gon's fly by as he released his hold on his forehead. Gon whined as he got up from the floor, unaware of Killua's aghast expression.

"Oww, that hurt, Killua, I thought you were getting up from your desk to hug me!" He said, standing up and stamping his foot.

"What the actual heck?" He gasped out in shock, his face paling slightly before he pulled out a piece of paper from his own pocket.

"What?" Gon asked curious now. He trotted over to look over Killua's shoulder. It was their schedules side by side.

"We have every class together?!" Killua choked out. Gon's face lit up again.

"Yay! Killu-!" He cheered, going to hug him again, but Killua put Gon's schedule in his face and pushed him back and away from him with it, his face unamused.

"What the hell…" He grumbled, sitting down in his seat again with his hands in his hair. This was going to be a bad year. He felt it.

"Killua, you're so mean! C'mon, do you have to sit in the back of every class?" Gon asked, getting up and taking the schedule off his face. He placed his chin on Killua's desk and looked up at Killua's lowered face, a pout on his face. Killua swallowed a strangled noise before it come out his lips, and pushed Gon's face off his desk.

"Yea, I do. It's less trouble." He grumbled. Gon sat back up as Killua leaned back in his seat, arms crossing over his chest.

"Trouble? Trouble to sing?" Gon asked, tilting his head. Killua snarled at him. Was this guy thick? Or was he never going to stop until he heard something he wanted?

"Yea. The teachers will feel more obliged to call on me to sing or give examples or some other dumb crap." He commented, his shoulders going up and down in a shrug.

"That's not so bad! I mean, unless you don't know how, I don't know how to harmonize, so I would just die if I got called on to give an example-!" Gon rambled, but Killua got over his initial shock and pinched Gon's lips shut. Gon looked at him confused while Killua glared at him.

"... Did you just say I don't know how to harmonize?" He asked with a crocked eyebrow, daring. Gon blinked then pulled his face back to release his lips and they formed into a nervous smile.

"No, no, no, Killua, no!" Gon laughed while Killua looked on with his one eyebrow still up unbelieving. "I was saying, I, me, myself would hate to be called on if I didn't know what I was doing, but since you do, I don't know why you wouldn't-!" He chuckled out while Killua's glare pinned him unnervingly, but then the final bell rang and in with it came the teacher.

"Phew, thank goodness." Gon chuckled and sat in the seat next to Killua. Killua's mouth fell open as he looked at Gon in surprise.

"Hey man, what gives? I thought you sit in the front." Killua asked, motioning to the front.

"Well, yea, but remember, I said I understood why you'd sit in the back if it prevented the teacher from calling on you! I just want to learn for now, I can move up to the front later when I can participate better in class!" Gon said, trying to keep his voice down as the teacher introduced herself. Killua huffed and supported his chin on his hand. On the board the teacher had written her name, a Mrs. Richette, and she had her auburn hair were in a tight bun, but her clothes seemed more hippie than anything. Killua rolled her eyes, she seemed like she was having an identity crisis. He doesn't recognize her, so he's surprised the Academy hired her for a school for prospective World Stars. They normally only hire previous or current World Stars as teachers.

"...So, we don't want to stress you students on the first day! We'll take it easy." She said, and Killua felt his eyelid droop in boredom. Just the same routine as every other class. He reached into his pocket to take his phone out. He should be able to put on his headphones and efficiently ignore the rest of the class.

"So today, I was thinking for all you students who are excited about your future years here at the Academy, we could visit the upperclass harmony class and observe it for today! Maybe they might let us participate and you can see what to expect as you climb the grades!" She cheered out in a singsong voice. "Now, I already told the teacher for Harmony 404 that we'd be dropping by, so they'll be expecting us. Let's get going!" Killua frowned. The senior class? That's the grade his eldest brother was in, but it shouldn't be a problem… He was brought out of his thoughts when Gon stood up next to him and gestured his hand for Killua to get up to.

"C'mon, Killua, let's go." He smiled. Killua let his bottom lip jut out in annoyance but got up anyway.

"Go ahead, I already told you to leave me alone." Killua said, bringing his headphones up from his neck and over his ears. He fiddled with his phone, purposely lingering so Gon would go ahead with the rest of the class quickly filtering out.

"E-er… ok, you should hurry though, so that you don't get lost." Gon smiled and ran ahead to catch up with the rest of the class. Killua stuck his tongue out after the sun kissed boy.

"Me? Get lost? Please, I know my way around the school, of course I know where Harmony 404 is…" He mumbled, leaving the class last and closing the door behind him. He lazily trailed after the crowd of students, a good 3 feet away from the slowest one. Gon walked along the group of students, glancing back worriedly every few moments, unable to try to insert himself in conversations when Killua was back there all alone.

"So are you really friends with Killua?" A voice next to him asked and he nearly jumped from shock. He turned his head to see a turquoise haired girl with a round turban on, and middle eastern inspired clothing. He blinked as he stared into her round eyes.

"Wow, you're really pretty!" He cried out and she blinked before she blushed.

"W-what? That's so random!" She huffed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear embarrassed. Gon chuckled next to her.

"Sorry, but it's true. But I did say it instead of answering your question, sorry." He said. He looked back at Killua again and she did too.

"So? Are you really his friend? He normally refuses any advancements. I think he's convinced anyone trying to be his friend just wants to use him." She said.

"Mhh…" Gon hummed, facing back to look where he was going. "He's doing that right now… but I'm trying to figure out why he hates singing… I think we are friends, but he just has to warm up to me for a little bit more, I think. Oh! And I was also going to get him chocolate! He loves it apparently!" Gon chuckled.

"Yea? You better make sure his brothers don't see you giving him chocolate. He knows he's not suppose to be eating it, and his brothers are constantly police him so that nothing risks his voice. They say out of all 5 of the siblings, he has the most beautiful voice." She said, raising a finger.

"Woah~ He has 4 siblings?" Gon asked. She smirked.

"Yeah. They all come here when they turn 14 but not before they debut the summer before during one of their Zoldyck concerts. They all come here because their parents came here, and it makes them look good as alumni. His two little sisters are still training for when they debut and come to this school. They say Killua's debut concert was the biggest turnout the family ever had." She said, proud she knew so much Gon didn't and was able to enlighten him in unknown knowledge. Gon's eyes shone at the information.

"Wow! Killua's amazing!" He hummed, and turned back to look at him, Killua's charisma dripping off him as he sauntered lazily after the class. His eyes floated unseeing around the hall as he listened to his music before they drifted to meet up with Gon's. His eyes widened and a soft blush fell over his normally pale features out of embarrassment of being watched. But once he remembered Gon's done this before, his eyes narrowed and he shook his head at him questioningly. Gon smiled, his eyes slipping closed in the action and waved back at him. Killua huffed and turned his head away. The girl next to Gon blinked.

"Wow, you really don't get discouraged..." She said, "I'm Ponzu by the way." She lifted her hand to shake Gon's hand.

"I'm Gon." He said, taking it and shaking it.

"There's been alot of talk of you, you know." Ponzu said, pulling Gon closer by the hand and poking him in the chest. "Some good, some bad. But the point is the school is already starting to buzz with the talk of you. That's very rare when most people in this school are only absorbed with themselves and their 'amazing talent'" Ponzu said, and she slyly looked back at Killua from the corner of her eye. She saw he was fixing her with a piercing gaze, as though to figure out her intentions with Gon by staring her down. At least that showed Gon wasn't just spouting nonsense of him getting through to Killua, he seemed concerned with what Gon does.

"Oooh, well, I can't exactly care about what others are saying about me. I can't go around and individually fix everyone's perception of me. It's easier not to worry about it and don't let it deter me from what I really need to do. The only thing I'll really need to care about is what my closest friends think." Gon said, moving away from Ponzu although he didn't seem quite bothered from the limited space Ponzu had created in the first place. Ponzu blinked at him then bursted out laughing.

"Wow, Gon, you're really something else. You might just be an idiot, though." She giggled and Gon's expression turned miffed.

"Hey! I'm not an idiot! I just believe I'd be wasting my time worry about people I don't even know." He said, while Ponzu giggled again. Killua's eye twitched from the back.

Who does that girl think she's flirting with? Killua frowned and diverted his eyes. What do I care… Gon can go looking into other people's eyes all he wants… His mind flashed back to second period when Gon had harassed him in the back of class, leaning closer to him to scold him about his grades, his eyes shining with light from some unknown source. Yea, he can show those eyes off to whoever… His chest constricted slightly. Idiot.

The class arrived to the classroom, Mrs. Richette entering first to find the teacher.

"Mr. Huey! I-"

"Wow, how rude…" A hollow melodious voice interrupted. As the class entered, Gon could see the upperclassmen faced the end stage where a tall lean figure with long flowing black hair was standing, Another look and the entering class could see the actual teacher was in the back, standing by his auxiliary office door, so that would mean that the person on stage was a… student?!

"Bro?" Killua gasped out as he entered the classroom last, catching the closing door.

"Killu." He said, and although his voice inflection or face didn't change, the class got the impression he was happy Killua was there. Killua's face fell however as he came into the room, annoyance clear for anyone who looked. Crap, this was the last thing I wanted. He thought, heading to the back of the room and sitting against the back wall. Gon looked back and forth from the fluffy white haired teen to the silky long black haired young man. That's Killua's brother?! Wow, I never would have guessed… Gon thought, taking a seat toward the back as the rest of the class followed Killua's lead to keep out the way.

"Oh, haha, did we come in the middle of a test or something?" Mrs. Richette asked addressing the Harmony 404 teacher, wringing her hands together nervously.

"Oh, no…" He said an easy smile on his features. "I was so happy that Illumi was in my class this year, I asked him to a lead a lesson." Killua's face of annoyance grew.

Of course he'd say yes, this is the kind of unneeded burden I refuse to straddle myself with. He thought, crossing his arms.

"Yes, this was a pleasant surprise, no matter how rudely it was presented." Illumi said, still looking over at Killua's direction, even though said teen refused to look back after the initial shock. "Well then, let's continue, I was just directing how opposing voices are best for harmonizing, especially complimentary voices. The harmonizing can be as close as one note apart or a whole new melody to contrast the main." Illumi explained, a delicate finger in the air. Gon blinked and a wide smile appeared. Wow! He knew so much, the teacher wanted him to give a lesson to the class! Does Killua know as much as him? Gon could learn alot from any of the Zoldycks, he supposed, with how talented they all were.

"When someone sings a note, you should be able to recognize any and all possible harmonizing courses you can sing in reply, in perfect pitch." Illumi shared, an emotionless wave at his initial class of upperclassmen, referring to the level of talent they should know at senior level, and Gon paled. Wow, this school can get pretty advanced if it goes that far. Ponzu noted some of the upperclassman who shared the class with Illumi bristled a little, like they were being called out.

Do they not know how to do that? She thought to herself.

"Since we have an audience who are here to see some advance harmonization, let's hear some examples." He intoned, and Killua in the back frowned.

He's up to something… Killua thought, as he suspiciously looked on, his headphones lowered and resting on his cheeks, but the music paused long ago for full alert. Illumi scanned the crowd, some upperclassman looked confident, while others looked nervous to be called on.

"Machi… and Nobunaga." Illumi called, and both faces lit up since their names were remembered by a Zoldyck. Machi strolled up confidently while Nobunaga was one of the students Ponzu noted looked nervous to be called on. She almost believed that was one of the reasons Illumi picked on him, like an eagle zeroing in on his prey. They joined him on the end stage and flanked either side of him, facing the other volunteer.

"Alright. Nobunaga, you pick the note or song. Machi, you match it before scaling up to a harmonizing note." Illumi continued on in the empty melodious tone. Killua's eyebrow twitched upward.

That's strange. If brother wanted to embarrass Nobunaga or pick on his non confidence, he would have told Machi to pick the note for him to follow… Machi obviously knows what she's doing. It's unlike him to do something that gives another person a break or ease off their weakness… What are you up to, Illumi…? Killua's eyes narrowed suspiciously in Illumi's direction although now it seemed he was the one avoiding eye contact.

"Er, right…" Nobunaga said. A glance at everyone watching and he closed his eyes and cleared his throat. He did a quick scale as warm up before choosing a note, holding it in a steady breath. Machi smiled and did her own quick warm up before joining his note. Gon could see her mind work as she thought of which harmonizing note to pick then heard her start to scale up and down Nobunaga's note beautifully, like a fluid dancer on a pole, when she stopped on a note that harmonized on the wavelength Nobunaga was singing, but Gon could hear something was off, like at the cusps of his consciousness, there was clashing of the notes. Both Illumi and Killua grimaced as the note carried out over the class. Killua wanted to cover his ears, his trained and tuned ears hearing how she didn't hit the note straight on more sharply, causing some discordance in the harmonization. Illumi waved his hands in front of the two like a conductor, signalling for them to stop, his hand coming down in a swooping sharp motion. They both stopped together and both upperclassman and lowerclassman class applauded them hesitantly, because they thought they did pretty well, and what Machi did with her voice before stopping on the harmonization note was pretty as well, but everyone saw Illumi's one change in facial expression, and it wasn't good. Machi looked over expectedly in Illumi's direction but only saw his neutral mask.

"Good job, you two, another round of applause for them." Illumi instructed, and both classes did with more ease this time with Illumi's prompting. "Sit." He said and they got off stage, Machi seeming more upset as she picked up she didn't impress Illumi.

"Some of you… hopefully, heard that Machi didn't hit that note straight on. In a professional recording, the producer would call for a do-over, and in the music business, every hour in the booth is money and time wasted and those in the business hate wasting both. They don't want to waste their time on those who take 10 takes to get one verse right. Unless they're worth it somehow." He said, saying the last one vaguely, and his eyes vaguely wandered over to Killua and Killua stiffened, almost daring him to lock eyes or say something, but Illumi deterred his eyes last second.

"Anyways, for a second performance, maybe I should call on someone who has aced a Perfect Pitch class so the underclassman can really understand what it means to be in the senior class." Illumi said, his arms folded elegantly over each other. Machi in her seat huffed and crossed her arms and Nobunaga rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. At Illumi's declaration, multiple students began raising their hand to volunteer, and Gon could only think they were the students who did pass this… 'Perfect pitch' class and were confident enough to challenge, and he hoped they wouldn't end up like Machi. Gon thought she did a good job and didn't like how she was called out for such a minor mistake. Singing should be fun, not exact mechanical science. Illumi did remind Gon of some sort of machine. Like a tuned mechanical wind up doll, insert a coin to sing. He almost snickered out loud but held it in and focus back into class to get out of his thoughts.

Illumi's eyes roved over the sea of hands before they drifted beyond them and towards the back. Even Gon could perceive the twitch in Illumi's lips that gave his features a subtle smile.

"Killu. Won't you join me?"

Killua locked up, his eyes widening imperceptibly as he looked on at his older brother. The upperclassmen froze and slowly lowered their hands in shock gradually. Illumi just asked for students who aced Perfect Pitch, and they were the older, more experienced students here! But Illumi picked his brother, as though he were better than these students that pulled rank on the brat.

More than that, those that shared their grade level with Killua knew he doesn't sing in class, he doesn't even participate. But this is his brother asking him to sing, not another teacher, but there was still a classroom audience in front of him. Would he sing? Everyone in his grade class hoped he would so they can finally hear the boy, but there was such a thick tension and the upperclassmans' hostile thoughts didn't help. A telephone ring could be heard and the Harmony 404 teacher jumped at the sound from the suddenly quiet classroom and scurried into his small office, Mrs. Richette following just to find relief.

Killua narrowed his eyes at Illumi, those sitting in front of Killua scooting out the way from both brothers' heavy glare, and it was amazing how challenging Illumi's empty gaze was when his expression didn't change much from that subtle smile. Soon, the upperclassmen's reservations seemed like a small nuisance as they entered a staring contest, a mental battle waging in both brothers.

Killua knew the repercussions of saying no to Illumi, especially in the subject of singing. But he still didn't want to sing for all these people, and he especially didn't want to seem like some sort of submissive toy to his brother, although one peak into their home life and anyone would reach that conclusion. His options were little, including staying quiet forever, but he would stay quiet for as long as he could until he could think of something, or maybe Illumi would back down. He did that sometimes, right? When he got bored? His glare intensified, hopefully sending a totally not desperate message to Illumi to let him be. Killua saw in the recess of his eyes that he only took it as a challenge and was carrying this out. Damn it. He felt cold sweat start to prickle the back of his neck. He'll have to sing, won't he?

Gon looked back and forth between the two siblings, not oblivious to the tension that were warring in front of everyone right now. It was quiet, but the silence had never been so loud to Gon, there might as well have been a shouting match going on. He looked at Illumi who didn't look any different from when he made that seemingly innocent request, Sing with me. But Gon looked back over to Killua and he could clearly see he was getting more and more uncomfortable and that made Gon uncomfortable and angry. Unexplainably so. He looked at everyone, and he could see no one would ever even think about daring to make a move on behalf on Killua, so Gon was about to volunteer to sing for him. He may know nothing about harmonizing, but he'd rather make a fool of himself than leave Killua in the hot seat right now. Hopefully while he's up there making a mess, Killua could excuse himself to the bathroom or something and escape. Just…! He wanted to make sure he was ok. Just before he was able to leap up to his feet and gain Illumi's attention, even though he felt as though if Illumi threw those eyes in his direction, the intensity would cause him pass out (and how could Killua subject himself to that?), the door to the small door opened again and Mrs. Richette poked her head out and swiveled it to the left where Killua was sitting not too far off against the wall.

"Um, Killua?" She said in a small voice, although in the silence, it sounded like a cannon blast. "Phone for you." Almost immediately, the tension shifted, a smirk on Killua's face as he gracefully raised to his feet with ease and Illumi's ghost smile faded, anyone being able to tell his aura said pissed off, but as Killua turned to head into the office, Illumi reigned it in and took control of his emotion, and the setting was back to however normal a music classroom could get after that.

"Too bad. Billy! Get up here." He called. Gon released a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"That was crazy, right?" Ponzu whispered to Gon. "What was that about?"

"I don't know. But Killua definitely didn't want to sing…" He whispered back.

"Yea, but he could have said no, like he does to any other teacher… Maybe because it was his brother?"

"I dunno… but I know I would have volunteered to sing myself if nothing happened. Killua didn't want to sing…" He mumbled again. He did want to know why Killua didn't want to sing, and he wanted to sing with Killua, but if Killua was so uncomfortable with singing, Gon would never force him, not if it meant making him look like he was back in a corner like a vulnerable animal. Gon screwed his eyes shut, the image of a trapped Killua, his back on the wall as he looked back at the intense young man with black eyes burned into his memory. He never wanted to see him that scared again. Anger and a flare of protectiveness course through him briefly before releasing a calming breath. It's alright. Gon looked back at the closed office door. He's alright for now.

-o0o0o0o0o-

Killua sighed through his nose as to not sigh through the phone… too audibly.

"You're asking the wrong person…" He replied bored.

"Huh? Isn't this Killua Zoldyck?" A man on the other side said.

"Yea." He replied.

"Than you are the right person! We've heard and seen big things about you! We want you to sing the national anthem for an opening baseball game! This is huge for someone your age!"

"I think you're trying to blow this out of proportion to try and get someone of high caliber to do something for you. That's beneath me. But like I said…" He sighed into the phone this time, and peaked at the two teachers from the corner of his eye carefully. "You're asking the wrong person. I have no say, even if I wanted to do, it if my parents, also acting as my agents, don't say I'm doing it" He weighed his words carefully in his mouth before speaking again. "You'll have to call them if you want me to do it. You'll have your answer and you can tell me the details about what I need to do should they say yes." He said, a slight nod in approval of what he said himself. That'll work.

"Ah… ah, but you know you could just ask them if it's something you want to do…" He whimpered. This joke, Killua thought, his twitching eye hidden as he had his back turned towards the teacher. He already asked my parents and they said no! And now he's trying to get me to say yes so I can go beg them to do it?! How old does he think I am? Does he know how many- urg! He weighed words carefully again.

"Ok… I'll wait for your call on what they say." He said. He heard shifting on the other end and could practically visualize the confusion on the man's face.

"Huh?!" He finally let out.

"Yup… alright. 5 minutes? Great. Bye." He chirped, and hung up, done using the tool. He turned around with a controlled expression schooled on his face and they straightened up at attention.

"Well, what happened? That was from the Major league baseball people! What'd they want?" The Harmony 404 teacher asked. Killua cleared his throat and shrugged a shoulder in the direction of the phone by his hip.

"He wanted me to sing for a baseball game. I told him to ask my parents, they book all my gigs and concerts and make sure I get paid. He said he'll call back in a few once he asks them, with either yes or no. Mind I wait in here? Shouldn't take too long." Killua asked, making sure to feign ignorance even though he knew that the fool wouldn't call back. The teachers looked at each other and shrugged.

"Sure, right? Shouldn't take long. Make yourself comfortable, I'll go check on my class." Mrs. Richette said, addressing the other teacher at the end before slipping out.

"Yup. I'll just be grading papers and answering emails. Don't mind me." 404 said. Killua let out an inaudible sigh of relief his plan worked. Not that he wasn't really expecting it not to, he's a great impulsive liar with a silver tongue that could get him out of most situations. Even if the teachers said no and to go, he'd just pretend as he exited he was called to the front office and promptly skip the rest of class. There's no way he's going back out there. Of course his brother was up to something. He's always up to something. Killua let his back hit the wall and he slid down it, simultaneously slipping on his head phones. He pulled out his phone and played his music, letting his muscles relax with the beats. Now he only had to worry about what Illumi will do for this at home… and that email…

"...screw me…" He muttered, feeling his chest twist in that familiar feeling, a sense of dread gripping his muscles, but the music left his body feeling lax, beating through the headphones, the bass bringing him to peace... so he suppose he'll be fine…

~Oh, it's just me, myself and I

Solo ride until I die

Cause I got me for life

(Got me for life, yeah)

Oh I don't need a hand to hold

Even when the night is cold

I got that fire in my soul...


Gon hopped up from his criss-cross form on the floor in a gleeful bound after the Physical Training assistant teacher dismissed them.

After Killua left the Harmony class and the rest of class listened to beautiful paired singing and some trio harmonizations, the bell rang and everyone filtered out, but Gon waited until Killua came out the back office. Killua came out, almost as cautiously as a kitten in an unpredictable situation and saw Gon, and it may have been his wishful thinking, but he could swear he saw Killua relax as he met his eye. His body became tense again when his gaze moved passed Gon and towards the classroom behind him. Gon noticed it and turned around only to see Ilumi was still in the room as well. Gon stepped forward to block Illumi's view from Killua, and when he turned back around to see if Killua relaxed once more, he only saw the tail end of his flannel shirt and white tuffs of his hair as he slipped out. Gon wasn't mad, he was too relieved he got the chance to escape his brother. He didn't know his situation, but he wasn't dumb enough not to notice he wasn't comfortable around his brother. Gon already knew Killua and him had the next class together so he knew he would be able to check up on him then.

That's when he found his last class for Mondays and Thursdays was Physical Training. Basically P.E. in his old school and it was so they didn't have limp students with only good voices and no strength. Since it was the first day, the assistant teacher said the actual physical training teacher wasn't there yet, caught up in finishing summer stuff, and that it was a free day, they just needed to go over the year's rubric and measure everyone for a uniform.

Gon looked around as other students also got up. Some went to line up to get measured by the teacher while others moved to sit against walls and play with their phones to get measured later. Gon looked to the back of the spacious gym where he last saw Killua and saw him slipping out the back door that led to the running track.

Gon pouted. He probably wasn't going to come back in until the last few minutes to get measured then leave. Oh well, he'll make sure he's ok tomorrow… But for now… There is a free day! This will be boring if he didn't do something. He noticed Kurapika was in this class, sitting off and seeming to practice some instrument with his fingers ghosting the air. Gon looked around and saw Ponzu as well with some other student, red hair and a poop looking wrap on his head, his clothes also seemed middle eastern inspired. Gon looked up in thought. What should he… He lit up with a gasp. He knew what to do!

Gon ran over to Kurapika.

"Hi! I'm Gon!" He said, skidding to a stop in front of the elegant blond. He lifted his eyes up to Gon's form and raised a questioning eyebrow. He seemed friendly enough but sort of condescending, Gon noted. But he could change that… right?

"Mh… Hi, Gon. I already knew your name, I noticed you in our vocal training class. I'm Kurapika." He said in a soft voice that betray his own angelic musical ability. Like Killua! But Killua's sounded more charismatic, and Gon could listen to it all day.

"I know! Melody told me!" Gon said, rocking on his heels. Kurapika brought his head up to look at Gon fully, a questioning look on his face.

"Melody?" Kurapika repeated, like something foreign. "Who's that?" He asked. Gon felt his eyebrows furrow slightly in frustration. There was a girl vouching for his attention, just to be good enough for him to talk to and he doesn't even know her name. He'll deal with that later.

"Aha, anyway…" Gon decided to just ignore the comment for now before he got defensive. "I wanted you to play with me." He said. Kurapika's eyes widened as he regarded Gon with surprise.

"P… play?" He asked dumbly.

"Ya! Yay, ok, come on!" Gon said, taking that hesitation as an yes. He pulled on his arm and yanked him forward along with him.

"W-wah! Hey, I didn't say I would!" Kurapika gasped out as he hopped on one foot to keep from losing his balance after Gon.

"It's fine! It'll be fun! You weren't doing anything anyways!"

"I-I was so! I was practicing my cello piece." He countered, following Gon regardless and flushing as he noticed people were looking their way.

"It's fine! We'll be playing a game, so it'll be more fun! I just need you to play for now, ok? One game?" He asked, whirling on him and giving him puppy eyes. Kurapika's eyebrow twitched before he looked away.

"E-er… fine, I suppose, just a couple of games…" He was never really going to deny him the games, Gon had caught his interest in class so he wanted to talk with him more anyway. He just wanted to let Gon know he wasn't doing nothing and that it wasn't boring… it was… practice!

"Yay!" Gon cheered before turning back around and continued towards his original destination. Kurapika peaked over his shoulder and looked where he was heading. Kurapika noticed the male as his partner for vocal training, but the female he did not know.

"Ponzu! Play with us!" Gon asked as he approached, interrupting the duo's conversation. They both jumped and increased the space they had between them, flustered. The male looked over and cocked an eyebrow.

"Kurapika? E-er, who's this? Ponzu…?" He asked, floundering. Ponzu blinked, slightly fazed herself then shook her hands rapidly in front of her.

"N-no! It's not what it seems! Er, I mean, this is a friend, his name is Gon, I met him in Harmony! Apparently, he's making leeway on being friends with Killua." She explained, a flush on her cheeks as she gestured to Gon.

"Eh, really?" the guy asked, looking around as though to find and seek Killua's confirmation.

"Ah- wait-wait-wait! We should do this properly!" She chuckled, and stood before taking his hand and bringing him up with her. She pushed him towards Gon. "Introduce yourself."

"Hi, I'm Gon!" He said, releasing Kurapika's hand to offer his greeting to the new male.

"Oh, er, I'm Pokkle." He said, taking the hand and giving it a firm shake. "I'm actually in your vocal training class with Kurapika. I'm his partner for the class project." He introduced. Gon's mouth popped open.

"Ah! I didn't even notice! Nice to meet you!"

"It's ok, you can't remember everyone just because they were in your class once." Pokkle dismissed with a wave of his hand.

"Oh!" Gon said, pulling Kurapika forward and guided him towards Ponzu. "Now you two introduce properly!"

"O-oh…" Kurapika murmured nervously, and Gon couldn't help to think it was very adorable and vulnerable with how he was acting. The way he composed himself seemed to be like he wanted to be seen as an adult and being thrusted into the situation he wasn't quite comfortable with, he seemed more his age and quite cute. "I'm Kurapika. I'm Pokkle's partner for the vocal training class, and apparently Gon noticed me from class and demanded I play games with him." He introduced.

"Right, he said something like that as you came over, right? I'm Ponzu, I only met Gon during Harmony, but he's really something amazing! I don't mind playing games with him, he's really fun to be around! It's interesting!" She retracted her hand and twirled on her heel to face Gon. "I'm real interested in knowing what games you had in mind!"

"Games? Isn't that a little childish?" Pokkle asked.

"So?" Gon asked back, shrugging his shoulders. "Even if it's childish, if it's fun and we all enjoy ourselves, what's the problem?" Gon asked. Pokkle flushed as he considered what he was saying.

"I get it…" He admitted.

"Anyway, It's P.E. but it's free day! We shouldn't just lay around all period all bored. We should do what we can! So! The first game I thought to play is a game I learned from a Korean show! It's called Beep-Bo!" He exclaimed. The other three listened intently to the teen that seemed to captivate everyone around him and demand attention.

-o0o0o0o0o0o-

Killua checked the time on his phone lazily, his leg swinging over the branch of the low tree he was perched on. He paused the music and leaped down to the ground with graceful movements. He shoved his hands in his pockets and began his stroll back to the gymnasium building across the track field. Now he can finally go home and hide in his room until his parents bother him about vocal training or rehearsal for some concert 3 months away. It's be a bit boring, but as long as he just immersed himself in the music like some sort of meditation, the day should pass soon enough. And then he'd wake up and do it again… fun.

He pushed open the door and was met with a loud roar of laughter and screams. Killua's eyes remained wide in shock as he opened the door completely to let himself in and took in the scene before him. Almost everyone in the gym was lined up on either side of the spacious room holding hands in a line, and their laughter was just dying down. Once they had composed themselves, a student from the line farthest away from Killua yelled out, "Red rover, red rover, send Gon right over!", and the students bursted out in laughter as Gon pretended to swoon from his position in the line closest to Killua.

"Again?!" He cried out cheerfully. "Alright, this time I'm gonna break it!" He said, and backed up, comically pretending that those holding his hands were a slingshot to release him. He stuck his tongue out in determination and eyed someone, then Kurapika yelled out from the other line, "No, Gon, NO! Not again!" He cried out, trying to keep the laughter out of his voice.

"Don't worry Kurapika! We won't let go!" A student to his left said.

"Gooo!" Gon cried out in a steady high note and bolted towards the clasped hands between them, those closest to the students targeted letting out squeals as Gon got closer. He ran into the bond and it lasted maybe a second before Kurapika and the student's hands were split apart by Gon's run. The gym split into two cries of joy and despair and Gon joyously did a skipping dance back to the line he came from with Kurapika and the student in tow.

"Nooo! Kurapika, come back!"

"Tommy~ You were our rock! We'll lose without you!"

"All we wanted was for Gon to be on our side!" The line said, reaching hands out as though it could change the outcome. The other line received Gon with high fives, back pats and cheers.

"Whoo! We can do this! It's our turn!" Someone yelled out and the lines quieted as they waited for the next person.

"Red rover, red rover…" The girl said, pausing in thought. Before she could finish however, the final dismissing bell rang and the whole gym let out groans of dissatisfaction.

"Awww!"

"Oh no!"

"That sucks, we were winning too!"

"Oh, man, I can't wait until the next free day!"

"If we get one…"

"Bye, Gon! This was great!"

"Yea man, you're so fun! See you!"

The students began gathering their bags from the side of the gym walls where they left it as they began filtering out the building from the front doors.

"Bye! Bye!" Gon waved, still full of energy, 3 students Killua didn't know remained by his side. Killua's mouth had trouble closing. What did he just witness? Well, obviously they were all playing games, but why? Killua never saw them do anything like that, too absorbed with doing something productive in their free time or, in some kids' situation, anything except their business since it get's crammed down their throat enough at home.

Killua was barely able to put one foot in front of the other as he recovered from what he saw, unconsciously heading towards Gon. He did it, didn't he…? What the hell happened? Gon turned to talk to the blond to his right and saw Killua from over his shoulder and he lit up, making Killua freeze in his tracks. How can anyone look at someone else so happily, like he was his whole world. He stopped that line of thought as his face heated up slightly from the idea that Gon thought that of him, him, he didn't even know him. But now, Kurapika turned as he noticed someone else had caught his attention.

"Killuuaa!" Gon cried out, elated at finally seeing the bright blue eyed boy. And with his cheeks flushed, he looked even cuter than before, making Gon feel even happier at the sight of him. He rushed past Kurapika, and Killua's eyes widened as he barely registered he should avoid this collision, taking a stumbling step backward.

"I-idiot!" He stammered as Gon rushed him before swallowing him up in a huge hug. Kurapika, Ponzu and Pokkle chuckled at the uncomfortable Killua held in Gon's bright arms. He flushed as he noticed the other three laughing at him.

"S-stop, get off, what the hell happened in here?" He asked, planting a firm hand on Gon's cheek and prying him off.

Gon pouted as he was separated. "Oh, Killua, I missed you so much, I wish you were here to play with us! I bet it would have been 10 times as fun!" He whined, grabbing Killua's wrists in a pleading manner.

"Huh?!"

"Gon didn't want to sit around for the free day so he asked us to play games with him." Ponzu said, stepping forward with the other two students.

"It started out just the four of us playing this numbers game called Beep bo, where you say beep bo for the number 3 and any multiple of 3. It was difficult, and, well… attention getting. We soon got a little audience and when Gon changed games to 'one person came,' they asked to join. With all the laughter and fun we were having, soon more people were coming to join." Pokkle explained after.

"We must have played over 5 games. We played untangle, we played freeze tag," Kurapika tried to list off.

"Freeze tag was my favorite! I want to play it with you, Killua!" Gon said squeezing Killua's wrists for his attention, Gon had never took his eyes off the white haired boy even though Killua's eyes followed those who spoke. Gon didn't know why he couldn't bear looking away from Killua, it was like he wanted to commit Killua's beautiful visage to memory so he didn't miss him so much anymore. When Killua's eyes flickered to Gon's as he spoke, Gon got a wash of goosebumps over his body and he seemed unable to breath back in. He really was beautiful, and he felt his face heat up slightly.

"S-stop looking at me like that!" Killua snapped, and pulled his wrists from Gon. What was wrong with this school? Even if Killua was there, he wouldn't play with Gon, it was a useless endeavor that wouldn't lead to anything but being tired and sweaty.

"I think people would have stayed after to keep playing with Gon, but I know everyone has heavy schedules to keep up with practice and concerts. Including myself. This was fun Gon, I was right to be interested in you, I'll definitely keep my tabs on you." Kurapika sighed out, putting a hand on his chest then let a small bow out. "Goodbye. Maybe we'll have classes together tomorrow." He turned to leave. Killua bristled before he took Gon's wrist this time and pulled him close enough to speak quietly while still being heard.

"Interested? He's interested? What does he mean- what is he talking about?" He asked Gon in a harsh whisper. Gon giggled at the flustered Killua.

"No," he said, waving at Killua. "He told me he noticed me in Vocal Training and wanted to talk to me anyway." Gon explained. And I did too, and now that we're friends, I can call phase one complete! Gon thought to himself. Killua leaned back, giving Gon his space back, although there was still a scrutinizing glint in his eyes.

"Yea, ok…" He said. Pokkle and Ponzu turned away too.

"Yea, we'll be heading out too! Bye Gon!" She said, and Gon turned around to wave bye to them as well.

"Well, this was a great first day," Gon said, turning back to Killua, and Killua blinked, realizing they were the only ones left in the gym except for the shuffling and closing up assistant teacher. Why does he suddenly feel so nervous? "The best part was meeting you."

Oh, that's why. This guy doesn't have a filter. Killer let his bangs fall in his face as a fierce blush fell over his cheeks.

"I said… We're not friends!" He bit out, raising his head when he believed he got his face under control. Gon kept that same smile on his face as though Killua didn't just say something dismissive and hurtful.

"That's fine if you don't think that now. I still think the best part of my day was meeting you." Gin replied without skipping a beat. Killua swallowed a strangled noise then backed up a couple steps, feeling like he was a little too close to Gon and the air between them was a little too warm.

"Idiot. Don't you have somewhere to be?" He bit out in a strained voice. Gon looked up in thought.

"Mhh… no, I don't!" He said smiling.

"Well, I do, so… bye!" He said, a fake pleasant smile on his face and he turned to go.

"Wait, Killua!" The assistant teacher called after him, looking up from a clipboard she had in her hand. Killua turned back around as did Gon. "You never took your measurements. We'll need it as soon as possible to get tailored gym uniforms for everyone by Thursday."

Killua opened his mouth to say something then remembered he did want to get in a little before the end of class to get his measurements taken in time to leave immediately after, but got distracted by the games and Gon.

"Right." He said gruffly, and shoved his hands in his pockets as he turned back to the teacher. Gon moved to follow him, but Killua said without even turning back, "Go home, Gon." Gon pouted, but turned back around. Killua turned around after Gon had turned, a pissed look on his face having expected Gon not listen and follow, but it fell after he saw Gon was leaving. As I asked him to… Killua thought. So why do I feel so disappointed? Did I actually want him to stay? Ridiculous. Or maybe I wanted him to put up more of a fight?

Don't be stupid. No one would really care that much about you when you was being so mean to the only person who looked at you so.. Brightly! He thought. You just allowed him to feed your ego instead of tuning him out like you were taught… Killua turned back around to the teacher and held out his arms at his side like an airplane as she pulled out the measurement tape.

His hand buzzed a little numbly and he wished he had his music in his ears.


Gon wanted to wait for Killua and walked him home, maybe show him his own even, though Killua told him not to, but then he remembered he wanted to surprise Killua with chocolates. He very well couldn't just swing by the chocolate store and ask Killua to 'wait outside, by the way, it has nothing to do with you, even though you're like obsessed with chocolate!'

Gon jogged down the sidewalk towards the plaza in town. He passed a couple stores that he's passed a bunch of times before heading to his old high school when he skidded to a stop in front of the chocolate store, a sweat drop going down his face.

"I don't have any money…" He realized. He started up again and continued jogging down the sidewalk he was heading down, knowing he'd reach his apartment complex soon. The plaza and strip stores began to dwindle away far and few in between, more housing complexes materializing as he ran. Then he began to climb the steps of a beige apartment building. He stopped on the third floor and opened the door labeled 306.

"Mito?" He called experimentally. He knew sometimes she came home early or on break, but he didn't see the car. But he still wanted to make sure. He removed his boots at the small tile flooring in front of the door and slipped on the green slippers to move about the house. He had to find that money Mito-san left for him to buy food so he could use it to buy Killua that chocolate! He could just eat whatever leftovers Mito said she had in the fridge for him to heat up.

He looked on the counter, peaking into the cookie jar, swiping a cookie before closing the lid, checking the Kotatsu table in the middle of the living room, lifting a couple of Mito's magazines to try and find the money. He put his hands on his hips as he gave the room a once over. He wondered if he should check his room too, but would Mito really put it in there? He blinked as he looked at the small bar table by the door, then blushed embarrassed. It was right there pressed slightly underneath a glass flower vase by the door.

"Ahaha, I overlooked that…" He chuckled and moved back to the door, removing his slippers and sitting down to pull back on his boots. He grabbed the plastic reusable tote bag from under the bar table then swiped the money from under the vase and moved out the door. He quickly made his way down the steps, jumping down the last few, then jogged back to where the chocolatier shop was.

He stopped in front of the store again.

"Ah! I forgot to ask what chocolates Killua likes!" Gon stressed, hands in his hair. He paced in front of the store a few moments then stopped with an idea. "Oh! I still have Zushi's number! I can text him and ask him if he knows!" He said, and whipped out the cell phone, finding Zushi's number on the phone. He punched the question in on the phone then meandered inside to wait for the reply.

The smell of the store was intoxicating, and Gon breathed it in. He didn't like super sweet chocolates so he preferred the dark chocolates, although not too many at a time. Even though he didn't like chocolates, he wondered what he'd do if Killua offered to feed him some, especially since he liked it so much.

He imaged Killua, with his face flushed like when he saw him earlier in the gym and maybe a smudge of chocolate on the corner of his lips from eating so many himself, and holding up a light colored chocolate on the tips of his long elegant fingers, and he'd ask-

He jumped as the phone in his hand vibrated, and he realized he was dazing off, staring off into a chocolate display. He shook his head, determined not to even think about remembering what he was thinking about.

He opened his phone to check the message and focus.

Chocorobots. He's always eating those.

"Choco… robots?" Gon repeated aloud experimentally. He raised his head and swung his head around to scan the store for the chocolates. He found them closer to where the children's chocolates are, although they were on the top shelf. He cocked his head at the strange sweet's wrappings, really shaped as a robot. But then he saw the price.

"Ah…!" He cried out sheepishly. "Ah… I can probably just get him a single one…" He chuckled. At least he knew Killua had such expensive taste. But he supposed when his family was as popular and rich as it was, he could afford how many of these as he wanted. Gon went over to the front counter.

"Is there singles of those chocolate robots up there?" He asked, folding his arms onto the counter. The clerk looked up perkily.

"No! You buy them 5 in a pack, and you get a chance to get a rare robot toy in one!" She said. "Like buying trading cards. You can't just buy a single trading card!"

Gon frowned, and the girl checked out the rugged boy. "You buyin' them for yourself?" She asked, leaning on the counter herself. Gon smiled back, unaware of her flirting.

"No, I'm getting them for a friend." Gon answered. The girl's smile twitched.

"A girl?" She asked. Gon shook his head, a fond smile on his face.

"It's more like someone who wants to pretend he's not my friend right now. But he loves chocolate, so I'm hoping getting his favorite kind will get him to like me better!" He explained.

"Oooh!" She said, twirling her hair. "So, there's no girl in the picture?" She asked.

"What picture?" He asked. She blinked.

"I… ya, you can't buy them single pack." She gave up and turned back around to attend to whatever she was doing before. Gon blinked at the sudden end of the conversation. He rubbed the back of his head.

"Er, thanks… I guess I'll have to buy it later…" He said, turning around. I'll just ask Mito for more money when she gets home. He exited the store and counted the money he had with him.

"I'll need a bento for tomorrow… I'll need ingredients. I might as well buy some to prepare my lunch tonight!" Gon jogged deeper into plaza to find the local grocery store.

"I'll definitely get Killua his favorite chocolates!" He cheered out, a skip in his step.


Killua sighed as he entered his house, his bookbag slung over one shoulder. He walked down the main hallway, the walls luminescent as the lights reflected off the black paint and white marble floors. That measurement thing took longer than he thought, but he also thought that old assistant was taking her time since he was the last one with no one else waiting on her to take their measurements next.

But he was home now. Maybe he could take a snack up to his room, maybe a chocolate pudding, then if his parents asked him to sing, he could use it as an excuse and to wait a while longer. If no one bothered him, he'd stay in his room all day.

Killua peeked up through his eyelashes and saw the music booth room was cracked open. That was never a good sign. His ears piqued, trying to discern if there were any noises coming from the room. When he didn't hear anything, he relaxed, figuring there was nothing to worry about. As he passed the large double doors, he glanced inside to try and determine why the doors were opened, but he was stopped in his tracks before he could slip by.

"Killu! There you are, we've been waiting!" An annoyingly high voice crooned out. Killua's eyes widened before he rolled his eyes. Right. He stepped back into sight of the room.

"What's going on immediately after school?" Killua asked, propping the door further open with his foot and leaning against the other doorframe charismatically. He scanned the rest of the room to quickly asses the situation. His mother, wearing sleek uni-lense sunglasses and a women professional suit, stood behind the soundboard while Illumi and his other older brother, Milluki were standing in the sound booth. Milluki was on his phone, looking quite disgruntled and… Killua narrowed his eyes in Illumi's direction, Illumi looked quite smug and pleased with himself.

"Oh, Illumi's such a hard working idol, he suggested himself that you three work on harmonizing today! Oh, he's so sweet, looking out for his younger brother's vocal practice!" The mother said in a voice that could only suggest she could hit the highest of notes while singing.

"Ya! And you kept us waiting, Killu!" Milluki whined, shoving his phone in his back pocket as he pushed himself off the wall. "Let's hurry up so I can go eat."

Killua would've replied with something snarky if he wasn't too busy trying to laser Illumi into flames. The aforementioned refused to meet his eye, but didn't keep the victory out of his glint. He threw his bag down across from his left shoulder to the right wall as he walked into the booth, never removing his eyes from Illumi.

Of course he'd get mother to order him to sing with him. He was so spiteful and petty. Just cause he wouldn't harmonize with him.

As he entered, Illumi picked up Killua's soundbooth headphones and held it out to Killua who snapped it up without trying to seem to rude. He didn't want to deal with his mother and plus, he knew Illumi would get him back for being rude later as well. Killua removed his own silver headphones and gently placed it to hang on the sheet music stand with care, which Milluki embarrassedly rubbed at the back of his neck at the action, before placing the large plush black headphones over his feathery hair, one speaker pushed back from his ear to hear outside instruction.

"We'll sing the usual warm up, Killua, you're lead." The mother instructed from outside the booth. "Hai…" Killua droned bored, but heard Milluki 'tsk!' next to Illumi.

He used to love harmonizing with his family, it gave him goosebumps when he first started out. They sounded like a powerful orchestra with only 3 people and the harmonizations sounded angelic. If they sounded great on their own, together it was blessings. As he grew older, he was constantly told, mostly by his mother, how he was the greatest of all the siblings, he began getting more leads and melodies instead of backup and harmonies, his brothers, more specifically Milluki, began resenting him for it, and he grew bored. They were forced to sing everyday, and the feeling was lost. It was no longer fun, and no emotions were put forth. Just beautiful, hollow voices. But he supposed it didn't matter to his parents, as long as it was beautiful.

Killua knew he wouldn't ever find the feeling again, not the way the school did it. But he'll sing like he was trained, and he'll perform as he was paid. There was no other life or option. Killua shuffled the papers in front of him and picked out the usual warm-up. Even though he memorized it already, as all their memories were tuned to be better than mosts, he preferred to look at it as a way to distract himself. It was something to look at as you waited for it to end. The measurements could almost be used as a countdown for when the song ended. That's what Killua looked forward to most now when he sang. When it ended.

"Ready? From the top! One, and two, and…!" The mother sang out, waving her hand like a conductor.

"*Oooo~..." The three voices rang out in perfect harmony.


Featured Music:

*Me, Myself and I G-Eazy, Bebe Rexha

*Beginning vocals of Nsync O Holy Night

=End Chapter 1=


Yay! That was my first chapter! I hope you all liked it!

I have to tell you, I am a girl of good tastes, but also very picky. To be honest... I don't have a lot of songs in my repertoire. I have a few I think are distinctly Killugon and will be inputting them, but I need help! I need more song choices that are probably way better than the songs I have planned.

Please review with any songs you guys think any of the characters listen to or songs you think describe the characters. I promise, I will listen to every single one of them, and if I think you are so correct, like YES OF COURSE GON SINGS THIS or whatever, you bet your bottom dollar I will find a way to PUT THAT SONG THE HELL IN HERE! It would help that if when you gave me the songs, you provide who you had it in mind for and for when, like (i.e. This is Gon's 'I realize I'm in love with Killua!' song! =33)

On that note, I am working on a youtube list up to have all the songs (the specific songs used in the song, if cover songs or certain versions/remixes) to be available to listen to when it comes up in the chapters. I'll put the youtube list on my tumblr listed below.

Also on that note, I will be updating everyone month. I have certain chapters pre-written (a lot of them) but if I look up a song I like and think it would work better in certain parts I've already written, I'll need time to edit it into there, and also, I will need to reread through the chapters once more to edit before posting and, as this one, THEY ARE LONG, I'll need time. I'm also in college, so I can't give all my time to this (no matter how much I wish this was my full-time job.)

SO! To help my lovely readers and fans out, I'll tell you the arcs I plan on writing out (I really hope I can get all of this out and not stop halfway through) along with the main characters for the arcs so you know which characters you could find songs for. And Also for you all to have hope and an idea how long this story will be:

2nd grade year;

1st semester: Winter Showcase Arc [Gon, Killua]

Winter break/Christmas Arc: Fluff, any/all preexisting characters

2nd semester: Turnt up Illumi Arc [Illumi, Hisoka, Amane]

Summer break Arc: Fluff any/all existsing characters

3rd grade year;

All year: Connective Short Story Arc (fluff) [Gon, Killua, Leorio, Kurapika]

2nd semester: Alluka Heights Arcs [Killua, Alluka, Gon]

4th grade year;

1st semester: Engagement Arc [Killua, Gon, Retsu]

2nd semester: World Star Arc/ Graduation Arc [Gon, Killua- er... well, all the characters read up to this point are fair game]

Seriously though! Don't read into any of the titles too seriously! They are Arc names for an idea of what they'll be about, but I think I can guarantee that's not all there is to it, but knowing the gist, go ahead and submit suitable songs.

I also have a tumblr where these things can be submitted, where I'll be posting my own fanart (Cause I'm a dork) and short stories/ behind scenes: ( ht X tps:/X / X wonder X land X monkey X puzzle. X tumblr. X com/) Remove 'X' and spaces Or just go ahead and look up my blog 'Doodled Mind- Drool'

I'm sorry this was so long and rambly, but I guess that what first chapters are! Remember to review! I hope you all enjoy the ride! It should be a long one.

=Update= (4/27/2017)

I have a new tumblr specifically for HXH and HXH AUs and where I'll be posting Bells and Whistles (BaW) stuff (AKA music au) and where you guys can ask questions, submit fanart, or one shots, or where you can read my one shots or fanart. It's twila-star (my pen name) and the blog is HunterXAU on Tumblr! You can follow wonderlandmonkeypuzzle too, but it's not going to be much HXH.

Thanks!