Chapter 21 - Introduction x And x Reunion
At the other end of the lobby, stands Ging. He's talking to a receptionist. However, he turns around, waves and starts to walk toward them when he hears his son's voice.
"Dad! Hi!" Gon shouts.
"Shh! Gon! This is a really formal situation, keep it down." Ging says quietly. "And who's this kid?" Ging points to the silver-haired boy next to Gon.
Gon smiles and shouts, "He's my best friend in the entire world! Meet Killua Zoldyck!"
Killua's cheeks turns bright red. He looks at the ground to avert Gon and Ging's gaze.
"Ah! You're the kid that Gon was talking about " Ging says.
"Dad, you don't have to go into the details."
"Yo Killua, did you know Gon cried so many times over you over the last year?" Ging Jokes.
"Dad!"
"Really?" Killua turns around and smiles at Gon.
"Oh God! So embarrassing!" Gon groans in discomfort.
"Additionally," Ging continues, "You're a Zoldyck…"
"Why''d he say that? Is he going to keep me away from Gon just because I'm a Zoldyck?" "Is he going to be like Illumi and say I'm going to betray Gon?...Ugh...why?!" All of these thoughts appear in Killua's mind. However, instead of condemning Killua, Ging says,
"Hey, don't look at me like with that disgusted look."I'm glad that Gon can make friend with a Zoldyck." Ging walks to him and pats him on the back. "Well, nice to meet you kid."
In an instant, like a piece of wax near heat, Ging's words melts Killua's heart. "He's way nicer than I thought…"
"I-I never expected that parents will be happy when they hear their kid is a friend of an assassin." Killua says quietly.
"There's gotta be a first time for everything, right? And plus, I can tell you had no hostile intent. And you're trying really hard to be friends with Gon too." Ging looks at him with a fatherly look.
"Right…" Killua murmurs.
"Alright, you two boys can go to the front desk over there to check in," Ging points toward the reception table that he was at. "Get your room and just chill out during the day. You can rent two tuxedos for the party tonight."
"Ohh! Tuxedos! Fancy!" Gon exclaims.
"Nice meeting you, Mr. Freecss." Killua says.
"C'mon, take that 'Mister' off, will you? Even Gon just calls me Ging. So you just call me by my first name too, okay?"
"Gladly." Killua smiles, "Bye Ging!"
"Bye dad!" Gon also shouts as they make their over to the reception area.
"So the rumor was right." Killua says, "They do give you better rooms when you arrive early."
The two boys are currently in the elevator, travelling to the 19th, the 2nd top-most floor. They've checked into the hotel through the reception.
"But Killua, you know we could've asked for separate rooms for the two of us, right?"
"I know, but that would mean no more pillows fights." Killua laughs. "Why? Do you not like spending time with me?"
"Of course I do! It's just…."
"Just what?"
"Mmmm...nevermind."
With a "ding" from the elevator, they've arrived at the 19th floor. After dropping off their belongings in their room,
"Now, let's find a way to kill some time… The party's at night and we have a full day left. Let's go pick up or tuxedos, shall we?" Killua says.
They make their way back to the elevator, which has gone back to the ground floor already. When it finally comes back up onto the 19th floor, it carries a surprise with them.
"Kurapika and Lioreo!" Gon screams as the elevator door opens.
"It's Leorio!"
"Oi! Gon and Killua, it's nice to see you two again." Kurapika waves at them from the back of the elevator. They wave back in return.
"Hey old man, you're still wearing your classic suit and tie?"
"I'm not old! I'm still in….wait no….I turned twenty…Well...I'm still not that old."
"How are your doctor studies, Leorio?" Gon asks.
"Pretty good! I'm almost done with it. Thanks for asking."
"And Kurapika! How is it going with you? Did you...uhh...recover...your….scarlet eyes?"
"That was a really long time ago. I think I recovered them around the same time you and Killua parted at the world tree. I've just been working as a bodyguard for the Nostrade family. Nothing special. They're pretty nice to me. Even agreed to let me attend this party and still pay me."
"Well that's good." Killua comments.
"So were you two together the whole time? Gon asks."
"Uh..no. We've just met yesterday."
"Mmm Okay. How did you know Killua and I parted?"
"Hey buddy! We read your posts on social media, believe it or not. Even the poems you wrote for Killua.
"Wait what! Gon! You wrote poems about me!"
"Well...hehe...I..um"
"Why didn't you tell me?!"
"I remember a few, if you want to hear them." Leorio asks.
"Leorio...why…?" Gon sighs in embarrassment.
"Here's the first one:
When I look up at the night sky,
I realize you are no longer by my side.
Your voice ringing like a chime,
Just by hearing it, I can die.
Oh! How painful and cruel separation can be!
Without you, I can never be free,
Without you, I am incomplete.
All of the blood and tears you shed for me,
They're hideous to others, but to me, they're sweet.
Something's missing, next to me,
Someone should be here, or used to be.
The pain of departure can be the most painful thing,
It pierces my heart, mercilessly.
We now have our own goals to aim,
If someone hurts you, I'll take full blame.
Don't get too obsessed, enjoy happiness along the way,
My friend forever, "Killua" is his name.
Please take care, and I wish you find joy.
No matter where you go, remember, "Nothing gold can stay.
….
The three of the four are trying to hide their tears after hearing Gon's poem. The other one, the silver-haired boy, is crying uncontrollably while muttering the name of the author of this poem, his friend, "Gon".
"I-I...n-never knew….I m-mean….that...m-much to y-you." With this last sentence, Killua falls onto the ground. No, not because of sorrow.
-But because of happiness and joy.