Episode 3: A Nameless Friend
" Wh-Who am I? " I echoed, nervously.
Even though I kept my eyes averted, I could feel the boy's eyes on me.
" Yes, who are you? "
I really did not know how to answer that question so I blurted the first thing that came to my mind.
" I don't know. "
There were a couple of collective gasps around me.
" Y-You don't mean that, do you? " Leorio asked, trying to stifle his laughter. " Tell me that you are joking. "
Again, I felt the apple of my cheeks start to heat up.
I forced myself to shake my head, no although very reluctant to do so.
" N-No, I am not joking. I'm merely telling you the truth. "
After this, there was only silence as I felt everyone's eyes on me.
" You mean that you don't even have a name? " Gon offered helpfully, trying to bring me back into the conversation.
He was being sweet and considerate really but I just did not appreciate what he was doing to help me. It was like as if he was mocking me of my stupidity at my answer to the question asked.
However, he was right. After all, it was a long time since anyone called my name so it was simply wiped out from my memory. I could not remember whether I had a name or not. It was like the whole incident that took place five years ago was so traumatising and so etched into my mind, that I forgot everything about myself and lost my identity.
I searched my memory again and again and for a long moment, I did not answer.
" Hey? " Gon prodded, finally bringing me back to reality.
I shrugged my shoulders.
"…I'm sorry but I can't remember my name, " was all I responded to his question.
" In other words, you don't know who you are either, am I right? " Kurapica asked suddenly, his eyes piercing.
I shook my head.
" Well then, how about your parents? Where are they? " Leorio asked me. " You look too young to even be out here on your own. "
That, I remembered. I will remember everything that had happened to my brother and my father five years ago. At the very least, I could answer that question.
" Both my father and brother died. "
There was more silence after my reply.
" Is there something wrong? " I asked shyly.
Leorio coughed and cleared his throat.
" Um, no. At least, not really. "
I nodded, satisfied with the answer.
" Hey, then how should we address you then? " Gon inquired, looking up at me.
I was careful to hide my face away from them.
" I don't know. That's up to you to decide. I'm fine with any name. "
Gon gasped, " Really? "
I could not resist a smile as I nodded. All this time, I well aware of the fact that the blue-eyed boy, Kurapica, was watching me and not saying anything at all although I just pretended that I did not know. That boy gave me an uncanny feeling.
I think that I'll best ignore him…
Pretend that he isn't there at all…
" Come on, Leorio, Killua, Kurapica! Let's give him a name! " Gon exclaimed excitedly.
Soon, I noticed that the boy and the others with the exception of Kurapica, of course engaged themselves in a heated debate although Killua joined in rather grudgingly.
I waited patiently for them to agree on a name for me. Honestly, I admit that I was a little thrilled and fascinated.
Finally…
I'm going to have a name…
A name to call my own…
And someone to call me by that name…
Unconsciously, a smile crept to my lips.
Who are these people…?
Why do they treat me ever so compassionately…?
Why are they doing this for me even though we've just met…?
And it was a bad start, even…
Without thinking, I asked them one straightforward question.
" Who are you people to give me a name? "
They turned to look at me.
" Since you have been living alone and we all have just met you, I'll say that you are my friend! " Gon answered innocently, a genuine smile always evident on his lips.
" Friend? " I repeated as if the word was something new that I discovered.
Gon nodded vigorously.
" Uh-huh! We're all friends! Me, Killua, Leorio and Kurapica! I wouldn't mind having another new one joining my circle! Would you want to be my friend? "
For the first time, I felt like if I was wanted and well-liked by these new people.
With a warm smile, I nodded.
" Sure, I will be a friend! "