Episode 20: A Parting And Beginning Present
We managed to arrive before everyone woke up and went our separate ways.
I put the bouquets that I had made, out of sight by hiding them underneath my usual seat so that no one could see them. I wanted it to be a surprise, especially for Mito-san. She had been such a dear by taking good care of me and all.
During breakfast, Gon announced about Kurapica's and my departure from Whale Island.
" Mito-san, Kurapica and Hikari will be leaving from here at ten, " Gon told his step-mother.
" Leaving? " Mito-san echoed.
" Yes, I'll be leaving today with Hikari, " Kurapica explained.
" I don't mean to be uncouth but, why must it be with Hikari? " Mito-san asked him.
That was one question that no one had expected, at least not me.
For a moment there was silence as everyone tried to think for an excuse on the spot.
" Mito-san, it was my decision to go with Kurapica-san, " I answered quickly. " I want to explore the world. "
Mito-san stared at me for one long moment before she answered, " Well, it's your wish, my dear but please do be careful. "
I could almost hear everyone sigh in relief.
" Nice going, Hikari, " Gon whispered when his aunt was not looking.
" And you, Kurapica. Please take care of her and don't let her wander off alone, okay? " the woman told the seventeen-year-old severely. " Don't let anything awful happen to her. "
" Mito-san, you are being too harsh on Kurapica, " Gon responded. " Hikari knows how to take care of herself, don't you, Hikari? "
Killua kicked me, under the table.
" Uh, y-yes…of course, " I answered quickly, wincing.
" But, Hikari…she's like a child! " Mito-san argued. " We've barely even established our friendship and yet… "
I felt sympathetic towards Mito-san.
" Oh, Mito-san, don't worry about me. I promise that I'll come back when I'm done with exploring, " I told her. " Kurapica will take good care of me. I trust him. "
" Do you promise that you will return here to Whale Island and visit me? " Mito-san asked me, unshed tears in her eyes.
I nodded.
" Yes, I promise, " I answered firmly.
" I have something to give you, " I announced just before we left.
I took the bouquets of fresh flowers which I had prepared earlier from underneath the chair where I hid them and gave them to Mito-san and her mother.
" These are for you! " I told them. " I made them especially for you before I leave. I wanted for you to know that I'm really grateful for everything that you've done for me. You've all taken so much care of me that I'm forever in your debt because no one had ever treated me this way before. "
By the time I finished, I was close to tears. Mito-san pulled me close in a tight embrace.
The familiar smell. The comforting smell of a mother. Of warmth and love.
" Hikari, you promise, don't you? " she whispered.
" Yes, " I told her. " I will come and visit you again. "
" Hey Hikari, then what about us? " Leorio chimed in, looking left out.
I smiled at all of them.
" I have something for you all as well, " I told them shyly.
" Really? " Gon exclaimed. " What is it, Hikari? "
I gave them each a kiss on the cheek and a hug.
" Thanks for being a friend to me. You mean a lot to me… "
Finally, Kurapica and I left as the rest of them waved goodbye to us, from the house.
" We have a few minutes before the ship leaves from Whale Island, " Kurapica told
me. " I suggest that we buy you a mobile phone since both Senritsu and I have
one each. "
" A mobile phone? " I repeated. " What is that? "
Kurapica looked at me as if I had lost my mind.
" Are you serious? "
My cheeks reddened in humiliation.
" Yes, I am being serious, " I answered, a little too defensively.
" Oh, sorry about that. It's a communication device where you can easily press a few buttons and call someone even if he or she is not somewhere near, " Kurapica explained.
" What a brilliant invention! I would love to see that! " I exclaimed animatedly.
" Yes, I know you do, Hikari. We'll get you one, " Kurapica said.
" But, I have no money to pay for it, " I told him.
" I'll buy one for you so you don't have to worry about it. " Kurapica replied.
" But… " I trailed off, looking unsure.
Everyone is always buying stuff for me…
First, it was that candy apple…
Clothes…
Then, a mobile phone…
But…
I have to repay them back somehow…
As reading my mind, Kurapica said, " You don't have to repay me. "
" But… " I trailed off.
Kurapica met my eyes directly.
" No, you don't have to, Hikari. "
But…
I will repay him somehow…
At the right time and right place…
No matter what he says…
I will still do it…
If it's the last thing I do…!
" We're here, Hikari, " Kurapica told me.
He had led me to a shop selling those mobile phones.
" We'll get something that is easy for you to use, " he continued as he entered.
I followed him inside.
" Uh, okay. "
" Welcome! "
I yelped, startled and quickly hid behind Kurapica.
" Oh, I'm sorry about startling you, young lady. Please do accept my apologies, " the storekeeper replied.
"…Uhm, it-it's okay, " I stammered.
Is that the way the storekeeper greets their customers…?
Yelling 'Welcome!' at everyone who enters…?
I have to ask Kurapica-san about this sometime…
" So, what model is user-friendly? " Kurapica inquired.
" Oh, we do have a variety of models that are very user-friendly and popular, " the owner of the store answered as he pointed at the mobile phones on display in the glass cabinet behind him.
Kurapica turned to me.
" What is your favourite colour, Hikari? "
" Uhm…purple, " I answered.
He turned back to the storekeeper.
" I would like the purple clamshell one please, " Kurapica ordered.
Then, I saw him pulling out a card and flashing it at the owner of the store.
" Ah, so you're one of them, I see. "
'Them'…?
Who's 'them'…?
Without another word, Kurapica dropped some money onto the counter and took the phone from him.
" Wait, my boy. You are being very hasty here. Since you are a Hunter,
the phone is free. "
" Well then, thank you, " Kurapica said respectfully as he pocketed the money. " Do have a good day. "
" A good day to you as well, sir and young lady. "
I bowed hastily and followed Kurapica out.