Episode 35: A Disconcerting Task
Senritsu awoke the next morning, in the early dawn. She was suddenly aware that Hikari was not in her bed that she had prepared for her. It was not even touched.
Worried, she quickly got up and went outside to take a look. The sight brought a smile to her face.
The both of them were sleeping so soundlessly, so peacefully with each other, on the rug. Both of them were facing each other.
Hikari had her hand over Kurapica's and her mouth was hanging open slightly with her hair splayed all over the place. As for Kurapica…
There is a certain difference…
Normally, his face looked so hostile and disturbed when he was asleep…
But now…
It's like he's changed…
His face looks so much calmer and happy…
There's even a discreet smile there…
Despite Kurapica's constant denial, Senritsu knew that the seventeen-year-old has a certain amount of fondness for that girl. Maybe he did not notice it but Senritsu did. She noticed the very prominent change in that boy.
I think that the girl has it in her to change him…
She is the only one who can melt his heart…
And also to see him for who he is, deep down inside…
Kurapica deserves someone like her…
After all…
He has suffered enough…
With all the responsibilities that he has taken on…
The woman then went over to wake those two up where they will face another new day together.
We stepped out into the sunshine after we checked out of the hotel.
I stretched my arms out and arched my back.
" You look really cheerful today, " Senritsu remarked, noticing my excitement.
I turned back to them, grinning.
" Yup, in fact I am, Senritsu! " I answered. " I can't wait to get to the blimp in Frasia! I want to see what's it like out there! "
Suddenly, there was silence after my reply before they burst out laughing.
" What? " I demanded rudely, putting my hands on my hips and glaring at my friends.
" Hikari, " Kurapica began, trying to stifle his laughter. " A blimp is an airship which is where we get inside and not outside. "
I blushed in embarrassment at my obvious mistake.
" Anyway Hikari, we have to get you pyjamas first before we leave this city, " Senritsu informed me, changing the subject.
" Do I need one? " I whined.
Senritsu nodded firmly.
" Yes, you do Hikari but first we'll have our lunch before we start to hunt. "
" But why? "
I knew I was whining but I could not help it. I simply could not contain my excitement of boarding an airship which was something that I have never done before.
" You wrecked up the last one yesterday night, didn't you, my dear? "
" Uh…oh. "
That was all I could say since I was lost for words.
" So that's why you need a new one or… " Senritsu looked over at Kurapica in a mischievous manner. " …do you want to walk around naked at night? "
At this, Kurapica blushed red and stared down, hard, at the floor.
" Senritsu! " I exclaimed, blushing as well.
The woman laughed loudly.
" I'll buy it then! " I added hastily, avoiding Senritsu's eye.
I did not need anyone looking at my body which goes for Kurapica as well.
After lunch, all of us went over to the clothes' shop.
" Maybe…I'll just wait outside for you after all, " Kurapica replied but Senritsu shook her head, no.
" You will come in with us, Kurapica, " she insisted, pushing him inside.
I followed them in.
" Welcome, " the woman there greeted us with a smile.
" Yes, we are here to get pyjamas for her, " Senritsu told her, pushing me forward. " Can you get it in her size please? "
I looked over at the woman fearfully as she scrutinised me from head to toe, taking in everything including the clothes I wore, a soft mauve-coloured dress.
I found that I was beginning to dislike that woman. From the way she was staring at me, I could tell that she did not like me much either or Senritsu for that matter.
As if sensing my discomfort, Kurapica immediately went over to stand beside me. He flashed his Hunter's licence at her. All at once, the owner's hostile aura disappeared and she began to fuss over me.
So…
Kurapica's Hunter's license is the key, huh…?
To make people respect you…
Although I know that this act of respect is done out of fear…
And nothing else…
But…
What if Kurapica wasn't a Hunter…?
Would they have respected him for who he is…?
But…
What is his purpose of becoming a Hunter…?
" Hmm… you have a very small frame for someone your age, dear, " the woman remarked, looking at me, thoughtfully.
Well, what do you expect…
A fabulous figure…?
I've been starving for the past five years…
Stealing only when there was a need a to do so…
Her mindless remark caused me to flush, deep crimson as I stared down at the floor, too afraid to voice out the thoughts running through my mind.
" Excuse me, miss but we like her just the way she is, " Kurapica retorted. " Would you mind keeping your opinions to yourself and just get her the pyjamas? "
The owner of the shop looked at him, stunned but she stayed silent.
To that, I felt grateful for Kurapica, for standing up for me.
Finally after the many careful body measurements that she took, the woman pointed out several of the clothing articles that I needed which was roughly about my size. They came in different colours and patterns which made it all the more harder to choose from.
" Found anything you like? " Senritsu asked me.
I shook my head, no.
" I don't know which one to pick. "
Senritsu looked to Kurapica for help. I stared expectantly at him in turn. Kurapica looked at her then at me.
" You don't mean that I have to choose as well… " Kurapica started, reluctantly. " Do
you? "
" Yes, Kurapica, " Senritsu told him. " That's exactly what we mean. "
I nodded in agreement.
The seventeen-year-old slapped a hand to his forehead and sighed grumpily.
" Why me? " he muttered.
" Because you are the only one who knows Hikari well enough, " Senritsu put in her two cents worth, which I definitely did not need.
He let out another big petulant sigh and said nothing.
He surveyed the whole rack and chose a lilac one with white bunnies printed all over.
His choice was closely related to my liking the colour purple. I think it had something to do with the mobile phone episode. I smiled and nodded when he turned to me for my approval.
He made the purchase and we left the shop.
" Women are nothing but trouble, " he mumbled as we were walking down the street, away from the clothing store.
" I heard that, Kurapica, " Senritsu immediately declared from behind him, causing me to giggle.