Episode 51: A Secret Or Two
Again, there was another meeting at the huge mansion of Kurapica's employer and I was forced to wait outside for the two of them. Honestly, I was really afraid of those big and scary guards who stood guard outside of the double doors. They were glaring at me like I was a piece of trash that was an eye-sore which stood out amongst the vast, well-kept green lawns.
Being used to them since yesterday's incident, I had hidden myself carefully away from their view which was the same old bench where I fell asleep last night. What happened after that was something that I was not sure of. If I slept, I would not wake up after that because I was so wiped-out.
I sighed heavily.
Earlier that morning, Kurapica-san had insisted on me tagging along with them despite my obvious reluctance.
I was so bored sitting here, by myself.
" What are you doing here? "
Almost instantly, I looked up, my train of thoughts now broken.
" Me? " I squeaked out, staring up at the girl.
Her green eyes surveyed me, taking in my face and the clothes which I wore.
" You look like that 'pretty boy' who used to be my bodyguard that time. In fact, you are just like his twin sister or something, " she remarked, tucking her pink hair behind her ears and flopped down on the bench beside me.
" So, who are you? Are you related to him by any chance? " the girl pressed. " And why are you here? "
" Uh…me? " I repeated stupidly. " I'm waiting for Kurapica-san and- "
" Yes! That's it! " she exclaimed, interrupting me. " Kurapica! "
My eyes narrowed at this when I realised that the 'pretty boy' that she was referring to was Kurapica, my childhood friend.
" What about him? " I demanded, my voice louder than what I had intended.
The stranger stared at me, stunned before a sly gleam crept into her beautiful green eyes.
" You like him, don't you? "
I felt a warm blush creeping up my neck and staining my cheeks, with its colour.
" NO! " I responded immediately, my voice taking on a higher octave. " I-I don't, at least…not in the way that you're thinking! Besides, I don't even know who you are! "
She smiled, " My name is Neon Nostrad and I live here. My daddy owns this place, you know. "
Quickly, I jolted straight up and bowed respectfully.
" Oh! I-I'm very sorry about this. I'm clearly a trespasser on this land and- "
The girl waved her hand at me dismissively.
" Don't worry about that. I've seen you waiting for Kurapica here, yesterday so you're not exactly a trespasser here, if you know what I mean, " she replied. " So, what's your name then? "
" Hikari, " I told her before proceeding to sit back down on the bench.
" Hikari, huh? So, are you related to Kurapica? " Neon asked me.
I clasped my hands tightly together in my lap and nodded, unable to meet her eyes directly.
" In what way? "
" He's…well- "
" Hikari! "
Again, I was rudely interrupted.
What is this…?
'Interrupt Hikari' Day…?
It was Kurapica-san.
" Good morning, Neon-san, " he greeted the girl formally when he realised she was standing beside me. " If you would mind, we're taking our leave for now. "
" Ah, yes. Good morning, Kurapica. Please do so. "
She turned to me, " I'll see you again the next time he comes here. Please do come along. I've rarely had a companion who is of the same age as me. "
I grinned and nodded happily.
" Yes, of course I will. Thank you! "
" So, you met Neon, Hikari? " Senritsu spoke up as we headed over to the hotel for a change of clothes.
" Uh-huh! " I answered enthusiastically. " She seems really nice. "
" Did she say anything else? " Kurapica asked me, interested.
That did it. My enthusiasm was lost as the feeling of envy surged through me, yet again.
" Yes. In fact, she did, " I answered, tonelessly. " She finds you… "
I burst out laughing, " Pretty! She called you a 'pretty boy'! "
Kurapica looked at me for one moment before he blushed.
" Can you believe that? " I gasped breathlessly. " Maybe if you were to cross-dress… "
At this, Senritsu laughed.
For some reason, the boy blushed even harder. He looked away and increased his pace, lengthening his stride as he walked on ahead of me.
" Hey, if you don't keep up…I'm going to leave you all behind and I'm not going to wait for you, " he called back form behind his shoulder.
" What happened to him? " I whispered to Senritsu, feeling curious. " After I said 'cross-dress', he seemed really bothered and embarrassed by it. "
Senritsu chuckled, " You really want to know? I'm telling you if you were to know…he'll never leave it down at all and his ego will be ruined. "
I smiled wider as we strode after Kurapica's fast retreating back. This was chance to know more about him! I have to grab it!
" Of course, I want to know! Please tell me! " I exclaimed elatedly, nodding vigorously.
" Well…he did cross-dress before, only once but that was to go undercover for a mission so no one would ever recognise him. To tell you the truth, he looked really adorable at that time. He could even pass off as a cute girl. "
My eyes widened and immediately, I giggled with mirth.
" Really?! "
The older woman nodded to confirm my disbelief. My giggles now evolved into full-blown laughter.
" Kawaii! " I squealed happily and clapped my hands together. " I want to try it! "
" Try it? " Senritsu echoed, looking confused.
" Uh-huh! " I answered mischievously " I want to dress him up too! "
The woman laughed.
" Now, that's my girl! "
Note from 'moi': I'm so so so so so SORRY!!!!! You guys were waiting for this chapter right?!?! I totally forgot to post it in…I typed it like 3 days ago!!!! Once again, I'm really sorry!!!! _