Note: I started binging Hunter x Hunter a few weeks ago when I learned the series was returning from hiatus. Inspired by a few shoujo tropes I've read - particularly yakuza romances - the idea for this fic just came to life. I hope you enjoy this story! Comment and let me know what you think.
CHAPTER ONE
Neon Nostrade let out a long, wistful sigh, closing the final volume of the latest shoujo manga in her collection. Her fingers lingered on the cover, tracing the art of two characters lost in a tender embrace. In the story, the high school sweethearts had confessed their love in their first year, shared a first kiss beneath a canopy of stars on Christmas Eve, and sneaked away during school trips to marvel at the night sky. They met each other's families, laughed, cried, and lived each magical moment of young love Neon could only imagine.
Romantic love. Youth. An ordinary high school life. Neon's chest tightened with a pang of longing.
Things I'll never experience… because I'm the daughter of an overprotective Yakuza boss.
The soft light from the chandelier illuminated her reflection in the tall, gilded mirror across her room. The mirror had belonged to her mother, a woman remembered for her breathtaking beauty and fierce spirit. Neon studied her face, noticing echoes of her mother in her own features: porcelain skin untouched by the sun, long, silken hair the deep shade of a midnight ocean, and eyes—a piercing aquamarine, as if stolen from a forgotten sea. With her delicate features and ethereal beauty, she was hard to miss. Talent scouts had offered her roles and modeling contracts since she was thirteen. And now, at seventeen, proposals from wealthy suitors and yakuza heirs cluttered her father's office desk, each one rejected with a curt dismissal.
Light Nostrade was no ordinary man. As the head of Japan's most formidable yakuza syndicate, he commanded unwavering loyalty from over 6,000 men across the nation. Ruthless, shrewd, and meticulous, he had the power to decimate entire operations with a single word. But to Neon, he was simply "Father"—infuriatingly protective, doting to a fault, and ever-watchful, as if she were made of fragile glass.
Sinking into her plush pink canopy bed, she gazed up at the layers of chiffon cascading from the top. She could feel the weight of her solitude pressing down on her.
What's the point of beauty if there's no one to hold my hand, no friends to share in the moments that make life worth living?
She had been homeschooled since the day she could read. Her father's decision, of course, meant to protect her from the shadows lurking beyond the mansion's high walls. Her life was a gilded cage, as beautiful as it was confining. As a child, she had survived multiple kidnapping attempts, veiled threats, even the occasional assassination plot. Her mother had been killed when she was just a baby in a brutal clash between rival clans. Light's relentless protectiveness was understandable—but that didn't make her life any less lonely.
The only "friends" she had were aging yakuza men—stoic, scarred figures who treated her like a beloved niece but knew little about the heart of a teenage girl. They brought her gifts, awkwardly tried to engage in her favorite games, and acted as a stand-in family. They meant well, but it wasn't the same as having friends her own age.
Her father had tried to fill the emptiness with material gifts: lavish jewels, dresses by the world's top designers, gadgets from Europe months before they hit the shelves. Yet no amount of wealth could buy her a sense of belonging, a true life, or a purpose beyond the title of "daughter to the yakuza boss."
A quiet knock on her door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called softly.
The door creaked open, and Light Nostrade's face appeared, his usual stern expression softened with a rare warmth. "Are you busy, my dear?"
"No, not at all, Father," Neon replied, carefully painting a polite smile on her face.
Light stepped inside, seating himself next to her on the bed. The faint scent of his cologne mixed with the aroma of cigar smoke clung to his jacket. "A high-profile business partner is hosting a banquet next weekend. I'd like you to accompany me. He hasn't seen you since you were little, and he's expressed interest in introducing you to his son—a young man about your age."
Neon's heart sank. Another evening surrounded by distant faces, forced smiles, and murmured formalities. But she couldn't refuse him, not when he looked at her with that proud, hopeful gleam in his eye.
"Of course, Father. I'd love to go with you," she said sweetly, concealing her reluctance behind a honeyed smile.
Light's eyes brightened. "Wonderful! I'll arrange for one of Vera Wang's top designers to create a gown just for you. You'll be the most enchanting woman there."
"Thank you, Father." She forced another smile, each word sweetened to perfection. But deep down, she felt a strange emptiness. While she appreciated his efforts, his grand gestures of wealth and status felt hollow, like gifts to a person he imagined she wanted to be.
Light reached over, brushing a few strands of her hair back before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Anything for my precious girl." He stood, his hand lingering just a moment longer, before he turned and left, the door closing softly behind him.
As soon as he was gone, the practiced smile dropped from her face, and she sighed, sinking deeper into her bed. Staring up at the ceiling, she felt the weight of a thousand unsaid words pressing on her heart.
There must be more to life than this.
Ding!
Her smartphone lit up with a notification, pulling her attention away from her thoughts. Neon reached over to her bedside table, unlocked the screen, and read the message.
"Dear Ms. Nostrade,
This is a reminder of your movie screening for Serenade of the Stars, scheduled for 4:30 PM today, October XX, XXXX.
Please claim your complimentary popcorn and drinks at the entrance by showing this QR code."
Neon glanced at the clock—2:30 PM.Oh no! I completely forgot!She had booked tickets a week ago for the anime adaptation of one of her favorite manga.
With a rush of excitement, she leaped out of bed, quickly slipped into her favorite pastel pink dress, applied just enough makeup to enhance her already striking features, and hurried downstairs.
In the living room, her father was sipping coffee, his usual six bodyguards standing stiffly in a line behind him. Their eyes never left her as she dashed in.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" Light asked, raising an eyebrow, his tone amused but still laced with curiosity.
"Remember the movie I bought tickets for last week?" Neon replied breathlessly. "It's showing today! Can you have the driver take me?"
Light gave a small nod and made a subtle hand gesture. Instantly, one of the Yakuza members spoke into his hidden microphone, arranging the car.
"Thanks, Father!" Neon bowed in gratitude.
As Light prepared to signal for the bodyguards to accompany her, Neon stepped closer, placing a gentle but firm hand on his shoulder. "Father… I'm seventeen now. I don't need bodyguards every time I leave the house. Just the driver, please."
Light's face froze in shock, but Neon held his gaze, unwavering.
"But—"
"No buts, Father," she said, her voice soft yet resolute. "I'm not a child anymore."
Light hesitated, his expression conflicted. "Very well," he conceded, lowering his hand. "But keep me updated. Send me messages on Line, so I know you're safe."
Neon beamed. "Thank you!" she cheered, her heart swelling with the thrill of freedom.
"But…" Light's voice darkened, "if anything happens, anything at all, you'll never leave without bodyguards again."
Neon swallowed. "I understand."
As she left the room, Light discreetly signaled three Yakuza members to tail her. Old habits die hard.
"I'll wait in the parking area, boss," the Nostrade family driver said, bowing respectfully. "Just let me know when you're ready."
Neon returned the bow with a polite smile. "Of course. Thank you."
As soon as she stepped away, her demeanor changed entirely. Skipping towards the theater like an excited child, Neon felt a surge of freedom wash over her. She glanced around, her sharp eyes scanning for any signs of danger. 'Good,' she thought with a grin. 'No yakuza thugs lurking around, no bodyguards disguised as regular people.'
She twirled on her heels, feeling light. 'Looks like Father is finally easing up a bit.' Neon beamed as she approached the snack bar. 'After all, I'm already seventeen.'
Her stomach grumbled in protest, reminding her that she had skipped lunch. She quickly ordered a large cheese-flavored popcorn, a crispy corn dog, a small bucket of chicken nuggets, and a medium-sized orange soda. A feast for one, and it made her even more giddy. 'This should keep me satisfied,' she thought with a sense of triumph.
As she stood there, a group of friends caught her attention. Four girls around her age, clad in high school uniforms, strolled out of one of the theaters and headed to the snack bar. Their chatter echoed in the quiet lobby.
"The movie was good, but it didn't exactly help me forget reality," one girl sighed, clearly upset. "I can't believe you're transferring schools right in the middle of the year."
"And to a private boarding school, no less!" another chimed in with exaggerated disbelief.
The third girl, who had been silent until now, suddenly perked up. "Oh, you don't need to worry about that! Seiran Academy is the most prestigious private boarding school in Japan! It's only been open for two years, but they already only accept the absolute elite," she said, her voice brimming with excitement.
Neon's ears twitched at the words 'elite private school.' Seiran Academy? Her interest was piqued.
The girl they were speaking to, who Neon guessed was the one transferring, giggled softly. Her long, silky black hair cascaded down her back like a real-life Rapunzel. "Sha-chan, you're getting way too excited."
"It's true though!" Sha-chan insisted. "I've heard even the Prime Minister's son goes there, along with the children of top business owners. My cousin knows someone who's friends with the daughter of a Yakuza leader in the north, and apparently, she goes there too."
Neon's heart skipped a beat. "A Yakuza's daughter?!" she blurted out before she could stop herself.
The four girls turned to her, startled by the sudden outburst.
"S-Sorry!" Neon quickly bowed, her face flushing with embarrassment. "I didn't mean to intrude. I overheard you talking about Seiran Academy. S-So... even a Yakuza's daughter can attend without any issues?"
The group exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by her curiosity.
Oh no, they probably think I'm some kind of weirdo now, Neon thought, cringing inwardly. She bowed again, this time more earnestly. "I'm really sorry! My name is Neon, and I'm genuinely interested in what you were saying. I'm not a creep or anything, I promise!" She gave them her sweetest smile.
Sha-chan, the bubbly one, burst into laughter. "No worries!" she said cheerfully.
"I'm Shana." She pointed to the girl with the short bob haircut, "This is Mitsuri," then to the girl with vibrant, bleached-orange hair, "This is Sayaka," and finally, she nudged the girl with the long black hair. "And this is Nanami, our friend who's transferring to Seiran."
The four girls bowed politely.
Mitsuri, the girl with the bob cut, leaned in curiously. "Are you thinking about attending Seiran Academy, too?"
"Well, it's not for everyone," Shana cut in with a smirk. "You won't get in unless your family's super high-profile. My cousin's family owns several businesses in Tokyo, and even they got rejected. You have to bereallyup there." She shrugged. "But it's probably the safest place for kids from powerful families."
Neon's curiosity only deepened. She glanced at Nanami, who seemed somewhat reserved. What doesherfamily do?
Nanami met her gaze and smiled shyly. "My father's the underboss of the Yamaguchi-gumi clan," she said softly. "He's not the head, but he holds a pretty important position."
Neon's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. A fellow daughter of the Yakuza! A kindred spirit. But I can't reveal my true identity... not yet.
Her heart raced with excitement. The idea of attending Seiran Academy, living out her long-cherished dreams of high school life, blossoming romance, and friendships—all of it felt closer than ever.
"I-I'm just an ordinary girl," Neon mumbled, looking away. "B-But I know someone who might be interested."
Nanami rummaged through her schoolbag. "I still have some pamphlets somewhere... Ah, here!" She pulled out a brochure along with some application papers. "This is the Seiran Academy pamphlet. I'm already enrolled, so I don't need these anymore. You can have them."
Neon's face lit up. "Thank you so much!"
Shana glanced at her phone. "Well, we're throwing a farewell party for Nanami, so we need to get going. But, Neon-chan, you're welcome to join us if you'd like."
Neon glanced at the clock on the wall. "I'd love to, but I have a movie starting soon, and I've already paid for it," she said apologetically, bowing again. "Thank you so much for your time, and for answering my questions. It was great meeting you all."
"Likewise," the girls chimed in, bowing back.
Just as they were about to leave, Shana slipped a small piece of paper into Neon's hand. "In case you change your mind, here's the address of the karaoke place we're heading to. It's only a few blocks from here."
Neon beamed and tucked the note away. "Thanks! I'll think about it!"
Neon glanced at her phone, noting the remaining thirty minutes until the movie started. She was already halfway through her oversized popcorn and had devoured her corn dog and chicken nuggets.I'm sooo bored,she yawned, her excitement from earlier dissipating like the buttery aroma of her snack.
Then a brilliant idea struck her like a flash of lightning. Why not visit the karaoke place after all? She could swing by, enjoy some fun with her new friends, and still make it back before the film wrapped up. After all, she had already read the manga adaptation, so she knew the story inside out. Plus, this was the first time she'd actually talked with girls her age. The prospect of friendship excited her! And the invite to karaoke? That was something friends did!
A twinge of guilt gnawed at her for planning something behind her father's back, but she quickly reassured herself.It's not that bad! I'm just hanging out with some nice girls.Besides, one of them was a Yakuza daughter, just like herself. They could bond over their shared lives.
She opened the crumpled paper with the karaoke place's address, her heart racing with anticipation.
Sing City Karaoke
Address: 3-14-6 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 150-0041
Room 6C
"Alright!" Neon felt a surge of energy as she read the address.
With newfound purpose, she hurried out of the cinema, her heart thumping in her chest. Glancing at the digital map in the lobby, she noted,Driver-san is parked over here. If I exit from the other side, we won't run into each other.
The thrill of her first adventure made her pulse quicken. She felt alive!
As she slipped out of the alternate exit, Neon found herself enveloped in the vibrant chaos of Shibuya. "I'll be back in an hour or so, Driver-san," she muttered under her breath, letting a carefree smile slip across her face.
With each skip and whistle, she reveled in the sights and sounds around her. The sky was a deeper shade of blue than she had ever noticed, the air crisp with possibility, and the streets were alive with colorful lights and bustling crowds. The tantalizing scents wafting from nearby food stalls made her stomach grumble, and she was surprised to see so many other teenagers out enjoying themselves, just like her.
For the first time in her seventeen years, she was navigating the streets of Tokyo alone.This feeling of freedom,she breathed in deeply. She wanted to savor it, to bottle it up and keep it forever.
Checking her smartphone with Google Maps still open, she followed the directions, but soon found herself straying from the crowd, entering a dimly lit alley that felt increasingly sketchy.
Hmmm… this doesn't seem right,she thought, panic creeping in.Google Maps says to keep going straight, but there's nothing here…
Just as she was about to retrace her steps, she collided with something solid.
Bump!
Her gaze shot up, and she was met with the imposing figure of a man, his presence so intimidating it sent a chill down her spine. He was enormous—easily around six feet tall—with bleached hair that looked like straw and a body that was all muscle. Tattoos snaked down his arms, and the glint of several piercings caught the dim light of the alley.A gang leader? A Yakuza?Neon gulped, her instincts screaming at her to flee.
The man grinned, a sinister gleam in his eyes. "Well, well, well. What do we have here?" He snickered, his voice low and mocking.
"What a pretty lady," another thug chimed in, stepping from the shadows behind him, his expression lewd.
"She looks like something Boss will like," a third thug added, licking his lips as he advanced.
Neon's blood ran cold.This. Is. Not. Good!Her heart raced, pounding against her ribcage like a frantic drum.What do I do? Should I call Father?
But the thought of her father's wrath sent icy fear through her veins.No, I can't call any Nostrade members. They'll rat me out.
What do I do? What do I do?Panic surged through her. Was this punishment for being a disobedient child?
As the thugs moved closer, she crouched back in fear, desperate for an escape. The biggest thug, grinning wickedly, leaned in closer. "Why do you look so frightened, Miss?" he taunted, sarcasm dripping from his words. "We're just going to play with you a bit. Now be a good girl and—"
RUN!
Her instincts kicked in. She sprinted away, her feet pounding against the pavement as she fled. The thugs were quick to follow, their heavy footfalls echoing behind her, gaining ground with every frantic stride she took.
Neon's foot snagged on a loose wooden plank, sending her sprawling to the ground, face-first. The impact knocked the breath from her lungs, and she gasped as she turned to see the thugs closing in.
Ow! A sprained ankle, of all things!she winced.Why now?
Before she could even formulate a plan, the biggest thug seized her by the collar, slamming her against the cold wall. "Now, let's play a bit, shall we?" His lips curled into a grotesque smirk as the others snickered behind him.
Neon closed her eyes, despair flooding her senses. This was it. Her ankle throbbed painfully, and with no way to fight back, she felt utterly helpless.I'm sorry, Father,she murmured under her breath.Please forgive your disobedient daughter.
With her heart racing, she braced herself for the worst. Just as the thug's hands began to slide under her dress, there was a sudden, sharp noise—a punch echoed through the alley.
Neon coughed as she was suddenly released, blinking in confusion as she looked up to see her savior. It was a boy, probably around her age, with striking features that almost seemed ethereal. His golden-blonde hair fell to his neck, framing his sharp blue eyes that pierced through the darkness with an intensity that took her breath away. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he emanated an air of mystery that captivated her.
"Are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
"H-How?" she stammered, bewildered as she took in the scene around her. The thugs were now sprawled on the ground, groaning in defeat.
"Who the hell are you?!" the thug who had grabbed her yelled, scrambling to his feet.
"How dare you do this to our precious leader!" another thug shouted, brandishing a knife from his pocket.
The boy's expression hardened as he turned his gaze on the trio. "Three against one? How dirty can you get?"
The thugs lunged at him, knives gleaming menacingly as they shouted their war cry.
"We'll give your head to the Boss!" the thug with bleached hair cackled as he charged forward.
The boy didn't flinch. With effortless grace, he dodged their attacks, his movements fluid as he evaded each blow. In one swift motion, he kicked the knives from their grasp, leaving them stunned and wide-eyed.
"Guess you're all just for show, huh?" he taunted, a smirk dancing on his lips. "They say it's always the flashiest who are weak. Now—"
He struck a karate pose, and Neon, still in shock, instinctively covered her ears, bracing for the worst.
When she opened her eyes again, all three thugs lay unconscious on the ground, defeated.
"W-What just happened?" she whispered, disbelief washing over her.
The boy extended his hand to her, helping her to her feet. "You're safe now," he reassured her, a warm smile softening his features.
"Thank you so much!" Neon exclaimed, her voice trembling with gratitude.
"Don't mention it," he replied. "I'm just glad I was in the area."
His gaze shifted to her smartphone, and his brow furrowed with concern. "This isn't the kind of area a lady like you should be in. Are you lost?"
"Ah, yes!" she admitted, her cheeks flushing. "I was looking for a karaoke place, but I ended up here instead. Now it's too late for me to go, so I need to head back to TOHO Cinema, the one by Shibuya."
He nodded, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "I'll walk you there. I need to meet someone in that area, too."
Neon fell into step beside him as they made their way out of the shadowy district, relief flooding her as they emerged back into the bright, bustling streets of Shibuya. The energy of the crowds enveloped her, a stark contrast to the darkness she had just escaped.
As they walked, she couldn't help but steal glances at him, curious and intrigued.I wonder what his name is?she mused, gratitude blooming in her chest.It's a good thing he was there to help. If he hadn't…
"You still look a bit shaken," he said, glancing at her with genuine concern. "Why don't we take a moment to rest?"
Neon nodded, grateful for the chance to catch her breath and process the whirlwind of events.
"Sorry, I instinctively grabbed this drink because it's my favorite," the boy said sheepishly, handing over a chilled iced coffee. The condensation glistened on the plastic cup, droplets of moisture trickling down to his fingers.
"Thank you," Neon replied, accepting the drink with a shy smile.
The rich aroma of coffee wafted from the cup, offering her a momentary comfort amid the lingering fear from her recent encounter.
They found a secluded bench nestled away from the bustling crowds of Shibuya, where the air buzzed with laughter and chatter. The vibrant neon lights illuminated the street, casting a colorful glow over everything, but Neon's heart was still racing. Thankfully, the jittery tremors in her body had subsided, allowing her to take a moment to breathe.
"What's your name?" the boy asked, settling beside her, his posture relaxed yet attentive.
"I'm Neon," she chirped, a lightness returning to her spirit. "It's nice to meet you! What about you?"
He smiled warmly, the kind of smile that seemed to light up his face. "That's a pretty name," he said, a hint of admiration in his tone, making her cheeks flush. "I'm Kurapika." Neon found herself lost in his cerulean blue eyes, a shade so deep they seemed to hold the mysteries of the ocean.
For the first time in her seventeen years, she was sitting close to a boy her age, sharing a moment like this. Could this be… a first crush? Her heart beat louder in her chest, thrumming with excitement and something she couldn't quite name.
"Kurapika-san?" she whispered, testing the name on her lips and blushing at its sweetness.
"Just Kurapika is fine," he replied, a playful glint in his eyes.
Glancing at the watch that adorned his wrist, Kurapika's expression shifted slightly. "I gotta go now; I have an urgent meeting." His voice carried a note of regret that tugged at Neon's heart. "If you turn left on that street there, you'll see TOHO Cinema almost instantly."
A wave of disappointment washed over her. The fleeting moments they shared felt precious, and the thought of parting left her with an ache in her chest. She had embarked on this adventure hoping to meet new friends, and now she felt a deep loss knowing she might never see Kurapika again.
"If it's not too much trouble," she mustered her courage, feeling her cheeks warm again, "Could I add you as a friend on Line?"
Kurapika looked taken aback for a moment, then his expression softened. "I'm really sorry, but I don't have a smartphone," he admitted, the sadness evident in his voice. "I really should be going now." He stood up, brushing off his trousers with a casual grace.
"Thank you, Kurapika," she said, bowing her head, a wave of disappointment washing over her. "Take care."
"Take care, Ms. Neon," he responded with a hint of formality that made her smile falter. "Maybe our paths will cross again someday."
"Just Neon is fine," she whispered, wishing to close the gap between them. "No need for formalities among friends."
Their eyes locked for a moment, and Kurapika broke the gaze, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "Yeah, see you, Neon."
As she watched him walk away, the scene felt like something straight out of a shoujo manga—a bittersweet moment, perfect yet fleeting. Today had been filled with both danger and discovery, and despite the chaos, something beautiful had blossomed. She couldn't shake the feeling that today was unforgettable, but she also knew that her father could never find out what had transpired.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Neon hurried inside the cinema, the glow of the neon lights behind her fading as she entered the familiar darkened lobby. But her heart sank at the sight before her. Her driver, along with three other Nostrade Yakuza members, frantically searched the area, their faces etched with concern.
"What's going on?"she thought, her stomach twisting.
"Boss!" her driver exclaimed, relief washing over him as he rushed to her side. "Where have you been?! The movie ended fifteen minutes ago! You weren't in the cinema, and you weren't answering your phone!" His voice rose in panic, the urgency palpable.
The other three Yakuza members were embroiled in a heated argument, each blaming the other for failing to keep watch over her. Neon sighed inwardly, realizing that Light had indeed arranged for bodyguards to follow her after all. She had just been fortunate that they hadn't taken their job seriously.
"Sorry," she said, putting on her best apologetic face. "I got caught up in the release of this new manga, so I popped over to the bookstore across from the cinema. I forgot to charge my phone, and it died on me."
She could feel the weight of her father's concern pressing down on her.
She quickly glanced at the driver, recalling how Light must have been worried sick during the movie, not receiving any updates from her.
But despite the chaos around her, her thoughts drifted back to Kurapika, his warm smile and dazzling blue eyes lingering in her mind. With a deep breath, she pushed her worries to the back of her mind, craving just a moment to savor the thrill of the day. She wished on the drive back home that she could see those cerulean blue eyes again, the ones that had filled her with a sense of hope and adventure.
