Hi, minna! Sorry for the delay. Surprisingly over the summer I find myself busy, whether it was planned or not. I'm trying really hard to write this, but also working on other projects that I plan on getting done by the end of this month. This chapter is dedicated to @skull176. I hope you guys like it!

After a fun and pretty exciting weekend, it had to end by another horrible, boring Monday, and what made this Monday especially worse was that it was my turn for cleaning duty.

After the second bell rang, a couple of my classmates and I stayed behind to sweep the floors and clean the chalk board. While Fuko and I brushed the brooms across the room, Lee finished up erasing the words on the board and began patting the chalk board erasers together, clouds of white dust flying around him.

"Yuki, can you take out the trash today?" Fuko asked me.

"Why do I have to do it?" I complained, reluctant to the idea of dragging the trash bag outside to the dumpster.

"Because I did it last time I was on clean up," she replied with one hand on her hip, the other striking the broomstick down to hold her stand.

"Me too," Lee added, brushing off the leftover dust off of his sleeves.

I sighed, knowing that I couldn't avoid it any longer. "Okay, fine..." I said poorly. With smiles, Fuko placed the broomsticks back inside the closet and they both walked out to lunch together.

"Why do I get stuck with the icky jobs?" I groaned.

***

"Ew ew ew!" I bickered as I tossed the garbage bag inside the putrid smelling dumpster. As I was returning to the building, on the other side of the bushes across the courtyard was Kaito.

"Hey, Kaito," I called out to him, sheepishly waving to him. He didn't show any response. He probably didn't hear me. I was about to call out to him louder this time, but the words never came out when I saw a certain blonde with blue ribbons dangling along with her locks, following him. Umi caught his attention and he smiled right back at her.

I watched silently as they headed happily toward the building in their direction, completely oblivious to my existence. "I can't wait until the Firework Festival..." I heard him laugh. They're probably planning on going together as boyfriend and girlfriend. He held the door for his girlfriend, and right when it closed behind them, I turned around and just started running. I didn't know why I started or where I was going; I just kept running. My heart was throbbing as tears escaped my eyes. I didn't know how I got here, but I ended up hiding beside the side of the P.E. supply shack and slid down against the wall, holding my knees to my forehead. Who was I kidding, to think that Kaito would ever like someone like me. I had no chance against her. She was sweet, talented, gets along with everyone, and is strikingly beautiful. And what about me? What do I have?

"What's the matter?" I was startled, and then immediately embarrassed that someone saw me crying. I quickly wiped my tears away and looked up. First glimpse I saw silver messy hair. Standing over me was a boy, keeping his hands in his pockets as he looked down at me with concern.

"Oh, it's just you," I unintentionally croaked when I spoke. I tried to come up with an excuse. "I just... have allergies."

"Sure you do," Killua said with doubt that he was the slightest convinced. "Why are you crying?"

I looked away his stare. "It's none of your business," I snapped.

I waited for him to leave me be, but I could still feel his presence.

"Is it a heart break?"

My eyes widened I turned them toward him. He was leaning against the wall now. "Have you ever been heart broken before?" I asked him.

He shook his head. "No. I was just walking by and saw what happened."

"Oh... So you saw that..." I didn't know what else to say. I just stared at my feet.

"So that guy over there, he has a girlfriend. Why are you still hung over him?" He asked.

"If you have ever had a crush on someone, you would understand. Kaito was so nice to me back in middle school that I thought he might be the one. A guy who accepts me for me. But ever since we moved to high school, it's like I don't exist anymore, like I'm a complete nobody." I said this as more tears formed in my eyes. I covered my face to hide my hideous humiliation.

"Well that's stupid," he blankly commented. I held myself tighter. what an insensitive jerk! Doesn't he know how delicate a girls heart can be? I just wanted to kick him and run away. "Then he's not the one for you." I stopped my crying as I slowly fixed my gaze at him. Killua looked at me with eyes of sincerity. "If he was really meant for you, then he would always pay more attention to you. And if he's not the one, then that means your guy has yet to come. If you truly believe that your soulmate is out there, then don't go chasing other guys. Let him chase after you."

My eyes widened as my breath was taken away. Those were the most beautiful and romantic words I have ever heard, and I would never have imagined them to come out of Killua's mouth. I wiped my tears away and giggled.

"Wow. That... Was kind of cheesy."

"W-what?" Killua said, flustered, as I saw tints of pink on his pale cheeks.

"That was really out of character, but sweet. Thank you." I smiled at him.

"Tsk." Killua looked away, probably embarrassed. "Hey, do you want to hang out?" he asked in a stern voice.

"Huh?"

"You know... 'cause you're my sister's friend and all, so I should get to know you better," he said, still looking away.

Was I hearing this right? Killua wanted to know more about me? I cleaned my eyes from the tears. "Um... Yeah, sure," I replied.

Killua smirked, then bent down and grabbed my hand. "Great, let's go!" Without my say, he hauled me up and began running with me being pulled along with him.

"Wait, right now?!" I asked baffled.

He looked over his shoulder with a smile. "Of course!"

"But wait, what about classes..."

"Come on, Yuki. Take a chance."

Was this guy serious? I have never skipped school before. My brain was telling me that this was wrong and that I might regret it, but for some reason, as we ran, I was leaving my sadness and worries behind. For some reason, I was finding this... Enjoyable. I wanted to see where this will lead me.

***

When we finally stopped, I had my hands resting on my knees as I breathed desperately for air. As I took two minutes to fully recover my energy, I looked up at Killua who stood completely composed. How could Killia not break a sweat after running all the way from the school to the town's main park? Well, at least we were at my favorite place. It was a warm and calming day today, with the beautiful pond with ducks swimming around, the trees swaying with the breeze, and not a lot of people here. It felt nice.

"Sorry, do you wanna take a break?" Killua asked, taking notice of my exhaustion.

"Let's just stay here," I panted. "Besides, you actually picked a good place."

"Really?"

"Yeah, the park is my favorite place." Along the narrow cement road there was an ice cream vendor standing behind his white cooler with wheels and a blue umbrella. "Hey, wanna get some ice cream?" I asked, coming directly from my sweet tooth.

"Sure."

We walked over to the nice ice cream vendor who smiled at us. "What can I get you?" He asked with his ice cream scooper in hand.

"I'll have a chocolate scoop," I ordered politely.

"Make that two," Killua added.

While the man was getting our orders prepared, I reached down in pockets and remembered that I didn't have my wallet with me. I forgot that this was a spontaneous outing and that I left all of my stuff at school.

"Crap," I muttered to myself.

"What's the matter?" Killua whispered.

"I left my wallet behind," I admitted.

"Oh, sorry about that," Killua apologized.

"No, it's fine. I'll just-"

"That will be three Jenny," the vendor said with two chocolate ice cream cones already in his hands. Before I could turn down the ice cream, Killua pulled out his wallet and payed the man the exact price.

"Thank you," Killua said as he took the two ice creams.

"Oh, you didn't have to buy that for me," I said as we walked away from the wagon.

"It's okay. Consider this as an apology for bringing you out here so suddenly without considering your belongings."

I shook my head. "It's fine. This is already nice." We enjoyed our ice cream as we continued walking around the park. Now that I think about it, isn't this what couples do on dates? No, that can't be! Not us. Me and Killua are just friends. This was just a nice stroll around the park while ditching school with a delinquent guy friend. I hogged down my ice cream as we continued strolling around the park.

We eventually found ourselves sitting on the swing sets of the playground. I couldn't remember the last time I sat in these swings. I remembered as a kid I would kick my legs in the air with my toes barely touching the ground. Now I feel like I'm sitting too close to the ground.

"So why do you like the park so much?" Killua asked me, breaking the silence.

"My dad used to take me here all the time," I honestly answered. Memories began flowing in my head. "Whenever mom's working and he has a day off, he would take Rin and I to the park and play in the playground for hours. By the end of the day, he would buy us ice cream. I would always ask for chocolate."

"Like how you asked for chocolate today?" he implied.

"Yeah." I really missed my dad. After he died, I didn't go to the park for a while because it wasn't the same without him, but this was where we made our fondest memories. The park became a part of me of this city. I couldn't stay away forever. "What do you like doing with your dad?" I turned to Killua.

"Nothing," he flatly answered.

"Huh?" Then I remembered his family problems. I mentally facepalmed myself. Stupid! That was so insensitive.

"Ever since I could walk, my dad and my older brothers taught me how to fight and survive," he continued, his eyes fixed to the ground. "That's all we've ever done together; training."

"Training to become a Hunter?"

"I guess you can say that their preparations lead me to that."

"Hey Killua, how strong are Hunters?"

"Ha," Killua laughed, then began to explain. "You can't even begin to measure the amount of strength each Hunter has. I've came across various Hunters, and I'll admit, there are some that are even strong than me."

"Some? Okay, now you're bragging," I laughed.

"No, I'm serious. I'm probably one of the strongest Hunters out there."

"Oh yeah? Then just show me how strong you are," I tested.

Killua shook his head. "Nah, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why's that?"

Suddenly, Killua had this sly grimace on his face as he narrowed his eyes. "Because, if I show you, then I would have to kill you."

We both remained silent as Killua held his sinister look. The wind silently blew passed us, causing my hair stands to brush against my cheek. Eventually, I couldn't hold it in anymore. I started laughing, then Killua followed, our laughter overlapping each other's.

***

As I sat on a wooden bench in the park, I texted Lizz to tell any who asked about my absence that I felt sick and went home early. School should be ending soon anyway. It wasn't too long since Killua left to go to the bathroom, but I was beginning to feel bored. What was taking him so long?

Can you also bring me my book bag? I texted her.

How could u leave early but leave your stuff? She messaged back.

It was so sudden... I guess I 4got...

I waited for a lingering moment before her next message popped up.

OMG! U didn't ditch, did u?!

I texted back in panic, missing a few keys in the process.

NO! It was a real emer-

Before I could finish typing, another text showed up.

Don't tell me you ditched with u no who!

I cleared my previous message to start a new one. My fingers were fidgeting.

What makes u say dat?

Alluka asked me to walk home with her. That's gotta mean somethin. BTW your bag is gone.

"What?!" I yelled out to myself after reading my text, breaking the serene environment. How could my things be gone? Did someone steal them?

"Eh-hem!"

I turned around to see Killua standing behind me, cleaning his right ear in annoyance. Was I really that loud?

"Sorry.." I apologized. "What took you so long?"

He said no words. He only presented me a school bag; my bag. I took it from his hand phased. "Did you go all the way to school to get this?"

Killua looked away to the other direction. "Don't get the wrong idea. I went back to get my homework and text books as well." He's so generous that he's trying to hide it. "Come on, I'll walk you home."

"Okay!" I giggled. I was really glad that Killua went back to get my things for me. That way I get to live another day without having to go through the awkwardness and attention of people asking me where I've been. Although, I felt bad that he had to go through the trouble to go all the way to school then back. Even so, he actually made good time. He should try a marathon some time.

Before I knew it, we were already at the door step of my house. I wished the walk would last longer.

"Thanks for walking me home," I smiled at him.

Killua deep sighed. "Yeah, well, I didn't want you to run into any more trouble on your way home, so I'm just making sure."

"Right," I giggled as I cocked my neck. "So I'll see you tomorrow?"

Killua looked down uncertain while scratching his head. "Uh, yeah. Sure."

After we said our goodbyes, I walked inside with a stupid grin on my face.

"Out with your secret boyfriend again?" I pushed my back against the door startled when I heard Rin's voice out of nowhere. He was standing right next to the front window, which had the perfect view of our front yard.

"Gosh, Rin! Don't scare me like that!" I scowled. "And how many times do I have to tell you, he's not my boyfriend." As I stomped my way to the staircase, Rin continued to talk.

"I picked up an interesting phone call from your school while your were out." I stopped my foot before it reached the stairs as I slowly turned my head toward him. He wouldn't! "They said you went home early because of a stomach ache. It was a good thing I told them that mom wasn't here, but what should I tell mom? I mean, surely you must've gone off somewhere if you weren't feeling sick." A grimace broke on his face.

"Why you little devil..." I growled. "Okay, what do you want?"

Rin held his Ching between his fingers. "Hmm... Let's just save the favor for later." That little schemer would definitely want something later, but I had no choice.

"Fine, just don't tell mom," I said as I proceeded up the stairs.

"You must really like this guy to protect him," I heard from the first floor, then paused halfway up the staircase. I don't like Killua, do I? He's not as bad as I thought he would be, but I wouldn't go as far to saying that like like him. I've only known him for a few weeks now. Right now I like him as a friend and I want it to stay that way. Although, if we could be more than...

I shook the thought out of my head, closing my eyes to block out the embarrassing image in darkness. No no! Just friends.