Chapter 4 Gon

As Kurapika's gaze lingered, Ian's eyes darted back to the entrance, his attention absorbed by the throngs of people gathered for the same purpose. With a quiet intensity, Ian practiced Zetsu, meticulously regulating his aura to prevent any leakage that might attract unnecessary attention. His focus was twofold: conceal his presence and sharpen his skills.

Kurapika's gaze landed on the doll sitting not far from him, and he raised an eyebrow in surprise. Intrigued, he walked towards the doll, his thoughts murmuring, "Could this...doll aspire to become a Hunter?" As he stopped in front of Ian, the doll's gaze met his, and Ian looked up, confusion etched on his face.

Ian tilted his head, his expression questioning. "Mm?" Kurapika's gentle voice accompanied his curious gaze. "Sorry, I was just wondering...are you here for the Hunter Exam too?" Kurapika's eyes sparkled with interest as he crouched beside Ian, his height making the doll seem even smaller.

Ian glanced up at Kurapika before responding softly, "Yes..."

Kurapika's thoughts were skeptical: 'Is this...doll really serious about taking the exam?' He couldn't help but notice Ian's delicate appearance, almost fragile compared to the rugged world of Hunters.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Ian's face broke into a soft smile. "By the way, I'm Ian," he said, his voice tinged with warmth as he extended his hand in greeting.

Kurapika's response was immediate and gracious. "Forgive my tardiness, I'm Kurapika," he said with a gentle smile, taking Ian's hand in a careful handshake. He was mindful of Ian's slender fingers, handling them with care as if they might shatter under too much pressure.

In what felt like mere moments, Ian and Kurapika had bridged the gap between strangers, their conversation flowing effortlessly like they'd known each other for years. Lost in their discussion, they failed to notice the ship's impending departure. It wasn't until the crowd's din grew louder, punctuated by a faint clatter, that they looked up.

As they looked up, they spotted a boy with spiky hair and a green jacket, his fishing rod disappearing into a bag. An older man, likely his uncle, stood by his side. The boy's face lit up as he waved at the people on the dock, shouting his determination to become a Hunter. Ian and Kurapika exchanged a glance, both of them smiling at the boy's fervor as the ship sailed away.

Ian's gaze lingered on Gon, curiosity getting the better of him. 'We're the same age, right?' he thought, eyeing Gon's tall frame. 'Then why do I feel like he's towering over me?' Ian's eyes darted from Gon's lanky physique to his own petite build, and a pang of insecurity struck.

As the realization dawned on him, Ian's expression fell, and he lapsed into silence, his thoughts simmering with discontent. 'Life's just not fair,' he brooded. 'We're the same age, so why the huge difference?' He couldn't help but feel envious of Gon's height, wondering why fate had dealt him a shorter stature.

Ian's sulky thoughts continued to swirl as he stole glances at Gon, who seemed oblivious to his internal monologue. 'Guess some people just get all the luck, Ian thought, his mood dampened by the comparison.

Kurapika's gaze settled on Ian, his eyes drawn to the doll's series of wistful sighs. As he watched, Ian's gaze drifted to Gon, then back to his own petite frame, and he let out a soft, defeated sigh. Kurapika's expression softened, amusement and fondness warring for dominance.

'I think I understand,' Kurapika thought, a gentle smile spreading across his face. 'He's comparing himself to the boy.'Kurapika's eyes lingered on Ian's delicate features, and he felt a pang of affection for the doll's vulnerability.

As Ian continued to gaze longingly at Gon, Kurapika couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. 'he's really adorable when his sulking,' he thought, his smile growing wider. Despite Ian's small stature, Kurapika sensed a depth to the doll's character that he found intriguing.

Ian's eyes met Kurapika's, and he felt a surge of self-consciousness. He looked up at Kurapika with a hint of helplessness, his expression soft and vulnerable. However, when he saw Kurapika's gentle gaze, Ian's emotions shifted. He misinterpreted Kurapika's look as pity, and his feelings of inadequacy deepened.

Ian's eyes narrowed slightly, and he glared at Kurapika. But instead of appearing intimidating, his scowl only added to his adorable features. Kurapika couldn't help but notice the contrast between Ian's fierce expression and his delicate face, which only made him look more endearing.

Ian's glare was more of a pout, his lips pursing in a way that made Kurapika's heart skip a beat. Despite Ian's attempt to look fierce, his features only seemed to grow more delicate and charming. Kurapika's amusement was tempered by a desire to comfort Ian, to reassure him that he was lovely just as he was.

Ian's query came out more like a squeak. "What are you staring at?" he asked, attempting to sound menacing but ending up sounding more like a kitten trying to roar. Kurapika's reaction was immediate – his lips twitched, and he bit back a laugh.

Kurapika's eyes crinkled at the corners as he struggled to maintain a straight face. Ian's angry expression only added to his charm, making him appear more lively and endearing. Kurapika couldn't help but think that Ian's attempts at ferocity were adorable, especially when contrasted with his delicate features.

Despite Ian's best efforts, his anger only made him look more captivating. Kurapika's gaze lingered on Ian's face, drinking in the sight of his flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. 'He's so cute when he's mad,' Kurapika thought, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.

'I should probably be intimidated,' Kurapika thought, 'but all I want to do is smile.' He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, but Ian's soft, indignant face made it difficult to remain serious.

Kurapika's response was measured. "Nothing," he said, his voice low and smooth. But as he turned away, Ian noticed the faintest tremble in his shoulders, and his anger spiked. "He's laughing at me," Ian thought, his feelings hurt.

Ian's face darkened, and he thought, "He's laughing at me? Now of all times?" His anger simmered just below the surface, fueled by his own insecurities. Ian's eyes narrowed, and he glared at Kurapika's back, wondering why he seemed so amused.

Meanwhile, Kurapika struggled to contain his laughter, his body shaking with suppressed mirth. He bit his lip, trying to compose himself, but Ian's adorable scowl only made him want to chuckle more. Kurapika took a deep breath, hoping to calm himself down before turning back to face Ian.

Kurapika's question was laced with innocence. "Is there any problem?" he asked, his eyes wide with feigned ignorance. Ian's face darkened, and he opened his mouth to retort, but a sudden interruption stayed his words.

"There's a storm coming," Gon said, his words snagging Ian's attention. Ian's gaze darted around, searching for the speaker, before landing on Gon, who stood a short distance away. Kurapika noticed Ian's sudden interest and followed his gaze to the boy with spiky hair.

Kurapika's curiosity was piqued as he turned to Gon, his eyes narrowing slightly. 'A storm, you say?' he thought, his mind beginning to process the potential implications. Ian, meanwhile, seemed to have forgotten his frustration with Kurapika, his attention now focused on Gon and the ominous warning.