Ronnel was deep in thought, and Elena didn't rush him. She simply waited patiently, accustomed to dealing with people who struggled with naming things.
"Yes!" Ronnel clapped his hands, a smile breaking across his face. "That's the name~!"
In the game, somewhere between the bounty city Antokiba and the magical city Masadora, deep within the rugged canyon...
"Alright, that's it for today's lesson."
Bisky stood atop a gray rock, addressing Gon and Killua, who had just returned. She cast a glance at Killua's face—he looked absolutely drained. The dark circles around his eyes made him resemble a panda more than anything else. Gon, standing beside him, struggled to hold back his laughter.
When Killua had returned in this state, Bisky and the others had been shocked. But after confirming he wasn't in any real danger, their concern had quickly turned into amusement.
They just couldn't help it—he looked ridiculous.
Even the usually composed Shizuku, who was quietly flipping through a book nearby, looked up and commented in her usual deadpan manner, "Killua, you look like a panda~."
Gon and Bisky nearly burst out laughing.
No matter how much Bisky pressed him for answers, Killua hesitated and refused to explain what had happened.
"Alright, next, let's—"
Before Bisky could finish, she suddenly sensed something. She, Shizuku, and even Gon instinctively looked up at the sky.
A blue-white light streaked toward them at high speed.
"Is that a spell card? Is it another player?" Gon asked, stepping back alongside Killua to make space.
With a loud boom, the light crashed into the ground, revealing a figure.
"This aura…"
Before the dust even settled, Shizuku's eyes lit up, and she turned her gaze toward the newcomer with quiet anticipation.
"Everyone, long time no see~"
"Ronnel?!"
Just from the voice, Gon immediately recognized who it was and shouted in surprise.
"Ronnel…"
Killua's body tensed up, a flood of unpleasant memories rushing back to him.
"You brat! You still know to come see us? And you still remember you have a master like me?!"
Bisky stomped up to Ronnel, hands on her hips, scolding him with mock irritation. But despite her tone, a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Seeing Ronnel standing there in his black coat, with his usual warm smile, she couldn't hide the fact that she was actually quite pleased.
"Well, I've been busy, but of course, I came to see you all as soon as I could~"
Ronnel was good at saying the right things, and Bisky, despite knowing better, still couldn't help but feel satisfied. Her eyes curved into crescent moons as she stepped aside with a huff, clearly pleased.
After exchanging greetings with Gon and Killua—who was pretending like nothing was wrong—Ronnel finally turned to Shizuku. She had been watching him silently, her large eyes filled with an unreadable emotion.
"Ahem~"
Bisky coughed lightly and subtly gestured for Gon and Killua to leave.
Killua, being the more perceptive one, immediately understood and tugged Gon away, while Bisky followed, giving them space.
Now, in the quiet of the deserted mountain, Ronnel stepped closer to Shizuku. He reached out, brushing her hair aside with his hand, his palm lightly resting against her cheek.
"You've lost weight."
Shizuku blinked up at him like a content cat, enjoying the warmth of his touch. But then, in her usual blunt manner, she tilted her head and replied:
"You've gained weight."
Ronnel: "..."
Was she saying he'd been eating too well lately?
"Ahem~" He cleared his throat to cover up his slight embarrassment.
Just as he was about to say something else, he suddenly felt a gentle warmth against his chest.
Shizuku had leaned forward, resting her cheek and palm against him, her eyes closing.
Without hesitation, Ronnel wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a quiet embrace. For a moment, it was as if the entire world had faded away, leaving just the two of them.
"Killua told me about you and Machi… about your connection to the Phantom Troupe."
Shizuku's voice was a whisper against his chest.
"Those are just rumors and baseless gossip!" Ronnel denied immediately. "Killua's a Zoldyck assassin. Lying and twisting words are second nature to him!"
Shizuku didn't respond.
It was unclear whether she hadn't heard him or was simply choosing not to comment.
"I really mean it! I can swear on—"
"I trust you."
Her words cut off his frantic attempt at explaining. Ronnel paused, then simply held her a little tighter.
There was no need to say anything more. Their feelings had already been conveyed without the need for excessive words.
Maybe this was what it meant to have an unspoken understanding between two people.
For a time, the air was thick with an almost saccharine warmth.
An hour later, Ronnel and Shizuku returned, hand in hand, to where Bisky and the others were waiting.
"So, how long are you planning to stay this time?" Bisky asked, eyeing them with an amused smirk.
"Another few days before you disappear again?"
"I'm not leaving this time~"
Ronnel smiled, squeezing Shizuku's hand just a little tighter.
"I'll be staying with Shizuku here in the game. Aside from catching up with old friends, I plan to finish the game and then take her somewhere fun."
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