metanoia ⋆✩⋆ kurapika x reader

Flushed x And x Flustered

"You should get this shirt, Kurapika. It would look so nice on you." I hold up a red and black flannel with a black t-shirt. "Would it?" He walks up to a mirror, holding the clothes up to his body.

"Hmm, I don't have many modern outfits, so I guess I could get this," He says. "These jeans would look great with the top!" I say, handing him a pair of navy blue slim jeans. 

I bought myself a few pairs of clothes, enough to last me about a week, which would be more than enough time for me to find a place to stay. I didn't expect the Phantom Troupe to separate so quickly after our last mission, so I didn't have much time on my hands to look for an apartment. 

But before that, we were in a different city. We change our hideout location every once in a while, just for safety precautions. Whenever that happens, I'd have to find a new place to stay. We only stayed in Yorknew for a couple of weeks, which I didn't expect. I thought we'd stay for longer. 

"Do you know any apartments that are open around here?" I ask, as we're checking out our items. 

"Most of them are on the other side of the city, why do you ask?" He says. 

"I need someplace to stay, y'know." 

"How long do you plan on staying in the city?" 

"I dunno. Not for that long, I guess." 

"If that's the case, you can just stay with me until you want to leave," He says while looking through more hangers of clothes. 

"Would that be okay with you?" I ask, looking at him. He looks back at me, with his eyes meeting mine. "Yeah, I don't mind. It's not like you're being a nuisance to me." 

I chuckle a bit, "In that case, I guess I could stay for just a little." 

We left the store after checking out our clothes, heading to a coffee shop nearby. "Look--" I point to a sign on the coffee shops window that read: 'Help Wanted." 

The coffee shop's interior was cozy; it had round white tables paired with two chairs at each table, a welcome mat in front of the door, with a tiny bell that rings when the door opens. The shop itself wasn't too big either-- it had a simple rustic theme with a lot of plant decorations. 

Kurapika and I go up to the cashier, we both order a small cold brew. We take a seat near the large window. "This place would be nice to work at," I say. 

"Are you sure?" Kurapika says, his voice sounded a bit worried. 

"Is... there a problem with this place?" I asked. He paused for a moment. "No, not really." He takes a sip from his coffee, then look out the window with his chin resting on his palm. 

"In that case, I might send an application to work here. It looks cute." 

Kurapika shrugs, as if he was skeptical about my decision. But he didn't say anything. My phone suddenly buzzed in my pocket. "Sorry, one second." I stand up and go outside, staying beside the front door. I reach into my pocket for my phone, holding it up to my ear.

"Hello?" 

"Y/N, the boss needs us at Meteor City by tomorrow night." 

It was Shalnark's voice. 

"Huh?! Why, what happened?" I shout, then quickly lowering my voice after seeing people shoot me looks. 

"Some thugs are destroying the place and stealing stuff." 

"Again? This isn't like the Chimera Ant situation, is it?" 

"They're humans, but they're really powerful. We'll need at least 5 of us to defeat them."

"How many are there?" 

"Right now, there's about 8." 

I sigh, then tell him I'll be there soon. I slide my phone back in my pocket and swing the door open, sitting back down in front of Kurapika. "Are you okay? You look distressed," He says, studying my face.

I turn towards the window, letting my hair cover my face. "I'm fine, just some drama, that's all." I take a sip from my cold brew. "Um, I won't be here for a couple days," I add. 

"Oh, okay." 

That's it? Not even going to ask 'why?'  

I clear my throat, "Should I give you my number? In case we want to contact each other?" 

Kurapika looks at me as if he was zoned out, then nods after a moment. He takes my phone and puts in his number, and I do the same for him.

"Do you mind me asking what you're leaving for?" He finally says. 

Now what do I say? 'I need to go kill some people because I'm a part of the Phantom Troupe.' No. I can't say that. 

"My friend got into an accident, and they need me." Pfft. I don't even have any friends outside of the troupe. 

"I see. Are you going to be back?" He asks. "Most likely. I'll be back in a couple days. 3 or 4 at most," I say.

Kurapika nods, finishing his coffee while I do the same. We start leaving the coffee shop. 

"I think I'll be on my way now," I say, sounding a bit timid. Kurapika's facial expression looked like he didn't expect me to leave so soon.

 I extend my right hand to give him a handshake. He looks down at my hand, then comes closer to me, wrapping both his arms around my back. I was a bit surprised-- I didn't expect him to hug me. His arms felt like a warm blanket around me. Just as I lift my arms up to put them around him, he pulls away . 

"I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." He backs away a bit, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. 

I giggle. "You give good hugs," I say, keeping my voice gentle and reassuring. I lean closer to Kurapika, placing both my hands on his shoulders, then inching my face closer to him to give a peck on his cheek. "I'll see you soon, okay?" I start walking away while keeping my eyes on him. He had a hand up to his cheek, flustered. 

I give him one last wave, jumping into the air and vanishing before him as I leave to Meteor City.