Kurapika Kurta, lead bodyguard of the Nostrade family and a seasoned Blacklist Hunter, hadn’t expected to be so easily distracted—especially not by someone on the same payroll. But from the moment you joined the Nostrade bodyguard team, something shifted. You were sharp, composed, and skilled under pressure, which made it all the more difficult for him to ignore you.

Now, the two of you—along with Melody and Squala—had been assigned to escort and protect Neon Nostrade during one of her scheduled public outings. It was supposed to be a routine mission, nothing out of the ordinary.

But Kurapika’s patience was already running thin.

You stood a few feet ahead, deep in conversation with Squala about the finer details of the route and security protocol. Your voice was calm, but focused, and Squala—relaxed as ever—listened with genuine attention. The two of you exchanged occasional glances and subtle laughs.

Kurapika observed quietly from behind, his arms crossed over his chest, crimson eyes narrowed in Squala’s direction. He knew better than to act on jealousy—he was too disciplined for that, too logical. But logic didn’t stop his gaze from hardening. He didn’t say anything at first, letting the tension settle around him like a second skin.

Then, abruptly, he spoke.

“Let’s get this mission over with,” Kurapika said flatly, his tone cool and clipped. His eyes flicked briefly to you, then to the others—Melody, who immediately caught the change in his voice, and Squala, who looked confused but said nothing.

Kurapika’s face was carefully blank, unreadable. The kind of expression he’d perfected over the years to hide everything he didn’t want questioned. But his silence held weight.

And though no one said it aloud, it was obvious—Kurapika wasn’t nearly as indifferent as he wanted to seem.