he was a patient enough person for this job. at least after working as Neon's bodyguard, he got used to the existence of spoiled people.

It was much easier with you, in his opinion, at least you weren't in danger. you were just the type of person who likes to spend money on trinkets, but then it turned out that he was wrong.

It was the first time he took you home after you went to a party. you didn't even stay there for four hours, calling him and telling him he could pick you up.

"you probably think that I'm just spending money on entertainment to occupy others' time." you said it while he was helping you take off your shoes because you were tipsy.

"I don't think anything, it's my job."

"it's just that sometimes I feel lonely. I don't have any friends, I don't have anyone to talk to. people who used to be in my environment saw me as a walking wallet because of my family's business."

the night you told him that, Kurapika got lost in thought.

he never thought too much when you told him about your favorite hobbies or what your favorite dog breed was. how could he not have noticed before how friendly you've been trying to be with him all this time?

you were attentive enough when you noticed that he was wearing earrings, and the next day you gave him another pair, when you ordered food delivery for two, offering to share lunch with you, or when you told him that he could go to bed because he clearly didn't have enough sleep.

"you shouldn't have done that." he says softly, as if refusing to accept the box with the bow that you handed him.

"but I've been choosing for so long. you should like it."

Kurapika understood what was going on. based on your stories about the past, you unknowingly bribed people's friendship and good attitude towards you through expensive gifts.

"I'll take it, but please don't give me any more gifts."

"why is that? don't you like it?"

"that's not the point. I don't want to look like I'm having a conversation with you just for the sake of it."

your fingers fumble uncertainly with the bow on the box meant for him. "aren't you being nice to me just because my parents asked you to?"

"no one asked me for anything. I'm acting like this because you deserve to be treated like this."

you absolutely did not plan that his words could move your heart.