I was cleaning up my small hut when I heard the tent's gate being opened.

It could have been the monsters, though I believed I had secured the gate after entering earlier.

I grab my crossbow and aim it at the door, waiting for whatever managed to get through. To put it bluntly, I have no idea how to use a crossbow. But the thing is unaware of that.

I hear footsteps approaching, and assuming there is more than one, I adjust my grip and take a better position.

I really hope I don't break a nail or something if I have to fight them. I just finished painting them today, and wasting my last bottle would be terrible.

A white-haired male opened the door slowly, but jumped back and raised their hands in submission once they saw me.

'Oh? I suppose I do look threatening.'

"We mean no disrespect, and we were unaware that this spot had been taken. We would not have entered if we had known." The blonde-haired person said. Was that a boy or a girl?

I'm not sure if having these people around would be useful, though maybe they would help me find some food?

I lowered my weapon in response to that thought. "Right, it's ok. I believed you might have been a beast or a threat." I shrugged my shoulders, waving it off.

The dude with white hair grinned as he looked down at my crossbow, then back at me. He appeared to be struggling to suppress his laughter.

I was confused; what was so funny? Did he realize that I wasn't sure how to use the weapon? Was it really that obvious?

"Uhm, your crossbow isn't loaded. Unless you chucked it at the 'Threat' or 'creatures,' it probably won't do much." He made a point while quoting with his fingers.

He was right. I didn't have any arrows for this kind of bow, and I couldn't defend myself with it. A solid hit with this thing might wound someone, if I'm lucky, but it won't do any serious damage. Maybe I won't have to worry about this if I have strong people on my side.

That really annoys me. I'm not angry with myself; I'm upset with the bow and the guy who shouted out about it. Honestly, the things I do to keep it clean.

I held the bow in hand, and the others who had just noticed started giggling at me.

"Whatever! It's not like I need it anymore." I drop the bow and take a step toward the group. Finally taking in their features, one stood out to me before the rest. ' This one is kind of cute, really.' I smiled sweetly while stationing myself in front of the guy I had shown interest in, and he stared down at me puzzled. "I'm sure you'll look after me, anyway."

A seething white-haired man was not far behind me, I snuck a look his way and gave him a smile similar to the one I'd given the green-haired guy, which turned into a smirk. 'Oh perfect, suppose I'll have a little rivalry on my hands.'

In response, the one with pointy hair gives me a charming awkward smile. I don't want to be obnoxious, but I'll do whatever it takes to win this competition.

"So, what's your name?" He queried.

"Call me Retz, yours?" I grinned and offered my hand for him to shake.

He took my hand in his and gave it a little shake before releasing it. "My name is Gon, and it's nice to meet you."

"My name is Kurapika,"

"Leorio is my name."

"Killua." Through clenched teeth, Killua said.

I'm hoping that making a good impression will place me on their good side. Maybe I'll have to strike up a chat with Killua as well. Though I am not particularly looking forward to that day.

"How did you manage to survive all by yourself out there?" Leorio questioned.

I almost forgot he was here, which startled me. "I've got everything I need right here," I replied, my expression monotone.

There was an awkward silence, which was broken by Killua. "Let's go check out the rest of your place before it gets dark." Well, there goes making a good impression.

"That's a great idea! Finally, we'll be able to try out some of the games." Leorio widely smiled before sprinting towards the exit. Before following after him, Kurapika exhaled and threw me a glare.

It wasn't really an offensive expression, but it was shocking. 'Two of them had already expressed their disapproval towards me. 'Perhaps I can speak with Kurapika and try to work out our differences?'

I grasped Gon's arm and led him along with the rest, and noticed Killua stuffing his hands in his pockets and following after with a grimace on his face.

I beamed and bounced along, still clutching Gon's arm. He seems uneasy, but I'll do my best to change that.

They spent the rest of the day roaming around my place, with Leorio attempting to ride one of the attractions before being scolded by Kurapika. They must be together. Currently, both Killua and Kurapika are preparing an area for them to sleep in, I was intending on sleeping inside because I already had a bed inside, and politely asked gon if he wanted to join me. He refused, stating that it might be better for him to stay outside with his friends, which I approved of. 'I guess I'll try a different strategy?'

"How did you wind up being the lone girl in your group, Kurapika?" While the boys were chatting, Kurapika and I sat side by side around their setup.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm a dude. But don't worry about it; everyone gets it mixed up." He proclaims.

Oops. "Apologize for the mistake! I shouldn't make assumptions regarding people's genders so soon." I insist, bitterly frowning.

Kurapika didn't seem convinced, however in this case accepted my apology.

Gon greeted us and sat down next to Kurapika.

"Would you like to come to help me grab some wood for a fire?" Gon invited.

"I'll go with you!" I shout while giggling and shaking my hand. He averted his gaze, frowning. "sure-" "Why don't I take Retz, Gon? You are welcome to take a break and rest. I know you've been exhausted recently." Killua interjected, causing Gon to blush slightly and thank him. I frowned and stared angrily at Killua's back, as he had already begun walking.

"You coming?"