Love Letter From Thief X: Just A Little Bit of Your Heart

Chapter 2: Living with the Kujos

        Hyosuke took her to his home, and offered her a towel to dry herself off. She looked all around the house with her eyes. “Jeez… This is more like a mansion than a house.” Ariana thought. “You should probably get changed out of those clothes.” Hyosuke said. “Right. I’ll do that.” Ariana said going to her suitcase. “You can change in that room over there.” Hyosuke said pointing out. “Thanks.” Ariana said going in the room, shutting the door.

         After changing, she came back and there stood Hyosuke holding a mug of hot chocolate. “Oh! I didn’t expect you to be in front of the door.” Ariana said. “Sorry for scaring you. Here.” Hyosuke said offering the mug. “Hot chocolate?” Ariana asked receiving the mug. “Yes, I made it. You should just relax. Sit over there.” Hyosuke said pointing towards the couch. “Sure, thanks.” Ariana said making her way over.

         At the same time she was sitting on the couch, someone else came into the living room. “Hyo? Someone’s here- Oh, sorry.” He said. “Wow… He’s so cool looking, not to mention hot… Oh~” Ariana thought. “Is this your girlfriend?” He asked. “Not yet.” Hyosuke answered. “Excuse me?” Ariana asked. “Sorry. Should I not be making a joke?” Hyosuke asked. “That sure didn’t sound like one.” Ariana thought. “This is Ariana, she works at the museum. Ariana, this is my big brother, Taiga.” Hyosuke said. “It’s nice to meet you. I know it’s really late, so I’m sorry for intruding.” Ariana said holding out her hand. Taiga shook hands with hers. “Nice to meet you also.” Taiga said. “Ariana, I told you that you’re not intruding.” Hyosuke said. “I know, but it is late.” Ariana said. “Taiga, she just got kicked out of her place, so I was wondering if she can stay a while.” Hyosuke said. “Whoa! Whoa! Wait! What are you saying, Hyosuke?” Ariana asked. “Sure, I don’t mind.” Taiga answered. “Wait… What?! Are you indicating that I stay here as in… Living?!” Ariana asked. “Yeah, what else?” Hyosuke asked. “Uh… That’s very kind of you both, but it’s ok. I-“ Ariana said and sneezed. “Looks like you’re coming down with a cold.” Hyosuke said. “No… Really?” Ariana asked sarcastically.

        Taiga felt her forehead. “Your temperature is higher than normal. You need to rest.” Taiga said. “Oh… Ok.” Ariana said nervously. “My brother is a doctor.” Hyosuke said. “Cool. It’s no wonder.” Ariana said. “But anyways… Why did you get kicked out?” Hyosuke asked. “It’s just that… I’m trying finish paying off my college tuition which is expensive, and it doesn’t give me enough to pay off my rent, and you know the drill…” Ariana said. “I see. Also, several times… I’ve seen you always coming out of a bar. Do you always have friends that you hang out with?” Hyosuke asked. “Uh oh! That question I cannot answer!” Ariana thought. “Well? Aren’t you going to explain?” Hyosuke asked grinning. She stood her ground. “Drop it, Hyo.” Taiga said. “Oh? But why?” Hyosuke asked teasingly. “She’s obviously not going to tell you. Not when… She’s one of the Black Foxes.” Taiga said. Her eyes widen. “Was this all a set up?!” Ariana thought.

         She felt herself being overwhelmed with anxiety, hands shaking. “Ariana..?” Hyosuke asked. “I confess… I am! Don’t do anything to them! Take me instead! Well… You do have me hostage- But! Just don’t do that to them!” Ariana exclaimed. “Whoa, hold up there. I think you’re misunderstanding something.” Hyosuke said. “…What?” Ariana asked. “We’re not people you should fear.” Taiga responded. “Oh…” Ariana mouthed. “God! I’m such an idiot! That’s what Taquito would say if he was here!” Ariana thought. “We promise that we won’t tell anyone, if…” Hyosuke said with a mischievous. “If…  What?” Ariana asked. “If you offer you body.” Hyosuke said teasingly. She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Whatever.” She said. “Your secret is safe with us, so you don’t need to be scared.” Taiga said smiling. “Oh wow, his smile is stunning.” Ariana thought. “You can talk to us if you’re ever in trouble, neighbor.” Hyosuke said. “Neighbor? What?” Ariana asked. “The guest room is next to my room, so we’re practically neighbors now.” Hyosuke said. She looked down. “Why..? Why are you being so nice to me? I’m just a co-worker, and you two just met me today.” Ariana said. “Well… I know it’s early to say this, but… I’m in love with you. It was love at first sight.” Hyosuke said. She raised one eyebrow. “Beyouch, what?!” Ariana exclaimed. “It just hit me, ya know?” Hyosuke asked. “Uh… Nice imagination you got there.” Ariana said. “Oh, but I’m serious.” Hyosuke said. She cleared her throat. “Surprised?” Hyosuke asked. “No~” Ariana said. “Well then… Meeting you, it was like fate.” Hyosuke said. “Ok… This is just getting weird.” Ariana whispered. “Cut it out, Hyo. And you, you should really get some rest if you want to feel better.” Taiga said. “I will.” Ariana said. “Good.” Taiga said walking out the room.

        She followed him with her eyes. “Wha?! Are you more interested in my brother than me?!” Hyosuke asked. “Uh… No…” Ariana said and looked down. She felt her face burn up. “It looks like you’re done with your hot chocolate, do you want another?” Hyosuke asked. “No thank you.” Ariana said. “If you say so.” Hyosuke said taking the mug from her and going to the kitchen.

         Afterwards, Hyosuke showed her to the room where she’ll be staying. She carried all her bags with her. “You know, I would’ve been more than happy to carry those for you.” Hyosuke said. “It’s fine, and thank you.” Ariana said. “No problem. Make yourself at home. Good night, and don’t think about running away again… Kidding!” Hyosuke said patting her head and left.

        She entered in the room more, and shut the door. “Well… I will promise myself that I will find a new place in no time.” Ariana said settling her stuff down. She went over to the bed and face planted in the pillow. “This is so weird…” Ariana said in the pillow.