The Crazy Art Called Love

18 | A Foot Massage

~~Vania's POV~~

It was 5 days till Christmas and I was walking through the city with Cole by my side. Usually I would be at my own village but I decided to change things up a bit and spend some time with my boyfriend.

"Where do you want to go first?" He asked as I linked our arms together.

"You're the one who lives here. How about a tour?" I suggested and Cole suddenly got excited.

"You're going to love it!"

My father was strict but he did care about my happiness which, based on experience, was not common in every parent. Although he didn't know I had a boyfriend, he trusted me enough to not send guards with me.

For the rest of the day, we entered different shops to try and find the perfect presents for the Christmas party they're throwing. I decided to get something for everyone and not just Cole and Harumi.

"How do I look, Vania?" Cole asked as he stepped out of the dressing room wearing a clown wig and some shoes that were too big for his feet.

"We're celebrating Christmas, Cole. Not Halloween but you look adorable otherwise." I pinched his cheeks and giggled. He can be very silly sometimes, it's just one of the many things I love about him.

I grabbed some Santa hats and stockings that Nya told me she needed. After meeting the team, I would often talk to her when I would visit Cole at their monastery. We eventually became close and I can't wait to introduce her to Rumi. They would definitely get along.

We walked and talked as I continued to find presents for each of the ninja. By the end of the day, Cole and I each had 4 bags in our hands but none of them contained what I was getting for him.

"Care to get a cup of hot chocolate?" Cole pointed towards a shop and I nodded.

We picked out a table and I immediately placed all the bags down on an empty chair and rested my feet.

"What would you like? A foot massage maybe?" He joked and I laughed.

"Some hot chocolate please. Ooh, and a cupcake! But if you're offering, I'll take it." I teased back which made him kiss my cheek before going over to the counter.

Can I get any luckier?

"Yeah, I think it worked. Operation Borg Heist is still a go."

I looked over to my right to find two people talking behind a newspaper. From what they were wearing I could immediately tell they were trouble. I know I'm not supposed to eavesdrop but it's not like they were making it easy everyone could practically hear their conversation. However they were, they sure did not know what they were doing.

"Do you think the Princess would give the Quiet One the map?" One of them asked and I raised an eyebrow. Princess? Quiet one? Who were they talking about?

"She never fails to get what she wants. If not, I'm sure she has ways of making her talk."

"Here you go, Princess—." Cole approached our table with the drinks and I immediately placed a hand over his mouth. "Mmph!"

"Sorry! Just, shh." I tried to listen more into their conversation but they both headed for the door. I caught a glimpse of their leather jackets and there was a weird symbol painted in red.

"Are you okay, Vany?" Cole asked once I released my hand from his mouth.

"Remember the news report that there was a gang that terrorized the night market? I think I just found a few members."

"Are you serious?! Why didn't you tell me sooner—."

"Because I was trying to listen in their conversation."

"Well? What did they say?"

Cole ate a donut and a slice of cake while I told him everything I heard. It seems like we both came to the same conclusion.

"The princess is Harumi!" We said at the same time once I finished. I can't believe I didn't realize it sooner.

"Do you think Lloyd knows about it?"

"I'm not sure. But if they are going to threaten Harumi for information I think it's best they all know."

"What's operation Borg Heist?" Cole asked and I took a moment to think.

"I have no idea." I took a sip of my hot chocolate topped with foam which made Cole laugh.

"Here, let me get that for you." He reached out with a tissue and wiped my mouth. I must've had some on my lips. His gesture made butterflies appear in my stomach.

"Thank you." I said with a shy smile on my face. Whatever those bikers were up to, they definitely picked the wrong time to talk about their plans. Nothing gets past me and Cole.