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

Chapter 7: Catching Feelings

        Ariana went to the river where Hyosuke was. She inhaled and exhaled and started to walk. “Hyo-“ Ariana said. “Where the hell is that treasure?!I thought I would’ve finally found out who was behind it this time!” Hyosuke exclaimed. “I guess he doesn’t know that the PM had a painting from their home…” Ariana thought. “I thought that if I found that painting, I’ll find mom and dad. I didn’t find them, so… They must be gone! And this…” Hyosuke said getting something out of his pocket. “What is he doing?! That’s a picture of his family! He can’t do that!” Ariana thought and ran before he could throw it. “Wait!” Ariana shouted.

        He stopped himself from making the mistake. “Ariana?!” Hyosuke asked surprised. “Don’t do it!” Ariana said. “I don’t need it anymore.” Hyosuke responded. “Do you hear yourself?! You wanted to find your parents, and I know you still do, right? That’s why you used me?” Ariana asked. He averted his gaze, looking down to the ground. “I thought that if I found the painting, I would’ve found my parents also. I heard about the black market art sales, and lied to you. It turns out that they didn’t have what I was looking for. It’s all over…” Hyosuke said. “That’s where you’re wrong! That painting called ‘Sleeping Madonna’ it was at his residence.” Ariana said. “Really?!” Hyosuke asked. “The police found it, it was one of the confiscated painting.” Ariana explained. “If the painting is here, then where are my parents? Something is up… They found the painting, but not the painting’s guardians. Was this all a trick?” Hyosuke asked. “No! That can’t be it! It was important to them, so that’s why they ran in that rain to try to get it back, risking their lives to protect that painting. They would never do something like that!” Ariana said. “What about you? I lied to you, so… Why are you doing this for me?” Hyosuke asked. “Because I was worried about you…” Ariana said. “Meaning..?” Hyosuke asked. “It’s not that I like you like that.” Ariana said slightly blushing. “Sympathy?” Hyosuke asked coldly. “Hyosuke…I’ll help you find your parents.” Ariana said. “What?” Hyosuke asked. “I know that it’s impossible for us to work together, but I’ll get in touch immediately if we get any information.” Ariana said. “Ariana…” Hyosuke said. “Let’s go home.” Ariana said offering her hand. “Sure.” Hyosuke said giving her a small smile and took her hand.

         Two days later, Ariana was back at work. “How’s your grandma doing?” Mitsuru asked. “My grandma? She’s… Fine. It was just a cold, it wasn’t anything serious like how they indicted it.” Ariana said. “That’s great!” Mitsuru said. “Where’s Hyosuke?” Ariana asked. “He’s in a meeting with a systems vendor.” Mitsuru said. “I see, thanks for telling me.” Ariana said. “Anytime! So… Would you like to-“ Mitsuru said. “Ariana!” A guy called out.

        She turned to the voice, and it was her childhood best friend that’s a detective, Tatsuro. “Tatsy! Long time, no see!” Ariana said. “It’s good to see you too. I came here, because I know you’re about to go on your lunch break… Would you like to have lunch with me?” Tatsuro asked. “Of course! We need to catch up! I’m sorry, Mitsuru, but what were you saying?” Ariana asked. “Oh… It’s nothing…” Mitsuru asked. “Alright. I’ll see you when I get back.” Ariana said. “Yeah…” Mitsuru said looking down. “Let’s go, Tatsy!” Ariana said pulling him along with her.

         They had lunch at a nearby café. “It’s been so long.” Ariana said. “It has.” Tatsuro said. “How’s your job going?” Ariana asked. “It’s going well. I wanted to ask you something.” Tatsuro said. “Sure, lay it on me.” Ariana said. “Have you heard of the Silver Cat?” Tatsuro asked. “No.” Ariana answered. “Apparently, he’s a thief that never steals anything.” Tatsuro said. “I never heard of him before.” Ariana said. “I want to find out who he is along with the Black Foxes.” Tatsuro said. “Really? All I could say is good luck with that. I mean… It’s kind of hard catching pro thieves, don’t you think?” Ariana asked. “You’re right. That’s why I’ll work hard to try to identity who the thieves really are.” Tatsuro said. “I’m sorry, Tatsy!” Ariana thought. “How is your job going?” Tatsuro asked. “It’s all good, I’m graduated college last year.” Ariana said. “That’s good news. That guy you were with, I think he was trying to ask you out.” Tatsuro said. “Yeah… He tends to do that often. He confessed to me twice, but… I only think of him as a co-worker.” Ariana said. “Am I still a best friend to you?” Tatsuro asked. “Yeah, I mean you always will be.” Ariana said. “Oh… Has any other guys tried to ask you out?” Tatsuro asked. “Yeah… This new security guy, he tends to flirt with me, and I’m just like… No...” Ariana said and laughed. “By your tone, it sounds like you do like this guy.” Tatsuro said. “What? I don’t like him like that.” Ariana said. “I’m saying this as a guy… I can tell already that he likes you. Also, you’re blushing bright red.” Tatsuro said. “I am? Oh god…” Ariana said and felt her face. “That part of you hasn’t changed. If I were you, I would just tell him how I really feel instead of keeping it in.” Tatsuro said. “Tatsy! I told you that I don’t like him like that!” Ariana said. “If you say so… Oh, don’t you need to be heading back soon?” Tatsuro asked. She looked at the time. “Yeah. Well… It was nice seeing you again, Tatsy.” Ariana said. “Likewise. Let’s hang out more often.” Tatsuro said. “Sure. That’ll be nice. Well… See you.” Ariana said and left the table.

         After work, she headed her way to LRN. The guys were watching the news, and the main headline was ‘A new thief appears!’ “What the hell?!” Ariana thought. “Oh. hey Ariana.” Atsumu said. “Boss… What’s up with the news?” Ariana asked. She looked at all the guys. “The news isn’t about us.” Kenshi said. “That’s good. Riki, why did you call me here for?” Ariana asked. “That postmaster, apparently he’s part of an organization that was blackmailing the PM. Also, the guys who stole you bag up in the mountains are a part of that too.” Riki said. “And now this news… We don’t know what to think of it.” Hiro said. “Are you sure it isn’t about us? Are you positive?” Ariana asked. “Obviously, if it was, we would’ve been surrounded.” Takuto said. “That’s true, Taquito.” Ariana said. “Quit it!” Takuto said blushing. “So… It’s another thief?” Ariana asked. “Silver Cat? Does it ring any bells?” Riki asked. “Hm… Silver Cat… Doesn’t steal anything… Cat…” Ariana thought and then it hit her. “You don’ think..?” Ariana asked. Riki nodded. “Unbelievable…” Ariana said but knew deep down that it was the truth. She felt herself get a little dizzy, and sat down on a chair. “Judging by your reaction, he’s our guy.” Riki said. She nodded. “Why is he doing this..?” Ariana asked. “Ariana, don’t overthink this.” Atsumu said bringing her a glass of water. “He might know something that we don’t, and in my guess… He’s trying to expose something about the PM and postmaster.” Riki said. “That means we’re involved! I don’t understand why he’s doing all of this!” Ariana said. “Maybe it’s revenge.” Kenshi said. “You think..?” Ariana asked. “If he proves that the postmaster or PM is part of the organization, he should be able to get them arrested. He’s pretty much setting himself up.” Riki said. “So…” Ariana said gesturing her hands. “The thing with his parents should reach a conclusion.” Riki said. “But then… He’ll be arrested! Can’t we help him with this?!” Ariana exclaimed. “It has nothing to do with us.” Riki said. “If we put ourselves out there, and we get arrested. It’s all over.” Takuto said. “He doesn’t want our help.” Riki said. “Are you forgetting something, Ariana? That time when he used you, remember how upset you were? Consider it as punishment for what he has done.” Hiro said.

        She sighed. “Everyone! Don’t pressure her like that. Ariana, what would you like to do? Tell the truth, how do you feel?” Atsumu asked. “To be honest, I want to help him… He’s been through a lot, I just… Don’t want to leave him alone.” Ariana said. “I don’t care what happens to that jerk.” Takuto said. “I don’t really want to give them the sculpture…” Hiro said. “Are you saying…?” Ariana asked. “We’re going.” Kenshi said. “You serious?!” Ariana asked. “Yeah.” Riki answered, “Our policy is to help people who have a problem because of a work of art.” Atsumu said. “You guys… Thank you so much!” Ariana said. “I’m glad that I get to help Hyosuke! Also… I caught feelings…  God damn it Hyosuke! I need to be focused on the mission!” Ariana thought. They had a meeting, discussing their plan.