Because I Met You

Chapter 61: Mystery of the Stolen Ceramics Part 2

"So it really might be my uncle after all..."

When I came back to Ryota's place, we sat down at his home for me to explain everything to him. He seems downcast at the idea of his uncle being the culprit. After discussing it a bit more, I learn that his uncle only leaves his home in the morning to go work.

"If you'd like to stay the night, I have an extra room."

Ryota suggests. I don't know how much of a good idea it is to spend the night in the house of a stranger. Then again, I'd probably wake up immediately anyway if he attempted anything.

"I'll think about it. I still have some things I'd like to discuss with you."

He cocks his head.

"What is it?"

"If I do find your heirloom, do you want me to just get that back or do you want me teach your uncle a lesson so that he does not do it again?"

He puts his arms up.

"Whoa, Kiu! I didn't think you were such a bully!"

He chuckles, signalling to me that it's a joke. I smile cheekily.

"You don't know what other surprises I'm hiding from you."

Ryota stops smiling, looks me in the eyes and puts a hand on mine. What's happening?

"I'd like to know more about you actually."

His tone is making me feel a little flustered for some reason. I feel my cheeks heating up from the sudden contact and comments. I quickly remove my hand, not feeling right about all this. Maybe if Gaara didn't keep popping up in my mind then I could've maybe pursued something with Ryota, since he is quite the handsome guy. We seem like we'd get along so well too...

"So what do you want me to do with your uncle."

I quickly change the subject, not feeling too comfortable with how close he was getting. Even though I feel a bit uncomfortable, there's this pleasant tingling on the hand that he touched. He seems a bit taken aback from my reaction.

"Oh yeah, sorry. Just getting back the heirloom will be enough. He still is family after all."

I nod. Ryota clears his throat, trying to fill the awkward silence. He eventually breaks it.

"Did I overstep some boundaries? I didn't mean to put you in a weird situation..."

I shake my head.

"No no! It's not that at all. If I was in a different situation, I would've gladly appreciated your advances since you are quite good-looking..."

My voice got smaller by the end of that sentence and I feel my cheeks heating up.

"What's stopping you? Because I find you very attractive as well."

Should I talk to him? I feel like if I open up, I might get swept by the moment and do something I might regret. That's when Ryota brushes some of my hair away from my face and tucks it behind my ear. His touch is giving me some pleasant goosebumps.

"It's just that there's someone that I really care about and... I think he also really cares about me. I feel like I'd be betraying him if I do anything with you."

"Are you two together?"

I shake my head.

"Did you ever confess to each other your feelings?"

I slowly shake my head.

"Then, what's the issue? You're not tied down to each other because you have feelings that you never discussed."

What he's saying is definitely logical, but I still... can't... I keep thinking about Gaara.

"I just really want to kiss you right now."

Ryota whispers in my ear and then holds my face softly with his hand. As he's getting closer, I quickly back away.

"I-I'm sorry Ryota. I am really attracted to you physically, but I really deeply care and maybe even love someone else."

Love...? Gaara. I love Gaara...

"I think I'll sleep in an inn tonight. I will get you the heirloom tomorrow and then leave Ceramic village."

Ryota looks at me and gives me a defeated smile.

"That guy's pretty lucky to have someone as loyal as you care about him that much. I know you're uncomfortable with staying here now, but I give you my word I won't try anything anymore. If you wish to stay, you know where the room is."

He says and leaves me alone in his living room, standing there, still in shock at what I just admitted to myself. I decide to sleep at Ryota's, since it was pretty late to try to find an open inn, especially in such a small village.

I wake up early the next day. I wasn't able to sleep well at all... I kept dreaming about Gaara. Those were some very explicit dreams that I had. I'm blushing just thinking back about it even though it was just a dream.

I leave Ryota's house before he wakes up. I walk around the village and get myself a nice tea set that's white with some very beautiful light blue floral details. I still have some time to kill until Ryota's uncle leaves his home.

I go back to the tea house where I first went and where I met Ryota. I enjoy some warm rose tea, the floral scent soothing my nerves.

Finally I head to my destination. As I was told by Ryota, his uncle seems to have already left to work. I infiltrate the home the same way I did before. I remove the wardrobe, lift up the carpet and open the latch in the floor.

As I get into the secret room, I see a lot of red ceramic sets. They all seem exquisitely made. I assume Ryota's uncle is the one who did all of those, since he's the only one who uses that material. I finally spot the one set that definitely sticks out. It is a fully white set with golden edges. Looks expensive...

I take it and get out of there, making sure I put everything back as it was as to not alarm the culprit.

I get back to Ryota's place and hand him the family heirloom.

"I don't know if I should feel happy or sad about this, but I really appreciate it. Thank you, Kiu."

He then kisses me on the cheek. I jump slightly, not expecting that at all. It felt nice, though.

"Y-You're welcome. I guess I will go now. Thanks for your hospitality, Ryota."

"If things don't work out with your guy, you know where to find me."

He winks and I giggle at his comment. We bid our farewells and I leave to go back to Sunagakure. I feel so eager about telling Gaara how I feel, now that I finally faced my feelings. I can't wait to see him.