Until We Meet Again (Part 3 to the TBT Trilogy)

Chapter 6

The following day, I was at home recovering from my mission. The nurses in the Land of Hot Water gave me strict orders not to engage in strenuous activity, so I couldn't do any of the things I wanted to do, like training. 

As I ate my breakfast, I couldn't shake the unease I had felt after encountering the Akatsuki yesterday. The memories replayed in my head, and I wondered why they left. Tsunade telling me she sent Naruto on a mission involving them worried me.

After finishing breakfast, I stopped thinking about it and remembered that I had to go out to get more groceries, so I did that to get my mind on something else for now. I'm sure Naruto would be fine since Kakashi is with him. 

As I walked down the stairs that led to my front yard, I couldn't help but inhale sharply when I had to move my shoulder to grab the guard rail.

"Good morning, Hana!" Someone called.

I looked over, seeing Kurenai. She walked over to me and eyed my injuries with worry.

"I'm okay," I said, answering her unasked question. "The recovery process is just a pain,"

She nodded, "Are you busy by any chance today?"

"No, I can't do anything I want to do since I have to rest. I was going out right now to get some groceries. Why do you ask?" I ask. 

"Great, I really needed to talk to you today," She said.

I eyed her curiously and started walking to the grocery store with her. She started talking.

"Keep in mind that I'm just the messenger," She started, making me antsier about what she was about to say, "But there's a guy who has been asking about you,"

I looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Oh? Who is he?"

What could this guy want?

"I think he said his name was Ryuken? He was at the Yamanaka Flower Shop, and he asked me if I knew you," She replied. "He's easy on the eyes, too, you know. I told him you were on a mission and would be back soon,"

Oh, so he wants a date. I mean, I hadn't dated in years. But the thought of dating again makes me feel...iffy about it. 

She could already sense my mixed emotions about dating again and opened her mouth to speak again. "You don't have to. I just thought I should tell you. I understand if you want to say no. I would probably feel off, too," she smiled encouragingly. 

She already knew why I felt weird about that, but it's been long. I know he's...gone, but I remembered Anko stating that he would want me to find happiness, and I had to consider that. What's the harm in trying? I could always see how that goes and turn him down if I really wanted to. 

"Did he say where to find him?" I ask.

"He said if you wanted to talk to him, he would be at the cat cafe around this time today," Kurenai replied. "Are you going to go for it?"

I nodded slowly. "What's the harm in trying? Didn't Anko say I had to stop holding on to the past?"

"Whatever you decide, Hana, we support you. Let me know how it goes." 

Kurenai and I parted ways after that, and I started walking to the cat cafe. Something about this struck a feeling of deja vu that I could not pinpoint, but I ignored as I walked there to find this guy. 

When I pushed the glass doors open, the aroma of lavender and cinnamon hung heavy in the air, mingling with the soft purrs of the cats. It wasn't too busy today, surprisingly. There were only a few people in the shop reading or writing. 

My eyes scanned for Ryuken, but I couldn't tell which guy was him. I should've asked Kurenai what he looked like before rushing off. Now, I had to figure out if he was even here today or which one of the customers he was. He knew me, though, so hopefully, he'll just approach me first. 

"So, you came," A voice called out as I walked through the room.

I turned my attention to where the voice came from. It was Ryuken, the guy that I met a while back. I remember he struck a weird shyness I hadn't felt for years. He had a carefree smile, shaggy dark brown hair, and wore a navy blue t-shirt with black pants. His onyx-colored eyes radiated warmness when he smiled. 

Kurenai was right; he wasn't bad on the eyes.

"I remember you," I said, returning his smile.

"Yeah, you ran me over when you were rushing off somewhere," He chuckled. "That was a memorable introduction,"

"Hey, I said I was sorry about that," I laughed and sat at his table. "What brings you here?"

"I work at the hospital and had to complete paperwork, so I thought I would come here. I also just like cats, so there's that too,"

Ryuken explained that he's an animal lover, so that's why he likes to come here. He seemed very passionate about his career at the hospital. He's not a medical ninja but is one of the doctors there. 

Ryuken and I continued getting to know each other as the morning went on. He had been a green flag so far, and I kept feeling this sense of deja vu. It was probably a result of my fatigue from the mission. Dealing with two Akatsuki members really takes the life out of you. 

His watch chimed and he looked down at it, "I'd love to stay, but my break is over. I hope I'll see you again."

I thought about it. 

Maybe this could be a fresh start and my chance to let go of the past, as Anko would tell me. 

I inhaled deeply and nodded, offering a smile. "Yeah, I'll see you again."

I couldn't ignore the phantom pain in my chest. But what Anko told me was true. Obito wouldn't have wanted me to keep dwelling in the past, he would want me to keep living. 

Ryuken left, and I followed. I had to get my groceries and stop by Ichiraku, so I didn't have to cook tonight.