Chapter 437 - Mysterious Jade Part 1 (2/2)

Lyn wrapped her arms around him from behind. ”I missed you, Kazuya.”

”I see, I was reckless. I wasn't planning on meeting you for a while longer. But,” Kazuya turned her around to stroke her cheek with his tender hands, ”Now that we've met again, I'd like to see you smile. Though I've always liked your tear-stained face.”

It was hardly what you'd call a romantic or even powerful meeting. Indeed one could hardly compare it to the other times. But just like before, she can feel it; his warmth.

Lila buried her face on his neck and shoulder on the left side. She breathed in Kazuta's unique scent. Tobacco and soap. Her fingers gently ran through his hair.

Kazuya laughed at her actions. ”When will you let me go, Lyn?”

”Never,” she mumbled. ”Remember, I said before that I need to keep you on a leash?”

”Ah, you said that indeed. Do you plan to?”

She examined his outfit, and her gaze darkened even more. Did he come out here to steal something again? What is it with him and stealing? At first, it seemed like a noble cause, but recently Lyn learned of the other reason why he became a thief.

When Lyn learned the reason, she suddenly felt the distance between them increase even more.

”Yes...” Lyn replied softly. She felt torn between holding onto Kazuya tighter and letting him go. She doesn't want to risk letting him go only for him to disappear right before her very eyes once more. But she has to sooner or later let him go. Because that's reality, and reality has its dark moments. This is one of them.

”What are you doing, Gabrielle?” Lyn noted that her friend was scribbling something down in a notebook for a while now.

”Hmm? Just changing this section into 'unexpected meeting under the stars.'”

”There are no stars out during the day!” she exclaimed.

Geez, she feels quite embarrassed, though. She was holding onto him so tightly like that. Lyn loosened her grip, knowing that he won't be leaving.

It felt like something like this happened not too long ago. Kazuya, however, continued to hold onto her.

”Lyn, did you come here for the jade?”

”Yes,” Lyn mumbled. ”Kazuya, you…”

Kazuya grinned, ”I came here to steal it, of course,” he trailed off. ”You do realize they won't just hand the gem over, correct?”

Well, Lyn did think that. However, she thought she could somehow manage. Kazuya chuckled and patted her hair. ”That's what I like about you Lyn, your very cute.”

”Are you telling me you like my obliviousness?”

Lyn wasn't happy with his words despite the compliment. ”I'm sorry,” Lyn apologized. She still felt the need to apologize to him.

”No, no, I knew this would happen. Zepher must have it hard now that you're serious about your dream.”

Her cheeks colored slightly, ”Kazuya, um you met with Zepher?”

Kazuya nodded. It must have been awkward; she hopes they didn't fight with each other.

”Relax, we didn't fight. We could have, but nothing of the sort happened.”

Souko. But if they didn't fight, they must have had a proper discussion. After confirming that, they continued walking up the mountain trail. Since snow covered it, it took a lot more time to climb up. However, Lyn didn't mind. Her gaze fell on Kazuya beside her, 'she felt a lot more comfortable.' Kazuya is with her now, so it truly feels like she can do anything now.