KAITO

Naru and Leyla arrived at their room after their walk. She was still teasing him about his reaction to the baby rumors, while he kept desperately trying to change the subject, which only amused her even more.

"So, you really would like us to have a child?" Leyla asked with a smirk, crossing her arms.

Naru immediately turned red, turned to the window, and mumbled, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Aha! So, you admit it!" she laughed, stepping closer. "I mean, it's not like I'd agree to it right now, but it's interesting to see you this flustered."

"Leyla, stop," he said, but still placed his hand on her waist, pulling her closer. "It will be as you wish, but I won't let you exhaust yourself while you're on your period. So, we're taking a break from the search for a few days."

"Oh, come on, Naru! It's not a big deal, I'm not dying!"

"I won't take any risks! That's my final decision."

"Yours? And what about mine?"

"Yours is to rest," he said firmly and kissed her forehead.

As Leyla rolled her eyes, there was a knock on the door. Naru stepped back and answered, "Come in."

The door opened, and one of his retainers entered, bowing. "Your Highness, you have a guest. He says he knows you from the past."

Naru frowned slightly. "Who is it?"

"His name is Kaito."

Leyla noticed how Naru tensed up slightly at the name. "Kaito… I haven't seen him in years. I know he was involved in the search for the artifact."

The retainer nodded. "He says he was falsely accused of stealing it and wants to speak with you."

Naru sighed and turned to Leyla. "Stay here and rest. I don't know how long this will take, but there's no need for you to come."

Leyla raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You think I'll just sit here and wait for you?"

"Yes, that's exactly what I think," he said with a smile, gave her a quick kiss, and left, leaving her alone in the room.

Naru stood in front of Kaito, observing his old friend with a faint smile. It had been many years since they last saw each other, yet Kaito hadn't changed much—maybe a bit more serious, but he still had that calm and composed aura.

"I never thought I'd see you again under these circumstances," Kaito said, crossing his arms. "But it seems fate has brought us together once more. How have you been, Naru? I hear you got married."

Naru immediately raised his hand, pointing a warning finger at him. "That's… complicated."

Kaito chuckled. "Complicated, huh? Sounds like there's something going on between you two after all."

Naru sighed, shaking his head. "We're not talking about that right now. Tell me what you've been up to all these years."

Kaito sat down and shook his head. "I've been traveling for a long time, working as a mediator between different factions, avoiding unnecessary conflicts."

"Tell me, Kaito… what do you know about the artifact? I heard you were searching for it too."

Kaito's expression turned serious. "I was accused of stealing it. They said I had both the motive and the opportunity. But I'm not the one who took it. I've been following leads for a while, but every trail leads to a dead end. And you?"

"The same," Naru said, leaning on the table thoughtfully. "I was accused as well. And that's how I ended up in this mess. We need to find the artifact before someone else uses it for the wrong purpose."

Kaito nodded. "Maybe if we combine the clues we have, we'll get somewhere."

Naru smirked. "This feels like old times. Are we working together?"

Kaito grinned and extended his hand. "We're working together."

Leyla stepped into the room, and Kaito immediately stood up out of respect. He was tall, with a calm yet piercing gaze, and carried a gentle smile that instantly made him seem approachable.

"Leyla, this is Kaito, an old friend of mine," Naru said, watching them closely.

Kaito gave a slight bow. "I've heard a lot about you, but now I see reality is even more fascinating."

Leyla looked at him curiously. "Oh? I hope it was all good things?"

"Only the best," Kaito replied with a smile.

When their hands touched during the handshake, both of them froze for a brief moment. Leyla felt something strange, yet not unpleasant—his touch felt oddly familiar, as if they had met before.

"Have we met before?" she asked, looking at him with slight confusion.

Kaito looked equally surprised. "I was wondering the same thing. It sounds impossible, but I feel like we've spoken somewhere before…"

Naru watched them with his arms crossed. "Well, if you had met before, I would definitely know about it."

Leyla rolled her eyes. "Oh, sure, because you know everything."

Kaito chuckled. "Either way, I'm glad we're meeting now."

As the conversation continued, Leyla quickly realized she liked Kaito—not in the way she was attracted to Naru, but as someone who could become a good friend. He was warm, calm, and had the kind of intelligence she admired.

Naru watched them with a faint smile but eventually asked, "Don't you think you're getting along a little too well? Should I be worried?"

Leyla shot him a sharp look. "Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Possessive."

Kaito simply laughed, understanding their dynamic, and added, "I think the two of us will get along just fine."

"I think so too," Leyla agreed, while Naru muttered something under his breath.