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March 4
Mai's POV:
I walked peacefully from class to work, the clouds had been threatening all day, and now it has followed through with it's promise and opened up a heavy rainfall. I sighed as I the rain berated my head, silently cursing myself for not bringing a jacket that actually has a hood.
I am Mai Taniyama, a soon to be a high school graduate and future university student! I still work as a paranormal investigator for Shibuya Psychic Research. Over the years, I have shown that I have some ESP and can actually be quite useful to the team! I smiled as I caught a glimpse of myself in the window of the train. I have changed since I started at SPR. I remember when I looked like a thin, gangly teen. I haven't changed too much, but I don't have such a boyish figure now! My chest and hips have started to grow, giving me a much more womanly figure. Still not exactly the hourglass shape, but it's a start!
I walk the short distance from the train station to the office, lost in my thoughts. Allowing the rain to envelop me as the street became sparse of people, only a few running to shield themselves from the ran or the smart people who prepared an umbrella were out. The rain was actually something I enjoyed, it was the thunder that was another story. But it looked like this was only going to be a peaceful shower today.
Naru A.K.A. the world renowned Mr. Oliver Davis is still my boss. He left for a short period to bury his elder twin brother, Gene's body back in England. Before he left, I had confessed my feelings for him, to which his response was that I was instead, in love with his deceased brother, Gene who appeared in my dreams smiling.
I sighed as Gene's image, nearly identical to Naru's flashed through my mind. The only tell that shows that it's not Naru is the softness in his eyes, they seem almost lighter, and of course his smile that Naru hardly ever wears. Gene still helps us on some investigations, however it's.. a weird dynamic I guess you could call it.
After Naru had left for England, Madoka had stepped in as temporary manager of the office. Once Naru returned, it seemed as if everything had returned to how it was before. Though I couldn't look at Naru for the first couple of months, because of my rejection. But he just pretended to forget about it. I don't know whether that's good or bad, but it definitely made it easier to work with him. To forget my painful embarrassment. After that I had often wondered if he was right, me really loving Gene but then was able to immediately refuse it. As sad as it seemed, Naru was in fact, the one I was irrefutably and helplessly in love with.
But now, when Gene helps us on cases, Naru often informs only Lin and I if he's seen Gene and vise versa when I have seen him. It's almost like Naru trusting me with the knowledge of Gene's presence. Gene and Naru's entire identity was kept a secret from our little SPR family, so I feel as if with Gene being our common source of knowledge and friend, it gives Naru and I something he doesn't have with anyone else. Naru is just such a closed off person, that any insight into his very private personal life, I take very seriously. For Naru the Narcissist, I imagine it must be very difficult to open even just the tiniest to anyone.
Let alone, some silly little high school girl who acts as your assistant.
The only other person who knows when Gene is vaguely there is Masako. But that is only because she can see Gene's spirit when she looks at Naru sometimes. Bou-san, Ayako, and I speculate that that's how she managed to go on dates with Naru. Her form of blackmail. That and she most likely knew his true identity, as Oliver Davis, the famous British paranormal researcher.
I walked up the steps to the office and opened the door.
The office had been quiet with the exception of Lin's ever constant muted typing from his closed office door.
I shivered as I took off my rather useless jacket. Humming as I hung the jacket on the coat rack, unaware of the pair of midnight blue eyes watching me intensly.
I took a moment to run my hands through my short hair and slightly shake the water out of it before I made my way into the kitchenette.
I filled and put the tea kettle on the stove, turning the heat on before walking out the grab my bag that I left by the front door.
I continued to hum the piano song that had been stuck in my head for the entire week. I couldn't remember where I had heard it, but it seemed very.. important to me.
I remember I first heard it while I was sleeping almost a week ago, in a dream. It was a simple dream. A happy dream. Just me in an old victorian house that looked, not quite kept. The house was slightly tattered, a little water damage here, some peeling wallpaper there. I always awoke laying on a couch in what looked like a parlor room. Furnished with timely accents, that hinted it was a western inspired house and owner. A beautiful grand piano in the other room just past a threshold, would be playing the elegantly haunting song. It was light and slightly up beat, however there was a touch of melancholy to it. The sound of the melody always made my heartbeat quicken.
I would sit up and let the music guide me to it's origin. I would always turn and watch the man's back as his fingers glided with ease over the ivory keys with such poise it was breathtaking. His black hair bobbing with his gestures. As the music would slowly near it's end, I would stroll behind the man and drape my arms ever so softly upon his shoulders. And before the last measure of the song, the man would look up at me with such love in his eyes. And the love I felt for this man was so immovable and profound that I would find it hard to look away from his gaze. As I lean down to the kiss the man, I would wake up.
The man in my dream was incredibly handsome. Japanese, but mixed with something else. He didn't look fully Japanese. But the one noticeable trait that always stood out most to me was his strong jawline and a birthmark in the shape of a U, just underneath his jaw. His loving eyes forever burned in my mind. And I couldn't help, but feel anticipation. For what, I don't know.
It was weird seeing as how we haven't had a case in over three weeks since Naru keeps rejecting all of them. I sighed.
The tea kettle began to whistle which was my cue to begin to prepare the royal highness his tea. I quickly walked to the kitchenette and removed the tea kettle from the burner. I quickly prepared the tea like how I have always prepared it and placed everything on a tray. I walked out, quickly grabbed a tea cup and saucer, eyes trained on the saucer so as not to drop it and knocked softly on Lin's door.
"Would you like some tea, Lin?" I heard a muted "yes please" and with a smile, entered and gave Lin his tea cup. Him never looking up from his computer, but mumbling a "thank you". Which is still better than what I get from Naru. Or lack thereof.
On my out of Lin's office, I noticed someone sitting on the couch. The back of their head the only thing visible to me. How long have they been sitting there?! Had I completely ignored a client?!
I quickly walked out of Lin's office, shutting the door behind me as I began to speak, walking around the couch.
"Hello, I am so sorry, I didn't even see you there, I am-" I stopped as I noticed that is was non other than Naru the Narcissist himself. Sitting there with a folder resting on his lap as he just watched me with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Thank you, Mai. But I know exactly who you are. And I know you didn't see me. You haven't noticed I was sitting here ever since you walked in. What if I were a client, then what? You should learn to be a bit more observant, then maybe you'll actually get somewhere in life," Naru stated coldly as he picked up the file and with a final glance in my direction added, "and I would like my cup of tea, thank you."
I fumed. He can never say "thank you" sincerely just once, but drop the phrase sarcastically like the pope giving blessings.
I stomped over and grabbed the tea cup and saucer and placed it in front of Naru on the coffee table. As I went to turn away, not even bothering to wait for a "thank you" I knew was never going to come, Naru did say, "just a moment, Mai."
I turned and glared at him. I began to flush as a smirk grew on his face. He looked back down at the file in his hands as he reached for the tea cup.
"What," I impatiently snapped.
"Your shirt is completely see-through."
My head snapped down. Sure enough, you could see the dark blue bra I was sporting underneath my now see through white top. I quickly threw my arms over my chest and ran into the bathroom. Staring into the mirror, I gawked. I had decided to wear a white button down top with a pair of jeans. And that white button down top was extremely see through after walking in the rain. I felt so stupid for actually thinking that I was okay without wearing an undershirt today!
I hurriedly ran out to my bag and searched through it, hoping that I could find at least another shirt. I always kept at least two articles of clothing for just in case situations. But my heart sank when I remembered I had given my back up shirt to Michiru to borrow when he spilt juice on her shirt yesterday, and I had forgotten to replace it in my bag.
I sat in defeat as I eyed my still soaked jacket. I hear quiet footsteps walk behind me and into Naru's office to my right. After a minute, I stood up and walked to the coat rack, deciding that I'll just wear my jacket and let my shirt dry. I'll be cold and wet, but at least no one could see my underwear.
Naru appeared out of his office with a black button down shirt in hand. He extended the shirt towards me. In reflex my arms covered my chest as I stared at the article of black clothing.
I blushed in response. Naru is lending me a shirt?!
"I have back up shirts. You can borrow it for today, but I expect to have it back tomorrow washed and ironed. Is that clear?" His eyes bore into mine, still cold. But there was a kind of softness around the edges. I smiled. Naru really is kind underneath all of that arrogance..
"Thank you, Naru! I completely understand," I chime as I gratefully take the shirt and walk towards the bathroom.
"Oh, and Mai? Your underwear matches my eyes. Coincidence, no?" A sly smirk appeared on his face. His eyes staring me down, amusement the most evident emotion in those deep eyes of his. I knew my face was as red as they come.
"N-NO! You narcissist! I mean, yes! Yes, it's a coincidence! I just so happen to like the color dark blue, okay?! Jeez, not everything revolves around you," I yelled in embarrassment. For you see, he hit the nail right on the head. I just so happen to be lingerie shopping when I saw the deep blue and immediately thought of Naru's eyes. I know it's weird, but I end up being reminded of him in everything. I'm pathetic! I sheeply cry in my head.
"Why the hostility, Mai? Should I be asking for my shirt back?" His hand extended towards me.
"EEP! No!" I yelled and hurried into the bathroom. I pressed my back against the door and heard the soft chuckle come from the other side as I tried to slow my breathing.
Ever since Naru has returned, he sure loves to tease me and make me mad. I don't know what changed, but he seems to be teasing me more often now than before..
I don't think my poor heart can take it!
Naru's POV:
I chuckled. Her expression giving all her thoughts away, as usual. I went to sit back down on the sofa. I sipped my tea and looked at the clock. The client should be arriving here shortly.
I heard the bathroom door click. I fixed my gaze on the file before me. Though out of my peripherals, I could see my small statured assistant scurry to her desk, placing her wet shirt on her bag on the ground. I didn't have to look to see that she was still flustered and adorning a deep blush.
Unable to help myself, I called out to her.
"Mai, tea."
Her flustered form froze then what looked like hesitantly standing and walking towards me. I look up to see her wearing my black shirt, the garment not fully buttoned to the top nor bottom. A slight feeling of satisfaction waved over me. The dark color, didn't quite emulate her usual bubbly, happy-go-lucky personality. Come to think of it, Mai usually doesn't wear any black. Making her my total opposite. The shirt looked slightly baggy on her all except for the chest and hip areas. It seemed to be a little tight, considering she has a very obvious physical trait that I am lacking. The male shirt, not made to fit such a body type also assisted in accentuating the slightest curve of her waist into her hips.
Mai grabbed my tea cup and scurried to the kitchenette.
I sighed. I would be lying if I said that I was unaware of the obvious changes to Mai's body. Afterall, she was aging as most humans do. From adolescent teen to young adult. It was to be expected.
Mai came walking back out, tea in hand. Placing it down on the coffee table before me.
"Mai, we have a client that should be arriving fairly soon. Make sure to have enough tea for them when they arrive," I mention as I looked over the file in my hand.
"Well maybe you shouldn't drink it all before they get here then, Naru." She growled as she walked to her desk. I let a small smile flash on my lips before disappearing. This girl really was quite humorous at times.
Mai's POV:
I sat at my desk filing some paperwork for only a few short minutes when a soft knock on the door grabbed my attention. I opened the door to reveal a handsome man with jet black hair and chocolate brown eyes. For a split second, familiarity flashed over his expressions as he stared at me, before he blinked and smiled. He looked to be about in his mid-twenties. I smiled and welcomed him in, offering to take his coat. The nagging feeling that I knew this man chewed at the back of my mind. I instantly felt like I could like this man very much.
"Oh, no no! You'll get all wet, I got it. Thank you.." He drew out the "you", silently requesting my name. A slight british accent played on his words. I blushed at the handsome man as he hung his jacket and umbrella up on the coat rack, never breaking eye contact, a boyish and goofy half smile etched in place on his face.
"Mai Taniyama. But please, call me Mai," I said as I shook his hand. He smiled again and swiftly kissed my hand. His brown and inviting eyes never straying from mine.
"Mai.. Pleasure to meet you, Mai. I am Ryo Kinoshita, you may call me Ryo. I am here to discuss my, erm, certain predicament with you," he said with a chuckle.
"Please right this way, Ryo. This is the manager and owner of SPR, Kazuya Shibuya. This is Ryo Kinoshita," I say as Naru stood up from the couch and shook Ryo's hand.
"Nice to meet you Kinoshita-san. Please have a seat. Now, what is it that you think I can help you with?" Naru gestured for the arm chair beside the couch as he spoke. I hurried to get another tea cup and a notebook.
I placed the teacup and saucer with cream and sugar in front of Ryo and moved to sit next to Naru.
Ryo smiled at me, "thank you, my dear." With such grace, he poured the cream in the tea and sipped it. His eyes lit up.
"Early Grey! Hah! Please do not be offended, but it is very uncommon in Japan to find that the house tea of choice is an English black tea!" Naru and I smiled at Ryo.
The only reason that we only have Early Grey is because that is Naru's favorite kind, probably because of his life in England and all..
"I'm glad you are pleased. Now your case.." Naru, the ever loving workaholic steered the conversation back to the case. I mentally rolled my eyes.
"Ah! Yes! I believe there are a quite few souls trapped in my home. You see, it is a very old house that has, for the most part remained within the bloodline since being built. Or so I'm told. I live there with only my grandmother, my fiancé, and my nephew. We often hear a woman crying in the greenhouse and the library, it sounds like the same voice, but I can't be sure. You can also see a male figure sitting at the piano, sometimes you can see him sitting on the edge of the bed in one of the guest bedrooms. Someone stomping on the third floor, but hardly anyone goes up there and what sounds like children running around the halls on the second floor, we even hear the children laughing. And late at night, usually around 11pm, you'll hear children screaming in the main hall," Ryo bowed his head.
Children?! That's horrible..
"There is also a very angry male there. He sometimes knocks things over, and sometimes.. He'll hit me. And it's only ever me, never anyone else in the house. And I'm afraid that it seems the attacks are getting worst. I don't know if he just doesn't like me or what, but this guy seems to truly detest me!" Ryo tried to lighten the mood by chuckling. He flashed me weary smile as he began rolling up his sleeve to show a series of band aids, scars,and bruises.
"Oh! And the most important part it seems! He often hear the piano play," he said. My heart skipped a beat. A.. piano? For a second my thoughts flashed to my dream.
Naru thought about it for a moment.
"We shall consider your request Kinoshita-san." Naru nodded and stood in unison to Ryo and shook his hand. As Naru began to walk to his office, he threw over his shoulder, "Mai, please see Kinoshita-san out."
I smile, but not fully getting rid of the anxious feel that had nestled in the pit of my stomach.
Ryo quickly put his jacket on and opened the door. He turned to look at me, making me bump into him. He caught me by the tops of my arms and just stared at me. There was confusion in his eyes, that same familiarity still dancing through them. We stared at each other as a weird feeling filled the air. It was a bittersweet feeling, like I was saying hello and goodbye to a very old friend.
I tried to say something, but nothing really came out. My heart began to quicken in beats as it seems like time stood still. Ryo leaned ever so closer, looking as if he was about to kiss me. A weird expression on his face. As his head slightly tilted, I caught the glimpse of a birthmark underneath his jaw, a U shaped birthmark.
He then straighten, looking a little frustrated. He opened his mouth, but then quickly closed it, nodded at me. His eyes flickered to something over my shoulder, nodded again then hurried down the steps of the office.
I stared after him in the rain, and when I couldn't see him anymore I dazedly closed the door. What was that? That feeling? I felt as if I knew him a long time ago.. Where do I-?
I gasped. MY DREAM! The birthmark! It's the same as my dream! Now that I think about it, he looked almost identical to the man! I've got to tell Naru!
"Naru!" I yelled turning around, but abruptly stopping when I saw that he was leaning on the threshold of his office, an annoyed look on his face.
"We-we need to take that case! I've been having a dream for the past week, the same dream every night. I think it's related to this case, I'm almost positive! Ryo, he.." I trailed off unable to finish the sentence. My mind working at a hundred miles per minute.
So if Ryo resembles the man, then it has to be one of his ancestors in the dream! It HAS to be! But that means.. In the dream.. I was in love with Ryo's ancestor! I blushed, completely forgetting that Naru was there.
"Mai. Tell me about this dream," Naru demanded as he walked and sat down on the couch. I walked over and unconsciously sat in my usual place next to Naru. I inwardly gasped. This was weird, since Naru is asking about my dream. He usually questions people as they sit in the armchair next to the couch. This is too close! Too.. intimate!
In-intimate..! AHHH! I inwardly panicked, mumbling an apology as I began to stand.
Naru's cool hand grabbed my wrist, his grip surprisingly gentle. He softly pulled my arm down, effectively lowering me back to the couch.
"This is fine, Mai. Now continue," Naru said as he picked up his tea cup. His eyes moved back to mine.
I relayed my dream back to him. Feeling slightly assured by Naru's presence just then. Even though it wasn't a scary dream, it was still a dream that held meaning. And no matter what Naru always helped me figure out the meaning. Usually trusting my instinct more than myself. It was nice to know that Naru always listened intently to my dreams, and trusted them every time.
"And just know.. I had the biggest feeling like Ryo and I.. like I knew him a long time ago.. Like we were really close. But I've never met him before in my life! I think Ryo felt it too when he was leaving," I finished, the story coming full circle.
Naru quietly thought, I poured more tea in Naru's cup just out of habit. Usually when Naru is thinking, he works best with hot tea. I think it helps him think. Naru's eyes stayed fixed on the table, his eyes distant in thought. He grabbed the teacup and silently drank.
"So you think we should take this case," Naru simply stated. I looked at him in surprise.. Naru is actually consulting me about a case.
"Well, normally this sounds like there's a bit too much happening to be true. Though we have had cases in the past like that. And I don't feel like Ryo would be the type to make that up or gullible enough to believe it if he didn't see it for himself. Which if that were the case then this would be a very tough case. It sounds like it could just be a curse on the house, but we'd probably have to look into the history of the house and family. And if you take my dream into account.. I don't believe it's just coincidental that I've been having the same dream for a week and then find out it is tied to this. So that being said.. I think we should take the case." I finish confidently staring at Naru.
He continued to stare at me, then closed his eyes as he stood up. He looked down at me and smiled. I blushed as I stared at the rare expression.
That rare, breathtakingly soft and calm smile that seems to make my heart go crazy while soothing all my worries. I had been used to seeing Gene give me that smile, but it was different when Naru did it, even though they shared the same facial features.
Knowing they were two different people, and knowing their differences, Naru's smile had a much greater effect on me than Gene's.
Naru turned away, walking to his office.
He stopped right in front of his open door and looked back. The smiled now replaced by a smirk.
"Seems those years of being in my presence finally paid off on your little brain."
"What the-" I started, still a little dazed by his sudden smile. He retreated into his office, softly closing the door behind him. Then it hit me.
"NARU!"
...
How did you like my first Chapter to "The Kinoshita Case"? Please leave reviews, I love to hear all your questions, comments, concerns, and theories!
Ciao
-Nekothorn
