Naru's POV
I was sitting at my desk, reading over the last case file, when suddenly Mai walked into my office, without the usual knock on the door. "Mai, is there a reason for why you just happened to come into my office?"
"Um…." Mai looked hesitant about telling me.
"Mai?" I asked, curiosity just lacing my voice.
"I-I love you, Naru!" Mai burst out.
I just sat there, shell-shocked. What?! How could she love me? I'm mean to her and order her around. There is no way. Unless…She's substituting me for Gene. That would explain it. He's nice to her and looks after her while she is having her dreams. I wish it wasn't like that, but it's true.
"Naru?" Mai called out timidly. I snapped out of my thoughts.
"Mai, it's obvious that you like Gene, and since he is dead, you are substituting me for him. Now, leave my office if you have nothing else to say." I instantly regretted what I said, because the look of hurt on Mai's face was unbearable. I nearly went over to her and embraced her, but I didn't. It's for the best.
Mai then ran out of the office and slammed my door, which was still open. I just hope that nobody heard. Hearing the front door slam, I let out a sigh and put my head in my hands.
Little did I know that Lin had heard the whole conversation.
I only found that out when he barged into my office demanding, "Why the hell did you tell her that, Oliver?!"
"Well, it's clear that she loves Gene. He looks after when she has those dreams and he's attitude is one of an enjoyable person, like Mai's. So they are obviously made for each other."
"Do you really believe that, Noll?" I looked up at Lin.
"What do you mean?" I asked, clear confusion in my eyes.
"It's clear as day that she loves you."
"How do you know that?"
"Because I overheard the girls talking in their room on the last case." Lin said, shaking his head. "Go after her Noll, before she does something she regrets."
I ran out of the office, only to stop when I reached Mai's desk. There was a letter on there, addressed to me. It said:
Dear Oliver,
Don't come after me, please. I still can't believe you rejected me. Whatever gave you the idea that I love Gene. Sure, I do love him, but more as a brother. It has always been you. I don't care that you aren't as gentle as him. Thats what makes me love you. Our arguments, and demands for tea. That has just made me love you even more.
But please don't come after me. I won't be there.
Love Mai
PS: Tell everyone I'm sorry.
I ran. Straight to Mai's apartment. Half way there I started smelling smoke. This only made me run faster. But when I arrived at her apartment block, I wish I hadn't.
There was Mai's apartment, and it was on fire. I overheard a news reporter, and I only heard parts of what they said since the rest didn't matter. "…House fire…oven exploded…no survivors…can't find the body…"
This was too much for me and I fell to my knees in shock, those words swimming around my head. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Lin and Madoka, who must have arrived when I left, standing there, with grief in there eyes. Thats when it all hit me. I started crying, which is very unlike me, because Mai was dead and it was all my fault. Madoka bent down and hugged me. I surprised us all, as I didn't push her away, instead lent towards her.
The rest of the team was arriving at the scene. They must have seen the report on TV and came straight. Their faces were ones of grief and shock. The group stared at me, on the ground, being willingly hugged by Madoka. Masako came towards me, and the rest followed their lead. As they all sat down around us, we looked into each others eyes and realised one thing.
Mai was gone. And she was never coming back.