Hard to Deceive

Mai placed Naru's third cup of tea for the day on his desk and wondered for the third time, why - when he usually didn't acknowledge her presence when she brought tea even after 2 years - he was watching her the whole time since she entered his office. His usual inscrutable self gave away nothing... so she should ignore his odd behaviour and not ask why right? Or should she play along with his little game? Or stay standing by his desk and see how long he kept this up? Mai couldn't quite hide a smile from the last thought. Naru hated having his time wasted. So she decided to be kind, and kill her curiosity. "Can I help you with anything, Naru?"

"You tell me."

Mai was confused. Naru was the one acting oddly, not her! She frowned. "Help me? With what?"

Naru only continued looking at her, but he reached out his hand for his tea. At least that's what Mai thought he was reaching for. Instead he placed his hand lightly on her forearm, and didn't let go. Mai was shocked. Naru was... why?! Mai couldn't understand his actions, and she should tell him to stop because there were some things she really did not want Naru reading from her. Not that it would be new knowledge to him... still... "Naru..."

She didn't need to say "stop it" as Naru had already let go. How could a few seconds seem so long? Mai noticed her heart was pounding. That jerk... but Naru wasn't smirking nor was there anything in his eyes to show he'd done it as a game. So what was his reason? She hoped her glare was demanding an explanation, "Was that really necessary?"

"Apparently."

Damn his arrogance! She wasn't a mind reader. Enough of this! Mai stomped her foot to vent her irritation and headed for his office door.

"Mai."

She stopped, but didn't bother to turn around to face him. Her cheeks were thoroughly flushed out of embarrassment and a bit of anger. "Yes?!"

"If you're having problems with school work because of working here, or anything else is wrong, you will let me know? I can help you."

Mai blinked. He'd been worried? She had one assignment to make-up for that was doing nothing but frustrating her all week. Naru had picked up on it and because she hadn't said anything... asking her what was wrong would have been the normal thing to do, but this was Naru after all. Mai looked back at Naru to reply, "Except for Japanese and boy trouble."

Mai watched an eyebrow rise on Naru's lovely features and the corner of his mouth quirk up a little. "Correct."

Mai shook her head a bit. Yes, his ego was just fine. "There's nothing right now I can't handle. I'll inform you if that should change, ok?" Even though she was happy he was concerned about her, she refrained from thanking him because of how he'd gone about it.

Naru gave a slight nod. "Good."

Mai was about to close his door and get back to her work when Naru addressed her again. "Yes?" Mai asked with a smile.

"I could have grabbed elsewhere."

Naru, rather amused, although not showing it, watched Mai go beet red and stare at him in disbelief. Her mouth opened, then shut, and then she simply slammed his door closed.

Naru picked up his probably last cup of tea for some time and noted to himself, "Those hinges really aren't going to last long at this rate."