Mai Taniyama idly flipped through the pages of a magazine, while lounging on the couch at Shibuya Psychic Research. Technically, she should have been doing research or reviewing records, but she decided to leave those mundane tasks to Naru. He seemed to enjoy stuff like that anyway. If he wasn't working on a case, he almost always had his nose in some book on 'exploring the phenomenon of psychokinesis' or 'extrasensory experiences in a quantum reality' or some other book with a fancy title!
Maybe I should actually do something productive, Mai thought guiltily. She glanced around the room and located the tea pot.
"That's what I'll do," she said aloud, "I'll make Naru some tea!"
But it was then that Mai noticed the last page she had flipped to in the magazine. It was an article titled 'Ten Ways to Make a Guy Like You.'
The tea can wait, she thought as she eagerly began poring over the article.
"Tip Number One," she read out loud, "It is important that you act as your genuine self. You must be confident of your overall self-image. Never try to pretend to be someone else just to impress a guy. This simply reflects low self-esteem and insecurity."
Okay, Mai thought, I always stay true to myself and tell people exactly how I feel. I think I've got this one covered.
"Tip Number Two," she continued reading the article, "Appreciate a guy. You must try to be vocal about giving guys a compliment. You can either do this in a straightforward or playful manner."
I don't think Naru needs anyone to give him compliments. He thinks pretty highly of himself already...
"Tip Three: Produce a positive vibe. When you are a happy person, it is easy to spread that happiness onto the people around you. If you can do this to a guy, he will want to be around you more often."
I'm a happy person... most of the time... It's just so hard to stay positive around Naru when he's so condescending and full of himself!
"Tip Four: Laugh at his jokes. Having a sense of humor and learning how to laugh together ensures that you both are able to appreciate the brighter side of life and take things lightly."
Yeah right! Naru doesn't exactly make very many jokes... He barely even smiles!
"Tip Five: Make eye contact. Your eyes can say a lot. Exchanging meaningful glances are one of the most effective ways to lure a guy towards you... I wonder if these tips actually work! Maybe if I try some of them on Naru he'll finally -"
"Mai, what are you doing?"
Mai looked up to see Naru standing in the doorway. She let out a loud shriek and jumped off of the couch, throwing her magazine in the air. How much of that did he hear? Mai wondered, her cheeks beginning to burn.
Naru gave her a quizzical look. "Is something wrong, Mai?"
"Oh no!" Mai exclaimed, "Everything's fine! You just startled me, that's all!"
"Well stop fooling around then," Naru said flatly, "We have a client."
He stepped aside to reveal one of the most handsome boys Mai had ever seen. He had golden hair and stunning violet eyes that matched his school jacket. He couldn't have been much older than Mai. His smile made Mai's heart flutter in her chest, and his skin appeared almost iridescent, as if he were sparkling in the sunlight shining in from the open window.
He swept his bangs dramatically to one side and made his way into the room. He looked over at Mai, who was noticeably gawking at him, and she felt her face turn red.
"Oh, uh, h-hello," she stammered, "W-welcome to Shibuya Psychic Research!"
"Thank you," he said smoothly. He drifted casually over to Mai and presented her with a single rose. "And what might your name be, my beautiful princess?"
"M-mai," she said breathlessly, accepting the rose.
"What a pretty name," he said.
Mai stood there mesmerized, her eyes transfixed on his face.
"Ahem." Naru cleared his throat loudly, breaking Mai's trance. "Excuse me, sir. You said you had a case to discuss?"
"Oh yes, of course!" He cried, "Forgive me!" He kissed Mai's hand, and took a seat on the couch across from Naru. "My name is Tamaki Suoh," he began, "And I'm here on behalf of the Ouran High School Host Club. We'd like to request your assistance!"
