A/N: Edited as of 11/06/2017
Disclaimer: All characters in Ghost Hunt are the creation of the Goddess Ono Fuyumi-sama.
Lin used to think that even though you couldn't choose who you loved, you could at least choose whether or not to give into that love. It was his belief that should the need arise, he would be able to easily push aside any feelings of love he developed. But he was wrong.
I was a complete and utter fool, Lin thought.
He was in love with Taniyama Mai. She was the breath of his soul. However, he thought it was strange that being so in love with her could make him feel helpless, and he couldn't help but despair at his situation.
I'm plagued with a sickness of the heart, acting stupidly emotional, he admonished himself.
A knock at the door interrupted his brooding. He was sure it was Mai, come to remind him of what he'd never have.
"Lin-san?" Mai said as she opened the door.
Lin turned to look at her blankly. There was a brief silence as she waited for a reply that he felt was completely unnecessary. But she seemed determined this time.
"Yes?" he questioned, finally caving.
"Would you like some tea?" she asked in that cheerful tone he loved so much.
"No thank you," he said shortly, turning from her to continue his work. He wished he could feel as apathetic as he appeared outwardly.
"Are you sure?" Mai questioned hesitantly, "I'm making some anyway."
"Taniyama-san," Lin said, still not looking at her.
"Yes?" Mai questioned, a hint of hope in her voice. He wondered what she was hoping for.
"Leave me alone," he told her without a hint of emotion in his voice. He just wanted her to leave so he didn't have to feel so… Well, there were various emotions he was currently experiencing. It left him unsettled.
Mai remained silent behind him. He knew he had hurt her feelings and he hated himself for it. But he also knew she'd soon get angry and leave.
And when she leaves, he told himself, she'll forget about it and act as if it never happened.
Mai never stayed that angry. Lin didn't think she was capable of it.
"Well, forgive me for caring!" Mai suddenly burst out, anger ringing clear in her voice.
Lin didn't answer her. He was hoping she'd get fed up and just leave. Then he wouldn't have to deal with her.
As he expected, the sound of the door slamming came from behind him. What he didn't expect, though, was for the young woman to still be inside the room.
"At least look at me when I'm talking to you," Mai continued heatedly.
Lin quickly turned in surprise. He thought Mai had left. He hadn't expected to be trapped in the narrow, soundproof room with her angrily cornering him.
"What are you doing?" Lin asked in confusion.
"I want to know what your problem is," Mai said confrontationally. "—And I'm not leaving until you talk to me."
"There's nothing to talk about," Lin said, turning from her again, "so just leave." He was startled as Mai grabbed his shoulders and spun him in his chair to face her. His eyes widened in shock. "Wh—"
"I told you," Mai said forcefully, "I want to talk to you."
"Knock it off," Lin said as he pushed her hands off with his arms.
Mai stubbornly reached out to grab his shoulders again, and Lin put up his hands to ward her off. Unexpectedly, their hands intertwined, fingers lacing together. Unfazed, Mai pushed against him, but he hurriedly let go. As a result, she was caught off balance and nearly toppled over. Without thinking, Lin quickly put his hands out to brace her, catching her by the waist.
Looking at his hands, Lin swallowed slowly. He could clearly see his hands were somewhere they shouldn't be, but he couldn't get them to move. He was frozen, his heart pounding hard in his chest. After a few moments, he looked up at Mai. She was breathing heavily from their confrontation, and she seemed surprised.
Shakily lifting her hands, Mai moved them to Lin's arms. He was fully expecting her to push him away. Instead, she gently rested her hands on his forearms. He looked at her questioningly, but she remained quiet. Moving her hands up the length of his arms, she took a step closer, her thigh softly nudging his knee.
Unable to control his own body, Lin felt himself grow excited, his heart beating impossibly faster. He didn't think he could be interpreting the situation wrong, but he still had doubts.
Could she really want me? he wondered. He had never considered the possibility before. Now he could barely even think straight with her so near.
Feeling emboldened, Lin gently lifted Mai by the waist, bringing her to sit on his lap. The action was effortless, and Mai readily shifted to straddle his lap, her legs snug against him and her hands on his shoulders. Sliding a hand up her back, he pulled her closer until their chests were flush. She was close enough for him to feel the warmth of her breath ghost over his face.
Glancing at Mai's lips, Lin tilted his head slightly to the right. He glanced back up, his eyes finding hers, and silently asked for permission. She nodded once, and then he slowly pressed his lips to hers, a thrill running through his body.
Mai tangled her fingers in his hair, gently urging him to deepen the kiss. When he opened his lips to hers and pulled her closer, she moaned and squirmed needily in his lap. The sudden friction to his groin caused Lin to throw his head back slightly as he let out a deep groan.
Mai took the opportunity to move her lips to his neck, planting sloppy kisses along his skin as she worked her way up. He groaned again, closing his eyes in pleasure. But it wasn't long before the pleasure became too much, and he gently cupped her face.
Wanting to taste her lips again, Lin brought her mouth back to his, and she readily took to kissing him once more. He loved how enthusiastic she was. It was leaving him breathless, but he needed more of her. He parted her lips with his own, an aching heat rising in him, and kissed her passionately.
When he finally worked up the courage, Lin gently prodded Mai's mouth with his tongue, hoping she'd understand his request. She responded in kind, lightly touching her tongue to his. The sensation shot a shock through his body, and he gripped her tight, never wanting to let go, never wanting this to end.
Being completely lost in one another, Mai and Lin were startled when they heard a hesitant knock on the door. Mai quickly removed herself from Lin's lap and attempted to smooth her ruffled clothing.
Lin schooled his face into his usual expressionless mask. Luckily, the sudden shock was enough to soften his erection. He was thankful for that at least.
In the next instant, Naru opened the door to the small office. He took in the appearance of the pair, taking note of Mai's flushed face. Lin seemed his usual composed self.
"Lin," Naru said, "is Mai bothering you? I thought I heard her making a scene."
Naru looked at Mai suspiciously as she coughed.
"It's fine," Lin said, easily hiding his mix of emotions. "We had a disagreement, but it's settled now."
"Very well," Naru said coolly. "—Mai."
"Yes?" Mai asked, her voice under control.
"Tea," Naru answered as he walked back to his office.
Mai waited until she heard Naru's office door click shut before walking over to Lin and giving him a quick kiss. "We'll talk about this later," she told him seriously.
She waited for Lin to nod his consent before she went to the kitchen to make tea, leaving him to his thoughts.
