"Since when?"
Mai was surprised, though she knew deep inside that Naru would have kept his indifference no matter the situation. But, this situation was not like any of their cases' twists and turns. It was about his brother. His twin brother, who died 2 years ago and whose loss he was still mourning
Mai guessed from his choice in wardrobe. Though, she never pieced together the fact that he wore black night-and-day to a loss of a family member before, it made more sense now.
Well, a lot of things made more sense now, but Mai didn't allow herself to think about it any longer. The expectant, and almost impatient look that was in Naru's eyes put her thoughts to a halt
"I-uh, when I first-our first case" Mai scolded herself inwardly. She had to think before she spoke, or else she'd make a fool of herself, again. Not that it was uncommon for Naru to see her in such a state. In the past 2 years of working for him, she'd made a complete and utter fool of herself too many times than should be even legal for a girl her age. But of course, she did not want his opinion of her to stay as being the stupid and naïve girl who always got herself into trouble.
Although, changing Naru's opinion was easier said than done.
"Hmm," Naru hummed quietly. He would be lying if he said that he wasn't surprised. Who wouldn't be? Though, he wasn't taken off-guard. He had had a feeling that something was off about Mai's dreams ever since their first case. He knew that there was something she didn't tell him every time she'd explained her dreams- something she was always hesitant about
"What did he tell you?" he finally broke the silence. Mai kept herself from shouting out in joy. She hated awkward silences and never enjoyed them. But, who ever did?
"H-he told me that he was dead and that-that your name isn't really Shibuya Kazuya" Mai knew better than to hold back whatever Gene told her to Naru. "He told me why you are here. And that-that he was killed"
Naru kept his façade , daring not raise, nor lower his tone. "Killed?" he asked, monotonous. He'd grown to be callous to the thought of Gene's death. Over 2 years, he'd busied himself with cases and only thought about Gene when it was necessary. It helped, except for a few moments of weakness where every time after, he'd swear to himself that it would never happen again.
"Y-yeah" She remembered that Naru did not know anything about Gene being murdered, and hated the fact that she had to tell him. But, she simply had no choice. Who was she to deny him the truth?
"H-he was murdered…not killed in a hit and run." She whispered, her voice weak. Her words rang in her ear, and her vision from last night came crashing back to her. Her bones shook and her head felt light. She felt her knees go weak, and her fingers start to tremble.
Everything felt so overwhelming. The light, that had just felt normal just a minute ago felt like it was burning right through her skin. Her breaths rang through her ear, but Naru saw none of it
He was going through his own inner struggle. Something inside him seemed to crack, and all he desired to do was scream. Scream in frustration, scream in pain and in agony. He felt his breaths deepen and-
"S-she didn't care" Mai whispered and his head flew up "Her touch was so painful. She didn't care at all. She was cruel and heartless. She didn't even pity him!"
"The water stung, yet it was so cold. My lungs felt like they were tearing apart…" Mai started to hug herself. Her eyes were dilated and she was looking up in space, staring at nothing.
Her body felt limp and she felt like she was going to pass out. She felt nothing around her but pain. "Her nails were so sharp…She said she painted them just for me. I don't understand how someone can be so cruel…"
"Mai" Naru said sharply, standing from his seat. He walked to Mai, an unreadable expression on his face.
Mai's face was contorted in pain, and Naru pitied her. "Mai, snap out of it" He ordered, his voice strong.
Mai heard his voice, and stared at him. The blank look on her eyes unnerved Naru slightly, but he did not let it show. "I don't want to die" she whispered and Naru's eye's widened
"Mai" He placed his hand on her shoulder, and Mai bolted up as if she was electrified. She gasped and fell forward. "N-Naru" she cried, clutching his shirt and staring up at him with wide, scared eyes
"It was so painful…" she told him.
Naru didn't have to ask to know what happened in her dreams, other than Gene introducing himself. "Mai," he sighed. Why did she always get herself into difficult situations?
She cried loudly to his chest, but Naru didn't more. He didn't hug her, and neither did he push her away. He simply waited until she calmed down.
"Mai," Naru said when she stopped crying. The poor girl looked up from his chest, and widened her eyes at their proximity. A flush blessed her cheeks and she immediately let go of him
"A-ah, Naru I-"
"Mai," Naru interrupted her, looking straight into her eyes. The look he gave her made her shiver involuntarily.
"I'm sorry"
Sorry if this chapter sucks. I haven't written in a while.
Please review or else I wont know if you like the story or not, which mean's I'll stop writing it!
(Haha, just kidding. But seriously)
~MagicalMagician
