Chapter 3

I don't own this…

-o0o-

Full moon.

This is the right time.

Smell of incense and candles were wafting on a dimly lit room. In the middle of the room, a rectangular board with letters of the alphabet, written on the upper part, and numbers from 0 to 9, written on the lower part, could be seen onto it. A small glass was placed in the middle of the board in between the words 'YES' and 'NO'.

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..." a voice said; a woman's.

I really have to do this.

The voice continued praying.

"Our Father, who art in heaven..."

"Hail Mary, full of grace..."

"Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit..."

There's no turning back from here.

Noticeable to the girl's prayer was the absence of the word 'Amen'. The girl placed two of her fingers on top of the glass then started, "I am calling the spirit of Fujiyama Kaidoh." The girl waited for a minute for something to happen. "Spirit, are you there?" she asked while looking at her surroundings. She waited again for a while. Then suddenly, a forceful blow of wind tried to open the windows and the door of the room. The incense and candles were almost blown. The glass under her fingers moved to the 'YES' word. She was shocked to what she was seeing. I never thought that this 'Spirit of the Glass' is really true. The girl thought. She hesitated for a moment, then asked, "What is your name?"

She felt the glass move again but this time to the letters engraved on the upper part of the board.

F-U-J-I-Y-A-M-A. The letters spelled out. It continued to move. K-A-I-D-O-H. Then it returned to the middle of the board.

The girl was surprised by this. She did not expect that she would actually be successful in doing this for the first time. "Father, is that really you?" she asked hesitantly.

The glass moved to the 'YES' again. "How are you? Where are you? Are you ok?" the girl bombarded the spirit of his father with questions. The girl continued to ask so many questions then the glass shifted and spelled something that did not make sense. She was frightened so she immediately withdrew her fingers from the glass.

It continued to move and its movement was getting faster. Due to the rapid movement of the glass, it toppled off. She felt the wind grew stronger and was finally able to bang the doors and windows open. The incense and candles were blown. She felt a shiver ran down her spine. From the corner of her left eye, she saw something moved. She tried to look at it and distinguish the figure formed. The figure started to move towards her. She realized that it was floating in midair and was taking the form of her most beloved person in her world.

A smile glinted up in her face as she spoke the words, "Okaeri nasai, Otosan."

-oOo-

A rapid knock at the door broke the silence inside the SPR's busy atmosphere. As usual, Mai was the one who opened the door. Another client, I assume. I hope this one's big AND Naru would accept the case. He had already rejected two cases for the past two weeks saying that those two were nothing but pranks. Mai thought with anticipation.

"Welcome to SPR. Come on. Please follow me to the living room", Mai told the seemingly agitated girl from the door. I wonder what her problem is. She seems tensed by the way she knocked at the door and she really looks so nervous.

"I believe your presence in our office would mean that you want our assistance in solving a supernatural event you're currently experiencing", Naru stated in a matter-of-fact tone, sitting in his usual seat.

"I'm Asakura Fujiyama. Well, yes. Will you help me? It's been bugging me for almost a week now. I don't know what to do. I already asked an exorcist to drive away the spirit but I think it didn't help quite a bit," informed the girl.

"Spirit? Well, let me hear it", Naru said.

"It all started three weeks ago when my father died in a car accident. He was on his way home from a business trip somewhere in Tokyo. And then, that happened; that car accident that took my father's life." Asakura said, while trembling as she recounts the story.

The police called my house before midnight telling me that my father died in a car accident. Of course, I hurriedly dressed up and went to the site where it all happened..."

Mai suddenly felt a chill ran over her spine. She didn't know why but she felt as if someone's watching her. Mai heaved out a sigh.

"After the burial, I went back to my normal life. I wake up, get dressed, go to school, then go home. I badly wanted to talk to my father and give him a proper goodbye, but I don't know any means."

"And then, a friend of mine came to talk to me and offered me a solution. That's when she told me about the Spirit of the Glass. At first, I don't want to do this. I asked myself over and over again. 'What if the spirit that I called wasn't my father's at all?', 'What if I fail and wouldn't be able to call unto my father's spirit then? It would only deepen the wound within me...' and so on. Those kinds of questions came fleeting in my mind. But then, I realized that I really have to do it."

"And so, I did it. Last week was full moon. I searched the net to know in order to find out when is the right time to do the Spirit of the Glass and it says that during a full moon is the best time. They say that when there's a full moon, spirits often go wandering around the place where they died. So if I called unto a certain spirit during a full moon, I would certainly be able to talk to them," Asakura continued.

"I called to the spirit of my father. At first, nothing happened. But then, the glass moved. I asked various questions which I know that only my father could answer. Every question I asked, it was able to answer. And then suddenly, the wind blew hard and it caused the glass to topple over. "

"At first, I got scared. Isn't it that you're supposed to contain the spirit inside the glass for as long as possible? Because if you failed to do it, then the spirit will be freed and won't it turn into a malevolent one? But then I realized that my father will not ever do that to me. He will never to do things that will inflict danger or harm to me."

Asakura paused for a moment. There's like a gleam of hesitation in her eyes, Mai thought.

"Miss Asakura...?" Mai asked. "Are you okay?"

"Oh.. I'm sorry," Asakura replied.

"Please continue your story, Asakura-san," Lin said, not taking his eyes off his laptop.

"And so, I returned the glass to the position it should be. I asked the spirit if he's still there and it answered, 'yes'. I knew then that the spirit didn't turn into a malevolent one. I bid my father and goodbye and finished the Spirit of the Glass. It all went well. I was able to dismiss the spirit peacefully." Asakura concluded.

"The next day, I started noticing extraordinary things," Asakura said, looking up to Naru.

"What kind of extraordinary things?" Naru asked.

"Well it was benign first, like when I leave things at one place and when I look for again for it, it's already gone. Also, when I wash the dishes, there seemed to be someone grabbing me in the wrist that would cause the plates to slip from my hands and cause a breakage. Here," Asakura rolled up her sleeve to show her wrist. "This is the part where that 'thing' grabbed me. Even though it's faint, you can see the markings that indicated that a hand really grabbed me."

Mai and the others could really see faint markings on her wrist.

"I have a question for you, Asakura-san," Masako said.

"Sure, Hara-san. What is it?" Asakura asked.

"Why did you do the Spirit of the Glass? Surely you know that we have mediums here to help those people who want to communicate with the deceased ones. Why didn't you contact any mediums at all?"

"Well, I'm already living alone. My mother died when I was young. I can't afford to hire any mediums at all. So I thought of the last resort: the Spirit of the Glass," Asakura answered.

Just like me. An orphan. Mai silently concluded.

"I see," Masako said.

"Uhm. Asakura-san. You said that it was benign at first. When did worse comes to worst?" Mai inquired.

"It got worse three days after the said ritual. At night, before going to bed, I could hear all the kitchen utensils falling off from their shelves but when I go down to check on it, everything is neatly stacked in its appropriate shelves. Sometimes, when I am watching in the living room, I could feel something blowing in my ears and then I would get goose bumps. The worse that happened to me was when I went down to the kitchen to have a drink when suddenly a hand took hold of my ankle that caused me to fall from the stairs. I got a fracture that night." Asakura related.

Then silence followed.

Asakura looked to Naru then asked, "Would you accept the case, Mr. Shibuya-san?"

Naru thought for a moment then finally spoke," No."

"No? Naru, but why? Isn't it clear that there's really something that's happening in her house?" Mai exclaimed, rising in her chair and glaring at Naru.

"That will be my decision and so be it. I don't see an argument here, Mai." Naru said coldly, standing up to face the client.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't take your case, Asakura-san." With that, Naru went inside his room.

"Naru, doushite?!" Mai protested. She started to approach Naru but was prevented by Bou-san.

"Oi, Mai, stop it. Just let Naru be. In any case, we couldn't do anything. It's his final decision," Takigawa said, placing his hands on Mai's shoulders.

"But.. I-.. It's clear that... and she needs help... She too is an...-" Mai broke off, she wasn't able to finish her sentence as tears started to fall on her cheeks.

"I'm sorry with all the ruckus that happened here, Asakura-san. I apologize."

"It's okay, Lin-san. I guess I'll just have to seek for help from other people. But thank you for all the help. However, if you change your mind, please let me know. Here's my address and my contact number," and with that, Asakura left the office.

"but Bou-san," Mai complained, wiping her tears away.

Ayako went in front of Mai to comfort her. She placed her hands on Mai's back and began patting it.

"Hush... Mai... Don't cry, okay? We all know how you feel especially since both of you have the same state," Ayako comfortingly said. "But we cannot help it. Naru's the boss," she continued.

"Although we're what you can call an "individual working person", we're still currently employed to Naru. So we have to follow the narcissistic's order. I'm sorry Mai," Masako apologized.

Huh? Did Masako really apologize to me and she's also comforting me. Mai shook her head. "You don't have to apologize, Masako. Maybe I was just a bit carried away with my emotions. That's all. I'm sorry, minna-san," Mai said.

Yeah, and Mai, don't ever let that idiot scientist's attitude affect you, a voice at the back of her mind said.

Gene? Is that you? Mai silently asked.

Yes Mai. Who else do you think? Gene asked. Mai felt as if Gene just raised his eyebrows.

Nothing. Haha. I'm just surprised. I thought you've moved on now that Naru found your body, Mai calmly stated.

Actually, I was a little surprised too, you know. I wasn't really expecting to be still stuck here, Gene replied. But then, I realized, I still have some unfinished business with my dear younger brother. Gene silently chuckled.

What kind of business is that Gene? Mai curiously asked.

You really are curious with everything that's got to be with my brother, eh, Mai-chan? Gene teased.

Mai tried to suppress her blush. Quit joking, Gene. You're not being funny. Mai retorted.

Gene laughed. Thanks to you Mai, they've found my body. I haven't thanked you enough. Gene's face suddenly got serious. For that, thank you. He gave her his usual smile.

I fairly accept your gratitude, Gene. But you haven't answered my question. Mai pouted.

Gene laughed again. It's for me to know and you to find out, Mai. Gene said. I got to go. They're worried about you.

Huh? Gene? What are you talking about? Mai asked.

Someone was shaking Mai on her shoulders.

"Hey... Mai! MAI!" someone exclaimed.

Mai looked up to see who was shaking her.

"Huh? Bou-san? What's wrong?" Mai asked.

"You've been standing there, in that position, for ten whole minutes. It's as if you're in some kind of trance or something," Takigawa said.

"Then Yasuhara asked something to you yet you didn't answer. That's when I started distracting you by writing with markers on your face," Masako filled in, raising the marker that she'd said she used.

"Masako, YOU DIDN"T?!?" Mai exclaimed, hurriedly running towards the bathroom.

Then everybody burst out laughing, including Lin.

"Well, that's actually the first time that I heard Lin laughed," Takigawa said, elbowing Lin in his ribs.

Lin coughed, then immediately composed his self.

"I believe it's time for us to go back to work," Lin stated.

"Now, now... Why the sudden change of mood, Lin-san?" Ayako teased.

"Your point?" Lin countered.

Ayako raised an eyebrow. "Nothing. It's just that you cannot hide yourself from that façade of yours forever," Ayako blatantly stated.

"Still, your point?"

Ayako resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Never mind, slow kid."

Mai was fuming over from head to toe when she came back.

"Mai-san, how was your face?" Yasuhara politely inquired.

Everybody burst out laughing again. All except Lin.

"Quit joking around, everyone. That. Wasn't. Funny." Mai said, gritting her teeth and emphasizing every word.

"Come on Mai. It's just for a laugh anyway. You should have seen that expression across your face when you found out that Masako "wrote" something on your face," Yasuhara said, resisting the urge to laugh again.

"But at least, you're back to normal now, eh?" Takigawa said, placing his left hand on Mai's head and began ruffling her hair.

"Bou-san, stop that!"

THWACK! She hit him precisely on his arm.

"That hurts, Mai-chan! Don't you want to play with your big brother anymore?" Takigawa said, locking his arms around Mai's neck.

"Monk-san, stop it already. Or else Shibuya-san might hear the entire ruckus that we're doing," John said.

"I think it's too late for you to say that, John-san," Naru said, emerging from the office he had just recently occupied. "I can't do my work properly inside my office because of your shenanigans. I believe that this is an office for you to work at and not a playground to play at," Naru stated wryly. He looked at Lin first, and then turned to Mai. "I want a tea in my office," he ordered.

"Hai, Naru-san," Mai said. Damn Narcissistic baka! She silently cussed.

Somehow, the atmosphere seemed a little heavier, Yasuhara concluded.

Naru went again inside his office and shut himself away from them.

"Who else wants some coffee or tea?" Mai asked.

"I'll have a cup of coffee, if you please," Lin said, returning to his office. "Just give it to me inside my office,"

Yasuhara raised his hand. "I'll have a coffee too, Mai," he said.

"Same goes for me, too!" Ayako and Takigawa chorused.

They looked at each other menacingly, and scathingly, and then immediately looked away.

Look at how these two fights, Mai mused. Just like a father and a mother that's having an argument over a simple issue. Mai smiled.

She looked at Masako. "How about you, Hara-san?" she asked.

"I'll have some tea, please," she replied.

"Okay, roger that!" Mai said, then left the room and proceeded to the kitchenette of the headquarters.

-oOo-

Nicely done, dear brother. I'm amused. Someone said with an obvious sarcasm in the voice.

Naru ignored the voice.

Now you're ignoring me, huh?

What do you want, Gene?

This time, Gene didn't answer.

Why haven't you moved on yet? I believe that you don't have anything left to do here now that I've found your body, Naru dryly said.

You wound me, Naru. You want to get rid of me that fast? Gene said, feigning hurt.

You know you're not that good of an actor, so don't pretend to be one.

You've really become denser and colder than usual.

And you've become somewhat more annoying than before. Naru countered.

The last time we talked, you were kidding around with me. But now, you're completely ignoring me. What's gotten into you, huh?

Nothing. And you still haven't answered my question.

I still have an unfinished business here, Naru. Gene replied. That's why I can't move on yet.

With whom?

I think we both know the answer. It's just that you refuse to believe that that's the truth.

What is?

Come on. Don't feign ignorance. You know the answer yourself.

Naru didn't reply.

Why did you come back here Naru? Even after the funeral?

There are more paranormal happenings here than in Europe. Naru plainly stated.

I think that there's more to that. It's because of Mai, right?

Again no answer.

Why did you reject that case?

Because she's talking nonsense.

How can you say so? Gene replied, raising an eyebrow.

It's obvious Gene. You know what happened last time I accepted the same case as hers.

You mean the one wherein she used 'that' to get famous? And when you began investigating it, they played numerous pranks that Madoka nearly got hurt?

Yes.

Hmmm. But I believe that this one's rather different. Gene commented.

How can you say so?

Did you see how Mai first reacted when you rejected that case earlier this morning?

Yes. It's clear to me that she just wanted to get away from all those filings that she has to do. It has piled up already, you see.

It's more to that, idiot. Gene stated.

What do you mean?

Didn't you listen to what your client said? She's an orphan!

Your point?

Gene tried to prevent himself from actually hitting his younger brother. Honestly Naru. Where were you when Mai told her that she's an orphan?

She's a WHAT?

Aha... So you really weren't there. Where were you then, inside that big mansion? Wandering around looking for clues that might actually lead to your discovery that the Oliver Davies the Minami Psychic Research with is a gigantic fake?! It's obvious that you know they're fake! You're Oliver Davies, Noll. Of course YOU would know! Gene exclaimed.

I didn't know that.

Really? Huh. You are really one of a kind person, Noll. You're the first ever person, and maybe the last, that I've met who's very dense at such things. It's no wonder you don't know that.

Naru fell silent.

Do me this one favor, Noll.

What is?

Watch over Mai. It's hard for me to keep track of her. And I could only contact her when she's asleep and walking in her dreamland or when she's in her own trance.

I know. You don't have to reiterate it. Naru snapped back at Gene.

That's good to hear. Mai's coming with your tea. Bye for now. Gene said.

Naru no longer felt Gene's presence.

"Naru, I'm opening the door." Mai called out from outside his office. She opened the door and stepped inside his office. "Here's your tea, then," Mai said, placing the teacup in the table. "Do you still need anything then?" Mai queried not looking straight at Naru.

"Nothing. Just get back and do your work," Naru ordered, grabbing the tea and sipping it.

Mai didn't move.

"Why are you still standing at the doorway? If you want to say something, say it; or would you rather stand there for all afternoon like a plant?" Naru asked.

"I- I... I just want to apologize for my actions earlier when you rejected the case. That's all," Mai said. Her eyes fell.

She seemed sad about something. Naru thought. "Well, if that's what you're going to say, I accept your apology." Naru plainly said.

"Well, I'll be going now. If you needed something, you can just call me outside." With that, Mai left his office.

Naru didn't reply but instead, immersed himself into his pile of work.

-oOo-

Everybody had left now all except for Mai. She, on the other hand, was busy cleaning the living room with all the trash that her co-workers had left. Masako went home first, saying that she still has some tapings to do. She was instantly followed by Yasuhara, whom his mother just called telling him that they have a family reunion to attend. After him was Ayako and Takigawa, both of which we're going home in the same direction. Takigawa even bothered to ask if he could walk Ayako home. The last to go home was John-san, wherein he doesn't have any errand to run to so he stayed a lot longer at the headquarters to help Mai with the filings. After an hour or so, he went home.

Mai was now left alone on her own. Naru and Lin, both of whom still stuck inside their own office, asked for a cup of tea and coffee respectively. After Mai had given them their drinks, Naru had told her to go home only after she's done cleaning the living room.

Picking up the litters one by one, she noticed something amidst the papers and wrappers on the floor. It was the contact number and address that their client had given earlier and had gone unnoticed by everybody. She picked it up and read,

FUJIYAMA ASAKURA

856-98-63(017)

#356 FUJIYAMA RESIDENCE, KAWAGUCHI, TOKYO CITY.

Then, sudden images came fleeting in her mind. The picture of the crashed car, the bloody man, the nosy neighbors that came to have something new to gossip about, everything. It's as if it just happened awhile ago. Like it's still fresh in her mind.

Mai suddenly felt nauseous, and hurriedly dropped the subject. But she kept the contact information with her.

Maybe I should go investigate it myself. Mai thought mildly. She decided to go tomorrow for her to observe the situation. The feeling of curiosity and determination overwhelmed her, and the looks in her eyes gave it away.

I should ask the permission... Well, after I'm done with this.

It took Mai almost half an hour to get the cleaning done. After which, she went to Naru's office.

"Naru, I'm done cleaning," Mai said, taking a seat in his office.

"Is it already dust-free?" Naru inquired, quirking an eyebrow.

"Hai... It's dust-free guaranteed!" Mai said in total enthusiasm, the tone of which Naru is sure that she will ask something more.

"What do you want?" He already asked first before Mai could even start.

"Er... could I take a day off tomorrow? I'm a little bit late with all my homeworks and projects so I kinda need to catch up for a little bit," Mai replied.

Gomen ne, Naru... Hope you'll forgive me! It's just that I feel the need to help the woman who came earlier this morning. Gomen... Gomen... Mai thought helplessly.

"If it's you we're talking about, you could even take at least three days off. I wonder what's inside that idiot brain of yours..." Naru taunted, shutting the book his reading and looking straight at Mai. "Am I wrong?"

Damn that narcissistic baka! Who is he to say that to me! Mai grudgingly thought. But somehow, she cannot find the words to spat back at him.

"Well, those things aside, will you let me...?" Mai politely asked, crossing her fingers and hoping and wishing that Naru will allow her.

"Fine. I'll allow you but that will be for. Tomorrow. Only." Naru said, emphasizing the last two words.

"Hai! Domo arigatou, Naru! I'll be going now. Ja ne!" Mai happily said, standing up and left the room.

Oh, yeah, Mai suddenly remembered, I should bid goodbye to Lin as well. And I should also tell him that I will be taking a day off tomorrow. She thought.

She entered Lin's room without further ado.

"Ano... Lin-san..." Mai started to say.

"Yes, Mai-san?" Lin peered at Mai.

"I will not be here tomorrow. I asked Naru if I could take the day off and he said that it was okay so I just dropped by here in your office to say that and to bid you goodbye. I'm about to go home, you see..." Mai explained.

"Why would you be taking a day off tomorrow? If I clearly remember, two weeks ago, you took a day off without asking permission from Naru. May I know your valid reason on why you're going to take the day off?" Lin asked, stating the obvious fact that he was questioning and at the same time scrutinizing Mai with every question.

"ER... It's because I'm getting left behind at school with all the homework and projects that I've got from it; and also from the previous cases that we had, also counting the discovery of Gene's body. But I just can't possibly slack off at school, right? I have a scholarship that needs to be maintained." Mai elucidated.

"Is that so? Why not then ask Yasuhara for help seeing that he's a scholar too at Tokyo University and I think that you could really get enough help from him too," Lin suggested.

Lin really has changed. He's a lot more... caring from the looks of it, Mai thought.

"I... I'll do that." Mai stammered.

"If that's the case then I think there will be no need for Yasuhara to come to our office tomorrow then," Lin finally stated.

He took a moment to observe Mai. Looking straight into her eyes, he seemed to see a glint of determination and... is that hesitation? He dismissed the thought, and then went back to talking again to Mai.

"What do you think?" he finally asked.

"I... okay then." Mai seemed to hesitate for a minute, and then finally asked," Do I have to tell Naru...?"

"I'll do that, if it's more convenient for you," Lin offered.

Mai heaved a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Lin-san." She thanked Lin-san and wondered why on earth he suggested such.

"...and Lin-san, do I have to be the one who will call Yasuhara-kun?" Mai asked.

"I believe so," he responded.

"Arigatou ne, Lin-san,"

She beamed at him then bid him goodbye.

Alone in his office, Lin called forth his 5 shikigamis.

I need you to look over Mai for the time being, he told one of his shikis.

And you, look over Yasuhara. He inquired the other one.

Is that understood?

Yes. But why are you doing this? One of his shikis asked.

I'm worried about Mai. She might do something reckless tomorrow. I don't believe that she really will take a leave just to catch up with her school work. That's why I made her ask Yasuhara, just to watch over her. He explained to them.

But why him? Why not ask the miko? Or that priest? Maybe that monk is available or that medium... It's clear enough that Yasuhara cannot even protect himself let alone that girl.

What Mai needs the most is a friend that could really understand how she truly is feeling. And Yasuhara is the perfect man to do that job. I can't think of any excuse to make Takigawa, John, Ayako or Masako. All of them aren't studying anymore except Masako who is, I think, having a home study program. Lin clarified.

You're softening up, master. I didn't expect that you will change this much just because of some girl. One of his shikis commented.

He's not just some girl. He replied in his mind, she is the very reason why SPR has become so united. Before, as you all know, we started as two people: I and Naru. But now, due to Mai's influence, she was able amalgamate everyone; although Naru refuses to show it. She has this some kind of energy that makes it possible for everyone to still smile despite the problems we are facing; and also her own personal ones. I felt, after that incident in the lake where we've found Gene's body, that somehow, we've become a real family now. Because of that, we must be thankful for Mai.

What about you?

What do you mean what about me? He repeated.

Why did you change?

Lin became silent for a moment.

She taught me, although unconsciously, how to smile again. I've never felt this feeling ever since I've joined Naru and his little expedition. It was because of her that I've finally felt happy, for the second time in my life. Lin plainly stated. Although Naru doesn't admit it, it's obvious that he feels the same.

His shikis fell silent. Then suddenly, he felt two of his shikis leave.

-oOo-

Mai had finally arrived at her place. Unlocking the bolt to her apartment, she slid off her shoes and neatly stacked them on the side closet. Then, she went inside the living room, dropped all her things and went to the bathroom to wash up. After then, she changed into her pajamas and went to bed.

For some reason, she cannot sleep. She stared at her bedside watch and it read half past nine. It's still early and I haven't thought of calling Yasuhara-kun. I don't know what I will do. I really need to go and help that lady back there at the office, but what about the thing that I and Lin-san talked about? Maybe... Maybe if I could persuade Yasuhara-kun to accompany me tomorrow and ask him if he could keep this a secret for just the two of us... Well, I guess he could pretend... after all, he's a great actor, right? Mai silently pondered, tossing around the bed. I guess I have to call him, then.

The phone rang thrice before someone picked it up.

"Hai! Moshi moshi? Yasuhara residence how can I help you?" a female voice answered at the end of the line.

"Uhm... Hi! This is Taniyama Mai from the SPR where Yasuhara-kun works as a part-timer. Is he at home? May I could please talk to him?" Mai sheepishly asked.

"Sure. Just please wait for a moment," the voice replied.

"Hai! Arigatou!" Mai called back.

After awhile, someone spoke on the other end of the line.

"Hello? Osamu-kun speaking. Mai-san, what's the matter? Why did you call me suddenly? Do you wish to treat me again for dinner?" Yasuhara cheerfully asked.

"Iie... Chigau no... That's not it, Yasuhara-kun... It's just that I really need a favor from you," Mai stated.

"Another favor? You seem to be taking my kindness for granted, Mai-san," Yasuhara joked.

"That's not it! I... I-," she broke, not knowing how to put in words what she needs to say.

"Haha... Just kidding Mai-san. Sure, what favor is that...?" He asked.

-o0o-

See you in the next chapter!