Chapter 4

Mai sighed as she sat down on her sofa and turned on the television. It had been a long day, a very long one. Especially with Naru going into a hissy fit at her after Izuru left.

With unconcealed curiosity she pressed the AV button on her remote and selected the video challenge and before pressing the play button she opened her bag of popcorn.

"Mai, tea," the unmistakable voice belonged to Naru, and even now, hours later, Mai felt herself get annoyed at Naru demanding a cup of tea, instead of asking politely.

She watched herself huff before walking out of the screen and towards the kitchen. This was the part she had been looking forward to the most. Finding out what Izuru and Naru had said to each other while she was out.

But if she thought they were going to get into a verbal spar she was quite mistaken.

Silence dragged on the tape as the two boys stared contemplating at each other, neither blinking or making eye contact as they sized each other up. Mai watched fascinated as a vein on Naru's neck began to twitch and Izuru's left eye lid moved up and down slightly.

Sighing with exasperation and wondering why most of the boys in her life were so stubborn she grabbed the remote and fast forwarded.

A buzzing started and Mai pressed play.

"-I don't know what your intentions are towards Mai but-" Naru started but was cut off.

"My intentions are none of your concern, outside of work, you have no place in her life and therefore no authority," Izuru said calmly and leaned back against the couch calmly watching Naru.

"True, but as her boss I am allowed authority over things that affect her ability to work to the best of her capabilities and having a boyfriend is definitely one of those factors so I will have to ask you to leave," Naru persisted.

"But you're not telling me as her boss to leave the office. You're just jealous that you don't have the guts to ask her out like anyone else would," Izuru smiled triumphantly when he realised he had struck a chord with Naru and Mai couldn't help but smile with him. He really was a good friend.

Naru seemed speechless for a moment, "Why would I be jealous, she's an employee, not a potential girlfriend,"

Ouch, Mai gasped, to hear that come from him definitely hurt! The mean emo guy!

"Well if you're not jealous then I'm sure you'll have no problem with us going out together," Izuru smiled again, "But if you do have a problem, I'm sure it could solved with a small football match, presuming you know how to play football that is," Izuru smirked.

But the conversation ended before Naru could answer back as Mai watched herself re-enter the room and with baited breath Mai watched Izuru step closer to her. Watching from the outside at her flustered face and dazed eyes she almost laughed at her expression. Yep, Izuru was definitely a brilliant friend… guy… acquaintance?

None of these words seemed to fit him…

Mai pondered and could only find one word that suited and with shock she realised that she actually liked the sound of it.

Boyfriend.