Closing his journal, Noll sighed. There wasn't much data left to extract from his most recent specimens. The information he had gathered favored his hypothesis, but it still wasn't enough proof. Correlation did not equate to causation…
Noll needed a live test subject.
Leaning on his hand, Noll gazed out his office door. He caught sight of Mai, who was quietly finishing her school work.
He had gone to much trouble to delay the inevitable. Noll had humored her feelings, and perhaps his own, though he was unlikely to admit it. The ruse had paid off, in Noll's opinion. He knew what he needed. He knew exactly what to look for, and another dead participant would have proved mostly useless.
Noll needed Mai alive to conduct an experiment. But it was probable the experiment would cost Mai her life, sanity, or both.
Noll stood. He smoothed his shirt before walking out into the main office. As he passed Mai to enter the kitchen, he offered casually, "I love you, Mai."
The phrase felt forign on Noll's tongue for sure, but he masked his discomfort in uttering such a binding statement. The fact it held some truth furthered the uncomfortable sensation.
Mai stared at him, her eyes wide with shock. Her jaw hung open as she grasped for words. Though she and Noll had shared so much, Mai never once imagined Noll would actually vocalize his feelings.
After allowing Noll to watch her struggle like a fish on dry land, Mai jumped from her chair. She rushed at Noll with open arms and latched herself around his neck. Then, before Noll had a chance to move or speak, Mai whispered, "I love you too, Naru."