Day Seven
11:30pm
The Koku Inn
"What do you think?"
Mai wrung her hands. Her heart was in her throat. From the foot of Naru's bed, she stared over at the two men speaking at the door. Lin and the doctor.
"I can't exactly say, but I don't suspect anything serious. All vitals signs are good. From what you've shared with me, the patient has hardly slept in the last twenty-four hours- I would say it's a classic case of exhaustion. Perhaps mild food poisoning...? I suggest plenty of rest and fluids."
Mai released the breath she was holding.
"Thank you doctor, I will make sure he's looked after."
The old man turned and gave Naru's unconscious form an appraising look,
"I wouldn't worry. He's a young man, he ought to recover quickly. Just the same, I'll be back tomorrow morning to check in. If anything should change, Mrs. Koku knows where to find me."
Lin made a polite bow and showed the doctor out of the room. Still buzzing with nervous energy, Mai made herself sit, helping herself to the edge of Naru's bed. The events of last hour had been more than she had bargained for.
I just wanted to make him a cup of tea.
Mai rubbed at her eyes, willing her pulse to stop pounding through her head. It didn't help that in that moment Naru shifted with a low groan.
Mai was up and at his side. She gathered his blankets, pulled back from when the doctor had examined him, and covered him properly.
"What is it?"
Mai looked from Naru, to Lin. The tall Chinese man had returned. He came to stand at the other side of the bed, his expression now less troubled. He must have agreed with the doctor's diagnosis. His calm put Mai better at ease.
"He was stirring."
"It's exhaustion. He'll be fine after some sleep."
He needs to sleep...
Mai bit the inside of her cheek. Her fingers smoothed the corner of Naru's blanket, waiting for Lin to finish her thought.
I should be going...
"If you're up to it, I'll have you stay with him a little longer. I'm going to go talk with Mrs. Koku and order a tray. He'll need to eat and drink when he wakes."
"Of course," Mai answered immediately, relieved to be found useful.
Lin fixed her with a long look,
"Are you sure?"
Mai met his stare uncertainly. She couldn't be sure, but it seemed some of the troubled expression he wore earlier had crept back into his features,
"Of course," she asserted, "Why...?"
Lin broke his gaze. He crossed his arms and nodded towards Naru.
"He isn't the only one who hasn't slept much in the last twenty-four hours."
Oh.
Mai ducked her head, self-conscious. Lin knew exactly how little sleep she was living on. He had been the one who found her outside Naru's door that morning, hours before dawn. What was worse, he was right to question her. The adrenaline of the moment leaving her veins, Mai could feel every cell in her body crying for rest.
Not yet.
Mai summoned up her brightest and most reassuring smile, one normally used for persuading clients,
"With all the excitement, I'm wide awake. I'll be fine here."
The Chinese man regarded her for a beat, but then relented.
"I won't be long," he spoke, reaching for Naru's wrist, his eyes finding the clock on the wall, "if you need me, I'm just down the hall."
Satisfied with Naru's pulse, Lin left the room. And Mai was left alone. With Naru.
What would Masako say...?
The thought lifted Mai's mood. Smiling to herself she adjusted Naru's blanket again. Mai studied her boss carefully...and her smile faded at the sight of his pale skin, the goose bumps raised there. Perspiration dotted his hairline.
He has the chills.
Mai left his bedside, searching. She found a neatly packed black suitcase leaned against the wall. There were books set on the window sill, more than half of the titles in indecipherable English. It was then that it struck Mai just who's room she was in.
She had pounded half the night away, desperate to get in, and now- here she stood, wandering around room thirteen. In another situation, she could have relished the moment. The answers that might be uncovered if she were to properly investigate, professional and personal...
But this wasn't another situation. Naru needed her.
There's got to be something...
Next to the window, which looked out on the same small garden as Mai's did, was a desk. Across the surface Mai found two empty teacups, notepads full of Naru's scrawl...and several fashion magazines. Mai paused, studying the cover of one.
Again? Since when does he care about fashion...?
Any curious thoughts were pushed from her mind though, when her eyes fell on a set of crumpled napkins. Mai picked them up.
These will do.
Mai knelt at Naru's bedside. Carefully, as not to disturb him, she dabbed at his brow. Thankfully he didn't stir, even when Mai's index finger accidentally brushed his temple. Mai sat back, satisfied with her work. He seemed more settled now. Sleeping soundly.
Mai's gaze lingered on her boss' face. The doctor's words came back to her.
I wouldn't worry. He's a young man, he ought to recover quickly.
Mai considered this. He was right, of course. Naru was young. Only a year older than herself. But as the head of SPR, a person of startling intellect, and such an unflinching personality...it was easy to forget. Lying there though, his features unguarded...Mai was afforded a rare glimpse of the seventeen-year-old. A small smile pulled at the corner of her lips.
And then a second voice invaded her mind. She could hear Bou-san as if he were peering over her shoulder.
Oh, quite a sleeping beauty- isn't he...?
Mai argued to herself that she was simply doing what Lin asked her to, looking after Naru. Just the same, her gaze moved on. She glanced at the wall, reading the clock.
What time is it...?
It was just after midnight.
This time last night, I had returned to the Inn...
And found Naru missing. Mai frowned, her indigestion suddenly flaring up. Her eyes fixed on her boss again.
He's back.
She studied the rise and fall of his chest.
He's fine.
Mai sat leaning against Naru's bedside much as Ayako had done when she was ill. A comfortable silence filled the room, punctuated only by their breathing, and the ticking of the minutes passing by. Mai stifled a yawn. She was so tired.
I should have had more of that tea...
Mai's hand laid inches from Naru's. She rested her cheek on the back of it. Watching her boss through heavily lidded eyes, the room grew dim around the edges...
Mai's eye lids fluttered open. She groaned. Her legs prickled painfully with sleep.
I'm on the floor...?
Desperate to regain blood flow, Mai pulled herself up on to the bed. It was then that the bathroom door across from her opened and Mai realized something her dazed mind had forgot.
This isn't my room.
Naru stepped out of the bathroom, steam trailing behind him. He was fresh out of the shower if Mai was any judge, his hair still wet, a towel over his shoulder. His shirt sleeves were rolled to his elbows and... in the middle of being buttoned. There was a squeak (from either the bed springs or Mai), and Naru looked up.
"Make yourself comfortable."
Mai followed his gaze from herself, to the bed, and back to him.
Oh.
Mai leaped to her feet, but immediately regretted it, as her "sleepy" legs gave out. Mai braced for impact, but it never came. Caught by her elbow, Naru held her up. So close to him, she could smell the soap he used and a number of things ran through her head, but being so flustered this early in the morning was making her as prickly as her legs. She settled with berating him.
"What are you doing? Should you even be up?"
Naru gave a nod towards her position- he still held her,
"Should you?"
Defiantly, Mai pulled away from him- carefully leaning against the bed.
"This isn't about me. You're sick. Lin said to look after you."
"I see. Well, Florence Nightingale, while you drooled away on my bed spread last night, I managed to get around and pour myself a glass of water- I think I'm fine."
Drooled...?!
Self-conscious, Mai's hand flew to her mouth, but of course there was nothing.
"How did you sleep then?"
"Not bad, even despite your snoring."
Mai grew hot with embarrassment, but that quickly turned to indignation as she caught the teasing look in his eye.
"Well if I was so loud, why didn't you just kick me out?"
"Have you ever tried to move dead weight? I was exhausted. What kind of caretaker falls asleep on their patient?" Naru's rhetorical question had the desired effect.
He was exhausted?
Fueled by memories of her virtually sleepless last twenty-four hours, Mai drew herself up, taking a step into her boss' space.
"The kind of caretaker who slept maybe three hours the night before, and because of worry, drug herself out of bed before dawn to stand outside-"
Mai met Naru's eyes, and abruptly cut herself off.
Too much, Taniyama! He doesn't need to know you pounded on his door like an idiot!
Biting her treacherous tongue, Mai broke eye contact, ducking her head, hoping to the hide the telling flush spreading across her cheeks.
"Anyways, if you're so exhausted, you shouldn't be up like this..."
"I said I was fine," Naru answered. His tone caused Mai to lift her head. It was certain, reassuring. Her embarrassment left her and she nodded her head,
"I'm glad."
For an instant they stood there, in companionable silence, just sharing the same space. Mai reveled in the relief and the comfort it gave her.
Naru is fine.
Then she spotted it again. The towel.
Ah, that's right. Naru's in the middle of getting ready.
Another blush coming on, the moment was broken as Mai distractedly attempted to find something else to notice.
That was when her gaze caught on the desk behind Naru.
"The tray. So...they did make one?"
"It was brought early this morning, it's what woke me up."
"Well, what are you doing- you should be eating," Mai suddenly insisted, and forgetting her numb legs, she crossed to the desk, removing lids covering bowls and plates, peering at the meal the Inn had prepared.
Segments of fresh grapefruit, pieces of golden tamagoyaki, a side of pickled cucumbers, and...sitting ready in a lavender ceramic pot: tea.
Mai pulled out the chair, and snatching up a set of chopsticks, she waved them back at her boss,
"You're sick, and Lin went through the trouble of ordering this for you- come and eat."
There was a beat, then the scratch of a chair legs, and Naru took his seat.
"May I have those?"
Promptly, Mai passed him the chopsticks. Then she busied herself with setting out all the dishes, looking to hide a small triumphant smile.
Once Mai was satisfied that Naru had enough on his plate and was in fact eating, she turned her attention to the most important part of the meal. The tea. There was a light feeling in Mai's chest, as if the night before had never happened- there was no Miss Miyuki to spoil things now. This was her second chance.
Mai was selecting a cup when Naru spoke.
"I have a couple of requests to ask."
Mai tilted her head, but didn't look up, her priority the pot in her hand.
It's still hot...perfect!
"You mentioned it again. That I'm sick. Please don't, especially in front of Lin. I'll be fine from now on."
Mai nodded, sending him a brief understanding look.
"Alright."
"And also..." Naru continued, moving on with his second request. Mai could feel his eyes on the side of her face. She nodded her head again to show that she was listening, but otherwise ignored him. She had tea to pour after all.
"The man in room twelve stopped me."
"Hm?"
The man in room twelve...?
Mai blinked.
The neighbor.
"Apparently he has a very sensitive sleep schedule. He's asked that I don't entertain any late night or early morning guests. I told him that shouldn't be a problem."
He knows.
Mai's hands went out of commission. With a jarring clank the tea pot slipped from her fingers and hit the desk, knocking over the cup she just filled with tea.
Heat and pain.
Mai gasped and jerked her hand away, the steaming tea having splashed her.
"Mai-"
There was the scrape of chair legs again, and Naru was up, taking her wrist and pulling her towards the bathroom. Inside the air was still humid, and in the tiny space, smelled strongly of his soap. One hand turned on the sink and guided by Naru, Mai's scalded skin was placed under cool water.
"Is it bad?"
"No, I don't think so...the dress got the worst of it."
The dress.
There it was. Mai felt her heart race from even mentioning it. Was it from him? Naru shifted where he stood behind her, his grip on her wrist loosened. He seemed to be considering something. Then he let go completely, his thumb catching the lace of her sleeve. He stood back and leaned against the counter next to her.
"I'm sure Matsuzaki-san will be able to take of it. You, and the dress."
"I'm sure," Mai agreed, and met his eyes with a good-natured smile- but looked away in the next second, feigning interest in her hand. Either the bathroom was too small or they were standing too close, again. A familiar heat was creeping up Mai's cheeks, and she cursed it.
Taniyama, this is no time to be so flustered!
With more than a little desperation, Mai attempted to break the charged silence- filled with just the sound of the sink running and their breathing- with the first thing that came to her mind.
"So much for your tea-" she began, still studying her hand.
Spoiled.
"Mai."
"I know the kitchen would make you more, I could ask-"
"You were worried."
It was spoken like a statement. And it was true.
He knows.
"I'm sorry."
Mai stared. Stunned.
He's...apologizing?
Mai's lips parted- she needed to say something...but couldn't seem to think over the pounding in her chest.
Thump, thump, thump.
"Naru-"
Thump, thump, thump.
Naru turned his head away from her. Mai hesitated in confusion.
What...?
She watched as Naru reached for the towel across his shoulder. Without looking at her, he set it next to the sink and walked out of the bathroom.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
There was the pounding again, but Mai now realized something. It wasn't just the sound of her heart. It was the door.
Someone's here?
Hurriedly, forgetting her burn- Mai turned off the faucet. There were voices in the room.
"Long time no see, eh?"
Bou-san?
"So, you're back after all? "
Ayako?
Mai felt color return to her face.
The last they had seen each other, they had said goodnight.
And now.
Here she was.
The next morning.
In Naru's room.
Fingers reaching for the towel Naru left, Mai took her time drying up, dreading the scrutiny of the monk and miko. She might have lingered forever by the sink, if it weren't for a third voice.
"It's good to see you. I heard the doctor was called last night, are you unwell?"
That Masako.
Mai stepped out of the bathroom. Standing in the doorway were Bou-san and Masako. Ayako though, had crossed the threshold. She stood right in front of Naru. It was him, not Mai- who appeared to be the object of her scrutiny.
"I'm fine, thank you Hara-san," came Naru's answer.
"I'll be the judge of that."
Red nails against pale skin.
Mai's eyebrows rose.
Ayako was taking Naru's pulse.
He's actually letting her...
"You should have told me, I could have helped," the priestess spoke, her eyes focused on the clock hanging over the desk.
"Doctor Okuchi seemed to be adequate."
A fourth voice.
Mai looked from Ayako to the door again. Standing in the hall was Lin. There were murmured greetings, and the Chinese man gestured Bou-san and Masako in, closing the door behind them. Mai was silently grateful. She could only imagine the amount of gossip that could be spun if she were caught by the Inn's nosy guests that morning. Mai thought of the neighbor next door with spite.
I hope all that knocking woke him up.
"Hm," Ayako snorted, "if that old quack was so adequate- what did you need Mai for then, hm?"
Several sets of eyes turned towards Mai. There it was. The scrutiny. Though expecting it, Mai found she had little patience for it. She crossed her arms.
"Naru passed out in front of me, what was I supposed to do- leave him?"
Masako stepped forward, drawing near Naru. "You...passed out?"
"What even happened last night?" Bou-san demanded, exasperated. Mai dodged his appealing gaze, guiltily.
Sorry, Monk.
"It still doesn't explain why you're here..."
That Ayako.
"I don't think you've explained why you're here, Matsuzaki-san?" Naru spoke, pulling his wrist free from Ayako's grasp. The priestess shrugged, ignoring the question
"Your pulse is stable. It must not have beenthat serious."
"It wasn't."
In the face of Naru's nonchalance, Ayako tossed her hair and crossed her arms. Her eyes found the bathroom doorway again.
"I'm here for Mai. It's time for the meeting."
The meeting...!
Thump. Thump. Thump.
For a moment Mai thought her heart was acting up again, but Ayako turned towards the door. Someone was knocking.
"Monk, I told you to grab John," she muttered, clearly expecting the young priest. But when Ayako opened the door, it was not John's bright smile that greeted them.
"Oh. Doctor," Ayako spoke, with a quick bob of her head.
"Ah, visiting hours I see. Should I come back...?" The old doctor asked, peering around at the cramped room.
Ayako waved a dismissive hand, "No, we were just leaving." The miko threw a look over her shoulder at Mai and Masako, "Come on, we'll be late at this rate."
Mai and Masako hesitated. Masako, lingering near Naru. Mai, taking a step back into the bathroom. She had noticed a second person, standing just behind Doctor Okuchi. Mrs. Koku.
"HOUSE KEEPING."
Naru looked from the old woman taking up his door frame to his assistant,
"Did you call for room service?"
Lin shook his head, "No, I did not."
Under their cool stares, Mrs. Koku only smirked.
"IT'S OUR WORLD-CLASS SERVICE, WE COME BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK TO ASK."
"Really...?" Ayako scoffed, "I've been out of towels for two days."
Mrs. Koku's smirk persisted,
"I CAME TO SEE IF THE PAITENT ATE WELL AND TO TAKE AWAY THE TRAY."
But the innkeeper's gaze wasn't focused on the patient. It was trained on Mai.
Mai doggedly ignored the woman's blatant stare, her annoyance flaring.
World-class service? More like world-class snooping!
"Everything was delivered as ordered. The meal hasn't been finished yet. I will let you know when the tray needs to be collected," Lin countered firmly, and turning to the Doctor, he addressed him, "Please, come in."
Ayako took this as her cue and made another effort to make her exit,
"I'm leaving. Mai, Masako...let's go."
Masako nodded and moved to join the miko, but not without one last murmured concern on Naru's behalf.
"I hope all is well...let me know if I can do anything?"
"Worry not young lady, he seems to be doing better already. This visit is just a precaution," Doctor Okuchi answered, but his good intentions were wasted on the medium.
Her hopes at playing caretaker dashed, Masako passed the doctor in haughty indifference.
A silent bystander in the chaos, Bou-san managed to sidle up next to Mai. Taking her hand in his, looking for his own way out, he announced,
"While you're all busy with housekeeping and doctors...I guess Mai and I should go bring John up to speed."
Mai glanced up at the monk leading her from the bathroom. Looking down at her she could read his eyes perfectly,
We need to talk!
Mai's eyes earnestly shouted back,
I know!
But it was not to be. Reaching the door, they were intercepted by Ayako.
"Not so fast, Monk," Ayako protested, coming between the two, "We have meeting to go to. Visit John yourself."
Bou-san looked ready for an argument, but anything he might have said was drowned out by Mrs. Koku.
"AH YES, THE MEETING."
Uncomfortably close, Mai felt the old woman's set of keen eyes burning a hole through her.
"IT BEGINS SOON. YOU BETTER HURRY IF YOU PLAN ON FRESHENING UP."
Face burning scarlet, Mai quickly ducked her head and hurried to escape the innkeeper's judgment.
"ISN'T THAT YOUR SECOND DAY IN THAT DRESS?"
Mai paused at the door.
That nosy snoop!
Mai turned around, her mouth open to set the old woman straight, the consequences a million miles away from her mind, but she was promptly blocked.
Naru stood between herself and Mrs. Koku, a tray in his hands.
"I'm finished. You can leave."
Mrs. Koku took the tray and someone took Mai's arm and pulled her from the room.
"Hey-" Mai protested, seeing it was Ayako.
"Hey yourself," the miko quipped, "What is it with you and causing scenes? That old biddy is right..."
Mai yanked her arm free, "Excuse me?"
"What did I tell you last night? Wash your face, change out of that dress. You never listen."
"Would you two keep it down, people are staring," Masako cut in severely, her pale cheeks tinted pink.
"They're staring because Mai looks like some kind of raccoon horror."
Mai's hands flew to her face, "What?"
Ayako took Mai's arm again, "Come on, you're embarrassing Masako."
They came to a stop in front of door number twenty.
"My room is back there..." Mai protested as Ayako turned the key in the lock.
"What good would it do to go to your room? You plan on wearing nothing to the meeting?"
Mai balked at the miko, her face flushing, "No, what are you-"
The miko snorted and pushed opened the door, "I have your clothes, remember?"
Oh.
Mai stepped into Ayako's room. It was her first time inside, but she wasn't surprised to find everything tidy and squared away.
Sitting on the miko's neatly made bed was a pile of clothes.
My laundry.
Ayako marched over and began digging through the pile, finally pulling out the skirt Mai had worn on her first day in Nozomi and the shirt that had been ruined when she had been caught in the smoking theater.
"I still have another load to throw in, but this should do for now. Go wash your face and change," the miko instructed, shoving the clothes into Mai's arms.
Mai shut the bathroom door on Masako and Ayako, and immediately crossed to the mirror.
Raccoon horror still ringing in her ears, Mai inspected her face. Dark circles, and smudges of black.
Ayako may have been exaggerating, but not by much. Recalling all her time spent with Naru that morning, Mai groaned.
Laminating her stupidity (why didn't I listen to Ayako!?), Mai unzipped in a flurry of irritation...but as she gathered the dress from the floor, her motions slowed.
Naru.
A Sink.
The soothing water.
Carefully, her fingers traveled along lace until she found the sleeve. Studying it, she frowned. There it was, the stain.
I'm sure Matsuzaki-san will be able to take of it. You, and the dress.
"Ayako?" Mai called through the door.
"Huh? You stuck in that dress, you need me to help you...?"
"No, I just...what do you know about getting rid of tea stains?"
There was a considering pause,
"Hm, depends..."
Mai grabbed her t-shirt and pulled it over her head,
Depends?
"Depends...on what?"
"On what you know."
Mai blinked, brushing her bangs out of her eyes. There was a nagging intuition growing in the back of her mind. Her voice took on an annoyed edge,
"About...?"
Mai could practically feel Ayako's smirk through the wooden door.
"Spending the night in room thirteen."
Mai stumbled stepping into her skirt.
That Ayako.
"How was it? Was the bed comfy?"
Mai yanked up her skirt, glaring daggers at the door.
Mrs. Koku isn't the only nosy snoop!
"I wouldn't know. I slept on the floor."
One foot is still asleep!
Ayako let out a dissatisfied sigh,
"I'm not sure what I know then...what is the tea stain on?"
Some of Mai's anger ebbed, uneasily she glanced at the counter, where the ruined sleeve loomed.
"Lace."
There was an incriminating pause...and then the sound of heels, as Ayako crossed the room.
"Taniyama. That dress is worth two paychecks at least."
"It was an accident," Mai protested, "Naru-"
Mai was cut off by the bathroom door swinging open.
"It hasn't even been twenty-four hours," Ayako admonished, pushing past Mai, to get to the counter.
"It wasn't my fault!" Mai persisted, as she watched the miko examine the dress as if it were apart of some heinous crime scene.
"Oh, so this stain just magically got there?"
"What did Naru do?" a voice demanded over their bickering.
Mai glanced out of the door, glimpsing the medium sitting on the edge of Ayako's bed, arms crossed. Wearing a crisp green kimono, she was the picture of envy.
That Masako.
"Well?" Ayako goaded in Mai's silence, "Spill the tea."
That Ayako.
Double teamed, Mai turned back towards the sink with a defiant shrug,
"It was nothing."
"Nothing?" Ayako repeated, waving the stain at her.
Mai pretended not to see and ran the hot water.
"I was helping Naru with breakfast. He was telling me something his busybody neighbor said. It distracted me and some tea spilled. That's it, satisfied?"
Avoiding the miko's judging gaze, Mai ducked her head and began to scrub at her raccoon eyes.
"Disappointed. How could you let yourself be so clumsy wearing that kind of price tag..." Ayako murmured, fussing over the ruined lace. "This going to have to be spot treated..."
Privately just as disappointed over the state of her dress, Mai raised her head hopefully.
"You think you'll be able to fix it?"
"Right there, you missed some. Don't get too excited, I'll see what I can do."
Mai nodded, grateful, and continued to wash her face, paying special attention to her left eye.
Five minutes later Ayako was ushering Mai out the room,
"No more raccoon? Good. Alright, come on. I'm not going to be screamed at by that banshee, if we're late- I don't know you."
Mai knew they had to be cutting it close, walking through the hall it was nearly empty. Even still, Mai felt an expectant gaze boring into her. Mai blinked and glanced back over her shoulder,
What...?
Masako met her stare,
"You didn't finish," she prompted.
"Finish what?"
"Telling us what happened."
"What do you mean? I told you, I spilled the tea because Naru-"
"Not that. How Naru fainted. How you ended up in his room."
Mai bit the inside of her cheek, her eyes narrowing at the relentless medium.
Relax, it wasn't half as romantic as it sounds.
Walking along side, Ayako raised her eyebrows,
"Mm, she's got a point. Lin and Naru were moot for details. Let's hear it."
Doubled teamed...again.
"I...don't really know how it happened. One second he was fine, the next he's collapsing."
Ayako poked a red nail in her direction,
"Ah, nice try- but you've left a gaping hole there. How did you even end up with Naru?"
"He came to the theater."
"You went out looking for him? Oh, Mai."
Mai felt heat beginning to creep up her neck,
"I wanted some tea."
"You couldn't get any at the Inn?"
Her rival's words echoing those of a certain heiress, Mai's drew herself up, defensive-
"Actually, I couldn't-"
"So you make some tea, and- lured by your siren's call, Naru shows up?"
Mai's cheeks flushed further, but not from embarrassment,
"Not just Naru."
Her mind traveled back twelve hours, envisioning the blonde standing in the base doorway,
"Miss Miyuki came too."
"Miss Miyuki?"
Mai felt a surge of righteous anger,
"A little late for a consultation, right?"
Ayako twisted her lips in thought,
"What's her angle? Is she really dangling after Naru...?"
Dangling...?
"What did they talk about?" Masako cut in, matching Mai's pace.
Mai looked from the miko on left to the medium on her right, hunching her shoulders.
Stop double teaming!
"The case was brought up..." Mai answered, carefully avoiding delicate details like her outburst at Miss Miyuki.
As if she could read Mai's tight lips, Ayako continued to pry,
"And then...?"
Turning a corner of the hall, Mai spotted the meeting room. With relief, she made to shake off her interrogators.
"Really there's nothing else to tell. Look, we're here-"
"Except for Naru fainting," Ayako protested stubbornly.
"And Lin? When did he come in...?" Masako added, her stiff posture betraying her casual tone. Mai could follow her thoughts easily enough...how long were you alone with him?
Her hand on the door handle, Mai hesitated a moment. Masako's question had raised another. Lin. How had he known to come to the theater in the first place?
Mai had no time for contemplation though, the door to the meeting room was opening. Mrs. Koku stood on the other side, smiling.
"I THOUGHT I HEARD VOICES. HERE WE ARE LADIES, OUR STRAGLERS."
Mai shuffled forward a few steps, pushed from behind by what she imagined was a mortified Ayako and Masako. True to her word, the miko was coolly hunting for a seat, as if she'd never seen Mai in her life.
That Ayako.
Mai hurried to follow her lead, eyes scanning for an empty chair.
"WE MUST EXCUSE THEM THOUGH, ONE OF THEM HAD A LATE NIGHT. DIFFICULT TO BE READY EARLY."
Mrs. Koku's words echoed off the walls, and through Mai's head. If it were possible, she would have turned and walked out of the meeting, but there the old woman stood, blocking the way. She gestured to an open seat at the front.
"WE SAVED YOU A SPOT."
Mai sat, arms crossed, a thousand fiery words on the tip of her tongue. Ayako had no such restraint. Realizing the only other open chair was right next to Mai, a stream of curses flowed from her mouth. With resignation, Masako joined them, occupying the final seat.
Double teamed.
"ALRIGHT, SINCE WE'RE ALL SETTLED. SHALL WE BEGIN?" Mrs. Koku announced, her gaze sweeping over the front row with satisfaction.
"I'M SURE YOU DON'T NEED REMINDING, BUT IT'S THE SIXTH DAY OF THE FESTIVAL. ONLY ONE MORE TO GO..."
There were general murmurs of disappointment. Mai gave an anxious start.
Just one day...?
There's so much left to figure out!
"AH, NO LONG FACES. LET'S NOT JUMP TOO FAR AHEAD. WE'LL TALK ABOUT TODAY, WHICH IS THE DAY OF GRATITUDE. AFTER THE INITIAL SUCCESS OF HIS THEATERS, OUR BELOVED TAKYUA MIYUKI DIDN'T LET IT ALL GO TO HIS HEAD, INSTEAD HE GAVE BACK TO NOZOMI, AND IN RETURN HE RECIEVED OUR UNDYING SUPPORT."
Mai's full attention captured at the mention of Mr. Miyuki, she dared to raise her eyes from the floor.
"ON THIS DAY EVERYONE IS TO BE CHARITABLE AND THANKFUL. TO GIVE AND RECIEVE. YOU ARE TO EXCHANGE SMALL GIFTS WITH THOSE IMPORTANT TO YOU, THUS REPRESENTING THE DUEL FEELINGS OF GRATITUDE AND GENEROSITY."
The murmur in the room grew. The idea of receiving gifts seemed to delight those around her, but Mai gave another anxious start. She'd had had enough of that to last a lifetime.
Besides...what could I give in return?
"NOW, REMEBER THE BIG PICTURE. IT'S THE FEELINGS YOU ARE HOPING TO EXPRESS BY GIVING AND RECIEVING, NOT NECESSARILY THE PRICE TAG OF THE GIFT," Mrs. Koku touted solemnly, but her keen eyes sparkled with mischief, "BUT SOME OF YOU WILL RECIEVE GIFTS GRANDER THAN YOU COULD HAVE DREAMED..."
There were some outright squeals at this. Mai held in a groan.
"AND SOME GIFTS GIVEN WILL BE GRANDER THAN SOME PEOPLE DESERVE."
Mai stiffened, locking eyes with Mrs. Koku. The woman's expression left little to wonder at, clearly thinking of her grandson and his friendly relationship with her.
Niko...
Her distaste for Mai was evident, but the moment transient, and the innkeeper was already grinning again as she continued,
"BUT LET MY GIFT TO YOU BE YOUR FIRST, PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE AS GUESTS OF OUR INN. ATTACHED TO YOUR CHAIR IS A COUPON FOR FREE BREAKFAST IN THE DINNING ROOM. YOU MAY HEAD THERE NOW, ENJOY."
There were cheers, and then, dismissed, the women began filtering out- coupons in hand. Mai, making sure to stand hidden by the passersby, bent down to inspect her seat.
"So...where's the coupon?" She heard Ayako mutter, also staring down at her seat.
Mai ran a hand under the bottom and across the top: nothing.
Masako, waiting on them, tossed her hair and shrugged,
"Not there. Not that we need it. Come on, let's go."
"Not there?" Ayako repeated. She looked from her chair to the old innkeeper...to Mai. The miko scoffed, realization dawning.
"Petty witch."
Mai frowned at Ayako,
"Excuse me...?"
The miko waved a dismissive hand,
"Not you, I don't even know you- remember?"
And with that, the red head stalked out the door, joining the tide women fortunate enough to get a free breakfast.
Masako nudged Mai impatiently,
"We should leave before you cause another scene."
Annoyed, but wary of just that, Mai followed after the medium.
Stepping out into the hall, Mai felt the strain of her tired mind struggling to keep up with the events of that morning.
Naru...healthy?
Bou-san...need to talk.
Miss Miyuki...a problem.
The festival...almost over!
Gifts.
Distracted, Mai nearly walked into the dining room doors.
Not missing this, Masako shot her a critical look (what are you doing?) and then passed into the dining room.
Pushing through, after Masako, Mai was greeted with a familiar sight. Loud, full tables. The smell of hot food. Mai's stomach gave a longing twist...and then dropped.
No coupon.
Glancing around through the chaos, Mai searched for a flash of red. Sure enough, she spotted Ayako, seated at a table in the corner.
Mai tugged Masako's kimono sleeve, getting her attention, and pointed out the miko. Dodging purses, elbows, and waiters, the two of them made their way to the table.
Approaching, Mai smiled at seeing John there, and then exchanged a meaningful look with Bou-san. She bobbed her head politely at Lin who was seated next to...
Mai's stomach dropped a second time. Sitting in the chair to Lin's right, was Ayako- not...
"Where's Naru?"
The question slipped past her lips before she could stop it, and in a sudden jolt of alarm, more rushed out,
"Did the doctor keep him behind?"
Ayako snorted, stirring a cup of coffee.
"You'd like that better."
"What do you mean?" Masako argued, taking a seat beside John.
"Clean bill of health or not- can anyone really keep him? He went out."
"Out?" Mai persisted, absently grabbing the chair nearest her.
Ayako smirked. Mai didn't care for the ironic twist of her mouth, she had seen that look before...
"Yes. With Miss Miyuki."
"He was invited to breakfast to discuss the case," Lin interjected, plucking the conversation from Ayako's salacious hands.
But the conversation was already taking on a life of it's own.
"Invited, hm?" Bou-san chimed in.
"With him last night, and again this morning- she's seen more of him in the last twenty-four hours than we have in the last two days," Ayako remarked, sipping her coffee, eyebrows raised towards Mai and Masako's end of the table.
"It didn't know you cared, Matsuzaki-san. Don't worry, you'll be seeing more of him soon. He's meeting us at the theater," Lin announced, his false reassurances causing Ayako to wrinkle her nose.
"It's not me that cares..."
Mai sat, squeezing her hands together, wishing for a cup of tea to douse some of the heat boiling her insides.
That Miss Miyuki.
A cup of tea was pushed towards Mai. Glancing up, she met John's kind smile.
"Here, have mine."
"Oh, but-"
John waved her hesitation away,
"Take it as a gift. We're supposed to give gifts today, right?"
This last part was appealed to the rest of the table, but no one seemed to match the priest's enthusiasm.
"Well, consider yourselves covered," Ayako murmured, lifting her coffee cup in a toast.
"How is that?" Bou-san challenged, raising an eyebrow. The miko's eyes narrowed, but then her expression cleared. Sitting back, she tossed her hair.
"My presence is your gift. No need for thanks."
"What are my return options...?" the monk scoffed, reaching for his coffee cup.
Anticipating a war, Mai took a long sip of John's gift...but fortunately, she was spared her parents bickering. A waiter holding a tray of steaming food had arrived.
Mai clasped her tea cup in something like despair, her gaze following plate after plate being set on the table.
Sausages so hot they were still sizzling...green onions, bonito flakes piled high, light and fluffy eggs- golden and covering nearly the entire plate. As Bou-san reached for the bottle of ketchup, Mai stomach gave a forlorn growl.
No coupon.
The waiter was just bowing and excusing himself, when Lin spoke.
"And the rest of our order...?"
Heat rose in the waiter's face,
"Ah, uh...it should just be a moment, I'll go check."
"I'm starving here. The service in this place...I can't wait to get back to civilization," Ayako grumbled, nails drumming the table.
"You ordered?" Mai spoke, looking to the miko in surprise, "But there were no coupons..."
Ayako gestured towards the Chinese man sitting next to her, and he explained,
"Matsuzaki-san let me know that your coupons were missing at the meeting. I let the kitchen know of the oversight."
Mai sat back in relief.
Lin's gift.
Minutes passed. Ayako's impatience grew with every bite the monk, seated opposite her, took.
"That good, huh? I can't imagine Naru has it better," she remarked, watching Bou-san inhale another sausage. "Miss Miyuki strikes me as the half-a-grapefruit-for-breakfast type. Where are they even eating...her house?"
Mai gripped her teacup tighter, jealousy trumping hunger.
Ayako's right.
It was his first day back, and already Miss Miyuki had seen more of him than anyone.
Did they have dinner together the night before?
Were they cozy in some nook...smiling at each other over breakfast?
Was he drinking her tea?
Mai's knuckles were white.
"Finally," Ayako announced, noticing the approaching waiter, "It's a good thing the meal's free. He's not getting a tip either. "
A pitcher of orange juice was set on the table, followed by three plates. Mai blinked at hers, almost unseeing. Her thoughts preoccupied.
Miss Miyuki is not what she seems.
Mai picked up her chopsticks, but then paused- realizing she didn't need them. Two hard boiled eggs, a sweet roll, and three browning apple slices stared up at her.
"Excuse me?" Ayako's hand snatched at the departing waiter's sleeve, "What is this?"
Recovering from his surprise, the waiter carefully extracted himself from the miko's grip,
"That is the free women's breakfast, ma'am."
"Then what is this?" Ayako demanded, stabbing her chopsticks into Bou-san's omelet.
Reading the situation, the waiter wisely took a few steps back,
"That would be the men's free breakfast."
Ayako whipped around in her seat,
"What kind of sexist answer-"
Having putting enough space between them, the waiter just managed to escape the miko, and promptly bowing, he slipped away.
Not to be denied her righteous fury, Ayako stood, plate in hand, and turned to the table nearest her.
"Did you hear what he just said?" she demanded, addressing the three women sitting there. Startled at the sudden confrontation, they blinked at her. This was Nozomi, of course they were listening, but they didn't necessarily want to be apart of the gossip.
"There's a men's meal and a women's meal. The men get okonomiyaki and sausages and we get pawned this crap?"
Met with silence instead of a rallying cry of injustice, Ayako looked from the plate in her hand, to those in front of the women. Three pancakes, at least two inches thick. Coating them...pads of butter, a river of maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. On the side, a fruit salad of strawberries and grapefruit cut and designed to resemble cherry blossoms.
The silence was suddenly explained: what crap?
Ayako turned from them, and sat down. Her plate hit the table with a thud and a hard boiled egg rolled off.
"So it's not sexism..."she muttered darkly, her eyes finding Mai, "It's discrimination."
If Ayako hoped to make Mai blush, or find a partner in outrage, she was sorely disappointed. Mai's mind was miles away from the dining room. Wheels turning, she stood.
He needs to know.
Mai reached for one of her own hard boiled eggs and popped the whole thing in her mouth. She slid her plate towards Ayako.
"Here, it's a gift."
And with that she left her seat.
"What?"
"Oy, Mai- where are you going?"
"I'm done, see you at the theater!" Mai called back. Weaving through tables of staring people, she quickly exited the dining room doors.
Shoes padding against the carpet in the empty hall, Mai was halfway to the lobby before she realized just what ones she was wearing. Mai hesitated, staring down at expensive lace.
I changed clothes, but not...
Mai bit her lip, and turned around.
Ayako will kill me if I ruin these too!
Feeling every second tick by, Mai hurried back. Blazing lamps greeted Mai as she entered her room.
I left the lights on last night...
Mai turned them off, and opened the blind over her window. Blinking at the sun, Mai slipped out of her lace flats and set them at the end of her untouched bed.
It was then she noticed it...the green dress. The vow she had made the day before taunted her. She had returned the blue satin to Mrs. Koku. It was time to make good on her loan from Nari.
Throwing on a pair of sneakers, Mai rushed out the door, the green dress tucked under her arm.
All of Mai's hopes for the Kokus to still be busy serving breakfast were answered as she safely passed out of the Inn unseen. Mai put up a shielding hand across her forehead, squinting into the dazzling light of the morning.
As if to deny ever raining at all, harsh rays baked the dirt road that lead to the theater. Even the lilies hanging in strands overhead seemed to droop in the aggressive heat.
So hot.
Plucking at her shirt, which was already sticking to her skin, Mai found herself nearly running to find shade.
Mai slowed at the theater steps, out of breath and sweating. Thinking of her end goal, having a heart-to-heart with Naru regarding a certain heiress, Mai took care to adjust her appearance, dabbing at her face, brushing at her bangs.
Relieved that at least no one could call her a raccoon horror, Mai climbed the stairs. She stopped again when she reached the double doors. As always, they gave her pause.
I only had a hard boiled egg...
Dreading what the doors would do to her stomach, Mai hesitated, hands against the wood. It was then she remember what they hadn't done.
Last night. I was...fine?
Brow furrowed, Mai pushed the doors open and stepped through.
A sour taste rose in Mai's throat. The solid floor tilted. Mai was sweating again, cold and clammy.
Ugh, those doors!
Gritting her teeth, Mai turned back towards them. Determined, she held her hand through the opening between them, and a familiar energy crackled there.
Mai drew her hand back, blinking in confusion.
What is going on...?
Mai made to reach out again, her curiosity driving her despite the sick feeling creeping up- but, then she halted.
Two voices, close by. Familiar.
Naru?
Mai's hand dropped to her side. Her curiosity switching focuses, she started down the hall. The door to base was open as she approached, the voices were louder now. One was raised, animated.
Mr. Sachi?
Mai stopped in the door frame, peering in at her boss. He was seated on one of the couches, and opposite him was their playwright client.
Naru's eyes flicked towards her, at his slight head nod, Mai entered.
"...anyways, despite your sudden absence, your team pulled through."
Skipped town...retreated...
Mai frowned, recalling Mr. Sachi's choice words the day before.
"It's their job."
"Even if it was the eleventh hour, and you can't possibly understand the PR I had to do on your behalf, really you should be thanking me."
A beat past. When no thanks were spoken, the playwright continued brusquely,
"You should know, your credibility in this town is hanging by a thread. The lengths I had to go to yesterday-"
"Are you asking forcompensation, Mr. Sachi?"
Hovering at the back of the couch, Mai could see Naru's patience growing thin. With purpose, she set down the green dress, and headed for the kitchenette.
Tea.
"Compensation? I, well...no. Ah, here's Mai. She can tell you," their client asserted, "the mood in Nozomi was practically hostile, wasn't it? It took all my influence to convince them SPR was able to calm Mr. Miyuki's spirit."
Mai ran the water in the sink, the teapot from the night before sitting dirty on the counter.
Calm?
"What makes you think that?"
Mr. Sachi clasped his hands, flashing a smile despite Naru's tone.
"Why, your gifted team of course. I don't suppose you've had time to be brought up to speed yet, hm?"
Competent...professional...
Mr. Sachi had all but buffaloed his way through their previous report, holding their abilities over their heads and running away with Ayako's confident answer. Mai scrubbed the teapot harder than necessary.
"I read the notes. The results were still inconclusive."
Mr. Sachi shrugged,
"There's been no activity."
Mai lit the burner on the small stove top. Bravery she had called it- the playwright's cavalier attitude towards a ghost that had terrorized nearly all of Nozomi. Listening now, Mai realized it was something else entirely.
Stupidity.
"That remains to be seen."
Mr. Sachi leaned back in his seat, but the casual gesture was betrayed by the impatience working it's way into his voice, "The entirety of Nozomi visited the theater last night and went home safe and sound...but, I understand. You won't want to make anything official until the announcement tomorrow."
"You're correct, there's nothing I can announce until confirmed."
"Even a hint though, as your client..."
"The case will be reopened and my announcement will reflect our findings."
Clang. Mai nearly dropped the teapot she was setting to boil.
The case will be...
"Reopened?"
Gone were Mr. Sachi's shrugs and smiles,
"What do you mean reopened?"
Naru met his client's incredulous stare with a level one,
"Prior to two days ago, there's was nothing I recognized as evidence of a haunting."
Mr. Sachi stood from his seat, his face taking on some color.
"You're not convinced...?"
The playwright ran a hand through his hair,
"Impossible. How do you explain the night you left? It took us twelve hours to clean up the blood. Nari is still in a cast-"
"Mr. Sachi, I will report-"
"Explain the mirrors, the horrors you saw there. The doors, how ill have they made your team?"
A hush fell over the room, the only disturbance the rolling boil of tea leaves. In lieu of Naru's answer, their client continued with grim satisfaction,
"Exactly. There is no explanation. What has happened here is not normal...but paranormal."
"Or paranoia." A voice spoke, soft- but clear. Surprised, Mai looked over at the doorway to see Masako standing there. Mr. Sachi turned to face her, but her eyes were only for Naru. Her presence acknowledged, she entered the room, continuing, "Which is exactly what this town hasdeveloped."
Paranoia?
Mai frowned, attempting to follow the medium's train of thought. Across from her, the playwright attempted to do the same.
"Masako...you've come into this conversation late, we were discussing the abundant evidence-"
The medium brushed past their client, ignoring his offer of the seat beside him, and sat next to Naru.
"I've heard enough, and the explanation is simple. There is no activity, because there is no spirit."
Mai gripped the teacup she just pulled from the cabinet, conflicted.
But...
The other ghost.
Mr. Miyuki.
"Of course there isn't a spirit. I took care of that yesterday. Keep up."
This flippant remark drew Mai's attention to the door once again. Standing there this time was Ayako...and behind her, the rest of SPR.
Masako raised her chin at the miko,
"There wasn't activity to begin with."
Mr. Sachi stared hard at Naru.
"Ah, here's my hint after all. This is your stance."
"Our announcement will be made tomorrow," Naru asserted, unmoved.
An expression that Mai had only seen the playwright wear once or twice passed over his features- part desperation, part intimidation.
"I brought you here to confirm this haunting."
"I don't take sides, Mr. Sachi."
"Really? Well, you could of fooled me. Perhaps if I had brought you breakfast this morning, your answer would be different?"
In the middle of pouring, Mai nearly splashed herself with tea for a second time. She looked from their client to her boss. The bait was set, but Naru gave no response.
Forced to relent, Mr. Sachi made a show of adjusting his cuff links, before speaking into the tense silence,
"Since there will be no play at the theater tonight, I'll be in my office, catching up on paperwork. If you need anything for your investigation, you'll find me there."
And with that, he turned and left the room.
Following the playwright out, Mai's gaze flitted back to her boss. She startled, finding his gaze already on her.
"Mai..." he began, but she knew what was next. Arms crossed, the frown at the edges of his lips. Telltale signs.
"Tea?" she finished for him.
Third time's a charm.
With great satisfaction, Mai approached her boss. Producing an unexpected cup, he looked up at her in mild surprise. She shrugged.
"It's my job."
Reveling in his murmured thank you, and Masako's sour look, she was startled again, by a poke in the side.
"And where's ours?" Bou-san asked, dodging Mai's retaliating swat as he took Mr. Sachi's vacant seat.
Mai returned to the kitchenette, "Right here, actually." Carefully, she poured two more cups.
What do I have to offer?
The tray full- she faced the room with a bright smile, if somewhat self conscious..."You'll have to consider it my gift, okay?"
"Perfect. Bring me mine first," Ayako agreed, a ready hand out stretched. With a relieved heart, Mai made her deliveries, starting with the miko.
"Well, if no one else is going to bring it up, I will. What was that all about?" Bou-san spoke, leveling the question at Naru.
Naru set his teacup down, meeting the monk's stare.
"You're referring to Mr. Sachi? Just some basic questions and concerns," he answered, and skillfully evading the monk, he turned the question back, "Sachi tells me you were successful yesterday...?"
There was a scoff as Ayako helped herself to the couch beside Bou-san.
"Is that a question?"
"There's always room for doubt, Matsuzaki-san," he replied, and disregarding the boastful miko, he stood and approached the CCTVs, where Lin sat monitoring them. Leaning against the counter of the kitchenette, empty tray in hand, Mai paused to listen.
"I'm reopening the case. We have today and tomorrow, and there a few things I'd like to confirm."
Reopening the case...
Mai's heart began to race. Her eyes locked with Bou-san.
This is our chance!
"Like what?" Ayako quipped, feeling snubbed.
"I want to see if it's possible to recreate the activity we've experienced in this theater."
"By recreate...you mean, try to experience it again?" John spoke, quietly following along from his spot by the window.
Naru nodded, "That's right, John. I would like you to revisit the hall of mirrors. See what, if anything, is revealed this time. Hara-san, I will ask that you don't have any accidents, but I would like you to spend time on stage, near where you fell through. Bou-san, you'll cover the hall where Mr. Miyuki's apparition was last seen."
There was general agreement and John and Bou-san (with a long we'll-talk-later look) were the first to leave base. Masako hesitated.
"Hara-san?" Naru spoke, noticing the medium.
"I just wanted to be clear...I meant what I said earlier. As a professional, the investigation should be completed, and I will visit the stage, but know that for me- it's just going through the motions. There is nothing haunting this theater."
"I appreciate your opinion," Naru acknowledged.
Seemingly satisfied, Masako made for the door...but stopped just as she reached it.
"Also...I've decided to move out of Mr. Sachi's house. John has offered his room, and I would like to ask for his help moving my things after lunch."
"What?" Ayako suddenly demanded.
Mai- who had been steadily turning as green as Masako's kimono as she watched the exchange between her boss and the medium- was grateful for the miko's outburst, exclamations of her own burning the tip of own her tongue.
Moving out?
John's room?
What?
"That's fine," Naru answered, "If you need Bou-san, you may take him along as well."
Masako smiled,
"Thank you."
And pointedly ignoring Mai and Ayako, the medium left the room.
But Ayako wouldn't tolerate the silent treatment. From her position, perched on the edge of the couch, she swung her attention back toward Naru.
"And...?" she prompted.
Naru turned away from the miko. Picking up a black case, one which Mai recognized as the kind they used to pack their equipment, he set it on Lin's desk. Mai heard Ayako give an irritated huff as she busied herself gathering tea cups, but her curiosity peaked, her gaze remained on her boss.
Naru reached inside the case and pulled out a silver device Mai had never seen before.
What is that?
Did he bring it back from Tokyo?
"I'm going to investigate the lobby. I'll need assistance."
This was directed at Lin, and he nodded. Mai stopped at his desk, and the Chinese man gave her his empty cup.
Heading for the door, Naru passed her. In surprise, Mai felt something pressed into her free hand.
"Here."
Mai stared down at her palm: bandages and ointment. Mai blinked, and glanced up in time to see Naru walking away...and the glare Ayako was sending after him.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" she demanded, her face nearly as red as her hair.
Naru paused at the door.
"Don't I have instructions? Or should I just cool my heels here then? I have been enjoying those fashion magazines you've been keeping around..."
Ayako's taunts were casual, but her mood certainly was not. Naru looked over his shoulder at the stormy priestess.
"I'm assigning you to the auditorium. Head there after treating Mai's burn."
Mysterious silver device in hand, Naru left base, and Lin followed.
Cheeks still red, Ayako gaze fell on Mai across the room.
"What burn?"
Still grappling with the events of the last few minutes, Mai didn't immediately answer. It was the last straw for Ayako. She had been ignored far enough that morning.
She stood, and taking Mai by the arm, pulled her to the couch.
"Where are you burned?"
Mai hurriedly set down the bandages and ointment, Ayako looking her over critically.
"My hand-"
"Why couldn't your gift have been to go even one day accident free?"
"My gift was tea," Mai protested, gesturing at the tray she had left on Lin's desk, "You were fine with it!"
"That was before, stay there..." Ayako instructed, standing again. She made her way to the kitchenette.
Running the hot water, she spoke to Mai behind her.
"How did it happen?"
Mai shifted where she sat. Not looking to reawaken Ayako's anger, she tread carefully.
"When I spilled the tea."
In the middle of washing her hands, Ayako heaved an exasperated sigh,
"So the lace wasn't the only victim."
"I guess not."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I didn't think about it."
Ayako returned to the couch, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips,
"He did. He really cares about you, doesn't he?"
"There's nothing special about a band-aid," Mai argued, and went to cross her arms, but Ayako grabbed her wrist and placed her burned hand in her lap.
The miko snorted, reaching for the ointment on the table,
"You're so dense sometimes, you know that?"
"Whatever..." Mai muttered, letting the subject drop.
Satisfied with having the last word, the miko turned her attention back to Mai's hand.
"It's not so bad...no blister."
She began to apply the ointment and Mai bit her cheek, toughing out the prickling pain.
"I do wonder what goes through his head," Ayako continued, picking up her previous train of thought, glancing at the door that Naru had left through, "His soft spot for you..." Here Mai made a face that wasn't pain, but the miko chose not to see it, still tending to the burn, "His abrupt absence and return. Aside from the fact that we know he went shopping in Ginza, he's given us no explanation, nothing...you notice that? And his choices with this case. I've cleared the theater. I told him. Mr. Sachi's told him. It's in the report Lin typed up. But he's got us crawling up and down halls, again. I don't get the effort. This place is safe. The whole town was in here yesterday, and even though they won't, they could come again tonight and there would still be nothing."
Mai, having listened to the whole of Ayako's venting, was particularly caught by the last part.
"They won't come tonight? Is there no play?"
Ayako set Mai's hand down to unwrap the bandage.
"Lin filled me in. Apparently Mrs. Koku was so focused on tormenting us, she forgot to mention it. There will be a play, but it will be put on by the people of Nozomi out on the festival stage. It's the day of gratitude, so this is their way of giving back to the theater. Hold still..."
Mai did as she was told, Ayako carefully covering the burn.
Gratitude.
Mai felt a surge of it towards the miko. Mai had spent an eventful week in Nozomi, but Ayako had been there to care for every bump and bruise. With a smile Mai made to say thank you, but the woman spoke first...and as was her style, she changed the mood in an instant.
"So, with Miss Miyuki back in the picture...your strategy is to play the seductress card again?"
Mai blinked, her smile faltering.
Seductress?
"Strategy? I don't have any strategy-"
"No? Then what's this doing here?" Ayako persisted, reaching over and plucking the velvet green dress from the back of the couch. She dangled it in front of Mai, insinuating.
Indignant, Mai snatched the dress back.
"I have that on loan from the theater. I'm returning it."
Though clearly unconvinced, the miko considered Mai's hand one last time, then stood, gathering up the ointment and bandage wrappers.
"You'll need to get busy then, hm?"
Mai glanced up at Ayako in growing irritation, tired of the woman poking at all her sore spots,
"What do you mean?"
"Miss Miyuki. You can't go into battle without a plan. When you're ready to talk, I'm here."
Mai drew in a breath of hot air, ready to tell the priestess to mind her own business, but at that moment Lin entered base and she was forced to bite her tongue.
"Keep that bandage dry and it should heal quickly," Ayako instructed, taking advantage of the moment, backing out of the room, "Also, do me a favor. No more accidents."
And just like that, she was gone before Mai could even open her mouth. Lin sat at his desk and Mai left the couch to retrieve the forgotten tea tray, her head buzzing from an empty stomach and the morning's antics.
Having scrubbed tea cups for a second time, Mai set to tackling her assignment. Watching the cameras. Her gaze ran across the screens, mentally noting where each member of SPR was at in the theater. Naturally, her eyes caught and stuck on the lobby. There Naru stood, sleeves rolled to his elbows, a concentrated look on his face.
Fighting off complicated thoughts of how she had missed seeing him in action (had missed seeing him at all...), Mai asked the question that had been on her mind since the equipment box was opened,
"Naru's investigation...what is that device he's using? I've never seen one before."
Lin answered without pausing his typing,
"It's an EMF detector. It measures electromagnetic fields."
Electromagnetic fields...?
Mai waited for further explanation, but none came. Lin continued typing. Determined to understand, Mai focused intently on her boss.
What is he up to...?
Ten minutes of careful watching still leaving Mai confused, she sat back in her chair with a huff.
Fine, keep your secrets.
Mai shifted in her seat, attempting to turn her attention to other screens...checkup on Bou-san...but her gaze kept coming back to Naru. Things other than just the strange device were bothering her.
Mai recalled her reason for coming to the theater early. Having a private moment with Naru. About Miss Miyuki.
So much for that...
Mai frowned, stewing over the lost opportunity and when she could try again, Ayako's voice nagging at the back of her mind.
Strategy!
At some point in her cycle of tracking Bou-san, sneaking glances at Naru, and simmering over Miss Miyuki...Mai realized she was hungry. Starving in fact.
Noticing the time, Mai was surprised to see that two hours had passed.
Almost lunch already.
Bitterly regretting her free breakfast, she kept one eye on the CCTVs and one on Lin...hoping he would mention getting something to eat soon.
Chin in her hand, Mai's stomach had just growled for the third time when she smelled something delicious.
Mai lifted her head and looked around, but there was nothing. Just herself and Lin.
Great, now I'm hallucinating...
In the next moment though, a very real rap on the door frame nearly startled her out of her seat.
"Knock, knock," Bou-san announced, breezing into the room, and following him, a scent that made Mai's mouth water, "Surprise, we have guests and lunch!"
Mai's gaze fell on the two women responsible for the smell, hovering at the door. Quickly she stood and gave a friendly bow in greeting,
"Nari, Mrs. Motoshi...good to see you!"
Nari smiled and Mrs. Motoshi gave a cordial head nod back, shuffling in the room. Seeing that their arms were full, Mai hurried forward and offered to take something, but she was kindly waved off and the contents were set on the table.
Two baskets of something still steaming hot, which Mai soon saw was fried chicken, several plastic containers of colorful pickled vegetables, a large thermos, and a bowl filled with apples as large as a person's hand were laid out before Mai.
"I always make karaage and fresh tsukemono at the end of the festival, I guess I made too much this time- it's just Nari and myself in the house you know, so I thought we'd bring the rest to you," Mrs. Motoshi explained, gesturing at the feast she had provided.
Practically swooning in delight, Mai quickly shared her thanks.
"It's nothing. You've all been working so hard, it's the least we could do."
This answer so was unlike how Mrs. Motoshi had addressed them before, that Mai wondered at it, but as her stomach was demanding her attention, she was forced to put all curiosity aside until she had her first piece of chicken.
Mai, tamping down on her hunger for just a bit longer, remembered to play host, and politely invited their guests to a seat on the couch.
"Lin, you've met Mrs. Motoshi?" she spoke, drawing the Chinese man over. Lin nodded and offered a bow.
"We have met."
Mai knew it had been under unfavorable circumstances, the woman then hysterical over her daughter being injured, and Mai left the introduction at that.
"What about the others...?" Mai spoke to Bou-san, busy helping Mrs. Motoshi set the table.
"Naru said he'd bring them."
Oh?
Mai glanced at camera screens, searching for their boss, but found he was already entering base with Ayako, John, and Masako behind him.
"You weren't chiding," Ayako announced, shooting Naru a look, seemingly pleasantly surprised at the food they found waiting for them.
"Would I lie?" Naru retorted, taking Lin's seat at the desk.
Ayako rolled her eyes and helped herself to the couch next to Mai, her red nails already reaching for the chicken basket.
"This is a generous gift," Masako stated, properly acknowledging their guests, seating herself beside them.
Mrs. Motoshi beamed,
"Ah, you are very keen...today is a day of generosity and gratitude."
"Thank you very much," John added, following Masako's lead, situating himself in the last open spot next to the medium.
"Please, help yourselves," Nari encouraged, catching the disapproving stare Mai was sending Ayako as she busily filled her plate, "We've already eaten."
Finally, with this invitation, Mai gave in to temptation. Chicken fried to golden perfection, a pile of crunchy pickled cucumbers...Mai's first bites were heaven.
"Here, Mai- it's refreshing," Nari spoke, pouring something out of the thermos. Mai took the drink gratefully, and feeling that it was cold to the touch, she peered down into the cup,
"Oh, it's mugicha," she remarked, happily taking a sip of the iced barely tea.
"It's perfect for this weather, isn't it?" Nari smiled, offering a cup to Bou-san.
More tea and food were passed around, and their satisfied eating was punctuated by simple small talk. Her plate halfway finished and the hollowness in her stomach gone, Mai's powers of observation began to return to her.
Her gaze fell on the actress across the table from her, and noting the boot she still wore, Mai realized her rudeness.
"How are you doing? Is your foot...okay?"
If Nari had taken offense at the late question, she didn't show it.
"Getting better every day, thank you. Doctor Okuchi says the swelling has gone down a lot."
Mrs. Motoshi sat up straighter, patting Nari's shoulder,
"My daughter is resilient. She'll be healed and back to work in no time."
Unexpectedly, Masako responded with an affirming comment of, "No doubt. We wish her a quick recovery."
This seemed to stir Mrs. Motoshi, and she turned to the medium to graciously refill her cup,
"It truly is a shame that you will not get to see her preform again before you leave, but surely you've come to recognize her potential by now. If only some arrangement could be made..."
This disclosure was the woman's most transparent yet, the imploring look as she handed Masako's full cup back, making her stance perfectly clear.
Mrs. Motoshi's change in attitude and their gifted lunch suddenly made sense to Mai.
There's only one day left. This is her last chance.
Mai, with a twinge of second-hand embarrassment, positive that Masako would reject the woman, glanced at Nari. Cheeks warm, her elbow nudged her mother,
"Please, it's not polite to bother her with this..."
But Masako surprised them all for a second time. Setting down her tea, she reached into her sleeve and retrieved a white card with elegant gold letters.
"An arrangement? Perhaps there is a way..." the medium spoke, her tone considering.
Mrs. Motoshi gripped her daughter's elbow, hope growing,
"Certainly...we may come to something yet, you're only too kind."
Despite herself, Nari faced Masako in disbelief,
"Do you think...?"
Masako extended her hand past the mother, toward the daughter, "This is my business card, you may contact me at this number. I can't promise much, but whenever you are in the Tokyo area, I would be happy to introduce you to my manager. He's not involved in theater of course, but he has many contacts in the entertainment industry...it's possible he could connect you with someone helpful."
Nari took the card, gazing down at it, her skin as flushed as ever.
"I don't know what to say...thank you very much."
Masako shook her head gently,
"It's just a start, we'll see what comes of it."
Mrs. Motoshi cautioned her daughter to keep such a precious gift safe, and twittering on about how with her talent, all they needed was an opportunity, declared she would prepare dessert for them all, reaching for the bowl of apples.
That Masako, Mai thought, a bemused smile pulling at her lips, watching the medium settle back in her seat. Her rival made to reach for her cup, but found it already being offered to her by John. Mai didn't miss the priest's approving stare, and Mai looked away, feeling strangely as if she were witnessing a private moment.
Dessert was expertly prepared by Mrs. Motoshi, and soon Mai was enjoying the perfect finish to her meal. Plentiful, sweet, Fuji apples slices. It was a far cry from the brown apples on her plate that morning.
That Mrs Koku.
"And what about you, young man? Do you not like apples either?" Mrs. Motoshi spoke, nodding towards Naru, who remained at Lin's desk.
Nari waved a hand at her mother,
"You shouldn't refer- that's...Shibuya-san. He's the company president of SPR," she hurriedly explained.
"It was just a question. He didn't eat any of what we brought. Doesn't he at least want dessert?"
Naru spared the briefest glance over his shoulder, "I am fine, thank you for offering."
"So that's the president, hm?" Mrs. Motoshi murmured, her lips pursed, handing off his portion of apple slices to Bou-san. Mai recalled that the woman's opinion of her boss wasn't glowing, but she was more concerned with his health and than his reputation.
He didn't eat...?
Mai frowned, her gaze landing on the door in front of her. It was the same door he had collapsed just outside of not twenty-four hours before.
What is he thinking?
Anger spiking at his irresponsibility, Mai stared down at the dessert she had left. She considered serving it up to him anyway, or possibly throwing it at him...but then set it down. Instead she reached for the thermos across the table. Pouring a cup of mugicha, she left her spot sandwiched between Ayako and Bou-san.
Mai approached Naru's chair, and stood there, cup held out.
Noticing Mai out of his peripheral vision, he spoke dismissively,
"I said I'm fine."
Envisioning stuffing apple slices down his throat, Mai took a step closer, still holding up the cup. This close she could see how pale her boss still was. Perspiration dotted his hairline and she was reminded of the night before. Biting her lip, she persisted,
"It's a hot day, and you were unwell recently. At least drink this."
Mai finally succeeded in getting Naru to break his attention from whatever was absorbing him. Before he could protest she placed the cup in his hand. As was her fate, their fingers brushed. Mai's hand quickly dropped to her side.
Naru took a sip and then set the cup down, his gaze already turning back to his work,
"I appreciate the thought, but I won't let myself starve or dehydrate. Miss Miyuki has asked me over to investigate some incidents that occurred while I was gone. She will provide lunch."
"Miss Miyuki?"
Mrs. Motoshi spoke before Mai could get the name past her lips.
"Is she coming then? You'll have to excuse me, but I refuse to be in her company."
Already standing, the woman began gathering dishware from the table.
Nari helped collect the empty containers and the baskets, but something about her was slow and distracted.
"You can go ahead, I'll be right behind you...I just have something to do first," she told her mother, touching something sitting on her lap.
Mai noticed the small box, wrapped in silver paper, that Nari's hand lingered over protectively. Mrs. Motoshi noticed too. Her expression, which had stiffened at the mention of Miss Miyuki, softened slightly. She gave a nod, taking the baskets from her daughter.
"Very well, I'll be fine with this. You do what you need to. I'll see you at home."
There was a bit of commotion as Nari and Mrs. Motoshi took their leave, offers of help and their denial ("This is nothing really, you all ate so well- it's just empty containers."), followed with much bowing and many thanks. Finally, the women slipped out the door.
Mai, still rooted to the spot near Naru's chair, turned to interrogate him, but Naru cleanly cut her off by handing her a clipboard and speaking first.
"Mrs. Miyuki is expecting me. Report out any findings to Lin. While I'm gone, Bou-san- visit the dressing rooms. Make sure to bring Mai with you, she'll temp while you investigate. Matsuzaki-san, I need you to familiarize yourself with the property around the theater. Get a read of the energy. "
These orders were taken with a prickly spirit, especially from Mai. She gripped her clipboard with white knuckles.
I'm supposed to take temps while he does lunch at Miss Miyuki's...?
Naru closed out of his work on the computer, which Mai had failed to get a glimpse of, and stood, leaning back against the desk, his gaze searching out Masako.
"Hara-san, you may take John with you to move your things out of Mr. Sachi's house."
The medium murmured her appreciation, but it wasn't in her usual fawning style. Mai could easily read between the lines.
She's thinking about Miss Miyuki too.
"Moving out?" Bou-san repeated, having missed the original announcement. But his words fell on deaf ears, Naru swiftly moving on.
"If there are no questions, I'll be leaving."
"I have one," Mai spoke, stepping in front of her boss, her anger bolstering her courage, "When will you be back?"
Naru, having reached for his cup, took a long swallow, finishing the drink. He met Mai's demanding stare evenly.
"When I'm done. Thank you for the mugicha," he answered simply, passing Mai in the process.
Mai watched him go, gripping her clipboard tighter than ever.
That Naru.
Ayako scoffed,
"Gallivanting off again. What is that...the third time?"
"Second," Mai and Masako corrected in unison.
The miko smirked,
"Not counting lasting night, hm? He should just get a room with her. Masako could have his at the Inn."
The suggestion wasn't appreciated, both Mai and Masako's tempers burning hot and short in their jealousy, but before either could open their mouths, Lin interrupted, redirecting their attention to the real issue at hand: the case.
"What do you have to report from your assignments?"
Masako stood in a rustle of emerald fabric,
"Nothing. As I expected. John, we should head out, are you ready?"
John reported that he had found the hall of mirrors quiet, and agreed to follow after Masako. Lin looked to Bou-san next, and the monk shrugged, running a hand through his hair,
"I feel like I scoured the hall where Mr. Miyuki's apparition was seen...but not even a cold spot."
"Of course," Ayako chimed in, sitting back in her seat, studying her nails, "It was the same for me. The auditorium was perfectly normal. I don't know what Naru expects to find backstage in the dressing rooms. Or on the grounds. I don't get what he expects to find at all. Masako's right, there's nothing. The theater is clear. I cleared it.
At this statement, Mai caught Bou-san rolling his eyes. Meeting her gaze he winked, and then jerked his head towards the door,
"Should we go then? Got your clipboard?"
Lin returned to his seat at the desk and offered Mai a digital thermometer. Mai took it and marched out of base, her blood still boiling. Knowing her too well, Mai could feel the monk's amused smile on her as they walked.
"Something funny?" she quipped, not bothering to check her tone.
"Something you want to share with the class?" Bou-san countered, reading her mood wisely.
Mai let out a long irritated breath, her bangs fluttering. Speaking more to herself, she muttered,
"I wasn't serious about the girlfriend thing...what's he doing playing boyfriend?"
"Naru?" Bou-san surmised, doing his best to hide his persisting smile.
"What does she need him to meet with her for? And investigate what? She's not even our client."
"Hm, good point," the monk carefully agreed. Seeing her worrying at her lip, he gave her a gentle nudge.
"Hey, don't get too bent out of shape. Miss Miyuki can't be interested in him...if she's seeing Mr. Sachi, right?"
Mai blinked in surprise. She had been more than vocal the last few days about her theory regarding the relationship between Mr. Sachi and Miyuki, her intuition telling her, somehow, their romance still endured. Bou-san bringing it up was cold comfort, but comfort none the less. Her expression lightened a bit, she looked to the monk beside her,
"Are you saying you were wrong?"
"Wrong is a word I never use."
"Mistaken...?"
"Nope."
Mai let out an exasperated sigh,
"Then what?"
"I'm humoring you. Rooting for you. It's not that I think my theory is wrong...in fact, the events of today have all but confirmed it...but I want you to be right. For your sake. I hate seeing you sulk."
Mai crossed her arms, her expression darkening again.
"I am not sulking."
"Naru's had three meals with Miss Miyuki. You're definitely sulking. But, don't worry- you're in good company. Masako's sulking too."
"It's two meals...and that means nothing. You and I eat together every meal."
Bou-san nodded agreeably,
"Right, doesn't have to mean a thing. Neither does her partnering up with him, her searching him out. If she's seeing Sachi. What flashy new stranger could even tempt her away from the burning passion of a secret love affair...a rekindled flame? No chance."
Instead of being reassured, Mai's mood soured further.
"But that's not what you think."
He thinks Miss Miyuki is...dangling.
The monk gave an honest shrug,
"No, it's not. But like I said, I hope you're right."
Feeling as if she had just done a giant circle in her emotions, landing right back where she started, Mai lapsed into a pensive, simmering, silence. That was...until they came across it.
The rug. Underneath the door.
Mai stopped in the middle of the hall, the frayed corner of fabric calling to her like a beacon.
Steps ahead, the monk had noticed. He turned back for her.
"Mai?"
"Mr. Miyuki's office..." she said in way of answer.
The heat of her curiosity burning out that of her jealousy, Mai approached the forgotten door. Her fingers closed over the cold handle. A handle that had not turned for her the last time she visited it, despite having entered the room twice.
Bou-san stepped up behind her, Mai could feel him staring over her shoulder with intense interest.
Mai gave a firm twist and...nothing.
Locked.
Bou-san made a disbelieving noise, and gently moving Mai out of the way, he gripped the door knob. But no amount of jiggling, pulling, or yanking it- mattered. The door remained closed.
"It doesn't make sense. If it's been shut up since Mr. Miyuki's death...how have I been in there?" the monk protested.
"Mr. Miyuki," Mai repeated, her tone heavy with meaning, "It has to be..."
"Well, isn't he handy? He could use his talents to give another clue, we're running out of time over here..." the monk muttered, still messing with the door handle, "...do you think this lock could be picked? I'm no expert, but we could come back and try-"
"He did," Mai spoke, her mind suddenly transported to the night before. The screaming. The pig. The blood.
Bou-san stilled, facing Mai.
"He did...what?"
"Gave us another clue."
Realization dawned on the monk,
"The theater. You had that dream. It really was that kind, huh? I knew it."
Mai nodded, "I meant to tell you, but with everything that happened..."
The monk placed his hands on Mai's shoulders and drew her away from Mr. Miyuki's office,
"It's a good thing then that we get to spend the next hour together in private...or at least, mostly private. There are still the cameras, and who knows...the other ghost may finally decide to show up. You'll have to fill me in fast."
Mai, troubled by the memories of her dream, felt herself relax a bit at Bou-san's casual attitude.
Continuing on to backstage, in a low voice, she shared all the gory details of their latest clue.
"And it was blood? On your hand? Are you sure...?" Bou-san asked as she finished.
Mai stared down at her palm as if she she could still see the traces there,
"I'm positive."
"Mai...that's horrible."
The monk's attitude was no longer casual. He seemed as disturbed as Mai felt.
"What can it mean? A pig...? I don't understand."
Mai shook her head,
"I don't either."
It was with more than a little hesitation that the two of them entered backstage, each imagining a screeching pig to appear out of every shadow.
But it was a blazing day in Nozomi, and sunlight streamed in through the skylights over the empty auditorium benches and seats. Mai did her best to shake the unsettled feeling creeping over her skin. Bou-san seemed to do the same and the two of them set to work. But it turned out imaginary pigs were the least of their problems.
It was sweltering backstage. There was no air flow, and no air conditioning since they were investigating. Mai swiped at her sticky bangs as she stood waiting for Bou-san to open one of the dressing rooms.
Ugh, it's so uncomfortable in here...
Bou-san pulled, and his hand slipped off the door handle. With a grunt, he wiped his hand on his shirt,
"Sorry...it's so hot in here...I'm sweating."
"I know," Mai grumbled, fanning herself with her clipboard, "Let's just get this over with."
The monk pulled at the door again. And his hand slipped off...again. This attempt was followed by a colorful word or two.
"What even..."
Irritation radiating off of him like heat, the monk approached the next door. And the next. And the next.
None opened.
Seeing the frustration on Bou-san's face, Mai began fanning him.
"They're locked...?"
The monk dabbed his forehead on his sleeve,
"I don't know who to curse first, Sachi or Naru."
Mai bit her lip, cursing them both.
It didn't take long for the conditions to drive them out of backstage. Unable to complete their assignment, Bou-san lead Mai back down the hall.
"Come on, we'll ask Lin what he wants us to do."
"Better yet, let's ask Naru. He should be done with lunch by now."
"Great idea."
But entering base, there was only Lin, still seated at his desk.
Mai found herself burning up all over again.
That Miss Miyuki.
"You're finished already?" the Chinese man greeted them.
Mai approached Lin's desk, but Bou-san held out an arm, blocking her way.
"Your face is all red, why don't you get some water and I'll handle this," he murmured out of the corner of his mouth.
Feeling her blood pressure peaking, Mai relented.
"We would be, but Naru sent us on a wild goose chase. Or maybe he just wanted to melt us...?" the monk answered, crossing his arms and leaning against the arm of the couch,"The dressing rooms are locked."
"The theater is not technically open today. There are no rehearsals, so the actors don't need the dressing rooms. Still, we were assured they would be left open. If all of you hasn't melted away yet, I would suggest asking our client to open the dressing rooms and allow you to do your work."
With dread, Mai heard Bou-san agree.
Back to the sauna.
Slowly she finished her cup of water, enjoying it's cool touch, wishing she had more mugicha.
I bet Naru is sitting in air conditioning right now.
"How do we find our client?" Bou-san asked, joining Mai at the kitchenette, filling his own cup of water.
"I believe he said something about being in his office."
At this, Mai's interest caught. While she had been shut out of one playwright's office, this was her chance to enter another...
Mai looked to Lin, attempting to keep the eagerness out of her voice, "I've never been to Mr. Sachi's office, where is it?"
"Opposite of the auditorium, the south side of the building."
Mai tugged on the monk's arm, motioning him towards the door, causing him almost miss his mouth as he attempted to take one last drink.
"Oy, Mai-"
Bou-san glanced at her oddly as they left base together.
"What was that? I know you can't be excited to roast backstage again."
"No."
"Then?"
"We've been to Mr. Sachi's dressing room, but not his office. Who knows...it could be worth our time."
The trip to Mr. Sachi's office was confusing. Mai and Bou-san made three wrong turns, ending up just as hot and grouchy as they were at the dressing rooms. Just as they were launching into a new round of cursing Mr. Sachi and Naru, retracing their steps back to base, they heard voices.
"Ungrateful- rotten person, eating lunch with other people, while I slave away-"
"Wait..." Bou-san spoke, holding up a finger. Mai pursed her lips and listened.
"Do you hear that?"
"Someone talking...?"
The monk nodded.
Mai stared ahead, and on the right side of the hall- a door stood ajar. Bou-san noticed it too. They exchanged a look, and a natural hush fell between them. The voices continued, emotional, carrying easily to their ears as they approached.
"Enough is enough, Joji. This whole thing has disgraced the name of Miyuki theaters every where."
The man speaking. Mai felt his anguish. Struck with a strange familiarity, Mai froze, feet from the door.
A second person spoke in answer, and Mai recognized the man immediately.
Mr. Sachi.
"I completely understand, sir. I feel it too, how mortifying-"
"But you don't! Or you would not allow all of this to carry on. What is this group you've hired?"
"There are- they're professionals, sir. The investigation is nearly finished-"
"You speak of mortification. What I saw on that night, such horror in a place reserved for pleasure. It's punishment. And rightfully so."
"Si- sir?"
"How dare my great-niece incur the wrath of her father's spirit. Stirring him beyond his grave. Argh, I can hardly breathe thinking of it."
"Mr. Miyuki, perhaps...perhaps you should sit down?"
There was a coughing fit and then silence. All Mai could hear was the pounding of her own heart.
Mr. Miyuki.
Beside her, Bou-san was also straining to listen. He locked eyes with her and mouthed: the uncle?
Mai nodded anddespite herself...began gravitating forward, towards the cracked door. The older man was speaking, but his voice was raspier, harder to hear after his coughing.
"...what you've done creating this contract is one of the most reckless, stupidest- decisions you've ever made."
A beat past. Mr. Sachi said nothing.
"But you're thinking I am missing an adjective there, aren't you? Effective, hm? Yes, effective. Somehow. This contact, it'll still get the job done, won't it?"
There was a scraping sound. Mr. Sachi had stood from his chair,
"Precisely. This theater is haunted. She will not be able to close it."
"I can't believe you even gave her a chance at it, foolish. But no matter, her ungrateful behavior will be her undoing. Her father's tormented presence is known. Hurry up get it made official and have the theater cleansed....whatever the cost, I'll cover it."
Mr. Sachi cleared his throat.
"The cost...? Ah- you relieve me, sir. The damages from the other night alone...replacing the stage lights, paying Nari's medical bills, the cleaning fees..."
Mr. Miyuki grunted, cutting off the rambling playwright.
"Everything is up to discretion...but you know I would do anything for this theater. What else is the money for...?"
"Of course. Your support is invaluable."
"If you value it so much, prove it. My patience with this contract has run thin. End it, Joji."
Mr. Sachi drew in breath and spoke in hasty reassurance,
"I will. It will all be over soon. Everything is in our favor, Miss Miyuki will never-"
"Dare she try!"
At this out burst, Mai startled. In an instant, she was set off balance. Her hands connected with the door as she fell forward. Mai hit the floor on her knees. Looking up through her messy bangs, she made eye contact with Mr. Sachi.
"Mai?"
The playwright stared hard at her,
"What are you doing...down there?"
Mai opened her mouth, scrambling for an excuse, but then Bou-san came from behind, filling up the door frame and the tense pause,
"Hey, you know how to open the dressing rooms?"
