A/N: for those who waited...I am the luckiest writer to have readers like you! As you may know, after this chapter- we're heading on to the last day of the case. That "day" will probably be composed of several chapters, but still...it's bittersweet to be in the homestretch after all these years! We've hit another milestone too! 300k total word count for this work. I can't believe it! Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read GLM, you mean the world to me!

Day Eight

7:30pm

The Miyuki Theater

One.

Two.

Three.

Four.

Five...

It took Mai five steps to realize her situation. To shake the fog of her dream state from her mind.

Can I ask what is going on here?

We were just trying to contact Mr. Miyuki. Nothing special.

The exchange between Naru and Madame Miyuki was stuck on some terrible loop, ringing in her ears. It was enough to put Mai on the verge of panic. The necessity of an escape plan became paramount, but she found she had already allowed herself to be mindlessly lead away.

Naru moved with determination. Mai spared a fleeting thought for where he was taking her, but it was answered almost immediately as he opened the very next door after the VIP room.

Mai stared, momentarily distracted from the tension coiling around herself and her boss.

A kitchen...?

Pots and pans clanged. There was the aroma of sizzling food.

The same waitstaff that had served guests in the theater lobby were dashing about, shouting brisk orders. More entered from the back of the room where a door to the outside was open, a large white van idling in the dark.

Mai glanced back at Naru, wondering at his intentions. True, there were plenty of witnesses here, but the space also offered anonymity. The servers too busy to even notice their presence.

Perfect for an interrogation.

Mai drew a breath. She took in his signature black ensemble, his waist coat impossibly tailored, his eyes just as dark under the shadow of the hair that fell across his forehead, and then, with a sudden decisiveness- she yanked her hand free of his grasp.

Not this time.

Mai's triumph was fleeting.

Overzealous (Naru hadn't been holding on that tightly) as she pulled away, she was cast off balance. Instinctively, Naru reached out, steadying her- and Mai gasped, narrowly missing a waiter with a full tray of empty champagne glasses.

"Hey, watch it," the young man protested, raising the tray he held importantly, "Some of us have a job to do, this isn't some secluded patio. Take your tipsy girlfriend and find some where else to make eyes at each other."

Girlfriend!

Tipsy!

Mai's face burned red, she jerked her head around to let the waiter have it, but he was already gone. Slowly, her attention returned to her boss. That's when she felt it. This little distraction had done nothing to change the situation. The air between them was almost kinetic, humming with heat and energy.

She wasn't supposed to be caught by him like this.

Red-handed, in Madame Miyuki's company.

With Mr. Miyuki's name on her lips.

She wasn't supposed to be there at all.

A sudden thought occurred to her.

Was he surprised to see her?

Mai met his eyes to try and read them, but almost immediately winced and glanced down at where his hand held hers.

"It hurts."

"What?"

"My burn."

Naru followed her gaze to where his fingers closed around her bandage. Mai wondered if she was just being hyperaware, but it felt as if he had leaned in closer. Flustered, she removed her hand from his, taking a step back.

"It's fine...just a little sore."

Naru's hand returned to his side. His gaze lifted.

"What are you doing here?"

Mai shifted another step back, biding her time- but her hip pressed up against something cool and smooth. The stainless-steel kitchen counter.

Caught.

"I was invited."

"By who?"

Mai blinked. Were her nerves causing her to imagine things, or did he just glance at her dress?

What do you care?

A spiteful part of her suddenly wanted to throw out Niko's name, or even Sachi's...just to see his reaction, but he spoke first, filling her silence.

"Madame Miyuki?"

"It was Nari who invited me to dinner,"Mai immediately corrected, her heart skipping a beat at the mention of the medium.

What Naru had seen and heard in that room. The questions were there, just waiting on his lips.

Mai tugged at the collar of her dress (something was still nagging her there), her mind grappling with an excuse.

"But instead you opted for an amateur séance with Madame Miyuki?"

Color rose to Mai's cheeks, something in his tone said that her actions had been reckless, thoughtless.

"I-" she started, but Naru persisted, cutting her short.

"What are you doing here, Mai?"

Mai swallowed, literally trapped between her boss and the truth. But a small fire had been lit in her eyes. And as it had done for her time and time again, her instincts kicked in.

"What about Miss Miyuki?"

Three meals.

"Miss Miyuki?"

"She invited you to dinner. But you're here."

With me.

"Don't change the subject. I asked you what you think you're doing."

"I think you should be more concerned about your dinner plans, than mine. You're not the only one she's asking out, you know."

In the exhilaration of the moment Mai had stepped away from the counter. Confidence rose in her chest. She had turned the tables...but, unexpectedly, Naru also stepped forward, his expression intent.

"Who?"

Mai faltered, leaning back.

It occurred to her that she had gone too far, jealousy loosening her tongue when she should have held it. Her mind reeled for an answer.

Mai lips parted, ready to throw out an obstinate wouldn't you like to know, but at the same instant another voice spoke over hers,

"Excuse me."

Another server had approached, impatiently he gestured towards the door.

"I'm going to have to ask you to take this outside. We're busy here."

This?

For a moment Mai was confused, what was he implying exactly? Then she realized how it must look, with them standing there, inches apart. Flustered all over again, she hurriedly grasped at her opportunity, and excused herself.

Holding herself back from running out of the room, Mai entered the hall with a sense of relief- but it was short lived.

"There you are."

Ayako!

The miko stormed up the hall towards her.

"Just what is going on with you?"

Mai pursed her lips, no more willing to submit to Ayako's interrogation than Naru's.

"Ah, I should have known. You were with him."

Mai blinked, and threw a quick look over her shoulder. Exiting the kitchen was Naru.

"That's just perfect. Dinner is starting and you're both wanted."

Dinner.

In a flash, Mai was reminded just where she was and what she was doing.

"What have you been up to? Nari noticed you were gone. I told her I'd find you, leaving out the part where you were ditched us for a medium you just met-"

Mai felt Naru's gaze on her as he approached from behind, and quickly she interrupted the miko,

"Dinner is ready? I'm starving, let's get back to Nari-"

"Hold it. You're going to tell me just what that woman wanted with you. How do you know her husband...and why does he think you're impressive?"

That Ayako.

Naru was standing just behind Mai now. She knew he was listening. She was caught, again. But then came an unexpected interruption.

"Shibuya-san."

Attention was drawn down the hall. At the end stood Miss Miyuki. Mai couldn't seem to help recalling the magazine article she had read earlier that day. No, Miss Miyuki wasn't a model, but- looking immaculate in a velvet soft dress of midnight blue, with a slit that went clear up to her hip- she could easily pass as one.

Mai felt a stab of something hot. There was a sudden bitter taste in her mouth. Privately denying any jealousy, she told herself she was angry on Nari's behalf. She glanced at the woman's hands, but she was too far away to make out something as small as a ring...

"I've been looking for you. Dinner is being served, we should return to the table."

Naru's shoulder brushed past Mai's as he came forward, answering Miss Miyuki's summons. Mai felt the pit in her stomach ignite.

"Tsk. You're going to need some ice for that burn," Ayako remarked, watching the two of them leave the hall. Mai tore her eyes away from Naru's retreating back to look down at her bandage.

"My burn is fine."

"I wasn't talking about your hand."

"Excuse me?"

"You're losing."

"What?"

"When's the last time Naru did anything you asked? He came to her like an obedient puppy. Things must be more serious between them than I thought."

Mai scoffed. She was heated now.

"But there's still a chance. You may make him jealous. I saw him staring at your dress. Does he know who it's from?"

"I'm not here to make him jealous," Mai protested hotly, rubbing at the back of her neck. What was it about this dress that was driving her so crazy?

Ayako's amusement shifted into something something keener, "No? Then what are you doing here?"

Resentful of the miko reading her so well, and of her unrelenting persistence, Mai started heading down the hall.

"Having dinner with Nari," she threw back stubbornly.

"Hang on, you still haven't told me what your connection is to Madame Miyuki? And why I caught you coming out of- was that a closet- with Naru?" Ayako demanded, right on Mai's heels.

"You told him I was here," Mai suddenly accused, ignoring the miko's question.

"You had disappeared with some witch. I was worried. Seems he found you in one piece though."

Mai frowned at the reproach in the woman's voice,

"Sorry I worried you. Bou-san and I met her husband this afternoon. I guess he found our job as ghost hunters interesting, and mentioned me to his wife."

Ayako chewed on her lip, mulling this over.

"Where did she bring you?"

Mai gestured behind her,

"A VIP room Mr. Miyuki used to entertain guests in."

"What for?"

Mai hesitated, recalling Naru's words.

...you opted for an amateur séance with Madame Miyuki...

Avoiding Ayako's gaze, her eyes focused on the end of the hall they were quickly approaching.

"We had tea."

Whether the miko believed this half-truth or not, there was no chance to press for more. They had emerged into a crowd of people flowing towards the banquet hall. Last call for dinner was being announced, servers directing them to take their seats.

Weaving through tables filled with people, Mai heard her name, and looked over to see Niko smile and wave. Mai managed a smile back, but looked away quickly. Mrs. Koku, a half-empty glass in her hand, was sitting next to her grandson- fortunately, she didn't seem to notice the exchange, engrossed in a conversation with another at their table.

Mai wasn't so fortunate at her own table. Mai had only read seven name plates, but there were thirteen people seated there, and they all looked up as she approached.

With reluctant politeness, Mai's eyes traveled the table, bowing.

Nari's expression brightened at the sight of her. Mrs. Motoshi gave a nod of her head. Mr. Sachi's parents didn't bother with acknowledging her, a ghost hunter beneath their attention, but their son gave her his trademark grin, and a quick- "ah, there you are".

Here Mai's heart began to race. The next set of eyes she met were Mr. Hiroshi Miyuki's. He seemed to recognize her at once. His wife, seated beside him, whispered in his ear. Mai paused, wondering if she should formally greet them, they were the guests of honor- but the person sitting in the next chair, greeted her first.

"There you are indeed."

To Madame Miyuki's left was a woman nearly as old as Hiroshi Miyuki, lilies twisted in her silver hair to match her long dress of white. Mai's eyes widened as they met the woman's.

Wise Obasan.

The matchmaker smirked.

"So nice to be reunited with my chosen."

"Chosen?" Madame Miyuki repeated, glancing curiously down the table.

Mai turned her head, her racing heart stalling in her chest as she found herself locking eyes with her boss, feeling stupid at her surprise.

Of course.

Miss Miyuki is also a guest of honor.

And he is her guest.

"Taniyama-san, I didn't know you would be joining us?"

Mai gaze shifted to Naru's left. Miss Miyuki had spoken, observing Mai over the rim of her champagne glass.

"I invited her," Nari announced, and with a kind look, she offered Mai a seat.

Mai gratefully accepted, looking to escape the interested stares boring into her from around the table.

It was only after Mai had taken her place next to Nari, that she saw Lin. Sitting between Miss Miyuki and Ayako, he returned her greeting with an acknowledging look. The miko, sitting beside Mai, completed the circle of thirteen. From the look she gave Mai it was clear that she had been following everything that happened at the table and was only just able to hold her tongue.

Mai quickly turned her attention to the cup of tea waiting for her, wishing to disappear inside it. Fortunately, the focus of the table soon turned away from her- with exception of one. Naru.

While Mai's eyes were trained on Miss Miyuki, his eyes were trained on her, demanding.

What are you doing here?

Mai did her best to pretend she didn't notice, her gaze drifting to the fingers that held Miss Miyuki's glass. The ring she had caught a glimpse of that afternoon in Mr. Sachi's office vivid in her mind. Conscious of what such a ring sitting on the heiress' hand would mean for the actress sitting in the next chair, a kind of dread filled Mai's chest.

If I'm right...

Three fingers over, there was a silver band- Mai's heart skipped a beat, but then she saw it was plain. No diamond sparkling in the candlelight.

Mai felt a rush of relief as much as confusion. The intuition she had felt. She knew she could not be mistaken. Not this time.

That ring was meant for Miss Miyuki.

Mai glanced over at the owner of the ring. Mr. Sachi sat next to his parents, in conversation with Mr. Miyuki, perfectly careless of his impact on that side of the table, Nari's dark eyes taking in his every move, Mrs. Motoshi attempting to distract her.

Maybe he hasn't given it to her yet?

The night was young. Plenty of time to sneak away...

Mai silently vowed to keep close watch.

I know I'm right.

Mai made to reach for her tea again, but a sever appearing at her shoulder abruptly replaced it with a flute of sparkling water and a tastefully plated salad, the first course. Small talk around the table subsided in lieu of eating, that was...until there was a dramatic exhale, something almost like a scoff.

"I knew I recognizedthem."

Mrs. Motoshi spoke in what was supposed to be a confidential tone, but her voice carried across the table. Unable to avoid it, Mr. Sachi faced the woman. She met his surprised gaze with satisfaction.

"The cufflinks you're wearing."

Mr. Sachi's eyes dropped to his wrists. There, polished and golden, were cufflinks in the design of blooming lilies.

Mrs. Motoshi was smirking now, smug.

"I shouldn't recognize them, of course. Nari was so careful to keep the gift private. How nice they look, on an important night such as this."

"Mother," Nari breathed, her cheeks immediately flushing.

Mai's mind was drawn back to that afternoon once again. The two boxes sitting on Mr. Sachi's desk. The one she didn't open. The one wrapped in silver paper.

It was from Nari.

Mai looked from the mortified actress, to the uncomfortable playwright. And then, with the sensation of intuition's mighty pull, her head turned towards Miss Miyuki.

Others began speaking at once, an overlap of disapproval, pride, and frivolousness.

"I didn't even notice. Sort of small and dull, aren't they? My son was kind to wear them."

"He's always kind to my Nari."

"Nari, this was from you? How nice. I had so many little gifts dropped off today, I couldn't seem to keep track."

Mai didn't see the airy smile that went with Mr. Sachi's words, Nari's reproachful stare. She was stuck in the grip of her intuition, her eyes locked on Miss Miyuki. The woman was playing with the silver band on her ring finger. Perhaps it was a bored habit, like the way Ayako would drum her nails.

But...

"Of course you'll excuse Joji? You heard him, he's just so admired. We must find someone worthy of his admiration."

It was slight, no one could be aware of it except Mai, but Miss Miyuki stilled, listening. Mrs. Motoshi laughed, the sound mocking.

"There's no need to find what is already right in front of him."

Mai felt a chill run along her skin, the air at the table suddenly charged. She knew who was sitting in front of Mr. Sachi. Nari.

"Right, Wise Obasan?" Mrs. Motoshi persisted, cunningly rallying support.

With a jolt, Mai recalled that Mr. Sachi and Nari had been the old matchmaker's chosen once upon a time.

"It is often the most easy to miss what is right under our nose."

Miss Miyuki's fingers were moving again. The silver band twisted.

"I agree."

Twist.

"You do?"

Twist.

"He'll have the daughter of my husband's chief of staff right under his nose next week. I texted you the dinner details Joji, be sure not to miss it."

Twist.

Mai's breath hitched in her chest.

A diamond flanked by sapphires suddenly adorned the silver band.

Miss Miyuki made eye contact with Mr. Sachi.

There was a clatter to Mai's left- the sound of silverware dropped onto a plate- and then the scrape of a chair being pushed back. Startled, Mai looked over to see Nari standing from her seat.

Eyes shining, voice small, she pardoned herself without waiting for a response.

"Excuse me, I need to use the powder room."

Mrs. Motoshi called after her, confused and scolding, but the actress was beyond her reach. Mai watched her go, heart plummeting.

She saw.

The table, seemingly unconscious of the scandal brewing, were returning to their appetizer. Mai made to imitate them, but every bite she took was tasteless.

She was right, but everything felt wrong.

Mai raised her eyes, her stare finding Miss Miyuki, and then Mr. Sachi. Neither of them looked in each others direction.

Liars.

Mai set down her fork, disgust finishing off her appetite. Her stomach souring along with her mood, she was reminded that she had felt the same earlier that night. It had been the pork then, and now it was the bitter truth.

Bou-san.

He had taken care of her, but here she was without him. Guilt mixed in with her nerves.

Had he come to check on her?

Had he found the note she left him...?

"What is the matter with you?" a voice hissed in her ear.

Mai was pulled from her inner turmoil. She glanced at Ayako, the miko leaning into her space over the arm of her chair.

"Nothing," she spoke automatically.

There was a disbelieving scoff,

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

Mai stiffened at the woman's choice of words. She felt the attention of the table shift towards her, the smattering of conversation dying out.

Mai faced Ayako, but she could imagine the interest Madame Miyuki was wearing. The judgment from Mr. Sachi's parents. She didn't have to imagine Naru: he was staring directly at her. Evasive, Mai dropped her gaze, her plate suddenly fascinating.

"I said it's nothing."

Mai was saved further argument by the arrival of another server, switching her appetizer (which she only had time to pick at) for the main course. There were exclamations around the table.

"The highest quality."

"So fresh and local."

"Joji, didn't you also donate to the Koku Inn? How very generous."

Mai didn't register a word. Her skin went hot, and then clammy. Her stomach rolled violently.

Sitting before her, elegantly plated with sauce and garnish: pork.

A beat past. The smell of the cooked pork wafted into her face. Mai's nails dug into her palms, at war with herself.

She couldn't leave.

Not now.

Not when she was finally getting answers.

She just needed to hang on.

She just needed to calm down.

She just needed- fresh air. Now.

Abruptly Mai stood, her chair nearly tipping over in her haste.

"Mai? Hey-"

In any other situation, the sharp note of worry in Ayako's voice would have given Mai pause, but nothing could stop her now, desperate to put as much space between herself and the cursed main course the entire banquet hall was relishing.

Mai rushed past tables, heedless of the looks being thrown at her, and entered the hall leading towards the lobby. The space here was blessedly empty, and she only encountered a few confused waitstaff. She ignored them (Miss? Can I help you?), and without hesitating, hurried through the entrance to the theater.

Nausea. Dizziness. A pounding head.

These were the symptoms she always suffered passing through the theater's double doors. But they weren't the cause this time.

Mai halted, catching hold of the railing at the top of the stairs, taking deep breaths of cool night air. She wasn't sure how long she had been standing there, willing her stomach to settle, when she noticed it. The sobbing. Mai straightened up, the anguished sound enough to banish anything she was feeling. She cast around, searching for the source. Though clouds heavy with impending rain passed over it, a full moon shone down on Nozomi. She couldn't miss the huddled form halfway down the staircase.

A leaden feeling filled Mai, a heavy pit forming inside her. Slowly, she made her way down the steps.

"Nari?"

Mai's voice was barely above a whisper, not wishing to startle the actress. Her efforts were in vain. The young woman instantly tensed and stood, her wide eyes meeting Mai's.

"Are you alright..?"

Mai's words spilled out of her mouth before she could even think, instinctive at seeing the tears shining on the actress' cheeks, her mascara smudged.

Nari stared blankly at her for an instant, almost as if she thought she might act her way out it, feigning composure- before sinking back down to the step she stood on.

"Mai, I'm sorry. Please, please can you just pretend you didn't find me like this. My- my mother thinks I- I should be over him, but this-"

This.

Mai's heart fell through her feet.

She knew exactly what this was.

A diamond and sapphire ring sitting on Miss Miyuki's finger.

"How can I be okay with this?"

Nari was crying again. Mai bit her lip and crouched down, a couple steps up. Silently, she reached out, placing a comforting hand on her back, patting gently.

After a few moments, Nari seemed to remember her company, and made an effort wiping at her face. She sent an apologetic look up at Mai.

"I'm- I'm not making much sense, am I?"

Mai's lips parted, wanting to say that she understood her, but then hesitated. She knew more than she should.

Nari nodded in the pause, speaking quietly,"My behavior must seem strange...I can explain."

The actress drew in a steadying breath, but her eyes were already welling up again.

"You- you know. You know how I feel about Joji. Well...it's over. It's- it's over."

Mai's hand froze on Nari's back. The hollow sound of the lost hope in Nari's voice making her chest tighten.

"Why do you say that...?"

It was a stubborn question. Unwilling. Again, and again Mai had fought the comparison between Nari and herself, the parallels in their love lives, but in that moment they were suddenly the same. Mai felt tied to her fate. If it was hopeless for Nari, then...

"Miss Miyuki."

Mai already knew the answer, but somehow she still felt as if the wind was knocked out of her. She couldn't even repeat the name.

"You...you must be surprised. They hate each other, don't they? But you don't know..."

Mai's hand retreated. She straightened up, rigid.

This was it.

This was the story she had waited for.

And suddenly she couldn't bear to hear it.

"Nari, you don't have to-"

Nari's fingers lay twisted together in her lap, she stared down at them as she spoke.

"I grew up three houses down from the Sachi residence. Our families were neighbors. Joji was an upperclassmen that would walk me home from school. He had an amazing imagination, and he would tell me fascinating stories. Later, he would say those were his first plays."

The wistful smile Nari gave before she continued made Mai's heart clench.

"I started acting in school plays when I was eleven, and Joji started helping out at the theater on weekends that same year. We finally had something in common, something to bring us closer together. There was someone else though. Someone who also shared the same passion. Mr. Miyuki's daughter."

Miss Miyuki.

Here Nari stopped for a moment, even the mention of the woman giving her trouble. Mai frowned, an unexpected lump rising in her throat. Considering the actress' feelings, she tried again,

"Nari, it's okay, really..."

The young woman shook her head and reached back, taking Mai's hand.

"It's fine, Mai. I want you to know."

Mai slowly nodded, squeezing the hand she was given as Nari picked up where she left off.

"Kioko- sorry, Toki, Miyuki was in Joji's grade. After Joji started volunteering at the theater, he began walking her home instead of me. It made me jealous and I realized that my admiration for Joji was something more. I kept the crush to myself. It was horrible. Especially when they announced they were dating the next summer."

"Dating...?" Mai spoke, unable to help herself.

Every debate she'd had with Bou-san about what seemed to be between Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki, replayed in her mind. Every theory. Every doubt.

But just like that.

They were silenced.

Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki had dated.

First Love.

"Yes," Nari confirmed with eyes downcast. "I was so upset. In a childish fit I even hashed out Miss Miyuki's initials that she and Joji had carved into one of the benches at the outdoor theater, replacing them with my own."

The initials.

Mai blinked in recognition.

She had seen them first hand.

A blush crept over the actress' features, apparently embarrassed at her past. Mai pretended not to notice, thinking of the antics she had pulled facing off against Masako. She wasn't in a position to pass judgment.

"When Joji turned sixteen, Mr. Miyuki made him playwright. He had just opened his 9th theater, and had plans for a 10th. He had to leave Nozomi to oversee these theaters. In the meantime, he needed someone he could trust running his original theater. Joji had proven himself, practically living at the theater after school for the past three years, helping with absolutely everything. One of the first things Joji did once he was playwright, was scout me. I was proud...and flattered. Six months later, I made my debut in a supporting role. It was Joji's debut too, his first play as playwright. Miss Miyuki was there as well...she designed the costumes. It was the best moment, I don't think I was ever so happy. Mr. Miyuki even surprised us by showing up on opening day, he had gone north for the last month, working on staffing the 10th theater. There's a picture he took that day, somewhere..."

In Mr. Miyuki's office.

In Mrs. Motoshi's living room.

Mai had seen it.

Bright smiles. Arms draped around each other.

Not friends.

Mai finally understood.

Rivals.

"Then the Miyuki divorce happened," Nari continued, pulling Mai out of her thoughts abruptly. Unconsciously, she gripped the actress' hand tighter, hanging on her every word.

"Yoshi Miyuki was tired. She had spent much of the last ten years raising Miss Miyuki alone while Mr. Miyuki traveled. She asked him to make a choice: her or his theaters. You can imagine how difficult it was for him to be given such an ultimatum. They separated...but not before...Joji proposed."

"Proposed?" Mai repeated, every thought of subtly gone. Caution thrown to the wind, "Mr. Miyuki proposed to...Miss Miyuki?"

If Nari found her interest strange, she didn't show it.

"It wasn't made public...but our families were neighbors. Kaiyo Sachi visited my mother, she told her everything. How at seventeen, she didn't think her son was ready to settle down. Even still, she brought the ring to show off. I saw it. A silver band, a diamond surrounded by sapphires."

Mai felt her stomach twist.

The full meaning of the ring sitting on Miss Miyuki's finger hitting her.

Mr. Sachi had proposed again.

Mai didn't know how Nari managed to speak, but she seemed determined to finish, her fingers wrapped around Mai's as if hanging on to a lifeline.

"It- it turned out Yoshi Miyuki didn't think Mr. Sachi was ready to settle down either. She forbid the engagement. Joji didn't listen...he begged Miss Miyuki to accept him, but in the end, she returned the ring, and left Nozomi to live with her mother."

She didn't accept him.

What has changed?

"And she didn't return to Nozomi...until this year?" Mai asked, attempting to connect the part of the story she knew, to the one being told.

Nari nodded, face pale in the moonlight.

"Yes, after almost seven years. She didn't even attend Mr. Miyuki's funeral. After Miss Miyuki left, Joji...really threw himself into his work. I was made lead actress. He wrote many plays for me, and he...even acted along side me. We kept the theater, and Mr. Miyuki's memory, going together."

The actress looked back at Mai with a smile, but it wavered.

"I- I had stayed in love with him. Saying it now, I sound so foolish, but thought maybe...and then Nozomi celebrated the first Festival of Lilies in Mr. Miyuki's honor. As you might recall...Wise Obasan made us her chosen that year."

Nari had taken her hand from Mai. Mai caught her brushing at her cheek. The painful gesture made the corner of Mai's eyes suddenly burn.

"And so...like something out of a dream, we started dating. It's hard to believe, but everyday was like a fairytale. I was doing the job I loved, with the man I loved, and he...said he loved me back. Every- everybody- expected an- an engagement."

Nari's shoulders were shaking. Her tears were falling thick and fast now. She did nothing to stop them.

"After tonight it looks like there will be one. Just not- not mine."

Mai pursed her lips, unable to speak. It was all too much. But it was as if the actress couldn't help pouring her heart out.

"I- I just don't understand. She comes here to take everything from him, and- and he gives her his ring."

Mai felt cold, and she knew it wasn't just from the chill of the night air. Nari caught her troubled expression and took it for surprise.

"That's right," she nodded, a terrible finality in her voice,"I saw the ring again tonight. On Miss Miyuki."

"Are you sure...?" Mai spoke. It was useless. She had seen it for herself, but suddenly every part of her desperately wanted to deny everything.

Nari's answer was tired.

"How could I ever mistake it?"

A ruthless breeze blew through Nozomi, stirring Mai's hair. She didn't realize she was shivering until an unexpected warmth enveloped her. Confused, Mai grabbed at the lapels of the dinner jacket that was now draped over her shoulders. The telltale scent of tea filled Mai's senses, and her wide eyes rose to meet her boss, who was standing a couple steps above her.

What is he doing here?

"Is everything alright?"

Nari ducked her head, discreetly, wiping at her cheeks.

Mai spoke, buying the actress a moment to compose herself.

"Things are fine." Her lie was short, not trusting herself to say any more.

"You ran out of the dining hall." Naru's response, simple and undeniable, demanded some kind of explanation.

Mai swallowed past the lump in her throat, attempting to get hold of herself enough to say something believable, but all she seemed to manage was a small,

"I'm fine."

Nari now stood, and Mai could feel her gaze shift between the two of them. It was a careful look of understanding.

"You'll have to excuse me," she spoke, already climbing the steps, "I should be getting back, my mother is waiting."

Mai's lips parted, wanting to protest.

She couldn't imagine Nari returning to the same table that Miss Miyuki and Mr. Sachi sat at.

But there was no way to her change her mind. Mai knew the look, she wanted to leave them alone.

It was the last thing Mai wanted. She couldn't afford to be alone with Naru. Not like this.

She was too emotional.

Sensitive.

Vulnerable.

Naru spoke first into the charged silence.

"What were you doing out here?"

Mai, watching Nari's red dress disappear through the double doors, drew herself up to stand.

"I went looking for Nari." Part of her, the exhausted part, didn't care if she sounded convincing or not.

How long has he been here?

Mai's gaze shifted from the double doors, to her feet, unwilling to look at her boss.

Naru persisted.

"What did you talk about?"

Did he overhear something...?

Mai finally looked up.

"Why?"

You wouldn't understand.

He didn't answer, holding her stare instead. Mai broke away quickly, sure that he would notice.

Her red eyes.

Her unsteady breaths.

Naru's stare remained. Mai found herself fidgeting. She rubbed at the back of her neck. It was almost a habit now. All night, the same spot had been bothering her.

What does he want...?

"You should take it off."

Mai froze at the answer.

The emotions that clung to her, overwhelming and draining, cleared for one instant to let a single feeling through: panic.

But Mai was instantly scolding herself.

He isn't a mind reader, Taniyama!

He can't be.

Mai clenched her jaw and glanced down at the only thing she was wearing that could be reasonably taken off. Mai gave a huff.

Jerk, it was all just for show, wasn't it?

Annoyance helping suppress the ache gripping her heart, Mai began slipping an arm out of Naru's dinner jacket, marching up the steps in the process, "I don't have anything contagious you know- no one was making you share it in the first place, here take it back..."

"I didn't mean the coat."

Mai halted, the jacket dangling halfway off her frame.

Not the coat?

A flash of color rose to her cheeks.

Then, what...?

Mai felt like she was on a seesaw, her emotions shifting dramatically from one side to the other.

"Turn around."

There was no time to ask for explanations, Naru was already coming down a step.

Suddenly there's that feeling again. The same as earlier that night. A sort of hyper-awareness.

He's out of view, behind her.

But it seems her every breath is of tea.

There's warmth that has to be more than her own body heat.

Or was she imagining it...?

The brush of Naru's fingers at the nape of neck nearly jolts her out of skin.

She wasn't imagining that.

What-

But before she could turn around and confront her boss, there was a tug and a snap.

"You left the tag on."

It's a moment before Mai can catch up to his words.

She stares at the price tag in Naru's hand, and it finally occurs to her.

Niko's dress.

Oh.

You should take it off.

Oh.

"That'swhat that was? How did you..."

Mai trailed off.

She was facing Naru now.

Face to face, she realizes with a start.

The stairs, she standing one above, and he standing one below, evening out their height.

Mai was suddenly grateful for the dark surrounding her. She's certain her cheeks are burning red. She's never been this close. Near enough to count each of his eyelashes. Near enough that if she leaned forward, she could...

"You never answered my question."

Mai feels her emotional seesaw tilt again.

Irritation, and something deeper.

Hurt.

The blushing fantasy that Mai had escaped to, disappeared like a mirage.

"It was nothing."

Nari's heartbreak.

Nari's fate.

It was anything but nothing.

"That's not what it seems like."

Mai bit the inside of her cheek, cursing his unfailing sense of perception.

The seesaw Mai was stuck on now moved at a disorienting rate, up and down, up and down.

Pain and anger.

Sorrow and bitterness.

She clung to her temper, hiding behind it. It was all that was keeping the lump in her throat in check.

"You never answered my question."

It was her best tactic, deflection.

"Why do you care?"

A beat passed. A kind of standoff, neither of them speaking. And then, Naru exhaled, turning his head. Mai felt her shoulders relax a fraction, free from the weight of his gaze.

"We should go back."

Mai shook her head.

"You can, I'm not."

"You're not going to eat?"

"I don't have an appetite."

"They're going to ask about you."

Mai felt a stab of heat in her stomach.

"Who? Miss Miyuki?"

Naru locked eyes with her once again.

"Matsuzaki-san. Miss Motoshi. They will wonder where you're at."

His answer is matter-of-fact and rational, and Mai hates it.

In the time it takes for Mai to try and collect herself, Naru is speaking again.

"You brought up Miss Miyuki earlier. What exactly do you have against her?"

Is he defending her?

Mai's heart pounds in her chest.

"What is there to like about her?"

Three meals.

"You've had breakfast, lunch, and dinner with her now. Was it that great? I told you, you shouldn't get used to it. She'll be eating with Mr. Sachi from now on."

"Mr. Sachi?"

And just like that, the fire in her stomach went out, her jealousy burning to ashes. She knew it. She should have never been left alone with him. She's saying things she shouldn't be saying. There's a tremor in her voice, but she can't seem to stop the rush of words, like a child tattle-telling on a playground.

"You know. Our client. The one sitting at the table right now, wearing Nari's cufflinks?"

Mai swallows hard, but she can feel it. The lump there, getting in the way.

"Nari and Mr. Sachi were Wise Obasan's chosen once, did you know?"

Like us.

"Maybe the title is a curse?"

Naru is wavering in front of her, Mai's vision is blurring.

"Mai, what does this have to do with Miss Miyuki? Tell me."

"Everything."

"How?"

"It's Miss Miyuki who is wearing his ring."

Mai can hardly hear her own voice over the blood rushing in her ears, but her confession continues.

"It's not fair."

She's breathing strangely now, like she can't get enough air.

"She waited, she hung on. It wasn't just her feelings, there were moments- he had to feel the same, but then...then some other person walks in, and that's it? It's over? Just like that?"

Mai stands there, hands clenched at her sides.

She knows she's being unreasonable.

She's demanding answers Naru can't give.

This isn't about him.

Or was it?

The lines she's drawn between her situation and Nari's are fading.

She's no longer confident in saying it's all that different.

"Does he even know?"

Her lips are trembling, but somehow they form the words.

"Does he even know how in love she is?"

Mai stops there. She can't speak anymore. Her heart is in her throat.

"Mai."

She can't meet his gaze. The stair she stands on swims before her eyes.

"You're crying."

Ah, so he can tell. Just great Taniyama...

"Don't."

Something brushes Mai's face. On instinct, she makes to take a step back, but can't. Looking up is a knee-jerk reaction. Confused, she blinks and fresh tears escape, clearing her vision. That's when she see's it. Naru's hand is extended towards her, his knuckles, hovering just above her cheek.

"Not over him."

Mai's eyelashes cling together, wet. She stares at him, stunned.

There's something in his tone. Her ears are ringing with it.

Was it an order?

Like one a boss would give his subordinate?

Don't miss temping that room.

Don't forget to make tea.

Or was it plea?

Like one lovers ask of each other?

Don't go.

Don't shut me out.

The question is burning the tip of her tongue, but in the end, she just can't bring herself to ask. Instead, she turns away from him, rubbing the heels of her palms over her eyes, as if that could somehow rub out the emotions lingering there.

"There you are, Cinderella."

Mai startled.

Bou-san?

Lowering her hands, Mai looked past Naru's shoulder, to see the monk standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"What are you doing here?"

"Isn't that my line? I looked all over Nozomi for you."

His reproach is soft, but Mai still feels the sting of guilt.

I should have told you.

Nothing had gone right without him.

Bou-san was climbing the stairs now, and Mai could practically hear the gears turning in his head as he attempted to read the situation. Thankfully, Naru had the presence of mind to move to the side, so she was saved that explanation, but...

"Hey...what's this all about?"

Mai felt a touch at her cheek, Bou-san reaching out to her. Mai's skin warmed, thinking about the hand that his replaced.

"Ah, it's nothing...the wind-" Mai began awkwardly, but the monk paid her no heed, shooting a suspicious glance at their boss.

"Prince Charming make you cry? That's not how the story goes."

"How does it go then? Do tell."

Ayako?

There was the click of heels coming down the stairs, and Mai batted Bou-san's hand away, hurriedly wiping at her face.

She can't see me like this.

"No takers?" the miko prompted, coming to stand beside Mai, arms crossed, glancing between the three of them.

Avoiding Ayako, Mai took an interest in the view beyond the theater, the festival grounds lit up the in blue dark of gathering rain clouds.

Bou-san's eyebrows raised,

"You're here too?"

He nudged Mai, throwing her a look of mock hurt, which she didn't see, before turning back to Ayako.

"Seems like you should be telling me what's going on, huh?"

The priestess scoffed,

"As if. These two seem determined to lead me on a wild goose chase tonight."

Without thinking, Mai faced the miko in protest,

"I wasn't feeling well."

"That's an understatement. How could you let her leave the Inn like that?" Bou-san demanded, rounding on the miko.

"Me? I caught her sneaking out and she drug me along."

Mai was suddenly aware of Naru's stare.

His earlier question closed in on her.

What are you doing here?

But before anything else could be said, Ayako was grabbing at Mai's chin, peering in concern at her blotchy complexion, and puffy eyes.

"You've been crying?"

Mai experienced emotional whiplash at the question.

The ring.

Nari's story.

The ache of a broken heart.

Her silence incriminating, she floundered for a good excuse, about to blame the wind again, when Naru answered for her.

"She's fine."

What?

Mai's head jerked to the side, instinctively looking towards her boss, but Ayako's grip held firm, and she was left unable to read his expression, to catch his meaning.

He was repeating what she had told him earlier, as if he believed it.

As if he hadn't just seen her tears first hand.

As if he didn't just wipe them away.

She was anything but fine.

He was lying for her.

Why?

Ayako was ready to argue, plainly unconvinced, but another voice spoke first.

"Everything alright here?"

Lin stood at the top of the stairs.

The miko released Mai's chin and crossed her arms again,

"Just fine."

"Will we be finishing dinner?"

The question was a good one.

"We're Miss Miyuki's guests," Naru answered simply, leaving them to join Lin, but not before pausing at Bou-san, "Mai doesn't have an appetite, you should take her back."

Mai was free to stare this time, and she did, watching as he climbed the steps.

She knew he didn't believe that.

He's letting me off the hook.

"I'll tell Nari you're fine," Ayako said, her tone cool, making to follow Naru, but then, she relented- dumping further orders on the monk, "Make her drink some water, and put something in her stomach, and go straight to bed-"

"What do you think I was doing before you lured her out here to play fairy-tale"

Ayako snapped back that this wasn't her idea, and the two of them bickered as she ascended the stairs, but Mai was oblivious to everything except Naru, watching as his moonlit figure stopped to speak with Lin.

He was going back to dinner.

With Miss Miyuki.

The thought made her stomach twist.

"Oy, Mai. You in there?"

Mai blinked at the hand on her shoulder, recalling Bou-san's presence.

"It's nearly midnight, and your carriage awaits."

Mai glanced at the bottom of the stairs, the dusty ground empty.

"My carriage...?"

"Your imagination can conjure Naru as Prince Charming, but you can't stretch it a bit more?"

The monk crouched down on the step below her.

"I'm the carriage. Get on."

That Bou-san.

A kind of fondness stirred in Mai's fragile heart. He knew how tired she must be.

Unable to resist such an offer, Mai placed her arms around his neck- but then hesitated, pulling back.

There was a problem.

"Bou-san, I'm in a dress."

"Oh. Right."

He straightened up.

"Well, in that case-"

And in the next instant, Mai was quite literally swept off her feet. The monk had picked her up bridal style. Confirming that her dress was lying modestly against her legs, he proceeded to carry her down the rest of the stairs.

"Come on, let's get out of here. There's only so much time until I turn into a pumpkin," he quipped with a wink.

Mai managed a smile in return, but it faltered a bit when she saw him wrinkle his nose suddenly.

"What?"

The monk's eyes flicked down at her, his expression still unpleasant.

"You smell like him."

Mai's hand slipped, nearly losing her grip on the monk.

"What?"

"Ah- careful," he scolded, having to readjust his hold. Satisfied she wasn't going to fall, he persisted.

"How did you end up in his coat anyway?"

Mai followed his gaze to the black jacket wrapped around her.

"I was cold," she explained, dismissing it casually despite her burning face.

Nevermind that she hadn't actually told Naru that.

"Living up to his Prince Charming title, huh?"

Bou-san's face remained scrunched up, and Mai found herself growing flustered.

"I can take it off-"

The words were barely out of her mouth before she recalled the moment she shared with Naru earlier.

You should take it off.

Her skin went practically scarlet.

"You sure you're cold? You look flushed to me."

The monk's serious tone took her off guard.

"Hm?"

"Are you running a temperature?"

Mai was red out of embarrassment now.

She had made Bou-san worry.

"I don't think so."

Bou-san nodded, contemplating this answer.

"So, if you're not sick...what was it that made you so upset?"

The color ebbed from Mai's face. It was as if someone had dug a finger into a fresh bruise.

Her earlier confession to Naru echoed in her head.

It was all too fresh.

She swallowed thickly, somehow speaking around the newly formed lump in her throat.

"I was right Bou-san."

"About what?"

"She's in love."

"Who?"

"Miss Miyuki."

"How do you know?"

"She was wearing his ring."

Something wet slid down Mai's cheek, and she touched at it in confusion.

I'm crying?

But then it was the same on her other cheek.

On the back of her neck.

On her forehead...

"Rain?"

Bou-san cursed as the hiss of the sudden shower picked up. He made it a few more yards with Mai in his arms, before coming to a stop, and letting her down.

"What black luck!", he shouted to be heard over the downpour, "You'll catch your death like that, hold still-"

The monk proceeded to undo the shiny buttons of his military jacket, pulling it off in one motion, and draping it over Mai's head.

They ran the rest of the way back to the Inn. There was a cluster of people packed at the entrance, also hurrying to seek shelter. Bou-san none too politely pushed his way past them, tugging Mai along. Offended, they muttered vicious comments after them.

"Hey-"

"Isn't that the Mai girl?

"Out so late? Scandalous."

"Who's she with?"

"Isn't that the man Wise Obasan said is her chosen?"

"No, that's the smarmy one."

Bou-san flashed them an extra rude salute as they entered the hall.

"It's technically our last day on this case," he shrugged, "my patience is done."

Last day.

It had to be past midnight now.

He was right.

The thought was so absorbing that Mai didn't notice they weren't headed to her room until they were standing outside of the monk's.

"Bou-san, I know you gave me your coat- but the rain," Mai pointed out, plucking at her soaked dress.

"I'll bring you back, but for now we have an important check-in to make and I'm not letting you out of my sight."

There was that pang of guilt again, and Mai found she could only nod through her confusion and follow the monk inside.

The door opened on a warmly lit room, the oil lamps turned up, the lashing rain safely shut outside the window. Examining the whole, Mai saw it was much how she left it. Empty coffee cups made small towers on the surfaces. Evidently Bou-san had been showing off his guitar, as it was out, leaning in the corner. The dirty clothes that were spilling out of his suitcase were shoved to one side because there was a sleeping bag dominating much of the floor space, and on it sat-

"John?"

The young priest scrambled up from where he was sitting cross legged, reading over some papers. He was wearing a powder blue pajama set, the fancy silk kind with the button up shirt, and pocket on the chest.

Mai chastised herself for her surprise in seeing him.

I forgot.

He's sleeping here now.

"Are you alright?" he greeted, taking her shoulders in his hands and giving them a squeeze.

"Did you go for a swim?" a second voice asked, and standing up from Bou-san's bed was Masako.

She was still wearing her dress of the evening (black, short, sleeves off the shoulder) clearly having not turned in for the night.

"Do you have any towels?" she asked Bou-san, as she breezed into his bathroom.

Mai had the sudden impression they had waited up for her, and she felt her cheeks warm again.

The monk gently nudged Mai towards his bed, having her take a seat.

"See, a very important check-in," he said, nodding towards the two, "When I saw you were gone, I sent them to the festival grounds to search for you."

"But the note-"

"I didn't find that until twenty minutes ago."

Mai experienced a fresh wave of guilt, but was distracted by Masako who promptly dropped the towel she had found on Mai's head, giving it a few haphazard rubs. Mai yanked the towel away, slightly annoyed, as it wasn't her hair that was all that wet (thanks to Bou-san's coat), and began pat drying her dress.

"So? Where were you?" the medium demanded, sitting down on the free corner of Bou-san's bed.

The monk took his drenched jacket from Mai's lap, studying it's state of ruin.

"She was having dinner with Naru."

That Bou-san.

Masako stiffened, then she turned sharply towards Mai.

"You went to the sponsor's dinner?"

"I thought it was invitation only?" John spoke up, having returned to his spot on his sleeping bag.

"It is. I had an invitation."

"How?"

Mai chanced a glance at Masako, devoid of any satisfaction.

There was nothing to relish in the medium's jealousy.

The night had ended in tears.

It's not what you think.

Masako suddenly stood, looking down at her.

"It wasn't Mr. Sachi. You didn't accept his invitation."

Mai locked eyes with the medium, taken aback.

She shook her head no, and instantly Masako seemed to relax. The tension leaving her, Masako sat down again.

"Good. You shouldn't buy in to his charms."

A strange thought occurred to Mai.

The medium hadn't been upset because of Naru.

She isn't jealous?

"Who did you go with?"

"Nari," Mai answered, focusing again on drying off instead of the surge of emotions that rose with the name.

"And Ayako," the monk chimed in, rejoining them after having grabbed a towel of his own, rifling it through his damp hair.

"She was invited?"

"Nah, just in on the secret. I thought we were besties, but I know where I rank now. "

Mai looked to the monk in protest, but his sparkling eyes told her he was only being half-serious.

"Weren't you sick though?"

John's question was laced with true concern. Mai gave what she hoped was a reassuring smile.

"I got feeling better."

Until that main course.

"That's not what Ayako made it sound like," Bou-san countered, "I believe I'm under strict orders to feed, water, and get you to bed."

Masako leaned toward the end table next to the monk's bed, reaching for the water pitcher sitting there. She filled a cup, pensive.

"I'm curious, were there a lot of people there?"

Mai accepted the glass of water from her, imagining the theater, currently stuffed full with the who's who this side of Japan.

"Nari said over one-hundred people attend every year. It seemed like at least that much."

John looked from Mai, to Masako, and then back.

"Did it seem like they were going to raise a lot in donations?"

Mai lowered her glass.

"I'm not sure...why?"

John glanced at Masako again, and then picked up the papers Mai noticed when she first walked in, handing them to her.

They were written on in a flowing scrawl that was hard to read, but Mai was able to make out a few sets of figures.

¥ 20,300

¥ 50,500

¥ 101,000

¥ 70,765

"I don't understand," Mai began, staring hard at each stroke, as if the meaning would suddenly jump out at her.

"Here- let me see," Bou-san said, helping himself to the papers and the narrow spot beside her.

Mai made room for him, attempting to get away from the touch of the his wet clothing.

"They're invoices," he spoke after a moment, "Rudimentary. Like an IOU of sorts."

Masako nodded, and the monk continued.

"They're charges for dress making and costumes. Made out to...Mr. Sachi."

Mai's stomach lurched at the mention of the playwright, a combination of nerves and...intuition.

"How do you have these?"

"The seamstresses."

Bou-san looked up from the papers in his hands, eyebrows raised.

"You met with those old biddies?"

"We searched every stall at the festival."

Mai shifted where she sat, avoiding the pressure of Masako's stare.

Bou-san smirked at John.

"I bet they were happy tosee you."

The young priest scratched at the back of his neck, "Actually...they were pretty upset."

Upset?

Mai glanced at John.

"At you?"

He gave a quick sheepish look, waving his hands.

"Not at us. At Mr. Sachi."

Bou-san held up the invoices,

"He hasn't paid them?"

"No."

"Why...?" Mai spoke, a nagging feeling at the back of her mind.

She recalled being caught in the playwright's office earlier that day.

What he had said when he thought she was investigating there.

Don't tell me you're supposed to temp my office? I can tell you, it's the least haunted room in the theater, the most frightening thing to happen here is when I open the bills...

"Because he can't. The theater is heavily in debt."

Debt?

Mai met Masako's gaze in surprise.

"How do you know that?"

"The seamstresses told us. Mr. Sachi's been cheating them for months, apparently. They said if we're not careful, he'll cheat us too."

The scorn in the medium's voice was undeniable.

Bou-san let out a low whistle.

"Does Naru know?"

Masako shook her head,

"I don't think so. I'll give him a full report tomorrow."

Bou-san cracked a smile,

"It is tomorrow."

Masako glanced at the clock on Bou-san's wall.

"You're right. It's the last day of the case..."

Last day.

The words rang in Mai's ears.

"Just think, in less than twenty-four hours we'll be free of this town," the monk sighed, standing up and making his way to where his dry clothes were thrown on the floor.

Less than twenty-four...

"Do you think they'll close the theater?"

It was John who asked the question, but Mai's heart skipped a beat.

"The theater isn't haunted, so yes."

Mai frowned at the medium. She knew that tone. It was the same tone she had used the entire case.

She doesn't believe.

"But even if it was, Miss Miyuki still has every right to close it. It's a money trap and if I were in her shoes, I would do the same, especially with the expense of planning such a huge wedding."

Mai felt as if she had missed a step climbing stairs. Across the room she heard Bou-san's suitcase his the floor rather hard.

"Miss Miyuki's getting married?" the monk spoke, finding his voice first.

"At a vineyard in California, according to the internet."

"You just thought to look her up?"

"After that magazine article Ayako found, I wanted to know more."

"What's your source?"

"Miss Miyuki. She runs a blog for her fashion house. She made the announcement last January."

"Why California?"

"It's where her fiance's from. He proposed to her on the beach they met at. There were pictures,"she added for the monk's benefit.

"She met him on vacation?"

"No. Her mother is a second generation Japanese-American. After the divorce, they went to live with family there. "

"She posted all that?"

Masako tilted her head at the monk,

"Is it so hard to believe? She's a successful young woman, why shouldn't she get married? Is there something I don't know?"

Bou-san hesitated, but then shrugged.

"It's just surprising."

"Well, the seamstresses confirmed it."

"They spoke about Miss Miyuki too?"

"I asked them about her."

"Have they always been this chatty?"

A half smile came to the John's lips,

"I think the sake helped, they were drinking when we arrived..."

"Oh."

"When is it?" Mai suddenly spoke, breaking her silence.

Masako looked to her not understanding.

"The wedding I mean..." she clarified.

"I think I read it's been scheduled for next spring."

From across the room, Bou-san threw her a look: did you know?

Mai shook her head slowly.

Impossible.

Mai wasn't imagining things.

Mai had seen the ring on Miss Miyuki's finger.

Nari had seen it too.

The actress had cried her heart out.

Mai had cried too.

Don't.

Not over him.

Naru's voice carried back to her.

Is that what he had meant?

Did he know her tears were useless?

A touch on her shoulder pulled Mai out of her thoughts, Bou-san passing into the bathroom with his dry clothes in tow.

"I'll be out in a second, then I'm taking you back," he promised, closing the door behind him.

"I should be leaving too," Masako decided, coming to stand, "now that I know you weren't kidnapped by the Koku's or lying in a hospital somewhere with food poisoning."

Mai wrinkled her nose at the exaggeration, but then her face softened.

"I'm sorry I worried you."

"Don't feel too bad," John reassured kindly, his eyes dancing with mischief at the medium, he added, "we got a nice date out of it, didn't we?"

Mai blinked in confusion, but Masako seemed in on the joke, taking it in stride.

"Those old biddies..."

The priest stood, intercepting her at the door,

"Wait, what kind of date would I be without walking you to your room?"

"A poor one, thank you."

And with a friendly wave from John, they were gone.

Mai let a long breath and flopped back on the bed, the events of the night spinning around in her head.

Miss Miyuki was getting married.

But to who?

The invisible fiance, or the one right in front of her?

"Oy, ordinarily I wouldn't mind if you stayed, but something tells me John and I wouldn't fit in that sleeping bag very well."

The monk was staring down at her. He was wearing a black shirt with English writing (Make Love, Not War) and flowy black jersey sweat pants. His hair had dried sticking up in odd directions.

"You look funny."

"You look like the water god's bride. Come on, let's get you out of that."

Mai sat up and followed the monk from the room.

"At least you're not Sachi's bride," he murmured, letting her go ahead first.

Mai frowned passing him,

"Too soon Bou-san, too soon."