Mai hummed happily as she entered the SPR office. After hanging her coat up the coat rack and placing her purse on her desk, she went straight to the kitchen to make tea. Lin thanked her quietly when she brought him his cup. Naru raised an eyebrow as he watched Mai enter his office as she was still humming happily. He watched her place the tea on his desk and then walked out of the office. Curiosity filled him as the door shut quietly. Quickly, he finished his tea despite the hot temperature that could burn his tongue. He got up from his seat and headed to the kitchen to put the cup away. As he was out, he watched Mai filing paper work that he placed on her desk. He tilted his head slightly, still curious about her good mood.
"Mai," he called. His assistant stopped humming and looked at him with a straight face.
"Is there something you need?" she asked curiously since he has been silent for a while. Mai tilted her head as well, curious to what her boss was going to say. Naru cleared his throat as he ignored the foreign feeling in his chest. He watched her eyes gaze at him and his thoughts broke him when she let out a small pout. 'Why is she so cute?' he thought to himself. He mentally shook his head so his thoughts wouldn't go further about her.
"Tea," he said curtly and immediately walked back in to his office. She watched him march back inside with a puzzled look.
"He's being a tad odd," she said to herself and headed back to the kitchen to make his second cup for the day. She knocked on his office door. Naru responded so she went inside and placed the tea on his desk. Naru took a sip and didn't bother to glance up at her. Mai just stood there, waiting for a response. Naru's gaze was fixated on his laptop screen. Mai humphed with an irritated look on her face and stomped out of his office with the door slammed shut. Naru smiled. 'That's more like it,' he thought contently.
The office door opened with Takigawa and Ayako entering the office hand in hand. "Someone looks happy," Takigawa stated. Mai went up to the couple and hugged them.
"Still throwing your New Year party?" Ayako asked.
"Of course!" Mai answered excitedly. "You two are still coming right?"
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, Jou-chan!" Takigawa explained. Naru opened his office door and glared at the trio."
"This is a work place, not a social gathering," he stated. "Mai, tea."
"You're on a tea rampage today huh?" Mai mentioned as she headed to the kitchen. "It's a record. Three cups of tea in less than 20 minutes."
"I'm finding a way for you to work," Naru said back. "You're slacking today."
"I've only been here for 30 minutes. And like I said, the 20 minutes of work is making you tea."
"You have to file paperwork.
"You're not giving me a chance to!"
"You won't be able to make it to your party if you're slacking." Mai's face turned red with anger. Naru smirked and shut his office door. Ayako and Takigawa looked at each other then back at Mai.
"That jerk! He's purposely doing it!" Mai exclaimed. "He loves keeping me in the office late!"
"Now, now Mai. You know how Naru is," Ayako said with a sweat drop look. "Invite him and Lin to the party." Mai's shoulder slumped.
"I did," she answered. "Lin said maybe and Naru said, I quote him: I hate parties. I immediately left his office when he answered that."
"Well that's expected from our boss," Takigawa mentioned. Mai hung her head low so Takigawa placed his hand on her shoulder. She looked at him with sad eyes. "Don't worry Jou-chan! Ask Naru again. Find a way to convince him." Mai gave him a small smile. She picked up Naru's tea and headed in to his office again.
"Come in," he responded when she knocked on the office door. Mai slowly entered the office and gently closed the door behind her. Naru raised an eyebrow at the girl, an action that she doesn't do unless she wanted something. "What is it that you need?" he asked once the tea cup was placed in front of him. Mai stayed silent, finding a way to ask him. He observed her face and he could tell how nervous she was especially as her face was gradually turning pink. He was amused and Mai was too occupied to see another rare expression.
"N-Naru, I-I'm..." She paused and Naru slightly smirked. He knew, it's not like his office was sound proofed anyway.
"Mai, you know I hate parties," he simply stated. Mai frowned and hung her head low. She hated the fact that she really wanted him there. "However, I will participate tonight." Her snapped up and her shocked eyes met with his amused eyes. There was a glint in his eyes that she couldn't read but nonetheless, she smiled widely.
"I can't wait," she simply said and quickly walked to the door. "I'll finish all the paperwork soon. I still have to prepare for tonight and-"
"Mai." She stopped. Her hand was still on the doorknob and she turned her head to face him. "We'll leave together." Mai nodded with flushed cheeks and left his office. Naru smiled.
It was 6PM when Naru left his office. He watched Mai type away, which had him smile softly at her. Naru closed the door which got her attention.
"I'm almost done," she said and continued typing. Naru nodded and started to tidy up the main lounge. Mai smiled happily and shut off the laptop before getting up. She stretched her arms up before grabbing her backpack. She headed to the coatrack and grabbed her jacket. "I have to stop at a couple of restaurants on the way home if you don't mind."
"Let's go," he said, holding the door out for her. Mai thanked him and walked out. Naru grabbed her arm, to turn her around and face him. "Baka, it's cold out." Naru sighed and unwrapped the scarf around his neck and placed it around hers. Mai blushed at his simple, caring action. Naru then placed a hand on top of her head. "That's better."
When the two arrived at Mai's apartment, Takigawa and Ayako were already inside preparing. Naru gave Mai a look as she put her coat and Naru's scarf on the coat rack. Ayako caught Naru's glance and smirked.
"Don't worry, Mai gave us a copy of her key so we can start setting up, you workaholic," she said. Naru glared at Ayako while Mai set up the large batches of food in her kitchen. "Let's start cleaning up the living room." Naru nodded and followed her to the living room.
"I bought a few bottles of champagne and made a large batch of sangria. Also help yourself with the other drinks on the counter," Takigawa said to Mai. He then pulled out a small cooler. "And I have bottles of water. Yasuhara is coming soon."
"That's great! Masako said she can make it but I think it's because Naru agreed to finally go," Mai said sadly that mood was immediately replaced with happiness. "But at least we can all be together! John is coming as well." Takigawa gave her a soft smile and patted the top of her head. He leaned in closer to her ear and whispered to her.
"Naru came just for you," he whispered. Mai smiled and blushed, her eyes avoiding the monk's. She pretended to believe that the statement was true. 'Maybe he does like spending time with us. He was probably messing with me so I can ask him again,' she thought. "Is Lin coming?" Mai shook her head.
"Madoka is here," she answered. "They wanted to spend time together which I totally understand."
"Good for him! Now go get ready before everyone else arrives." By the time Mai showered and dressed up, everyone arrived at her apartment. Takigawa and Ayako were in the kitchen pouring them some drinks. Yasu, John, Masako, and Naru were in the living room talking. Of course Yasu and John were on the floor while Masako sat next to Naru on the couch, a little too close as well. Mai frowned but shoved the jealous feeling away and perked up. She wasn't going to let that ruin her end of the year. Naru's eyes moved to Mai as she walked to the kitchen. He kept a stoic face on but he had hoped for her to look at him to see the emotion in his eyes. He knew, of course, that she can read him like a book as well. He let her. He'll never admit it though. It's his own little secret. He wanted to let her know that he loved the loose turtleneck sweater on her. He loved the leggings that hugged her legs perfectly. He thought of her to be very cute and comfortable tonight. He noticed the simple headband to her hair was well. He thought it added more cuteness to her look. He didn't forget about the simple make up as well. Naru quietly cleared his throat as he stood up and walked to the kitchen.
"Oooh Naru-bou! I didn't think you would drink too," Takigawa said as he poured himself a cup of the sangria Takigawa made.
"Just a little bit," he said. "It is Mai's party after all." Mai blushed. Naru saw and he can tell that she enjoyed the look in his eyes. His eyes were happy but to everyone else, he remained stoic yet soft. Masako watched the scene and glared at the girl before giving her attention to Yasu and John. It was around 9 when Ayako started to dance with Takigawa.. Ayako, Takigawa, and Yasu had their fair amount to drink. Mai laughed happily and grabbed Yasu, who was closest to her, and danced with them. John joined in with them while Masako and Naru sat on the couch and watched. Naru took a sip of his drink.
"Do you care to dance?" Masako asked.
"No, I'm not a dancer," he replied. Masako nodded in response and remained in her seat. John picked up the remote and turned on the TV so the channel remained on the live stream of Tokyo, An hour passed. Everyone was in the living room with snacks and drinks nearby. John sat back down while the group continued to dance and Masako and Naru remained in their spot. When they were done, Yasu sat next to John. Takigawa and Ayako were on the floor with their backs against the wall. Naru stood up to give his seat to Mai but she stopped him. She was about to sit on the floor but Naru held her waist and plopped her on the couch next to Masako. Masako hmped at the innocent girl while Mai watched Naru sit on the arm rest next to her. Mai jumped since Naru started to fix her headband.
"Naru-bou, you alright there?" Takigawa asked with a smirk on his face.
"I never seen you this flushed before boss, "Yasu mentioned.
"It's the alcohol," Naru stated truthfully.
"Our little Naru is drunk huh?" Ayako said slyly. Naru shook his head.
"A little buzzed."
"You're awfully truthful tonight," Mai stated.
"Again, it's the alcohol," Takigawa, Yasu, and Ayako gave each other knowing looks. Yasu pushed his glasses up.
"Naru, doesn't Mai look adorable tonight?" he asked with a big smile on his face. Mai blushed.
"Yasuhara-san!" Mai exclaimed, the blush not leaving her face. Everyone minus Naru, Mai, and Masako laughed.
"Aww, come on boss! I'm curious! Plus I think you've been treating her extra special tonight."
"You guys are acting foolish," Masako stated, hiding her mouth behind her kimono sleeve. "As Naru said, he's been drinking."
"Naru can speak for himself," Ayako said sternly and irritably to the medium which resulted the girl to turn away from her. Masako watched Naru take another sip of his drink. Naru placed the cup on the table and placed his hand on Mai's head. Mai looked at him shyly and curiously. She can see the softness in his eyes to her.
"You are cute tonight," he said to her willingly; and turned to the TV to hide his extra reddened cheeks. "5 more minutes."
"Already?! Taki! Get the champagne ready! Hurry!" Ayako exclaimed and pushed him up off from the floor.
"I can never understand the excitement for the new year," Naru stated. "Everyone's day continues the same. It might just be an excuse to drink." Mai smiled.
"You're right but it's also a nice feeling knowing that a new year can be a clean slate," she answered. "And who doesn't want to end the year with the people you care about with food, drinks, and fun." Naru gave her his soft smile from her answer. John handed out cups while Takigawa and Yasu held the champagne bottle.
"5...4...3...2...1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Everyone int he room cheered, of course except Naru. Masako was soft as she greeted the new year. Everyone hugged and greeted each other a happy new year. Of course Takigawa and Ayako shared their new year kiss. Naru just greeted them a happy new year, avoiding hugs from his friends. But they knew that's just Naru. John and Yasu poured the champagne for everyone. After Mai and Masako gave each other a civil hug, they all took a drink of the champagne.
"Mai." Mai turned to Naru and gave him a puzzled look. There was something different about his expression.
"Naru, are you okay?" she asked but quietly gasped when she felt two arms wrap around her waist. Mai hid her face in his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck. 'I can't believe he's hugging me!' she mentally exclaimed. She can year Ayako, Takigawa, and Yasuhara cheer them on.
"Kiss! Kiss! KIss! Kiss!" the three chanted. John gave them teardrop looks while Masako glared and looked away from Mai and Naru with a haughty pout. Mai pulled away and looked at her drunk friends.
"Guys! Come on! That's...that's...hmmm!" This time Mai's lips met with Naru's. Naru cupped her face so she wouldn't pull away, at least not just yet. It took a second for Mai to register everything on what was happening. She smiled in the kiss and finally returned the kiss. Naru wrapped an around her waist once he felt he tremble. Everyone cheered them on.
"Finally!" Takigawa exclaimed happily. "What did I tell ya Jou-chan!" Mai and Naru pulled away from the kiss but kept their gaze to each other. A sudden cough broke their gaze and they turned to the group. Mai hid behind Naru's arm, suddenly feeling very, very shy.
"Let's continue this party!" Yasu exclaimed. While everyone started to chat and drink again, Mai slipped out for some fresh air. Naru noticed and followed her before grabbing his scarf off of the coat rack. He quietly closed the door and watched her lean forward against the rail, her eyes up on the starry sky. Slowly, Naru walked closer to her. She heard his footsteps and smiled but what made her jump was feeling cloth wrapped her neck. She quietly thanked him while Naru leaned forward against the rail next to her.
"Happy new year," Mai said shyly.
"Happy new year Mai." Silence engulfed them. Comfortable.
"W-What happens now?" Mai asked curiously. Naru glanced at her. He watched her body shake slightly from her nervousness and her gaze moving from side to side to avoid his eyes. Naru stayed silent however, wondering on how to answer her question. He knew what but how? "Sorry I asked. We should get back to them soon." Mai turned around and was about to head back inside.
"We go back to the party and I stay by your side for the rest of the night," he immediately said. Mai paused and turned back around. "Tomorrow, we can celebrate the new year together. We can watch movies or TV or we can go out and find something to do. Then the day after that, I'll pick you up for work. I greet you good morning and give you a good morning kiss. Also, I'll nag your butt to hurry up if we're late." Mai chuckled at that. "I would probably ask for tea often so I can see you more. Then after work, I plan to take you out for dinner, a date perhaps. I'll bring you home and give you a goodnight kiss. Maybe you can invite me for tea as well," Naru explained. Mai looked at him.
"Are you drunk?" He glared at her but she knew that he wasn't mad but caught off guard.
"No."
"Then what got you to hug and kiss me in front of everyone?" she asked curiously.
"The alcohol gave me a push." Mai smiled and tip-toed to his height to give him a soft kiss on the lips.
"I take your word for it," she said and walked to the door. She turned around to the shock Naru. She giggled which got his attention. "Coming?" Naru nodded. He wrapped an arm around her waist and opened the door for them to go back to the party with their friends.
