Mai cuddled up on the beanbag in base later that night, reading chapter 12 of Oliver Davis's latest book.

Shibuya caught himself staring more than once. She mouthed the words, and something didn't seem right about it at first. But then it dawned upon him. She was reading it in English. Shibuya was only vaguely aware that the books were translated in many languages, including Japanese, yet she was reading a book with writing intended for English students or higher.

She really was something.

She glanced up, saw that his tea was empty and made her way over, intending to make more.

"This what you meant by reading about your experiences?" Shibuya questioned, his voice breaking the relative silence. Lin was busy pouring over the monitors and Yasu was watching replays of the kitchen attack on his laptop. They both turned down their headphones and listened in.

"Well I was reading these before" Mai admitted. "But I started reading Oliver Davis papers when I found one on residual spirits. They are rather interesting"

"You read them in English?" Shibuya raised a brow, inviting conversation.

"I attempt to" Mai smiles. "Yasu has to help me out every so often."

"That was last year Mai" Yasu points out, watching Mai prepare tea.

"Has it been that long?" Mai furrowed her brows. "I didn't notice"

"Taniyama" Lin interrupted, his voice slow and unsure. "You said yesterday that the spirits that communicated with you before sounded like they were chocking, correct?"

"Yes, I did" Mai replied sceptically. Shibuya shared a shocked look with Lin. They figured something out.

"And you mentioned the one that attacked you today was dripping?" Shibuya added, his voice half asking half stating.

"Yes" Mai answered, unsure. Then it clicked. "Oh, you think they drowned?"

"Would explain why one tried to drown you" Yasu chipped it, taking the tea from Mai's hand. "But why were some mangled?"

"No idea" Shibuya admitted. "Is there a river or lake nearby, maybe below a cliff face?"

"No cliffs, but I'm pretty sure there is a few small lakes in the area" Yasu sipped his tea.

Mai handed one to Lin and handed on to Shibuya last. "I know where they are, I can show you"

"We should wait till morning and go have a look" Shibuya ordered.

~o0o~

Mai fell asleep around 1am, her book on the floor next to the sofa. Monk moved the blanket to cover her, before calling it a night and heading downstairs.

Lin had left for bed too, so it was just Mai and Shibuya left in base.

Mai was snoring gently, and Shibuya tried to ignore her. She was such an odd girl. But that drove him to want to get to know her better. See if she is really as sincere as she seemed, because he could totally peg her for just dense. He tried not to smile. If he called her so, he was sure her reaction would be amusing.

Mai began to stir, and it looked like she was having a bad dream. She grabbed at the duvet covering her, trying to untangle herself from it. She looked to be panicked and almost desperate, as she clawed at it, making grunts as she struggled.

"Mai" Shibuya called. Mai continued to struggle. Shibuya got up and walked over. "Mai" he called, touching her shoulder.

When his hand came into contact with her arm, she begins to calm, her breathing evening out. Shibuya took this as a compliment and when to stand. When he removed his hand, Mai begins to whine in her sleep again, before reaching out and tugging at his shirt.

Shibuya liked to think that he was immune to such things but in all honesty the exchange left him feeling a little tender. He had to wake her sadly, as he couldn't be seen like this and he had work to do.

"Miss Taniyama" he called softly, wondering if it would be appropriate to call her Mai. He wanted to but knew it might not the best idea considering she was a client. He shook her gently, not wanting to startle her.

Mai clenched her eyes shut and wrinkled her nose, but eventually gave in and woke up. She let go of Shibuya's shirt before she had the chance to realize she was holding it and looked up at him. She blushed lightly at the fact that he was just gazing down at her like that. His eyes soft and concerned, and his posture slightly more relaxed.

"Was I snoring?" Mai asked, and Shibuya raised a brow. It was so abrupt that it caught him off guard a little. He was a little distracted in all honesty, watching Mai blush and brighten upon seeing him.

"You looked to be having a bad dream" Shibuya admitted after a long moment of silence. "Are you OK?"

Mai smiled reassuringly, but that was her auto response whenever anyone inquired about her state. Her smile faltered a little and she allowed herself to look sad. "I've always had bad dreams, but since the haunting started, I don't sleep well"

"Well I guess that makes sense" Shibuya nodded, taking a seat at his desk, and swerving his chair. "You still have the option to stay somewhere else if you wanted, with charms that should keep you safe"

"That wouldn't be fair" Mai smiled sadly.

"To whom?" Shibuya saw that same look before. It wasn't just about SPR.

Mai looked to be conflicted. She hummed and awed for a long moment and then signed. "Will you come with me a moment?"

Shibuya raised his brow. He nodded and stood, and Mai led him out of base, and to the room she had requested remain untouched. When she opened the door he immediately understood why.

This bedroom no longer had a bed, but instead two small shrines had been set up in each of the back corners of the room. One displayed a picture of a young man with short brown hair and brown eyes. The other was of a woman with black hair and the same childish glint as Mai in her hazel eyes. She was smiling. Mai didn't look at Shibuya as he shut the door behind him.

Mai walked to the centre of the room and proceeded to pay her respects, quickly dropping to her knees, and bowing deeply. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she quietly muttered a small pray, letting her parents know how much she loved them and that she was taking care of herself. Shibuya stood a moment in shock, before bowing himself and turning to give Mai some privacy. Mai looked a lot like her parents.

Shibuya took in the rest of the bare room, noticing just how spotless it was. While the entire house was pleasantly clean, this room certainly got special treatment. Even the air felt cleaner, and the slight anxiety of being attacked at any moment went away.

Mai covertly wiped her eyes, before standing and facing Shibuya. "I know you probably already guessed, but these were my parents" She whispered, leading Shibuya back out again. "Thank you" she whispered. "I wanted to see them but I'm still a little shaken about what happened in the bathroom" she looked at her feet. "I didn't think I should be alone"

"It's fine" Shibuya felt a little overwhelmed. "Until we finish this case, I will accompany you whenever you like"

Mai beamed at him, trying not to start crying again. "Thank you Shibuya"