Chapter 4
Mai noticed her exhaustion increasing as she left the campus grounds. Her last class of the day had just finished and she was making her way to the train station; she just wanted to get home. Maybe sleep? A nap sounded amazing right now. She stopped as she noticed the tea shop she was currently passing by at a snail's pace. The smells that wafted out the propped open door made her mouth water. After a quick calculation of her funds, she made her way inside. Tea would hit the spot and hopefully get her mind off taking a nap.
Mai ordered and took her steaming drink to a table by the large, front windows. Looking out at the people as they passed by, she sipped her drink, realizing with a grimace that it was way too hot still. Setting it down on the table in front of her, she slouched back in the chair, which was surprisingly comfortable, and continued her perusal of the sidewalk activity outside.
Mai stared intently at the ever moving smarm before her. It was comforting to be around. She was a loner for sure, but needed to be around others, just like anyone else, even if she rejected the idea. Quietly, she finished her tea before grabbing her bag and continuing on her way. She expected a long night ahead of her.
It had taken Naru months to look over everything and make sure he wasn't jumping the gun. He wasn't a hero, he knew this, he just wanted to make sure his ex-assistant- who was always in trouble- wasn't in trouble. He knew Lin suspected otherwise, and was even reminded of this fact when he demanded Lin to book a flight to Japan for the both of them. He had wanted to wipe that smirk right off the tall man's face.
"I can't remember ever being so scared." Naru thought to himself even as Lin grabbed the keys and the two of them left the hotel all but untouched except for the ruffled appearance of the beds. Naru's sleep had been troubled; the sooner they found Mai, the sooner he would be able to go home and return to his routine. Maybe though, he might find out why he had seen nothing when holding Mai's ribbon first.
As Lin hailed a taxi, Naru reached into his pocket and fingered the deteriorating piece of ribbon he had brought with them. It had grown increasingly worn due to his constant touching. It was a habit at this point. The normalcy of it didn't stop the disappointment he felt when it again showed him nothing. With a sigh, Oliver found himself in the cab beside his assistant. Today he would start researching. Find out for sure where she was- and maybe stop by and see her without her knowing, just to be certain all was well. She didn't need to know he was willing to tear all of Japan apart to find her. Then again, he didn't want to think on it long enough to admit that to himself.
Mai waited patiently to cross the street, her eyes straying to the cars as they passed by, ruffling her hair and clothing as they sped by her. She caught snippets of characteristics as they passed; a blonde woman yelling on the phone as she rode, a large, heavy set teen playing a game with the volume turned up- a tall Chinese male talking on the phone, window down as his taxi sped by.
Mai froze- hazarding a second look at the taxi, though it was long gone. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, and the crosswalk went green without her even noticing and people pushed past her as she stood unmoving. The small bit of voice she had heard was unmistakably familiar.
Lin.
The name was synonymous with Naru.
Naru was in Japan.
Mai took a step to follow the crosswalk- her legs working on their own as her mind had stopped focusing on the present. A car horn filled her senses before everything went black.
A.N.: I know, short, but it can't be helped with what's going on in my life right now. I apologize. Let me know your thoughts and as always, thanks for reading!