Disclaimer: All characters in Ghost Hunt are the creation of the Goddess Ono Fuyumi-sama.

As Mai opened her eyes, she felt herself begin to cry. Still holding her in his lap, Lin brought his hands up to gently wipe away her tears.

"What's wrong?" he whispered, his voice full of concern.

The room was dark, illuminated only by the glow of the monitors, creating an air of intimacy. The hum of the equipment could be heard in the background.

"I'm just happy," she sighed.

Lin continued to silently stare down at her as he slowly caressed her face.

Thinking of the trapped spirits, she asked, "Have the spirits gone?"

Lin gently nodded, giving her a small smile. Though he remained quiet, his eyes said, "You did a good job."

Mai happily nuzzled into his hand. "Thank you, Lin-san."

"Are you two going to stare at each other all night?" Naru's voice cut in, ruining the moment.

"Lin-san says he planned on it," Mai informed Naru.

Lin blushed slightly as he looked away from both of them.

"Obviously he did," Naru remarked, lightly laughing. "Anyway, go double check the rest of the house. Make sure there aren't any stray spirits left."

"Okay, boss," Mai responded as she sat up.

Lin rose behind her before offering her his hand. Mai gladly accepted. Once she was standing, she continued to hold Lin's hand. Lin looked to Naru.

Naru sighed. "Yes, Lin, go with her."

Lin readily complied, letting himself be led out of the room by Mai.

As they walked down the hall, Mai adjusted their hands so that their fingers were interlocking. Lin lightly squeezed her hand in approval.

"You know, I realized something when I was helping Ai-san move on," Mai confessed.

"What was it?" Lin asked as he ran his thumb along hers.

"You'll have to figure it out on your own," Mai teased, giving him a smile.

Lin abruptly stopped walking, pulling Mai towards him with the force of it. When she looked up at him, he was giving her that lopsided smile again. It was as if he was trying to prevent himself from smiling widely like a fool, but he couldn't quite help himself.

"I know, Lin-san. I love you, too," Mai beamed before hugging him tightly.

Lin hugged her back just as tightly.

Afterword:

This is the end for this one. I think Lin and Mai are just as cute in the novels. It was a slow and subtle progression, but eventually they became a lot closer. I truly believe if the novels continued, their relationship would have been beyond adorable. I have a whole list of reasons why I believe this.

P.S. Happy Birthday, Taniyama-san!