The Story Continued (Ghost Hunt)

Chapter 56

The group arrived at the office. Everyone was so over the case they were ready to sleep at the office. "Leave the equipment in the vans and head home." Naru informed as everyone gathered in front of the vans. "We meet tomorrow at 8, our flight departs at 10."

"Our flight? When did you buy the tickets?" Mai asked, surprised by the quick action-taking. Naru gave her a quick glance out of the corner of his eye. "My mother is very impatient." he answered. "I assume everyone is coming along?" Everyone nodded to answer his question. "Then Iˋll see you all tomorrow."

Takigawa turned to Masako and John and waved his hand signaling them to follow him. "Come on, you two. We will give you a ride." The man added as he opened his car. Ayako waved Mai goodbye as she got into the passenger seat. Masako nodded as she said her goodbye to Mai and joined Ayako and John in the car.

"Lin, can you take us home?" Gene asked as he dragged Yasu with him. "Naru won't buy me a car." he complained loud enough for his brother to hear. "Ask our parents. You will have the chance." The boy answered. Gene rolled his eyes but took a note of the idea. They got into the car and Lin drove off. "So...I guess you're my ride?" Mai asked in a happy tone. Naru smirked. "I thought you were staying over?"

"Yeah no, I wanna sleep in my own bed last time before we leave for England." Mai answered looking tired. Naru put his hand on her head gently. "I'm just teasing." He said. Mai took his hand and held it in hers. "Speaking of. Where will we all stay while in England?" Mai asked. Naru looked at her a little confused but then quickly remembered the girl never saw the house in England. "Don't worry, I have a place." he answered. "Let's get you home." The boy then opened the car door. He waited for Mai to let go of his hand and get in but she didn't. She didn't seem to want to. This made Naru chuckle as he pulled his hand back and patted the girl on the back to get her to move. He closed the door behind her and got behind the wheel. Once he was seated he took Mai's hand again and started the car.

They soon got to Mai's apartment and Naru walked her all the way to her door. Because he wanted to make sure she was safe but also because the girl seemed like she wanted to let go of his hand even less. "Mai." Naru called out. "You will have to let go now." Mai looked at the floor. "I feel like it will all disappear when I wake up." Naru sighed. He could have teased her about what 'it' exactly meant but he knew the girl was tired and he still had to pack his things for England. "Ok, Mai." He said as he walked into her apartment. "Come on, pack up." Mai stepped to the side letting Naru in and watching him close the door. She must have looked very confused as Naru followed up. "Pack the suitcase you'll need in England. You're staying over." Mai smiled as she heard that. It's not like she wanted to but the more time she spent with Naru the more real it all felt. "Am I being difficult?" The girl asked a while later as she was packing her stuff. Naru, who was up until now leaning against the wall watching the girl, walked over and again put his hand on her hand. He didn't know if this was his way of showing affection but it felt right. "Always." Naru answered, giving the girl a half smirk half smile. "I can't blame you. I would miss me too." he added. Mai gave him a quick glare. "Narcissist."

Naru was already standing close to the girl, his hand moved from her head to her shoulder. He, for some reason, felt like pulling the girl in just a little closer, hiding her away in his arms. But since he wasn't big on showing affection and surely wasn't used to it, in his mind, he always decided against it. "You know you could help me?" Mai said, bringing him back to earth. Naru looked around at the mess. "How about I make sure you don't forget anything?" Once Mai finished packing she went around her apartment, turning all gadgets and lights off. Since they just got back from a case her fridge was mostly empty anyway. "I think that's all. We can go." she said closing and locking the front door. When the two of them arrived at Naru's apartment Mai headed to the kitchen in order to make some tea. "Feeling at home?" Naru smirked as he walked into the room. "Do you want the tea or not?" she asked as she looked back at him. He stepped right next to her and placed his hand on her head. Yet Again. This time the action didn't go unnoticed by the girl. "Yours? Always." Mai took the two cups and moved to the living room. "Then let me feel at home." She said placing the tea on the coffee table. Naru took a seat on the sofa and Mai sat right next to him. She pulled her knees up to her chest and leaned on his shoulder. "Mai." he started. "You're grinning."

"I know." she answered, a bright smile still on her face. Naru scoffed in disbelief. "You're unbelievable." He said with a smile as he took the cup off the table. He knew the reason the girl was smiling. "I haven't been so happy since you reinstated SPR." Mai stated as she watched Naru take a sip from the cup. "It's not healthy that your happiness depends on me. But I'm flattered." he smirked. "I love it when you remind me why I call you Naru." Mai frowned jokingly. Naru put the cup down and gently grabbed Mai's chin. "Say it again." he smirked. She wondered why but the girl complaid. "I love it wh-" Naru cut her off with a kiss. His smirk even widened as he saw the girl's blushing face and her determination to avoid eye contact. He wondered if this was always going to be her reaction and hoped that it indeed would. The boy kept watching the girl. "Could you stop staring?" Mai asked, finally looking up at him. "Why? I like looking at you." he asked. "But since you don't appreciate my company..." He started sarcastically then got up and disappeared in the hallway. Curious, Mai went to look for him and ended up at the bedroom door. "That's not what I meant." Mai said knowing Naru was putting words in her mouth. She looked at the black suitcase Naru placed on the bed. "Shouldn't you start packing?" she asked, noting it was still empty. Naru sighed, not thrilled to start. He was just staring at the object. "Come on, get it over with." the girl added opening the wardrobe. "I'll help."

"If you help me I might actually forget something." Naru commented with a smirk. Mai turned to look at him, her hands full of black clothes. "But you'll still let me help, right?" she asked. "Right." Naru answered in a soft whisper. An hour and a whole lot of mess later they were done. Naru, seeing Mai's tired expression, sent the girl to take a shower and took the suitcase to the living room. while drinking the cup of tea Mai made some time ago he scribbled something on a piece of paper. Some time later he was sure he heard Mai coming out of the bathroom but she never made it into his view. He took the paper and walked through the hallway and into the bedroom. Naru saw Mai collapsed, sleeping on the bed. He smiled, then looked at the list he made. It was time to pack all the things he and Mai forgot.