Summary: When the SPR team is called to investigate a haunted theater in a small town, it's hard to tell who's acting, who's playing, and who's paying.

Disclaimer: I own no part of Ghost Hunt (sadly I do not own Naru either...)

Cover art: Created by the enormously talented never2late2smile (Erin), be sure to check out her on Tumblr!

A/N: This was my first Ghost Hunt fic, and looking back on it 10+ years later- I'm still just as excited and in love with this project. I had no idea when I started what a journey I was about to embark on. I'm so touched by my readers, some who have followed me and my inconsistent updates for nearly the last decade. And there are chapters still to be written! If this is your first time clicking in...welcome! If you decide to leave a review, just know I read them and sincerely appreciate the feedback! Finally, if you would like updates on where I'm at in writing the latest chapter, please check out the Tumblr I've made: glmfic

Thank you & happy reading!

Day One

4:45pm

On the road

Mai Taniyama shifted in her seat and pressed her forehead against Bou-san's SUV window. The world outside her was dimming in the fading light of the sun, absent mindedly she checked the time: almost five. That meant they had been in the car for nearly four hours. Mai attempted to stretch her cramped legs, and next to her Masako did the same. In the front passenger seat Ayako let out a loud yawn and mumbled some complaint about hardships. Bou-san's own yawn followed hers, then he announced that he had seen a sign for Nozomi a mile back and that they should be there soon. Everyone sighed in relief.

Mai glanced behind her seat and sent a smile John's way. John smiled back, not looking much more comfortable than any of them with all of Ayako and Masako's suitcases piled up next to him. Mai spotted the one of her own. She hoped she had packed enough now that she saw how much Ayako and Masako had brought, but then again they weren't ones to pack light...

Mai's gaze traveled over the two: Ayako's tight fitting t-shirt and long skirt looked as crisp as when she stepped in the car, and Masako's kimono looked as pressed and neat as ever. One would have never suspected they had been stuck in a car all afternoon. Mai looked down at herself: her tank-top was completely wrinkled, she had taken her jacket off at lunch because she had spilled some sauce on it when Bou-san went over a bump, and her skirt lay about her in saggy folds.

Just great.

With a sigh, Mai closed her eyes and thought forward to their arrival. Nozomi was a small town in a remote area far outside of Tokyo. They had been called a week ago by a Mr. Joji Sachi with claims that the old theater he worked in was haunted. When Mai had fielded the call she almost felt sorry for the guy, he sounded so desperate for their help, but Nozomi was situated half-a-day away and Naru would never take the case. But to her great surprise, she was wrong.

At first he did say no, in fact, Mai had barely gotten out what his claims were after she mentioned the distance. She returned Mr. Sachi's call with a sincere apology, but then he requested that he talk to Naru himself. Mai tried to persuade him otherwise, but he wouldn't hear it, his needs were too desperate. It was a long and terrible walk into Naru's office to hand him the phone, Mai swore the look he gave her would kill anyone not used to it. Firmly she handed off the phone. An hour and two cups of tea later it was settled, they would go. The man claimed his ghosts walked the halls plainly as day, so even with the inconvenience, Naru agreed.

And so here she was, stuffed in Bou-san's SUV; Naru's van driven by Lin a little ahead of them. It was thirty more minutes before they broke off from the forest surrounding them and came into a great clearing: Nozomi. Mai sat forward to look out at the sleepy town. Little houses dotted the land here and there, some children played in the dirt streets that wound around small stores, and then, there it was- the tallest more impressive building in town.

"There it is, the Miyuki theater," Bou-san announced slowing down and craning his neck to look up at it. Ayako chimed in with her own observations,

"Very nice, I've always wanted to go to a Miyuki theater house."

Masako and Mai nodded. The chain of theaters had been built before they were born and were known for excellent entertainment and quality. Bou-san pulled in next to Naru's van.

"It seems that it's well cared for," John commented. And it did. Flourishing flower beds had been planted around the entrance, the windows gleamed- it looked as though it had been built just that day. Mai stepped out of the SUV and took a better look at the theater. Even in the growing dusk, it seemed peaceful.

"Mai."

Startled, the young woman snapped around to see Naru staring at her, "Eh?"

"Hara-san..."

The medium came to stand behind Mai; her eye's took a quick sweep of the area, then finished with a shake of her head at Naru's inquiring look. Naru nodded thoughtfully and then Lin stepped out of the van and the two began to talk. Mai blushed. Why did she have to be so slow? Naru was asking whether she felt anything and she stood there like an idiot! But of course that Masako was there to swoop in with her insight! Mai sent her a look out of the corner of her eye, but she was gone, wandering here and there, in that dreamy way she always did. A heavy hand suddenly clasped her shoulder,

"What do you think Mai? We've never done a theater before."

Mai looked up at Bou-san with a slight smile,

"I don't know, I guess we'll see."

"Theaters are tricky..." Ayako commented, hands on hips, scrutinizing the building before her. Bou-san nodded,

"Lots of secret rooms, trap doors, and special effects..."

Mai looked at the two warily. Secret rooms? Trap doors? John joined them now, he seemed to be making his own opinion of the place, his eyes scanned it calmly and then landed on Lin and Naru,

"I'm sure Lin will be able to obtain blue prints."

Mai relaxed a little, John was probably right. Bou-san looked down at Mai with a wink,

"But there's a reason their called secret rooms..."

Mai looked back to the theater and swallowed hard, she could just see herself finding one of those secret rooms and getting trapped. She'd been having bad luck with that kind of thing lately...

"Are we ready?"

Naru's voice called Mai back from her thoughts. The others nodded and they entered the theater. The whole village of Nozomi was like stepping into the past and Mai was further enchanted by the inside of the Miyuki Theater. It was so temple like. The foyer had high vaulted ceilings; the floor they stood on was of highly polished cherry. The air around them was still, yet it seemed that if you were quiet enough, the walls would tell you their stories.

The room was sparsely furnished, oil lamps were lit here and there- all this temple was missing were some tatami mats. But then there were some things that clashed with the old. For instance, hanging from the vaulted ceiling, was a shimmering chandelier. And then there was the ticket booth in front of them and the red rug leading up to a set of ancient doors.

No one spoke, each of them consumed in their surroundings. Finally Naru walked forward towards the doors, and upon opening them, voices filled the air. Right off the lobby, in all its simplicity and grandeur, was the auditorium. Continuing with its clash of new and old, rows and rows of benches extended out from them, ending at a large low set stage. Heavy velvet curtains were tied off at the edges of the stage and as it appeared no lights were in use to illuminate it. Mai looked up- sky lights. Her gaze traveling back behind her, she found that there was an upper level. Rows of plush chairs filled the veranda. New and old, new and old. Beside her the rest of the SPR team was taking note of similar things.

"Well hello, hello!"

Surprised by the voice that broke the silence, Mai jumped. Walking eagerly down the center aisle was a tall young man with a bright smile on. Reaching them, he said hello again and gave a deep bow,

"Joji Sachi, head playwright of this Miyuki Theater, and you must be my ghost hunters?"

Mai flinched and sent a side long glance at Naru. Like usual though, he appeared unaffected,

"Yes, we're Shibuya Psychic Research," he corrected evenly. The man nodded excitedly, oblivious to his error,

"Perfect, just perfect!" his gaze then scanned the faces staring at him, searching for something...landing on Bou-san he drew himself up and his smiled relaxed a bit,

"You must be Mr. Shibuya himself."

Swallowing the urge to smile at the honest mistake, Mai glanced at Naru again. His eyes had narrowed a bit with annoyance, but his expression remained unfaltering. Bou-san meanwhile broke out in a wide grin,

"Actually..."

Naru stepped forward with purpose,

"I am."

Mr. Sachi seemed taken a back and then very embarrassed,

"Oh, so sorry, of course you are."

Just then a woman walked up,

"Joji about this last scene..." she said distractedly, her face hovering over a play book. A fresh smile lit Mr. Sachi's face,

"Nari, if you would look up from that script for one second you would see that our guests from Tokyo have arrived." The woman did look up.

"Oh! Hello, it is very nice to meet you all," she went on hurriedly with a brief bow. The woman stood at about Masako's height with long black hair pulled into a braid, her set of soft brown eyes observed them all with warmth. Mr. Sachi looked upon her with approval,

"Nari here is my best actress and I hope to work with her for many years, that is...if the theater isn't closed down."

Naru raised an eyebrow,

"Closed down?"

Nari looked to Mr. Sachi quickly,

"You didn't tell them?"

Sachi drew in a deep breath and let out a long heavy sigh,

"Come this way for some refreshments and everything will be explained."

In some confusion and curiosity, they followed their strange new client out of the auditorium and through several halls.

Mai walked near Mr. Sachi. She couldn't tell yet what she thought of him. He seemed nice enough, a bit excitable, but nice. His every move and word seemed to rise and fall dramatically as though he was the lead in his very own play. A flourish of hand here, a raised eyebrow there, a deep frown, a bright smile. Up and down, up and down.

Finally, they reached a door which Mr. Sachi opened with an elegant extension of his arm, and motioned them all in. Two comfortable looking couches sat around a small table. Mai took a seat followed by Bou-san, Ayako, and John. Naru, Masako, and Lin took the other couch. Mai felt her cheeks burn hot,

That Masako...

But she didn't have much time to dwell; Mr. Sachi pulled up an extra chair and invited them all to tea. Nari went around to each of them, pouring warm amber liquid into each cup. Naru took his first sip and relaxed a bit. Mai smiled into her teacup, she knew just how much her boss seemed to depend on it.

"I might as well fill you in a bit before she gets here," Mr. Sachi began, reaching a dramatic low, "And by she I mean Miss Toki Miyuki." Mr. Sachi paused effectively; there were a few intakes of breaths, including Mai's.

Miss Miyuki? The theaters are owned by a woman?

"Mr. Miyuki's daughter? What does she have to do with this?" Ayako spoke up. Mr. Sachi cleared his throat, took a sip of tea, and answered,

"Everything. Surely you've heard of Mr. Miyuki's untimely death some years ago? In his will Miss Miyuki was left it all, his fortune, his theaters. And now she wants to close them."

Naru frowned,

"Mr. Sachi, when I talked to you over the phone you said you were being haunted, you're not about to tell me that you think-"

"Ah, but I am!" Mr. Sachi cut in, setting down his cup rather hard; "It is Mr. Miyuki himself!" Surprise filled many faces in the room, but Naru remained frowning.

"I have seen him myself, we were once very close in life, and now he has come to haunt his first theater in vengeance against his daughter and her horrible intentions for his life long work!" Mr. Sachi persisted.

"I have seen him too," Nari said quietly, having found a seat herself, she was watching and listening to Mr. Sachi intently. Naru turned his imposing gaze upon the small woman,

"Have you?"

"Yes, in my very powder room," she replied and something in her voice told Mai that it really bothered her.

"Non-sense."

Everyone looked up. A tall young woman with long blonde hair, dressed as if she had just walked out of a fashion magazine, stood in the door way. Mr. Sachi frowned equal to Naru.

"Miss Miyuki, you are being very rude to our guests. They are, after all, a paranormal group. Nothing is non-sense to them."

Looking for support he smiled lightly at them all. Mai returned the smile hesitantly, they believed in the paranormal of course, but that didn't mean that they believed everything was paranormal. Naru drove this thought home,

"We take no offense Miss Miyuki, we are only out for the truth be it paranormal-" Mr. Sachi smiled wider at this, "or not." Mr. Sachi's smile fell. Miss Miyuki stepped in further, her arms crossed; she nodded agreeably at Naru,

"Good. You'll find the only truth here is that there is no paranormal activity."

"You dare to call Joji a lair? Me a lair?" Nari suddenly demanded. Miss Miyuki narrowed her gaze on the actress,

"Not lairs, stallers."

Mr. Sachi stood up in objection,

"I would never use your father's memory to my own gain!"

"You would if it protected his theater!" Miss Miyuki shot back. The tension in the air rose, Mai shifted uncomfortably.

"You've got this whole superstitious town believing that the ghost of their beloved Takuya Miyuki is haunting his theater! You're wasting my time, but fine. I'm glad they're here actually, they'll see through your act and I'll get to close this waste of money."

And with that the young woman stormed out of the room. Mr. Sachi sat back down, looking disgruntled. Nari stared after Miss Miyuki with hard eyes,

"Don't listen to her Joji, all she wants is money. I know Mr. Miyuki is here."

Mr. Sachi sighed,

"I'm sorry you had to see that," he murmured, pouring himself a new cup of tea.

"Mr. Sachi, do you believe this ghost capable of harm?" Naru persisted; his tone was low and irritated. Mai knew what he was thinking; four hours for nothing... they didn't come out to investigate a phony ghost and a feud. Mr. Sachi seemed a bit surprised by the question, but before he could answer, there was a loud crash in the next room and the oil lights around them blew out. Nari gasped sharply-

"What?"

There was the sound of sudden movement, and then a small glow filled the room,

"Quick, I believe it came from Nari's powder room!" Mr. Sachi urged, having lit a candle, he was making for the door. Nari went after him at once, shortly behind were the rest of the SPR group.

They darted down the dark hall. Mai observed the snuffed oil lamps she past in apprehension, all of them blown out? In a breathless moment, Mr. Sachi came to a sudden halt, dramatically he threw open the door and thrust in his candle. Nari gasped again and Bou-san was forced to take her arm to steady her.

The powder room seemed completely up-turned. A rack holding several costumes was thrown against the wall; dresses lay strewn across the floor. A floor length mirror that dominated the room was severely cracked; its reflection now magnified the chaos ten times over. Make-up covered every inch of wall with garish reds and stark white and pale pink streaks. The few pieces of furniture in the room, a chair, a chest, a small table, were lying upside down, some were broken.

"My- my room..." Nari spoke faintly. In the ghostly orange glow of the candle light, Mr. Sachi faced them, his expression pleading,

"Now will you reconsider? Perhaps-" the playwright swallowed; something in his eyes said he didn't want to say what he was about to, "Perhaps our ghost, Mr. Miyuki, is dangerous in his after life?"

Mai looked up at Naru, her boss seemed focused, he set his jaw.

"Lin find us some lodging, we're staying the night."

Lin made to leave, but a cry of protest from Mr. Sachi stopped him.

"Wait- please, there is only one Inn in Nozomi, they are expecting you, let me take you there."

Naru nodded,

"Fine."

Smiling brightly again, Mr. Sachi lead them from the room, Nari drifted to his side, he spoke to her quietly.

"Do you need to sit down, perhaps some water?" John suggested gently. Nari was indeed pale, and looked quite shaken, but she only smiled weakly and waved his suggestions off,

"Thank you, but I'm okay, really."

Mr. Sachi seemed to approve of this,

"Nari is my most resilient actress; I believe it would take more than a little scare to keep her down..."

As they walked away Mai noticed Naru lingering at the door. She too fell back,

"Naru..?"

He shook his head,

"It's quite an aggressive attack; Nari is an interesting target..."

Mai nodded silently, what had Nari done to deserve this?

"Hey, Mai? You coming?" Bou-san called from down the hall.

"Oh! Yes..." Mai answered, glancing back at Naru before heading after them. Reluctantly Naru moved along too. A short time later they stood around Naru's van, suitcases in hand (or in Ayako and Masako's instance, piled around their feet...).

"Ready? Great! It's just a short walk from here," Mr. Sachi continued. His brown eyes held such shine, his mop of brown hair bounced around with his quick movements; you would have never known minutes ago he had been grave and pleading. The group started to move forward, but Ayako and Masako planted their feet, sour expressions crossing their face.

"Ahem," Masako cleared her throat, drawing attention back to them. Bou-san raised an eyebrow,

"Aren't you coming Ayako?"

The miko fixed the monk with a burning glare. The moon moved out from behind a cloud, the stars glowed dimly above them, it was getting late. Naru sighed and strode over to pick up two of Masako's bags. The bag in Mai's hand slipped out of her grasp,

That Masako...

Like usual the medium only giggled into her sleeve and played modest. Grumbling, Bou-san had little choice but to follow Naru's lead and pick up a pair of Ayako's bags. The miko smiled smugly at him, but there were still three suitcases at her feet. Masako found herself in the same position, but then Mr. Sachi eagerly stepped in,

"Here now, I'll take these three," he offered, a winning smile lighting his face. Not quite as flattered as she had been by Naru stepping in, Masako only managed a small appreciative nod. Ayako now stood awkwardly, her remaining bags burning holes where they sat. Her face hardened, her eyes leering at them all expectantly. Just as Mai was sighing and about to take one, Lin stalked forward and snatched up all three. Ayako did a similar impression of Masako's giggle. Bou-san snorted,

"Some thanks I get..."

"Okay, everyone set? Let's go!" Mr. Sachi announced, seeming as if he were about to lead them all to some kind of resort. Mai was greatly mistaken in this assumption. The Koku Inn couldn't have been further from being called a resort. It was more of an over grown house where the owners allowed strangers to come sleep.

"Hello, hello..." Mr. Sachi called setting down Masako's bags upon entering the Inn. Bou-san also relieved himself of his load. Lin and Naru continued to hold theirs with steely looks. John watched them sheepishly with his one bag. The small foyer they entered was lit by oil lamps, much like the theater, and held a simple desk, empty at the moment. Just then an ancient looking woman shuffled in, her hands holding a vase of fresh flowers.

"Mrs. Koku, how are you?" Mr. Sachi beamed. The woman stood with her back to them, setting down the vase on the desk, she moved it a few a spots over, only to decide she did not like it there, and then moved it back.

"Mrs. Koku?" Mr. Sachi persisted, his smile faltering a bit. Just then an equally ancient man crept in; he too faced away from them.

"SAY, I WAS LOOKING FOR YOU. WATCHA DOING THERE?" he asked the old woman. Mai stared after them with wide eyes, for such a frail old man, he sure contained a powerful voice.

"YOU SAY YOU WERE LOOKING FOR ME? I WAS JUST HERE, PUTTING UP THESE FLOWERS, I DON'T REALLY LIKE HOW THEY LOOK," the woman answered, practically yelling back at him. The man observed the vase thoughtfully, then slowly and precisely he moved it an inch to the left. The woman broke out in a wrinkled smile,

"PERFECT MY DEAR!"

They then shared a loud happy laugh. Mr. Sachi cleared his throat, but neither so much glanced his way.

"I SAID, AHEM."

Startled the old woman grabbed her chest and the old man put a hand on the desk to steady himself,

"SAY, WHAT'S THE MEANING OF SNEAKING UP ON US LIKE THAT?"

Mr. Sachi smiled again,

"Sorry about that, I've brought your guests from Tokyo," he explained. The old man looked to the old woman,

"WHAT DID HE SAY? WHO ARE THESE STRANGE PEOPLE HE'S WITH? I ALWAYS KNEW HE WAS AN ODD ONE, DOING ALL THOSE PLAYS AND SUCH."

Mr. Sachi turned a shade of pink,

"I just told you-"

"I DON'T KNOW WHO THEY ARE, BUT THAT TALL ONE GIVES ME THE CREEPS," the old woman replied, eyeing Lin apprehensively. Lin shifted and if it were possible, his face turned harder.

"MR. AND MRS. KOKU, THESE ARE YOUR GUESTS FROM TOKYO," Mr. Sachi shouted, his face now beet red. The old woman and man blinked surprisedly,

"OH. HELLO." Everyone bowed stiffly and murmured their hellos.

"JOJI, WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST SAY SO?" Mrs. Koku wondered, shuffling around the desk and pulling out some rusty keys.

"I tried to..."

Mr. Koku was busy counting everyone in front of him, "SEVEN," he yelled at his wife, "HOW MANY ROOMS DO WE HAVE LEFT?"

Left? Mai thought, looking at the Inn falling apart around her.

"SIX," the Mrs. Koku answered with a frown. Everyone exchanged wondering looks,

"We can always share a room," John suggested with a kind smile. Everyone nodded.

"WHAT ARE THEY NODDING ABOUT? ARE THEY SLOW OR SOMETHING? THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ROOMS," the old woman said to her husband who shook his head. Mr. Sachi stepped forward hurriedly,

"No, no, I would never ask you to share, I'll be more than happy to have one of you stay at my place, not to brag but it is one of the nicest houses in Nozomi..."

Ayako perked up and took Mr. Sachi's arm; she obviously liked the idea, unimpressed with what she was saw here,

"How nice of you Mr. Sachi, if you would just help me with my bags-"

"Ah-" Mr. Sachi said wriggling out of Ayako's gasp, "I was wondering if Miss Hara-san would join me?"

Ayako's face drained of all color. Mai knew the look, and if Mr. Sachi had been Bou-san at that moment, he would have been wise to duck and cover his head. Masako looked over surprisedly at Mr. Sachi and with one last glance around, consented with a modest giggle,

"Well, I suppose I have no choice?"

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE TALL WOMAN? SHE LOOKS LIKE SHE'S GOING TO KILL SOMEONE. I DON'T THINK I LIKE HER EITHER," the Mrs. Koku remarked to Mr. Koku, who nodded in agreement.

Pleased, Mr. Sachi picked up Masako's bags again, taking the two from Naru also. Mai frowned sullenly at the medium;

Of course, she gets to stay somewhere nice...

But then she caught her boss' eye, a small smile tugged at her lips,

Of course, that means she won't be near Naru...

"I guess it's settled," Mai spoke up encouragingly. Masako sent her a sharp look; noting her rival's triumphant tone.

"You are okay with this, aren't you?" the medium asked, turning to Naru, charm dripping off her every word. He nodded,

"Just be here tomorrow morning."

Mai watched the exchange in disgust.

"OH LOOK HOW THE YOUNG GIRLS GLARE AT EACHOTHER," Mrs. Koku tutted.

"I THINK THEY BOTH HAVE THEIR EYES SET ON THAT PALE YOUNG MAN," Mr. Koku answered certainly.

"NOT MUCH TO LOOK AT IF YOU ASK ME..." Mrs. Koku appraised with a grunt. Masako's cheeks burned crimson, and Mai was sure her complexion matched. Out of the corner of her eye she caught Bou-san fighting to suppress his laughter. Ayako smiled smugly next to him.

"Um, time to go I think," Mr. Sachi suggested, trying to move things along, sagging slightly under the weight of all the medium's luggage. Masako agreed, and with a quick goodbye they were out the door.

"THEY'RE LEAVING?" Mrs. Koku asked her husband confusedly, "WHY DIDN'T THEY TAKE THE REST OF THESE WEIRDOS WITH THEM?...LOOK AT THE TALL ONE, HE'S REALLY SCARING ME."

Mr. Koku patted his wife's shoulder, "YOU CAN LEAVE NOW TOO," he told them.

Ayako, silently smoldering from being nixed, found her voice.

"WE'RE NOT LEAVING, NOW GIVE ME THE KEYS!"

The two looked stunned, but then frowned and crossed their arms,

"WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE OUR ROOMS TO ANYONE."

Ayako, turning red, was about to start a shouting match with the old couple, when Naru stepped in. It was not like him to raise his voice, so he let his actions speak instead. A sizable amount of money was set on the desk.

Mr. and Mrs. Koku stared down at it with wide eyes and without looking up handed off the keys. Naru took them satisfiedly, obviously understanding how to communicate with them better than half the people shouting that night. For a moment they stood in silence and then as an after thought, Mrs. Koku pointed to the left.

Naru followed her directions and lead them all down a dark hall. Mai looked around at the place with a frown, chunks of the wooden walls were missing, the floor creaked with her every step, babies cried from the doors they past, twice water dripped on her bare shoulder. They reached the first door and in a flash Ayako snatched the key out of Naru's hand, unlocked it, and slammed it in his face.

The young man glared coldly after her, but then moved on. Bou-san set the miko's bags down in an unceremonious heap, as did Lin. At the next door they came to Naru offered a key to John, perhaps out of gratefulness that he hadn't cause him any grief that day. John took it with thanks, said a pleasant goodnight to everyone, and shut his door.

The next key to be handed out was to Lin. Silently the Chinese man took it, and with a slight nod at Naru went in. Bou-san leaned over and whispered into Mai's ear,

"I'll take the next one, and then you can have a room near Naru..."

Mai looked up at Bou-san, who was smiling teasingly, and turned slightly pink,

"Th-thanks," she whispered back. The monk nodded understandingly and winked at her. Naru stopped at the next room and made to hand Mai the key, but Bou-san snatched it up,

"Thanks much, I'm beat, goodnight," and with a departing smile, he closed his door.

Naru narrowed his eyes after him. Mai stood awkwardly next to Naru; cautiously she glanced up at him. Even after four hours in a van and running around a rural town, he was still as crisp and handsome as ever. Mai felt her cheeks burn hot. Luckily Naru didn't glance down at her, he simply moved on.

They passed through the hall silent as ghosts. A moment later they reached the right door. Naru finally looked at her, his gaze felt heavy, Mai found herself blushing again. He extended her key. Mai, trying to take it without touching his hand, ended up brushing his fingers anyways. She bit her lip, but Naru had no reaction, he just stood there staring at her.

"Well...goodnight," Mai managed.

"Goodnight, Mai."

And then he walked away, a shadow in the dark hall. His words echoing in her head, Mai heaved a sigh, shutting her door behind her.