Ghost Hunt:Volume1 Epilogue

Epilogue

"Hey, what's Shibuya-san doing now?" asked Keiko.

Keiko gazed at the window.

Outside, the machine that tore down the old school building lay looming. The demolition was complete.

"Mai, why didn't you ask him for his address? You could've at least gotten his phone number—"

...Shut up.

Michiru was also gazing at the window.

"I looked through the phone book, but it wasn't there," I responded.

...That's right. "Shibuya Psychic Research" wasn't in the business section of the phone book. There wasn't a section of psychics in the Town Pages either. And usually businesses aren't in the Hello Pages. (Although I did take a look.) When I asked the operator, she just gave me a cold reply:

"If there is no address, then there is no way for me to look it up."

Keiko said, "Well, since the principal called him in, he must know the guy's address. Go ask him."

"How about you go ask?" Michiru replied coldly.

"Eh— How do I ask him?" replied Keiko.

"I don't want to ask either."

"But."

...I thought about asking the principal too. But, how do I do it?

Well, it's not like I don't have an excuse. I can just say I want to return something he forgot to him.

But, what do I say after I phone him? Naru will definitely use his normal voice and ask, "What did you call for?"

"Hey, Mai, just go and ask the principal already—"

"I don't have any reason to look for him," I replied.

"Man— You're being so cold," Keiko said depressingly.

Man— Don't say it anymore.

I don't want to think about Naru right now. I'm only coping with this because you guys keep blabbering on and on about it.

"Hey Mai..." Michiru called, walking toward me.

"Don't bother me," I said, walking away.

"Wait, just hear me out. You have a very good reason to..."

Don't bother me!

I don't want to say it anymore. I almost felt like crying.

"He has nothing to do with me," I insisted. "You two can go on fawning over him over there."

"What— How cold—"

Suddenly the intercom came on.

"Taniyama Mai of class 1-F, please report to the principal's office."

...What happened?

Standing up, I thought about it, pulling Michiru and Keiko's attention toward me.

I thought about what will happen in the principal's office.

"Um, I'm Taniyama," I said once I reached his office.

"Ah, Taniyama-san? You have a phone call."

The secretary motioned toward the phone on the counter.

Telephone call? From the school?

"Hello, I'm Taniyama."

Who is it?

"Mai?"

......

This... Voice...

I couldn't help but be startled.

"Mai?"

"Yes! It's me!"

"You don't need to shout. I can hear you clearly."

...Ah— This tone.

It's Naru...

"Why did you call the school?"

"Wouldn't you think it's because I don't know your home number?"

Why does he need to talk so arrogantly. I was so happy I nearly cried. Why... Why would Naru call me.

"...Is something up?"

I tried hard to hold back my emotions and remain calm.

"Compensation."

"...Huh?"

"I'm talking about your payment as my assistant. It's okay if you don't want it."

...Ah, is that it...

As I sighed, my eyes seem to cloud over.

...So it's business related.

"I never thought I'd get paid. But if you'll give it to me, I'll gladly take it."

I'm taking it. I'm definitely taking it.

Stupid Naru.

"Then, I'll transfer it to your bank account. Do you know your account number?"

...Account number?

"How would I remember that. And don't forget, I'm at school right now."

"...Then I'll mail it to you."

...Mail it?

Hey, the least you can do is use this as an excuse to see me again.

"Sure, just do whatever."

"In that case, tell me your address."

Hee hee. I told him my address.

The envelope will definitely have the sender's address on it.

Maybe he'll even use his home address. And then I'll just carelessly pay him a visit, and be asked in his cold tone, "What are you here for?"

But, I'll just leave it like this.

"—Ok, well, it'll be there in a week."

"Okay."

"And, Mai?"

"Wh—at—" My voice almost ran out of energy. Ha ha ha...

"Does your school prohibit its students from working?"

"Nope."

"...Oh, in that case."

"Ah—?"

"Do you want to work here?"

...Huh? ...Work...?

...Work?

"Work in Naru's office?!"

I couldn't help but grasp the phone with all my strength.

"—I don't have enough office workers. A while earlier, someone quit."

"...I'll do it!"

I'll do it! I'll do anything!

"Then, why don't you come over and look over things. The address is..."

I eagerly scribbled down the address.

...A dream. This is a dream.

"Can you find a time to come?"

"How about the day after tomorrow, Saturday."

Now would be an okay time too.

"Then, on Saturday, come on your spare time."

Ah, I'm so happy. What do I do.

"Ah— One more thing."

"Eh?"

"—Thank you for helping earlier. You were a big help. Thank you very much."

...I'm even feeling embarrassed.

My head was spinning. That was the first time I heard him speak not in a cold tone, but in a nice, thankful tone.

I was so touched I was rendered speechless.

"Then, I'll see you on Saturday."

"Okay."

I finally had the energy to speak again.

"I'll see you Saturday!"

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