_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The train was arriving, and both Jack and Mai Sakurajima could already see the mass of people inside.
It was the weekend, so it wasn't surprising that the cars were packed with people out having fun.
Seeing the crowd, Jack instinctively reached out and took Mai's hand. Using himself as a human shield, he guided her through the press of bodies and into the car without her getting jostled.
He shot a glance toward an open corner. Mai got the hint right away and slipped over, leaning her back against the wall.
Jack planted his hand against the wall beside her head in a casual kabedon pose—perfectly positioned to block anyone else from bumping into her unseen body.
To everyone else, who couldn't see Mai at all, his movements looked perfectly natural.
But to Mai, the distance between them felt way too close.
"Just three stops," Jack murmured. "Bear with it for a bit."
His voice was low, meant only for her ears.
He was so close that Mai could actually feel his breath brush against her neck—it tickled, and it made her heart jump in spite of herself.
Even during acting gigs, she'd never been this close to a guy before. She tried her best to stay composed.
Come on, you're Mai Sakurajima. Don't freak out over something this small.
"I don't mind," she said coolly. "As long as certain people don't get the wrong idea."
Her tone was deliberately steady, meant to cover the awkward flutter in her chest.
"...Wrong idea?"
Jack repeated, sounding genuinely puzzled. Then he lowered his head a little, realizing just how close their bodies were. Understanding dawned immediately.
The corner of his mouth curved.
"I think my imagination's already running a little wilder than you realize," he said softly.
Mai stared straight into his eyes.
That wasn't bad acting. That was the truth.
"You should get off the train," she said flatly.
The glare she gave him could've cut glass.
"If I jump mid-ride, I'll make the morning headlines," Jack chuckled. "Besides, a mature woman like Mai can surely handle something this minor, right?"
"...Of course! I— I wouldn't be bothered by a younger guy having pervy thoughts or anything."
Apparently, reverse psychology worked really well on Mai Sakurajima.
Trying to look unfazed, she even straightened her back proudly—only for her chest to bump right against his.
Both of them froze for a heartbeat.
Mai's face instantly turned a shade too pink, and she whipped her head away, refusing to look at him.
"Mai," Jack said, half laughing, "you do realize that was an open invitation, right?"
His voice was low, teasing, and from this angle he could clearly see the blush spreading down her neck.
Even the great Mai Sakurajima was struggling to keep her cool after that bold move.
Thankfully, the train stopped at the next station. A few passengers got off, and the space around them loosened. Jack took the chance to step back a bit.
Just as he was thinking how cute her tsundere side was, he felt a sharp twist at his waist.
"...Mai?"
"That's your punishment for flirting without permission."
She said it evenly, in a calm, almost cold tone.
"But you were the one who started it."
"Really? My mistake, then."
Her voice was polite, but she didn't let go. If anything, she pinched harder—apparently enjoying herself.
Just then, Mai's phone buzzed.
Jack frowned slightly. Almost no one besides him could even see her these days. That meant he already had a good guess about who it was.
Mai's expression shifted subtly. She pulled out her phone, glanced at the sender, then handed it to Jack, looking a little tense.
She wanted him to read it for her.
He took the phone without hesitation. The message was from her mother—though the contact name was disguised as Agent.
She'd already left home and was on her way to their meeting spot.
"She's on her way," Jack said quietly.
"Mm…"
Mai drew a deep breath. After what Jack had said to her yesterday, she'd made up her mind. She was going to face her mother—and herself—head-on.
They'd both known what today was for. That's why they'd met early and headed for Shichirigahama together.
Three stops passed quickly. They got off, followed the steps down from the embankment, and walked out toward the sea.
Her mother wasn't there yet, so they strolled along the beach to kill time.
"They say Shichirigahama isn't actually seven ri long," Mai said idly, kicking at the sand.
"Yeah, just like Sanlitun isn't really three li either."
"Meaningless trivia," she muttered with a small laugh.
"Once I get back into acting," she added, "I kind of want to shoot a scene here someday."
"If that happens, maybe I can be your co-star," Jack said.
"With your acting skills? You'd be lucky to get a background role."
"Ouch. That's harsh."
"Just being honest."
They traded lazy banter as they walked. About ten minutes later, a graceful figure appeared up on the embankment.
Even from a distance, the resemblance to Mai was obvious.
Or rather, Mai resembled her—because that woman was her mother.
Jack stopped, smiling faintly, and gave Mai a look that clearly said: I'll stay back. Go to her.
Mai hesitated for a moment, then straightened up, hiding her nerves, and started walking forward.
"Long time no see," she called out.
Her voice carried across the space between them. Jack's hearing was sharp enough to catch every word.
Her mother slowed her pace—but didn't respond. She just kept walking.
"...Mom?"
Mai's tone wavered, surprise slipping through.
Her mother didn't stop.
From where he stood, Jack's brows furrowed.
That kind of woman—strong, composed—she didn't seem like someone who'd simply ignore her own daughter.
A bad feeling crept up his spine.
He looked carefully at her mother. Her gaze wasn't fixed on Mai at all. She was scanning the area, as if searching for someone—or something.
There was no way she couldn't see her own daughter… right?
That's when Mai realized it too. She froze, her breath catching.
Jack's expression darkened.
His suspicion was confirmed.
—Cognitive denial.
Things had just taken a turn for the worse.
"..."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________