Done with the restaurant and the interview, Dylan and Maya walked back to Dylan's place because Maya didn't want Dylan to call a ride-share. Maya looked cheerful and kept holding Dylan's arm, even though Dylan was a little annoyed.
"So, if I get the job, I'll be on the same shift as you, right, babe?" Maya asked.
"Yeah, that's what the supervisor said," Dylan answered.
"Perfect. So, tell me about it—how can you disappear like that? And when you helped Lena, did you use that power, too?" Maya asked.
"Um... something like that," Dylan replied. "Great... now there are going to be a ton of questions," Dylan thought to himself.
Dylan's guess was right. Maya kept asking all sorts of things, like how he saved Lena, how he managed to steal the debt-clearance letter and make that company boss sign it, and so on. Since Dylan was only giving short answers, Maya noticed his face looked like it was saying, "I don't want to talk about it." Finally, she looked forward again.
"Okay, I won't ask so many questions. I trust you, but please don't get yourself into danger. Think about our baby," Maya said.
"Yeah, thanks," Dylan replied.
As they walked, Dylan glanced at Maya, who looked quiet and a little disappointed because she felt Dylan wasn't opening up to her. "Haaaah," Dylan sighed, then looked at Maya.
"Maya, can I ask you something? After this, we'll stop at the park for a minute, and I'll tell you everything," Dylan said.
"Just ask," Maya replied casually.
"Why did you and the others set me up that night at the hotel?" Dylan asked.
"Stop." Maya immediately froze, stopping in her tracks. Dylan looked back at her; her face was red and she looked confused. Dylan put his hands on both of her shoulders.
"I'm not mad, I just want to know. Lena already explained her part when I saved her—she said she was forced to marry that boss to pay off a debt, and at least she'd have my child, so she wouldn't regret it. What about you? What was your motive?" Dylan asked.
Maya looked up at Dylan's face, then she sighed too and started walking again.
"It's the same for me. I already told you about my family. I've been tired of being alone for three years, and like I said, I didn't have the guts to approach you, so... that was the only way I could have a child with you. I'm sorry," Maya said, looking down and kicking a pebble.
"That's all? Really? It feels like what Lena told me about her situation yesterday was deeper, and she said all of you were the same," Dylan asked.
"Hehe... sorry, yeah, I have a problem too. My dad left money for me and Mike that we can only get access to once we start a family. The money is for our future, and it's a lot. The problem is my mom is in charge of the inheritance, and I don't want that person to use my dad's money. If I have a baby, I have a family, I can claim the money and secure it. So... I needed a kid, and because I've loved you, I wanted your kid. Even if you didn't take responsibility, it wouldn't matter to me, because I know your financial situation from Ellie and I know about your family," Maya answered.
Dylan went silent. He just walked next to Maya without saying anything, staring straight ahead. Maya looked over at Dylan.
"Are you mad?" Maya asked.
"Hm... a little... but I get it," Dylan answered.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to use you. I didn't want a child from any other guy. I only wanted a child from you, the one I've loved from the start," Maya said, looking down.
"Relax. I'm still taking responsibility because I'm not some jerk who runs away from it," Dylan said.
"Really?" Maya asked, looking at Dylan.
"Yeah. And like I promised, I'll tell you everything now, but please keep it a secret from the others," Dylan said.
"Okay, I promise I won't talk about what you tell me with anyone else," Maya said.
After that, Dylan only told her the general idea without mentioning his grandfather's inheritance or the CATS system. As Maya listened, "Pffft," she tried to hold back her laughter.
"So-so you disguised yourself as Lena and then kissed that boss... just to get his signature?" Maya asked, trying not to laugh.
"See... don't laugh! I told you, I can be anyone and disappear," Dylan replied, embarrassed.
"Y-yeah, but does Lena know about this?" Maya asked, still trying to hold back her laughter.
"Only you know. Never, ever tell anyone, especially Lena," Dylan answered.
"Yeah, I know. Thanks for telling me and for accepting my reason... I wasn't lying when I said I love you. Ellie, Amy, and Lena are my best friends. At first, I didn't want to share, but it turns out they're just like me, totally in love with you and turning down everyone who asks them out," Maya said.
"Huh... really? I had no idea," Dylan said.
"It's true. I probably shouldn't have told you... but oh well, hehe," Maya said.
"So... all four of you have been rejecting guys who asked you out since tenth grade... because of me?" Dylan asked, making sure again.
"Yeees... don't keep repeating it! It's embarrassing!" Maya replied.
"Oh... okay," Dylan replied, confused. "So they've had a crush on me since tenth grade? That's weird... I feel like I only helped Lena from that creep in the park when she was walking her dog in eleventh grade. Amy only started coming to that bookstore a lot in eleventh grade, too. And Ellie... I only even met her when I started twelfth grade, even though she came to my parents' funeral before that... something's not right here," Dylan thought to himself.
"Hey... why are you so quiet?" Maya asked, sticking her head out to look at Dylan's face.
"Oh... nothing. Can I ask you something?" Dylan asked.
"Ask what?" Maya asked.
"When did you start crushing on me?" Dylan asked.
"Ugh... why ask something so embarrassing... It was since you beat my brother, Mike, in the final, because I always thought my brother was the strongest, but when he lost, I saw you and... immediately liked you. When I met you again in high school, I already liked you, and over time it turned into love... even though I only watched you from a distance," Maya answered, blushing.
"Okay, sorry, I won't ask again," Dylan said.
"Yeah, thanks," Maya replied, looping her arm through Dylan's.
They kept walking, but Dylan was still confused. Even though he could tell from Maya's face that she was embarrassed and honest about her own story, he didn't understand the others, even though Lena had explained her motive for wanting his child.
[A little hint, sir. They've known you for a long time—not just Maya. The other three have met you since childhood.]
"Huh... really? Can you tell me?" Dylan asked.
[They'll tell you themselves, sir. Just wait. Maya hasn't told you everything, or more accurately, when she really met you, but she will later, just like the others. It's not my place to tell you that.]
"Hmph... you're stingy," Dylan replied.