Playing With Ice

Disclaimer: I do not Own Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi, only this story

Chapter 1: The New Engagement

Ritsu Onodera had always valued the importance of hardwork.

So, here he is, sitting on the chair, surviving another dead end cycle. All the Emerald Editors are exhausted, and everyone just wants to take a rest and sleep like they don't care in the world.

But he could never sleep.

Call it guilt or whatever, eversince he received a call from his mother that An chan had broken off their engagement, he was ecstatic, yet guilty at the same time.

An Kohinata had always been a great girl, she was cute, sweet, polite, educated and very sensitive, she can read him like an open book, understand him like no other, and be with him when he needs a shoulder to lean on, and honestly, if he didn't notice … Takano san, he'll be probably head over heels in love with her.

But…

It didn't happen the way she wanted it, no matter how much he forced himself, he could never love An more than a sister and a close friend, he considered her a family, and she will always have a soft spot in his heart, he was guilty because An loved him very deeply, it's too bad that he can't return it.

Yet, he knew he did the right thing, it would be very unfair for her if he didn't admit the truth, An is a nice person and she deserved his honest opinion. He will never be able to take it on himself if he kept lying to her.

However…

It bothered him that his father didn't have a say of it. No, it was wrong, his father clearly didn't say anything about his personal decisions. When he sprouted to him out of nowhere that he wanted to study abroad 10 years ago, he agreed without hesitation, he also didn't hear any word from him when he told him that he will quit Onodera publishing.

But that makes it scarier, his father is a good man, and no doubt that he will want nothing but the best for him and he supported him like any good father would. But unlike him, he couldn't read his father's thoughts, he knew him as an unpredictable person, and he was waiting for his father to make a move anytime, so far, he didn't even took a step.

Sometimes, Ritsu wished that his father would be like his mom, his mom will freak out and let her feelings be known when something bothers her, but that would be impossible to wish. Onodera publishing will never be at its best if his father cannot handle the simplest of all situations.

And he admired his father for his calm and unpredictable nature.

"Okay, everything is done. After you clean all the mess here, you can all go home. " Takano san, their Editor in Chief commanded as he stood up. "I'll just go to the fax machine to check any updates. " He said as he walked towards the door.

Kisa sluggishly got up. "Gah! I wonder how Takano san was able to stand up still after all the work! I wish I bought my futon, I could just sleep here on my desk! "

"Kisa, stop whining like it's your first time doing this job. " Hatori said as he started to pick up the books that were scattered all over the floor.

"I know, but am I not allowed to say anything? " Kisa complained.

"You know, Kisa, if you don't move, you'll stay here longer. " Mino said with a constant smile on his face. "The sooner we finish, the earlier we can get home. "

'Whatever! Let's go and clean up, Rittie! " Kisa said as he dragged Ritsu to pick up books.

"I told you, don't call me Rittie! " Ritsu hissed.

Kisa laughed. "Come on! It's cute! And I bet everyone will agree that you're as pretty and delicate as a girl. "

"Are you picking a fight with me!? "

Kisa was about to tease him again when Hatori coughed and the two resumed working. Both of them not wanting to suffer his wrath.

When they were finished, everyone then took their bags and started to go, Ritsu definitely wanted to get out first. He didn't want to be caught dead by his boss and former ex - lover Takano Masamune, who always runs after him, drags him to his apartment and "forcing" him to make love to him. Goodness, both of them always end up in his bedroom everytime they go home that he started to think that it becomes a habit. A very bad habit of you think about it.

Thankfully, Takano san had an emergency meeting, so he'll stay in the building for two more hours. After bidding goodbye to his fellow editors, he immediately walked towards the train station.

Just as he was about to go, his phone rang.

He didn't want to answer, but the incessant ringing annoyed him, in the end, he flipped his phone and his eyes widened.

It was his dad.

Wasting no time, he answered it.

He was about to speak when his father beat him to it.

"Ritsu, come home tonight. " Was his short answer before he ended the call.

Wow, that was… demanding.

His father didn't give him time to answer or refuse, which meant that he had to go wether he liked it or not.

His father was always authoritative, yet soft spoken, he usually handles things under control, so when he demands, it has to be followed immediately or suffer the consequences.

Sighing, he wasted no time and instead went straight to his parent's house.

Ritsu gulped as he saw the huge gate, the Venus de milo statue that acted as a fountain and was placed at the centre aisle, and the bricked pathway is still the same when he left home to live on his own. He hadn't been here for months, and his parents never insisted him to go home.

He always had a loving family, and he was happy that his family were intact, unlike Takano san whose parents got divorced during middle school.

He shook his head, now is not the time that he should think about him!

His thoughts were broken when he saw a shiny, white limousine parked outside their huge, mahogany door. He furrowed his eyebrows, no, they didn't own any white limousine. Probably, his father had a guest…

Right, inviting a guest while his son looked like an exhausted zombie. Thanks a lot, dad.

"Ritsu sama? "

Ritsu looked and to his surprise, he saw their butler, Seiki san, smiling at him.

"Why are you standing there? Come in! " He said as he pressed the button to open the gates.

Ritsu smiled at their butler for decades as he went in. Seiki had always been devoted to the Onodera family.

"Your father is expecting you, Ritsu sama. " Seiki said as he pressed the button again to close the gates.

"I know, that's why I'm here. " He said.

Seiki bowed. "We missed you… Ritsu sama. Everyone was worried and kept praying for your safety. "

"Thank you… "

Seiki smiled. "Let me take your coat and your bag, Ritsu sama, you look exhausted. "

"No, I can bring this myself – " He stopped when Seiki grinned.

"I know, but as of the moment, you are our beloved bocchama, now let me take your things and let me be of service to you, Ritsu sama. "

Ritsu halfsmiled. "Alright then. " He said, giving up as Seiki took his things gently from his arms, and then he let him pass through first.

Ritsu was about to open the huge oaken doors when it was suddenly opened and revealed a man that Ritsu knew very well.

Atsushi Onodera maybe in his late fifties but he still possess the same delicate yet determined aura. Ritsu can see himself on him. They both have the same brown hair, the same fair complexion, the soft jaw, the nose, and the lips. The only difference is their eyes. Atsushi had dark, black eyes, while Ritsu got his green eyes from his mother.

Atsushi was wearing his traditional, pale, green kimono and was looking at this son in an unreadable expression.

"I'm glad you came home. " He said in a monotone voice as he gave him a once over. "It seemed as though you've been through a lot. "

Ritsu blushed. "Good day to you father… " He greeted. "I apologize for my sloppy appearance… I just came from work. "

Atsushi's seriousness suddenly broke into laughter that surprised Ritsu.

"What are you so uptight for? " He asked in amusement. "Come and give your old man a hug, you silly kid! "

"But I haven't showered for three days – " He was cut off when his father suddenly ran to him and hugged him.

"Dad… " Ritsu said, suddenly embarrassed.

Atsushi then released him and took his jaw gently in his hand. "Look at you, still trying to be independent. I'm glad you're surviving, Ritsu, you always do things at your own pace, no matter how hard it is and fight every help that I sent you, all for the sake of stepping away from the shadows of the Onodera family. "

Ritsu widened his eyes. So his father knew of his internal struggles.

He hated family connections, and he always wanted to prove the people around him wrong. He wanted to prove that he has talent, and that he can be successful without his father's influence.

Atsushi smiled. "I always loved your determination, Ritsu. "

Ritsu was about to smile when another image came in, this time, it was his mother, wearing her pink kimono, her light brown hair tied in a bun and her green eyes suddenly glistened.

"Oh, Ritsu… " She choked as she ran and hugged him as well. She quickly released him and kissed his cheeks. "Oh, my baby boy! I always worry about you! "

"Rika, he's a grown man now, he can take care of himself. " Atsushi said as he took his wife in his shoulders and pulled the three of them closer. "I'm glad that we're all here tonight. "

Ritsu smiled. "Me too…" He said as he leaned closer, then suddenly remembered something. "By the way, dad, why did you invite me? "

Rika glowered at Ritsu. "Why, is asking our son to join us for dinner too much to ask? "

"No, mom, I didn't mean that, of course, I wanted to have dinner with you, but why – "

"I want you to meet a business associate of mine. " Atsushi replied as his face got serious. "I want you to prepare, Seiki had prepared the bath for you, make yourself presentable, and then I'll meet you in the stairs later. " He commanded.

Before Ritsu can ask, Seiki came in to join them.

Seiki bowed. "Please follow me, Ritsu sama… " He said.

Ritsu obediently obeyed, when he was out of his parent's eyes, Rika narrowed her green eyes at her husband.

"You seriously make me think that that is all? " Rika asked suspiciously.

"Isn't introducing our son to the powerful Hanazono clan a good intention? " Atsushi asked back innocently.

Rika rolled her eyes. "I may not know what you're thinking mister, but I know you well enough that you're planning on something. Hanazono sama had been sitting here and calmly sipping her tea and she told us to wait for someone. So the maids and I have to come up with something to entertain her."

Atsushi kissed his wife's head to shush her worries. "Don't worry, I promise you that you won't be disappointed."

Ritsu raised his shoulders so that Seiki can put on his white blazer. After his bath, his father instructed him to wear a white tuxedo, complete with bow tie and white shoes. He had to admit, they looked so good on him. White makes a man seemed innocent and childish, but on him, he looked more manly.

He looked at the mirror, his signs of exhaustion disappeared in a snap, he looked fresh faced all of a sudden.

He had his suspicions, but he can only think that his father wanted him to look his best because he's going to introduce him to a business partner.

But knowing his father, that's not the only rationale.

Yet he couldn't think of anything else.

"Ritsu sama, is there a problem with the tuxedo? " Seiki asked. And he couldn't lie to him, his butler was the one who took care of him most of the time, and he knew him from head to toe, inside and out.

"Seiki san…what does… father wants? " He whispered.

Seiki smiled. "I wish I can answer you, bocchama, but right now, your guess is as good as mine. " He answered as he took a comb. "Now let's comb your hair, your father asked me to make you look presentable, and so I shall… "

After some time, Ritsu came out, looking good and manly, his bangs that used to cover his forehead were now combed upwards and with a little gel to hold it in place.

He went down, and he saw his father at the end of the staircase, he gave him another one look, making sure he was satisfied with his appearance, before ushering him to come to the dining room.

When they entered, he saw his mom chatting with another woman.

She was a beauty to behold, she had the darkest shade of midnight black hair and although she looked the same age as his parents (in their fifties ), she looked radiant. Her lovely grey eyes were a nice contrast to her dark hair, and her ivory complexion were glowing, she had perfect nose, and shell pink lips that looked ready to give a smile anytime.

She was wearing a light blue kimono and her hair tied in a low ponytail which added more on her gentile persona.

Both women chatted amicably, and they seemed unaware that they arrived.

His father cleared his throat and both women in the dining area looked at them.

"Hanazono sama, I wanted to introduce to you… my only son… Ritsu Onodera. " Atsushi introduced.

Both of them stared, and their dark haired guest looked at Ritsu in admiration.

"Ara, what a beautiful man you are… " She praised as she gracefully stood up and went closer to Ritsu.

Ritsu smiled and then immediately bowed. " A pleasure to meet you, Hanazono sama. " He said respectfully.

The Hanazono clan is one of the most powerful clans in Japan, they are known for their majestic creations and established themselves as an architecture clan. The family had proudly produced members that build the strongest buildings and establishments that stood at the test of time, which is why the family was respected in the country.

"And a respectful one too. As expected from an Onodera. " She heard him say as he straightened himself. "I am Eriko Hanazono, Onodera kun. I'm honored to meet you as well. "

"Lady Hanazono made the Hanazono clan flourish and made them more successful after the death of her husband. " Ritsu heard his mother say in admiration. "Don't let her gentle appearance fool you, my son, she's a very brilliant lady. "

Eriko laughed. "Oh, please, don't praise an old woman's obsessive love of buildings get to her head. " She said and smiled at Ritsu. "I can tell you're a nice, upright young man. She was right that she chose you, and I'm glad she did. "

Ritsu was about to ask when Atsushi cleared his throat again.

"Why don't we sit and then you can find out more about my son, Lady Hanazono " Atsushi said as he ushered them all to sit.

Just as they were about to sit, Seiki then came in.

"Forgive me, Atsushi sama, but I believe the daughter of Hanazono sama is here already. " He said.

Rika stared at her husband in surprise while Ritsu felt his heart clamour. He didn't like the way this meeting will lead.

"Let her in. " Atsushi commanded Seiki.

"I'm so sorry. " Eriko apologized. "My daughter just came from England, she had a show in London this morning, but she promised to meet you all here. "

"No worries, Hanazono sama. " Atsushi replied as he calmly sipped his green tea.

"Excuse me, but may I know what her job is? " Ritsu asked.

Eriko took a cup and lowered her eyelids fondly.

"She's a broadway singer and the proud owner of Aphrodite Cosmetics. " She said in a very fond manner. "My daughter can be too headstrong, but she is extremely talented, I have to admit that her architecture skill exceeds that of my younger sons and the clan deemed her as a perfect candidate for becoming an heiress, but she didn't like it, so off she went and studied in Paris, without asking any financial help from me. Lo and behold, to my surprise, she was already a successful businesswoman and found another calling in the stage. Kids can sometimes be surprising, I tell you. "

Ritsu lowered his eyelids. That is something, he sort of wished that he had that ability.

They heard light footsteps as the door gently opened and it revealed a young woman.

Rika had her eyes almost pop out of their sockets, while Ritsu felt his mouth flung open.

To say the girl was pretty was an understatement. She was much more than beautiful. More of goddess like. She had the sort of image that will make any woman hit her self esteem. She long, straight, black hair, pearlescent skin, sparkling turquoise eyes, lovely nose, and delicate pink lips. She wasn't that tall, but she had dressed herself properly, wearing an off shoulder royal blue dress that made her eyes stand out even more, and dark, blue pumps. She wore a gold bracelet and a silver hairband.

Even wearing a sack, she can still look dazzling.

"Is… this your daughter? " Rika asked in shock.

Eriko stood up proudly and ushered her daughter to come sit with them. "Come, Sara. "

Sara then stood in front of them. She looked delicate, yet confident at the same time.

She smiled confidently at the Onodera family and bowed.

"It's an honor to meet you. My name is Sara Hanazono." She said and raised her form to look at them. But then, her lovely ocean blue eyes settled longer on Ritsu.

"You have a very beautiful son, Onodera sama, if I may be so bold. " She said.

Atsushi smirked confidently as he tapped Ritsu's shoulder, signaling him to stand up.

"I'm happy that you found him so. I am also proud to have you as my daughter in law, if I may be so bold to announce, Hanazono san. " Atsushi replied in the same vein.

Ritsu looked at his father in surprise.

"Ritsu, me and Hanazono sama agreed, that Sara Hanazono will be engaged to you. "

Ritsu's jaw almost hit the floor.

"W-what? " He asked, still in shock.

Atsushi laughed. "I can understand why, you are enthralled with her beauty, as all of us are, but I was delighted when I meet Hanazono chan and expressed her delight to see you. "

Sara grinned. "I apologize for my brash manner, but when I saw your picture, Onodera san, I just had to meet you. " She said as she closed her distance to him and held his hands in hers. "I just…had to. "

Ritsu stared at her, her turquoise eyes suddenly darkening…

He felt his heart thump nervously. He had a bad feeling… a very very bad feeling.

That this woman is bad news.

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Thank you for reading!