Chapter 1: Reminiscence

"ONODERA!", I yell. Onodera has been slowing down in his manuscripts and I've had it. It's hell week, so that doesn't help either.

"What?", comes his flat and cold response

"DON'T 'WHAT' ME! WHERE THE HELL IS MUTOU'S MANUSCRIPT?!"

He sighs," Sorry, but Mutou-sensei isn't done yet. I'll contact her immediately." He picks up the phone and dialed the number.

I ended up working overtime (because of Onodera) but eventually made it to my apartment. Locking the door behind me. Suddenly a loud 'CRASH' caught my attention, it sounded like it came from next door. Making my way to Onodera's door I knock and yell, "Onodera! What are you doing in there?! It's late!" No response.

Just when I was about to walk away the door opened slightly and a piece of paper fell out. A photo? I picked it up but it was quickly snatched away. I look up to see Onodera glaring at me, "None of your business." Is all he says before slamming the door in my face.

The venom in his voice made shudder. I'm still curious about the way he was acting and why he was so quick to take away the photo before I could see the other side but I decide to drop it for now. I'm too damn tired.

~The Next Day~

"Mornin', Tori.", I say stepping into the elevator.

"Good Morning.", He says politely

I yawned. I barely got any sleep last night, I can't stop thinking about what happened between me and Onodera. "Hold the elevator!" Speak of the devil.

Onodera rushed in just in time before the door closed and greeted us both with a bow and a smile. What the hell? Last night you looked like you were ready to kill at any given moment, now you're all happy and giddy. Bipolar much?

Or at least you seemed happy. Then I take another look at you and you just glare daggers at me before walking out the elevator. Alright, what the hell did I do? Is he pissed about last night? I was just curious! He's the one acting like a psycho!

The day passed quickly but it felt like eternity for me. I couldn't stop staring at Onodera or thinking about what was behind that photo that he was so fast to hide. The curiosity was eating me alive! When Onodera started to leave I couldn't take it anymore,"Oi! Onodera!"

His back was turned but I'm pretty sure he rolled his eyes. "What is it, Takano? Are you giving me extra work before I leave again?" He doesn't even attempt to adjust his tone.

"No."

"Then what? Spit it out."

I sigh trying to compose myself," I was wondering about that photo. Why were you so desperate to keep me from seeing it?"

He glared,"Like I said, it's none of your business. It's been a long week and I'm tired I don't have time to answer pointless questions, so if you'll excuse me…" He begins to walk away but I stop him with my voice.

"Oi! Wait! What's gotten into you lately? You're colder than usual, you're more secretive than usual, and you're avoiding me and more short tempered than usual! What's going on, damn it?!"

There's no emotion in his expression and he just stares as I try to catch my breath from yelling so much. After I do though I notice something glistening around his neck, he notices me staring and quickly grips it before I could get a good look. He then disappears into the hallway without a word.

The same question remains in my head.

What's going on with Onodera?