The annual Marukawa New Year Party was a grand occasion for authors and editors to mingle and interact outside of work. Because of Chiaki's shy nature, Yuu agreed to accompany him.

It was a boring banquet, they showed up sooner than Yuu anticipated. He was stuck there for the whole night, until Chiaki was done and they could go home.

Yuu counted on author's wanting to scout him. He steered clear of them most of the evening, being with Chiaki, observing people. He didn't want to come for a someone, who made passes at him.

Lost in thoughts about that man, he was a bit startled when Chiaki jabbed him. "Look over there. There's Tori's editorial team. Why are they so sparkling? Seriously…"

Yuu tsked at the sight of him. Best avoid him. Chiaki blinked upon seeing Yuu's angry grimace at the latecomers, but didn't comment.

He was the last person the freelance assistant wanted to see. He tapped Chiaki's shoulder to get his attention. "Chiaki, let's move over there."

Disoriented, the author let himself be led by his friend to the other side of banquet hall, where they found a lonely spot along the wall. Yuu leaned a bit, frowning. Of course he'd come. He's editor.

Confused, Chiaki glanced from Yuu, seeking the recipient of that frown, but he couldn't pinpoint, it was getting too crowded. Chiaki tried to lighten the mood of his friend. "So many people, I've always been nervous in crowded areas. Thank you for coming with me, Yuu."

Yuu's frown changed slightly, when he gazed at his friend. "How long must you stay?" He asked.

"Tori wanted to introduce me to the production people of the adaptation…"

"So, until then, we can't leave. Just great."

"Umm… I didn't know you'd hate coming here so much. Is it because of Tori?"

Yuu snorted. "I don't care about him. But he's here."

He? Whom did Yuu mean? Chiaki shook head.

The freelance assistant watched someone with a glare. Chiaki never saw his friend look at someone like that before. He must really hate that man… but who is that person?

The author got really curious about it. Yuu never displayed animosity towards anyone, this was a first…

Yuu growled. "Tch, I can't watch this anymore. Chiaki, you haven't eaten anything since we left your home. It's been four hours. I'll get you something, wait here." He didn't wait for a response, he up and left, walking towards the crowd, eyes on the man.

The gall. Since they met two months ago at his author's studio, passes were made. Too many to count. Yuu declined every time. And now, he was standing there, surrounded by women and he oozed sex appeal. Foolish as women were, they were enamored with his charms.

How foolish. Yuu knew just what he was. A womanizer. Making passes (even at him, despite he was a man) and flirting shamelessly.

Yuu's path was blocked by Sarada – sensei. He was Sarada – sensei's editor. The author smiled at him and Yuu put on a smile in response.

"Yanase – kun, I'm so happy you came after all. Are you here alone?"

"I'm here with a friend. I went to grab something to eat."

Sarada – sensei shook head, affirmatively. "Say, when will you become an exclusive assistant? I'd gladly accept you into my team. Your skills cannot be denied. What do you say, Yanase – kun?"

Again with the recruiting? This was the what, ninth author tonight? Yuu politely bowed down. "I'm sorry, but I'm enjoying being a freelance assistant. I get to work on all sorts of manga with different genres."

Sarada – sensei shook head. "I see. But my door is always open if you change your mind. It was nice seeing you, Yanase – kun." And he left.

His field of vision was free again and he got a view that made him sick to the stomach. Him being all over the female authors, flirting openly. Yuu hated men like him.

He diverted his gaze, looking above everyone's heads as he approached the long table. He grabbed a tray and put on some random food and he grabbed two glasses for himself and Chiaki.

Balancing the tray in one hand and the two glasses in another, he walked carefully back to where Chiaki was.

However, when he arrived, Chiaki wasn't there. Yuu looked around. Where did he go? Maybe Hatori is finally introducing him to the production team. That means they can leave, soon.

Yuu reached their hangout, putting one glass and the tray on the floor. His gaze settled on him, again. More female authors joined him. Yuu sipped the champagne, staring at him.

That jerk. After declaring last week that Yuu's the only one for him, he shows up to the New Year Party and does this, with no shame.

Yuu chugged off all of his glass, irked. Why does he care what he does? Yuu knew that he wasn't serious, he was just toying with him. Men like him, they think they toy with people and their emotions, for fun.

His glare returned, this was so unsightly of Yuu. He knew it, getting pissed off just by seeing him and his face. Then he went into a host mode.

Yuu didn't want to see him. Yet, he couldn't tear his eyes from him. Chiaki returned and when he saw Yuu's glare, he halted before he approached his friend, who was in a much fouler mood than before. What happened?

The freelance assistant tore his gaze from the jerk, looking at Chiaki. "Finally. You're done, right?"

Chiaki nodded and Yuu dropped the empty glass on the floor. "Can we leave now?"

Sensing the mood Yuu was in, Chiaki didn't want to irk him. But then, something caught his glance. Yuu also looked in that direction. Erika Ichinose and Hatori?

Yuu pursed his lips. That bastard is flirting with Ichinose. Clearly, Emerald was in their element. Chiaki's face turned incredibly sour.

"There goes my appetite. Let's go, Yuu. I'm so done with this party."

Yuu had to agree with Chiaki. He's got enough.

The freelance assistant and author were leaving, avoiding the main crowd in the middle, where Hatori and that jerk were. Yuu flashed a last disgusted glare in his direction when he passed by, noticing that Chiaki's hands were balled up, his jaw clenched and he looked like he was about to cry. Fucking Hatori, making Chiaki feel down like this!

"Chiaki, forget him for tonight. I'll keep you company, okay?" He tried to ease his pain. "Thanks, but it's not necessary. I want to be alone at home…"

Yuu understood. They were friends for a long time. "Fine, have it your way. Just don't dwell on it. Hatori's not worth a heartbreak." Yuu exclaimed as they walked up to the reception, where they picked their coats they left earlier. Yuu presented his number to the woman at the reception and she was getting his coat. Then, he appeared.

"Yanase!" Irked by his voice, Yuu ignored his call from afar, while Chiaki perplexedly stared at him, then at the man, whom he didn't recognize, but he seemed to know Yuu for some reason.

Yuu did as he didn't exist, pretending he doesn't hear his voice. Tch. Lay off, jerk. I'm not a fool.

The lady handed his coat and Yuu gladly took it, waiting on Chiaki, who was unsure if he should leave with Yuu or not.

The man caught up, stopping before them. Chiaki finally recognized him. He's Tori's friend and co – worker…

He put his hand on Yuu's shoulder. He promptly shook it off, even dusted his shoulder. "Don't touch me."

The atmosphere was so thick, it could be sliced with a knife. Chiaki gulped down, snatching his coat from the lady, grabbing onto Yuu's hand. This man was most probably the recipient of that frown and glare. They should leave…

"If you'll excuse us, we're leaving." He announced and he yanked with Yuu, who gladly turned his back on the man.

They were on the way to the exit, when two pairs of hands snatched them each apart.

Yuu and Chiaki found themselves in tight grips.

What the - they saw the faces. Them.

Chiaki stared at Tori, who looked as he ran after him, cheeks slightly flushed. "Chiaki, we had a agreement. Don't leave without me." And Chiaki was dragged off (he didn't put on much of fight) to a more secluded area.

Yuu was left alone with him, clasping his wrist painfully. He didn't want to make a scene at a Marukawa Party, but this jerk isn't leaving him another option.

He tried to break the hold. "Let go of me." He stated, gritting teeth. Yuu was getting angrier and angrier. "Yanase, hear me out."

Yuu sardonically cackled. "Why? So you can spout more convenient lies? I'm not interested, Mr. Irresistible. I hate you." Yuu declared, looking into his eyes.

The grip didn't loosen one bit. "Now you're lying to yourself, Yanase. Your actions in the banquet hall speak otherwise."

This was the last straw. Yuu's anger exploded and he slapped him hard across the face with the free hand. His cheek reddened, his head snapped back in place after the impact. His gaze was dangerous. Without any further words, he hauled Yuu towards the exit.

"Let go! You bastard!"

He wasn't listening.

Yuu was turning pale. This man is dangerous. He must escape. But tearing himself away was next to impossible. His strength was inhuman and to be sure, he held down his left hand, too.

Yuu was getting a bit scared here. No, where is he taking him?!

They reached the parking lot. He led him to his car, opening the doors and showed him inside. Other people who were also leaving curiously stopped to look, but didn't dare to approach.

Yuu desperately watched as that jerk sat on the driver's seat, putting on the seat belt. "Buckle up, Yanase."

Yuu refused to listen. This was borderline abduction. Just what is he thinking?! "Hell no! I am not going anywhere with you. Let me go or I'll scream!"

He turned on the seat, almost as he was sneering. "I dare you to scream."

That shut Yuu up. What the hell is wrong with this man?

He sighed. "Hear me out."

"No."

"Really now? What are you, five years old?"

Yuu puffed up. "At least I'm not a fucking womanizer."

"I knew it. You're jealous."

As if! Yuu crossed his arms. "Why me? Is it fun tormenting me? Try another target for your games."

"This isn't a game, Yanase. You're the only one for me."

Yuu snorted. "Riiight. Then what was that at the banquet? I've heard a lot from you from Sarada – sensei. Flirting is your pastime or what? Cut it out, I AM A MAN!"

"Is gender issue when there is love?" He asked innocently and Yuu groaned, frustrated at the man.

He turned back, turning on the engine. "Buckle up. We're leaving."

Yuu wasn't responsive.

"If you won't like what I'll tell you, I promise I won't bother you again. I swear." He swore, which got Yuu's suspicions even higher.

"Why should I believe your words…"

"I am a man of my word, Yanase."

Yuu looked away. Most of the onlookers already left.

Fine, fine, fine, FINE!

He put on the belt.

The editor cracked a smile and the turned with the key. The car moved. They were leaving.

Yuu reluctantly and still a bit angry at himself stared out the window.

He didn't know where they were going; he didn't care.

TO BE CONTINUED_