I don't own SiH.
|Chapter 1: Welcoming the Newbies|
[Third POV; Takano's side]
The whole Emerald department were now in their dead state. Due to another hell week that they had just barely survived and were barely able to pass their manuscripts in time. Why are we living like this? It's because of those damned authors who just won't submit their manuscripts in time!
It wasn't long when they heard a gasp.
'That must be the newbies Isaka-san was talking about…' Takano thought. He then heard the girl from the General Affairs wish the rookies good luck before running off.
"Um… we're the new ones…" came a soft voice… strangely Takano felt drawn to.
*THUD*
"EEK!" Hahahah… Kisa probably fell. Scaring the shits out of them! What a great timing for their first day!
Yes, their. There were two of them.
"W-Wha-at?" Kisa asked.
"Um… excuse me, but we're the new ones starting today…" came the same voice.
"Oh, was it today?" Kisa asked no one in particular. "T-Takano-san! The new guys are here…" Kisa rasped. Receiving no response. "Takano-san!" he called again.
*THUD*
Takano slammed his foot on the desk.
"Shut up!"
"Tsk. I heard you the first time!" Takano yelled. Taking off the manga that blocked his view and put on his glasses. He eyed the two men in front. An emerald eyed brunette taller than an average Japanese man but still shorter than Takano himself. Next to him a turquoise eyed-shoulder length hair- blonde probably as tall as Takano himself. Both wore matching outfit.(Ritsu's clothing in the first episode)
"So, what are you? Part-timers?" Takano asked.
"Ah… no full-time based on contract…" the brunette answered. The blonde only nodded. Takano then scratched his head.
"Your names?" Takano asked.
"Oda Hoitsu. "The blonde stated.
'Oda? Where have I heard that?'
"My name is Onodera Ritsu…" the brunette said.
'Ritsu? Now I know I heard that name somewhere…'
"Oh, yeah, they said that someone like you had come…" Takano pondered aloud while Onodera looked like he was ready to kill anyone.
"It's nice to meet you." Onodera stated instead giving a curt bow. While Hoitsu just looked around the room.
"I couldn't be there for the interview, but you worked as an editor, right?" Takano asked as he typed on his laptop.
"Yeah, worked at Onodera Publishing for four years…" Hoitsu stated nonchalantly.
"Yes, I worked at Onodera Publishing for three years." Onodera answered politely.
"Teen Magazine? Adolescent magazine?"
"Ah… no…" The brunette started. Takano raised a brow.
"Always worked on BL light novels…" the blonde answered. Hatori and Kisa looked up. No longer the dead. Takano then looked at the brunette who grimaced.
"I've always worked on Literature…" Takano swore that his eyes could've popped out of their sockets.
"Literature?!"
"Yes."
'What the hell?! What is Isaka-san thinking?!' Takano screamed in his thoughts.
"So, this is your first time with manga?" Takano asked instead.
"Yes…/Yeah." Came an answer from both.(I guess I don't have to explain why I put two answers, right?)
"I only edited the soft copies…" Hoitsu stated. Takano grunted. Looking away.
"Useless…" the brunette glared at him.
"Takano-san, the sub mat is done." Hatori stated still holding the receiver on his hand.
"Okay." Takano stood up. "Newbies, follow me."
"Huh?" Onodera questioned. Both confused. Though the statement did caught Hoitsu's attention.(Also I'm refraining from calling Hoitsu 'Oda' cause it might sound like 'Oda Ritsu')
"You'll have to learn to work." Takano answered. With that, both followed him.
"Sub mat means a substitute material, right?" Onodera asked as they boarded the lift. For some reason he was the only one doing most talking. The blonde rolled his eyes. "Does that mean someone didn't deliver?" Onodera continued.
"Yes." Takano nodded.
"For this month?" Onodera pried.
"Yes." Takano answered. Hoitsu only looked at them as they converse right behind them.
"I'm sorry, but when is the release date?" Onodera interrogated further.
'Curious much?' Takano couldn't help but let out an inward chuckle. As if, in hell, he was going to show that he's actually interested in a newbie whom he just met!(The same thing happened to Oda Ritsu though… -_-")
"Wait, what?!'
"In seven days." Takano replied in his poker face. Though he could feel his heart pound loudly in his chest. That he could swear that is blocking out all other noise.
"In seven days?! At the stores?!" Onodera exclaimed.
'He really doesn't have experience in manga alright.' Takano thought also side-glancing at Hoitsu on the corner of his eyes. The blonde though seemed not surprised at the information. 'Must knew of it…' Takano thought.
"If the substitute material just got done, when did they start working on it?" Onodera added.
"Three days ago." Onodera then gave him a 'Are you serious?' look.
"Uh, don't you have some stock sub mat? Like new artist's work, or something the like?" Onodera questioned further.
'Whoa, he's really curious…' Takano couldn't help but thought. He then reverted his in front. The doors slid open.
"We've got too much of it, but it's all useless." Takano then went out. And the two followed.
"But isn't that given with sub mat?"
'So, he does know what 'sub mat' is… so, he's just concern on how we do things, huh? Though that Oda guy seemed to not mind.' Takano thought, he sent another side-glance to the blonde. Who now care-freely had his hands on his head whistling silently as he followed them. For some reason, Takano has a feeling that he's going to dislike this guy.(*evil smirk* Of course you do~)Takano then gave Onodera his attention facing him.
"Whether you're an editor or an author, if you think that 'sub mat' is just a filler, you're an idiot." Takano stated. Onodera grunted. "If there's a hole, cram a diamond in there even if it's rough." He turned around. "That's common sense." They then followed him to the room where he met with the author. Takano then checked the manuscripts as Onodera watched closely. While Hoitsu looked around. Takano then flipped through the pages.
"I'm sorry for telling you to finish it in three days." Takano said softly. Then he looked at one page.
"It's not a problem, I've got the time." The author replied.
"Did you bring your tools?" he asked.
"Oh, yes." The author then rummage through her bag to get it.
"Can you make the kissing scene more dramatic?" Takano requested before handing the page to the author. Who accepted it and started changing the scene.
"Something like this?" the author asked. Takano kept an eye on her work and shook his head and pointed at the panel.
"No, more like from this angle…" Takano said as the author hurried to fix her work.
"Are you making her redraw it now? Aren't you making the printers wait?" Onodera questioned.
"No, not like that. Here." Takano then pointed at the part again. Takano then rest his cheek on his hand. "You have kiss someone before, right?" Takano asked. The author blushed red flinching. While Onodera had a ' Hey now, isn't that sexual harassment?!' look on his face. While Hoitsu wasn't bothered at all by it and yawned instead. Completely uninterested.
'If you're that uninterested in manga then just quit dammit! I don't need lazy boned workers!' Takano thought angrily.
"Uh, isn't it fine the way it is now?" Onodera asked. "It's drawn well enough as it is, and we don't have time."
"I'm just saying it, because I know it can be better. Amateurs should stay out of it." Takano stated nonchalantly. Onodera gaped at him. And for some reason. Hoitsu who did nothing since earlier. Glared at him dead on. It wasn't an ordinary glare though. A protective but deadly one.
'Uwah… but so, he does care…'
"Ah, but even if you do it, you can't see yourself…" the author laughed awkwardly.
"That IS true…" Takano softly stated. Seeming to have decided on something Takano straightened up. Also getting both Ritsu and Hoitsu's attentions. "Alright, I'll show an example so please draw it real quick." Takano stood up. Hoitsu looked at him raising his brow. Somehow feeling a bit uneasy. Onodera stood up.
"Oh, references right? I'll go get some." Onodera stated and was about to leave but stopped. When Takano though paid him no heed and went to instruct the author whilst taking off his glasses.
"From this angle so you can see the chin, slightly tilted." Takano said.
"Uh…" and before anyone could react. Takano grabbed Onodera's wrist and pulled him back. "Eh?" Hoitsu now head a deadly look on his face. Takano then tilted Onodera's face up. Who now had a confused but in disbelief look. And before they knew it. Takano leaned in on Onodera catching his lips. Who tensed up in the contact. The author blushed madly and started drawing in a fast speed.
"GAHHH!" Hoitsu could feel his blood boil. After a while, Takano let Onodera go. Who now slowly turned blue and hold onto the wall for support. The author huffing and gasping for air from the scene she just witnessed. (I swear if I saw that in live? Oh, yeah… I feel like I'm gonna die… from happiness =W=)
"Did you get that?" Takano asked as if nothing had happened.
"Un." the author nodded.
"Then please ink it real quick." Takano added before taking his seat and putting his glasses back on. The author then did as told. Onodera was about to open his mouth when Hoitsu ran next to him as if examining him. No, he is.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Hoitsu asked angrily glaring at Takano. Who faced them both with no particular but an emotionless look on his face.
"What do you mean? Work, of course." He answered bluntly. Ritsu gritted his teeth together. While Hoitsu just huffed and put his hand on the brunette's back. But still glared at Takano.
===?¿?¿?===
Takano walked around the halls. Seeing the restroom ahead he was about to go in. But stopped when he heard a pair of not-so-hushed whispering voices. Though one is hissing. Which he soon noticed that it belonged to the new blonde worker, Oda Hoitsu.
"Shit, how dare he…" Hoitsu gritted his teeth together. Takano could only raise a brow. Before peeking inside. Only to see Hoitsu and Ritsu together.
'Uwah… so they ARE close…' Takano thought. Ritsu only grunted.
"Don't remind me…"Hoitsu only rolled his eyes. Before gently putting his cheek on Onodera's cheek. Takano then suddenly felt a strange twinge in him.
'What the…'
"I don't want anyone else touching you like that… be it work-related or not…" he stated softly. Onodera then put his hand over the blonde's own. And smiled gently.
"Of course… only Hoitsu's allowed to touch Ritsu like that…" Onodera stated. In a slutty manner. Before softly taking the hand of his cheek and kissing it on its knuckles. Takano then felt the twinge grew. Hoitsu then gave him a smile. And took a step forward and was about to press their lips together. When Takano's body move on its own and went in. Walking in on the two. Onodera jolted while Hoitsu glared clearly annoyed that someone disturbed them. Takano only spared them a glance as if not noticing them earlier.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Hoitsu asked as he put his arms around Ritsu in a protective manner. Though Ritsu only blushed a bit and looked away.
"What am I not allowed to take a break?" Takano asked. Hoitsu could only hiss on his throat. Takano sighed and took a deep breath. For some reason he didn't like it;
Earlier he saw Ritsu as a hard-working worker. Which he knew will catch up soon despite being new to manga and all. And he respected that side of the brunette. But seeing that slutty side. He somehow didn't like it. As if he knew the brunette all along and that he had changed… but why? Also, since when did he start calling Onodera 'Ritsu' in his thoughts? But now that he think back to it. Despite what Ritsu said and how his face went along with it. His eyes… only his eyes didn't gave the same emotion in them. They were lifeless. And only a shade of dull emerald. He wondered what was it that took the light from those emerald orbs as if he knew them form before. But where? And when? For some reason he felt a heavy guilt in his heart that made it ache. Why? Those eyes were lifeless that he somehow wanted to bring back the light and life in it. knowing that it would suite the brunette better. What? Wait, what?!
Is he going nuts or something?!
Obviously these two aren't JUST close…
They're going out! Get a grip! And move on already!
Wait, what?
Somehow, he didn't like it… that the two are going out… true that he should get a grip… but… move on? Just where in the hell did that come from?!
"What are glaring at?!" Hoitsu asked as he tightened his arms.
"Uhh… Hoitsu…" Ritsu tried calling out to the man but it was nevertheless futile. Takano sighed. That he didn't even know he had been holding his breath.
"For the company's policy, limit your personal and private activities to minimum. Or it'll get in the way of your work. And earlier, that was work. In this company, we don't give a shit if you're going out with someone else. As long as it is for work then do it. and it wasn't half-assed or anything." Takano then glared at Hoitsu hard. For some reason, he really hates this guy. Also, why is he trying so hard to explain? And why is he feeling jealous? "Also I didn't do that to seduce him. Nor flirt with him nor tease him. As stated that was work and I don't give a shit if your jealous or whatever. Editors should be passionate with their job and if their author need a references and fast, you do it right away and as soon as possible. If not then you have no right to call yourself an editor." Hoitsu sighed but nodded.
"I know…" he answered. But still didn't let go of the brunette.
"Also, I just confirmed this with my boss… you're the Heir of the Onodera Publishing house, right?" Takano asked directing it to Ritsu. Ritsu nodded. But furrowed his brows. Anger or distaste. Takano couldn't say.
"Yes, but there's no connection between me and the company." Ritsu replied sternly.
"Are you dissatisfied being here, since you wanted to so literature?" Takano asked only directing it to the brunette. Ritsu's eyes hardened. 'Hit the nail, didn't I?'
"Ahh… no. How should I put this?" Ritsu replied. "Shoujo mangas' have a heavy focus on romance." Ritsu added slowly. "I'm not really good at that sort of stuff, or don't really have a good idea…" Ritsu continued. Takano could only inwardly be confused. "To be honest, I don't really understand romance anyway…" Takano though couldn't believe what he is hearing.
Because; he just showed false love to the blonde. Wait, false love? Well, sad but true. Takano couldn't help but agree with his thoughts. Recalling the brunette's eyes. And how they showed no motivation on loving the blonde at all. Hoitsu all but tightened his grip around the brunette.
'Says the one who acted like he could show it earlier… and he's okay with it?' Takano thought glancing at Ritsu to Hoitsu.
"If you're not motivated, quit because you'll just get in the way." Takano stated. Truth to be told he didn't want to say that either. But this was reality. Not some fictional game nor story. Hoitsu glared hard. As Ritsu just looked at the tiled floor but still glared at Takano. "How many people do you think get to do the thing they love for work?"
"That…"
"Everybody starts as an amateur." Ritsu stared at him. Including Hoitsu. Not knowing what hit him. His mouth opened on its own. "Well, useless people are useless no matter what they do." The two gaped at him. "Well, the others have gone home, so you can go home, too. Newbies."
"It's Onodera!"
"Oda…"
'Oda…'
"Listen."
"Yes?" Ritsu hissed, seeing it was directed to him.
"Have we met before?" Takano asked. Hoitsu's eyes widened. For some reason. He had a look of disbelief in his eyes. As Ritsu just looked confused. Angry but confused.
"I don't know…" Ritsu replied. Before going out of the grip and going out. Followed by the blonde who seemed deep in thought. Takano sighed.
For some reason he really couldn't shake the feeling of dread on him. He wanted to know. But at the same time, he didn't. He didn't wanted to be involve. But at the same time, he did. Just what is wrong with him?
This wasn't his kohai. They just looked alike.
Hell, the man doesn't even act like the boy.
And what? By some coincidence, they have the same first name and looks? Hell. What a REAL coincidence!
Oh hell. The way the Onodera looked at him. For some reason he wished that the brunette looked at him the same way his kohai did.
But why? Why was eh feeling so insecure around the man?
Was it because he looked the same with Oda Ritsu?
Despite the way he glares.
There was something with him.
Something.
Something. But Takano just couldn't point it out.
There was a dread on the back of Takano's heart. He could tell. But he didn't know what nor where the source is coming from nor why is it there.
He had a hunch. But he didn't want to believe it.
There was really something with Onodera. But he just couldn't say.
Ever since Oda Ritsu, his kohai had left him. He had sworn to move on and not try a relationship at all. Well that was when he had started working.
Then.. why?
Why is his heart beating like crazy around Onodera. And the man already has his date to top it all!
Well, the man doesn't show that much affection to him though.
Takano shook his head and sighed. He really needs to snap out of it.
===XxXxX===
Takano walked down the halls. Passing by a woman from the General affairs. She bowed to him. He returned it.
"Going home?"
"No. to a meeting. Bye" Takano smiled as the woman bowed and silently giggled. Takano then passed by the dimly lit editorial department. Seeing one light source, he looked inside,
Badump!
Badump!
Badump!
What the—
In the office there. The newbie, Onodera sat on his prescribed desk. Reading a manga with determination and motivation in his eyes.
Takano sighed.
Why are they so damn alike?
Takano then proceeded to leave the office.
===XxXxX===
The next morning. Takano as usual got up early. It was the end of the cycle. And they had to clean up the office. Also with the newbies. They need to welcome them properly. So with that Takano prepared for the day. And left his apartment early as possible. And then he, Kisa, Mino and Hatori started cleaning the place of dump up. It only took them three hours to let the office recover it's true form and state before and after the cycle. Takano then eyed the new work's results that just arrived. Soon enough the two newcomers arrived.
"Good morning…" Onodera bowed. As Hoitsu stared at them, right behind him and nodded.
"Good morning, Onodera-kun! Oda-kun!" Kisa and Mino greeted all fresh. Onodera blinked. Takano could almost feel himself blowing and laughing out loud . seeing the dumbstrucked expression. As Hoitsu just stared uninterested.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I made a mistake. Emerald…" Onodera was about to go away. Takano felt himself smirk.
'Stupid! What are you smiling about?!' he scolded himself as Kisa laughed and retrieved the newbie.
"What are you talking about? We're here!" Kisa stated cheerfully gesturing to the office and pulling him back. Takano thought just watched the whole ordeal take place from the corner of his eyes. "Sorry about yesterday." Kisa added.
"We just barely got the manuscript in before the deadline, so it's all good again." Mino continued. As Kisa took his seat. "So this is your first time working on manga? But don't worry.." Mino added. He and Kisa then raised thumbs up.
"We'll teach you the ropes!" the two piped as Hatori sighed behind them.
"Uh, Excuse me. I have to go to the bathroom." Onodera then hurriedly went out of the office before dashing outside dragging a worker from another department. Making the poor man scream.
"No, please! I'm not part of the Emerald team!" Takano could only chuckle. Before stopping himself.
'Why did I just find that funny just now?' he asked himself putting his hand over his mouth. Like he did back in high school when he saw… GAH! He inwardly shook his head. 'Stop thinking of a man whose face you can't even remember!' he again scolded himself as Hoitsu briefly passed the other three and put his bag on top of his prescribed desk and seat next to Takano. Much to the man's displeasure. He then looked at Takano. Whom Takano easily acknowledge.
"Umm… Takano-san…" he started approaching the man. He glanced at the other three before continuing. "By any chance… did you change your last name?" he asked. With that question, Takano felt the dread he had been feeling raise. Though he kept his poker face intact. Despite the blonde was really serious.
"Why do you want to know?" Takano asked. Hoitsu opened his mouth to speak but stopped when Ritsu came back welcomed by the others. Looks like they didn't notice Hoitsu. Or more like just didn't want to acknowledged the man.
But wait… now that you mention it. Hoitsu's last name is the same with Oda Ritsu's. Could it be possible that he and Oda Ritsu have some sort of connection?
"Forget it. Nevermind." Hoitsu stated. Before going back to his seat and taking it. Though still deep in thought.
With that, the day passed on. With Mino and Kisa teaching Ritsu the ropes as they have promised. As Mino teaches. Takano watched them intently as the creepy smirking man explained. As they conversed. Takano picked up the conversation.
(A/N: I'm lazy typing every line… so am skipping some a bit…)
"What's the matter?" Mino asked as the brunette seemed to have found something intriguing.
"I was just wondering if this author ran out of time." Ritsu replied looking at the page.
"Eh? Why?" though Mino seemed confused. Even Takano himself did. Though, he did find Kisa's speech about the 'crooked photocomposition pasting' funny seeing the man was crooked on this month's article on page 12.
"The two pages are spread mostly white." Ritsu explained his worries as Hoitsu paid attention to his… uh, lover's wondering. Leaning back. Ritsu then pointed to a panel on the page. "And this panel just has toner and text." He added. "It seems half-assed." He added softly. Takano then reflexively took a metal ruler from its holder and threw it at the brunette as the others moved out of its way.
"YOU FOOL!" Takano yelled.
"Ugh… Guwa-ah!" Ritsu grunted. Standing up. As Hoitsu just blinked. He clearly wasn't expecting that. "What was that for?!" Ritsu asked. Holding his injured head.
"You idiot!" Takano pointed at him. Hoitsu clearly scowled. He didn't like how his boss was treating the brunette. However, it was clear that the man was going to explain something. "That's' a maiden's heartthrob panel!"
"Throb panel?" Ritsu questioned. Takano nodded.
"Yes, look at it!" Takano said his voice softening. Ritsu then looked at the page. "This is the scene where the main character and her male partner finally get over being stubborn and admit their love for each other." Takano explained. "In the first person view, the reader gets easily emotionally involved." He paused. "That's why it's important to let the readers know that "It's coming, it's coming," and let them anticipate the scene."
"For example, we can enlarge the text to ramp up anticipation. In addition, when our readers are at the edge of their seats. With the right timing. We drop the bomb." Takano explained further.
"Uwahh… do you understand this feeling?!" the two dramatically and animatedly said as Hatori nodded agreeing. Though Ritsu just glared at the manuscript. And focused on doing his work taking his seat and started pasting the photocomposition texts. As the others chatted. Hoitsu being a wallflower. Takano didn't know what got to him. Nevertheless, he went over his seat, approached the brunette, and raked his hand thourgh the brunette's brown locks. Now that he took note that was soft and silky. Strangely for a man to own. Well, he is going out with a MAN and he IS the heir to the Onodera Publishing house. Still. It didn't stop Takano from wondering.
"I can't really shake the feeling that I've met you before, but I can't remember where."
'And when…' it was true though. Ritsu just blushed a bit and gently slapped his hand away. Also glaring at the blonde who was about to stand. Probably telling him that he got it all under control.
"Well, since we live in the same area, we might have passed each other. And as we're working in the same business, we might have been at the printers at the same time or something." Ritsu reasoned.
"Ah, I guess that's true." Despite what he said. Takano still felt it.
And for some reason. He felt…
Nostalgic towards the dread feeling.
Why?
Takano then went back to his quarters. As Kisa glanced at what Ritsu is doing.
"Hey, Ricchan. What are you doing with that manga catalog?"
Takano, Hoitsu and Ritsu then had the same thoughts about the newly given nickname. True Ritsu was cute and all. And…
Wait, what?!
'Snap out of it!' Takano scolded himself, yet again.
"Since I just started with manga, I was thinking of memorizing all the manga our company has published." Came a reply. Hotisu just smiled though.
"For real?! You do realize that our company has published over thousands of books, right?"
"Ah, well, actually I'm not just memorizing them. I'm also reading every one of them."
"Holy crap! There's no way I could do that…!"
"Oh, but I…"
'You what?'
"…Used to read all books when I was a student. It was a hobby." Came a curt reply.
'What…?' Takano couldn't help but look at him. Earning their attentions.
Badump!
Badump!
Badump!
He was here… he IS right here. Just in front of him.
Badump!
Badump!
Badump!
His Oda Ritsu…
Though the man just looked confused.
"What is it?" he asked.
"He doesn't remember you…" the voice in his head said.
"Nothing…" Takano looked away. Though Ritsu blushed. Takano then inwardly shook his head.
'There's no way I'm falling in love with him again!' Takano thought.
"That's nice…" the voice retorted.
"But then… why is your heart pounding like crazy then?"
Takano's eyes widened.
Badump!
Badump!
Badump!
Badump!
He swallowed. Before shaking his head again. But that didn't remove the feeling that he felt. Now he knows why he felt that way. And why he felt.
Nostalgic.
The day then passed off. Other employees bidding their 'Good Works' and 'Good bye' and 'See you tomorrow!'
The only ones left in the office were. Takano, Ritsu and Hoitsu. Ritsu was reading yet another Shoujo manga. Takano then stood up, took his case and hang it over his shoulder. And was about to leave. When he felt another tug at his chest. He then couldn't help but look back at Ritsu.
Who used to be his sweet kohai.
Though no longer sweet.
His Oda Ritsu…
===XxXxX===
(A/N: Uwahh… I have questions for myself;
Why am I so damned negative and always thinking of this kind of plots?
Just why won't I stop making them?
Why are they so tempting to read?
Why do I like this kind of plots even though it hurts so much right here?*press hands over chest*
Despite it hurts so much. Why do I keep on reading it?
Why do keep on looking for it?
Why?
Is it because of the saying; 'Finding pleasure in pain'?
Moreover, why can't I stop thinking about it once I make the plot? I have more like 10 or so of it-both SiH and JR- in my head. Just 'What if' theories. And last but not the least.
Why am I using the pair I like most in these plots?
Answers, anyone?XD
Why am I asking myself and letting you guys answer it?
XD Hahah… watching 'Walking Dead' me and mah family are having a marathon of itXD But… cause of this… got another plot in my headXD
Though as I was typing this. There were some certain parts that I couldn't help but think.
'If only you knew, Takano… if only you knew…'
Umm… so…
How'd I do?
This is DarkAlchemistAssassin, at your service… Review? CHAO~!)