I've been thinking about him since yesterday. I prayed that no one saw me when my curiosity got the better of me. Takano is quite the looker. But I'm not only attracted to his appearance, I have passed that stage of vain interest long ago; no, he's a different kind of man. Somewhere buried in that demeanor is a heart that will soon beat only for me. I didn't just know how yet…

Oh well, no point dwelling on it. It was 10.38 am. , damn I'm gonna be late. I can't be late on the second day. I don't care what other people think, but I care what Takano will hear about me from other people. So… I hastily threw some jeans and shirt together, put on my coat and shoes and made a dash for the station. I barely got on in time and there was no empty seat. The day was starting pretty poorly. I daydreamed about Takano till it got so late. I must stop doing such stupid things, but I cannot bring myself to stop. The train was packed and I barely got enough space. Ugh, I hate communal transport service for all it's worth… Some new people got onboard and I had even less space. Damn them to oblivion, I thought as I gritted my teeth. If only I had a distraction right now… in the window opposite of me I saw a mirror image of the man, standing above the average folk like myself. Oh, how could I miss seeing Takano get on? I didn't dare turn my head. It would be still creepy if I just walked up to him and started talking… would it not? It's not like we work for the same department… I wonder if I were in Emerald if I could get closer to him easier? That's all just what if situations. Not gonna happen.

The ride was more bearable when my gaze was focused on Takano's graceful expression. I did my best not to blush. When we got off the train, I gave Takano headstart of five minutes before I moved from my position near the subway exit. I arrived approximately at 11.24 and when I got in elevator, I was surprised to see Mizutani running towards me. "Hold it! I'm getting ooon!" she shrieked, huffing. She got in before it close and she sank to her knees, still obviously tired from the presumably long run. It's none of my business, but I should ask. It was polite. "You're alright, Mizutani –san? Did you run here?" She nodded and collected herself again, standing up properly. "Yes… I've had a wild night… if you know what I mean. My boyfriend is a beast in bed… oh… too much information. Sorry about that…" I cackled, far from amused. This retarded woman found someone before me? Her partner must be blind. Nevertheless, it's none of my business and I don't care to know more about her sexual adventures. And I let her know about it. "Mizutani –san, please refrain from such comments in the future. We're colleagues, nothing more, nothing less. What you do in your free time is up to you." She pouted again. "Oh, you're no fun. Just like Setsu—I mean Nakamura –san. Fine. But we'll be friends eventually." She said with confidence as she stepped outside. I scoffed. I had no interest in getting friendly with idiots, thank you. If I wanted to stay surrounded by pricks, then I'd stay at Onodera Publishing.

I put my bag on the desk and sat down, a new pile of crime manga's was on my half. I threw a questioning look at editor in chief. "Ishiyama –san, what's this? I wasn't finished with the last volumes of Secretive." Chief waved from his seat. "Oh, that. Don't worry about it for now. Read these first. This mangaka is to become the one who will pull Crimson out of dump. We need it, desperately."

I cocked an eyebrow. "If that's a hit manga, then why put it under my care? You know I am practically a noob when it comes to manga. I am just getting into it. It's the truth." I said to my colleagues. Nakamura was amused at my sincere reply. "Then why are you in manga business?"

I shrugged. "Bad luck, I guess. My recommendation got mixed in and I ended up here. But I'll give it a try. I know I can master crime manga in no time."

They didn't look too convinced, but Ishiyama –san handed me a few print - outs and he patted my shoulder before he sat down to resume with his work. He got it hard, I guess. I was second editor in chief back in Onodera Publishing, so it wasn't so stressful as being the main guy. I wonder… how Takano was handling it. It must be nothing for him. I shook my head. Now's not the time to be distracted. I said I would master crime manga and I meant it. I immersed myself into the manga's worlds, forgetting for a while about the real world.

Then, my phone rang and put the manga down, looking at the caller ID. I didn't know that number, that was for sure. Should I pick it up? I opted not to. Hell, I don't need strangers calling me now.

After fifteen or more minutes, I got a text message. It said to meet in five minutes in the conference room. It should be empty and we could talk freely there. My eyes scanned the sender number. It was the same number. Either someone was playing a stupid prank on me here in office or I don't know.

I stood up, grabbing my phone. This trickster will be stopped, mark my words. I have enough on my plate already, for fuck's sake.

"I'm leaving for a bit. I'll be back soon."

The only replied came from Mizutani who said uhuh or something.

The person wrote instructions on how I get to the conference room number 3. That means the person knew I was new here… This was beginning to smell fishy to me, but yet again, curiosity doubled with boredom led me to the said room. I looked around. There was no one around. I turned the handle and got inside. There, a man was seated on the far end of the table. It was a man with brown hair and his eyes were shut. Did he see me enter? Why are his eyes closed? More importantly… what does he want to talk about with me?

The man smiled at me and gestured towards the empty seats. "Please, sit down. This may take a while."

I eyed him for a split second before I chose where to sit down. I turned to face the man, awaiting explanation why were we meeting here in secret. "Thank you for coming, Onodera –san." I didn't flinch at the mention of my name. He knew of me, clearly. He continued. "You're not surprised, that's good. I believe we may have a goal in common." I crossed my legs under the long table. "Oh, and what's that?"

"You see, Emerald is like my family. All members are like my family. I don't want to see them suffer and most of all Takano. He pulled Emerald out of our slump and we're thankful for that. But he's in slump himself and some… bad influential people want to harm him – either physically or mentally. I won't let them do that. He's the thing Emerald needs and he needs someone like you to guard his back."

Now my emotions took better of me and I slammed the table. "What sick game are you playing with me? Is this some kind of prank? What do you want? Money?"

He shook his head. "No, I am not after money. As I said, Takano needs someone like you who cares for him for who he is, not because of his looks or fame in this industry."

I was in awe at the man who continued smiling. "I saw you tailing Takano yesterday. You were so… stealthy. He didn't notice you following after him."

I went red in face. He… saw me!? "Have you told Takano about it?"

"No, silly. I don't want him thinking you're acting strange. But anyone who's in love is acting strange. Oh, don't make that face. I know you're in love with Takano. And I approve, even more, I want to help you."

My throat became dry suddenly. I licked my lips, excited. "What kind of help? What will you want in return?"

The man leaned over the table. "All I want is for Emerald to be prosperous. And Takano is the key to our prosperity. If he's not feeling good or he is under too much stress, it affects me and my colleagues, too. We want to stay as the best selling magazine for as long as possible. I heard it from the man himself. I am willing to extend my knowledge of the office and all the people working here, to you. I know their strong and weak points. Take up my offer of help. We have a common goal. You want to get closer to Takano? You want to confess? Then start by… eliminating his stresor factors and he'll be all yours." The way he said the word eliminating send chills down my spine. He's up to something… shady.

"What are you… proposing?"

"You, my friend get some handful of people… removed… permanently." He said nonchallantly. I shook with terror as I realized what he was talking about. He's talking about murdering people! That's wrong! On many levels, not just moral! I could get caught, I could get… heartbroken if Takano ever found out… no, I cannot….

I shook my head vehemently. "No… you're… crazy. I can't do that. I can't outright murder someone!"

"So then, your love for Takano ends here? After some signs of danger, you give up? Is that it? Is that how weak your love is?"

I stood up, enraged. "I can't! Don't contact me again! Have a good day!" I stormed out the conference room. I caught numerous glances as I hurried back to my desk. I sat down, still shaken. He's got to be kidding me. That man was dangerous… I should call the cops on him…

Someone waved before my eyes and I turned to see Mizutani. "Oh, you're looking kinda strange. Where have you been?"

I shifted my gaze to the mangas. I should get back to reading… and forget about that proposterous "offer of help". Bullshit.

"Stop sticking your nose into my life, Mizutani."

"Fine, you're all workhaholics here…" She went to get a drink and I was left alone on my side of the desk. Thank goodness for a little respite. I read the manga, but I didn't absorb anything at all. My mind was wandering to that mystery Emerald editor.

Ishiyama –san ordered us all to leave early, because we'd go out for drinks, to welcome me into the team. I feared that would come, sooner or later. I accepted, but I wasn't happy about it.

On our way out, I've encountered the Emerald editor. He waved at me and left. My colleagues got suspicious. "Oh, what's this? You know Mino Kanade from Emerald? No one knows him, except maybe the guys from Emerald. He's a real mystery… always smiling and his eyes shut… wonder how he edits manga…" Nakamura informed me.

So, the guy's name is Mino Kanade, eh?

We headed for a bar. I didn't drink much. I had a very low alcohol tolerance and my mind constantly wandered to the thought of Takano being unhappy and people who caused his unhapiness in the first place. If I could help him… even if he didn't know it was me… if I could see him smile genuinely… I was seriously thinking about taking up Mino upon his offer of help. It was… tempting.

After the drinking contest ended badly and Mizutani almost hurled on Ishiyama, we decided to call it quits and each of us headed home for today.

I didn't meet anyone I knew, fortunately and my way home was quiet. I was still torn between accepting and turning him in to cops. But, he wants to help me… how could I turn him in?

I changed and put on more comfortable clothes and switched on TV when I prepared a light meal. "And that was the sports report. Now back to Nishinoya with the trivia."

"Thank you, Asahi. We've reports from several social sites that 57% of population is under so much stress, they submit to it and commit suicide. Only yesterday, six young people between the age of twenty and twenty –eight commited suicide."

"That's awful, Nishinoya. If only they found someone who'd help them with their problems, then maybe that wouldn't happen."

I cut the onions and I looked over the shoulder, interested in the moderator's response. "So true, Asahi. So remember, always talk about your problems at home, school or work to avoid such unnecessary and tragic deaths in the future. Now about the recent trend in the selfies…"

Uh, they've gone to that crap. Not worth it. But something about what the guy in TV said was true. What if Takano… No, I won't let that happen to the man I've found after countless years of searching. I'll deal with his problems for him… from afar and when all are gone… I'll make my move. I finished cutting onions and I stared for my phone for good ten minutes before I gathered the courage to actually do it.

I picked it up, dialled the number and waited for him to pick up. He knew it was me. "Oh, so you've changed your mind? Ready to help?"

I gulped down, dryly before I answered. It's the only path I can take now. "Yes, I am ready. I accept your help, Mino –san."

He chuckled. "Good. I knew you'd see reason. We'll meet up soon. I'll contact you, don't worry. It's all for the greater good, Onodera –san. " he hung up and I put the phone back on the table. My hands were shaking a bit. Did I just make a deal with a demon? It certainly felt that way…

But I am set on conquering Takano's heart.

Once he's free of the chains that bind him, I'll make him fall in love with me.

I finished with cooking my meal, ate, took a bath and went to bed. In a matter of months, Takano and I will be together.

Author's Notes – My thanks go to kittiekaty and guest anon for reviewing. It encouraged me to continue. Wonder who'll be the first victim and how the person will die? Find out in the next installment. I had fun writing … maybe there's a bit of yandere in me as well… at any rate, review if you'd like or drop me a PM and I'll answer your questions, if you have any about the story or characters. Thank you so much for reading. A bit of small easter egg on the end from Haikyuu!... if you found it. I hope you have a great day/night.