I've had about the shittiest morning in like ever. I didn't sleep much. And it wasn't because I had regrets. That bastard died and I enjoyed watching. I didn't sleep because I was thinking all night about Takano. I am 25 years old man… why can't I speak my mind when it comes to him?

A colossal sigh sounded in my apartment. I was a afraid. I pictured a scene in my head like out of shoujo manga – that Takano would fall for me once he saw me. I scoffed and buried my head in pillow, turning from side to side. Takano doesn't even know who I am… that glance he shot at us in the lounge two days ago spoke for itself. He wasn't in the slightest interested in me. I have to… do something. Anything to get him to notice me. (AN – insert notice me senpai joke)

If only…

Another crappy day in the office awaited me. This will be my third day at Marukawa and I already despise the place. Were it not for Takano, I'd quit. I diseantagled from blanket and dragged my feet to bathroom where I examined my face in the mirror. I looked as if I've completed a night long marathon of watching episodes on Netflix. I've heard huge circles under the eyes. Luckily, almost everyone in editing business looked like that at some point, near exhaustion. It was a fact that nobody spoke of in polite company. Life of an editor, no matter what you edit, is hard when it comes to sacrificing personal life. That's why many editors quit altogether or find a partner in the same business at least.

I've sprinkled my face with water. I've been alone for so long… I won't give up until Takano will fall in love with me. And in order to do that, I should look more presentable. What if today will be the day he sees me in a new way?

I took a shover, threw together a light meal for late breakfast and sprinted out my apartment. A change in my usual route to station wouldn't hurt, would it? I could go through the park… and maybe I'll run into Takano…

I didn't get far. A group of three men blocked my path further into the park. They encircled me and I knew I was surrounded. I gritted my teeth, pissed off. The men were towering over me. I wasn't in the mood for any delays. "Step aside, please." I tried to be civil with them. However, the one closest grinned as he looked at me."My, my. We've caught ourselves a pretty one this morning, boys." I gripped my bag, opting to use the screwdriver from yesterday. No one was nearby, only these fucks. If they won't drop it, I'll gut their leader and the rest of them like pigs they are. "I hate to repeat myself. Move aside."

The leader's grin grew even wider. "We don't want to turn this ugly. Just give us some cash and we'll let you go on your way. How about it?"

Like hell I was gonna submit to those cretins. My hand already in my bag, I gripped the screwdriver. They can't say I didn't ask politely.

Then, before I could pull it out and attack, someone emerged from the dephts of the park. I've recognized the person. It was Takano, of all people! Quickly, I let go of my weapon as I stared at his tall stature, approaching. The punk in front of me couldn't let a comment slide. "What are you looking at?" And he pushed me towards the hoodlums who caught me. I freed myself from their restraining, trashing around. "Oh, feisty one. Just hand over what you have."

I scoffed. "I don't have any money for idiots! What the hell do you want, anyway? Robbing someone in plain daylight. You must be idiots to the core. Also, losers." I proclaimed, looking down at them. The leader grabbed the front of my coat, his fist close to my face. And I only stared at him, defiantly. I won't bow to some thugs. Also, that would be too disgracing, with Takano close by, even more.

As expected, Takano saw the situation and decided to intervene. He grabbed the leader's arm before he could punch and stopped him. I was too much in shock to say anything. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Takano asked the thug leader. "Huh, what's it to you, douchebag? Get lost or you'll be next after this one."

"You're right. It has got nothing to do with me." He pulled out his phone. "But you're bothering and threatening another person and that's unacceptable. It's disturbing the peace." I stared at him, as did the hoodlums. Takano dialled. "Hello? Is this police? I've just witnessed an attempted extortion…"

The leader turned tail. "Tch. Dammit. Who the hell do you think you are? Some kind of hero?" They walked off and Takano slid his phone in pocket. He glanced at me. "Are you okay? They didn't hurt you?"

I shook my head, feeling as blood was rushing to my face. He saved me right now... didn't he? If this were a shoujo manga, I'd definitely fall head over heels in love... if I could more. "Wait... I've seen you somewhere..." He said and my heart skipped a beat. He does remember me! His phone went off and he picked it up. A short conversation ensued in which Takano's expressions changed at least twice. "Fine. I'll be there ASAP." He hung up and turned to leave. "Take care on your way." He waved as he walked into the distance.

I was a bit in shock. Takano does remeber me... or at least my face. So, it's not entirely hopeless. Somehow, I couldn't hold back my enthusiasm and I ran to station so that I could catch up with Takano. I've got to thank him properly. Hopefully, get closer… in time.

I made it. But the train was gone, along with Takano. I grunted, frustrated. Damn it, this was my ideal chance to speak with him and I miss it. I'm such a dumbass. I had to wait ten minutes before another train came. I was in a horrible mood, if I were to say myself. If someone pissed me off, I'd probably kill them. Regadless of place or environment. Probably. Speaking of killing… I wonder if people at Shuudansha will notice one of their chief editors didn't come to work today. The police probably found the body yesterday. Too bad it was an accident. "Bad things happen to bad people." I like that saying.

The subway was bustling as usual. I went up the stairs and inhaled the air. Ah, so refreshing after the sardine train ride and crowded subway. I'm seriously considering buying a car… The trek to Marukawa wasn't so bad. At least it didn't rain. I forgot my umbrella today. If it rains on my way home, I'll have to hide somewhere until it stops. I've reached the entrance and braced myself for surviving this day without harm. A lady bumped into me. One glance told me everything. She was pissed, beyond pissed. When she saw me, her expression softened. "Oh, sorry. I am in hurry…" And she went in without further ado.

Well… today was turning out strangely. I went after her and got in elevator. Someone else came in, too. He was tall, black hair and the worst bad poker face I've ever seen. I tried to be friendly. "Good morning."

The man glanced at me. "Good morning." He retorted, his voice void of emotion.

Uh, what a heavy atmosphere. "Eh, what floor are you getting off?"

"Third."

Good thing I was on fourth floor. This guy was giving off some really messed up aura. Are all people at Marukawa weirdoes? Hm… the elevator moved up. First floor. Oh, I should at least introduce myself. Maybe he's someone important. Mainly sales in on third floor. I heard from Nakamura –san about the "wild horse" of Marukawa. I hoped I didn't run into him. Not the best first impression of him, though. "Um… I tranferred here two days ago. My name is Onodera Ritsu, and I am editing for Crimson Monthly. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

The man scoffed.

"So you're the rich boy. Getting in through connections… I hate that, but I won't write you off before I see what you're capable of. Good luck, newbie." We've reached the third floor and he got off. The elevator door closed.

That man got me annoyed.

He's full of himself. Damn him. I scoffed as the elevator got on my floor and I stepped out and walked to my desk. It was strange. Only Ishiyama –san was present. Whoa… only two of us today? Did everyone go to work as they pleased? It seems I've landed in the worst department ever. I've picked up a rejected project propasal. What the? Rejected? I've approached Ishiyama –san with it in hand. "Ishiyama –san? Why is this project proposal rejected? And where is Nakamura –san?"

He adjusted himself in his seat, uncomfortably. He had deep circles under his eyes… must be from yesterday. I assume he didn't sleep at all. He's gonna be a demon the whole day. Better watch out… He stared at me, lifelessly. "It's not yours, exactly. It's Mizutani's. She handed it in before she landed in hospital. I wanted to give it to Nakamura… but she called in, too. She's got the nasty flu virus that's been floating around. Now it's up to us to do our work and theirs… for two weeks. " My eyes widened in pure shock. Then came annoyance. "You can't be serious, Ishiyama- san! We can't possibly meet the deadline with just the two of us! It's impossible!"

The man was irked as he flicked through the manuscripts. One in particular threw him off. "Hey, what's this? Some idiots mixed up the manuscripts again… and with Emerald of all departments.. great."

Huh, Emerald? Wasn't that…?

Ishiyama –san handed me the manuscript. It was titled World's Greatest First Love. Tch… By… Erika Ichinose? The moneymaker for Emerald. The chief editor of Crimson sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "I don't have time to deal with this. I have to typeset first… go to Emerald and ask for them to exchange our mixed manuscripts. We can't delay. Get ready to stay here… overnight if we have to."

I nodded and I nervously thought that this was my second chance today to speak with Takano. And I could thank him for saving me.

I stood before them. Emerald department. The "Maiden Club." My eyes landed on Takano who was on the phone and he was yelling at someone on the other end. Mino –san was there, his eyes shut as usual and the creepy smile, too. I'm happy to be on his good side. Then, a brown haired man was proofreading and another smaller man who looked like a highschooler with big brown eyes was doing something on his notebook. Probably looking at sales comparison in stores. I'd better not dally. Ishiyama –san looked annoyed as it is, no need to give him more ammunition. I headed for Mino –san. "Um… sorry to bother you…" He looked up from his stack of sample mangas. "The manuscripts got switched… I was asked by chief editor to return this…" I showed him the manga manuscript and his smile crooked even more. "Oh, I see. We've your manga. Speak to chief editor…" He gestured towards Takano. I nodded and awkwardly approached him. My heart started to beat faster.

He was so attractive… with glasses he looked so sexy… I wanted to jump him right there. I had to restrain my fantasies for later. It's too soon for something like that. "Excuse me. I was asked by chief of Crimson to give you this." I handed him the manga and our fingers touched slightly. I could feel the electricity between us. I was certain he felt it, too. For a brief moment, he glanced at me. Then his eyes returned to manuscript. "Oh, thank you… I was wondering where it got stuck. The people at filling office are idiots, as usual. We've had been sitting ducks without this. Thank you. I also have…" He fished out the manga Insatiable that Kunihirou –sensei sent via courier. He gave it to me. I've managed to stay calm and not get too cheeky… or blushing like a maiden from one of the shoujo mangas Takano was editing. Suddenly, Takano took off his glasses and his sharp eyes penetrated through me. My stomach jumped from joy. "Wait… I know you. You're…"

"Um… yes. Thank you for saving me from that unfortunate situation. Were it not for you…" I would have gutted them like pigs, I thought. I continued, looking above his shoulder. I couldn't meet his eyes for some reason. If I did… I would probably melt instantly and go mushy. "Can I repay you somehow for your kindness?"I asked, unaware that all eyes were on us. Takano looked at me. "You could begin by telling me your name. Then, maybe we could go out for drinks. And my name is Takano Masamune, by the way. A pleasure to meet you. "

Now my heart definitely skipped a beat. It painfully thumped in my chest. He didn't just…? "Where are my manners? I am Onodera Ritsu. I transferred here two days ago. As you know, I am working with crimi manga. "

The editor in chief of Emerald smirked. "You look a bit unseasoned, but you'll do fine. Just keep your head up during the deadline week. It's the same in each department. Well, since you're here, I might as well introduce you to my team." He rose up and approached the brown haired man who didn't bother to hide he was listening in my conversation with Takano . " This is Hatori Yoshiyuki. He's the second editor." The man nodded and returned to his work. As next was of course Mino. He looked bored when Takano introduced us. He's good at this. I have to step up my game as well. " This is Mino Kanade." He nodded, the creepy smile widened when he shook my head. "It's a pleasure to meet new blood in manga business. Let's do our best."

He quickly let go and also resumed with reading through the sample shoujo manga.

Takano introduced me to the slighly shorter man than me with boyish face and big eyes. He looked like a highschooler… It should be illegal to look so young in this business… "This is Kisa Shouta." Kisa shook my hand enthusiastically and grinned at me. "Rittie. I hope we'll see each other frequently." I was perplexed by this man. Such a kind welcome… Mino was right about one thing… they were in unity… unlike Crimson. Ishiyama and Nakamura must have been suffering with Mizutani in their team. She's so immature for this type of work. She should quit… but it wasn't up to me. I politely smiled back at Kisa, who reciprocated it and then returned to his work on notebook.

Takano touched my shoulder and I nearly jumped off my skin. I barely masked my movement by sneezing. I rubbed my nose, pretending. "Achoo! Damn it… I must be careful not to catch the virus. One of my colleagues caught it. It's down to me and chief editor. At this rate, we won't make the deadline." And I won't be able to go out drinking with Takano!

It seems he thought about the same thing. He sat down on his place and looked at his calendar. "It's unfortunate, really. We're a full team and we barely make it on time. We'll have to postpone the drinking for later. How about it?"

I nodded. "I'd like to." I knew it was time for a strategic retreat. "Well, now I have to go back… Ishiyama –san is waiting…" I bowed respectfully towards them as I turned and walked back to our section, doing my best not to squeal like a teenage girl and skip while walking. I've made a promise with Takano!

Ishiyama –san wasn't at his desk when I came back. He probably went to toilet… I put the Insatiable manuscript on his desk and returned to my enormous pile… well, mostly Nakamura's and Mizutani's. I'm only third day in and we're ass deep in trouble.

I didn't even start when I noticed another rather wrong delivery. It was a book, not manga. And it was Sumi –sensei's work! I didn't know he published books under Maruwaka, too… hmm… I wondered if I should go and return it now or later… I should go now… they're probably looking frantically for it all over the place. I scribbled a note adressed to Ishiyama, saying I'll go and return another misplaced manuscript and I'll be back soon. My legs carried me to elevator. I pressed the button up, to fifth floor. I never thought I'll head there since I got placed in manga… fate is a strange mistress.

The air was different here. I stepped outside and looked around. I didn't know anything about Marukawa's literature department. Neither did I know to which section it belonged. Damn it… I am an idiot. I stood there, dumbfounded, thinking if it weren't for the best if I returned it to the filling office downstairs… when a man with short hair and captivating face, stacked with papers bumped into me. Needless to say, he crashed and the papers scattered all over the floor. I knelt down and helped the stranger. "I am so sorry. You see. I am from manga department and I came to give this to literature department… but then I realized I didn't know under which section I should return it and so…" I rambled, embarassed at my own stupidity. The man brushed fingers with me when I gave him the papers. I didn't feel the same sensation like when Takano did it. He was really the one for me…

The man stared at me when I gathered myself from the ground. He had a smile plastered on his face. " I don't mind rambling. You're new, right? I know everyone, even from other floors."

"Oh, I am new, yes. My name's Onodera Ritsu and I'm editing for Crimson Monthly." I couldn't dismiss how he looked at me… pervertly… like an pedophile who saw a cute child… or something like that. I extended my hand and I inwardly hoped he wouldn't shake it. Alas, he did. I felt unclean. "I am Hasegawa Junpei."

We shook hands and I let go as soon as I could. Something felt off. I should leave… now. I decided to play an act on him. I looked at the clock on the wall. With any luck, he'll fall for it. "I am needed elsewhere, Hasegawa –san. I'll entrust this book to you…" I handed him the damn book and made a run for the elevator. As far away from that creep as I could… something was off with the way he looked at me… I didn't like it.

I collected myself. If he turns to be… undesirable pest, he'll have to go. Can't have another Haitani wannabe near me and my Takano.

When I returned to my desk, Ishiyama –san was doing two things at once – proofreading and typing. Holy shit. I'd best get to work… My gaze stopped on Mizutani's rejected proposal. I have to redo it first. Then, I can go back to my own and Nakamura's manga. It wasn't half that bad… thought it missed an advertisement. Why would anyone buy it? Oh, that Mizutani… aside from that, it was fairly good. A long sign in red atop the rejected stump threw me off. I only made out the last three letters. –Awa? No matter, I'll fix it and be done with it.

It didn't take me long. I pushed the print button on my notebook screen and went to the copy machine. I gathered them and clasped them together. Well, that's one assignment down, now on to the next… which was my manga. I had to call the printers. I heard they're quite tenacious. Not with me. I'll teach them a lesson. I dialled the number on the telephone at work and waited for the other person to pick up. A stern voice answered. "Hello. You're calling about Crimson Monthly, right? How's it progressing?"

"Ah, yes. We're gonna be late, probably. Please, extend the deadline." I began negotiating. The man got a bitch fit. He yelled in my ear. "You think you're the only magazine out there?! If you're not a complete newbie, then you should know that we cannot afford to extend deadlines just so. I don't care how you do it, pull a fucking week of all – nighters, I don't give a shit! Just get it done before the deadline!"

What a prick. I'd like to see him in our shoes. "Now listen here, you arse – biscuit. We're down to two people for the next two weeks. I am not taking any extra money for staying here all day. We'll do our work as fast as we can. On our pace. Your people will have to extend the deadline. We won't make it this week."

The man went nuts. "How dare you insult me! I'll have you thrown out! Such insolence! We certainly won't extend the deadline, tell your chief editor of that fact, thanks to you!"

I was irked. That's why I hated deadling with sales, printers, whatever. Ishiyama –san wasn't paying attention to me or my outburst. He was too busy. Good. He doesn't need to hear this. I lowered my voice, so only the man could hear it. I also threw in a sweet tone, coated in venom. "I'd advise you to be more lenient in this matter. Or else you might find yourself… at disadvantage."

"W –what do you mean?" The man stuttered. I could picture him shivering from fear. I smirked. "Oh, nothing. Now, will you be so kind to tell your superiors of our predicament? We're doing our best. I'll contact you when we've done all our work."

"Fine. We can only grant five days, no more."

"That will be more than enough. Thank you for cooperation. Have a good day." I hung up and shook my head, dismisivelly. I grunted in disgust. This, however caught Ishiyama –san's attention and he glanced at me over his current work in the middle of proofreading. "So, you've had a chat with printers? What's the situation?"

"They'll give us five days more."

Ishiyama –san nodded. "Well, certainly better deal than Mizutani got us the last time. We'll use the time given to use wisely. And have you redone the proposal?"

"Yes, it should be fine now."

"I'll bring it over to sales later… now we should focus on Nakamura's manga… I'll take Golden Opportunity and She never was and I'll do the final touches..." Ishiyama –san said. Well then… Insatiable, plus to proofread the last pages of Mizutani's manga and two more works from Nakamura… what a joy. I sat down and began with work. After five intensive hours, we've made some progress… and it was nearing eleven pm. Wait. Eleven? We'd stayed so long? Do we stay here overnight? I had to ask. "Ishiyama –san?" The man yawned as he finished correcting. "Oh, you're about to ask if we stay the whole night, am I right?"

I nodded, putting down the cutting tools. "Well… I am near finishing Golden Opportunity. And as I can see, you're about to finish with Insatiable. I'll tell you what, we do that and we go home for today. If we collapse, it won't do anyone good."

I had to agree with him. If even one of us collapses now, Crimson won't be exactly monthly. What's one more hour? I really have to finish with Insatiable if I want to make it home today before morning. The finishing touches were added and Insatiable was finished. I stretched out my hands. I could check if Takano is still here… I'd gladly take on his offer to go drinking, if he'd be willing to go at this time… ah, it's too late. He'd probably go home along with the rest of manga department. I stood up and looked around. Sapphire editors… gone. Ametyst… gone. Topaz… also gone. Well… Ishiyama –san also stood up and put on his coat. "I'm heading home. I know you're finished. You should go and get some rest, Onodera." Ishiyama –san said when he buttoned up his coat, grabbed his bag and bid me goodnight, heading to the elevator. I wanted to make sure that Takano went home.

It was strange being here at night, presumably alone. It was a bit eerie and unnerving. I walked towards Emerald section and saw that a single bag was set on desk, Takano's coat still around his seat. Well, he's here at least. But where is he? Maybe toilet?

I shrugged as I walked in. The lights weren't on… but something was off… the stalls were all wide open… no one was inside… then a stature of a tall person appeared from shadows. I instinctively backed away. Damn it. What if this is ambush? I was too careless. I gritted my teeth. "Who's there?!"

No answer. I frantically looked around. I should run, but that would be too cowardly. I am a man. I won't run! The person chuckled as he stepped closer and I had to focus until I recognized that creep from earlier. What's he doing on fourth floor toilet? On top of that, where is Takano?... Did he do something to him?!

I approached the man who was still laughing, albeit quietly.

"You! Where is Takano?! Answer me!" I raised my hands in self defense – if it came down to that. Hasegawa shook his head and his laughter picked on volume. "Oh, you know him? He's quite the looker. I've had my eye on him for some while, but you're on a whole different level. " Without warning he showed me against the toilet stall wall. The bastard was ridiculously strong. I squirmed desperately, but he pressed against me and grabbed my chin. "I love taking prideful guys like you down a peg or two, watching them beg for more as I fuck them. How would you like to try it out?" He asked me nonchallantly while I struggled to break free from his hold on me. In situations like these, I had no chance of winning. He was far stronger than me.

With increasing horror I realized that he unbuttoned my pants and his hand was dangerously close to my crotch. But I wasn't one for crying out for help. He can try to make me cry, I won't. I managed to get one hand free and punched him square in the jaw. His eyes glistened as he grinned like a maniac and held down my hands with brute force, turning me around and sliding down my pants a bit. My eyes widened when he pressed me against the wall, my head sideways. No, no… no… someone, save me…

I refused to let the man see me cry. Then, I saw something that made my blood froze. Takano stood in the toilet entry, staring at us wide eyed. Before I could say something, he turned and left without letting me explain that this wasn't what it looked like.

Hasegawa let go of me, sensing my broken spirit and sighed. "Oh, too bad. Takano saved you from humiliaton… But I wonder what he'll think of you… maybe that you're a whore who spreads his legs for anyone who asks. You're a whore in Takano's eyes! Hahahahahaha!" The shock that came after his statement crashed into my reality. He's right. Takano will think I'm… I slid down against the wall, the shock wasn't leaving me. No… I can't… Takano…

Hasegawa chuckled one more time before he left, calling me a whore.

Then, I let the tears of frustration stream down my cheeks. Takano will hate me at this rate. And today started out so hopefully for us, he even wanted to go out for drinks. With me. If it weren't for that rapist bastard, I could have had my first date with Takano! Instead, only god knows what Takano must think of me… I wiped the tears away. Now's not the time to be weak, Ritsu, I told myself when I rose up, straightened my clothes and went outside, heading for my desk. Takano wasn't there… He left… as I presumed.

I'll mend the situation… somehow.

For now…

I picked up my phone and dialled.

He picked up almost right away. "Oh, sorry for bothering you… I'll need your help again sooner than I thought." My eyes were filled with hate and disgust for the man who ruined my image in front of the person I love. He'll pay for that. With his miserable life.

Author's Notes - If someone is reading this shit, then it can't be so bad as I think. n_n Also, my thanks go to Anon for reviewing. You're becoming a frequent reviewer, I like that. And yes, Anon, I will stick to Yandere Sim killing tactics for as long as I can, because we know that YandereDev will probably launch a Kickstarter and you know... Sooo... we know who's gonna be next on Ritsu's black list... but how will he die? It will be... nope, won't say a word. Find out in the next chapter. I hope it was worth reading at least. Have a good night/ day.