Ep 11, at the library.
Closing his eyes, the tired brunette relaxes, enjoying the night breeze. It was nice-to have nothing to do - to do nothing but enjoy the surroundings. The quiet night brought comfort to his soul. Feeling blissful, Onodera smiles. He was alone and enjoying the solitude. There was no manual to pick up, no phone calls, and most importantly, no-
''What are you doing here?'' came a voice out of nowhere.
Shocked, Onodera nearly jumped out of his skin. Turning around, his shock mixes with dread once he saw his boss standing in front of him. Speak of the devil.
''What are you doing here? '' counters Ritsu, annoyed that his wonderfully peaceful night was interrupted by the presence of Takano san. The editor in chief was dropping some books into the return slot. '' Other than returning books, what else can I be here for? ''
I can't have a night where I don't see him, can I ?
After a few exchange of words like the library here has some rare books and Yea and you can't get them in bookstore, silences takes over.
''Hey,'' said Takano. '' I don't want you hanging around with people from other departments.''
''Why? ''
''It's annoying,'' the reply came short.
''Don't tell me,'' Onodera starts, feeling mischievous, '' don't me you you're jealous of Hasegawa san.'' The brunette scoffs at his own joke. Expecting to see Takano laughing at it, Onodera gets a serious expression instead.
''It's a joke Takano san,'' the young editor explains. ''You're supposed to be laughing.''
The expression doesn't change. Starting to feel uncomfortable from the drilling gaze of his boss, Onodera leaves. '' I'll be going first. Goodbye''
Why is it so awkward every time I'm alone with him ?Absentmindedly, he descends the stairs of the library. Unfortunately, he lost his footing and slipped. In a flash, Takano was over him, holding Ritsu's head, protecting him from the fall.
After another exchange of words like baka ! and you could have crack your head open and that was close, silence takes over, again.
''Takano san,'' said Ritsu, pushing his boss so he could have space to get up. It's about time they let go of holding each other now. They were in that awkward position on the stairs for a while. '' You can let go of me now.''
Takano pushes back, and hugs Ritsu tighter.
''Takano san,'' said Ritsu calmly, stuck. Adrenaline courses through his veins, and Ritsu's heart was beating wildly. '' I'm fine, you can let go now. '' Takano squeezes Ritsu.
''You –''
''Hey,'' starts the raven softly, saying something at last. '' Do you remember anything from then ? ''
''No.'' Ritsu answers instantly. Fearful of what was coming next, the brunette frantically tries to push the raven off. I don't remember.I don't remember.I don't remember.'' Let go of me. ''
''I'm sure you remember the time you confess-''
''I don't.'' Ritsu panics.
''How about that time you went to my house ? '' Takano grabs him harder.
Stop
''No. I don't remember,'' denies Ritsu as he desperately tries to suppress the overwhelming memories-memories which he locked and tucked away so tightly in the corners of his mind- threatening to consume him along with the emotions that came along. '' Let go of me.''
Ritsu pushes and squirms. He wants to escape. He will not go back there. He will not go back to that time when he was fifteen- when first love sounded like a wonderful thing. The calm façade cracks.
''Surely, '' Takano holds Ritsu's face.'' You remember the time we slept together? ''
Digging his fingers into Takano's shoulders, Ritsu looks down.'' No.'' Then he looks up. Large green eyes meets amber iris. '' I don't.''
''Then did you know- that I knew who you were- even before you confessed? ''
What ?
Staggering fear, confusion and need to escape made Ritsu brought his hand up and slapped Takano in a desperate attempt to leave as the raven learns in to kiss him forcefully. Running away from everything, Ritsu sprints back home.
What did that mean?
Notes: This was a shorter chapter and not a lot was changed. Still, i hope you can see how Ritsu reacted differently.