Hey guys! The chapter you've been waiting for hehe! ^^ Hope you'll enjoy!
Ooh! Shoutout to all my new reviewers! Hi! –waves- Thanks for all the nice reviews and a special thanks to DarkAlchemistAssassin, the Guest reviewer and Ricchan14 for the heads up! :D Really appreciate it everyone! And hello to my new followers of this story! :D And about Onodera's OOC-ness…I should fix that up shouldn't I? ^^;; I'll be sure to rewrite it when I have the chance ^^ Oh and Ricchan14! For Misako, I found up this 'change my name to a random Japanese name' site on Google and I entered my full name and Takashi Misako was the outcome XD Similar to Takahashi Misaki strangely enough, but yeah ahaha XD
Disclaimer: I don't own Sekaiichi Hatsukoi.
Credit to white . affection!
- Onodera's POV -
Everything that happened soon after was just a complete blur. The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital reception, desperately looking for An-chan, Mother, anyone. I soon saw Sato-san running towards me as pale as a ghost. My heart thumped loudly in my chest as I waited for his answer.
"Ritsu-sama! Your father's is under good condition right now. But he's still in a coma, but we're allowed to see him now." I sighed, relieved, but suddenly staggered forwards a bit, which caught my butler's attention.
"Ritsu-sama!"
"Oh, ah…sorry Sato-san, I'm just really relieved." I smiled at him reassuringly. I must've been completely exhausted after literally running a whole marathon to the hospital. He smiled in return as he gestured towards the corridor and walked down, with me following behind.
"Ricchan!" I let out an 'oof!' as I felt a sudden weight landing on me, causing me to stagger backwards a bit. But Sato-san – who was behind me – steadied me before I could fall. I looked down to see An-chan hugging me tightly as I patted her head and sighed a bit.
"An-chan…" I looked back up to see my mother holding onto my father's hand, her eyes closed as she seemed to be in deep thought before opening them and glanced over to me with sad eyes. I was taken aback at bit, since I never saw my mother look so…defenceless in front of me. She was always adamant and cheerful, so it was a shock to see her so tired like this. Even when she herself stayed in the hospital, Mother was so stubborn, insisting that she would be discharged soon since she 'had plans that can't be left waiting for too long'.
"Ritsu…" Blinking out my reverie, I gently pulled away from An-chan to sit in the free chair beside my mother. I lightly leant my head on her shoulder as I rubbed small circles behind her back, she must be shaken up the most about this situation.
"My son…I'm so glad you're here…" Sighing heavily, I took her hand and squeezed it a bit and I remained quiet as I glanced to my father. He looked so pale, however he was breathing calmly and that let my racing heart slow back down to it's normal pace. We all didn't say a word for the rest of the hour, not even An-chan. She would always try to make conversation, but I guess this really wasn't the time. After a few minutes a nurse came in and told us to go outside for a while so she could check up on my father. As we filed out, my mother beckoned me to her and watched as An-chan and Sato-san walk the other way.
"Ritsu…I'm sorry you had to come all the way here." Shaking my head softly, I hugged Mother.
"No Mother, it's alright. It wasn't really far anyway…" Oh no, that's right, I left Marukawa without a notice or anything at all. Takano-san's going to be ticked off again, but why should I care? It's my family anyways!
"I really…really would like a decision from you Ritsu." Pulling away, I swallowed the lump in my throat as Mother stared coldly at me.
"You see…your father and I…have arguments on when you will take over the company." This again. Please Mother, Father's just suffered a heart attack, why are you talking about this right now?
"And he's growing old…he's at a point where he needs to retire already and take it easy. Being the Head of Onodera Publishing isn't a very easy occupation after all."
"But Mother, I said that taking over isn't my first choice of a job."
"But Ritsu my son, please understand! We're already 64! We can't be overworked anymore like this! Our health is slowly deteriorating, and I'm not sure how many more years we can take before we work ourselves into a hospital." I held my breath throughout her talk. I aimed my eyes to the ground. She can't be saying that…she'll die, or something, right?
"Maybe it's the accident that's causing me to act like this, but if something were to happen to your father again…I just…I can't bear to think of a life without Ichirou…" I watched silently as my mother's sobs racked her body. Embracing her once more, I couldn't help but feel tears threatening to fall from my own eyes. But I need to stay strong for Mother.
"Oh…Ichirou…" Mother whispered miserably as she clutched my shirt. Rubbing her back soothingly, my chest began to throb as I continued to listen to my mother cry. Did I really refuse my whole planned future for this long? Did I cause everyone's worries and stresses if I would never become the Head? Did I cause my mother and father to argue with each other on how I should live out my life? Did I really hurt An-chan after completely rejecting her like that? How long did I keep everyone in the darkness? Why did I even do all of this in the first place?
Because of Takano-san.
I sharply sucked in a breath. No, it can't be, right? No, it's obvious it can't be…I just wanted to create a bestseller without my father's help, I just wanted to become an editor for literature, I just wanted to find someone that was of my own choice, not arranged from childhood. 'Haven't you already found that someone?' But…he's just my boss. Nothing more…but…maybe…I did…really do everything…because of Takano-san.
"Ritsu…I need your decision…I know we have planned to make it a year before your decision, but I can't stand to see Ichirou like this. I can't take it when he is working himself to the bone…you need to say something soon. I have to know, my son." I gazed at her puffy emerald eyes as she placed her hand softly against my cheek. I tilted my head down and clenched my fists. This was all because of me, isn't it? Feeling my chest constrict tightly, I swallowed slowly. That's it. No more running anymore. I don't want anyone to hurt anymore because of me. And at that moment, I blurted out something that could possibly change my life forever.
"I'll take over."
- Narrator's POV - At Marukawa -
"I'll be leaving now Takano-san, good night. Good night Takashi-san." Hatori gave a nod to the two before staggering out, Hell Week beginning to descend on him. Misako gave a small wave as she sat back down on her seat.
"Yup, good work today." Takano muttered before placing some drafted storyboards onto his desk. The young woman gazed at the man as she closed her laptop and glanced over to the far seat.
"Hey, where was Onodera-san all day? Have you gotten any news of him?"
"Who the hell knows?" Takano spat out, drawing his lips to a thin line as he pulled off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I know you're upset at him for just going off without a notice, but give him some slack."
"It's not like it will change anything, it's his fault if anything isn't submitted in." Misako winced at the cold tone in Takano's voice, before placing her chin on the desk.
"Masamune, he left without a notice. Big deal. All day I've been hearing you go on that 'Onodera is being an idiot' or 'he's never going to get things done' or 'he's probably run off to see how sales are going even though it isn't his job'. Chill for a minute dammit. Why are you being such a tightass on him?" Misako frowned as Takano glared at her but didn't reply back, but instead gave a straight out answer to her question.
"Because I love him."
"…eh?" Takano watched blankly as Misako had confusion written all over her face. Takano wasn't the type to easily give away information like this, but the woman was already aware that he was attracted to a guy in high school, as well as most of his past, so it did no harm to him as he repeated the sentence once more.
"I love him."
"But…wait…but shouldn't people be…nicer to their lovers…or something?" Misako glared a bit when Takano chuckled at her and flicked her forehead.
"You're right, don't get me wrong, but I often mix my personal life with my professional life, and I really just can't help it. He keeps on refusing me, I keep on coming onto him way too fast, and we just end up fucking up the order of a normal relationship." Takano spoke out nonchalantly, leaning his head back and sighing.
"Well, at least you two having the time of your life, I guess."
"Not really. More like annoying."
"Probably because you're a complete asshole."
"Shut up." Takano kicked Misako's leg underneath the table, as the woman wheeled away in her chair and laughed.
"Learn to handle relationships better then!"
"Hah. Like you're one to talk." Takano smiled amusingly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Misako smiled back knowingly as she stood and placed her chair back.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Takano replied back as he stood up and packed up his bag, just when Onodera came in.
"Onodera, where the hell were you the whole work da-"
"Sorry!" Onodera bowed down hastily.
"Ah- uhm…my father went into cardiac arrest this afternoon." Watching Takano quietly, Misako wasn't surprised to see the slight shock written on his face, as well as guilt.
"…Is he alright?" Takano asked calmly.
"Yes, but he's still under a coma, and our family decided on taking turns to see him…a-and…" Onodera lifted his head back up and aimed his eyes somewhere else as Takano tilted his head curiously.
"And?" There wasn't any answer from Onodera. Just as Takano was about to ask something once more Misako cut in.
"I'm gonna go outside, okay? See you." Misako spoke out. Judging from Onodera's reactions, Misako had a feeling that Onodera had something to tell Takano, only that he felt uncertain when she was around, so Misako took it upon herself to leave the building and wait for Takano. Back in the department, Onodera gripped onto the handle of his bag tightly and chewed the inside of his lip as he looked down onto the ground.
"Onodera." Looking up, Onodera's breath hitched when he met intense amber eyes gazing at him.
"What's wrong?" The brunette opened his mouth to reply, but felt his lip tremble slightly and shut his mouth as he cursed silently. 'Why it is so hard?! Just tell him! But…do I really want to tell him? Wait, why am I even trying to?! He doesn't need to know…' All of Onodera's thoughts flew out the window when he felt a warm hand gently cup his face and tilt it up to look at those captivating amber eyes once more.
"Onodera…"
"Ah…" The brunette trailed off when Takano slowly leaned closer to his face, holding his gaze, and soon their lips brushed against each others softly, sending a small jolt of electricity down Onodera's spine.
"I-I…" Onodera started, but closed his eyes as he swallowed heavily.
'Because it's Takano-san…I can't tell him.'
"Do you want to go somewhere?" Onodera asked before his face paled when he registered what he finally said, and soon flushed into many deep shades of red.
"Eh?" Takano spoke out. Onodera stared into confused amber eyes, and moved back a bit to look away.
"I-I mean! I need you to check something! Saitou-sensei has gained some inspiration and has a few ideas on the next chapter for her series, so I would like if you would go over them and see if they are okay." Watching as the raven man furrowed his eyebrows, Onodera blushed even deeper this time.
"Then why were you saying if you wanted to go somewhere?"
"I didn't know what to say!" 'It was just in the heat of the moment! That's all!'
"Amusement park."
"Eh?"
"After we get over next month's issue, we'll go to the amusement park." Takano spoke out as he slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the department with Onodera following behind him.
"Wait! No! There's no need to! I'll be busy then and-!" Onodera stopped there, drawing his lips to a thin line as he shadowed his eyes with his fringe.
"What?" Takano asked as he turned around, shoving one hand into his pocket.
"N-Nothing…" Onodera spoke out quietly as he continued walking on.
"…Onodera."
"What?"
"What were you going to say?"
"…I've forgotten already." 'I'll be busy discussing with Mother about my future.'
They both knew it was a complete lie, but neither questioned it, leaving a thick air of silence, questions and answers lingering in their minds as they travelled out of the building together.
But the brunette didn't complain when the raven suddenly took ahold of his hand and squeezed it. Onodera closed his eyes, brows furrowed slightly. The raven seemed to know what he needed at that time, and he was thankful for that.
And to be absolutely truthful to himself, he was the tiniest bit happy as well.
Right outside the building was Misako, smiling softly when she saw them and joined the two as they made their way to the train station. It was ride was silent, except for the occasional yawning and stretching throughout the journey. When they reached their stop, off it was quiet too, until Takano spoke out that Onodera should come over if he needs help with Saitou-sensei.
"Oh? So Onodera-san's coming over?" Misako asked as they boarded off the train and walked their way uphill.
"Yeah, he needs some feedback on his author's ideas." Takano replied as he glanced over to Onodera, who was walking with his gaze aimed right ahead of him.
"Ah, I see…" Misako looked up to Takano before glancing to Onodera, who had been eerily quiet for a while, but thought nothing of it as they all arrived in front of Takano's apartment.
"I'll make us some tea." Misako added quietly as she made her way into the kitchen. Takano and Onodera moved to the lounge not far off and sat across from each other.
"So? What would Saitou-sensei like to do?"
"Well, her basic plot is that the heroine is torn between two love interests. One of the heroine's love interests was actually her deceased lover who had passed away in a failed time travelling experiment. As she moves on, she falls in love with her psychologist, and then her deceased lover surprisingly reappears in her life once more." Onodera states as he pulls out some drafted ideas for Saitou's next chapter.
"And where has it gotten to so far?" Takano inquired as he slipped on his glasses before accepting the drafts from Onodera and browse it through.
"The heroine is in love with both of them. And Saitou-sensei suggested that the psychologist would end up giving up on her since her first love was a much better fit than him."
"And why would she propose that idea?"
"Ah well, she has drawn many scenes that entail her and her deceased lover were practically inseparable a few years back, and that her love for him is still there."
"I see, does she wish to have the heroine fall in love with her deceased lover again?"
"Not really, more or less, she's probably following the readers' opinions."
"What are you expecting Onodera?" Looking up, Onodera paused a bit.
"I'd say that the heroine should fall in love with the psychologist."
"Why is that?" Takano asked as he smiled slightly to Misako, who had handed both males a mug of coffee before moving into the kitchen once more.
"Because, going back to the previous chapters, her deceased lover is experiencing some problems, regarding how he can stabilise his existence in the present."
"And your point is…?"
"Logically speaking, the present the heroine's living in doesn't have enough resources to gather back the information, because after the time travelling incident, it was mentioned that the police had taken away the information and kept it locked away in high security. And the heroine's only a normal woman, so it's irrational the she could easily gain access to such confidential information in a little amount of time, it would be too complicated."
"I'm glad that you voiced that out Onodera, I was thinking the same way." Blushing a bit, Onodera bowed his head.
"A-ah, thank you Takano-san."
"So continuing on from that, you would need to suggest some ideas like this to your author. Since you supposedly assume that she's using readers' opinions for inspiration, that insinuates that you aren't giving her enough feedback for her to move on." Onodera blinked a bit in shock.
"I see…"
"Your ideas are good Onodera, it doesn't hurt to help an author out when they have a writer's block. It's not much different to talking with a literature author." Nodding quietly, Onodera gathered back up the drafts into his bag and stood up.
"Thank you for having me over, I hope it wasn't too much of a hassle." Onodera chuckled a bit as he bowed to Misako.
"Oh no, it's fine! Please continue coming over if you ever need to talk to Masamune." Misako smiled softly at Onodera, before realising something as she looked at the calendar.
"Ah, I need to grab something from the convenience store." Misako stated before moving out onto the hallway. Both males followed her out.
"Why?" Takano asked, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"…uhm…for something…" Misako trailed off. Takano raised an eyebrow.
"Misako." Came his warning tone. Misako squirmed around a bit, blushing before pushing the door open.
"Just lady items!" She huffed. "I'll be back before you know it, see you!" Misako called out as she walked away, closing the door behind her. Onodera also walked to the door quietly, stopping at the genkan when Takano called him.
"Stay, wherever Misako goes, she usually takes her time." Before Onodera could protest, Takano crashed his lips against his as he slowly backed Onodera against the wall and clasped his hand. Pulling away, Takano buried his face into the brunette's shoulder, sighing softly against his exposed neck.
"I want to stay like this…just for a little longer." Holding back a breath, Onodera slowly relaxed and shivered as Takano ran his other hand over his waist and pull him closer that the brunette had no choice but to lean his head against the raven's shoulder.
"Are you okay?" Feeling his breath hitch, Onodera tried to turn his head to glance at Takano, but could only see a mop of black hair.
"Y-yeah, why?" Onodera stuttered out, aiming his eyes to the wall.
"You seemed…elsewhere, like you were distant or something like that. Is it because of your old man?" Suddenly remembering what happened, Onodera shut his eyes as he tried to will his thoughts away.
'I can't bear to think of a life without Ichirou.'
'Ritsu…I need your decision.'
'I'll take over.'
'Why is it so hard?'
'Ritsu…'
'…I can't tell him.'
"Onodera?" Takano hastily pulled away from the brunette, as he watched the tears fall freely from his beloved's eyes. Onodera blinked, bringing a shaky hand to his face and felt the liquid before covering his mouth. Onodera began to hiccup as he hurriedly tried to wipe his tears away, only for his wrist to be pulled back and be brought into a tight embrace.
"Shh…Ritsu..." Takano whispered, rubbing small circles against the brunette's back, hoping that it would ease the uncontrollable shaking from Onodera's shoulders as he silently cried into Takano's chest.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned anything." Takano murmured into Onodera's hair, listening as the sobs began to die down. Finally calming down, Onodera shakily parted from the raven's embrace as he sniffled. I can't believe I cried in front of Takano-san. I look so weak compared to him now. Onodera thought silently as he shadowed his eyes behind his hair.
"I'll be leaving now." Moving towards the door once more and opening it, Onodera jumped when Takano shut it quickly and pulled the brunette into his room and gently laid him on his bed.
"Takano-san! Let me go, I need to go back to my apartme-"
"In that state? Like hell I will." Takano replied as he spooned Onodera from behind.
"Seeing you like that…I knew you wouldn't cope if I left you alone. Just stay here for the night…I want to be by your side." Takano whispered as he kissed the back of the brunette's neck. Having no other choice, Onodera tried to relax into the older man's embrace.
"…thank you…and sorry…" Onodera whispered quietly as he moved his face closer to the blanket to hide his face.
"Why are you saying sorry? It's okay to cry once in a while. I used to cry in college. Usually out of stress and anger, but sometimes for other reasons." Takano murmured quietly as he moved closer to the shorter male.
"…I g-guess…" Onodera bit his lip as he wished for sleep to will him away from everything.
I'm sorry, for not telling you. I'm sorry, that I'll leave you. I'm sorry, that you had to fall in love with me. I'm so sorry. Clenching his teeth, Onodera squeezed his eyes shut, feeling the warm tears pool up once more.
I can't do this, I knew it. But I still did, and now I'm paying for it. I really, don't want to go... Onodera tried to breathe calmly, not wanting to wake the other, but only felt strong arms turn him around with gentle lips kissing away his tears.
I'm not ready for this.
Hoped you've enjoyed this chapter ^^ I'll try and update quicker, if I can't, I'm very sorry D: School's to blame. Also, who noticed the Professor Layton reference? ^^