Hey everyone! XD Hope everyone enjoys this chapter! Also, I'm gonna try out a thing in the next chapter. It's basically adding a song for background music to go with the chapter so it can give you a better reading experience!...hopefully XD
Anywhoo~ Onto the story!
Disclaimer: I don't own Sekaiichi Hatsukoi.
Credit to white . affection !
Walking back into the department, I walked up to Takano-san to explain my departure and watched as he and Takashi-san both turned their head towards me.
"What is it?" Takano-san asked, while Takashi-san swiftly took Takano-san's laptop and shut it, avoiding my gaze. I blinked. What was that all about? Takano-san only sighed at her actions and turned back to me.
"Did you need something Onodera?" Takano-san leant on his hand and stared at me.
"A-ah, yes, well you see…I'm going to be leaving early today if that's okay with you. I'll catch up with my work tomorrow." I watched as both of them blinked in some sort of surprised manner. What? Did I do something wrong?
"Really?" Takashi-san asked. "What time?" Takano-san nodded in agreement and pulled off his glasses. Hey, what the heck? Why am I answering to her?
"Ah, around 7 or so…" I trailed off as I viewed them sharing glances at each other before looking back to me.
Seriously, what the heck?
I began to grow irritated but kept my casual demeanour as Takano-san opened his mouth to talk.
"Misako and I are leaving earlier than you, since we've got some things to attend to." ...and? What does this have to do with me? Everyone else turned their heads towards us.
"Eh? Takano-san, you're leaving early?" Kisa inquired. Takashi-san nodded and began to explain.
"Something personal came up, so I'm going with Ma-…Takano-san to help him out." I looked at Takano-san questioningly, and he returned my glance, mouthing a 'don't worry' to me. I frowned, why should I worry anyway? It's none of my business.
"So Hatori," He turned to Hatori-san. "You'll be taking charge once I'm gone, so you know the drill."
"Got it." Hatori nodded before returning to his work.
"And Onodera," I turned my attention back to Takano-san.
"I'll allow you to leave early, but may I ask on what account?" I faltered a bit. I had the fleeting thought of asking to talk to him in private, but instead, I said,
"Personal business, like you." I swallowed when Takano-san's gaze sharpened. He knew whenever I had personal business popping up, it either meant An-chan or my mother. Well he's correct on both assumptions.
"...alright, as long as you get your work done before 7 – or get most of it done, at least – you can go. I'll make sure Hatori checks it for you." I nodded, watching in a slightly flushed manner as his gaze continued to linger on me for a while before I broke the silence.
"Thank you." I said hastily before walking back to my desk. I sighed. I only asked to leave early, and then before you know it, other people had come into the conversation. Really, everyone should've just minded their own business...haah…damn, I sound like a prick. I guess I'm just really agitated about tonight. I shook my head to clear my thoughts, slapping my cheeks gently. Okay, just forget about it for now, I need to focus on work. Work, work, work!
"Okay, we're leaving now. Keep working as always." Takano-san announced as he stood up with Takashi-san. I looked over at Takashi-san, who was grinning ear to ear. I watched Takano-san sighed and flick her on the forehead.
"Oi, wipe off that smile will you? It's creeping me out." Takashi-san only continued to smile and punched Takano-san playfully on the arm.
"Come on Masamune~ I know you can't help but be giddy like a schoolgirl on the inside." Takano-san only sighed and pushed her out and exited as well, leaving the rest of us in confusion. It only lasted for a little while though since Hatori-san put us all back on track soon after. Then it wasn't long before I stood up and started packing my things away as well.
"I guess I'll be leaving now." Hatori-san looked up from his laptop and nodded.
"Okay, if you have anything to be checked just direct it to me for the time being until Takano-san returns." Nodding in understanding, I grabbed my workbag and my coat before walking out of the department. Entering the elevator, I received a text from my mother.
'Hi Ritsu dear, just to let you know An-chan and her parents have arrived, so be sure to get here soon.'
I sighed, getting the feeling that Mother will send me obvious notifications from now on. Ugh, better get to the mansion fast then.
Upon exiting Marukawa, I walked down the street, passing by many stores. Maybe I should bring a small cake along, as apologies. No wait, that's just rubbing salt into the wound! Ah, but I might be rude if I didn't come along with anything. Maybe I'll just spend some time with An. No, I might just end up hurting her further…and it's seems that asking them to stay over for one night is out of the question…
I let out a breath. Guess buying a present is better than anything. I began to look around at the many stores, hoping one of them would catch my interest. But knowing me, I might end up going into a bakery or small gift store. Ugh, I'm really horrible at this sort of thing. As I continued to brainstorm what I should buy, I drew to a stop at a certain store. Just across the road was a pretty high-class store, and was very well presentable. But that wasn't what caught my eye. Was that…?
Yes it was.
Takano-san and Takashi-san.
What are they doing there? Is this the 'personal business' they were talking about? Doesn't seem like it. I stared quietly, watching as Takashi-san jumped and wrapped her arms around Takano-san, which he accepted with a smile. I blinked in shock. The sight made my chest ache, but I couldn't tear my gaze away.
They laughed and smiled happily with each other, Takashi-san crying – seemed like tears of happiness with the way that smile looked like as if it was permanently there – and Takano-san gazing at her softly as he ruffled her hair. I swallowed heavily, watching as Takano-san had pulled out something. What's that? Suddenly, my eyes widened.
What?
I felt my heart leap in my throat, my chest constricting so painfully that I could believe I was actually suffocating even though I seemed perfectly fine. I grit my teeth and fled on my heel, finally breaking my gaze from them.
I ran. I didn't care.
I didn't want to think anymore. So I ran.
It hurts. So much.
But I didn't know whether it was from the exertion I was putting in running…
Or from the scene that had unfolded before me.
"Oh Ritsu dear! How are you?" My mother greeted me in the doorway. It's funny, she still looks so happy even though I look so dishelved and out of place that it could even be brought up for questioning.
"Hi Mother." I smiled, walking in and taking off my shoes. I watched as Ayumi came running up to me, panting and wagging her tail excitedly, but that was short-lived as she slowed down in front of me. She began to whine softly and stare me down with her brown orbs. I swallowed heavily. Of course, she and I were really close friends in our childhood, she would know when something's wrong. But nevertheless I knelt down and scratched her ears.
"Come on dear, everyone's waiting for you." My mother looked down at me with a reassuring smile. I looked up at her. She didn't know how much I needed to see that smile. I smiled back, standing up and making my way into the lounge. I saw my father sitting down on one of the sofas and looked across to see An-chan's parents on the sofa opposite of us. I sat across from them and I saw that An-chan was sitting on the couch as well, smiling happily. Now that I think about it, everyone seems…too happy…
"Dearest," My mother placed her hands on my shoulders. "I haven't told them yet, because I thought it would be more formal if you told them personally." Ah, Mother didn't tell them, no wonder. I looked across from them, having finally lost all reason. Looks like they're gonna get a hell of a shock then.
"I would like to informally propose to Kohinata An, to be my dearest wife and that we live out the rest of our days together." I smile.
Soon after, everything passes by in a blur.
My parents are thoroughly perplexed, An-chan's parents are jumping in happiness and of course, An-chan, sitting there staring me down in confusion and worry. I only laugh and smile, throwing my parents and An-chan into more puzzlement. I remember vaguely offering An-chan and her parents to stay over for the night, allowing my parents to lead them away as I led An-chan into a large bedroom.
"Ricchan." I stop halfway through my happy chatter and look at her.
"Yes An? Is something the matter?" I gaze softly at her. She seems disappointed.
"I could say the same thing to you." In a flash, she moves towards me, her hands on my face, looking into my eyes, as if searching for something.
"An…what's up with you?" I laugh softly, brushing some hair from her face. She slaps my hand away, looking at me with worry.
"What's wrong with you?! First dropping the '-chan' from my name, and now all these loving gestures…something changed in you." Changed? Who knows, I don't care anymore.
"I don't think it really matters, we're getting married in a few months anyway An." I wrap my arms around her and rest my head on her shoulder, closing my eyes.
"…did something…happen with Mr. Next-Door Neighbour?" I snap my eyes open, before pulling An-chan tightly into my embrace, keeping her there.
No.
I don't want to remember.
Please…
"Ricchan…" I felt her hands gently run down my back, my lips trembling slightly. No. Not now, I can't lose my composure, I can't break down in front of her.
"What happened?" She whispered quietly, almost solemnly. That's when it happened.
I let out a shaky breath as tears began to run down my cheeks at a rapid pace. The familiar pain in my chest, it was the exact same pain from 10 years ago. I grit my teeth as I let out a small sob.
No. I don't want to remember.
"An-chan…An-chan…" We both collapsed to the ground, my weight finally having an affect on her as I cried in her shoulder. I gripped the fabric of her cardigan as I let my breathing come out in shallow breaths. It hurts. So much that it's suffocating me.
The pain that's ripping through me, oh so slowly…tantalising even, as if it's forcing me to come to terms with reality, realisation laughing at my face. I felt complete humiliation wash over me, the heaviness on my heart coming in at full force, and yet, I still tremble and shake as if I was a small feather. I sobbed as I tried to regain composure, but like 10 years ago, I couldn't pick myself up again.
No…
"Ritsu…" She murmured softly, her small voice trembled as well.
"T-That bastard An, I-I hate him." I inhaled shakily, my whole body shaking to the core.
I don't want to…
"H-He s-said he couldn't b-bear to l-lose me…a-and he s-seems to be doing just fucking fine and peachy without me." I began to gain my voice back, wiping my eyes.
I want to push it away…forget it all…
"Ritsu…I don't understand what you're talking about."
"That bastard An! H-He…h-…he…"
...
...
...
I don't want to remember.
...
...
...
"HE GAVE HER A RING AN! HE FUCKING PROPOSED TO HER!"
...
...
...
Senpai...
We are going out...right?
Huh?
Because, Senpai, you never say anything...
...
Saga-senpai, do you...
...do you love me?
...
...
...
Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice, shame on me.
But this time, I swear on my life, from this day, that I, Onodera Ritsu, will never, ever, fall in love with you again, Takano Masamune.
First loves never did last anyway.
