''Why are we here again?'' The reason was still unknown to Onodera. Takano had just told him to come out, and get into his car with a vague 'We're going somewhere'. Now, they were standing outside of Inokashira Park.
''Didn't you say you wanted to come here?'' said Takano.
''I thought you were the one who wanted to come!''
''Hmmm….really?'' asked the raven. ''Weren't you going on about how you haven't explored the city? There's a zoo in this one.''
''I did… but I didn't expect you to drive us all the way here,'' said Ritsu, having gotten into the car even after hearing Takano's ambiguous reply on where they were headed.
''Whatever,'' responded Takano. ''We're already here, so come in with me.'' Without waiting for a reply, the editor-in-chief went and bought the tickets.
''This guy…'' muttered Onodera.
''Could you not decide things for yourself?'' complained Ritsu.
''Like what?''
''Like this,'' Onodera told him, irritated that he had gotten out of the car only to end up at a park. ''I already went out with you last weekend,'' he reminded his neighbour, refreshing Takano's apparently forgetful memory. ''I still have my work to finish and I'm sure you do too.''
''Do you really dislike spending time with me so much?'' asked the raven.
''I don't mean it like that,'' said Onodera. ''It's just, I'm a busy person and I have a lot of things to settle. I'm sure you do too.''
''Hai, hai,'' replied Takano.
''But why did you want to come here?'' asked the brunette. The editor-in-chief looked more like a pub person than a park lover.
''I'd like to go for a stroll,'' said Takano. Skeptical, Onodera debated with himself whether the black-haired male was joking or not.
A stroll? Takano-San?
But didn't he say he doesn't go exploring?
The time the two of them went on a drive together replayed in his head. Back then, who knew that they were going to a secluded viewing area at some unknown location?
''What?'' asked Takano, noticing the disdain written across Onodera' features.
''There's a lot of things I still don't know about you.''
''Shall we do that?'' suggested Takano, pointing to a couple in a paddleboat on the lake. The fake giant plastic swan of a boat was idly swimming away.
''No,'' said Onodera, immediately shooting down the idea. There was no way he was going to get on one of those things.
''Why not?''
''Don't you have to pay for it?'' asked the brown-haired male. ''Don't waste your money."
''I have the money,'' stated Takano, sounding like some filthy rich heir, making Ritsu roll his eyes. ''I can pay for it.''
''I am not going to take a ride on a paddleboat with you, Takano-San,'' said Onodera firmly, not budging one bit.
''Why not?'' asked Takano. "It seems fun."
''I'm not getting on it.''
''Can't swim?''
''I can,'' said his date.
''So why not?''
''I mean…'' Onodera hesitated, thinking of some passable explanation. ''These things should be taken during spring when there's cherry blossom. Isn't it summer now? The view won't be as great.''
''So you're saying we'll do it next year then?''
''I didn't say that!''
''Yes or no?'' goaded Takano, poking Ritsu's cheek repeatedly.
''Hai! Hai! Hai!'' said Ritsu, irritated, giving into his annoying antics.
''Since you're so whiny about coming today, we should go to the zoo first,'' said Takano, deciding their activities for them. There was one in the park that was rather popular.
''Fine,'' said Ritsu, going along with it. Aroused by curiosity, the brunette turned thoughtfully quiet.
''What are you thinking of?'' asked Takano. Ritsu looked like he was thinking of something very hard.
''Nothing,'' answered Onodera. ''I'm just wondering whether you've ever gone to the zoo before.''
Occupied with himself for a moment, Onodera turned his attention back to his date, noticing Takano was hovering closer, staring at him.
Aware that the raven was getting nearer, the brunette self-consciously backed away. ''W-what?''
Keeping their faces close, Takano brought up a fact. ''Have you ever noticed that all of your questions are about me?''
''I –Wh….'' Caught by the sudden realization, the brunette quickly thought of a reply on reflex ''I-is that so?'' he asked, astonished by this new discovery.
''I wonder why that's so,'' wondered the editor-in-chief, his piercing gaze searching for something.
Mentally chiding himself for failing to realize such an obvious fact, Onodera tried to come up with an excuse in the short time available. ''It's–I mean . . . I– That's just….''
Takano waited.
''It's just-''
''Just?''
Out of excuses, Onodera had nothing else to say but the truth. At a dead end, he accepted the fact reluctantly.
Scowling, Ritsu asked with irk. ''You really want to hear it, don't you?''
''Of course,'' answered Takano matter-of-factly, not realizing they were both referring to different things. ''I'm ready to hear it.'' He wanted his confession-Ritsu's confession.
''This guy,'' muttered Onodera, giving Takano an exasperated look. Stalling, he questioned the man. ''Why do you have to hear it when you already know?''
''I want to hear it.''
''You really…'' grumbled Onodera under his breath, looking away. This is so hard to say.
''Well?''
''I-'' started Ritsu.
BADUMP. BADUMP. BADUMP.
At the sight of Ritsu behaving so nervously, Takano's pulse jumped. It surprised him how adorably shy Ritsu was being, with that familiar blush spreading across his cheeks.
''Really-''
Takano listened keenly. He couldn't wait to hear the words, albeit Ritsu was so reluctant to admit it.
''-want to know more about you,'' finished the brunette lamely, not meeting the brown eyes of the black-haired male.
What?
Dumbly, the editor-in-chief stood as Onodera continued explaining, huffing righteously. ''I hardly know anything about you, so that's why I'm asking a lot of questions. But sometimes I wonder whether they are dumb or you find them dumb because…Urgh ! You get what I'm saying, right Takano-San? I don't know anything about you so I want to know more. There, I said it. Are you happy now?'' finished Onodera, blowing off steam.
Blinking, Takano simply stared at him, his steely expression masking his real emotions. Wordlessly, he walked off.
Carrying a befuddled expression, Onodera wondered about the raven's lack of reaction. Shouldn't he be acting all high and mighty now?
''Did I say something wrong?'' said the brunette out loud.
''Wanna go home?'' asked Takano. The summer heat was becoming unbearable in the afternoon.
''Hai,'' answered Ritsu, agreeing that the weather was getting too hot.
''Let's go,'' said Takano.
.
.
.
''What are you doing later?'' asked Takano when they got into the car.
''I'm going to rest,'' said Onodera, meaning sleep.
''Come over for dinner,'' said Takano. ''If I don't look after you, you're gonna faint again.''
''I can take care of myself,'' said Ritsu, as insistent as ever.
''Uh Huh.''
Not able to help being curious, and just slightly considering the idea, the brunette asked, ''What are you cooking?''
''Whatever's in my fridge.''
''And what's that?!''
''Don't worry'' Takano told him. ''I won't give you anything worse than that crap you're eating.''
Onodera considered.
The last time I ate his food… it was actually really good.
And I haven't had a proper home-cooked meal in a while.
''So?'' asked his neighbour. ''Are you coming over or not?''
''Fine.''
''Sorry for the intrusion.'' Onodera gave his greeting, stepping into his neighbour's apartment. After going their individual ways, he was now back at Takano's place. The food was already set on the table.
After saying their thanks, they ate together in silence.
Well.The brunette chewed his food.
It's less awkward than the time Takano-San came over.
The room was filled with the sound of vegetables crunching and chopsticks hitting against bowls.
''Hey,'' said Takano.
Onodera looked up from his bowl.
''Don't you think you should stop adding honorifics to my name?'' he asked. They'd already known each other for so long.
''What do you mean?'' asked Ritsu, not quite getting it.
''Call me Takano,'' suggested the raven himself. ''Try it.''
Increasingly blushing, Onodera asked about the sudden request. ''Why–why are you suggesting this?''
''We're dating now, aren't we?'' asked Takano, adding colour to Ritsu's cheeks. ''We're not boss and subordinate anymore. It's alright to drop the san after my name.''
''T-T-Taka…no,'' attempted the brunette hesitantly, sounding awkward. The syllables felt jumbled up and weird in his mouth, incomplete. Granted, even the editor-in-chief felt so too, and decided to try something else.
''Masamune,'' Takano ordered.
''Ma-Ma–Masamune,'' spluttered Ritsu, probably unlike how Takano expected it to sound, never having used the raven's first name before. It felt so weird, calling him anything other than 'Takano San'. Foreign.
''Ritsu.''
''H-Hai?''
''Say my name again,'' said Takano quietly.
''I think–I think I'll just stick to 'Takano-San', '' said Onodera, uncomfortable with calling him anything of a closer name.
Stuffing his mouth with rice, the brown-haired male avoided the topic any further, leaving Takano with an emotion like disappointment.
''Thank you for the meal,'' said Onodera.
''Leave your bowl, I'll wash it," said Takano. Grabbing the plates and utensils, he placed them in the sink. ''Leaving already?'' he asked as Onodera got up, heading for the door. ''At least stay for a little while,'' the raven told him.
''I only came for dinner,'' Ritsu answered, looking like a deer in headlights. What else was there to do? ''There's no reason for me to stay anymore.''
''Sit down,'' Takano ordered, doing the dishes. Obediently, the brunette followed, taking a seat on the couch.
What does Takano-San want to talk about?
Once done, the raven flopped down beside him. ''Is Haitani still bothering you?''
''No,'' answered Onodera, recalling their previous conversation. ''I think he gets the message now.''
''Good,'' said Takano, adding nothing more.
''Is that all you wanted to ask me?'' asked Ritsu.
''Pretty much,'' said Takano, candid and blunt about it.'' I just want you to stay with me a bit longer. ''You bailed on me before, after all. Who's to say you won't do it again?"
''You don't have to worry you know,'' reassured the brunette. He was still unable to say certain things, but he had enough confidence to know he wouldn't react like that anymore. ''I'm not going to leave you like back then.'' Onodera told him, deciding to throw in one exception. ''Unless you did something like that again.'' Where he led him on like that.
I can't say I love you yet, but I can promise you this.
''I won't run away like before,'' promised Ritsu.
''Takano-San?''
''Hmm?''
''What do you hope to expect out of dating me?'' asked Onodera. What do you expect out of this-two men dating? Out of us?
''I want to be super lovely-dovey with you.''
''Don't you have anything else to say?'' questioned the brunette, finding it unbelievable. ''Like any plans?''
''I want to be totally lovely-dovey and cuddle and flirt with you,'' Takano told him, wearing a straight face.
''Be serious about this!'
''I am serious.''
''Forget it!'' snapped Onodera, about to storm off. ''I now learned you're more of an idiot than I imagined. ''
''Onodera!'' Throwing his arms over him before the brunette could escape, Takano clung onto his love. ''I've always longed to spoil you rotten,'' he confessed.
Ritsu's heart skipped a beat.
On a night going back home from work, Onodera thought about Takano's offer.
Living together, huh?
He still hadn't warmed up to the idea of them living together.
I wonder what Takano does at home.
Smoke and drink coffee all day?
Still, isn't it a bit early to even suggest that?
He'd only recently been living on his own after getting used to it. Sharing a space with someone, and Takano no less, was something the editor couldn't quite imagine.
Would Takano be reading the newspaper when he woke up? Would they sit down and do things together? If they even had the time.
There's no way Takano-San could get used to my habits.
I bet he'd kick me out within a week
Suddenly his phone vibrated, signaling a call.
Haitani Shin–Calling
Haitani-San? What would he be calling about now?
Holding his phone and looking at it, Onodera wondered whether he should pick up or not. The phone vibrated incessantly, demanding his attention. Unsure of what his friend wanted, the brunet slid his finger across the screen, picking up the call.
''Hey, Onodera-Kun!'' Haitani said cheerfully over the phone.
''Hi, Haitani-San.''
''How are you doing?" questioned the caller.
''Hai. I'm doing fine. How are you doing, Haitani-San? ''
A chuckle came across the line. ''Why do you sound so formal?''
''Do I? hahaha…''
''We're friends right?'' said Haitani. ''Relax. There' no need to be so formal…Or are you trying to avoid me?''
Hastily, Onodera scrambled for a reply. ''Ahahaha. No, no, of course not! I see you as my friend, Haitani-San!''
''Then how about we meet up for a few drinks today? Just you and me.''
''Umm,'' the brunette stalled.
It's been a while since I last saw him.
''Come on, Onodera-Kun, Saeki-San's tied down with work again. I need to find someone to unwind with. Besides, I haven't seen you in a while.''
''Um… '' Conflicted, Onodera wanted to accept, but then Takano's voice rang in his head.
Takano-San said I should keep my distance.
On one hand, the brunette thought there was really no harm in it at all, but on the other, he thought he should listen to the raven's advice.
''Or is Takano still checking up on you?'' asked the friendly editor. ''Seriously Onodera-Kun, are you really going to let Takano control you like that?''
Onodera's hand clenched around the phone. ''No, it's fine. I can meet up with you.''
''Awesome!'' exclaimed Haitani, cheering. ''I'll meet you at the same restaurant as last time–the one we first went to.''
Onodera walked into the place, looking for the editor.
''Onodera-Kun!'' Haitani greeted him the moment he came into view. ''Glad you could make it.''
The brunette gave him a polite smile, sitting down.
''It's been a while, hasn't it?'' said Haitani.
''Hai.''
''I hope I didn't cause you any inconvenience in asking you out like this all of a sudden,'' apologized the taller editor, giving the brunette a thankful smile.
''Oh, it's okay,'' said Onodera. It was still a surprise though.
''So how're things going for you?''
''Oh, things are…''
Pretty soon, the two editors were engrossed with their conversation again, catching up on what had happened. Dinner arrived and they ate. Waiters came and went, serving and taking their plates. The hand on the clock spun, and time ran ahead.
''Do you mind if I order something to drink?'' Haitani asked.
''Oh no, please go ahead,'' replied Onodera, smiling in response.
The editor of Earth requested for the waiter, whispering into his ear.
Minutes later, the waiter came back with two glass cups, the type used for alcoholic drinks. Serving them, he left for another table.
''Is a bit of booze okay?'' asked Haitani.
Momentarily, Onodera hesitated. ''Hai,'' he said at the end. ''It's okay.'' I guess a drink or two won't hurt.
''Onodera-Kun,'' started the taller editor, grinning like a fox. ''You don't really drink, do you?''
Ritsu grinned sheepishly. ''Not really.''
''Now this,'' Haitani picked up his glass and swirled the liquid around, ''is the good stuff.''
Staring at the drink, Onodera looks at it, unsure.
''What's in it?''
''Some secret concoction,'' Haitani winked. ''They won't tell me. You should try it, it's really good,'' he said convincingly.
''Um…'' Onodera stared at the drink.
''Don't worry,'' Haitani assured, giving a disarming smile. ''I won't let you get drunk like Saeki-San, and if you do, I'll send you back,'' he promised.
Reaching for the cup, the brunette looked into it, studying the contents. It looked like any other alcoholic drink, almost transparent, like plain water.
''Try it. I swear it won't taste bad,'' Haitani promised, egging him on. As if trying to convince him, the taller editor took a mouthful of the drink, swallowing it down.
Bringing the cup to his lips, Onodera took a sip of his own. Surprised, he took another. ''It really doesn't taste bad,'' he said, amazed. In fact, it tasted really good.
''See, what did I tell you?'' Haitani grinned as they clicked their glass together. Taking more sips, they continued their conversation.
''People gave me a lot of crap because I'm the' heir','' complained Onodera, putting up his fingers to make air quotations. Loosely holding his cup, he took another sip. ''It's not that I'm ungrateful. I'm thankful I was born into such a good family. I really am. But the things is, I keep getting crap with this title and it really annoys me.''
Haitani nodded along, listening to Onodera rant. Alcohol made even the most tight-lipped of people talk.
''You know, at my previous company, which was my dad's company, Onodera Publishing, I overheard some of my old co-workers complaining about how they did all the work and got nothing while I got the star authors because of my family.''
''I see.''
Upset, the brunette drunk some more. ''I understand if some people think it's unfair, but I work really hard too. And then I decided, 'screw this, I can make a bestselling book on my own somewhere else.'''
Haitani chuckled, finding Onodera kind of amusing. Quickly, he darted his eyes over. The brunette's cup was almost half empty, but not quite. All the anger was making him drink more. While the brunette brought the cup up again, Haitani noted that the lightweight might be hitting his limit soon. Sure enough, Onodera rested his head on his hand, completely buzzed.
''How were things like for you?''
''Huh?'' Haitani focused his attention back onto the brunette.
Sedately, Onodera asked a personal question, probably forgetting that there was bad blood between the two men. ''How were things like for you in Earth? When the drama with Takano-San happened.''
''Oh.'' A flash of something bitter went across Haitani's face, but quickly disappeared. ''Lot's of things happened, Onodera-Kun.''
''Do you hate him?'' the brunette asked, drunk, referring to the raven. ''For stealing your lover, even if he said he left?''
Haitani smiled, but didn't experience the happy emotion behind one. ''Takano didn't care about it, so why should I?'' Recalling the events back then, the taller male drew his lips together into a tight line.
''You know what he said back then, Onodera-Kun?''
''What?'' asked Onodera, curious.
''What are you trying to do, Takano?'' questioned Haitani fiercely, confronting the man. Things between him and his lover weren't like before, they were changing, and all because of one person. There was no way Haitani could allow himself to lose someone as important as this. ''Whatever you're trying to do, just stop it.''
''I'm trying to do my job right,'' answered the raven, back then still in the same average editor status as Haitani, but already known for his ruthless working style which collided with the upper management. The glare of the office lights reflected off his black-rimmed specs. Equally annoyed, Takano gave him a piece of advice. ''How about you tell that lover of yours to keep himself in check and stop creating trouble for other people? ''
Devoid of amusement, the look on Haitani's face could burn holes. ''Is that something you say to someone who's boyfriend you stole?''
Takano narrowed his eyes, his glare filled with irritation. He had things to do, and dealing with this shit was not one of them. ''For the thousandth time, I'm telling you, he was the one who fell for me, not the other way around.'' Unfolding his arms, the black-haired editor grabbed a few documents, leaving. This damn situation was getting him nowhere. ''I already told him many times before-I'm not interested.''
''Then try harder.''
The black-haired editor ignored him, making his way out the room.
''I'm not done yet Takano.''
The raven turned, having had enough of this shit. ''Don't blame me if you can't keep your boyfriend.''
''Don't blame me if you can't keep your boyfriend,'' Haitani echoed, recalling the uncaring way the raven spat his words.
''Oh,'' said Onodera, not the least bit surprised. ''Yeah, that's Takano-San, always pissing people off. Stupid Takano-San,'' blabbered the brunette. ''He's always making people confused… always acting like he's above the rest…. but even so… I …''
Opposite him, the taller editor took a quick look at the brunette. Onodera was a tipsy, but his guard was lowered, and he was still coherent enough to be spilling beans. A sly smile formed.
''So," started Haitani, moving in for the kill. ''What is your relationship with Takano-San?'' he asked, watching the brunette fumble around for an answer. ''Don't even bother lying to me Onodera-Kun,'' teased the editor. ''We both know better.''
Haitani stared at his friend, whose face was already flushed red, turn even redder, possibly from the drink–or something else.
''Well…its…''
''Are you dating him?'' asked the taller male.
''Um… I guess you could say that…'' Onodera didn't really want to give him a straight answer.
''He seems pretty fond of you.''
Onodera blushed.
''He's in love with me,'' the brown-haired male hiccupped, telling him the truth.
''So you're his special person, huh?'' prompted Haitani. ''No wonder he's so protective of you.''
His blush deepened.
''You know, I'm amazed Onodera-Kun,'' said Haitani, looking impressed. ''I never thought Takano would be capable of caring for anyone other than himself. So what's your story? ''
Onodera frowned.
''Come on Onodera-Kun,'' urged Haitani, smiling friendly at him. ''You keep my secret, and I can keep yours.'' He winked.
Onodera lowered his gaze, earing an expression mixed with many emotions of love and heartache – took hold of the brunette's features. Stretching his arm out, the brunette grabbed the drink and took another mouth of it.
''He was my first love. And I was his. ''
Surprised, Haitani's eyebrows rose.
So these two have history.
In his intoxicated but honest state, the brunette explained. ''I watched him for three years back in high school…Then one day, seeing him in the school library in front of me…I-I confessed.'' Onodera hiccupped, smiling. ''To my surprise… Takano-San…. Saga-Senpai…agreed to go out with me.'' Then he frowned, as if he was utterly confused. ''But some misunderstanding happened-I thought he was playing with me. So I left the country to study in England. ''
Carrying an unreadable expression, Haitani listened.
Onodera laughed in disbelief of all that'd happened. ''That was really cowardly of me, huh? Leaving him like that….'' Somberly, he continued. ''And then, ten years later… I got transferred to the shoujo manga department in Emerald… Saga… Takano-San was my boss. . . Can you b-believe he actually remembered me?''
The brown-haired male leaned back against his chair. ''When I found out Takano-San was Saga-Senpai, you know what he told me, Haitani-San?''
''What ?'' asked Haitani.
Mirroring Haitani, Onodera echoed his words, remembering the brazen way Takano had declared his promise. ''I'll make you say you love me again.''
Haitani smirked. It all made sense now.
''And do you?''
''Huh?''
''Do you love him?'' asked Haitani. The most important question of all.
Bobbing his head slowly, Onodera lifted his gaze, and smiled like he'd admitted defeat. Some sort of expression that Haitani had never seen on him before formed on his face. A soft answer came out. ''Hai… I love him.''
Then he passed out, dropping his head on the table.
Watching Onodera with a smile, Haitani reached out a hand, patting the brunette's hair gently.