"I wanna see sensei get into a fight. Who do you think will win?"

"Shut up Hidori. That should be the last thing we want."

She shrugged, taking a sip of her juice. "Sounds like one is going to start with this Ijuuin trying to steal our dear Misaki away."

"I don't think he even likes me like that...right?"

"I love you Misaki but you can be so naive."

"Shut up! And why did you call me anyway? Aren't you on a date?" We both turned to Todo, sitting across from us with a smile as he ate the burger in front of him. Miyoko reached for the food, cackling as I gave her a small fry.

"But you called me."

"Don't answer."

"That's okay Takahashi, Hidori was feeling nervous before you came."

"Don't tell her that!"

"I did warn you it was going to be tough."

"I did not call you here so you two can gang up on me."

"Should not have called me at all."

"Misaki…" "It's okay Shiima." I watched his hand shoot out to grab hers. Her eyes got big, not expecting that. "Takahashi has a lot right now." Todo you angel. "I do think you should be worried about Ijuuin-sensei. Even if he is not after you, I am sure you do not want Usami-sensei to worry."

He did have a point. "Doesn't he have a meeting right now with Ijuuin?"

Great, another stress. "Usagi was preparing all night, reading every book he could find from sensei."

"Well, nothing you can do. Just let sensei be his usual self."

Easier said than done. She does not have to deal with him when he is his "usual" self. I checked my watch, time to go get him. "Alright, I am done interrupting. Make sure she never answers her phone on the next date."

"Shut up!"

I made my way back to Marukawa. Usagi wanted us to meet up with him and Aikawa wanted to see Miyoko. Miyoko cackled as we passed by different people. She loved going out. We made our way to Marukawa, saying hi to the workers passing by. Even the girls from Emerald stopped to coo at Miyoko.

I made my way up to Aikawa's floor where I noticed everyone on pins and needles. Some were discussing the idea of getting gifts but it was too late. "Is everything okay?"

"Takahashi?" Oh crap. This can be bad. Ijuuin-sensei walked over with a large smile on his face. Next to him was Kirishima and his editor Shizuku, a serious faced man. "Wonderful seeing you here."

"Yeah, good work today."

"Sensei head over to the conference room. Shizuku, come with me real quick."

"I will be right back." Wait, the two were leaving me alone with him?!

"Nice seeing you two here."

I let out a laugh. "How was the interview?"

He shrugged. "It was...quite interesting." What does that mean?!

"I hope Usag-Usami-sensei was on his best behavior."

"He was, I think he is speaking with his editor now. Did you come to pick him up?"

"Yeah, he made a big fuss about seeing Miyoko as soon as possible." She waved her hand, reminding us she was here. "I should head over, I don't want to take up your time."

I took a step. He followed. "It is not trouble. I saw it may have been a long meeting. I did not think I would see you so soon so this is a pleasant surprise. I am quite happy."

I felt a shiver, noticing the distance closing between us. Miyoko had reached out and was now holding Isaka's finger. She really was not helping the situation. "We should still be going." I took a step back so they broke contact. "You have a great day.."

"Oh I forgot, apparently we are selling new merchandise next month."

Say what?

SO CUTE! He held up an exact replica of his main chef character in The Kan. He held it out to me and I was able to grab it. "OH WOW! I am going to buy one, no five!" I needed it!

He chuckled. "I am sure you can get one from the editing department."

"NO! It means nothing if I get it for free." It's shameful not to support him.

I showed Miyoko. She will love this manga too. It happened so quickly. I heard Ijuuin call my name. As I looked up, I flinched when I barely felt his warm fingertips on my cheeks. His eyes looked deep into mine. A warm smile on his face.

I went to open my mouth, not knowing what I was going to say, when I was yanked back. My arms tightened around Miyoko to keep her from falling. The movement made her jump and I tried rocking her as the whimpering turned into a full tantrum.

Usagi was holding Ijuuin's arm up with one hand and holding mine in another. I could see the anger on his face. Ijuuin was calm, still smiling. "Hello Usami-sensei. I was just trying to brush an eyelash away." I was surprised he sounded so nonchalant with the glare that could kill men on him.

Usagi turned back to me, reaching his arms out to take Miyoko. Miyoko's cries turned back into a whimper when she saw him, reaching her arms out. I handed her over with Usagi still holding my arm. "We are leaving."

"Sensei!" Aikawa screamed as we made our way to the elevator.

"Attention everyone!" I turned to see Isaka in the middle of the room. "I have a special announcement! Usami Akihiko-sensei's 'Natsu Wa Kitarinu' has just been nominated as a finalist for the 59th National Literature Fine Arts award!"

Everyone started applauding, many shouting congratulations. Aikawa's scream turned to joy. "That's amazing!"

Cue stupid me. "Is that a big deal?"

Aikawa gasped, "It is a huge deal!"

Oh, well that's great. I wonder how Usagi is taking the news.

Thought so.

Glare got more intense.

I heard Isaka talking about his work when once again found myself being dragged away. We ended up in an empty conference room. "This is a great place to lay low. Knowing Isaka he will start planning your schedule and include Takahashi for PR." Ijuuin closed the door.

Miyoko stopped crying, wiping her eyes on Usagi's suit.

"Are you sure we can be here?"

"I am supposed to be here anyway and this is where we first met." That seemed so long ago.

"You guys should head out first. Head to the car and I will meet you there." He passed Miyoko to me along with his car keys.

"Will you be okay?"

"I will be out soon."

"Was Miyoko planned?" We both turned to Ijuuin. "With your age difference I was curious if she was planned."

"That is none of your business." This was a strange turn.

"Like I said I was curious. I can only imagine what Misaki had to give up having a child. Not that she does not look happy, but I am concerned this puts a lot of pressure on Takahashi."

"Misaki, go wait in the car." Usagi repeated, more command in his voice.

"Uh-will you be alright?" My mind was still blank from what sensei said. It has been a moment since someone had questioned Miyoko. I thought we were past this.

"Just go." I bowed and made my way out of the room. I managed to get to the parking lot without speaking to anyone. I sat in the car, Miyoko playing with a toy in her car seat. Gave me time to think.

Why would Ijuuin ask that? What concerns did he have?

I jumped when Usagi slammed the car door. "Uh, Usagi? Is everything okay?"

"Fine." He's pissed. It was quiet on the way home. I placed Miyoko in her play pen. It was almost time to feed her. Usagi was on the balcony smoking. I walked over to lean against the sliding door.

"So, what did sensei say when we left?"

"Nothing important." That was not convincing.

"Was it bad?"

He turned to me. "Misaki, do you love that sensei?"

Love him? I love his work. "I guess. But I told you before I love him because of his wo...waa!" I coughed from the smoke as he pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. "Usagi! You are still holding a cigarette."

"Say it Misaki. Tell me you love me."

Where was this coming from? "What did sensei say Usagi?"

I heard him growl before he bit my ear. "I don't want to hear his name. I don't want him near my family. I will protect you both."

"Protect us? Usagi!" He moved down to bite my neck. I tried to hold in my moans.

"Stay by my side. Forever." I wanted to say something but we heard Miyoko starting to cry for attention. Usagi sighed, pulling himself away from. He leaned down to kiss me softly on the lips before tending to Miyoko.

I wanted him to never feel like something is wrong. I thought I had cleared everything between us before. I watched his expression soften as he held Miyoko up. I could see the love on both of their faces.

"Oh, Usagi." I walked over. "I forgot to say something but I wanted to congratulate you for your nomination. I am proud of you and know Miyoko is also proud."

He finally smiled, leaning down for a kiss.

I shortened the distance.

The Next Day

"I thought about it and you definitely need to quit at Marukawa!"

"Not happening." Ugh, not again.

"You can make it happen."

"Why do you want me to quit my job so bad? Is it because of Ijuuin?" No answer. "So something did happen with Ijuuin-sensei."

Another no answer. He hid his face in Miyoko's stomach. Coward. I heard my phone ring. "Hello?"

"Hi Takahashi" It was the editor in chief. "Shizuku is off today and we need someone to go get Ijuuin's manuscript. Can you go to him place right now."

I shrank down as I felt Usagi's glare on my back.

Something happened for sure with Ijuuin.


AKIHIKO

"I am surprised how fast she moves. She looks like a perfect mother. " I watched this sensei sit down on the edge of the table. I wanted to leave but I knew Isaka was looking for me and I would never be able to go home.

"She is. And I do not appreciate you questioning our decision about our daughter."

"I don't mean to overstep. It was just so surprising to see her again with a child. I met her here at a time when I was down. I almost gave up but her words kept me going."

"Then I am happy she was able to keep you working." What a load of shit.

"I remember her being cute before and now seeing her as a mother brought out a different beauty in her."

I wish I could hit him. I don't need him talking about Misaki in any way. I remember our meeting, talking about the fan that confessed their love. Putting this fan on a high pedestal. Making all my fears true. No secret who that fan was.

"I could not help but think it was destiny to see her again."

I scoffed, "destiny? Sounds strange coming from you."

He chuckled. "I know. I never believed it before now. But seeing her eyes still sparkle whenever we talk about my work, I cannot help but be amazed and aspire to do better for her. I guess you could call it love at first sight."

I hated this conversation. "I am not sure what you mean."

"Let's cut to the chase." He stood up straight. His annoying smirk more pronounced. "I am in love with Takahashi."

There is was. The words I did not want to hear. "Well, I am going to tell you know, she is with me."

"I know the position I am in. If only I had met her sooner then maybe it could have been my baby but you were quick to snatch her before anyone else could." I let out a growl, refusing to picture that scenario. "I also know there is no denying my feelings. I even come to enjoy seeing her child."

"Our child."

"Right."

My whole body was shaking. I have never been this violent before but I wanted to smash his face in. "And what does this revelation have anything to do with my family."

He shrugged. "Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. As long as I have these feelings. And as long as Takahashi shows me her own affection. Don't you think I have a chance?"

I have never been this violent before but I wanted to smash his face in.