Usagi has been off lately. I know he was clingy already but this...hold on. "Usagi! You are too heavy! I can't get up!"
"So don't." Here I was pinned to the couch. Miyoko laughed at us from her play pen. We have been like this for the last two hours. Usagi laid himself on top of me and refused to let go. He got up once to make sure Miyoko had food but then pulled me down to the current position. Does he not realize I have chores to do? And a job? I have to leave in 30 minutes.
"Usagi. I have to get ready for work?"
"I already told you you don't have to work anymore."
"Yeah right." He made a growling noise. Is it me or did his mood get worse? "Usagi! Please!" Another growl and I was free. At least it was a short shift today. I brushed my hair and went back to give Miyoko a kiss. "I will be back soon honey. Daddy will keep you company while I am gone. Maybe you might be able to improve his mood."
I stood up when Usagi pulled me into a deep kiss. His hand went to the back of my head to trap me. "Usagi! Not in front of Miyoko."
"Come straight home." His eyes were scary. There was a lot of uncertainty.
"Usagi? What's wrong?"
He turned his head and walked over to pick up Miyoko. Guess that's the end of that conversation. "I'll be back."
I never know what he is thinking. He tells me not to hold back but here he was moping around about something. This has to do with Ijuuin-sensei. He has been like this since that meeting. Just what did they talk about?
"Ah Takahashi, great timing." Kirishima-san stopped me before I got off the elevator. "Can you take these materials over to Ijuuin-sensei. He seems to be struggling right now and requested these at the last moment. It would really help if he got them today."
"Oh, sure." I know it is for work but was now a good time to go see him? Just cannot tell Usagi.
I made my way over, knocking on the door. Ijuuin answered, not looking dead to the world. "Takahashi? What a nice surprise."
"Good afternoon sensei, I was sent to deliver these materials."
He took them with a sigh of relief. "I was worried I would not get these. I did put in a difficult request. You are always saving me."
I tried to force out a laugh. "I just delivered them. I should get back."
"Would you like to come in for a moment."
Yeah right. "No, I have more work to do."
"Too bad, and I thought it was going to be because of Usami-sensei."
"What about him?"
His eyes went wide. "Has he not told you yet?"
"Told me what?"
He tapped his chin. "Interesting. Well I better get back to work, I hope to see you soon." And with that he closed the door.
Okay, something definitely happened between those two. BUT WHY WON'T THEY TELL ME?
I made it back to Marukawa to finish work. It was hard to focus when my mind was on those two. What did they talk about when I left? It could not have something to do with me, right? I know Usagi is jealous that I am a fan of Ijuuin's books so did he bring that up? Why won't they tell me anything?
Later that day
"Miyoko!" Man, now I had to change my shirt again. I finally got her wrapped in her small towel to dry her off from her bath. It was a good thing I put off cleaning the bathroom. I was able to get her into her yellow dress and set her down in the living room to turn on the T.V.
I was waiting for Hidori to come over with Todo. I give props to him for allowing her to drag him around. He always has a smile on his face though.
"Hi Misaki," She hugged me as I let them in.
"Hi Takahashi, we brought cake."
"You are going to make me fat."
"Shut up!" Hidori rushed into the living room and was already rubbing noses with Miyoko when we came in. "Something definitely happened." She said after three bites of the strawberry cake.
"But neither of them will tell me."
"Well that concludes that what they talked about had something to do with you."
"But what could it be?"
"Maybe sensei confessed his love for you."
"No way Todo!"
"That's what I was thinking."
"That's impossible. And don't give me that stupid 'I don't see myself clearly' speech." I pointed to Hidori with her mouth still open. She closed it and rolled her eyes. "You have to admit though it would make sense that neither of them want to talk to you about it. Can only imagine what Usami-sensei is thinking if that's the case. I would kill someone."
"Usagi should talk to me instead of staying quiet then. Especially if it is something eating him up inside."
"Cuz your guys' communication is so strong...OOUCH." Jerk. I hope my pinch did leave a bruise. "Don't get mad at the truth."
I went to pinch her again but Todo had grabbed her arms and dragged her closer to him. "I would just ask Usami-sensei again to talk with you. I am sure he stayed quiet so he doesn't take it out on you."
Before I could reply my phone started to ring. "Hello?"
"Hello Takahashi." Ijuuin-sensei!?
"H-Hi sensei." I jumped up before Hidori could take the phone from me. "Is everything okay?"
"I was working on my latest manuscript and remembered I promised you and your friend a tour of my studio. I have time available this Tuesday."
A look in his studio! What a dream come true! "Uh, but won't we be a bother?"
"Not at all, I did also want to use you and your two other friends I met at the signing for reference. It would help my writing."
I get to help him with his writing?! "I will ask them but I also want to make sure to get approval from the editorial office. I don't think I will have a babysitter for Miyoko either that day."
"She is free to come along. I need a change in pace around here."
"Okay then, let me ask and I will let you know."
"Talk to you soon." I hung up and turned to accusing eyes. "Hidori…"
"He asked you out didn't he!?"
"NO! He asked for all three of us to go over to his studio on Tuesday."
"A chance to see Ijuuin-sensei's studio? I am in!"
"Shut up Todo, did you forget what we just talked about? This guy is after Misaki."
"But why would he ask for all of us?"
"Cuz he knows Usami-sensei ain't going to let her go alone. And what are going to do about Miyoko?"
"He said she can go as well."
"Sly move."
"Oh hush, I also told him I needed to get permission from my department anyway." Maybe I would not even be able to go. His new editor Shizuku seems like someone who would not agree with anyone interrupting the authors during the deadline.
"Ijuuin-sensei already informed us that you were spending time with him." Oh great. "It would help if you could also bring over materials and encourage him to work. I will remind you that we still cannot have him missing the next deadline so keep your visit short. "
"Yes…of course…" Aw man.
"So?"
I couldn't look at her. "Well…who wants to spend time with Ijuuin-sensei?"
"Really?!"
"Oh come on!"
"I can't refuse now! He already told my job I would be there and they expect me to deliver items to him."
She let out a loud grunt, grabbing Miyoko and bouncing her on her leg. Miyoko laughed the faster she bounced.
"Calm down Shiima, even if Ijuuin-sensei is after Takahashi she will not be alone. We will be going so nothing will happen. Plus, we are able to see sensei's works!"
"That was all you heard…Misaki?"
"...Maybe we get to get an early look at his next update."
"Misaki!"
Hey, it was Ijuuin-sensei! We all turned when we heard the door open. "I'm back." Usagi sighed, Miyoko cackling at his voice. Usagi appeared with a tired look on his face. He still reached out to take the expecting Miyoko who melted in his embrace.
"Well then we will go." Hidori threw me narrowed eyes as the two said goodbye and she dragged Todo out. Way to be inconspicuous.
"How was your day?"
"Boring." He set the mail down to sit down on the couch. I looked down to see him and Ijuuin. "The magazine came out." The two did look good together; both fighting for a dominant stance. I did appreciate Usagi in a nice suit. "You two really look good together."
He held out his hand to me. When I grabbed it he pulled me down next to him. "Whoa." I ended up leaning into his side with Miyoko's arm slapping my shoulder. "What was that for?"
He kissed my forehead. "I wanna go on a trip. We haven't taken Miyoko anywhere."
"That was because….."
"Let's do something. Tomorrow?"
"Uh, tomorrow…I have work. And so do you. Aikawa said you were behind by a week."
He made a noise but dropped the subject. I opened my mouth to tell him about our plans but closed it when he took another tired sigh as the phone rang for him. There should be no harm…right?
Tuesday
"Thank you so much for having us!" Todo and I bowed when sensei opened the door. I could hear an eye roll from Hidori behind us.
Ijuuin chuckled. "Thank you for spending the day with me. It will be a nice change of pace. Nice to see you again Takahashi."
"Y-You too. Here are the papers the editorial team wanted you to have."
"Thank you, this will be a big help. Hello to you too, Todo and Shiima." Todo's eyes sparkled. Hidori's rolled. "Have you had a chance to read my books yet?"
"The only reason I am here is so Miyoko has someone to play with when these two go giddy over any piece of paper you put in front of their face."
"Hidori." I would kick her if she was in range.
Ijuuin just laughed and ushered us further in. Hidori was the perfect babysitter that I kept checking in with how quiet Miyoko was being with her. The two were laughing at a The Kan manga though I felt Hidori was not laughing because she enjoyed it.
Todo was having the time of his life. Ijuuin was showing us his book collection of past works. I was happy to see it as well. He even showed us a limited edition character design book that was never shown to the public.
"Thank you so much. I am sorry we stayed so long!" Todo apologized again as we walked outside. I zipped Miyoko's jacket up as the wind caused her to shake.
"Not at all. I normally never get a chance to talk with my readers. I hope you also enjoyed your time, Shiima."
She shrugged, "manga's still not my thing but unfortunately Miyoko might become a fan."
"Of course she will. She will be cultured in all good readings." I bounced her, causing a cackle.
Todo looked at his watch. "I have to get going or else I will be late for work. Shiima, weren't you covering Sara's shift tonight?"
"Not weird at all that you know tha..ouch!" She growled, rubbing her shoulder. I hope my nail left an indent. "Yes, I am working tonight."
"We better hurry so we aren't late."
She turned to me. "You two going to be okay?" The words were for me but her eyes kept glancing at Ijuuin.
"Yes Hidori, we are going straight home."
"Thank you again!"
"See you again." Miyoko and I waved as the two rushed off. They better make it in time; I know Hidori is still on thin ice. I turned back to bow to Ijuuin. "I guess we too will get going before it gets too dark. Thank you again for today. I was really happy to come."
"Takahashi, you didn't tell Usami-san that you were coming today did you?"
What? How did he guess? "Um."
"I had a feeling there was something else on your mind."
"Ah, sorry."
"It's alright. Usami-san though, did he say anything after our meeting at Marukawa."
"No, he didn't say anything."
"Hmm." There was that thoughtful look before a small smile appeared. "I thought he would have by now but that is great I get to tell you personally."
I didn't have a good feeling about this.
"I like you Takahashi."
Huh?
"Um…I also have liked sensei for a long time…"
"It is not 'like' as liking a fan. I love you."
Oh…love…I guess that makes….
WAIT WHAT! HUH! "YOU LOVE ME?"
He chuckled. "You get it now."
"Bu-But how long?"
"Quite some time. I talked about it with Usami-sensei the last time we met so I thought he would have told you already."
THE BASTARD KNEW? "Sensei, you gotta be joking! I have a child!"
The humorous look on his face was gone. A more serious smile appeared as his eyes seemed to darken. "I would never joke about this. You told me you loved me for my work. Can you use that same feeling and return my love?"
No way. I never dreamt of this. I should have listened to Hidori. I just admired him because of his work. I don't like him like this.
"When I was feeling down, your words saved me. When we met again, I realized that it was love."
"No, it was nothing special." I looked away to check on Miyoko. Her eyes were staring back at me but I noticed them closing ever so slightly.
"They were special to me. I am not blind; I know you have a daughter and currently in a relationship with Usami-sensei. I don't want to make you feel awkward. I know I put you in a difficult position but I am serious."
What to do? What should I say? I do like him but not in that way. "I-Ijuuin-sensei…"
"And, spending the day, made me realize how much I want to know more about Miyoko." I saw his hand, reaching out to touch her cheeks. I never looked at a hand so dirty before. I felt my other hand lift to stop him when someone else did it for me.
"YOU CAN'T."
My eyes grew wide as I followed the pale hand gripping Ijuuin's in the air, inches away from Miyoko's face. "Usagi?"
I was trying to upload this earlier but ended up watching the new Spiderman!
Definitely a movie to see!
Coming up next on COH:
Ijuuin's confession and time for a trip
