JUNJOU ROMANTICA / SEKAI-ICHI HATSUKOI
Chapter Four – Sentiments
Timeline: August 5
Ijuuin Kyo's Apartment
Ijuuin Kyo stirred from his restless sleep filled with dreams of his manga characters jumping out from their storyboard, coming to life, and engaging with people he associated with in his everyday life. Some scenes involved running, fighting enemies, and weaving through so many obstacles in order to complete the ultimate goal. His dreams failed to define as to what the goal was, but he woke up exhausted and on tenterhooks from the scenes that panned out in his sleep.
"God, even in my sleep, I still work…" thought Kyo, taking in a deep breath. "I love my work, but I need my brain to process other things."
For the most part, Kyo was definitely not a morning person especially when he pulled a series of all-night work sessions for seven nights in a row. Still held captive by the fog of sleep, he tried to clear his head by running his fingers through his thick, black hair.
Once again, and for the past seven nights, Kyo fell asleep seated on his work-desk. He thanked his lucky starts that he was not too sleepy to keep his work at a safe distance before he laid his head on his desk. In what he intended to be a few minutes of resting his eyes ended up being an hour or two, and once he had woken up then work began again.
This time, however, would be different….
There was the work-desk, and on it were the now-completed storyboards and covers for the regular and annual special runs for The*Kan – the artwork and story flow fully executed in what Kyo would clearly define using one word: perfect.
Kyo then looked to his right at another work-desk, seeing its usual occupant who kept him company throughout those maddening seven days and nights still sleeping. He frowned for a minute, concerned for the other knowing that sleeping in a seated position would not provide much comfort or rest.
"Yanase-kun…" a still-sleepy Kyo thought as he took in and let out a deep, cleansing breath. He thought about the grueling seven days and nights that was now a memory, all made into unforgettable moments due to his time with Yanase Yuu…those days and nights peppered generously with moments of banter, words of encouragement, and gestures and words which definitely communicated care and could easily be misconstrued to be so much more than that. Those seven days and nights truly had brought them much closer, with both of them knowing more about each other professionally and personally.
When Kyo was about to stand up, he noticed that a blanket lay on the floor and pooled around his feet. His gaze traveled once more at the other work-desk where Yuu slept. He figured that Yuu must have put a blanket over his back while he slept. As he picked up and folded the blanket, a smile escaped from his lips while his heart was warm and touched over the caring gesture given to him. However, he could not help but think, "Once you know what's been on my mind all this time, will you stay with me or will you leave? If you choose to leave, will I ever get used to being alone again?"
As Kyo let out another sigh, this time a burdened one where he was feeling seven days and nights' worth of fatigue and sleep deprivation, he then placed the now-folded blanket on his chair and marched towards where Yuu slept. He laid a gentle hand on Yuu's back and whispered in Yuu's ear, "Yanase-kun…. Wake up…."
Yuu stirred and then glanced at Kyo. "What time is it?"
"About eight in the morning. If you're hungry, I'll make us some breakfast."
Still looking groggy and tired, Yuu murmured, "I'm not hungry…."
"I'm not hungry, either…." Kyo then gave Yuu a gentle gaze as he proposed, "We're both tired. We need sleep. We have a meeting late afternoon today with everyone. Stay here at my place…take a shower, go to bed, eat a decent meal once we get up, take another shower to finally wake up, and then I'll drive us to Marukawa for our afternoon meeting."
Shaking his head a bit and then blinking, Yuu replied, "I'll take the sofa, if you don't mind. Plus, wouldn't you want your privacy again after having me crash in your place for seven straight days?"
Kyo chuckled, smiling wryly. "You didn't 'crash' at my place. I invited you, and we've been working seven days and nights in a row like madmen possessed. The couch may be better than the work-desk, but it still doesn't replace a warm bed when it comes to giving the person a comfortable, restful sleep."
Yuu's eyes narrowed a bit, and he frowned. "I can't kick you out of your bed. You need sleep, too!"
Kyo's eyes narrowed as well, with a bit of mischief lighting up his eyes. "Who said that I'm being kicked out of my own bed? What makes you think that I'll let anyone do that, even if that person's you?"
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that you and I are sleeping together in the same bed," said Kyo, his eyes having that teasing glint in them as his rich voice uttered his words.
Yuu felt his face heat up. He squinted his eyes, his mind trying to register Kyo's words. His heart thumped violently as his thoughts ran different tangents that made his face flush even more. He shook his head, with him making an effort to hold himself together while downplaying the meaning behind Kyo's words although it kept arriving to one conclusion. Caught off-guard, he blurted out, "What the hell? We're not sleeping together!"
"Are we misunderstanding something? Define 'sleeping together,' Yanase-kun. My definition of physically sleeping in the same bed and sleeping together are one and the same. I don't know about you," was Kyo's cheeky comeback. "Now if you want to invite me to go along with your definition of that phrase, I'm more than happy to do so."
"Geez, why do you say such things so casually?" spat Yuu, with his head still shaking off the thoughts that made him feel flustered and embarrassed.
"Because you're cute whenever you're like this," responded Kyo in his thoughts, part of him wishing that he could say these thoughts out loud to see as to how Yuu would react.
"Sometimes, I don't know what goes on in that head of yours..."
Kyo chuckled for a couple of seconds, finally giving it a rest for Yuu's benefit as he saw how much it made the other feel. "Listen, I'm serious. A hot shower will clear the mind and refresh the body…followed by a nice, restful sleep in a large bed. It's a king-sized bed – plenty of room for both of us. You've always brought a change of clothes for yourself every time you come to my place. The way you and I are physically and mentally feeling right now after seven days and nights of all work and with little to no sleep? It won't help us tackle this afternoon's big meeting."
Yuu pondered on Kyo's offer. He did, after all, brought a special change of clothes consisting of a midnight navy suit, tie, shirt, and dress shoes for this afternoon's meeting in case another day was needed towards finishing the jobs with Kyo for The*Kan. He also brought an extra set of comfortable clothes in case the occasion called for it.
Finally, Yuu said, "All right..."
With such a warm smile, Kyo replied, "Then it's settled. Use the shower in the spare bathroom. You know where everything is, so help yourself. I'll get things ready. I'll bring your overnight bag in the bedroom while you're in the shower, if that's fine with you. There's an extra bathrobe. Feel free to use it. You know where it is. Once you're done, just come inside the bedroom. No need to knock."
After gathering his stuff from the overnight bag, Yuu was about to walk towards the spare bathroom.
"Yanase-kun…?"
Yuu stopped, turning to face Kyo once more.
Kyo gave Yuu a heart-warming smile, his expressive eyes communicating so much more as he told Yuu, "Thanks for the blanket. You doing that for me …you…mean a lot to me…."
"There you are again, Sensei. Saying things that—"
"I mean what I say. I always do."
The two men stood there for a few moments, each having his eyes meet the other in order to truly understand everything. Breaths were held. Hearts pounded heavily. Hands rested on the sides, fisting as the nails embedded on the palms. Chests clenched, anticipating and fearing as to what the other was thinking this very moment.
Kyo then broke the silent spell between them with a soft smile along with the teasing question, "The shower's waiting, Yanase-kun…or would you like some company?"
"I'm going," Yuu grunted, raising an eyebrow. "Everything's a joke to you."
After he shook his head once more and then gave Kyo a nod, Yuu headed to the bathroom and reached out to the linen closet where the towels and sundries were kept. His eyes landed on the spot that Kyo was referring to – the area of that closet which had been dedicated for bath towels and face towels for Yuu's use whenever he spent the evening burning the midnight oil at work over at Kyo's apartment. What used to be a corner was now an entire row the longer the two had known each other.
Minutes later, Yuu stepped in the shower, turning on the shower head and allowing the hot water to provide comfort for his aching muscles…his already-flushed cheeks turning a brighter shade of red from the heat, and his heart still pounding furiously as thoughts of Kyo and the complex and confusing dynamic between them played in his head.
Meanwhile, in the master's bedroom bathroom, Kyo took his shower and allowed his thoughts, body, and heart to relax thanks to the hot water that landed on him and washed off some of the fatigue he had been feeling all evening. In the bedroom the sheets, blanket, and the pillowcases have already been changed and extra pillows with fresh pillowcases for Yuu had already been prepared.
Once Kyo finished his shower and got out of the bathroom half-naked with a towel covering him from the waist down, he stopped for a minute and saw an already-sleeping Yu. The sight warmed and weighed down on his heart at the same time. Soon, he took his place on the bed that he now shared with the other and allowed the fatigue and his thoughts hold him captive until he fell asleep.
Timeline: August 5
Usami Country Club
Everyone remained frozen as Asahina stared at the five individually-wrapped chocolate.
"Exquis chocolates…. Sure brings back memories," muttered a softly-smiling yet pleasantly baffled Michael Ishino. He recalled as to how AJ, Troy, and Em constantly raided his coveted crystal bowl of Exquis chocolate treats that sat on his home office desk when they were still children. "I thought that those haven't been around for at least a decade, if not two. Where did you get them, Asahina-kun?"
"They should still not be around, Dad," replied an equally-baffled AJ, a hint of nostalgia laced in his tone. "Exquis Chocolates hasn't been around for 20 years and counting since that fire. Exquis and its confections died along with its original owners."
"So where did you get these, Asahina?" asked Isaka with a frown. "Remember how you and I used to eat them together, back in the day? Why don't you and I split one, for old times' sake?"
To satiate his and everyone else's curiosity, Asahina unwrapped one chocolate candy. He closely examined the round treat and its intricate design. He was surprised that the chocolate was not stale or discolored. He then took the next step by sniffing the chocolate, confirming that the treat was still indeed fresh, biting into the chocolate, and giving the other half to Isaka.
Asahina's shared innocent gesture with Isaka went unnoticed to the elders who chose to pay no mind. AJ, however, devoted a couple of seconds to mentally dismiss any thoughts other than what his two eyes have seen – two people simply sharing a piece of chocolate.
"Just the way I remembered it," declared Isaka with a nostalgic smile escaping from his lips, then letting out a sigh as happy childhood memories came flooding back in his mind's eye.
AJ picked up a piece of chocolate, followed Asahina's example, and gave the other half to his father. Father and son exchanged a nod, agreeing with Asahina and Isaka's assessment that 20-year-old pieces of chocolate happen to be sitting before them in its freshest state just as its proprietors have intended them to be sold.
Before Asahina could verbalize what was on his mind, a staff member from the country club approached the group and announced, "Onodera-sama…?"
Onodera Akifumi turned to the courier, giving the familiar staff member a nod as the latter explained, "A courier arrived with this package."
"Thank you," said the elder Onodera as he accepted the manila envelope from the country club staff member. While the others huddled together to figure out the mystery behind the chocolates, he sat down, noted that the enveloped was marked as confidential, opened said envelope, and examined its contents.
After placing the contents back in the envelope, Onodera Akifumi took a burdened deep breath in hopes to clear the vise-like tightening of his chest. He eventually broke his silence by murmuring, "Michael, Isaka-kun…"
Everyone's attention then focused on the elder Onodera as he handed the manila envelope for Michael Ishino and Isaka's review. The elder Onodera closed his eyes to get a hold of his feelings while Asahina and AJ looked at Michael and Isaka review the envelope's contents.
AJ's eyes narrowed, clenching his jaw as he exchanged a knowing glance with his father. Meanwhile, Asahina clearly perceived what Isaka's train of thought had been as their eyes met – with Isaka's frown showing evident signs of bubbling anger.
"This is fucking bullshit – enough is enough," thought Isaka as he fished for his smart phone from his pocket and dialed a number. His expression remained troubled as he looked at Michael Ishino with smart phone in hand as well.
The two men excused themselves from Onodera Akifumi, AJ, and Asahina as they made a series of respective phone calls away from the others' earshot. Meanwhile, the elder Onodera casually asked AJ business-related questions related to the upcoming joint venture which prompted AJ to pull up and display data from his laptop as he gave his response.
At the corner of his eye, Asahina saw Hiro standing approximately 10 feet away from them to his right. No one save him could see Hiro since everyone else's back was turned away from the dark-haired and handsome young boy.
Asahina's warm brown eyes rested on Hiro, with him unable to ward off the inexplicable veil of sadness and emptiness weighing down upon him the longer that his gaze rested on the boy.
Eventually, a bone-chilling shiver coursed throughout Asahina's body. The more that he tried to shake it off his system, the more energy drained out from his body…his pallor becoming paler each passing second.
AJ blinked, glancing sideways and being taken aback as he murmured, "Asahina-san…?"
The elder Ishino and Isaka, their respective attentions diverted for a second, then ended their calls when they heard AJ and the elder Onodera yell out Asahina's name. They ran as quickly as their feet could take them, quickly lending their assistance to Asahina who slipped unconscious from the chair and now lay on the marble floor.
Timeline: August 5
Beach
Takahashi Misaki walked in silence beside Usami Akihito for nearly thirty minutes, with the younger man glancing here and there at his lover. Today was a relatively short day for him at the university, especially since he rearranged his schedule to accommodate Usami's request. He knew that today was an important and busy day for Usami and Marukawa Shoten, with him still in disbelief as to who would be arriving from overseas this afternoon.
In spite of being aware of today's hustle and bustle marked with multiple meetings, project launches, and group discussions related to the joint expansion of Marukawa Shoten and Onodera Shuppan, Misaki had noticed a change in Usami's behavior which made him feel unsettled to say the least.
Misaki glanced to his right, wanting to steal a sight of Usami as they walked together by the beach. On the surface, there was nothing wrong. In fact, the sight itself was to behold.
There was Usami… As always, regal-looking…dressed in his usual custom-made white shirts monogrammed at the cuffs and secured with expensive cufflinks, the stylish silk broadcloth vest and tie providing nice contrast against the white shirt, dark wool gabardine pants, and stylish black European leather shoes. The sunlight and how its light veiled at everything underneath it along with the gentle morning breeze worked together and gave a nicer touch, giving Usami's already-handsome look a more ethereal glow.
Someone so beautiful and blinding… Inviting… Someone who would make one reach out and want to ensure that the someone standing right before them in all his glory was oh-so-real… Someone who would make the other melt once even a mere touch has been given, let alone an embrace overflowing with so much emotions that would make both melt into one being….
Yet, Misaki's heart clenched with sadness as he saw subtle cues that added a greater depth to the rather poetic picture that his mind's eye had constantly produced about his lover.
There was Usami… His hands buried in his pants pockets, those hands fisting every now and then as the two of them walked in silence while he drowned in whatever thoughts coursed inside his head. There were the small releases of breaths, accompanied with the limited rise of his chest and the clenching of his jaw. There were the corners of his eyes that seemed to be a cauldron to his bubbling emotions – feelings that he had been fighting to keep to himself for whatever reason he had.
As the walk continued, Misaki closed his eyes for a couple of seconds to compose himself. The sight before him kept breaking his heart. His lover walked alongside him…as beautiful and untouchable as the other seemed to be on a normal given day…and even more untouchable and unattainable in the past few weeks with the unknown thoughts brewing in the other's head…was slowly but surely becoming farther and farther from his reach…
For the past few weeks, Misaki made an effort as opportunity permitted to find out as to what was burdening Usami and how he could help. Since they have become lovers and they have encountered such bumps in their relationship, Usami would at least reach out to him through sex and intimacy.
This time around, however, Misaki observed that Usami would not go farther than hand-holding and kisses on innocent places such as the back of the hand, the forehead, the nose, the eyelid, and the cheeks. As to sex, there had been none of that for two weeks. Misaki continued to muster everything that he could within him to fight thoughts that Usami might be thinking about ending their relationship.
Yet, there was one thought…one of many memories…that served as a balm for Misaki's heart and mind…
Usami's words…. Words that he told Misaki, serving as one of the many moments where Usami had opened up his own heart – knowingly and unknowingly giving Misaki strength and peace at times when his heart was not calm…
Misaki,
I will keep saying this.
Reality might be harsher than you think.
Everything might not work out in the end.
But even then,
Please don't give up on me.
I'll do everything I can.
And, no matter what, I'll stay by your side.
So please,
Even if you're lost or troubled,
Choose me.
"Let's sit down over there," said Usami, glancing sideways to Misaki and giving the latter a small smile as his right hand pointed at a quiet spot.
Misaki, now snapped out of his trip down memory lane, gave Usami a nod. He followed Usami as the latter led the way towards a familiar boulder – a spot where the two of them have shared many memorable moments.
Although momentarily startled when Usami had taken his right hand, having their fingers interlace, Misaki did not offer his usual protest that they should not do such public display of affection. In fact, Misaki welcomed it and felt that both of them not just wanted but needed such contact – public or not.
With these thoughts lingering in his mind and warming his heart, Misaki tightened his hold of Usami's hand with subtle affection.
In turn, the author glanced sideways once more and bequeathing his lover another smile.
Melancholy wrapped and then permeated throughout Misaki's being as he allowed his heart to soak in Usami's smile. Although the latter's smile was the warmest one that had been given to him over the past weeks, that smile was also accompanied with such empathy-drawing sadness…the kind where one could not help but begin shedding the first of never-ending tears drawn from emotions that no words could ever describe.
Such tears and smiles were the kinds induced through reading Usami's works...
There was a difference this time around, though…. Usami's works had a cathartic effect even though the emotions lingered within the readers after their heartstrings have been pulled in myriad directions. Usami's current state of mind as Misaki sensed it over the past weeks, however, was a dark abyss with no light or end in sight.
And each day that passed meant that the abyss within Usami's heart, mind, and soul became wider and darker….
The two lovers eventually reached the boulder, sitting comfortably side by side while taking in the comfort that their surroundings could offer…. The morning sun that shone upon them…. The breeze that tempered the autumn heat…. The happy sounds and sights provided by others who were enjoying the water and sand…
Eventually, Misaki broke the long silence between them. "Usagi-san…"
"Hmmm…?"
"Are you all right?" Misaki dare asked, being tight-lipped as he continued, "You…don't seem yourself lately…"
"I'm fine," Usami told Misaki, offering the latter a smile. "Everything's fine."
"You've been saying that for the past couple of weeks, but it's becoming harder and harder to believe it." Misaki, whose eyes were at first transfixed at the waters before them, now turned and faced Usami. He took in his lover's sight, which confirmed his suspicion that there was something wrong. "You've always been there for me… So please…let me be there for you…."
Usami was silent, not removing his gaze at the waters and whatever movement or activity had been going on before him which provided momentary distraction.
Misaki did not say another word. In an uncharacteristic move, he sat sideways once more and scooted even closer to Usami, closing up any gap and providing their hands with enough cover so that he could maintain the affectionate hold of his lover's hand.
"Aren't we taking lots of initiative today," Usami joked, a wry grin escaping from his lips. "You taking initiative… It always means a lot to me. But don't worry about me… I'm fine…."
After taking in a deep cleansing breath, Misaki gazed at Usami and smiled. He let his eyes do the communicating for him, allowing them to let the other know that he would always be there waiting. Once he saw Usami break away from his gaze, he then focused again on the waters before them…enjoying the sights, the silence, and the company of the one he loved who now sat beside him.
Thirty minutes easily turned into an hour…. An hour turned into an hour and a half…. Only non-verbal gestures that spoke…screamed…much louder than words broke the silence between the two lovers.
Every now and then during that long silence, Usami closed his eyes to fight back the tears and rein his emotions in.
Usami held Misaki's hand more tightly as if his life depended on it. He closed his eyes once more, this time unable to hold back the tears that now streamed quietly down his cheek.
Finally, once Usami gathered whatever little strength that he could muster even though his chest was so heavy and tight from the burden that he carried, he broke his silence and said to Misaki in a near-whisper, "There's something you need to know about me…."
Timeline: August 5 (Day One – Onodera Ritsu's Love Declaration)
Takano Masamune's Apartment Building
Isaka Ryuichiro and Kaoru Asahina walked into the apartment building where Onodera Ritsu and Takano Masamune lived, with Asahina carrying his brown leather briefcase and Isaka handling a gift basket filled with an assortment of fruits, crackers, preserves, sweets, and cheese.
"I'll be fine on my own, you know…"said a quietly pouting Isaka, his worry over Asahina still weighing down in his heart as his eyes watched the elevator floor indicator change numbers.
"And I'll be better off being with you. The doctor said I need to take it easy, and that's it. I'll rest as much as I can in-between our stops. You keep an eye on me. Better that than me being alone at home in this condition," reasoned out Asahina, although both men knew that the real reason was that Asahina wanted to be present and of help to Isaka on this very important day – the kick-off for the joint overseas expansion.
"No… The doctor told you that you've been pushing yourself and you need to rest. This – still insisting to accompany me until this long workday ends – is not resting."
"I'll rest as much as I can today in-between stops, and will fully rest tomorrow at home."
Isaka raised an eyebrow. With a pout and heavy sigh, he grumbled, "Well, I'll stay with you tomorrow, then. I'll telecommute until you're well." When he saw that Asahina was about to argue, he added, "If you say no, you're going home now and not leaving the house until you're fully recovered. Choose your poison…"
"Fine," replied Asahina, his response sounding more as a gripe.
"Good, then," murmured Isaka with a small smile, with child-like pride filling his entire being for getting what he wanted. "I'll hold you to your word."
Asahina reached for the doorbell and pressed it…
Takano opened the door and welcomed the two visitors in, with Isaka cheerfully greeting, "Ah, Takano. I hope that all is well. Thank you for keeping up with work while nursing a patient."
"Onodera's doing better today, although he's still weak and feverish. Please come in."
While pointing his index finger down on the floor, Isaka asked, "I know that you two are next-door neighbors…so this place is…?"
"My place, Isaka-san…" was Takano's quiet reply.
"Of course," said Isaka with a innocent smile and a nod.
Takano motioned the two new arrivals towards the sofa, adding, "Onodera will join us in the living room. Let me help him first. Is there anything that you'd like to drink?"
"Tea is fine, if you have it and it's not much of an inconvenience. If you'd like, I can make it while you assist Onodera-kun," said Asahina as he sat down and placed his briefcase beside him.
"I'll take care of it, Asahina-san. Thank you for the offer." After he and Asahina exchanged a nod, Takano disappeared into the bedroom, escorted Ritsu to the living room, and helped Ritsu on the sofa.
"Asahina…" Isaka muttered a warning under his breath. "You gave me your word – remember?"
"Fine, fine…" said Asahina in a near-whisper, letting out a sigh as he shook his head. He closed his eyes, allowing his throbbing head to rest just as Isaka had begged him to do since he regained consciousness at the hospital.
Takano eventually emerged from the bedroom, staying closely behind Ritsu to provide assistance.
Isaka's eyes lit up, letting a kind smile easily leave his lips. "Ah, Nanahikari… Feeling better, even a little bit?"
"Yes, thanks for asking, Isaka-san," replied Ritsu, his face still flushed with fever although overall his flu was substantially more manageable today than the past few days.
By this time, the weakened Asahina fell asleep in his seated position on the sofa. His head rested against one of the sofa's arms as his arms and hands remained relaxed.
Noticing that Ritsu and Takano looked at Asahina with concern, Isaka replied in a soft tone, "Ah, all of us at the golf game had a scare. Asahina fainted at the country club while meeting with AJ-kun. He was just released from the hospital, yet insists on staying with me to see this day through. As a compromise, he promised that he'll rest as much as he could."
It was evident to Isaka that Ritsu still had a long way to go before full recovery judging by the thick layers of clothes that he wore, his weakened gait, bouts of the chills that he painstakingly fought off in front of them, and his pale pallor. He smiled at Ritsu, resting his hand on the large wicker basket that now sat on Takano's coffee table. "This is from Asahina and me…for you and Takano. Feel free to eat something now, if you'd like. "
Ritsu's watery eyes mirrored the small smile that escaped from his lips. "Thank you so much. Why don't we open this basket now, so that we four can all enjoy it?"
Isaka then focused his eyes on Takano. "You did get my email, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did. Let me get the basket. I'll make us some tea. It'll be quick," said Takano, and then excusing himself afterwards to head towards the kitchen. He listened in on the idle chatter from the living room, and then finally joined them with a tray of peeled and cut-up apple and orange slices, crackers, cheese, and tea service for four.
Ritsu was surprised once Takano left to go towards the kitchen after setting the tray.
This prompted Isaka to say, "Four more are joining us. Let's talk a little bit about work, and then we'll switch gears once they arrive."
Takano returned with another tray which he placed on the coffee table, with Ritsu noting that the tray contained a nearly-identical tea service set-up for four as well as castella bread.
"Thanks, Takano…. " said Isaka, his customary grin waning a tad bit as he let out a sigh.
Takano sat down on the floor, being courteous and considerate by giving the sofa space to Isaka, Ritsu, and Asahina. He figured that Asahina needed more space so that the latter could be more relaxed and catch up on much-needed rest.
Isaka continued, "Just a couple of heads up…. Today will be a long day for all of us. The weeks and months ahead will be busy with this expansion project. Well, you two pace yourselves especially at this time – all right? The last thing that Marukawa and I want is for you, Onodera-kun, to have a relapse…and for you, Takano, to get sick after wearing yourself out."
Ritsu and Takano both gave their respective short nods.
Isaka's tone took a quieter turn. He again let out another sigh before saying, "Before the first wave of additional company arrives, there's another matter that we need to discuss. It's something that your father wants me to handle before you three talk, Onodera-kun."
"You three..?" inquired Ritsu, his eyes momentarily narrowing as he glanced to his left and made eye contact with Takano.
"Yes, you three – you, your father, and Takano... I told him you're sick, and there's no need to worry since Takano-san's taking great care of you. "
"Ummm… Isaka-san….?" asked Ritsu as his eyes were focused on Marukawa's company president. "Why does my Dad want to see Takano-san and me?"
"You'll find out when the time comes," replied Isaka, his eyes effectively masking as to how he was inwardly gauging Takano and Ritsu's respective reactions from the news.
Unable to help but feel the tightness in his chest, Ritsu asked, "Is everything all right with my Dad? This is so sudden. Is this about Onodera Publishing, Marukawa Publishing, or family matters?"
"It's all three. Asahina and I do primarily know the reason. All that I ask is for you two to look at what I'm about to show you. Listen to what I have to say. Don't just jump to conclusions."
Isaka then opened Asahina's briefcase, took out a manila envelope, and handed the envelope to Ritsu.
Takano, puzzled as much as Ritsu had been, rose from the hardwood floor and stood behind Ritsu.
A frown creased Ritsu's forehead as he opened the envelope, reached in for its contents, and reviewed its contents one by one – all while Takano observed and saw everything the same time as Ritsu did. Each item that they reviewed sent a wave of shock in their respective system, with Ritsu's eyes and face most especially not hiding all the emotions coursing inside him.
The two lovers stared at Isaka…
"I come here more as a concerned older brother rather than your boss. Just…continue looking at what's in there. Afterwards, let's continue talking." Isaka then fell silent once more, prompting Takano and Ritsu to continue looking at the envelope's contents.
Ritsu and Takano were in shock to say the least….
In the envelope were pictures of Ritsu and Takano. Judging by the scenes captured on photographs, the first of them were taken at least a year ago. There were shots taken from cafés and restaurants, some of them with Takano and Ritsu kissing. There were more photographs – some taken in alleyways, one of them taken in an alleyway during the rain…again, with the two exchanging a kiss. Among the less incriminating photographs were the two of them sitting beside each other on the train, some with one sleeping on the other's shoulder during the ride. The photographer of those stolen shots caught the couple in scenes that strongly insinuated that something other than friendship was definitely going on between them.
"So, Onodera-kun…Takano," said Isaka as he gave the two a probing yet non-judgmental gaze, pulling out the photograph of Ritsu and Takano kissing in the rain. He showed the two the chosen photograph as he inquired, "What's really going on between the two of you?"
Ritsu was flustered and embarrassed over the photographs and the facts that they clearly stated. Deep down, he knew that there was nothing wrong with kissing his lover. After all, Takano was the love of his life of more than 10 years and counting, especially now that matters have been settled between them. However, he was now before the president and executive secretary of the company where he and Takano now worked. All of Ritsu's fears and insecurities about himself and what society had to say about two men having a romantic relationship had skyrocketed in a split second.
Takano, barely recovering from his own rollercoaster of emotions due to Nao and the resulting mountain of recent disagreements and miscommunication between him and Ritsu, was doing his best to hold on to the scant amount of composure left in his body. He, however, managed to inquire, "How did you get this, Isaka-san?"
"Onodera Akifumi – Onodera-kun's father – received it this morning after our golf game. Onodera-kun's mother doesn't know anything about this, and his father wants to keep it that way."
"What did Dad say?"
Isaka's eyes were transfixed on Takano and Ritsu, seeing Ritsu slowly but surely unravel before him. He leaned back against the sofa, and then continued, "Your Dad's definitely upset, but not for the reasons that you or anyone would conventionally think. So my advice to both of you is this. Meet with him. Be completely honest about the two of you. Tell him what you mean to each other. I don't know if it'll be any consolation to the two of you, but you two aren't the only ones that are being victimized and blackmailed over something like this."
Takano wanted to save Ritsu from being on the spot, but he knew that he was damned either way. If he chose to do the talking for Ritsu, then he would rob Ritsu of any opportunity to disclose only what Ritsu would deem all right to share at this time. If he chose to remain silent, his guilt over doing such a cowardly deed of leaving all the talking to Ritsu would continue to eat him up.
In the end, Takano deemed it best to remain silent while having his left hand rest on Ritsu's right shoulder…this quiet gesture being the only way that he could think of to support Ritsu and at the same time give him the space he felt that his lover needed.
What froze Ritsu's blood and in turn made Takano's blood boil, though, was the brown card that came along with the pictures, which said:
He denied himself from me before, but I've been watching him from afar all these years.
So now you know that your one and only heir swings both ways?
Such amusing news – don't you think?
It'd be a shame if everyone would know the truth about him.
It's still not too late, though…
I could still show and school him on how to really have a good time.
Tell him that I haven't forgotten about him.
Nothing has changed except for the fact that I want him more now than ever.
Tell him to get ready for me, since I will come for him.
This time, he must accept everything that I have to offer him with open arms.
If he does, your family and Onodera Shuppan will reap its many benefits.
Everyone gets to keep his good name and the fruits of his labor.
Don't even dare think of refusing me this time around.
I promise that no one would like what happens next.
PS: Tell him that he doesn't have to drop the handsome fellow in the pictures. He's more than welcome to join, too. After all, the more, the merrier.
Ritsu slid the pictures back in the envelope, his eyes wide as he tried to quell the shock coursing through his system.
"Let's talk about the pictures first…. What's the story behind the pictures?"
As he handed the envelope back to Isaka with a shaky hand, Ritsu stared into the company president's eyes and said, "Takano-san and I dated 10 years ago. We separated, only for our paths to cross once again at Marukawa. He and I recently decided to pick up where we've left off."
Takano then added, "Ten years ago, Onodera and I had a huge misunderstanding. We separated without getting the chance to reconcile or clarify things. Onodera disappeared the day after that misunderstanding. A few months after he left, I moved and changed my last name from Saga to Takano due to my family situation. Ten years later, Onodera began working at Marukawa. Ever since then, he and I struggled to weed through our differences and our feelings."
"And…?"
Ritsu's face became more flushed as he gave his murmured response to Isaka, "We've patched up our differences."
"Good indeed," agreed Isaka, taking in a deep breath and allowing this piece of good news to ease the knots of his nervous stomach and nerves. "That's the piece of good news that I've been waiting to hear from both of you. Ten years' worth of history, huh?"
"So you're fine with all of this, Isaka-san?" Takano asked, his hand reaching for Ritsu's and having their fingers interlace as they held hands.
"You two are responsible, hard-working adults. You bring the best out of each other at work. I'll be stupid to interfere with that balance through firing, or having either of you quit Marukawa. Asahina and I will keep your secret. Whatever we can do to help you two, let us know. Just let us know as to who's included in your circle in terms of your relationship, so that we know how what to do."
Takano gave Isaka a grateful smile. "Thank you. Your understanding and support mean a lot to me …"
"Yes, thank you so much," seconded a teary-eyed Ritsu.
The doorbell rang, prompting Isaka to ask Takano, "May I open the door for you? I think this is the first wave of company that I'm expecting to join us."
"Yes, of course…" said Takano, his heart still feeling clenched yet a little bit relieved knowing that Ritsu and he had Isaka and Asahina's support..
Shortly thereafter, Isaka opened the door and ushered the new visitor inside Takano's home.
As all eyes were glued by the doorway, with Ritsu shuddering from surprise as he held his breath…his heart feeling as if it stopped beating, and then dropping down to his stomach once he established the identity of the new arrival.
Disclaimer
All the wonderful characters for Sekai-Ichi Hatsukoi and Junjou Romantica are owned by their wonderful author Shungiku Nakamura. In the series (whether it be manga, anime, light novel, or drama CD), Ritsu's Dad is unnamed, and little is known about him, and so I gave him a name for the purposes of this fic – Akifumi Onodera.
Based on the manga countdown from Takano Masamune's December 24th birthday, there would be 224 days left until Ritsu's Love Declaration Countdown (the end of the manga said that there were 222 days left, but Takano's birthday fell two days before that countdown number, so it's 224). Taking that number, Ritsu's Love Declaration Countdown date would be August 5 (not taking into consideration Leap Year)…lol… So for the purposes of this fic, August 5 is Ritsu Onodera's Love Declaration Day as well as the anniversary date for Takano and Onodera becoming a couple.
The original characters Andrew James (AJ) Ishino, Tsuuri Troy, Michael Ishino, and Alexandra Emrys and any other original characters are properties of PJ Zatken.