JUNJOU ROMANTICA / SEKAI-ICHI HATSUKOI

Chapter Five – Hats and Masks

Warning: This chapter touches upon topics concerning sexual exploitation and molestation involving children and adults.

Timeline: August 5

Beach

"You were molested…raped…when you were still a child? Who would do such a thing?"

Usami let out a heavy sigh and diverted his eyes, choosing the waters as the focus of his sight. He kept his gaze at the waters before him as he explained, "It was during a party at the Okada estate. Okada Sekai was not yet in office at the time, but for generations his family had been in politics."

"Wait a minute," said Misaki, his head feeling as if it had swollen three times its size. "You're talking about the Okada Sekai – the long-time representative at the National Diet?"

"The one and only…"

Usami could tell from Misaki's expression that the latter wanted to know more, and so he explained further, "I was around seven years old. My father took me to these parties, introduced me to people as his heir. Once he circulated me around, I was left to roam around the mansion. I eventually bumped into Okada, and we started talking. He was so kind to me, and so we talked some more while we ate and drank."

There was a long pause, and then once he gathered his thoughts and enough courage to finish what he started, Usami continued, "He led me to the second floor of the house, saying that he had a huge library of books in his office. I easily believed it since my father's bookshelf in his home office and at work had a variety of books as well. I started feeling dizzy as we walked towards his office. My knees bucked on me, and he helped me to a bedroom. At first, he said that I could lie down and rest there and he'd tell my father that I wasn't feeling well. But he locked the door, and I could see that kind person that I befriended disappear. He covered my mouth when I got agitated, and told me that he would ruin my family…our business…if I ever utter a word. He then had his way with me that day. It felt like eternity, and I still shudder when I think back on those times."

"Those times…?"

Misaki's eyes did not leave Usami. He felt as if his heart was being stabbed when he heard his lover continue explaining, "Okada… The things that he did… It didn't just happen once or twice. It happened three times. All of those times happened before my eighth birthday. After that third time, I just did not want to run into Okada but I couldn't directly ask my father if he would be there. I didn't tell Tanaka the real reason behind my question, but he helped me by asking the question that I couldn't ask. When he got information that there was a possibility that Okada would be at a function, I'd make an excuse not to go. If the coast was clear, I would. Eventually, I stopped going to functions. Since I couldn't tell anyone what happened, I poured everything in my writing. I could only express those unresolved feelings inside me through my books, but I couldn't even mirror the facts in my fiction in fear of what he'd do to my family."

Usami then shook his head, and had a sarcastic smirk escape from his lips. "I remained silent because of my family. At that age, I still hoped for a normal family – a loving father, a doting mother, great sibling or siblingss. Had I realized that early on that those were not in the cards for me, I would've just said something and made that bastard pay. I could've gone to the police and filed a report. Our family name carried so much clout that justice would be served to make him rot in jail – especially since he was just a new small fry at the political scene. It scares me to think as to how many more children had fallen victim in his hands because I chose not to say anything. I can't even begin to think without feeling guilty or dirty on whether that bastard is still ruining innocent lives as we speak…especially now that he holds so much power and influence as a politician."

"But you were just a child at the time, Usagi-san. And even if you weren't at the time, no one could blame you. It was his fault. It was all on him. You were a victim in all of this, and you've carried all those scars from that all this time."

When Misaki bowed his head to hide his tears, Usami felt as if his heart was about to break all over again. He told Misaki, "Four years ago, my life has changed for me. There you came. I want to keep you safe. That letter and the photographs that accompanied it, I just felt as if I've been violated all over again. If those photos were just of me alone, I wouldn't care. I wouldn't feel or react this way. However, the photos were of you and me. It opened up so many wounds. It made me afraid."

Usami then turned to face Misaki, his hand reaching out to hold Misaki's hand. "You can't utter a word to anyone about this. Unless you and I are together inside the circle of trust that knows everything about this, feign ignorance on knowing anything about this. This has more to do about your safety. I don't know what would happen...what I'd do...if someone ever harms you."

After another long period of silence transpired between them, Misaki laid his free hand on top of their clasped hands.

"I…" Usami closed his eyes, taking in another deep breath as he focused on the warmth and comfort that Misaki's hands had provided him. When he opened his eyes, tears began to pool and then streamed down his cheek. "I don't care what happens to me. I'm proud to tell the whole world about you and how much you mean to me. But it's you who I'm worried about partly because I know that you're not ready yet."

"I'm ready –"

"What about Takahito? What about school and work?"

"Maybe this is the push that I need. Maybe this is the sign from above that it's time for the truth to be known, starting with my brother."

"That's the point, Misaki…. There shouldn't be a 'push.' Things such as the truth about us are important. They should be told when you're good and ready, with the truth coming from your own mouth – not because the circumstances or someone else forced you to do so. I promised to protect you, yet I feel so helpless right now."

As Misaki affectionately tightened his hold of Usami's hand, Usami said, "That man… What he did… That letter of his… It brought back so many bad memories and feelings… I was so afraid back then. When I received that letter, it made me afraid for many reasons… What if…."

Misaki's eyes narrowed, with him feeling as if a crucial piece of Usami's healing was about to be offered then only to be withheld from both of them when Usami stopped talking…and so he dared ask, " 'What if' what, Usagi-san?"

Usami's body shuddered, his heart feeling as if it was being gripped and crushed by a vise. "What if I'm just like him…became like him…because of what happened back then?"

Shocked over what he heard from his lover's lips, Misaki blurted out, "That's absurd! You're nothing like him! What makes you think that you're even remotely similar to that perverted monster?"

Unable to contain his feelings, Usami self-deprecatingly scoffed, "Perverted monster, you say? So just think back and then explain to me…how did you and I start our relationship?"

"We started as tutor and student. You drove me nuts, especially when I found out about your feelings towards my brother. From the very beginning…from the very first touch you've given me… Everything between us for four years and counting… All of that was done with my consent."

A tearful Misaki then shook their clasped hands to get Usami to gaze into his eyes and see the truth behind every word as he continued, "I won't allow anyone to call you a monster. I won't allow anyone to compare you to that bastard. I most especially won't allow it if you go about calling yourself those names. It hurts me when you think so badly about yourself, especially since you're the last person who deserves that."

"Misaki…."

"Starting from the time we've met, Usagi-san, you've brought out the best in me. From day one, I've seen you for the person you really are. You're intelligent. You're such a patient and great teacher. You love with wild abandon and so unconditionally. You're so childlike in your ways. You're childish at times. You're kind and you see life so differently than everyone else. Because of that…because you're you… I've seen and appreciated so much more in life and this world. Yes, you're sexual to the point that you're perverted at times. That, however, doesn't make you a monster."

With more tears threatening to flow from him, Usami asked, "If I'm not a monster, yet I'm a pervert, then what does that make me?'

"You're my pervert… Sweet, kind, childlike, intelligent, and unique… Mine, and mine alone. Don't you forget that," replied Misaki with a warm smile, his tears continuing to stream down his cheeks.

Usami burst out laughing over what he heard, and so he affectionately pulled Misaki close to him. Feeling as if his heart was about to explode, he enveloped his lover in an embrace…doing it in such a way as if his life depended on it. In near-whispered words, he murmured, "What am I going to do with you? Now do you understand why I'm so helpless when it comes to you?"

In turn, Misaki hugged Usami as if the world only contained the two of then and no one else. He cried for his lover, protectively clinging on to Usami. "I'm here, Usagi-san. I'll always be here for you…for us. You've done nothing wrong to anyone, most especially to me. Please rely on me more. Tell me right away when something's bothering you. Between you and me, we can endure and surpass anything and everything together."

Usami let out every teardrop that wanted to flow out from him, his hug tightening as he sobbed his heart out and let all his demons be washed away clean from the tears that came out from him as well as Misaki. As he poured all the love that he had for Misaki from his embrace and tears, he allowed himself to bask in the equally unconditional love that Misaki had to give him as his lover stayed in his arms.

Timeline: August 5

Location: Representative Okada's Private Offices, Diet Building

"Did you send the pictures to them?"

The owner of the voice at the other end of the line replied to the silver-haired man's question, "I had my people send the last of the pictures. Four days from now, they'll all get another letter from you. My people will be sending those notes on you behalf. After all, you've sent them all to me a long time ago."

A smirk escaped from Okada's lips as he shook his head from laughter…his heart pleased and feeling victorious as he shuffled through pictures of Usami Akihito, Onodera Ritsu, AJ Ishino, Alexandra Emrys, Troy Tsuuri, and Isaka Ryuichiro…pictures whose copies have been sent to the subjects of those photos along with his notes. "I never knew that you had such streak of viciousness it in you. But then again, I shouldn't be surprised...or should I? Your network's very good in capturing such moments."

"It's all part of our agreement. If all goes well, it's a win-win for you and me," was the other person's amuse reply.

"You can count on me," said Okada, his eyes fixed on the photos as well as the lascivious thoughts he had on each of the subjects. "Once I succeed in my plans, it sets a perfect stage for yours to begin."

"You have to succeed…if you know what's good for you, Representative Okada…"

The call between Representative Okada and the mysterious caller on the other line ended. Okada's smirk became even more malevolent…perverted…as he thought, "The sins of the children are also the sins of the fathers. Soon, your proud ivory towers will come crumbling down into the ashes…unless you give me what I want….."

Timeline: August 5

Private Jet – Destination, Japan

Tsuuri Troy woke up from the involuntary stretch that his sleeping brain told him to take. He then saw Em as she tapped on her laptop screen, the young woman deep in thought as she continued to read the contents of each screen that panned before her.

"The National Police Agency database…?" commented Troy while he propped his seat from the sleeping position to upright.

"I'm not hacking in, if that's what you're afraid of. If I am, I can handle it," Em replied, her gaze still transfixed on speed-reading the information in front of her. Her left hand clicked the laptop's cursor pad while her right hand held a quarter-filled glass of brandy which she drank from time to time.

"Well, I know… The exceptionally hard jobs, though, are my specialty whenever worse comes to worst. I guess you're using our carte blanche privileges and much more for this?" said an amused Troy while he now stretched his arms, shoulders, and back.

"I'd rather be owed to than owe – you know that… They asked me to look into it a long time before Dad asked the favor in behalf of Isaka-san."

With an eyebrow raised, Troy muttered teasingly, "What type of world are we in when the national police of countries asks for a partnership with private citizens?"

"The label 'private citizens' doesn't apply to us, have you forgotten?" Em smirked then shook her head, although the rhythmic tapping of her laptop keyboard remained undisturbed. "If this all pans out...if this series of crapshoots pay off…then everyone on the right side of the equation will see the rewards."

"And what is the 'right side of the equation' in this situation? Who are the people in it?"

"We'll see once I see all the data," was Em's reply as her fingers continued to fly on the laptop keyboard accompanied with intermittent interruptions whenever she needed the cursor pad, her concentration unbroken and her gaze remaining on the laptop while telling Troy, "I've made appointments during my stay, so my schedule for the first four to five days once this plane lands is literally shot."

"Spoken plainly by someone who has a foot on each side. Do you want company...back-up...during those appointments?"

This time, it was Em's turn to let out a quiet yet amused chuckle. She stopped typing for a few seconds and glanced at Troy. "I'll let you know. However, some of those appointments require that I come alone."

Troy stirred from his comfortable seated position, his body turning a bit to face Em. He knew exactly what she meant behind those words, which prompted him to say in a quiet and serious tone, "Those who know about how many hats you really wear will just remind you to take care of yourself and be careful always."

"Hats…or masks…Troy? What do you think applies in my case?" asked Em, taking to heart that Troy was being at his most authentic self this very moment. "From one person to another who I'd say is the same as I am, what do you think?"

"I'd say both," was Troy's subtle response. "That's why you could never be too careful. There comes a time, though, that you need to be you. A time when the hats have to be taken off…the masks removed…. That privilege given to a deserving few..."

"And it's a gamble if the other accepts you for who you once everything is taken off. You're lucky if the other party accepts who you are."

"You're right... Some readily accept. Others take their time and eventually accept. Others just don't, no matter what they or those around them do."

Letting a rueful smile escape from her lips, Em said, "It used to be easier to flip that figurative switch on and off. It's been harder of late, though. Too much is at stake…so many innocent souls trampled…the institutions that love and hard work had built burned down to ashes…and for what? And now, that person and his cronies want more to hoard and destroy. The stakes have been significantly raised. The love and hard work of those we love and care for are at stake this time around. If I haven't turned a blind eye on others, what more for them…?"

"Even if the stakes against you exponentially go higher…?"

"Even so…."

Em's and Troy's eyes then met, the two seemingly communicating more than the words that they uttered to each other a few seconds ago. When he gave her a nod, she nodded as well. Her nod was accompanied with a heart-warming, grateful smile, reaching out to rest her hand on top of his. She took in a deep, cleansing breath and let out a sigh before resuming her focus on the laptop.

Troy was pensive for a while as he watched Em work. Mostly calm and collected in temperament as well as his choice of words, he meant more of what he said when he told Em, "Should I be keeping a closer eye on you? You seemed worked up…very unusual for you. Did something happen while I fell asleep?"

"It was uneventful after that Skype with Hiro. I made calls…let some people know that I'll be in Japan and that I'll stop by to say hello." Em sighed after she knocked down the remainder of her drink and placed the now-empty glass on the table. "Then Isaka-san and Dad called me while you were asleep. There's another envelope. This time, it's Onodera Ritsu – Onodera Akifumi's son. There are pictures of him along with his supervisor at work, Takano Masamune."

"Same modus operandi?"

"Yes, same modus operandi. Incriminating photos. That makes everyone involved now blackmailed, smear-campaigned, or both. Sickening, isn't it?" Em then let out another sigh and leaned back against her leather seat.

After the long moment of silence between Em and Troy, she asked while she continually pressed the bridge of her nose with her right thumb and index finger to help ease some tension, "You did see that boy, too, right?"

"You're talking about Hiro, right?" When Troy saw Em nod, he said, "I sure did." Troy then took off the seatbelt and sat agura-style on the comfortable leather seat.

"Hiro didn't show up in England when Isaka-san and Asahina-san visited the manor. That Skype call… That was the first time that I…we…have seen him…"

Troy's eyes rested on Em, his eyes narrowing. "Did you even get an ounce of sleep? Today's going to be a long day, you know."

"Do I look awful? Circles around my eyes?"

"Your skin's a bit dry, but no and no. But at the rate you're going, I'll end up saying yes to both questions. Now stop changing the subject – did you even get just a wink of sleep?"

"I haven't slept. How could I? That boy…. Did you see those flames behind and around him, too?"

"I did."

"I couldn't sleep, no matter how hard I try, Troy. I kept thinking about that boy." Em fell quiet for a while, her corner of her hazel brown eyes brimming with tears. The vivid pictures that her mind's eye had been producing compelled her to describe the vision to Troy. "I keep seeing fire flickering here and there behind him, especially when my eyes are closed. It's so intense that I could even feel the heat. I could hear him…crying…begging… It's as if I'm there with him, too. Yet even if he is within my reach, I couldn't do anything to help him. It's like a cycle where there's no beginning or an end…as if time has frozen in that one particular moment."

Troy was tight-lipped, his charcoal gray eyes looking deeply into Em. "You've been through these things for a long time now. I thought you're used to this already…enough for me to stay that you at least have the same level of tolerance for the supernatural."

"I am, but for some reason this case is different. I'm not scared or bothered. I'm sad…angry…. I feel helpless. I haven't felt this way for a very long time. It's… The word overwhelming doesn't even begin to describe what I feel or how I assess it."

"Far more than usual…?"

"You could say that again," Em bit her lip as she took in another deep breath, her chest feeling constricted as she described her feelings. "When I couldn't sleep, I poked around and found these…."

Em handed Troy her laptop, in which the latter speed-read the screens that she left open for his review.

Troy took mental notes of everything that he had read – the fire at Exquis Confections and the three bodies taken out from the site, the investigative reports which pointed out that a murder-suicide had taken place based on all the facts and evidence available at the time, and newspaper clippings which mapped the chronological events leading to the murder-suicide.

Troy froze for a minute when he saw the identity of one of the three bodies pulled out from the wreckage – a seven-year-old boy by the name of Miyamoto Hiroshi.

When Troy stared at Em, she told him, "There's more, Troy. There must be a reason why Hiro's making an appearance now." She then leaned sideways, accessing another series of screens and gave control of her laptop once more to him.

Speed-reading through the new series of screens made Troy raise an eyebrow and stare at Em. His tone was still calm. "I know you've continued digging about Representative Okada Sekai. I know you have an axe to grind against him. You've set the stage a long while back so that you could easily waltz inside Okada's circle whenever you wish once the need arises. I can see the connections and why you're seeing that angle. But for all of these events tying together in one nasty package…? This magnitude, huh…?"

"Yep, that magnitude… The 'heads will roll' type of magnitude…. The question is this: whose heads will roll off – his and his cronies, or ours?"

"I do see what you're seeing. We're actually left with no option except to act wisely. But this information you've dug and mapped together…."

"Too much of a coincidence, don't you think?" Em let out a snort, thinking back at a time when she, Troy, and AJ were still children and attending a party at the Okada estate to celebrate one of the many election victories of then re-elected Representative Okada Sekai.

During that time, although Em was only around five years old and did not know anything that could be dubbed as intimate, lewd, or carnal, her memory was still fresh about a moment at the household. Throughout the years, her mind's eye kept replaying that scene in her head…as if her psyche was testing to see if she was old enough to understand the full context of what she had seen…

Okada flattering and offering AJ to come with him, taking the boy away from the party and closer to his private offices….

AJ eventually staggering for every step, with Okada providing him assistance at the hallway….

Em, rather curious of what was going on, following AJ and Okada….

AJ falling loudly on his knees, with Okada giving kind words of concern while his hands rested on parts of AJ's body that would be deemed as private…the touches easily deemed as inappropriate….

Em calling out AJ's name, causing AJ to stir and from Okada to be surprised….

Em offering assistance to AJ, calling out for Troy and pretending that Troy was by the stairs within earshot….

Em thanking a smiling Okada, and then assisting AJ back to the party as fast as her feet could take her given that AJ was feeling ill….

That childhood scene kept replaying in Em's head for 15 years and counting. Although still young, she has seen and experienced much which made her wise beyond years on some aspects of her life. At such a young age especially since her parents died, she bore witness and experienced first-hand as to how much evil there was out there. She knew as to how such evil prey and had steal from the innocent – stripping and destroying the innocent of anything and everything to satiate desires, and reducing the innocent into objects of desire or as means to an end.

Before Em's parents died in an archaeological dig, she was still an innocent child who had been sheltered from the outside world and from said evil. At the time, she only reported in her usual animated way on what she saw. In the eyes of any innocent child, Okada was kind and helpful.

When Em became an orphan, her world slowly but surely changed and there was no going back. She ascended as the heir to the Emrys estate, and Michael Ishino became his legal guardian. She became a major partner to the Ishino Group. Because of the incident inside the cave which clamed her parents' lives and nearly claimed her own, she entered into worlds darker and more dangerous to regain what she had lost. Because of her experiences, she made myriad of connections professionally and personally.

And along with the darkness that Em allowed to envelop herself in was knowledge and truth in its darkest form. Such knowledge and truth, especially in the beginning, froze her blood…made her feel disgusted…sent her heart and mind into murky depths.

Em had endured all of this – and so much more –in the name of achieving her goals to retrieve what was lost. Somewhere along the way, at a crucial point in her life, she chose another path – one foot in the light, and the other in the darkness. It was the best compromise that she could make given the consequences and the new goals that she had set for herself.

A couple of years ago, when Em eventually developed a thicker skin and a stronger stomach for the darkness and evil that lurked around the innocent, her mind began seeing and accepting the clearer picture of what had actually happened that day to AJ. Deep down, to this very day, she thanked Heaven for using her as a vessel to save AJ…making him one of the lucky ones.

As to AJ, he could not recall anything save for attending the Okada celebratory party and playing with Em and Troy while their respective parents socialized and made their rounds. After that incident, in ways that he could not explain, he made it a point to avoid Representative Okada. Eventually, he carried disgust and disrespect towards the influential politician when the latter touched him inappropriately during his teens. AJ only recalled that one and only offensive harassment which happened during the time that he and Em were still dating. He confided the incident to his Dad, but kept this secret from Em to this very day.

Em, however, knew about the incident when she confided to Michael Ishino about the childhood incident…with the goal of warning Michael about Representative Okada for the good of the family and Ishino Group. It was clear to her that AJ had been drugged that day, and if it were not for her intervening then who knew what would have happened to AJ behind closed doors with Okada.

In turn, Michael told Em about the more recent sexual harassment incident which coincidentally had happened a few days before legal guardian and ward had their conversation.

Enraged… Incensed… Vengeful... Those words did not even cover Em's feelings when she first found out as to what Representative Okada had tried to do to AJ. Her anger did not even cover the many emotions that bubbled inside her over how such injury against AJ had made her guardian and father figure feel. It was a side of her along with the dark life that accompanied it that AJ did not know about – a secret that only Michael, Troy, and Asukawa Mako had known and continued to keep hidden from AJ.

And now, Em's heart continued to crumble as she kept recalling Miyamoto Hiroshi… Hiro, for short… Her mind churned scenario after scenario of how involved Representative Okada could have been in the misfortune and doom that had befallen the Miyamoto family and Exquis Confections.

This time around, though, Em allowed her mind to process the information she had just gathered – combining them along with the series of incidents and intimidation which involved everyone that had to do with the overseas expansion of Marukawa Shoten and Onodera Shuppan.

"You have these other hats and masks that you need to wear and deal with…the types where mistakes have heavy consequences, and may be your last. The world hasn't seen Alexa yet. The overseas launch is around the corner. Alexa's unveiling before the world while juggling with these hats and masks begin once we land and you take those steps out of this plane. You're not just Alexa. You're also a team member from the Ishino Group. So sleep, even if it's just enough to give you energy to last until the afternoon meeting is over. You need to look your best. You need your body and mind to be alert."

With a snort, Em retorted, "Coaxing me to take a nap? Since when have you become my nanny? While you're at it, you want to be my aesthetician too…suggest for me to sleep beside you while wearing a hydrating mask?"

"Pretty snarky coming from a grown woman who still has a nanny," Troy then nonchalantly said with a muted laugh laced in his words as he added, "I can't promise, though, that I won't go on Skype and show Michael-san as to how cute you look wearing a clay mask while you drool in your sleep. Better yet, maybe I should post those pictures on Instagram or Twitter."

"I'd love to see you try, smart-aleck… And by the way, I'll let Nana May know that you're being a bloody jackass again with that fib of yours," Em bantered back as she released herself from the seatbelt and stood up with bottled water and make-up case in hand.

"Bring it on, woman… Bring it on…" mumbled Troy with a chuckle, his eyes now closed as he tried to get more rest. "No matter what you do or say, Nana May will always love AJ and me. You should know that by now."

An amused Em shook her head and smiled, turning her back and resuming her march towards her intended destination…figuring that Troy's suggestions leaning towards vanity and a few hours of much-needed sleep would not hurt.

August 5

Location: Rooftop, Marukawa Shoten

"Ah, there you are, Darling!"

Yokozawa Takafumi stirred from his usual comfortable position whenever he was alone during a smoke break, giving Kirishima Zen a frown as he growled, "What the hell – we're at work!"

"And here I am thinking that you'd be more Mama than Bear from that e-mail I've forwarded you," chuckled Kirishima, his smile warmer still since Yokozawa went out of the way to offer him a cigarette regardless of the latter's annoyance.

As Kirishima pulled out a cigarette and gave back the pack to Yokozawa, he gazed at the latter with affection. Since the e-mail had something to do with Hiyori and the possible thrill and happiness that the girl would have once she found out the news, Kirishima figured that it would be the perfect time to ask for a favor as he gestured at the cigarette that now dangled on his shapely lips with subtle yet irresistible seduction, "It's been a long day, and it'll be longer still for us. Do you mind…Takafumi? To recharge…?"

"I swear you're such a kid," mumbled Yokozawa as his expressive gray eyes kept their gaze on Kirishma's warm honey-colored eyes, his grumble thinly veiling his consent and the happiness that a short moment of intimacy would bring to both of them.

"But you won't have it – or me – any other way, now would you? And I was being a perfect gentleman just now. I could've grabbed what I've wanted and still get it," replied Kirishima as his customary teasing smirk escaped from the corners of his mouth. He then gently pulled Yokozawa towards him, his hands on the lapels of Yokozawa's suit jacket.

Yokozawa closed his eyes once he saw the ends of their cigarettes touch – his mind choosing the uncustomary by relenting to Kirishima's request, but then again anything that had to do with Kirishima fell into the 'uncustomary' category. Kirishima was not the only one who wanted affection, so did he…considering it as a make-do replacement for a shared kiss. While he took in a deep breath, his imagination began to wander and a flame of desire…lust…coursed throughout his body even long after Kirishima's cigarette had been finally lit.

The lovers opened their eyes almost at the same time, the added smell of cigarettes being their signal that the task had been done. The two leaned against the metal railing, smoking their cigarettes while looking at the city view before them.

"Busy day today, huh?" asked Yokozawa, his mind recalling the details that he picked up from quickly scanning through the e-mail. "How about Hiyori…?"

"Well, I did talk to Isaka-san. I'll pick up Hiyori and bring her back here with me. She'll go wherever you and I are going…wherever the meeting or meetings bring us. Today's meeting times and venues had to be shifted around, so Isaka-san called me and said that it'd be okay for Hiyori to be here at work."

"If we get lucky, she'll get to meet Alexa and Troy. It wouldn't be bad since tomorrow's not a school day."

Kirishima nodded, taking another puff from his cigarette and then blowing out rings of smoke as his way to wash off the remaining stress from his body. "This upcoming expansion will be great for both you and me. I just hope that I don't get pulled into too many directions."

"Is that what you've been thinking?"

Caught off-guard, Kirishima asked, "Am I wearing my heart on my sleeve?"

"No, not really… I just figured that you might have something in your mind. Gut instinct, I guess…"

"I just need to keep my schedule in check. Also, I'm excited about the project." Kirishima then broke into a happy smile. "I should focus on how happy Hiyori will be once she finds out the news. The two of us will tell her the news once she gets here."

"Huh?"

"Yes, the two of us. You and me. Papa and Mama," replied Kirishima as he pointed between him and Yokozawa.

"Quit it…: We might be alone for now, but we're at work. Behave yourself."

"Yeah, yeah…:" Kirishima mumbled as he waved his cigarette-wielding hand dismissively.

The two men fell into a contemplative silence once more, with Kirishima seemingly having thoughts preoccupying him.

Yokozawa, who kept glancing sideways and watching his lover, let an empathetic smile escape his lips. He reached out, resting a hand on Kirishima's forearm. "We'll work on it together. This is a big opportunity, but Hiyori will always come first. We'll continue to do our best to be there for her without forsaking any quality time with her…and if what we do will increase that quality time with her, then the better."

"Thank you," Kirishima responded, his free hand resting on Yokozawa's hand.

The two lovers then continued their break together in silence, allowing the comfort as well as the feeling of happiness and security that each other's company and presence brought soak deep in their heart and soul.

August 5 (Day One – Onodera Ritsu's Love Declaration)

Takano Masamune's Apartment

"Dad…?"

Onodera Akifumi gave everyone a graciously warm smile, with his smile becoming warmer still once his gaze landed on his son…that warmth communicating his love and concern over his one and only child. His hands balanced a large paper bag. He said with a hint of apology laced in his tone, "I hope that I'm not intruding."

Takano approached the elder Onodera and Isaka, bowing reverently before Ritsu's father. "It's a pleasure meeting you. I'm Takano Masamune. May I help you with that bag?"

"Ah, Ritsu's boss and good friend. Thank you for taking care and looking out for Ritsu. Please accept this," said Onodera Akifumi, his demeanor and words still warm and gracious as he offered the large paper bag to Takano. "This is homemade chicken and vegetable soup. I have both you and Ritsu in mind by giving this, but there's plenty for everyone to share."

As Takano took the bag, he told the elder Onodera, "Thank you very much, Onodera-sama. Please take a seat. I'll go heat up the soup. I'm sure Ritsu would love to have some."

"Don't be too formal, Takano-kun. You're my son's good and close friend. As far as I'm concerned, you're already part of the inner circle."

Isaka took the elder Onodera's suit jacket, securing it by the coat closet. The two then followed Takano, sitting on the sofa and watching Takano go to the kitchen with the soup after Takano confirmed how many people wanted to have soup.

Once Onodera Akifumi sat beside Ritsu, he quickly drew his son close to him and tightly hugged him. He closed his eyes as he embraced his son, doing his best to convey his love and understanding especially given the situation before them. Along with his hug, his large left hand protectively rested on Ritsu's head while his right hand lay on Ritsu's back.

Ritsu had his eyes closed while his head rested on his Dad's shoulders, his tears flowing from him as he quietly sobbed…his tears soaking his father's long-sleeved shirt. There were so many things that he wished to say to his father, but he did not know where to start. Fear and uncertainty struck him and bore deep in the pit of his stomach.

Yet the more that Ritsu felt the fear and uncertainty grip him immobile, the more that his Dad poured his affection through his hug…his Dad holding on to his son as long as the latter needed the embrace and everything that it meant.

Takano emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray filled with cups of soup for everyone, his heartstrings tugging inside him as he bore witness to the warm moment between father and son. He quietly offered soup to Isaka and a now-awakened Asahina, the three remaining silent so that father and son would not be interrupted.

When Ritsu drew away from him, Onodera Akifumi let out a burdened sigh while his heart felt heavy upon seeing his son and remembering the cursed envelope. He said as he handed Ritsu his handkerchief, "I'm here as your father. I'm here to listen. I'm not here to pass judgment, blame, or punishment. Will you tell me everything, please?"

Ritsu, Isaka, and Takano filled in Onodera Akifumi and Asahina with everything that the two had missed.

Once that everyone was on the same page, Onodera Akifumi looked at Ritsu and Takano. "I'd like to each hear your answer. What does the other person mean to you? What are your feelings right now? How serious are you about your feelings for each other?"

Ritsu's eyes rested on the envelope, his teeth clenching as feelings of violation weighed him down. His eyes locked on Takano, the latter sitting agura-style on the hardwood floor across from him. "Takano-san and I fell in love when we were still young. Ten years later, and after everything we've been through, here I am still in love with him. He and I finally resolved all of our differences after all these years. I know that he's the first person I've loved, and the one that I ever will. I can't think of a life without him, yet I worry. These worries don't mean that I have doubts about my relationship with him. All I wish is to be happy with him and to be free of these worries. The first thing that scares me is what you and Mom would say, now that you know about my relationship and how much Takano-san means to me."

Onodera Akifumi listened, his eyes never leaving Ritsu as he heard his son give the reply that he sought. When Ritsu finished, the elder Onodera then focused on Takano and offered the latter a kind smile. "I wish that you and I have met in more comfortable circumstances, Takano-kun. Thank you for understanding as to why I want to hear the truth from you at this time, too."

Takano nodded respectfully, with him gazing into the elder Onodera's eyes. His heart pounded fast and hard, and he mustered everything within him to have the courage to reply, "I fell in love with Ritsu a long time ago. When he disappeared 10 years ago and we've lost touch, it deeply hurt me. Life became unbearable for a handful of years after I've found out from a peer that Ritsu was engaged, and my search for him bore no fruit. Ten years later, when he ended up working at Marukawa under my supervision and I found out that Oda Ritsu and Onodera Ritsu were one and the same, time began moving again for me. It took so many trials for Ritsu and I to get to where we are now. I love Ritsu with all my heart. I want to make him happy and to be by his side – as long as he would have me, and no matter what happens. Even though my family situation is different, I respect Ritsu's concerns and worries. Just like him, I want to be happy with Ritsu. I wish for him to feel free before everyone about the happiness that he has and will have with me. I know the freedom that I wish for him starts with your blessing."

The elder Onodera could see the tears pooling on the corners of Takano's eyes as the latter continued, "So here I am before you, Onodera-sama. I humbly ask you for your understanding and blessing. My intentions with Ritsu stem from my love for him. I wish to live this life with him – not just as my closest friend, but as the one and only love of my life. So please, Onodera-sama…. Please find it in your heart to accept Ritsu's feelings as well as our relationship…."

Isaka, Asahina, and most especially the elder Onodera were stupefied as Takano bowed before the elder Onodera…with Takano bowing his head so low that his forehead touched the cold hardwood floor.

Ritsu then seconded as the floodgates of tears opened once more, "You've heard us, Father…. Can you please accept Takano-san and our relationship? Please, Father…"

The three became even more speechless as Ritsu followed Takano's lead, humbling himself as well before his father with his head bowed low while kneeling on the hardwood floor.

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.