JUNJOU ROMANTICA / SEKAI-ICHI HATSUKOI

Chapter Seven – Assessing the Situation

Author's Note

Any Love 365 (Voltage) fans here? Anyway, since fanfiction dot net limits authors in choosing only two categories for crossover stories, and for purposes of keeping the story clear, this will happen in this crossover fic:

You'll see Love 365 / Voltage characters appearing in this fic starting this chapter. The fandom, places, and the characters as well as Voltage Inc., of course, will be given proper credit in the Disclaimer section of the chapter that the Love 365 fandom would appear in. The characters and places will appear more as cameos rather as part of the main or supporting characters of the crossover fic. Their appearances will help move the story along, especially since their respective "universe" easily merge with that of Junjou Romantica and Sekai-Ichi Hatsukoi.

What Love 365 / Voltage fandom characters will appear in this fanfic? The Love 365 / Voltage characters making an appearance here belong from these fandoms:

Kissed by the Baddest Bidder

Masquerade Kiss

True Love, Sweet Lies

Romance MD: Always on Call

Metro PD: Close to You

Her Love on the Force

Scandal in the Spotlight

Seduced in the Sleepless City

My Sweet Bodyguard

Happy reading, let me know what you think, and enjoy!

The Love 365 / Voltage series and character(s) making an appearance in this chapter:

Metro PD – Close to You (Asano Shusuke and Yachigusa Eiki)

Romance MD – Always on Call (Takado Munechika)

August 5

Location: Seimei University Hospital

"Yamato-kun…?" Takano called out, seeing the young boy in the open waiting room closest to the hospital's emergency wing. He and Isaka had gone to see how things were from hearing what happened to Mino Kanade and making sure that Yamato would be safe.

Meanwhile, Onodera Akifumi, Ritsu, and Asahina agreed to stay behind at Takano's apartment in light that Asahina and Ritsu were sick.

Takano and Isaka noticed the two handsome young men, both looking around the same age as Ritsu, standing by Yamato.

The first young man had wavy, slightly messy brown hair, amber eyes, and a slender build. He wore an unbuttoned black vest over a short-sleeved white t-shirt, a long leather necklace with a round silver pendant, denim pants, and black steel-toed boots. We also wore two belts – a thicker brown leather belt worn normally and a thin black belt that sat diagonally across his hips.

The second young man – the one who directly assisted Mino – had straight, messy black hair and gray eyes which further emphasized his contemplative, quiet demeanor. Dressed more simply than his counterpart, he wore a white button-up shirt, black slacks, a black leather belt with a simple silver buckle, and black steel-toed shoes.

Isaka had a kind look veiled on his handsome face when he asked the two handsome men, "Which one of you gentlemen is Detective Asano?"

The dark-haired young man raised his and and then spoke by saying, "Asano Shusuke from Tokyo MPD." He then gave Isaka and company a polite bow.

"Yachigusa Eiki, also a detective from Tokyo MPD." He, too, followed Asano's respectful gesture by giving the new arrivals a bow.

After everyone introduced themselves and consensus had been made for all of them to sit down as they wait for the doctor performing surgery on Mino, Isaka told the detectives, "Thank you for being there for Yamato-kun and Mino. It would've been so much worse if you two weren't there to help them. Thank you for letting us know about what happened."

"Two other detectives from our team are wrapping up another matter. Two of your employees and a child were targeted. Kirishima Zen and Yokozawa Takafumi…child is Kirishima Hiyori. The pattern's the same as how they tried to kidnap Yamato-kun here and ambush Mino-san at the same time."

Takano's eyes went wide upon hearing Yokozawa's name, a reaction that Isaka understood although it did momentarily gave him pause.

"Yes, I was made aware of it. Where are they now? Are the three of them all right?" asked a concerned Isaka.

Detective Yachigusa replied, "They're all right. Because of Mr. Kirishima, we were able to bring three of them in custody. One of my team mates is handling interrogation. In the meantime, would there be someone to watch over Yamato-kun here while Mino-san is hospitalized?"

"Takano-san…" murmured Yamato as his eyes rested on Takano, his body shaking now that he began to relax from seeing someone he was comfortable to be with. The dam of tears that Yamato had been holding back suddenly caved in, and with that release, he felt so weak…so helpless…so afraid…

"My Dad, Takano-san… What's going to happen to my Dad…?" said Yamato, avoiding eye contact so that he could be able to muster strength to talk.

Feeling as if his heart was breaking in two due to worry over Mino's condition and Yamato's state of mind and emotions, Takano squatted before the boy so that he could be at the latter's eye level. He gave the boy a small smile. "Your Dad's a fighter. Trust in that fact, as well as your Dad…"

Yamato's body shook even more as the tears flowed more generously the more that his mind's eye recalled the sight of a near-unconscious Mino lying on a pool of blood. "I don't want Dad to leave…. I don't want to lose him…."

Takano hugged Yamato protectively, closing his eyes and letting the boy cry and open up to him as much as the latter could…all while Isaka and Detectives Asano and Yachigusa fell silent, their hearts also going out for the little boy while praying that Mino would pull through.

Soon, a young and handsome dark-haired doctor wearing a dark blue medical scrub uniform emerged from the staff-only area where the emergency and operating rooms are found. He saw the young boy and the group of men, immediately recognizing the two young detectives from Tokyo MPD.

"Doctor…" Yachigusa Eiki quietly greeted, followed by Asano giving the doctor a respectful nod.

"Takado Munechika..." said the doctor after he approached the group and introduced himself to Yamato, Takado, and Isaka. He then gave Yachigusa and Asano a respectful nod as well, his demeanor softening as he shifted his gaze once more on the teary-eyed Yamato. He looked at the boy, asking, "Are you Mino Kanade's son?"

Yamato nodded, his heart clenching as he knew that the new arrival bore news about his adopted father.

"Your Dad lost a lot of blood. He fought hard, and he's hanging in there. Although the attack missed vital organs, he's not out of the woods yet. He's on a respirator, but don't be alarmed when you see him. He'll stay in ICU and we'll keep a closer eye on him for the next 24 hours," explained Doctor Takado, his eyes still focused on the young boy.

"Thank you for everything, Doctor," said Isaka, bowing gratefully to Takado.

"You don't have to thank me," said Doctor Takado after nodding to accept Isaka's words of gratitude. After the seconds of silence, he said, "You can see him, if you'd like. He's still sedated. Keep the noise down so he could rest." He then motioned the group to follow him to Mino's room, with Yamato walking beside him as the latter held Takano's hand…the others following behind them.

As Doctor Takado led everyone to see Mino, Isaka could not help but think back about his trip with Asahina to England…feeling the tension of how the people around him have been in danger, but getting a small taste of how grave matters really were.

At first, Isaka thought that matters were exaggerated when he first discussed it in England. If such a "small taste" was already this bad, then how grave would matters be if the "full-blown" taste had been given to all those involved in the overseas merger?

And so Isaka recalled the events and conversations that happened recently in England….

Flashback…

July 20 (16 days before Onodera Ritsu's Love Declaration)

England

Two days had already passed, and this was the second night that Isaka and Asahina would be staying at Emrys Manor under the invitation of Alexandra Emrys and Michael Ishino.

The two lovers went downstairs after respectively taking a bath and getting ready for bed, with Isaka carrying a small stack of manila enveloped tucked in his right arm and leading the march towards the parlor where Em said she normally hung out at night.

Sure enough, the two saw Em alone in the parlor with a brandy glass in hand and a crystal decanter filled with amber liquid within her reach. On the table where the decanter and her glass rested were two manila envelopes. The young lady seemed to be in a contemplative mood as she stared at the fireplace to her left and its mesmerizing flames.

Em stirred, taking in a subtle yet deep breath before giving her two house guests with a warm smile. "Isaka-san… Asahina-san… You two really don't have to hide anything on my account."

Isaka, being his usual nonchalant self, shook his head and chuckled as he raised the hand that held the manila envelopes. "I'm not keeping secrets."

Letting out a small chuckle, Em commented, "I'm not talking about those envelopes in your hand. Nor am I talking about the joint venture."

Isaka's eyes narrowed a bit, still looking amused and confused at the same time. "If you're talking about conversations I've had with Ishino-sama—"

"I'm not talking about Dad or your conversations with him about me. I'm also not talking about AJ, Troy, or anything about my life or career either."

"Then what are you hinting at, Emrys-chan?"

"Call me Em or Em-chan…whichever you wish." Em then fell quiet for a minute, looking at Isaka and Asahina with a soft smile and finally deciding to say what was on her mind after observing the two since they stepped in the manor. "I really mean it when I told both of you to consider my home as your own. That means you're both free to be who you are. No pretenses. No masks. Whatever happens within these walls stays within these walls."

Gauging their host and mulling on what would be the motivation behind her words, Isaka asked Em in a guarded tone as he and Asahina sat down on the loveseat, "And what about you?"

Em was pensive for a moment, taking a quiet sip of brandy from her glass before placing it back down on the table beside her: "People wear masks, Isaka-san. One of the masks that I love is only comfortable when I'm the only one wearing it, and everyone else around me is oblivious or lets me be. I use that around people who I don't trust. However, when two people with similar goals wear the same mask during a time when utmost trust is required…it gets tiring. Because of that, I've dropped my mask once you two walked in my door. So may I ask you two gentlemen to drop yours as well?"

Asahina and Isaka maintained their gaze on Em, listening intently on her words.

"You and I are so alike, Isaka-san. Don't you love hiding that cunning mind of yours behind a happy-go-lucky façade…being the only one who knows? Or working on things that would pave the way to the people close to you in achieving their dreams? Or hide a long-time love due to what society expects…with every fiber of your being rebelling at the same time?" Em leaned forward and then added, "This joint venture that our companies have bonded together for…do you know why I strongly believe that things will work out as long as we all work as one and stand strong?"

Isaka fell quiet for a moment, letting out a sigh and choosing to be open before his host. "There's a world out there much bigger than Japan. I do it to expand what my father and the fathers before him had built. Who knows? Maybe someday, some of my staff might choose to work in the overseas branches. Maybe someday, I would choose to go and live overseas as I spearhead one of the overseas branches. Onodera Shuppan and Usami Group share the same vision as I do."

Em smiled and nodded. "Dad shares the same vision, too."

"And you, Em-chan? What's your vision?" asked Asahina who saw that Em's face became gentler.

"I'm more focused on ensuring that our joint dream doesn't have any impediments. I also want to be successful in this new venture of mine, with my first appearance being in Japan. We all come to this venture as one big family. I intend to do anything and everything to protect my family. I always have, and I always will," replied Em as she relaxed against her seat once more.

Em then unconsciously had her right index finger ghost over the rim of her crystal glass, adding, "Have you two ever wondered the reasons why Dad told you to go to England and seek my help regarding that problem you have in your hands?"

"I'll be lying if I said I didn't," Isaka responded, doing his best to relax a bit. "It makes me wonder why Ishino-san entrusts such matters to you. You're making me wonder more so right now, as we speak. I'd love to know the story behind it."

"Wouldn't you want to know?" Em asked more as a way to quietly tease Isaka. "Well, I'll leave the story to your authors' imaginations. After all, I did say yes to your request. I'd love to read what your authors would come up with."

Isaka and Asahina respectively nodded.

"Do I still make you two nervous?"

"Yes…partially…" Isaka admitted, his hand now resting more firmly on the manila envelopes that he carried with him.

After her eyes glanced on the objects that Isaka and Asahina had in their possession, Em told them, "Let's be truthful to each other. It's too much to ask, but can you please extend your trust in my Dad to include me…even if it's just regarding this matter? I can only fully help if I know everything that you know. I also ask for both of you to keep this discussion between just the three of us. I'll let you know when the time's right to discuss it with other people and up to what extent."

After giving his nod, Isaka then handed Em the manila envelopes. He and Asahina watched as she opened and examined the contents of the envelopes, with her being careful not to mix the contents contained from each envelope. He then saw her put the stack of pictures on the envelopes that they belonged to.

Em put one envelope in the middle and spread the items on the coffee table between them. She stopped for a minute, reading the note and then falling grim and silent. Finally, she broke the ice and asked, "Who were taken in these pictures?"

Isaka took a close-up photograph and pointed at the subjects as he explained to Em, "Well, I know you recognize Usami Akihito in this stack. The one taken with him is his lover, Misaki. Usami-sensei has only received these pictures along with this note which you've just read…."

With an obvious expression of distaste veiled on her face, Em let out a sigh. She picked up the note and read aloud its contents….

My handsome boy, how I have missed you…

I expect your full cooperation just as you've done before.

It might have been a long time ago, but I still remember those times.

Be a good boy and come to me when the time comes.

If not, then I will ask the one dearest to you.

I am sure that he will come in your place.

After all, you trained him just as I trained you.

Breaking the silence between them, Em said, "Is this the only note that Usami-sensei has received so far?"

"For now, yes…" was Isaka's reply, his heart feeling heavy as he remembered how distraught Usami had been since receiving the note.

Em was grimly silent, closing her eyes for a minute as she rested her head against her right hand.

Isaka and Asahina observed Em, remaining quiet and allowing her to think.

Eventually, Em moved. After taking in a deep breath and letting it out, she now looked at the second pile of pictures and examined the envelope's contents. Doing the same as she did with the first envelope, she examined for tell-tale signs or marks on when the package had been received or other clues that could be offered to them.

Isaka and Asahina sensed a different and even darker aura emanating from Em as they wondered as to what was going on in her mind.

"So what can you tell me about the second set of pictures, Isaka-san…Asahina-san…?"

Asahina explained, "The taller, darker-haired person is one of Isaka-san's editors-in-chief Takano Masamune. The shorter one with him in the photos is Onodera Ritsu."

Em's grim expression changed as she recalled the name. "Onodera…as in Onodera Akifumi's son – the heir to Onodera Shuppan...? The one that Dad and I helped a couple of years back for boarding school here in England?"

"Yes," said Isaka.

Em's expression darkened even further. She looked calm and collected on the outside, yet Isaka and Asahina knew that she was troubled. She let out a sigh, and then murmured, "Same as Usami-sensei…."

Isaka and Asahina exchanged glances.

Lifting the two manila envelopes that rested on the side table beside her, Em handed them to Isaka and Asahina. "Take a look at these…."

Isaka and Asahina looked at the pictures.

Recognizing the photographs, Asahina mumbled, "These pictures…."

Em let a sarcastic chuckle of amusement escape from her lips. "Yes… Pictures of Troy and me then and now… They were published on tabloids here in England and Europe, and then found their way in Japan and Southeast Asia. Such a nice complementary piece along with AJ's picture as the jilted ex-boyfriend… I also can't forget the expose on how the three of us have this love triangle stemming since childhood. Juicy and heart-wrenching tale fit to be told in a shojo manga series. The rabble-rousers published dirt about Alexandra Emrys and Troy Tsuuri – business partners and long-time friends with fellow Ishino Group partner AJ Ishino. They didn't write dirt about Alexa and her lead guitarist who remains unnamed until the debut concert in Japan because they don't know our true identities."

Isaka then pointed at the other manila envelope which had pictures of AJ with different women, three pictures in which he was spending an intimate time with the woman he was with. "Then these photos are the vice versa. I remember the tabloids that printed these. AJ was said to be this globe-trotting, irresponsible playboy who doesn't take life seriously. All in an effort to nurse a broken heart as you two find happiness after you cheated on him. In these two sets, you're portrayed as the bad one."

"Good or bad, publicity is publicity." Em's expression became grim once more. "Someone malicious and dangerous is definitely behind the scenes. That person, or those people, has set sights not just on Ishino Trading but also Marukawa Shoten, Onodera Publishing, and Usami Group."

Taken aback from what he heard, Isaka shook his head. "That far-reaching…? Do you think it has to do with the joint venture overseas? Sabotage, perhaps?"

Em nodded, her eyes narrowing as she explained. "Sabotage on our companies' joined future plans, at the very least. Even if that alone is the goal, it's individually damaging to all of us concerned. It's as if the person has a bone to pick with each one of us. To be more accurate, with each of our Dads…"

Feeling as if his head had grown three times its size, Isaka silently mulled over what Em just told him and Asahina. Em's theory sounded more plausible as time went on, but at the same time he saw that look in her eyes…it was that of someone who did not wish to believe that truth either, but to deny that truth would bode disastrous consequences. He gazed at Asahina, the latter pretty much sharing their same train of thought and feelings.

Em let out a burdened sigh, drawing her legs up to her and choosing to sit cross-leg on the chair. She continued to think aloud as she told Asahina and Isaka, "If I'm the only target by the press, I normally wouldn't care. Troy and AJ would say the same thing, too. Dad, AJ, Troy, and I have good relationships with the media and press. However, there still remain prickly detractors. Our trusted media and press friends normally have our backs. They help us without any prompting. However, the malicious bastard sending these envelopes to each of us and these detractors teamed up and dragged AJ and Dad into this mess. It's now even worse because all of us have been targeted…set up as prey for blackmail. This shows that all of this goes deeper than just a smear campaign in order to sell more papers or generate more online hits."

Isaka thought aloud, saying, "So where do we start? Who would do such a thing?"

"I've been doing a lot of thinking since my family has received these pics. When we didn't give in to what was wanted from us, they published these pictures in trash tabloids. This whole matter, I strongly believe, goes deeper than just a business rivalry. It's personal, and there is more than one player. We have to navigate deep. We have to navigate carefully. I wouldn't be surprised if our pasts have anything to do with what we're all going through now."

Isaka saw the dangerous gleam in Em's eyes…that gleam so deceptively hidden behind the young woman's normally angelic countenance.

"I'll reach out to resources from here on out. Meanwhile, if I advise on having something done that has to do with this matter, all I ask is please pay heed and follow that advice. Let's all be vigilant, and at the same time go about our business as if all is well. Now, this is what I want to happen…."

Isaka and Asahina listened as Em outlined her advices and plans – all as a part of her way of protecting those who Michael Ishino considered as family and those who belonged in his inner circle of trust….

End of Flashback….

August 5

Location: Seimei University Hospital

After the trip down memory lane, Isaka told himself, "She saw this happening..."

The group finally reached Mino's room….

Yamato froze at the spot where he stood, his body shivering from the sight of medical monitor wires and a respirator attached to Mino. His heart felt heavy once more from seeing his adopted father in such a state.

Takano rested his hand on Yamato's back, bent down, and whispered in Yamato's ear, "Go on… Asleep or not, I'm sure he can hear you…"

Yamato steeled himself, taking steps towards Mino's bedside as Takano, Isaka, Doctor Takado, and the MPD detectives watched him a few feet away. He was careful as he rested a hand on Mino's chest and said, "Dad…. Please get well soon. I'll be waiting for you."

The others nodded when Doctor Takado quietly excused himself and then left the room to return to work.

After letting out a heavy sigh, Isaka excused himself from Takano and the others, speed-dialed a number on his cell phone, and then spoke as he heard the intended one on the other line pick up, "I'm sorry. I know you're in flight right now, so I'll be brief. What you predicted could happened already did. One of my staff is in the hospital. The other is safe. Both children are safe."

"I'm sorry, too. I wish no one got hurt."

As Isaka glanced at the group and had his gaze resting on MPD Detectives Yachigusa and Asano, he asked, "Were you the one who arranged for help to be immediately available to both of them?"

"Indirectly, yes..."

"If it weren't for them, the worst could've happened. So thank you…"

"So we're meeting as scheduled?"

Pausing for a minute, Isaka said, "I'll continue with the meeting. Although with what happened this afternoon, everyone will be on edge."

"I don't blame anyone for that." Em then paused for a minute and told Isaka, "Troy and I have business to settle once the plane lands. He and I will meet up with you at the designated time. He and I will have a clearer picture on what we're all up against once we get there. Give us four days and nights. However, I have things that he and I can already share with everyone tonight."

"All right…. We'll all see you then…."

"See you then, Isaka-san…"

When the call ended, Isaka walked back and joined his party. He whispered in Takano's ear, "So why don't we take Yamato-kun with us, and then we'll let him decide where he should stay. Onodera-kun and Asahina are both sick, so that we have to take that into consideration."

"I know," Takano sighed, carding his fingers through his thick dark hair. "The boy has gone though so much already, and then this…."

The men patiently waited for Yamato to be done spending time with his adopted father, with each of them feeling sorry for the father and son.

Takano let out another sigh, focusing his attention on Yamato and asking, "Are you hungry, Yamato-kun? We can go eat out or there's food at my home. Ritsu's there…."

Yamato blinked and stirred upon hearing Ritsu's name. "I'll go with you, Takano-san…."

Takano gave the boy a soft smile, his consoling hand resting on the boy's back. "Sure. I'll go get us something to drink at the vending machine. After Isaka-san, let's talk to the detectives in case they need anything from you. After that, we can leave – all right? "

The boy nodded.

"Stay put, Yamato-kun. I'll be right back," said Takano in the gentlest tone that he could muster. He then excused himself by whispering in Isaka's ear and then searched for the vending machine.

A few minutes later at an empty break area, Takano stood in front of three large vending machines and mulled over what drinks to get for Yamato, Isaka, and him. He first purchased apple juice for Yamato, and then proceeded to put the money in for the two cans of cold black coffee that he wanted to get.

"Before you do that, pound the machine on the right side where the cans are, Nii-san. When you see the two cans shake a bit once you pound it, go ahead and press the button."

Takano stopped and glanced to his right where a dark-haired handsome young boy of seven stood and looked back at him…the latter's charcoal gray eyes, fair smooth skin, and innocent smile giving slight comfort to Takano's burdened heart. He asked the boy with a smile of his own, "So what happens?"

"Wait and see, Nii-san…."

Takano did as he was told, pounding the machine just enough so that the two cans would shake a little. He then pressed the button to purchase one canned coffee, yet two cans dropped in the slot. He was pleasantly amazed, feeling a bit surprised and guilty at the same time. Nonetheless, he told the boy, "Thank you…"

Giving Takano a warmer smile that tried to placate Takano's guilt over only paying for one coffee, the boy said, "Just this once, Nii-san. It just looked like you're having a tough day."

Takano was quiet for a while as he secured his purchases. Eventually, he broke his silence by saying, "A friend of mine was badly hurt. They just finished doing surgery on him."

Takano then sighed, trying to put a brave front before the boy but being honest at the same time, and then said, "Mino...the one who just had surgery...is a father who adopted his little nephew and is now raising him by himself. Then another friend of mine…a closer one…almost got hurt today as well. He was with a co-worker of ours and a child. I feel bad for both of them. I wish that I could have done something so that my friends didn't get hurt. I wish that this didn't happen to them."

"Your sentiments are felt," replied the boy with a comforting smile, although Takano could see that a veil of sadness now rested on the boy's handsome angelic face. "They're not just friends to you. You consider them as family. And family will always be there for each other. Those who hurt them? They'll have their day, too."

After taking in the boy's words as well as the authenticity and warmth behind those words, Takano said, "Thank you. I needed to hear that. By the way, what are you doing here by yourself? Where's your family?"

"I'll be with them soon, but I'm here visiting just like you. I'm roaming around," the boy responded, his gaze still resting on Takano. "By the way, Nii-san…what's your name…?"

"Takano… Takano Masamune…. And you?"

"Miyamoto… Miyamoto Hiroshi… You can call me Hiro," said the boy with a soft, charming grin, bowing respectfully before Takano.

"Very well, it's nice to meet you, Hiro-kun." Takano then bowed before the boy in return. "Hopefully, I'll see you again."

"I'll see you again, Takano-san. But is it all right if I call you Nii-san? I'm an only child. I never had siblings."

"Of course," Takano responded with a warm smile. "Take care and I'll see you soon."

"Take care, too, Nii-san!"

Takano and the boy exchanged waves of farewell before Takano turned his back and weaved through the labyrinth of corridors to return to Mino's room where Yamato and Isaka waited.

Meanwhile, Miyamoto Hiroshi…Hiro…stood and kept his gaze transfixed on Takano until the latter disappeared from his sight. The sad expression on Hiro's face became more evident, the tears pooling in his eyes now streaming down his cheeks.

As a tear from Hiro dropped on the hospital's marbled floor, his form slowly but surely disappeared.

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.

Detective Eiki Yachigusa and Detective Shusuke Asano as well as Metro PD: Close to You belong to Love 365 / Voltage Inc.

Doctor Munechika Takado, Seimei University Hospital, as well as Romance MD: Always on Call belong to Love 365 / Voltage Inc.

The original characters Andrew James (AJ) Ishino, Tsuuri Troy, Michael Ishino, and Alexandra Emrys and any other original characters appearing in this fic are properties of PJ Zatken.