Playing With Ice

Chapter 5: True colours

"Sara sama, it's ready… " Hikaru said as she handed her mistress a vial filled with green liquid.

Sara looked at the vial. She had no choice, she had to do this… for her sake, and for her victory…

"So this is the H- virus… " Sara muttered.

Hikaru nodded. "Yes, once it's ingested, it will go straight to the cardiac cells, paralyzing the heart cells and its muscles, rendering them useless. However, this won't work on middle aged people, as they have strong, and healthy immune system, their system will fight it off ebfore it reaches the heart, I'm not saying it won't work, but it won't be lethal in the young adult age groups. "

Sara stared blankly at the vial. "So this will work better on older subjects? "

"95 percent chance, Sara sama… "

"And the only cure is immediate heart transplant, right? "

"Yes… "

"I see… " Sara nodded as she gave the vial to Hikaru. "You know what to do… "

Hikaru nodded obediently. "I do… "

"Make sure you spread this in Onodera sama's presence… I heard he's going to have a meeting with his investors later on…" She said as she turned her back on her and gave her butler a cold stare. "I want this mission to be successful, do not fail me. "

Hikaru bowed. "Of course. "

"By the way, is my car waxed already? "

"Hai, it's already in the parking lot. "

"Thank you Hikaru… "

"You're welcome Sara sama… you're very welcome. "

Ritsu woke up early, surprised to see himself naked on another man's bed.

Yes, he and Takano did it, again.

He sighed. This is getting habitual, the dictatorial tyrant should at least let his ass rest at least once in two days.

He stood up, and then fell on the ground.

"Ouch… " He grunted as he rubbed his hips. He pounded on him hard last night. That bastard.

"Oh, you're awake. " He heard Takano say as he stood up in the doorway.

Immediately, Ritsu covered his naked body in front of him.

"There's no use covering up, I've seen your body a lot anyway. " Takano said matter of fact as he looked at him in the eye. "Are you alright? "

"Of course I'm fine! " Ritsu answered, but before he can add another web of lies, Takano took his chin forcefully to make him face him.

"Don't lie to me, Onodera, I know something was bothering you, what is it? " He pressed.

Ritsu looked away. No, he just couldn't…

"Don't you trust me? " Takano asked with a pained voice.

Ritsu shook his head. "You won't understand… even if I tell you… "

"I won't but at least I can help you lift that weight on your shoulders. "

Ritsu's eyes widened.

"Onodera… "

Ritsu's face still became determined. "I know you worry, but please, let me solve this problem on my own… "

Takano released him, Ritsu's problem solving skills aren't the best, but when he says he's going to do it, he'll do it.

"Fine, have it your way. " Takano said as he stood up. "But when I see you're in need of help, I will help you with or without your consent. "

Ritsu smiled in relief. "Thank you… "

Takano nodded. "I told you… I was looking out for you… "

Before Ritsu knew it, another day passed by in a blur.

He then sighed, as he set the papers aside.

He was about to go to the washroom when his phone rang.

Usually, he won't answer it, but for some reason, he had the urge to answer it.

"Ano, please excuse me. " Ritsu said as he stepped out of the room.

He then flipped his phone, only to see that it was his mother.

"Geez, what does she want now? " He grumbled as he hit the answer button.

"Yes mom – "

"Ritsu! Please come to the hospital! You're father… Oh God. "

He widened his eyes, then his heart suddenly got nervous.

"Mom… what happened? " He asked in alarm.

"Ritsu… your father… his heart… it was paralyzed by some kind of virus! He needed a heart transplant right now! Or else… " He then heard his mother sob.

He went into shock. No, this could not be happening…

"Ritsu… Please… come here… we need you… "

He clamped his mouth. Why all of a sudden…

"Mom… just give me a sec, and I'll be right there… " He said as he shut his phone.

He had to make a fast decision, and quick.

"Ritchan? Is something wrong? " Kisa asked in wonder. "You looked pale all of a sudden. "

Not wanting to involve other people in his business, he just smiled.

"I'm sorry for taking a personal call. " He said as he looked seriously at Takano. "If you don't mind, can I take off early? I swear, I'll make it up for the hours that I lost, just… please let me off today… " He practically begged his boss.

Takano looked at his subordinate, Ritsu was never the type to beg for something, unless it was really necessary…

He closed his eyes. "Off you go, then. "

"Thank you very much! " He said as he ran off.

"Onodera kun, you forgot your things and your umbrella! " Mino screamed at him but Ritsu paid no mind.

He needed to get to the hospital, and fast!

Sara stared at the lying man in front across her.

The said man was now fighting for his life, he had constant oxygen tank on his side, like his life dependent on it.

No, he was really dependent on it.

"Gomenasai… Onodera sama… I didn't mean to hurt you… " She whispered as she looked at the glass window in the room in a rejected manner. "But I had to… I had to sacrifice something in order to get what I want… "

"Sara… "

Sara looked up, only to see the woman that she considered her friend.

"An… "

An narrowed her golden brown eyes at her. "Did you do this? "

Sara halfsmiled. "How can you say such cruel things? I'm here to support the Onodera family, and to support my Ritsu… " She half lied.

An glared at her. "I'm not stupid, Sara, the H virus that Atsushi sama got originated from island sands somewhere in the pacific islands, and I know that some cosmetics companies frequent there because some minerals in there contain the perfect ingredient for creating make up. "

Sara smirked. "How dare you accuse me when you don't even have any evidence? "

"Well, you're the only owner of a cosmetics shop standing in front of me who knows Atsushi sama. And besides, what would other cosmetics company want with Atsushi sama? He's a kind gentleman. "

"You said it yourself, Onodera sama is a kind, gentleman, so there is no reason for me to poison his system, would I? "

"He is, that's why I was wondering why you have involve him in your wicked plans. Are you that desperate to be loved? Because honey, that is a trait that males don't like, a desperate woman. "

Sara clenched her fists. "I can very well tell you that I am not desperate, I am doing this to win, afterall, the world is a big dark alley, you should watch out who you're passing through, because anyone will steal your gem if you're not careful. I'm just securing what is rightfully mine. "

An gritted her teeth. "No wonder you're emotionless, you don't have any pride in yourself at all anymore. "

"And what did that pride do to you, An? " Sara questioned. "That pride caused you to lose the only man that you loved. "

"How dare you! " An screamed as she swung her fist towards Sara, but the turquoise eyed woman dodged it.

"The main reason why I didn't move to get Ritsu was because he was engaged to you. " Sara said as she took her fist and pulled her closer to her. "I respected you as a friend, I never sheathed my claws because you are one of the people that are nice to me… so when I found out that you broke your engagement with him, I was surprised, I wanted to see for myself what kind of person Ritsu loved, wanted to see the person who snagged his heart and see if he's worth that much, that much to be able to come in par with you, and to my surprise, I was disgusted… " She replied hatefully. "You released Ritsu for an alley cat with loose morals, and you tell yourself that you have pride!? Pride for what? That you released the one you love in the hands of some middle class, social climbing mongrel whose going to make his life difficult and will cause him to be ousted in his own clan! "

"I respected Ritsu's decision! I love him that is why I released him! "

"Then your love is not enough. " Sara dismissed as she released An harshly. "If you really love him, you shouldn't give up on him. No matter how much he pushed you away, you shouldn't back down without a fight. You are greater than that alley cat. You have all the cards in front of you, all the assets, and all the resources, and you didn't even use them, no wonder you lost him to that disgusting man whore who did nothing but sleep around and fuck with men and women! "

An clenched her fist. "You think I didn't know that? I never wanted to hurt Ritchan that's why I released him! I couldn't stand seeing his pained expression while he is chained to me! You think I could be happy by seeing him suffering while I bathe in joy? Only emotionless, demonic creatures such as yourself would only do that! I couldn't believe that you can stand this madness, I couldn't believe that you can stand seeing the people around you get hurt because of your selfishness! "

Sara smirked. "You think that alley cat didn't do the same thing? You think he gives a fucking care that he will hurt you in the process? Fat chance. Come on, An, it has been ten years, ten freakin years, surely those feelings that Ritsu have back then should be gone by now, it might be there, but it's still in limbo, that man whore only did what he's supposed to do to make Ritsu flal for him, and that is to reawaken and make Ritsu's buried emotions resurface by doing dirty tricks under his sleeve. If someone like him who doesn't have any resources in his arsenal was able to take him away from under your nose, then why can't I do the same thing? I'm only fighting that alley cat within his own terms, but I'm better because I am rich, I am powerful, and I have the sources to do it. "

An glared daggers at her. "You're going to pay for this. "

"I'm one step ahead of you, the police will turn a blind eye of whatever you say about me. "

"You witch – "

"And when you try to open your mouth, I'll make sure to make my butlers assassinate your parents. So don't you even dare try. "

An lowered her eyelids. "If you think you can win Ritchan's heart by doing this, then you are completely mistaken… "

Sara looked back at the sickly form of her future father in law.

"It's a shot in the moon. " She admitted. "But I will never lose. I'll do anything to keep him…. " She said then smiled mischievously at An. "Hmph! That alley cat can keep Ritsu's heart for all I care, and I'll settle for whatever I can get. At least I will be able to keep his body and his soul all to myself. Just that knowledge is enough to make me happy. "

"How sad… Sara Hanazono… I truly pity you… " An said absently.

Sara then gave her one last look.

"And I pity you as well… An Kohinata… " She said as she went out of the room.

Tears suddenly formed in An's eyes, she wanted to help Ritsu… but at this rate, Sara is unstoppable, once she starts, she's like a rolling stone…

"I'm sorry Ritchan… " She hiccupped and cried. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you at all… "

Ritsu huffed and breathed as he reached the hospital.

He was soaking wet, and is shivering, but that didn't stop him from going to his father's side.

The people in the hospital looked at him worriedly, but he ignored them all and went to the receptionist.

"Please tell me what room Atsushi Onodera is in! " He pleaded.

The receptionist looked at him. "May I know who you – "

"I'm his son! " He screamed as he threw his ID on her table. "Now can I please see him! "

"I'm sorry sir, but you cannot enter, he is currently in the Intensive Care Unit and we cannot allow any guest to come there. "

"You don't understand! I need to… "

"I'm sorry sir, but we can only allow you to stay outside. Your father is in a very critical condition and we have to monitor his health. His heart was paralyzed and we need a close eye on him. "

Ritsu bent his head, he needed to calm down.

"I see… thank you, so can you please direct me to the ICU? " He whispered.

"Of course… I will be happy… "

"Ritsu… "

Ritsu stared only to see Sara looking at him worriedly.

"It's okay, I'll guide him towards the ICU. "Sara assured the receptionist.

"Thank you very much, Hanazono sama… "

"Follow me. The doctor wants to see you. " Sara said seriously.

He immediately followed her, and when he was outside of the ICU, he saw his mother and Eriko san standing outside, Eriko was comforting his mother while his mother is crying. Across them is the doctor, who had a grim look on his face.

"Mom… " Ritsu said as she went towards her and crouched at her. "Mom… I'm here… "

His mom stared at him with glassy eyes. "Oh Ritsu… I'm so glad that you … " She then burst into tears.

"Please calm down, Rika san… " Eriko comforted.

Ritsu wanted to cry to, but he needs to be strong, right now, his mother needs his strength.

"Are you Ritsu Onodera, son of Atsushi Onodera? " He heard the doctor ask.

Ritsu then stood up and bowed. "I am, I apologize for my appearance, I just came from work. "

The doctor nodded. "Onodera san, I won't beat around the bush, your father is in critical condition. He got the rare virus that is common in the Pacific. The H virus. "

"H… virus? "

"Once this virus is inhaled or ingested, it will automatically attack the heart cells and its muscles, causing the heart to be paralyzed. "

Ritsu widened his eyes.

"Right now, the virus attacked the right chamber of his heart, the upper and lower are affected, and now, the virus is scattering towards the left chamber…. "

"I… is there anything that we can do – "

The doctor shook his head. "If we can get a heart transplant within 30 minutes, we can still save his life… however… "

He heard his mother cry harder.

Ritsu clenched his fists. He needed a donor that fast…or else…

"I… I will find a donor – "

"That won't be necessary… "

All of them looked at Sara.

"Hikaru found a fresh heart, she and the organ transplant team are coming here to do the transplant… they will be arriving here anytime now."

Ritsu widened his eyes… He couldn't believe his luck.

"Sara… " He uttered.

She then smiled at him. "So don't worry… "

"Oh, Sara you are an angel sent from the heavens!" Rika said as she released herself from Eriko and hugged her. "I owe you a lot… "

"It's okay, Lady Onodera, I'm sorry if I told you this late, but I need to make sure before I announce the news. "

"Sara sama! "

Sara then turned to see Hikaru and another medical team behind her.

"Good job, Hikaru. " Sara praised and looked at the doctor. "The heart is here, doctor, so that means we can perform an emergency surgery on him. "

"Yes, of course, right away, Hanazono sama… " The doctor obliged. As he stepped away. "I will prepare the surgery room right now. "

"Thank you Sara… Thank you very much… " Rika said and cried.

"It's alright, Lady Onodera… " She said and smiled at Ritsu. "Now that you've calmed down, won't you get out from those wet clothes, Ritsu? We don't want you catching a cold… "

Ritsu seemed to snap out and nodded silently. "Hai… "

Sara then took his hand. "We'll be back as soon as possible… "

Ritsu then turned off the shower button, letting the water drip from his face, towards his body, and into the floor.

He doesn't know if he should be thankful or terrified, as usual, his life and his father's life was saved by his betrothed again.

He owed her a lot.

"Ritsu… I'll just put the dry clothes on the chair outside… " He heard her say.

"Yes… thank you… "

He said as he closed his eyes.

To his surprise, the shower curtain opened immediately.

Ritsu's eyes widened when he felt soft, thin arms hugging his waist and chest.

"Did he… hug you like this all the time? " He heard Sara ask.

Ritsu's eyes dilated even more.

"What are you – "

"Don't lie to me! " Sara exclaimed as her voice hardened. "You think that I didn't know? You think that An didn't know? You think that we didn't know that you're in love with a man! "

Ritsu's body shook.

"I watched you… in your office… outside your apartment… " Sara said as she hugged him tighter. "I'm so jealous of him… it made me feel so ugly… "

"You're not ugly – "

"Liar! " She screamed as she shifted his form harshly to face her. "Quit looking away then! Look at me and tell me I'm the most beautiful woman in the world and that you love me! Tell it to me! Even if it's a lie! Make me believe your words… make me…" She said as she bent her head and leaned on his naked chest.

"I can't… lie to you… I'm not like that… I told you, I'm going to hurt you… if I'm causing you this much pain, then just break the engagement and release me – "

"Never! " She replied in outburst as she took out her cellphone form her pocket and scooted away from him.

Ritsu widened his eyes. "What are you – "

"The surgery is about to start… " She said, her sweet, humming voice slowly becoming cold, and glacial. And her eyes starting to resemble that of an evil trickster.

"Sara… "

"Once you break up with me, Ritsu, then it's all over for your father… " She threatened. "Remember, I was the one who brought that organ to your dad, and I have the power to snatch it away anytime. Now, if you still refuse to marry me, then I will also refuse to help your father. "

"You wouldn't dare – "

"Oh, I would… You think that my services are free? " She said and smirked evilly. "Go on and walk out on me, and you will carry the burden of indirectly killing your own father! "

Ritsu then looked away. No… this isn't happening. He needed to wake up from this nightmare…

"What's your answer? " She pressed as she started to dial the buttons.

He couldn't take this anymore…

No…

Gomenasai… Takano san… I'm so sorry…

Forgive me…

"Sara… please… " He said as he bent his head in surrender. "Please don't… "

"Don't what? "

"Don't do it… I'll marry you… "

"I can't hear you… "

"I'll marry you! " He exclaimed as he kneeled on the floor and clutched the hem of her dress. "Please… I'll do anything, I'll marry you… just don't let my father die! " He screamed softly as tears started to pour in his cheeks.

Sara smiled in triumph as she closed her phone. "You do realize that I recorded your statement, if you ever turn your back on our agreement, you're going to end up in jail. "

"I never turn my back in promises… "

"Good boy… " She said as she ruffled her hair. "Now stand up, and turn around… "

Ritsu obliged like an obedient puppy, he then stood up and turned around. He then felt her betrothed arms wrap around his upper torso again.

"You made me very happy Ritsu… " She said as she swung her leg to his shins to clamp him further on her body. She then tiptoed and licked the outer shell of his ear. "Since you're a good boy, I will still allow you to play with your alley cat. I'll let you go with him now that I know you'll be mine in the end… " She said as kissed his neck. "Now you're playing my game… let me show you how it's done…in my terms… Don't worry Ritsu… I'll take better care of you than him… I promise…"

Ritsu closed his eyes. He never wanted this things to happen… he never wanted to hurt Takano san… his first love…

But he doesn't have choice right now, clearly, he had been dancing around her palm all this time.

And he was a fool for being a participant…

So utterly fool.

I'm sorry… Takano san…

"The number you have dialed is unavailable at the moment, please, try again later… "

Takano wanted to threw his phone to the nearest wall.

He was frustrated, and worried, he had been calling his subordinate for the past two hours and he didn't even call back, or text.

He knew something bad happened, heck, all the Emerald editors knew it, his Ritsu looked like all the blood in his face were drained, he looked too pale, and he practically begged him to let him go earlier…

So something bad was up, he knew it.

He swore that when he sees him, he'll make him talk.

Eversince that blasted Rhododendron flower came in his desk, his heart had been beating nervously non stop. Call it instinct or whatever, but he knew something bad will happen.

To calm his nerves, he decided to walk to smoking area and smoke, he doesn't smoke often these days since Ritsu hated it, but he damn needed it right now.

He was smoking when he saw the cherry blossoms falling on the ground, he picked out two fallen blossoms and took them gently in his hands.

He smiled as he put the two together, he imagined it was him and Onodera, he wished that he can go back to time and change everything, he wondered if the misunderstanding didn't happen, will the both of them have a happy ending just like in the manga?

He was positioning the two blossoms when a small, thin icicle suddenly dropped out of nowhere, and cut right through between the two blossoms, and pierced his index finger.

"Fuck! " Takano cursed as he let go of the flowers and his cigarette, causing them to be scattered on the floor.

He sucked his bleeding finger and stared at the small, thin icicle that dropped off.

"Where did that come from? " Takano noted as he looked at the ceiling. "That's strange… the room wasn't that cold and there's no water – "

He stopped speaking when he saw where the thin icicle was placed.

It was between the two flowers.

Suddenly, his heart clamoured again. He doesn't believe in magic and such, but something in him spells bad omen.

And he had a feeling that he will never like whatever omen he's seeing today.

Thank you for all the people who gives reviews and follows my stories!

I appreciate it!