Ritsu slept deeply at night, a nice gentle breeze blew in through the gap in the window. A blue mist crawled through the crack and surrounded the bed, entrapping the young woman who remained unaware of what's happening. The cloud extended itself towards her until it formed a shape of a man hovering above her body. The shape of hands cradled her face, brushing her fringes aside in an affectionate manner.
Ritsu moaned but didn't rouse as she unconsciously leaned into the touch.
The mist smiled as it lowered its head to her face as though to kiss her. But the mist instead enveloped her like a blanket, cocooning her in a cloud as she breathed in the vapors that infiltrated her nostrils.
"Oda."
Ritsu opened her eyes to find herself sitting up on a bed. She blinked in confusion then looked around at the strange yet familiar room. She noticed something different about herself when she looked down.
"A school uniform?" Ritsu asked in question before she turned to the only mirror in the corner.
She blinked then her mouth fell open in shock, "Gah, why am I fifteen!"
Ritsu appears to have regressed to her high school age. Her shoulder-length hair was tied back in a ponytail and her fringes framed her temples and ended at her cheekbones. She had a little bit of baby fat in her cheeks and her eyes were much bigger.
Ritsu blushed when she looked down at her skirt and pulled it down in a vain attempt to cover more of her legs. "What is going on?"
She took notice at the ridiculous big pile of books at the foot of the bed. Her eyes widened, "Wait, this house is-"
Her suspicions proved true when the door opened.
"Is oolong tea okay?"
Ritsu blushed as she looked up and saw a boy a couple years older than her holding two glasses of refreshments.
'Nani? Saga-senpai!' Ritsu went red as she internally panicked. "Uh, yeah."
Saga glanced around, "Would you like to watch a movie?"
His suggestion caught her off guard, but she answered nonetheless, "S-Sure, anything's good."
Ritsu accepted the drink while Saga picked out a random disc from the movie pile.
'I've been through this before.' Ritsu stared at her drink, 'Now I get it, it's just a dream...or rather a memory.' She glanced around again. 'This is the first time I've been to Saga-senpai's house.' She blushed as she remembered the events that led to this moment.
Saga sat next to her as the movie began to play. He was sitting a bit closer than she remembered. Ritsu took a deep breath to calm herself, 'Don't panic, this is only a replay of the past. Just gotta let it play out, then I'll forget about it when I wake up.' She reasoned with herself as she took a sip of her tea.
Ritsu felt an arm wrap around her shoulder and pull her into the warm body right next to her. Her blush increased, 'Wait, this wasn't in the memory!'
"Sorry, it's a bit cold today." Saga said as he rubbed his hand up and down her arm.
Ritsu looked up at Saga's melancholy gaze then ducked down. "Um, no, i-it's fine...I guess."
'This isn't how it normally played out. So why..?' Ritsu wondered, still red in the face at the proximity.
Ritsu willed herself to calm down as she unconsciously relaxed into Saga's body. 'Still, it feels warm. I know it's just a dream, and I should wake up.' She drank a little more of her tea. 'Maybe, just a little longer, I can pretend this is real.' She smiled sadly as she closed her eyes and leaned fully into her first love's embrace.
Saga smiled as he rested his head on top of hers and took in the scent of her hair. His fingers traveled from her arm to comb through her brown tresses, admiring the softness.
Ritsu shivered at the touch, it felt really nice.
"Are you cold?"
Ritsu's eyes shot open as she looked up and blushed, "No, it's not that. It's just-well, um..." Ritsu stammered out shyly and backed away when she realized how close Saga was to her face.
"What's wrong? Are you scared of me?"
Ritsu blush remained on her face, "It's not that, I-I'm not used to being close to you like this."
"You said you loved me even though you barely know me. You've been stalking me for three years now." Saga bluntly stated, which deepened her blush.
"I'm sorry. That was really creepy. I was always fine watching you from a distance." Ritsu had a sad expression on her face, "Maybe it would've been better if I hadn't said anything. You probably think I'm gross."
Warm hand cupped her face and tilted it up. Before she could say anything, lips sealed over hers in a sweet and tender kiss.
Ritsu gasped in surprise before pushing Saga back. "Why'd you do that?" She asked, touching her lips.
"I don't think you're gross at all."
Ritsu's eyes widened at his words.
Saga smiled slightly, "I admit, I thought you were strange at first for following me around all the time. But I think you just didn't know how to properly interact with the opposite gender."
Ritsu looked down, feeling a little ashamed, "Right, sorry about that."
"Why are you even apologizing?"
"I-I don't know what else I can say. I never really expect anyone to talk to someone like me. It's one of the main reasons why I like reading books. They're much nice than people." Ritsu honestly said, admitting to being an introvert.
Saga smiled, "I guess that's why we both love the library so much."
Ritsu was surprised when she saw her senpai smile, she's so used to seeing him with a stoic melancholic demeanor.
"You never smiled before." Ritsu stated, "This is the first time I've ever seen it."
Saga's smile remained as he took her hand and laced their fingers together. "You're also the first one to see it."
Ritsu felt butterflies in her stomach when she felt his hand intertwine with hers.
"If books are what you're most comfortable with, then why not talk about that instead"" Saga suggested, watching Ritsu's eyes light up.
"Yeah, I think I can do that." Ritsu smiled, feeling a little more confident as she gripped his hand slightly to return the gesture.
Saga smiled before pulling her forward and having her sit across his lap. "So, what was your favorite book when you were little?"
Ritsu blushed at the position she was in as she was literally sitting on top of her senpai. "Um, well, I always enjoyed Midsummer Night's Dream."
"Shakespear?"
Ritsu nodded as she talked about her favorite parts within the written play. She no longer felt shy sitting in Saga's lap as he listened with undivided attention. He watched he passionately describe each literature book she's read and what stood out to her the most. He thought her shyness was cute before but seeing her like this is just endearing. He could listen for hours and not get bored.
Saga's hand came up to rest on Ritsu's cheek, stopping her from talking before she was surprised by another kiss from her senpai. She tensed up then relaxed as she shyly returned the kiss. She held his shoulder while he dipped his other hand under the shirt and touched her smooth skin.
Ritsu was laid on her back with Saga hovering over her, cradling her face in his hands as he peppered kisses all over her eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and finally her mouth.
She sighed, feeling overwhelmed by happiness as warmth flowed throughout her body. She stared up at Saga who watched her with honey-brown eyes.
"Ritsu, I love you."
Her eyes widened as tears began to stream down her temples. She should've been happy that her first love whispered those words back to her. But these weren't tears of joy. She's crying because she remembers a bitter truth.
"You don't." Saga flinched at how hollow her voice sounded.
"This...is only a dream." Ritsu swallowed the lump in her throat as she smiled ruefully. "The real Saga never loved me to begin with. Not even for one moment." Tears flowed like rivers out of the corners of her eyes. "I knew this wasn't real. But even still...I wanted to pretend just a little longer that Saga actually loved me back."
Saga's eyes widened and his heart clenched painfully at what she's saying. "No, Ritsu, that's not-"
The loud sound of the alarm clock literally shattered the room apart as Saga was pulled back violently. "Ritsu!" He cried out as he reached for her as she became smaller before everything disappeared.
Masamune gasped as he came back to his body, sitting upright with sweat dripping off his forehead. He gripped his chest as his heart thumped erratically and painfully. He hunched over, curling into himself as though to shield himself from the heartache.
"Ritsu, I love you. Why would you think I wouldn't?" Masamune whispered to the empty room.
Ritsu splashed her face with warm water to get rid of evidence of tears. She looked at herself in the mirror and noted how bloodshot her eyes were.
"Why was I crying?" Her throat ached when she asked herself that question. She held her chest as she felt something crack inside her heart. She tried to remember what she dreamt of last night but drew a blank as she splashed more water on her face then dried it with a towel.
"Ritsu, c'mon, we're gonna be late." Misaki's voice sounded from the other side of the bathroom door.
"Coming!" Ritsu said as she recomposed herself then stepped out of the bathroom.
"Are you okay? You look pale." Misaki stated when she took in her wife's complexion.
"I had a strange dream last night." Ritsu answered as she put on her shoes while Misaki wrapped a scarf around her neck.
"What was it?"
Ritsu stood up and sighed, "I don't know. But...it made me really sad."
Misaki frowned as she took Ritsu's hand. "I'm here if you need to talk about it."
Ritsu smiled, her sadness ebbed away slightly. "Thank you."
Ritsu opened the door at the exact same time as their neighbor.
"Good morning Takano-san." Ritsu greeted as the older man turned to the two women with a tired look.
"You too, huh?" Misaki asked as Takano yawned deeply.
"Yeah." Takano grumbled before a to-go cup of coffee was presented to him by his subordinate.
"Dark roast black coffee." Misaki offered as she and Ritsu held their own cups. "I figured you'd need extra to help you yell at everyone today."
"Thank you." Takano smiled as he took the cup from her as all three proceeded to the elevator.
The Chief Editor took a sip and felt a shiver down his spine. "Onodera you are one lucky woman."
"You have no idea. Otherwise, we'd be late for the train." Ritsu smiled through her own tiredness as she took a long swig from her own cup.
Takano hummed, "You know, I've been meaning to talk to you about that for some time actually. Instead of using the train, I can give you two a ride to work in my car."
"Boss, are you sure about that, we'd only be a bother." Misaki responded as she stood between Ritsu and Masamune.
"It's no bother at all since I'm offering. Considering we all work and live in the same places; it only seems right that we all go at the same time." They arrived at the garage floor. "I also feel it's my responsibility to make sure both of you come home safely. Don't take this the wrong way, but it's very dangerous for two beautiful ladies coming home at night. There are all kinds of creeps lurking out there."
They all stepped out of the elevator as Masamune guided them to is car.
"Mm, I don't know. Ritsu, should we?" Misaki asked her wife who contemplated his offer.
"Wouldn't be a bad idea, there is a great deal of logic. Still, I'd feel bad for making you do this and not get something in exchange." Ritsu said, feeling a little guilty with that offer.
"This coffee is payment enough." Masamune held up his cup.
Misaki raised her hand and held up her tightly wrapped box dangling from her hand. "I know, we'll share one of our bento boxes with you. I tend to make extra in case one of us skips breakfast." She offered to her boss who seemed pleased with what she's proposing.
"Sounds like a deal, coffee and lunch for a car ride." Masamune smiled then turned to Ritsu who shrugged, "Sounds reasonable enough."
"Let's go then." Masamune unlocked the car before all three of them piled in with Masamune behind the wheel, Ritsu in the passenger's seat, and Misaki in the backseat.
"Thanks again for doing this Takano-san." Ritsu thanked her wife's boss as she glanced at him from her seat.
"Trust me, it's my pleasure. You two work really hard, it's the least I can do to make sure both of you are safe." Masamune said as he gave Ritsu a soft smile.
Ritsu blushed and looked away, "That's very generous of you. We'll try not to be too much trouble."
Masamune breathed out a chuckle, "Escorting two lovely ladies to and from work is actually an honor."
Ritsu waved off his flattery, "You need better glasses, cause the only lady that is beautiful is in the backseat."
"Oi come on, give yourself some credit. You still got it." Misaki leaned forward between them as she turned to face Ritsu.
Ritsu rolled her shoulders tiredly, "I don't feel pretty right now."
Misaki winced but gave her an understanding look, "Perhaps you'll feel better after you turn in the manuscripts today."
"Won't that be nice." Masamune and Ritsu said at the same time.
"Okay, that was a little scary." Misaki laughed then leaned back in her seat.
"No, our jobs are literally the same." The two responded at the exact same time again.
Ritsu turned to Masamune, "That's just spooky."
They arrived at Marukawa before all three left the car and entered the building.
"So, we'll meet in the lobby when we're all done today. Is that alright with you two?" He asked as they entered the elevator.
Ritsu shrugged, "Sounds fine to me."
Misaki smiled, "I have no complaints."
They arrived at the floor for the Literature Department.
"Good luck today. Don't give each other too much trouble." Ritsu waved at them as she stepped onto her floor.
"You too, we'll see you at lunch." Misaki waved back before the doors closed.
The two stood side-by-side in the elevator as they watched the numbers go up.
"Takahashi, are you two sleeping together?" Masamune asked completely out of the blue.
Misaki blushed and turned to her boss in shock, "Wh-Wh-Why would you ask something like that? Better yet, it should not be any of your business."
Masamune turned to her and bluntly said, "Incubi' have a highly developed sense of smell. Our kind can pick out the experienced and the virgins. Guess which category you're currently in."
Misaki's blush increased, "So what if I still am, it should not be any of your concern."
"It is my concern actually. Believe it or not, being a virgin is highly dangerous, especially for women. Incubi are actually quite fond of untouched maidens. The first touch and corruption is considered fine wine for our kind. Those who are unmated are highly dangerous and would sometimes kill the virgin during their cycles." Takano explained as they arrived at their floor.
"Is that another reason why you're escorting me and Ritsu? You're not really trying to-"
"Relax, I already have someone I love." Masamune assured her, knowing what kind of question she would ask.
Misaki breathed out a sigh of relief then registered what he just told her.
"You have a mate already?"
Masamune smiled with a hint of sadness, "She doesn't know yet."
Misaki hummed, "Well, try not to scare her off, okay? No woman immediately jumps into your arms the moment you declare them as yours."
Masamune nodded, already aware of how his Aniki first declared Misaki as his mate. He did not want to make the same mistake with Ritsu.
They arrived at their department where Masamune took his place and immediately began working. Though in his mind, he's coming up with different strategies that would help his mate open up to him and accept their bond. Seducing her in her dreams and driving to and from are the only ways he can spend time with your outside of work. It's sneaky, but he's willing to take every opportunity to bring them closer until she is his completely.
He glanced at Misaki who is already hard at work with her proposals. His mate's wife is his obstacle, yet she also proves to be a valuable asset in obtaining what he loves the most. He sent a quick text to Akihiko telling him that Misaki is safe at Marukawa and made sure to inform him that he'll be escorting the two ladies from now on. Hopefully that would be enough to put the man at ease. At least for now. It's been a month since his older brother last had any physical contact with Misaki. He fears the kind of withdrawals he'll go through before he comes after Misaki again.
Two years and one month later. I am so sorry for keeping you all waiting for so long. A lot has happened, and I had other stories that won't leave me alone. Recently I've been on a Sekaiichi Hatsukoi kick. I don't know how much longer that's gonna last, but I'm gonna keep writing as much as I can before inspiration pauses again.
But anyway, Masamune has already made his first (okay, it's his second) move in getting his love back. He goes for a sneakier approach compared to Usagi. Don't worry, the horny rabbit has another trick up his sleeve that will get him closer to Misaki and help him learn how to properly court her.
Misaki and Ritsu won't give in so easily, which makes it fun.
Anyway, thanks for reading. Sorry for making you wait for so long. Leave a review.