OVA
Description
Ritsu Onodera, the only son of Onodera Publications' CEO, began his career as a literature editor at his family's company. Accused of benefiting from nepotism, he resigned to prove his abilities independently. He secured a position at Marukawa Publishing but was unexpectedly assigned to the shoujo manga department, Emerald, rather than the literature division he desired. This placement was later revealed as orchestrated by his father.
Ten years prior, during high school, Ritsu developed intense feelings for an older student, Masamune Saga (who later changed his surname to Takano after his parents' divorce). Their first encounter happened in a library where Masamune helped Ritsu retrieve a book. Ritsu began observing Masamune's reading habits and eventually confessed his love. They briefly dated, but the relationship ended abruptly when Ritsu misinterpreted Masamune's nervous laughter in response to a relationship question as mockery. Heartbroken, Ritsu left to study abroad in England.
At Marukawa, Ritsu initially clashed with his new boss, Masamune Takano, failing to recognize him due to the name change and physical maturation over ten years. Upon discovering Takano's identity, Ritsu adamantly denied any lingering feelings, while Takano vowed to make him fall in love again. Ritsu frequently resolved to quit due to workplace difficulties but remained determined to prove his editorial competence without relying on family connections.
Ritsu possesses light brown hair, green eyes, and a fair complexion. He is described as attractive with a "vogue body type," though he dislikes prolonged smiling. Personality-wise, he transformed from a shy, idealistic teenager into a prideful, hardworking, yet cynical adult after his heartbreak. He exhibits a short temper, particularly with Takano, but demonstrates genuine care for colleagues and authors, such as encouraging a stressed manga artist. He is an avid bookworm with a deep appreciation for literature and gradually develops an interest in shoujo manga tropes despite initial reluctance. His self-esteem is affected by ongoing perceptions of nepotism, especially after learning his position at Marukawa resulted from parental influence.
Throughout his professional journey, Ritsu struggles with unresolved feelings for Takano, oscillating between denial and acknowledgment. Key moments include blushing when directly asked if he loves Takano, internally affirming his love when confronted by romantic rivals like Arata Haitani and Nao Kiyomiya, and eventually admitting his feelings to himself. His development culminates in a committed relationship with Takano, as depicted in the "Proposal Arc," where they navigate obstacles together.
Ritsu's relationships extend beyond Takano. He maintains a platonic bond with his childhood friend and former fiancée, An Kohinata, whose engagement he ended. He interacts with colleagues like Shouta Kisa and Yoshiyuki Hatori at Marukawa, and contends with figures like Haitani, who harbors ambiguous motives toward him, and Kiyomiya, a former roommate who distrusts Takano's intentions.
Ten years prior, during high school, Ritsu developed intense feelings for an older student, Masamune Saga (who later changed his surname to Takano after his parents' divorce). Their first encounter happened in a library where Masamune helped Ritsu retrieve a book. Ritsu began observing Masamune's reading habits and eventually confessed his love. They briefly dated, but the relationship ended abruptly when Ritsu misinterpreted Masamune's nervous laughter in response to a relationship question as mockery. Heartbroken, Ritsu left to study abroad in England.
At Marukawa, Ritsu initially clashed with his new boss, Masamune Takano, failing to recognize him due to the name change and physical maturation over ten years. Upon discovering Takano's identity, Ritsu adamantly denied any lingering feelings, while Takano vowed to make him fall in love again. Ritsu frequently resolved to quit due to workplace difficulties but remained determined to prove his editorial competence without relying on family connections.
Ritsu possesses light brown hair, green eyes, and a fair complexion. He is described as attractive with a "vogue body type," though he dislikes prolonged smiling. Personality-wise, he transformed from a shy, idealistic teenager into a prideful, hardworking, yet cynical adult after his heartbreak. He exhibits a short temper, particularly with Takano, but demonstrates genuine care for colleagues and authors, such as encouraging a stressed manga artist. He is an avid bookworm with a deep appreciation for literature and gradually develops an interest in shoujo manga tropes despite initial reluctance. His self-esteem is affected by ongoing perceptions of nepotism, especially after learning his position at Marukawa resulted from parental influence.
Throughout his professional journey, Ritsu struggles with unresolved feelings for Takano, oscillating between denial and acknowledgment. Key moments include blushing when directly asked if he loves Takano, internally affirming his love when confronted by romantic rivals like Arata Haitani and Nao Kiyomiya, and eventually admitting his feelings to himself. His development culminates in a committed relationship with Takano, as depicted in the "Proposal Arc," where they navigate obstacles together.
Ritsu's relationships extend beyond Takano. He maintains a platonic bond with his childhood friend and former fiancée, An Kohinata, whose engagement he ended. He interacts with colleagues like Shouta Kisa and Yoshiyuki Hatori at Marukawa, and contends with figures like Haitani, who harbors ambiguous motives toward him, and Kiyomiya, a former roommate who distrusts Takano's intentions.