Arata Haitani

Arata Haitani (灰谷 新, Haitani Arata) is a supporting character in the Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi series. He is the editor-in-chief of Shuudansha's Weekly Earth manga magazine who used to work with Masamune Takano and he currently works with Ritsu Onodera's ex-colleague Saeki.
==Appearance==
Haitani is around the same height as Masamune Takano. He has short messy hair, though it is unknown what his hair color is as he does not make an appearance in the anime.
==Relationships==
=== Ritsu Onodera ===
Haitani refers to Ritsu as "The Famed Heir to the Empire" because of Ritsu's family. Haitani and Ritsu have close relations due to them knowing Masamune Takano and Saeki. Ritsu has been forbidden to see him again, since Takano is scared that Haitani will "steal" him. Haitani seems to have feelings for Ritsu, as in Chapter 20 of Ritsu's story, but these appear to be lies. Haitani asks Ritsu out and confesses to him, saying he's "serious about him". Ritsu hasn't yet officially rejected him; he wanted to tell Haitani he had somebody that he loved, but Takano interrupted him before he could do so.  
Before learning the truth, Ritsu viewed Haitani as a friend. Since Haitani was an acquaintance of Saeki, Ritsu became friends with him. When the two coincidentally met at a bakery store, Haitani gave Ritsu some useful advice. Despite Takano warned Ritsu to stay away from him, Ritsu doesn't listen to his demands. Ritsu even joined Haitani for dinner due to his desire to learn more about Takano from his previous job. Ritsu became completely confused when Haitani acknowledged Takano's skills as an editor. This took Ritsu by surprise since he knew that both Haitani and Takano were extremely on bad terms with one another. After seeing Takano's concerns about him being alone with Haitani, Ritsu tried to avoid Haitani or limit the time they spend together. Despite his efforts, Haitani continue to meet him.  
It was eventually revealed that Haitani was never interested in Ritsu. Although Haitani claimed to like Ritsu, Ritsu knew that what Haitani said wasn't entirely true. In truth, Haitani was only interested in Takano and was trying to take Ritsu away from him. When Haitani and Takano were having another argument, Ritsu noticed right away that Haitani doesn't take in consideration his thoughts or opinions about the situation and seems to only focus on Takano. When Ritsu tried to apologize to Haitani for Takano's behavior, he noticed the expression on his face; he now understood what Haitani meant from their dinner conversation: Haitani was interested in Takano. After learning the truth from Haitani, Haitani openly declared to Ritsu that he now see him as his rival and look forward to their next meeting.  
=== Masamune Takano ===
Haitani and Takano were co-workers back at Shuudansha in the Weekly Earth department. Takano "stole" Haitani's previous lover as the lover had feelings for Takano. Takano did turn him down, but the lover dumped Haitani that caused Haitani to mess with Takano, such as "stealing" Takano's current girlfriend at the time, and making his job difficult, which lead to Takano quitting, but Haitani is still seeking revenge for what Takano did.
It was eventually revealed that this wasn't entirely the case. While Takano confirmed Ritsu Onodera some truth from what Haitani told him, there was much more to the story. In reality, Haitani was interested in Takano and want him for himself. Takano got an inkling that Haitani developed an interest in him but chose to ignore it. When Haitani stole "his" girlfriend, he was indifferent to the situation. Unknown to Haitani, Takano was in love with somebody (Ritsu) and the situation didn't upset him one bit. After Haitani interfered with Takano's work, Takano developed a hatred toward Haitani and knew right away that he couldn't work with him again. 
Much to Takano's dismay, Haitani became friend with Ritsu. Despite his repeated attempts to convince Ristu to stay away from Haitani, Ritsu continued to ignore his demands. Takano became extremely fearful that Haitani would take Ritsu away from him or hurt him badly. Knowing the concerns Takano had for him, Ritsu tried to avoid Haitani to ease Takano's worries. Takano's fears came true when Haitani claimed to like Ritsu and wanted to date him. When Takano rebuffed what Haitani said, Haitani coldly stated that he and Ritsu aren't a couple; in Haitani's opinion, since Takano and Ritsu aren't officially dating, it isn't Takano's business if Ritsu is interested in dating someone else. Takano was deeply affected by what Haitani have said because he knew it's true since Ritsu repeatedly denying the fact that he is in love with Takano. 
When Haitani and Takano once again have an argument about his involvement, Ritsu discovered the truth: Haitani was actually interested in Takano. After Haitani confirm Ritsu's suspicions, he told Ritsu and Takano the truth: Haitani believed that he is the only one suitable for Takano. In his mind, anyone who isn't worthy to stand by his side, Haitani will take away that person no matter what. This is why Haitani stole Takano's girlfriend at the time, despite the fact that Takano wasn't upset by this. Even after Haitani explaining the reasons behind his actions, Takano was deeply angered by what he heard. He explained to Haitani that the reason he left Shuudansha was because he believed that after the incident between them, he couldn't work with him again. While Takano acknowledges Haitani's skills as an editor, he extremely disagreed with the way Haitani interact with others; he is disgusted with the fact that Haitani manipulated people to do his bidding. Takano simply stated to Haitani that he hated him and want nothing to do with him. Despite this declaration, Haitani is still determined to make Takano his.
== Etymology ==
* The name Arata means "fresh, new" (新). 
* Arata's surname Haitani means "ash" (灰) (hai) and "valley" (谷) (tani). 
== Trivia ==
* The reading of his name "Arata Haitani" is confirmed on the back cover of volume 8.
** This character is commonly referred to as Shin Haitani instead of Arata Haitani among English-speaking fans. This is because his name was first seen written on his business card with no furigana (pronunciation), and Shin is one way of reading his name, which was picked up by fans.
==Navigation==
Category:Characters
Category:Male Characters
Category:Shuudansha
Category:Manga editors