Chapter Text
‘’ Hide me‘’
‘’ Huh? ‘’ The redheaded man slipped behind the slightly taller one. A black-haired guy, he had just met.
The black-haired guy looked at him, finally opening his eyes, to reveal green. ‘’ You trying to hide from someone? ‘’ He asked, turning his head and searching the room. The people around all wore the same thing. A jumpsuit, coloured in an odd shade of green with white stripes at the sides, and a white shirt underneath the jacket.
‘’ Yes, so shut up and don’t move ‘’
The man smiled, ‘’ I see…’’ he whispered, moving away from him, ‘’ Hey, Chuuya? ‘’ He screamed, drawing most peoples’ attention. Chuuya cursed under his breath.
‘’ My, my- ‘’
There he is.
Chuuya cursed some more before composing himself, and standing up to face the other man, he had so hard, tried to avoid.
‘’ Chuuya? Is that really you? ‘’
Death would have been kinder to him.
‘’ Dazai, ‘’ Chuuya forced a smile, ‘’ Why the fuck are you here? ‘’ He asked because he really did not expect to find Dazai Osamu in this place.
The moment his eyes had fallen to the boy sitting alone on the other side of the room, he knew things would be bad for him.
‘’ I’m…broke? ‘’ It was more of a question. Chuuya did not believe a single word that came out of his mouth. ‘’ I could ask you the same. ‘’
‘’ I’m broke too‘’ Chuuya replied with the same tone. Dazai smiled.
That wicked, awful, smile, he had been so close to forgetting.
He hated him so much.
24 HOURS AGO
Chuuya was returning to the house after a very tedious day.
He was out all morning and night, stealing food, supplies and whatever else he could find, that they could be in need of in the future.
He’d been so happy when he arrived at the station early enough to catch the first train. The thought of not waiting for another two hours for the next to come had done wonders to his health.
It was pathetic, really. The way he had returned to them and was now a mere errand boy, a runner. Someone whose job was everything the others would be too tired to do, or all the dirty work.
He deserved it, he supposed.
After all, he had been the one to leave them.
The sheep, did not necessarily hated Chuuya, they simply did not trust him.
Seven years ago, Chuuya had basically abandoned them, joining hands with an opposite gang, the Port Mafia. In retaliation, the Sheep had stabbed him. Not in the back, as in a metaphor, as in betraying him, but rather on his stomach, as in, an actual wound caused by a sharp knife in the area of his abdomen.
Chuuya had survived the attack, and had after, chosen to join the Port Mafia.
All of those events had happened because of that one kid, that one stupid suicidal brat he had met.
A kid that had separated him from his closest people twice.
Once, when he had taken him to his organization and away from the Sheep.
And the second time being when-
No.
He no longer cared for him. He wouldn’t let his mind dwell on those thoughts any longer. He shook his head and stood up,
FUCK
He missed the train.
He only had to wait two minutes and get in, for his day to end.
How could he have screwed this up so badly?
It was that bastard’s fault, again.
Chuuya sighted and sat down on the chair.
Two more hours, alone with his thoughts.
Great.
After some seconds had passed, a suited figure sat next to him. A man, maybe some years older than him, that was holding a briefcase.
‘’ Sir, ‘’ Was he talking to him? ‘’ Do you have a minute? ‘’ The man asked, and Chuuya felt his day actually getting worse.
The fuck did he want? Talk to him about the environment or something?
‘’ I don’t care for trees ‘’ He said, and slyly slipped to the next chair.
The man gave him an easy smile, ‘’ It’s not that ‘’ He said, ‘’ I’d like to give you a great opportunity-
His words were cut short by a knife on his throat,
The man raised his hands, waving the white flag of surrender. Chuuya retracted the knife back to his pocket.
‘’ If it’s about god or whatever I-
‘’ Sir, would you like to play a game with me? ‘’ Chuuya thought about his knife, again, but he didn’t reach for it this time. ‘’ If it’s a fucking salesman tactic I swear-
The man opened his briefcase, revealing a set of two cards like paper things, and a lot of money stacks.
‘’ Sir, you played ddadjki before, haven’t you? ‘’ Chuuya looked at him. He hadn’t played himself the game, but he had seen kids playing it around the neighbourhoods he had lived in.
The man took out the red and blue paper cards, ‘’ Play ddadjki with me. Each time you win, I’ll give you 11.000 yen. ‘’
Chuuya stared at him, and then at the money. Worst case scenario, if the guy was a liar, he could always steal the money from him with his knife and a few tricks and tips he had picked from the Mafia.
‘’ If I flip yours, you’ll give me 11.000 yen? ‘’
‘’ Yes. However. Each time I win you must give me 11.000 yen. ‘’ Chuuya thought about it. He definitely didn’t have that money, not anymore. So winning was the only choice.
‘’ I’ll let you go first. Pick a colour ‘’
Chuuya’s favourite colour had always been red.
That’s why he chose blue.
He picked up the blue ddadjki, and once the man had set everything up, he threw it to the red.
The red paper did not turn.
The man threw his.
The blue was turned.
Chuuya had lost.
That went well.
‘’ Do you have no money? ‘’ The man asked, nearing him. Chuuya looked around. Not because he was embarrassed or anything, but because he wanted to make sure there were no witnesses, should the place become a crime scene.
‘’ You can use your body to pay up ‘’ Chuuya’s eyes widened in question. Then the man slapped him, and he could breathe again.
‘’ The fuck? ‘’
The man smiled, ‘’ I’ll take off 11.000 yen per slap. ‘’
Fool.
Chuuya could stand a thousand slaps and more before his body would give up. He’d be making easy money if he could win some rounds.
The man had no idea about the hardships that had come with growing up on the street and then in the Mafia.
Chuuya would be walking away rich if slaps were all it took.
He smirked and held up the blue paper card, ‘’ One more round ‘’
…
He lost.
And he lost.
And he lost.
But after a while, he won.
And he won again.
And again.
And again.
He was counting his money, ignoring the burning sensation on his cheeks. Should he be right, he’d gathered a little over 111.000 yen.
It wasn’t bad.
Not bad at all
They needed that money desperately.
‘’ Sir, ‘’ The man pulled him out of his thoughts, ‘’ you can make a lot more by playing such games for a few days. ‘’ He said, ‘’ Would you like to give it a try? ‘’
Chuuya pocketed the money, ‘’ It’s not a fucking pyramid scheme or anything, right? ‘’
‘’ Nakahara Chuuya sir, ‘’ His eyes widened at the mention of his name. He had never given it to him
‘’ I know all about your situation. The way you own money to the Mafia and are wanted in a few cities. Chuuya Nakahara, a leader of a thug ring when he was a teen, joined the Mafia right after. Caused damages that would be worth billions of yen, has killed, has stolen, has destro-
‘’ Who the fuck are you, and how the fuck do you know all this stuff? ‘’ Chuuya grabbed him by the collar. The man took a few steps back
‘’ We don’t have many spots left ‘’ The man said calmly, handing him a Card ‘’ Give me a call ‘’
Chuuya watched him as he left.
He had been so calm, so collected. Definitely gave him a weird vibe, one he often associated with his Mafia colleagues, and the Boss’s partners.
The card looked shady too. Some geometric shapes and a phone number.
He was too tired to go after him, so he placed the card in his pocket and drifted back to his stupid thoughts, waiting for the train
…
‘’ Where have you been? ‘’ Yuan asked, as the door closed behind him. Chuuya let go of the heavy bags and turned to face her. ‘’ Getting you guys the stuff you asked for? ‘’
‘’ I meant what took you so long ‘’ If he wasn’t living with them, and if he felt no guilt about his past actions, he would have never replied to a question like that.
Not when it was said in that annoyed tone, Yuan and Shirase often used.
‘’ Missed my train, had to wait two hours for the next, ‘’ He explained as if he was a fucking kid that needed permission to go out.
Yuan looked at him and considered his words. ‘’ Whatever. Shirase needs you He wants you to go and deliver some things ‘’
‘’ Now?‘’
‘’ No, tomorrow. ‘’ Again that annoying sarcasm. Had it been anyone else they’d have a knife on their throat.
Chuuya collected himself and nodded.
He had been so stupid to return to them.
No. Stupid didn’t cut it.
He had been desperate to that point.
And why? Because that bastard Dazai had left.
He had left without saying a word.
And Chuuya had been so angry, and so stupid he left too.
In hopes that if Dazai were to return, he wouldn’t find him there.
Not that he cared.
Climbing up the walls to Shirase’s office made him feel even more tired than he had been. He’d been out all day, only to receive more orders for the night.
Fuck this
‘’ Chuuya, there you are, ‘’ Shirase’s easy smile made him laugh. He tried too much, to pretend to be something he was not.
‘’ Who is it this time? ‘’
‘’ Two gangs that have formed near. They’ve been stealing from our buyers. I need them dead ‘’
Chuuya stared at him, with a bored expression, ‘’ Yuan said you wanted me to make a delivery ‘’
‘’ Yeah, that too. ‘’ Shirase tried too hard to play the boss. It was rather amusing.
Giving him orders, having him ran errands. It was its own kind of revenge.
Chuuya bowed his head slightly, ‘’ I understand ‘’ He said, and walked away.
Fuck this.
…
He was walking down the street towards the new gang’s lair when an idea crossed his mind.
He took the sand coloured card out of his pocket and dialled the number on his phone.
‘’ I want in ‘’ He said, keeping his tone neutral.
He would win some easy money, enough to repay Mori, and cross off his debts.
He would give some to the sheep, to clear his conscience
And then he would leave.
He would leave and start anew somewhere alone.
‘’ I want to participate in the game ‘’, He repeated for the man on the other end to hear. The man gave him a location and a time.
Without thinking it twice, he followed the directions and found himself waiting for a van to pick him up from outside a nearby park.
The last thing he remembered was sitting on a seat.
Then gas clouded his vision.
…
‘’ Heard you left the organization, ‘’ If he had his knife, Dazai would be dead now.
‘’ Really? ‘’ Chuuya kept his composure, ‘’ You’re the one to talk? ‘’
Dazai smile dropped for a second, and it was as if he had returned to his older, colder self. Then he put on his facade again, ‘’ I changed, Chuuya. I’m a good man now ‘’ His sincerity, if it existed, was invisible.
Chuuya laughed, ‘’ Yeah, right ‘’ He pointed at him with his finger, ‘’ this, ‘’ He said, ‘’ this angelic behaviour, I don’t buy that ‘’
It was like his reports had said. Dazai had changed. He was a good honest man now, working a good honest job.
Chuuya had rolled on the floor laughing, with a bottle of wine, when he had first heard of that.
Dazai. The demon prodigy of the Mafia. The cruellest person he had ever met. The boy even the Boss feared.
A good honest man? Just how many people had he fooled with that new appearance, that new attitude?
Dazai opened his mouth to respond but a deep loud voice cut him off.
‘’ I would like to welcome you all. ‘’ The man in the red suit, the one with the square on his mask that stood in the middle, spoke, ‘’ Everyone in here will participate in six different games over six days. Those who win all six games will get a handsome cash prize ‘’
Chuuya looked down at his clothes.
How the fuck had he momentarily forgotten where he was?
He had woken up in a giant room filled with bunk beds, in new clothes, and 456 other people around him, and all he cared about had been avoiding the brunette.
He had come here with a reason, a clear plan on his head.
‘’ How are we all supposed to believe you? ‘’ A man from the crowd spoke up, dragging Chuuya away from his thoughts. ‘’ You suddenly put us all to sleep, took our phones and wallets away, then brought us to this mysterious place. ‘’ The man was yelling way louder than Chuuya wanted him to, ‘’ Now you show up saying you’ll pay us handsomely for playing a few games? Do you expect us to believe that?
The man in red missed no beat. ‘’ We reluctantly took those measures to maintain our confidentiality bringing you here. We’ll return everything once the games are over. ‘’
That had been obvious, Chuuya thought.
Waking up after being dragged and stripped off of his weapons and personal belongings hadn’t surprised him. It was common sense.
The game was clearly something illegal, something underground. He’d made his decision knowing all that.
But it seems as if other people didn’t share the same way of thinking.
‘’ Why wear those masks? ‘’ Was that man dumb?
‘’ We do not disclose the faces and personal information of our staff to the participants. It’s a measure we take for the fairness of games, and privacy. Please understand ‘’
‘’ They aren’t all as smart as you and me, ‘’ Dazai annoyingly whispered, ‘’ I don’t think they knew they were getting in something this-
Chuuya elbowed him ‘’ Shut up ‘’ he whispered back, keeping his eyes trained n the red-suited man.
‘’ I don’t trust a word you just said. ‘’ The man from before spoke again, ‘’ You lured, kidnapped, and locked us up. You make all kinds of excuses to keep your face hidden after all those illegal actions. Give us one good reason why we should trust you. ‘’ Chuuya was starting to get tired of him when the lights dimmed, and a video started playing on a big screen.
It was a compilation video of a few people playing the Ddodjki game, and getting slapped.
‘’ Player 218, Nathaniel Hawthorne. ‘’ The square-mask announced. Probably the name of the annoying man that would not stop taking. ‘’ Age 27, Former priest that siphoned money from the church’s treasury, and spend them on drinks. Due to being caught, he now owes the church a certain amount he can not repay. Current loss, 180 million yen. ‘’
‘’ Player 237, Atsushi Nakajima 230 million yen in debt. ‘’
‘’ Player 219, Yeong Ukai, 379 million in debt. ‘’
‘’ Player 320, Min Tae, 620 million in debt ‘’
‘’ Player 333, Ranpo Edogawa, 20 million in debt ‘’ Chuuya’s eyes drifted to the man he had met before The one that gave away his location to Dazai. Ranpo was whispering with another black-haired man. One that his eyes were not visible under his long hair.
‘’ Player 288, Ryunosuke Akutagawa, 346 million yen in debt. ‘’
‘’ All of you in this room are living on the edge, with debts you just can’t pay off. When we first went to see you, none of you trusted us. But as you know we played a game and gave you money as promised, so everyone here trusted us and volunteered to participate in this game, of your own free will. ‘’ Chuuya could tell a good manipulative tactic from free will, but he didn’t interrupt the man to let him know. ‘’ I’ll give you one last chance to choose. Will you go back to living your lousy life being chased by your creditors? Or will you grab the last opportunity we’re offering here?
‘’ What kind of games are we playing? ‘’ The man that asked was Atsushi. He looked more like a boy than a man, to Chuuya, even if his video had shown he was an adult. He had short white hair, and weirdly cut bangs.
‘’ In order to play fair we can not disclose any information on the games ahead of time ‘’ The square was quick to answer.
‘’ Excuse me- Just how much is the prize money? ‘’ Dazai asked, raising his hand. Chuuya looked at him.
There was no way he had changed, right?
Right.
If he had changed, he would have apologized.
The square pushed another button on his trigger, and a big light-up, pig made of glass, came down from the ceiling. It looked like one of those piggy banks, kids like to put their money in.
All eyes went to the pig’s blinding yellow light.
‘’ Your prize money will be accumulated in the piggy bank after every game. We will disclose the amount to everyone after the first game is over. If you do not wish to participate, please let us know now.’’
Chuuya was very curious to see what kind of games they’d be playing.
…
They had signed in some paper contracts and were now waiting for the game to start.
The game is about to begin. All players follow the staff’s instructions and proceed to the game hall.
A female voice was heard over the megaphone. As they stepped to the hall.
The hall was a labyrinth of pastel-coloured walls, doors and stairs. Chuuya looked around in disgust, he wasn’t a big fan of the colour choices.
Please look into the camera
He stood behind Dazai in line. Dazai was taking his sweet time fixing his hair and posing with his hand on his chin. Chuuya pushed him away from the booth-like area, and quickly took his own picture. His face looking borderline annoyed.
Dazai walked beside him, laughing.
‘’ What is so fucking funny? ‘’ Chuuya snapped, turning at him. Dazai focused his eyes on the label sawed on Chuuya’s jacket.
‘’ 160, my number. I don’t get it ‘’
Dazai held in his laughter, quickly changing his look to a serious one.
‘’ Somebody still doesn’t drink his milk, I see. ‘’ He said, his eyes jumping from the label to him
I will murder him
‘’ You fucking bast-
He caught himself.
‘’ You know what, Dazai? I don’t care ‘’ He shook his head and walked away from him.
Indifference was the best weapon he had, and it seemed it worked.
So why was he hurting?
…
The doors led to a gigantic room that was painted, to give the illusion of the outside world. Trees and a beautiful light blue sky, painted, with incredible detail.
Chuuya looked around at all the other contestants. They all wore the same shade of green, and all were strangers to him.
Well all except Dazai, who he wished was a stranger
Welcome to the first game. The female voice was heard again. All players please wait a moment on the field.
Chuuya stayed still, observing the area. ‘’ You scared? ‘’
Dazai recoiled in pain, after being hit by Chuuya’s elbow for the second time that day.
‘’ No, just looking at those squares at the side. ‘’ He said, ‘’ and that creepy ass doll ‘’
Dazai nodded his head,‘’ It is ugly ‘’, he agreed.
‘’ Reminds me of you ‘’
‘’ Oh, Chuuya¬ ‘’
The first game is Red light, Green light. The voice distracted both of them. You can move forward while it shouts out, green light, red light. If your movement is detected afterwards, you will be eliminated.
The big doll turned around and touched the tree with her hand.
‘’ Red light, green light? Really? ‘’ Chuuya shook his head. Easy money.
‘’ Remember when we would put Hirotsu -
Let me repeat The doll interrupted him, and Chuuya was thankful. It was a happy memory, the one he would have talked about.
Of them playing the game as teens, forcing Hirotsu to be the Guard. It had been the result of one of Dazai’s stupid bets.
He didn’t need that memory tainted by this Dazai.
You can move forward while it shouts out, green light, red light. If your movement is detected afterwards, you will be eliminated.
The doll repeated as people talked with each other, sharing their confusion.
‘’ Bet I’ll cross the line before you ‘’ Dazai wore that smirk on his face. The one he always wore when challenging Chuuya. He had promised himself that he would be indifferent to the other man, but who was he kidding?
‘’ If I win you won’t talk to me again. ‘’
‘’ If I win, I will talk to you again. ‘’
Chuuya was not the same he was four years ago. He wouldn’t lose any other game between them ever again.
‘’ Deal ‘’
Those who cross the finish line without getting caught in five minutes pass this round.
Then, let the game begin
The timer appeared on the wall, the doll begun to chant, and some people ran off. Chuuya sprinted some steps, before cautiously stopping.
The doll turned around to see a man losing his balance, trying to stay frozen in his pose.
Player 324. Eliminated.
The voice said a second before a gunshot was heard.
Chuuya knew of guns and the sound they made.
That had, in no doubt, been a gunshot.
He looked at the man, as his knees hit the ground.
The doll turned her head and started to chant again. Chuuya’s legs moved on their own, his eyes glued to the man on the ground and his approaching friend.
His legs stopped, in time for the doll to turn again.
Everybody froze, but Chuuya could see the man’s lips moving as he made an attempt to speak to his friend.
His friend spat blood.
The man lost his cool and begun to run backwards.
Chuuya wished he could have had the power to stop him, as he watched the doll’s eyes locking on him.
Another gunshot was heard, and the running man fell dead.
Screams and chaos followed, as most payers chose to run for their lives instead of abiding by the game’s rules.
Eliminated meant killed, Chuuya realized.
He had been expecting this whole operation to be dark, but he hadn’t anticipated death. Still, death wasn’t something that surprised him anymore.
He stayed frozen, watching as the massacre ensued.
Dozens of people piling at the doors that wouldn’t open. One dying after the other, their bodies falling like dominoes.
He searched for Dazai, his heart beating faster than before.
Dazai had remained still, keeping up his stupid pose. Pointing his fingers at his head like a gun, sticking out his tongue towards the redhead.
Even if he didn’t want to admit it, his heart did calm once his eyes fell on him.
Gunshot after gunshot, it didn’t take long for nearly half of their competitors to meet their death. The scene was gruesome. Bodies fallen on the floor, blood pooling all around them.
Survivors, trying to claw their way out, crawling over dead bodies, only to be detected seconds later, and be shot.
Let me repeat
You can move forward while it shouts out, green light, red light. If your movement is detected afterwards, you will be eliminated.
The repetition felt as if they were mocking them.
Chuuya was sure that after that slaughter, the remaining people would have figured it was best to follow those rules.
You can move forward while it shouts out, green light, red light. If your movement is detected afterwards, you will be eliminated.
Let the game begin.
After what felt like an eternity the doll's eyes were finally facing the tree. Most people stayed frozen. Chuuya took some steps.
Dazai took some steps closer to him, with a spring on his step, as if he hadn’t just watched a mass murder.
That felt more like the Dazai he knew.
The doll scanned them, and finding nothing, faced the tree again.
After watching Dazai walk ahead, many people followed his lead. Chuuya ran careful, not to overdo it.
Dazai posed with his back on the doll, facing Chuuya.
And as the doll scanned, he crossed his eyes and made other various stupid facial expressions. Chuuya tried to hold in his laughter and not react.
He looked ridiculous.
The gunshots that were heard weren’t as funny. He didn’t need to turn to tell that two more players had been eliminated.
The doll chant again, and he continued running alongside Dazai.
Three more gunshots.
Three people dead.
Chuuya looked at the timer. Two minutes and a half had already passed.
The doll turned again, in time to catch two more unprepared players.
A loud thud was turned, while the doll spoke. Chuuya turned to Dazai but he wasn’t there. He was some steps behind, helping up the white-haired boy he had seen on the video.
The doll turned, and Chuuya was relieved to see Dazai had managed to get in front of the boy on time.
He was like a shield, making the censor unable to locate the boy, that was hugging his hurt leg.
The doll turned once again, and Chuuya ran covered some more distance.
Dazai and the boy did too.
Behind them followed, Ranpo and his black haired friend. All the other players were a bit further behind. All other players except the black and white-haired boy that had covered the most distance. Outpacing even Chuuya.
They played ten more rounds.
Chuuya counted at least 25 more gunshots.
In the last fifteen seconds, Chuuya tripped over a dead body.
He thought he would be a goner, but then Dazai caught him.
He didn’t know if he would have preferred death, over unintentionally, almost hugging, Dazai, but he knew it was a hard choice.
Death would come once, and it would be quick, he supposed.
Dazai would continue to bring that up in their conversations forever.
Unfortunately for him, Dazai had been the first to cross the line between them. Chuuya crossing it at the last possible second. Relief had filled his lungs, as he breathed in the air of victory. Then he looked ahead.
At the remaining players on the field, those that hadn’t been fast enough, that to no one’s surprise, got eliminated.
Above them, the sky turned gray, as metal enclosed the room.