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“Dazai-san,” Atsushi says, rubbing his cold hands together to warm them up. “To be honest, I really wanted to start the new year with you next to me.”
He brings his hands to his mouth and blows on them, hiding his smile.
It was a strange year. So many unexpected things happened — some incredible, some terrifying, but all unforgettable in their own way. Atsushi fought for his life, protected Yokohama and its people, made friends and enemies, and it all started with one meeting by the river.
The Agency spends the New Year’s Eve together. For the first time in his life, Atsushi has people he cares about with whom he can celebrate, but he couldn’t imagine starting the new year without the man who impacted his life the most in the last few months.
“So that’s why you dragged me back to the office when I tried to leave today? I almost thought you had switched bodies with Kunikida-kun!”
“I didn’t drag you anywhere. I only asked if you’d be back.” Atsushi rolls his eyes. “Why are you like this? I’m trying to have a moment here,” he sighs, exasperated, but still smiling.
Dazai only laughs in response.
The wind is cold and relentless as they wait for the fireworks. Atsushi rubs his freezing hands again, but Dazai stops him this time and takes Atsushi’s hands between his own. He rubs them, murmuring something about wearing fingerless gloves in winter and how it would save him the trouble if Atsushi just grew some fur for a moment, and warmth spreads all over Atsushi’s body, not only his hands.
“It’s okay,” Atsushi mumbles. He tries to free himself, but Dazai only squeezes his hands harder.
“I’ll tell you a secret,” Dazai says. His teasing smile turns softer.
Atsushi holds his breath when Dazai’s face gets closer and closer until his mouth is right next to Atsushi’s ear. The whisper is quiet, but Atsushi hears every word clearly.
“I wanted to start the new year with you next to me, too.”
When hundreds of colorful lights burst in the sky, Atsushi doesn’t see them. He also doesn’t hear the loud noise they make — the entire world drowns in the sound of his own heartbeat thudding in his ears. Dazai leans back slowly, his hands still warm over Atsushi’s, and only when Atsushi notices the colorful lights reflecting in Dazai’s eyes, he realizes that the clock has already struck twelve.