Archive of Our Own

“They’re our long-lost friends, baby. We trust them more than anything to take care of you.”

Right. The long-lost friends were now his in laws and he’s now parentless.

By some twisted fate, the Nakaharas reunited with their bestfriends few months before their departure. It was a six months long holiday, travelling across the many countries of Europe. It was something they have planned for years and finally stable enough to do so. They applied for a long unpaid leave, the lease for the apartment expired and their visa ready.

The only problem left was the Nakahara’s only child, Chuuya.

Now, they could bring him along if not for the fact that it was his senior’s year. It was the start of a new year meaning the only flaw in the plan was his existence. That’s what Chuuya thought anyway.

He hated the plan. He hated the way they were leaving him to have fun. Without him.

But he also hated the way he knew this has always been their dream. This whole concept of travelling. Even before he was conceived.

So, he said nothing. He didn’t say anything when they were excitedly chattering about the long-awaited trip. Not a word when they were brainstorming trying to solve the problem namely Chuuya. Not even when they proposed a sudden marriage.

Though he did spit out his coffee.

The Nakaharas was school sweethearts. They met in first grade, become friends in third grade, fell in love as a highschool junior and married right after graduation. How loving.

The Dazais, however, was a high school rival. They raced against each other in every track, fought for the number one academic spot and even tried to steal each other's girls. May the best man win, they hissed while gripping each other’s collars. Both ignoring the foreign feeling, hidden between adrenaline and rivalry. It was silent awhile after graduation until they dropped the bombshell a few years later. The rivalry ended with a marriage. Everyone including the teachers and parents were shellshocked, but the Nakaharas knew better. After all, somewhere somehow along the six years long rivalry, a beautiful friendship was built among the four of them.

The Nakaharas were there through their thick and thin. They were there listening through every insult, every stupid argument. They were there through the awkward time when they realized there’s something more behind the annoyance. They were there when for the first time, both of them became silent after ten minutes long of shouting to each other’s face, seeing the redness on their cheeks and stolen glance to each other’s lips.

Unfortunately, the Nakahara’s move away for their work and just like that, they lost contact.

Until 20 years later, they got a phone call and the two-couple reunited. Each with their own child, namely Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya.

That’s when the marriage topic involved.

They decided the two should be united to celebrate their own reunion and to put the Nakaharas heart at ease regarding Chuuya’s safety and well-being while the couple travel through the continent.

The express wedding went through relatively well if you turn a blind eye towards the two young couple who looked like they were attending their own funeral. Not a word spoken to each other, much less a glance. It was attended by the nearest relatives and kept hushed in honour of the wedded couple’s not-so-kind request.

The new couple moved to their own apartment near school. It was quicker, they said and the Nakahara’s flew away. Chuuya shed a few tears.

A month after, they received a heart-breaking news.

The Nakaharas were involved in a fatal accident when their car slipped on a slippery road after a heavy rain and fell down a cliff in Norway.

The body was sent back and buried quickly and thankfully, smoothly. It was at this time, Chuuya felt a multitude amount of gratefulness to the Dazais as they take over everything from the start until the end. They grieved in silence and politely give a much-needed space to Chuuya. Even Dazai stopped his out of tune guitar routine every night in honour of him being an orphan.

It took him two months to stop crying in his sleep and another two months to crack a smile. And during the five months long marriage, they’re nothing but total stranger who were living under the same roof. Even strangers talk to each other.

They didn’t even bother to hide the thick wall between them in front of the Dazais. But still, the old couple believe one day the ice wall will thaw.

And thaw it shall.

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One

Chuuya was not one to skip school. Even after the funeral, he skipped only three days and that was because his eyes were super swollen and red, he feared he might scare his classmates. Even his homeroom teacher generously offered him a week off but he denied the notion, he did not need the pity.

So, when he skipped two days off without a word, naturally his friends went looking for him. That was when they found out about Dazai.

“So, is there anything I could help?” Dazai questioned. He was woken from a nap by a series of doorbell ringing. He half decided to ignore it when it was joined by insistent knocking on the door. He already hated whoever it was. Turns out, it was that Chibi’s friends. He recalled seeing them walking together for a few times on school ground, though he made no effort to find out more.

“Hi, my name is Tachihara.” The redhead introduced himself, albeit filled with confusion. “We are Chuuya’s bestfriend?” He glanced at the number on the door and at the small paper on his hand. “This is Chuuya’s home… right?”

Dazai had to mentally restrain himself from rolling his eyes. Bestfriend, he said, and they don’t even know each other’s house. He offered a generic smile. “Yes.”

Obviously, it added more to Tachihara's confusion but he let it slide for now. “Is everything alright with Chuuya? He hasn’t come to school or reply to any of my texts for two days now.”

“Is he now?”

Dazai answered not even a second later. It was too fast to be considered normal, he mentally reminded himself to act like he cares better next time.

Tachihara and the rest blinked. It was painfully awkward for a few seconds until Gin take over.

“Is he here?”

It took Dazai five seconds to come up with an answer. Five seconds too many.

“I’m sorry, but he isn’t here.”

Higuchi squinted her eyes at Dazai. “And? Where is he?” Clearly growing more sceptical by the seconds.

Again, it took five seconds until they got an answer. “He’s at his relative’s house.”

By now, all of them not so subtly tried to peek inside the hallway, trying to catch a hint of Chuuya but failed when Dazai blocked their views using the door.

“I’ll make sure to let him know when he comes back.” He flashed a smile that screams ‘get lost’.

They got the hint and make their way home. Not before giving one last glance to Dazai that screamed ‘You’re one suspicious motherfucker and we’ll keep an eye on you’.

It made Dazai chuckle.

He closed their door behind him and rolled his eyes as hard as he can. Upset with his disrupted nap and uninvited conversation. That Chibi can go wherever the fuck he wants to as long as it doesn’t involve him. He sighed heavily and decided to make a much-needed mug of coffee.

The kitchen placed on the left part of the apartment opposite to the two-room side by side on the left. Chuuya’s room is closer to the door so Dazai had to passed his room in order to get to the kitchen. That’s when he heard a sniffle doubled with a cough.

Hm. So, the Chibi was sick.

Dazai made himself his drink while contemplating his next action.

After 0.2 seconds, he made a conclusion to just ignore it. They’re eighteen for crying out loud. Surely, the chibi knows how to take care of himself.

Except, Chuuya didn’t.

Screw taking care of himself, Chuuya couldn't even sit properly without feeling like the concept of gravity doesn’t work on him. It has been two days and he was pretty sure if he collected all of his snot and tears from day one, he could fill an entire bathtub.

And he’s hungry. God he’s hungry. But the thoughts of food only make his throat queasy.

He considered calling his friends to come over with some medicines but God forbid they know about him living with Dazai. It will only result in million headaches.

His in laws were out of question. One wrong move and they’ll make him move in their mansion. He’ll ignore the fact that Mori-san was a doctor.

And their son… isn’t in the question to begin with.

He decided to just surrender to the universe. If they pity him, they might let him meet his parent early.

Chuuya woke up in daze. He could feel a cooling patch on his forehead, it sent shiver to his bones. His vision blurry. He could make out a tall figure looming over him and brown hair.

“Papa?”

The figure hummed and pushed a pill in his mouth. Chuuya swallowed them when a glass water was placed on the rim of his mouth.

He tried to clear his vision but it only worsened everything as more tears came out.

And he’s out like a light.

Dazai was annoyed. But he’s more concern on what to say if his parent question him about that chibi’s unfortunate short life -like his short height- due to a fucking fever of all things.

So here he was, stomping his way from a 24h store in the middle of the night with bag full of cooling patch, energy drink and cold medicine. The third night was ending and that chibi was still sick.

“Stupid Chibi, too short to take care of himself.” He grumbled along the short trip to home.

The first thing he did was going straight to the redhead’s room.

It was musty. That was the first thought that came into his mind.

The sick chibi was bundled up in his comforter like a… slug. Yeah, fitting.

The only thing visible was a mop of fiery hair peeked out from the comforter.

He took a deep breath and started doing a quick work of unravelling the human slug. Soon, the chibi was uncovered and Dazai scrunched his nose at the state of him. His skin looked pale and slimy. It made sense as it has been three days since he was sick. His hair, oily and sticky. Most importantly, his shirt was still in good condition. There were two possibilities of this, one which he changed his shirt just recently but Dazai doubted that since the Chibi look like he couldn’t raise a finger. Second is quite concerning as it meant that the fever wasn't breaking down any time soon. Too much heat could cause more harm.

So, he took a wet cloth and slowly rubbed down the feverish skin. He did this so that he doesn’t have to deal with a haunted house if the chibi dies here. Yeah, sound about right.

He did the best he could do with the exposed skin and sticked a cooling patch on the chibi’s forehead. The sudden coolness must have aroused him from sleep and Dazai watched as the other tried to blink his sleep away.

“Papa?” The smaller -in size- muttered.

Dazai only hummed and took the opportunity to push a cold pill inside his mouth, letting him swallow it easier with water. He held back a snort as the chibi obediently followed his lead.

Like a dog, he mused.

Though, he was rendered speechless when the chibi started crying. It was only for a few seconds before sleep took over but Dazai stayed frozen by the bedside.

What the hell. He never knew what to do when people cry around him. The concept of crying is purely foreign to him and he doesn't remember ever crying, save for his childhood phase.

Dazai placed all the needed stuff for the chibi when he finally wakes up on his bedside table and moved of the room when something caught his eyes. It was the picture of their wedding day, with the Nakaharas on both of their side. The old couple smiled so brightly while the new couple looked like someone put a gun on their head. He let himself smile at the picture. He didn’t spent a lot of times with the couple save from the time spent together with his parent. But he could tell how charmingly kind was Nakahara Oda and how elegantly fierce was Nakahara Kouyou. Both were nice people but gone too soon.

He took one last look to the sleeping Chibi before leaving the room.

Chuuya woke up with a major headache. He groaned loudly at the feeling of sweaty skin and damp shirt. His fever finally breaking down. He was trying to massage his pounding head when he felt the dried cooling patch on his forehead. Huh?

He mustered all energy left on his body and sat up. His vision got clearer. He glanced at the closed window and deduced it was daylight though he can’t remember the date nor the day. Beside him was a basin with water and wet cloth, few cooling patches- some already dried and wrinkled, tablets of pills, bottles of energy drink and a glass of water. He tried to guess who took care of him but decided against it. It was too much for his still feverish mind.

He tried to stand and walk to the bathroom when his legs give out on him. Chuuya braced himself for the incoming crash when his body was supported with two strong grips.

“You must be a stupid chibi if you tried to walk right after being bedridden for four days.” Dazai casually said.

It took Chuuya five seconds to process his failed crash, another five seconds to notice someone was inside his room and another embarrassing five seconds to realize it was Dazai. His mind supplied that it was because they never talked to each other that he never knew the other's voice.

Dazai helped him stand and sat him down on the mattress. “You haven’t eaten anything in four days. How in the earth do you think you could walk?”

Chuuya tried to stable himself and calm his dizziness. Once he felt grounded enough, he looked at Dazai with haziness swirling in his sapphires, “What are you doing here?” His words a bit slurry and his voice came out croaky.

Dazai took his time in assessing the Chibi. His cheeks a bit reddish and there’s beads of sweat on his temple. Hm. He’s getting better then.

“Oi.”

Dazai looked at the Chibi with no emotion. “Where were you going?”

“Huh?” Chuuya frowned at the question.

Dazai sighed heavily. And loudly. Dumb Chibi. “Before you fell. Where were you going?”

“Oh. The bathroom.” The other muttered softly. And before he could say another word -but really, he doesn’t have energy left for a conversation right now- he was lifted by the arms and assisted towards the bathroom. “What are you-”

“Shush, Chibi. I can’t let you die from concussion… yet.”

Dazai pretty much left him to his own devices after seating him on the toilet. Chuuya tried his best with wiping his body and letting cold water ran down his body. He washed his hair and brush his teeth. And when he was done with everything, Dazai came in, without saying a word, with a towel and a set of fresh clothes. After he was done with changing, the brunette came again to assist him back to his bed.

Brunette... Right.

“Were you the one who gave me the pills?” Chuuya asked after he settle down on his bed, tucked under the comforter. It’s a different one, he noted.

Dazai rolled his eyes. “Who else?” He grumpily cleaned the used stuff on the bedside table. He remembered what the chibi called him and blurted it out without thinking, “Do I look like Oda-san to you?”

Crap. He shouldn’t have said that.

He turned towards the redhead but the other already turn away from him and laid on his side. Trust Dazai to poke someone on the sensitive side. But the words have been said, the hurt has been done and his ego refused to humble down and apologize.

He zipped up his lips and made his way out quietly. He didn’t miss the quiet sniffle after the door shut behind him.

He didn’t say sorry but he did, however, left a delivered chicken soup and porridge on the Chibi's bedside table -while he’s asleep of course- without a miss. Three times a day until the Chibi grew back into health. It’s a shame he didn’t grew in height as well.

When Chuuya came back to school, he mentally reminded himself to buy some pills to relief himself from the headache caused by his best friends' insistent questions on 'why is Dazai from next class is living with him' and 'why is he annoying'.

Even Hirotsu-san, his homeroom teacher asked about their relationship since the brunette submitted a sick leave on his behalf.

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Two

They still doesn't talk to each other but at least, they acknowledged the others existence by now.

It started with a simple act.

Dazai leaving the light on the living room open when Chuuya came back late after hanging out with his friends.

Chuuya buying two sets of new bowl he found cute.

Dazai replacing the milk carton he finished -he loves his coffee with 90 percent milk, sue him- because he knew sometimes Chuuya secretly use it to eat his cereal.

Chuuya wordlessly picked up Dazai’s dirty laundry and return it when it was freshly clean.

Small things that marked a major change between them.

Chuuya has a routine he would follow every day. He wakes up every morning at 6 and went to school at 6.30. Eat some breakfast on the school cafeteria. He went home at 3.30 p.m. and eat his lunch at a food stall by the road. He showered, do his homework, a few revisions and scroll his phone away until it is 7 p.m. Then, he went out to the nearest convenience store, grab some food, eat and pay.

His allowance from his parents doubled with the one from his in laws are more than enough to bought himself three meals a day. He spent more time on his phone, prepare his next day uniform and books and lastly went to sleep around 10 p.m.

That was before the tragedy that took both of his parent’s life.

After that, everything went haywire.

He was now loaded than ever, with his parent’s insurance money but it still failed to provide him enough meal every day. Mainly because he doesn’t care enough to go or stop by any store. He only eats one meal a day which was breakfast and that’s only to not rouse suspicion among his friends.

Sometimes he woke up too late and barely made it on time to school. Most of the time he went home the earliest, as soon as the bell hit. He struggled with doing homework and abandoned any type of revision. He spent most of his time either on the phone mindlessly scroll away or sleeping. He would sleep at between 12 a.m. or 5 a.m. or somewhere in the middle of that.

He suspected his week-long fever was triggered from his bad life management.

But that was only the tip of an iceberg.

It started with a burning feeling at the bottom of his stomach. He drowned it out with a bottle of water and went on his day.

It was Monday, roughly two weeks after his long fever. He decided to skip breakfast with the excuse of his homework. It was a legit excuse.

The day before, Chuuya planned to do his homework after a short nap however he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. It was 12 noon at the time and he woke up the next day, which was monday. He made on time to school but his homework remained untouched in result of his unproductive weekend.He managed in finishing his homework before other students filled in.

It was 2 p.m. when he felt the searing feeling in his stomach. He chucked down a bottle of mineral water and brushed of his friends’ worrying look.

The rest of the day went on uneventfully except for the uneasiness in his stomach. Chuuya ignored it.

Dazai was scrolling through his phone, chuckling at a dog meme when a gagging sound catch his attention. He glares at the clock; it was 30 minutes well past 1 a.m. He has always struggled with sleep anyway so it was not uncommon for him to still be wide awake at time like this. He shrugged it off and continue his activity when the gagging continued.

He slipped down his bed and walk out his room, trying to find the source for the mysterious noise. He stood outside the chibi’s room when he heard it again. It was as if the person behind it tried to vomit but can only heave out air.

It was really a problem if the Chibi got sick again. He has no desire to nurse anyone back to health anymore.

He contemplated whether to barge inside or went back to his room. He settled with knocking.

It was almost two minutes before the door was opened by none other than the chibi. His face -once again- pale, with red spots on his cheeks and sweat on his skin. An evidence that he has been sitting face down on the toilet trying to get something out of his throat.

“What’s wrong this time?” Dazai tried to sound uninterested.

The redhead chibi looked like he was trying to come up with a long answer. “Nothing.” He mumbled instead. His voice hoarse.

Dazai stoped the urge to smack his small head for lying on something as clear as the day. “Well, it doesn’t sound like nothing to me.” It was clear in his voice that he was very much annoyed by now.

That somehow triggered the redhead.

He frowned, “Why do you care anyway?”

Dazai was about to retort by mentioning how the apartment might be soundproof but the rooms inside aren’t, when the chibi face paled and he ran back inside his room, to the bathroom to be exact. Dazai scrunched his nose at the dry heaving.

It’s his time to put on his white coat and play doctor again it seems. His dad would be proud.

He walked inside the bathroom, finding the chibi kneeling beside the toilet seat, his eyebrows stitched together.

“Did you eat anything today?”

Some hesitation. Then, the chibi sheepishly shook his head.

Bingo.

Well, that was fast.

"Gastric it is." Dazai muttered lowly. 

He ended up making a trip to the pharmacy, purchasing a controlled gastric pill, some solid save from the light above their heads.

As soon as Dazai arrived home, he made Chuuya sat on the island stool and briefed him of the gastric pills, the dos and don’ts. The brunette brewed him a cup of tea and watched him eat like a hawk. It was uncomfortable for Chuuya to say the least.

The tea truly did something for to him. It slowed down the searing heat from the abundant amount of gastritis pooling inthe bottom of his stomach, replacing it with comfortable heat and warmth.

“You have money on you?” The brunette asked.

Chuuya nodded curtly. More than enough.

“Make sure to eat three times a day. Don’t even think about skipping a meal.” Dazai sounded like a doctor as he spoke.

Chuuya didn’t know what he aimed in life but a doctor would suit him.

“Don’t forget to take the pill once a day before breakfast. Drink lots of water, when I say lots, I meant it. Got it?” His reddish-brown eyes bore holes inside Chuuya.

Yep, definitely a doctor. Chuuya could only nod to everything the brunette said. Dazai seemed satisfied with his reaction as he made a move to go inside his room. Before he left, he sent a pointed look to Chuuya.

“If this happen again, I will not hesitate to appoint you to my doctor.”

That’s a threat if Chuuya ever heard one. Mori Ougai might be a loving father-in-law but Dr Mori Ougai was a different story. A horror one, if you will.

After the night, Chuuya still struggle to eat his meals on time and despite Dazai blackmailing him on the first place, the brunette was still there when he puked out every single content from his stomach. His pills never ran out, a warm ginger chamomile tea on the table.

The cycle went on every three days when the pain stopped, and he forgot to eat again. It was until Dazai physically made him seat on the kitchen for every lunch and dinner that Chuuya stopped having gastric.

It soon become a routine, for him to join Dazai in every lunch and dinner. It was only a takeout but it was more than anything for Chuuya. At first, there’s only silence accompany them. Then, there’s small chatter and occasional comments.

They might not know what to label themselves but certainly there was something.

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Three

It was now 2 weeks before midterm exam and Chuuya was far behind. He used to be at the top of his class, but this year hasn’t been nice to him. In between becoming an orphan, silent grief and learning how to cope, Chuuya found himself slowly losing focus in his classes. Even some of the teacher noted his behaviour and called him to meet personally.

He was still in the A list, and he refuses to let it be a past tense.

So, he fell into a study routine. His phone on DND most of the time and his hands never absent of any type of notes and books. He stopped hanging out with his friends and rarely went out of his room. Save for when it was time to eat with dazai.

He heard once from his friends, that Dazai was a genius. The kind of genius you see in the movie. He was laidback and lazy. Slept in most of his class but still managed to get an A. Even in their home, either he was on his phone or playing ps4 in their living room, never a book or notes in his hand.

Chuuya can’t afford that.

His high achievement was the fruit of his own hard work. Of his struggle and his constant push. He doesn't necessarily envy the brunette, but it must have been nice.

Fukuzawa-san owned a detective agency, famous for solving almost every case hand down to them that even the police a constant visitor on their building. Mori-san was a genius doctor. His name on every mouth in the town, nailing every critical surgery like he has a personal vendetta with the grim reaper itself. Naturally, the brain runs in the family.

That only meant that Chuuya has to work harder.

And work harder, he did.

Though it seems that he got used to neglecting his body.  And it also seems that even Dazai, was used to Chuuya neglecting his own health.

They’re having dinner per usual. It was silent safe from the humming of the fridge and clinking sound of their cutlery hitting the plate.

It was the eyes Dazai noticed first. Heavy eyebags and dark circles, tiredness making the chibi’s sapphires dull.

Second was the heavy slump on his petite shoulders. It made his figures look smaller than it already was. Two times chibi, Dazai’s mind supplied.

Third was the sudden redness running down his nose. It took him a few seconds to react to it. Dazai quickly pull few kitchen tissues and hurriedly press it on the redhead’s nose.

“Careful.” He hissed.

The Chibi stared at him in confusion and shocked at the sudden action. It was when he saw the tissue that a frown appeared on his face. “What the-”

He got cut off by Dazai.

“Were you not sleeping well?”

White coat on.

The redhead was silent for a while. “I am busy…”

Dazai raised one of his eyebrows, motioning him to continue.

The smaller -in size- sighed. “Mid-term soon. Gotta catches up with my studies.”

Dazai was about to ask if people actually study that shit but he decided against it. “Listen, studying doesn’t mean you have to lose some sleep and memorize the whole textbook. And its only some stupid exam for fucks sake, it isn’t the final yet.” He ignored the offended look on the chibi. “It is acceptable for you to pull this and cram the whole night only if it is finals. But mid-term? Honey, give your small brain some slacks.”

And Dazai went on and on about how stupid the school system to waste their days answering some stupid paper that doesn’t even in the same format with the end examination.

Chuuya tuned out all of it. Honey.

It’s easy to ignore any of his feelings when he was busy with his friends or with his books. But at time like this, when Dazai was sitting on the edge of the dining table with his left hand holding the tissue on Chuuya’s nose and his right hand on the back of his nape and it burns.

He briefly wondered if Dazai was like this with everyone. So caring and so loving. The brunette never said anything but the way he gently stroked his back while Chuuya tried to get over the high of bending over the toilet bowl, desperate to empty his stomach content. It’s the way he never failed to go out and buy some food so that Chuuya doesn’t skip his meal. They must have meant something, they should have meant something. At least that’s what Chuuya hoped for.

“Why are you red all over, Chibi?”

And there’s that. In normal circumstances, Chuuya would totally shove the person who ever dared to call him chibi to the floor and make sure they regretted it. But hearing it from Dazai, it was almost like a very endearing… pet name.

Chuuya slapped himself, surprising Dazai. Right, he really needed to come down his high and comes back to earth.

“Oh my god! I think you’re losing your mind and is hanging by the single braincell left!” Dazai fussed over him. With a swift motion, he dragged Chuuya to the sink, wiped his now dried nose and just like that, Chuuya found himself being tucked into his bed.

With a soft goodnight, he left Chuuya in the darkness of the bedroom alone with his thoughts.

“For fucks sake.” Chuuya grumbled, trying to calm his beating heart.

He ended up placing second place in his entire class but he’s proud of it nonetheless.

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Four

It was the last class for the day and Chuuya was buzzing to go home. There’s a certain day when everything was taxing his energy.

And unfortunately, it fell on today.

Everything felt wrong. Tachihara breathe too loudly, Higuchi was too bitchy and Gin was too insistent in making sure he’s feeling fine. Even the air buzzed too loudly on his skin.

Chuuya just really wants to go home.

He practically ran outside when the teacher dismissed them but was shocked to see Dazai already waiting for him outside of his class. Here’s the thing, they have never interacted in school. It’s like a silent rule between them and so far, none of them ever broken it. Until today.

Dazai pulled him to the side.

Soon, the hallway filled with students making their way home.

Chuuya could feel every eyes on them, watching with curiosity. Unbothered to hide whispered questions and assuming answers. His skin felt itchy and his throat dry.

“Hey,” Dazai tried to get his attention by shaking his hand. It made Chuuya painfully aware of their close proximity and their hands intertwined. “Are you with me?” Dazai asked again.

Chuuya hurriedly nod.

“We have to take the cab to my parent’s house. There’s an urgent matter but don’t panic. It’s not that serious.”

What was meant to calm his nerves gave the opposite effect. Somehow, those words what made Chuuya blood spiked up.

As Dazai pulled him to wherever they’re going by his hand, he tried to ignore the eyes around them by remembering the fateful day. It was at noon when Hirotsu-san came to his class and took him to the office where Fukuzawa-san and Mori-san were waiting. Mori-san hugged him as soon as he saw him while Fukuzawa-san patted his hair. Dazai was standing silently near his parents.

He caught a few point that Mori-san managed to make out in between tears.

The road was slippery.

It was foggy.

The brake worked but it was too late.

Fell down a cliff.

It was a fatal accident.

The rest went dark. He fainted for a few hours, they said. In the meantime, both of his in law took care of everything regarding his parent dead body all the way to the funeral.

They didn’t make him talk, there’s no eulogy or letters. He remembered kneeling alone in front of the fresh dirt, staring into void with the Dazais standing a few metres behind him.

“We’re here.” Dazai’s voice pulled him out of his memory.

He looked forward and realized they’re in front of the Dazai’s mansion. He doesn’t even remember entering a cab or getting out of it.

“Come.” Dazai pulled him again. Chuuya realised that their hands didn’t separate the entire ride.

The brunette rang the bell and a maid opened the door.

“Everyone is already waiting, Dazai-sama.”

They walked towards the parlour where Fukuzawa-san and Mori-san were seated. In opposite of them was-

Chuuya heart beats faster, adrenaline rushing out.

His uncle, Ace smiles widely at him. “Long time no see, Chuuya.”

Chuuya hated it.

Ace-san was from his father’s side. While his father was humble and loving, his uncle was arrogant and cocky.

Dazai pulled him to the only vacant sofa left. He pretends he didn’t see the way everyone’s attention was on their intertwined hands.

“Apologize for the sudden visit, my dear Chuuya,” He doesn’t seem apologetic, “ I can’t seem to find your number and your address. Naturally, I tried to find your parent-in-laws as they are more… distinct.” He waves his hands around to prove his point.

“Let’s cut the pleasantries, Ace. What do you want from him?” Fukuzawa-san was not one to entertain meaningless conversation.

“Protective, aren’t we?” Ace only turn to Chuuya and smirked. “Glad to see you in good hands, dear Chuuya.” He pointedly looks at their hands.

Dazai tightened his hold.

“Anyway, I’m only here to check on my nephew. He seems fine, thinner than I remember but let’s blame it on grow spurt, shall we?” He reached for a file besides him before passing it to Chuuya. “Here’s another reason why I came here. Think about it long, my dear. I’ll be sure to come back.” His smile caused shudder in Chuuya’s bones. Ace then made his way out with the Dazais escorting him out, leaving Chuuya and Dazai.

Chuuya stared at the file on his lap. His curiosity won as he moved to open the file. He brushed of the disappointment in having to let go of Dazai’s hand as he open the file.

All blood drain down from his face.

Transfer of ownership and property.

For his late parent’s land and vacant house.

That fucking prick.

Dazai sat silently as Chuuya open the file. One look at the blonde man and he could already tell he was up to no good.

He peeked from the chibi’s shoulder to read the title.

That motherfucker.

Of course, Dazai knew this would happen sooner or later. Based on what he could tell, Chuuya have no close relatives except from one cousin from his mother’s side. His papa was a very humble man even when he was raised as one of the elites. Unfortunately, the rest of his siblings can’t be said the same.

The thing about being wealthy was the greediness in wanting it all.

It’s evident now. Ace was the wealthiest among the siblings, but he was also the most selfish and opportunist of them all.

Dazai was to immerse in his thoughts that he did not notice something is wrong with the Chibi. He was silent.

Too silent.

Then, he noticed the tears on the shaking paper.

“Hey, you alright?” He couldn't see the redhead's face. He tried to pull Chuuya's shaking hands only to see him flinched away.

“Hey, chibi?” Dazai grew more concern.

“No!” Chuuya screamed. No no no.

They’re taking this from him. The only thing left from his parent. The place where they raised him and shared thousands of memories.

“No! Please don't let him!” Chuuya pleaded to no one. He couldn’t stop the tears. He couldn’t stop the shaking. He couldn’t stop his parents from leaving him. He couldn't do anything and now everything was taken from him.

He cried his heart out, not caring about his surroundings. It hurts. He sobbed loudly.

He could only think of his papa’s kind smile and his mother’s loving eyes.

He missed them.

God, he missed them too fucking much.

Mori and Fukuzawa who just came back from sending Ace out was shocked at the sight.

Chuuya was practically wailing while Dazai looked worried and frightened for Chuuya.

Mori rushed out to Chuuya who looked so small at the moment. “Hey,” He patted his cheeks, wet from tears. softly, “Hey dear, are you with me?” He tried to make eye contact but Chuuya was far too gone.

“Chuuya!” Mori tried a bit louder. It seemed like it was working when the younger focused his eyes on him.

He looked terrified.

“Mori-san, please! Please! Don’t let them take it!” Chuuya pleaded so desperately.

Mori was never so confused in his life. One look at the file and Dazai’s clouded face, he could already paint the picture. He ordered his anger to come down for now, in order to calm the crying child.

He tried to hold him but stopped when the younger flinched.

Chuuya sobbed out, seeming lost in his thoughts. “Please, Mori-san. It was papa’s.” He was practically begging. Mori’s heart ached at the sight. “Please don’t let them take it.” Chuuya cried out, voice was already hoarse from the crying and pleading.

“Chuuya.” Fukuzawa’s stern voice caught his attention. “We will send him the best lawyer we can get. He wouldn’t get away with this. I, personally, will not allow it.”

Mori nodded alongside him. “Don’t worry, dear. We will make sure no one touches what yours.”

But nothing can go through Chuuya's cloudy mind.

Everything was crashing down and falling apart.

He was now alone. Left to his own, in a darkness designed to trap him in. It’s getting harder to breathe. He felt suffocated, unable to reach for air. His throat closing off and his nose couldn't function anymore.

He can’t breathe.

“HEY!” Dazai shakes the redhead who have been breathing shortly. His parent has been trying for a while now trying to bring him back but to no avail. It looked like he was struggling to breathe. 

Panic attack.

“FUCK! Hey! Look at me!” Dazai screamed on his face.

But it was getting harder to breathe as seconds passed by. Any longer and the redhead might faint from lack of oxygen.

“Goddamn it!” Dazai shouted, his hands on both of his shoulder. “Chuuya!”

Chuuya was brought out from the trance by the voice.

“Osamu?” He croaked out, panic when he couldn't see the brunette clearly.

Chuuya tried to call him out again when he was engulfed in a tight hug. He took a shaky breath and visibly calmed down. He recognized the cologne, he could smell it every time he did the laundry.

“Hey, breathe with me please.” Dazai sounded terrified, Chuuya noted. So, he followed the cue.

Breathe in, breathe out.

In and out.

In and out.

And he’s out.

Chuuya woke up to a broken humming sound above him. It was from a song he recognized. Guns N’ Roses, he noted, sweet child o’ mine. He chuckled at the absurdity.

The humming stopped, as well as the rubbing on his back. It was then he aware of the position he’s in. He was laying down on his left side, his head on Dazai’s arm and his own arms around his waist. He’s thankful for his height difference as it allows him to bury his face on his chest instead of facing each other. He was positive that he looked hideous wearing swollen eyes, snotty nose with redness creeping on his cheeks.

“It was quite a scare you gave me, chibi.” He sounded so soft, Chuuya might cry again. “You looked like you’re seconds away from a seizure. I’m glad we got you back before anything worse happen.”

Chuuya hummed, pleased at the hand combing his growing hair. It was almost shoulder length now.

“You called.” He added. His voice strain from the previous situation. It was the first time Dazai called him by his name.

“And you came.” Dazai was reminded by the uncertain voice that came after that. So small and terrified.

Osamu?

A surge of protectiveness grew inside of him. “Don’t worry, Slug. I’ll make it so they wouldn't even think of taking what’s yours.” Dazai vowed, while pulling Chuuya closer.

He sounded serious, and Chuuya should be scared. But it gave him all the reassurance he needed.

So, he fell asleep. Surrounded with warmth and protectiveness.

They spent the rest of the day slipping in and out of sleep. Dazai refused to leave Chuuya’s side and Chuuya does not mind the company.

Mori practically dragged them out of Dazai’s room for dinner as either refused to move.

They ate in comfortable silence but the giddiness in Mori’s bone at their character development was not unapparent. Neither does the pleased smile on Fukuzawa.

They ended up spending the night in the mansion. Chest to chest, synchronised breathing.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Five

There was a notably big change between them. The usual silence that usually accompanied them, now foreign. Every meal filled with excited chatter of Chuuya complaining about his group of friends or Dazai giving snark remarks of somehow it is Chuuya’s fault for being short. It always ended up with an argument but not the kind that make you harbour negative end, but the kind of argument that leave you with flushed cheeks and fond smiles.

Chuuya was happy.

And normally, that was the universe way of saying ‘I’m about turn your bitchass life, upside down.’

The aftermath of their little meeting in the hallway and running back home hand in hand travelled around the school. Everyone was talking about how they were secret lovers, or Chuuya was using Dazai to get good marks and Dazai was a retired womanizer and now finding prey in man... What even is that?

Chuuya heard about Dazai’s tendencies in confessing to girls but ended up being the one who rejected them. Of how Dazai was nicknamed the king of broken hearts, the twisted Casanova or worst, their high school version of Jack Gyllenhaal.

Normally, Chuuya doesn’t care about those stupid rumours or gossips but this time around, his name was included.

He could hear it in the hallway or the cafeteria.

‘Chuuya is quite cute, what a pity he ended up with that bastard, Dazai.’

He was aware of how attractive he is.

‘All of those rejection and he ended up choosing an ugly mackerel.’

Word. Also, he wasn’t interested in romance at the time, now wasa different… situation. He still felt sorry for the boys and girls he rejected.

‘What does Chuuya saw in him.’

Now that’s a lie. Everyone in the school, from the juniors to the seniors aware of Dazai’s attractive look. From his above average height, to his long fingers, his brown almost curly hair, sharp nose, fair skin, reddish brown eyes that looked like he knows your darkest secret and perfect lips that always pulled in a smirk.

Right, he could go into tangents of how that face structure could rival one of Cha Eun Woo but he should stop by now.

‘Tch, our darling Chuuya boutta get his heart broken.’

That … won’t be far from the truth. He was aware of how big the feelings inside him were growing into. He could even say it was almost the L word. But he was afraid. Afraid of the uncertainty whether the brunette felt the same and he was just the one hoping for a shooting star.

Only a few months more from graduation and Chuuya doesn’t know what’s life has for him in the store. He just hopds that it was nothing associated with sad and despair.

Of course, he spoke too soon.

“Come on, Dazai. Share it with a friend now, would you?” Fyodor still insisted on wanting to know the depth of Dazai and the chibi’s relationship.

Dazai bristled inside. Fucking stupid Russian. He was well aware of how famous the chibi is inside their school. Even though they have different class but his reputation went beyond the brick walls.

He opted to ignore the annoying Russian who leaning on the locker next to him.

Chibi was pretty. Small figure, feminine feature, sharp eyes and high nose. His ginger hair and sapphire eyes enhanced the features. He got that from Nakahara Kouyou, his late mom.

She was a very tall, lean woman. Her long ginger hair always pinned up, showcasing her fair slander neck. Chibi also got that from her. Now that his hair was growing longer, he looked like the spitting image of her. Especially when he pulled it up in a bun, it made Dazai’s throat dry for an unknown reason.

The French genes in him also added to the flavour.

Kouyou-san was also smart and sharp. While Oda-san was a successful writer, she was a remarkable lawyer. One would admit their defeat the moment she enters the courtroom. Be it as a defence attorney or a prosecutor.

She was a woman of power.

Dazai could see it in the Chibi. When he walks in the hallway, his presence demands attention and respect. People shall bow down in his feet if he so wished for. But the Chibi also inherited his papa’s humbleness.

What a shame. Dazai would surely kiss the ground he walked on if the chibi asked for.

“Oi, Dazai.” It seemed like the rat still hasn’t given up yet. “Just tell me about it, would you? I need it… for personal reference.”

Yeah, right. In other word, he was one of those dozens of people who got rejected by Chuuya.

Dazai was starting to get extremely annoyed by now.

“Leave me alone, Fyodor.” He gritted his teeth.

But Fyodor was a fucking rat, and a rat doesn’t understand English.

“Is he good in bed?”

Dazai had enough.

So, he spoke without thinking, hoping he will be left alone.

“He is no one, okay? No one.”

Yep, big mistake. Because Fyodor was smirking towards someone behind him.

“Goodness gracious.” Dazai muttered.

He turned around only to be met by the murderous looks of the Chibi’s ‘best friends’ and there was an empty spot in the middle of them. Because truly, Chuuya was the center of gravity.

At least Dazai’s gravity.

The students in the hallway whispered about him. About the missing redhead. But he doesn’t have the time to hear it as he rushed home. Not before delivering a firm punch on Fyodor’s face.

“Disrespect him one more time and I’ll personally deliver you to the ER.”

He should have done that the very moment that rat mentioned bed. But he was oh so slow and dumb despite being a genius.

Dazai sighed, hand clutching tight his phone.

It was Friday and he promised a weekend trip with his friends. Kunikida would personally kill him if he bailed on them again.

He sighed for the tenth time that day. It has been three hours since school ended and the redhead was still missing. And being the dumbass he was, he doesn’t have his number.

It was time for him to leave for the trip.

He hoped that the redhead would appreciate the space he’s giving.

Chuuya stumbled inside the dark apartment. No, he wasn't drunk.

There’s a growing pain in his head. He has been ignoring the searing pain for a few days now and it always stop. But now, it doesn’t feel like it ever will.

He struggled to find the light switch. It was night now and he has been walking mindlessly around their local mall. Time passed by quickly and suddenly it was night time. There’re tons of texts and missed calls from his friends. None from him. Chuuya briefly wondered if they ever exchange their contact numbers.

He walked to the fridge, thinking that some cold water could tame the pain. That was when he saw the bright yellow sticky notes on the fridge.

‘There’s a weekend trip with Kunikida, Atsushi and Ryuu.

Don’t forget to eat.

I’ll be back on Sunday.’

Chuuya stared at the scribbles for a good amount of time.

Well, have fun then. He doesn’t see the reason to inform him with whatever the trip is. Considering-

‘He is no one, okay? No one.’

Yep. Considering he was no one.

He drank a glass of cold water, took an equal cold shower and went straight to sleep. He wished for it to be gone… both the pain and the heart ache.

It was finals soon. He couldn't afford being distracted.

Except it didn’t go away.

Chuuya was woken up by an immense pain on one side of his head. He pulled hard his hair, putting a strain on his scalp, hoping it would help.

It did.

He quickly grabbed his phone and scroll through his emergency contacts. He ignored the two disactivated numbers and tapped on the top number.

“Hello?”

Chuuya tried to answer but he was hit by a wave of pain. He groaned loudly.

“Chuuya? Is everything okay?”

He took a deep breath and willed his ego down and asked for help.

“It hurts too much, Fukuzawa-san.” He panted.

“What’s hurting Chuuya?”

He could hear rustled movement on the other side and Mori-san’s confused voice. He glanced at the clock. It was 4 a.m.

“Chuuya? You need to tell me what’s hurting.” Fukuzawa’s getting more anxious.

“My head.” He croaked out.

“We’ll be there soon.”

Migraine, the doctor said.

The moment Fukuzawa-san came, he drove Chuuya to the nearest 24 hours clinic. He was alone as Mori-san just got back from a 10-hour long night shift at the time.

It could be caused by emotional stress -Chuuya gripped his thigh-, skipping meal -he avoided any eye contact-, and other possible triggers.

His medical bill was covered by his insurance and Fukuzawa-san drove him back to their mansion. The older man didn’t say anything inside the car nor did he ask about Dazai. Maybe that mackerel has told his parent beforehand.

Mackerel, huh?

That one insult seemed to stuck inside his head.

“Chuuya’s here.”

Dazai stared at the text his dad sent.

It was Sunday and he just got back from the trip. What was that Chibi doing there? He might never say anything but it was apparent in the way he avoided every meeting with Dazai’s parent, that he hasn’t fully trust them just yet.

He walked inside the house using the key he carried everywhere. First place he searched for was the kitchen and he was right, as always. His dad never failed to cook dinner whenever he has the time to.

“What’s cooking?” He strolled beside his dad, peeking inside the pot.

“I was just heating it up. You made it on time for dinner.” Mori stired the soup. “Go wake Chuuya. He’s upstairs.”

Dazai raised his eyebrows. Chibi was not one to sleep at twilight.

“He’s not healthy these past few days.” Fukuzawa explained. The detective was seating at the dinner table. At times like this the maids were either out spending some time or resting inside their rooms.

“Sure.” Dazai muttered. His feet already on autopilot leading to his room.

Dazai considered whether he should purchase some supplements or vitamins for the chibi. He was so easily sick.

He opened the door to his old room. Instantly spotting the redhead on the bed. The curtains open, providing enough light for his view.

The petite man was laying on the bed without anything covering him from the cold wind. It wasn’t necessarily that cold yet but winter was coming soon. His head was covered entirely using a pillow safe for the lower half of his face.

“Hey.” Dazai tapped his arm softly.

It took a few seconds before the Chibi started to respond. “Hm?” He peeked from under the pillow.

“It’s dinner time.” Dazai paused for a bit. “Wash your face. We’ll wait for you.” He added.

He refused to make things awkward for them. But God he missed those sapphires.

The three of them were seated on the dining table by the time Chuuya arrived.

He took a seat beside Dazai, opposite of his dad.

Dazai tried to sneak a glance to the red head but stopped on his track. His heart skipped a beat.

“Your hair.” He pointed out.

Chuuya turned to look at him, bewildered. “Mn, I cut it.” He answered, short.

It doesn’t seem to satisfy Dazai. “Why?” His eyes were scrutinizing every inch of the chibi’s hair. Not a lot of inches left.

“Figured it would help.”

With what? Dazai raised his eyebrows.

Chuuya made a random motion on his head, “The migraine.”

“Oh.”

Yeah, oh. Dazai would totally purchase every supplement known to earth, the best of the best, for the slug.

They ate in silence, safe for a small conversation between the fathers and son. Dazai was itching to ask why they didn’t tell him but he could already imagine what the answer will be. They didn’t want to worry him foe something isn't urgent in a middle of a trip.

Chuuya retreated from the dinner earlier from everyone. He could already feel it coming back. The pills helped but only for a while and it made him sleepy most of the time. It was a long weekend for him.

A wave of needle like pain poked his head. He sat on the bed and buried his head on a pillow, willing the pain to go away. To no avail.

He groaned softly, Hands clenching the pillow.

He tried to distract himself by thinking about a certain brunette. He was not surprised when he was woken by him as Mori-san already informed about the brunette joining them for dinner. They acted like nothing happen but he’s pretty sure everyone could feel the tension between them and the absentee of something.

Then another wave of pain came. He could no longer endure the pain. He groaned louder this time, his voice muffled by the pillow.

He was too distracted by the pain that he did not hear the door opening or someone approaching.

He felt it first.

Strong slender fingers massaging his head with filtered strength. It felt so good that he had to stop himself from moaning out of pleasure.

Chuuya raised his head, drowning the disappointment from the loss of fingers on his hair.

Blue sapphires met red browns.

Dazai was already sitting in front of him with only a pillow separating them, eyes soft.

He imagined how to react when he inevitably meets the brunette after the humiliation on Friday. None of it could be applied as it was happening now.

His tongue tied.

Dazai gifted him a small smile, so fond.

“It hurts that bad?” He asked.

But Chuuya knew what he meant.

“Yes,” He whispered, “It hurts so bad.” So so bad.

“Oh, love.” And Dazai pulled him into an embrace. It felt so warm and so secure and it's everything Chuuya ever needed. So Chuuya let it all out. The pain from his head and the pain from his heart. He drained everything while Dazai rocked them left to right. Assuring him that he’s here and he’s never leaving.

Chuuya cried until he fell asleep. The exhaustion draining him in and out, both his psychical and his mental.

Dazai stayed with him, his arms wrapped around him. He stayed as he laid down Chuuya on the bed, closed all the lamps and settled beside him. His arm never leaving him throughout the night.

The next morning, they woke up early for school. Chuuya felt a bit disappointed in himself for not addressing the situation before he went to sleep. Dazai’s feeling towards him remained unlabelled.

Or he thought so.

Because Dazai pulled him before he could move downstairs as Fukuzawa-san was waiting to send them.

“Hey Chibi,” He placed a hand on his cheek, stroking it slowly, “Never hesitate to come to me. In school or on the street. I’ll be there for you.”

Chuuya hold on that.

He should have taken Mori-san’s suggestion and takes a sick leave. But here he was, not an hour into school wishing he could have just fainted. It was easier than enduring the throbbing pain in his head. It was partially his fault as he skipped the pills, lest he’ll sleep throughout the lesson.

“Chuuya, are you okay?” Tachihara was getting concern.

“Mn, just a normal headache.” He shouldn’t lie but Tachihara will tell Higuchi and Higuchi will tell Gin and Gin will drag him with her bare arms to the infirmary. She was scary like that. And motherly like that.

He endured the on and off pain until finally, it was break time.

The rest of them practically dragged him to the cafeteria claiming he looked as pale as a ghost and need something to eat.

Chuuya tried to act normal but the bright sun, the noise and everything seemed to only make it worse.

Then, he spotted Dazai sitting with his friends, laughing and chattering.

“I’ll be there for you.”

He stood up, ignoring the surprise looks on his friends at the sudden movement and walked towards Dazai until he was standing behind him.

It took the brunette few seconds to notice him, and he only noticed Chuuya when the cafeteria grew silent -eager to see what will unfold between the two boys who have been dancing around their lips for more than a week now.

Dazai followed everyone’s eyes and turn around, surprised to see the Chibi.

“Hey, what’s up?” He stood up and towered above Chuuya.

The redhead said nothing but rested his forehead on his chest. “It hurts, Osamu.”

Calm, dear heart. Dazai chanted. He wrapped his left hand around his thin waist and rest his right hand on the red head. “Let’s go home, then.”

Dazai looked forward only to make eye contact with a seething Fyodor. Dazai tightened his hold and smirked.  

And just for his personal sadistic satisfaction, he kissed the Chibi’s head. Making sure everyone there gets the point.

That Chuuya was his.

They ended up leaving school, Mori was the one taking them this time. Dazai requested to be sent to their home.

Dazai stroked the Chibi’s hair. His mouth humming some random song he heard on the radio. The smaller now laid down with his head on Dazai’s laps. Enjoying the serenity created around them. He was high on medicine and on the verge of sleeping.

“You’re so sickly, Chuuya.” His voice soft, yet it held a huge amount of barely concealed concerns.

“Can’t help it.” A sombre smile on the Chibi’s perfect face, “You only love me like this.”

Dazai froze and Chuuya lost himself to the dreamland.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Plus, one

Dazai felt like shit.

His throat felt like sandpaper, his nose snotty and his body shivering.

Oh great, a fucking fever, he grumbled inwardly. 

And that’s how Chuuya found him.

First thing Chuuya did was laughed at his face.

“Chuuuyaaaaa,” Dazai whined. “I’m hurting.”

“Oh god, this is gold. Wait lemme take a picture.” And took a picture he did. With flashlight and everything. “Hashtag Mackerel’s first time sick. Posted.” Chuuya grinned.

“Mackerel?” Dazai let out an offended noise.

“You sure look very fishy now, Osamu.” Then, he sniffled his hair, “Smells like it too.”

 “Chuuyaaaaa.”

Still, Chuuya did everything he could to assist the mackerel’s needs. Except showering, it’s not included in the job description.

Later when Dazai settled down with a cooling patch on his forehead, a new box of tissues beside him, pills swollen, soup eaten, he patted the empty spot besides him.

“Don’t wanna. I’ll get infected.” Chuuya denied his invitation with a light heart.

Dazai whined for the umpteenth time that day, “Chuuyaaaa-”

Chuuya slammed his mouth shut with his hands. “Would you please stop? It’s getting annoying.” But he still crawled over Dazai and placed his head on his shoulder.

It was silent for a few minutes until Dazai held his chin and tilt his face upwards.

He whispered softly, “May I kiss you?”

Chuuya was starstruck. Dazai looked breath taking with the ruffled hair and shiny eyes. Deep blush adorning his cheeks. “I’ll get sick.” He peeped put.

Dazai smiled fondly, “Then get sick.” A hand on his cheek,

“And get old,” A hand around his waist,

“And die.” A shy smile. “Together.”

And that’s a confession if Chuuya ever heard one and he heard them a lot. So, he sealed it with a soft kiss on the lips. And as if that wasn’t enough, Dazai affirmed it with his own words.

“I love you, chibi.”

It wasn’t clear where at one point their feelings bloomed. In between taking care of each other and putting trust on one another. They fell in love.

“I love you too, mackerel.” Chuuya pulled the sick fish incredibly close to him until they share the same air and their heartbeat synchronised.

Soon, it will be revealed how Dazai has always wear his wedding rings on the chain around his neck. And he’ll get mad at Chuuya for putting his on their apartment’s keychain. It was diamond, he’ll cries. I was trying to not look desperate, Chuuya defense.

They will renew their vows right after graduation, this time including their friends and family.

And they will move inside Chuuya’s childhood home.

For now, they basked in the glow of love and happy ending.