Archive of Our Own ^beta

There are many advantages to being an idol under ADA.

They’re given relative freedom to pursue their interests. Their schedules are considered humane by industry standards. They receive full support from their agency, which means that they don’t need to think about much else aside from honing and pursuing their craft. They’re also very popular, so they don’t have to worry about losing their livelihood or fading into obscurity.

Their lead dancer is also the darling of reporters and social media. Dazai Osamu possesses what is affectionately dubbed a ‘resting flirty face’, which means that simply going out and breathing is bound to generate countless clicks. Even his interaction with an elderly cleaning lady could spawn numerous howls of ‘That should have been me!!!’ and edits replacing the older woman with someone else. Every single one of his interviews is guaranteed to turn viral; there’s even a memorable time when he’s shipped with his microphone, purportedly due to how seductively he held it while answering questions.

…In any case, it means that all the other members don’t really have to think much about their own images, because Dazai’s presence is bound to attract all of the attention, be it positive or negative.

Of course, not everything is sunshine and roses.

There’s a major setback to being part of ADA… and that is being in the presence of Dazai Osamu’s ‘offline self’.

If the Dazai Osamu seen by the audience is considered as insufferably flirtatious, the Dazai Osamu unseen by the cameras is an entirely different beast altogether.

“Would it kill you to be a bit more subtle?!” Kunikida is pretty sure that his blood pressure is soaring to heights never seen before. He’s also beginning to be concerned about premature baldness. “Did you really have to answer the interview that way? You practically recited the lyrics from Nakahara’s song!!!”

Dazai squints at their group leader. “Ku~ni~ki~da-kyuuun, why do you know the lyrics to that shorty’s song?” His eyes narrow further. “Are you telling me that you’re an actual fan?”

Atsushi, Tanizaki and Kenji immediately try to make peace, getting in-between the two. Dazai’s temper is mild, most of the time. The only exception is whenever there’s a certain someone from a rival agency involved.

“It’s a pretty popular song!”
“Chuuya-san’s composition is always very catchy…”
“It really cannot be helped…”

“Dazai-kun really just cannot help himself,” Ranpo chimes in with perfect timing, as expected of their main rapper. He’s busy on his phone, probably chatting with a certain friend about whatever mystery novel he’s currently reading. “He’s such a big fan of Chuuya-kun, after all.”

“I’m not a fan of that shorty,” comes the immediate retort. “Researching and knowing the enemy is key to crushing such a tiny chibi under my heel, that’s all.”

Ranpo snorts with laughter, but doesn’t bother arguing. Kunikida sighs loudly. The three younger members certainly wouldn’t invite trouble by pointing out that there’s a Chuuya-shaped reason why Dazai’s room is off-limits even for casual behind-the-scenes filming.

Here, Dazai would like to make it known that he’s Definitely Not Obsessed with a shorty, thank you very much. It’s just that he has so much money from being so successful, that it could be considered poverty alleviation to buy merchandise of another idol group. That said, he’s not a saint. He only buys merchandise of one member. But he’s not obsessed. It’s just that he has decided ever since that fateful day that he’d make sure that he’d be so successful that he could crush a certain chibi when it comes to popularity and fame.

…He’s Definitely Not Obsessed because he passed by a certain someone training late into the night, all sweaty and loose-limbed, with nothing but shorts and an askew tank top and a messy bun of red curls. That sight of a small, redhead trainee hasn’t been burned into his memory over the past couple of years. He’s Definitely Not a Fan of that shorty just because of that one glimpse, okay?

And then Dazai’s phone pings with a special ringtone. One that is especially arranged to only sound when a certain someone’s Twitter posts something.

Dazai isn’t one of Chuuya’s fans, but he immediately tunes in to Chuuya’s Twitter anyway.

-

[NEW] FLAGS 031826 Livestream Q&A.

Q: Have you had the chance to watch The Detectives’ interview?
A: [Piano Man] Our group is currently focusing on working on our album. We employ a closed-door policy during this time, I’m sure you understand. [Albatross] We’re living like monks, I tell you! No phones, no nothing! [Lippmann] It’s to ensure that we focus on giving the best performance to the fans who support us.

Q: Do you think there’s any possibility that ADA’s Dazai Osamu is a fan of your group’s songs?
A: [Piano Man] Music is a universal language. Anyone has the right to listen and like anyone’s music. Of course, it’d be an honor if an esteemed peer turns out to enjoy our songs.

0001: Thank you OP for posting!
0002: Chuuya-baby didn’t speak much… He looks a bit sick, is he okay?
0003: He probably heard that the mackerel plagiarized his song lyrics and is sick to his stomach ☹
0004: I don’t think that’s how plagiarism works…
0005: Maybe he’s just swooning deep inside at the idea of Dazai-san being his fan <3

0006: Even delusions should have limits, oi…
0007: OMG the way Dazai and Chuuya held their mics during the interview are the same… They even leaned their elbows at the same angle… They’re so married AAAAAAAAAAA
0008: Someone needs to take their meds ASAP
0009: Can people stop creating something out of nothing?! Those two haven’t even interacted one bit! They haven’t even breathed the same air in the same frame!!!
0010: Isn’t it cute that Piano Man now sounds very leader-like in his replies 😊

0011: Seems like he wasn’t joking when he said that Lippmann trained him on how to answer reporters 😊
0012: PianoLipp is so much better than whatever delusion that is about Chuuya and Dazai <3
0013: TRUEEEE

-

Contrary to his flamboyant style onstage, Nakahara Chuuya could be considered as quite the quiet person. Whenever he’s not dancing his heart out or rapping, he prefers to go on drives alone, or to shop for cute hats on his own, or to go pet shops and stare at dogs. A lot of times, he stays cooped up inside his private studio, focusing on writing lyrics for their group’s next song.

Despite the fact that he’s almost-always trailed by photographers and fans whenever he breathes, he doesn’t have strange interests or hobbies that could cause scandals.

“You look constipated,” Doc tells him after the interview, knocking his forehead lightly with a bottle of iced water. “You okay?”

“Oh, that’s just his usual,” Albatross says with a wave of his hand. “He’s too busy trying to stop himself from squeeing, that’s all.”

Chuuya protests hotly. “There’s no squeeing whatsoever!”

“Of course,” Lippmann agrees easily. “Our Chuuya-kun is very mature and very much in control of his emotions. He wouldn’t be the sort to become so giddy at the thought of someone from a rival group listening to our songs so intently that he inadvertently copies our song lyrics as an interview answer.”

The words give off a feeling of being a carefully-woven trap. Chuuya chooses to agree anyway. “Our music is very famous. It can’t be helped that even idols from rival agencies could know the lyrics.”

Unbeknownst to Chuuya, his ‘cool, calm and collected’ persona disappears on certain situations. One is whenever he sees a cute dog. Two is whenever he is in close proximity with wine. Three is whenever he spots a nice hat. Four and foremost is whenever Dazai Osamu is involved.

Chuuya isn’t a fan. If asked, he’s going to vehemently classify himself as a Hater™. He hates how Dazai Osamu always has that fishy, smarmy smirk on his face, like he’s some gigolo who’s out to scam unsuspecting people out of their money. He hates how Dazai Osamu’s silky voice works so well in their songs, as well as whenever he’s flirting aggressively with pretty much everyone he’s ever had to interact with. He hates how Dazai Osamu simply breathing and existing seems to be a seduction in itself already. He hates how Dazai Osamu doesn’t seem to have a single muscle in his stupid, lanky body, but is able to dance like he’s some bewitching boneless snake.

In any case, Chuuya is a Hater™ with a capital H.

“…Chuuya-san, your face is very red.”

He rubs his cheeks, in an effort to dispel the heated flush on them. “You’re just seeing things, Akutagawa.”

Because he’s a good junior, Akutagawa keeps his reaction to a very mild and simple, “Oh, is that so.”

-

[NEW] FLAGS NEW ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!

0117: Can someone with better skills than me place two videos side-by-side? Chuuya-san in [Spring Breeze] 1:24-1:29 synchronizes really well with Dazai-san in [when a genius falls in love] 1:24-1:29… They planned this to show their love <3
0118: You’re right and you should say it! Placed side-by-side, it’s like they’re holding hands across two MVs <3
0119: …………………………
0120: If you really must ship someone, why not go for Akutagawa and Dazai? At least Akutagawa has actually spoken to and about Dazai directly????
0121: You don’t get it. It’s best to ship those that have no hope of ever meeting. Keeps things exciting <3

0122: Speak for yourself!!! I know that Dazai-san and Chuuya-san are hiding a torrid affair from all of us!!!!!!!!!!!
0123: TIL that torrid is an actual word
0124: Here are the videos side-by-side, you’re welcome.

-

Dazai is Definitely Not Obsessed.

Any move of his that somehow leads to following or observing the movements of one Nakahara Chuuya is just him doing market research. FLAGS is from a rival agency and occupies a similar market as The Detectives. He’s simply doing his due diligence as an idol member to want to keep his group on top.

By ordering a hundred CDs of the new FLAGS album, Dazai ensures that there are a hundred less people who could be infected by the other group’s performance. That’s a hundred less people who could listen to the songs penned by a shorty. That’s a hundred less people who could see the CD jacket where a chibikko couldn’t be bothered to wear a jacket properly, causing it to fight for its life while clinging to the other’s shoulders. That’s a hundred less people who could obtain the extra benefits, which includes photo cards of FLAGS members, which unfortunately includes a hatrack smiling cockily at the camera while riding a pink motorbike.

Of course, Dazai listens and watches immediately. He’s quick to pinpoint certain areas. He’s able to spot the parts focused on the tiny man. He’s able to memorize those sequences, but that’s because he’s a genius who has a very big brain. That’s why, he instantly recognizes certain parts. When he logs in (using a burner account) to the special members forum for the FLAGS Official Fan Club, he’s delighted to see that there are others who’ve noticed a certain timestamp.

“It really looks like he’s trying to hold my hand,” Dazai says in utter disgust. His reflection on his phone screen has a wide smile. “If he confesses to being my fan, I wouldn’t make him beg too much for my autograph.”

While still incredibly disgusted, Dazai logs in and posts a video under POST 0124.

-

[NEW] Love and Beauty EP is Dazai Osamu’s (terrible) love confession to Nakahara Chuuya

• A Little Beauty
  • Dazai’s leather jacket matches that of Nakahara’s from his limited edition Fifteen photocard
  • The lead female dancer chosen this time studied under the same salsa instructor as Nakahara once did
  • The lead female dancer has specifically dyed her hair in the same shade of red as Nakahara’s
  • The rest of the back-up dancers all have wavy hair in the same length as Nakahara’s
• Skin and Heart
  • The posters in Dazai’s bedroom all have actors with blue eyes
  • The so-called ‘ideal man’ shown has a collection of fedoras, Nakahara’s favorite type of hat
  • There’s a shot of Petrus in the banquet, which is supposedly Nakahara’s favorite wine
  • The lyrics state that ‘twenty-one is the perfect distance’; the height difference between Dazai and Nakahara is twenty-one centimeters

In conclusion: Dazai is dropping massive hints that he’s in love with Nakahara.

Posted by chairman 20 minutes ago

0001: ………………
0002: ………………
0003: ………………
0004: ………………
0005: ………………

0006: I haven’t seen chairman post in quite some time. Looks like you’ve been hiding this kind of bombshell, huh.
0007: Oh, great, the leader of delulu is back again!! Why have they not banned this user yet!!!!
0008: Wait, did I miss something? I thought Love and Beauty is by Tsushima Shuuji?
0009: Wow, do you live under a rock? Tsushima Shuuji is the name Dazai-san uses whenever he releases something solo 😊
0010: chairman should go play in the NBA with that kind of reach

0011: tbh the shippers really confuse me because why these two?! they never even interacted?! dazai has flirted with a gazillion people, go ship him with them????
0012: But none of those gazillion people have luscious red curls and blue eyes and a love for leather jackets 😊
0013: Fyodor is right there, very vocal about wanting to collab with Dazai…
0014: the only time fyodor can be considered a redhead, that’s probably blood on his hair…
0015: is it true that Dazai and Chuuya have 21 centimeters height difference?? Is Chuuya really that short?

0016: he’s so short that Dazai-kun can’t even see him, so stop shipping them together!!! think of how painful it’d be for Dazai’s neck to bend down that much!!!
0017: my man’s too tall to see dirt <3
0018: Leave Chuuya-san alone, he’s not the one being sus in his EP
0019: coincidental little things and you already consider that sus…
0020: Now that I think about it, Chuuya’s hair and eye color combination is really quite unique, huh.

0021: I think it’s even more amazing that Dazai and Nakahara really haven’t interacted at all, given how connected the industry is. Have they really not even passed by each other before??
0022: If you ask these kinds of questions, you’re going to activate the delusions of chairman and the rest of the delulu squad
0023: hmm idk the more they avoid each other, the more i suspect there really is something
0024: Nakahara has participated in Doki-Doki Mystery variety show with Ranpo. Nakahara has been a special guest along with Kenji in that Farming segment in Daily Morning. Nakahara and Tanizaki were guests for that Tarot Card special in Nippon100. Nakahara and Atsushi teamed up for that haunted cinema episode of Horrorscape. Nakahara and Kunikida were on the same team during that Fifth-Grade Maths Olympiad Celebrity Edition. So basically, Nakahara already had interactions with everyone from The Detectives, aside from Dazai.
0025: They’re avoiding being seen together because then their relationship would be super obvious <3

0026: Or they hate each other so much that everyone’s steering clear of pairing them up?
0027: Are we all just gonna ignore the fact that Dazai promoted his EP by saying that this is dedicated to a small, beautiful thing?
0028: Dazai-san is a giant, everything is small to him <3 So he’s dedicating it to me <3
0029: I didn’t even notice before, but wow?? Chuuya’s range?? He’s good everywhere!
0030: How in the hell does Nakahara have a favorite wine when he’s infamous for being drunk with just one sip of alcohol???

-

“—helloooo, Chuuya?”

Most of the time, Chuuya’s actual personality and actions matches that of his onstage persona of being a ‘cool and approachable senpai’. He may not be as extroverted as Albatross, or as at-ease with reporters as Lippmann, or as much of a joker as Piano Man, but he’s not particularly disinclined with being the center of attention. He’s also unanimously praised for his attentiveness, able to remember small details about another person, or take care of fans when he’s doing fan-meets.

There are rare exceptions to this. One is whenever there’s a cute dog involved, causing Chuuya to lose all sense of his surroundings so he can focus on (internally) gushing about the dog’s cuteness. Two is whenever he inhales near an opened wine bottle, causing Chuuya to get intoxicated quickly. Three is whenever there’s a nice hat in the vicinity, causing Chuuya to single-mindedly focus on assessing the hat’s qualities and add it to his collection.

Four and foremost is whenever Dazai Osamu is involved.

The existence of exclusive forums accessible only to verified VIP fan club members isn’t a secret to agencies and the idols themselves. It is not unheard-of for some idols to register under a throwaway account in order to follow topics related to themselves.

Right now, Chuuya is intently reading and re-reading the post by one of the users that he’s subscribed to. “User chairman, you’re a genius,” he mutters under his breath, clutching his phone like a lifeline.

Of course, being Dazai Osamu’s number one fan—oops, Hater™—Chuuya has watched and re-watched the entirety of the Love and Beauty EP at least a hundred times. Prior to reading chairman’s post in the forum, Chuuya even wondered if he’s too tired and lacking vitamins, causing him to hallucinate certain things.

Now, he has refreshed chairman’s post at least twenty times, partly in hopes of seeing it updated with more ‘evidence’. “I knew I wasn’t hallucinating that chick’s hair and the Petrus,” he grumbles, refreshing the post another time.

A part of him is thrilled at the possibility that the post is true, and Dazai really deliberately placed all those hints in his EP. A part of him is also struck with bewilderment, because how in the hell had he managed to not cross paths with Dazai, not even once? Is it the universe’s way of giving him a Level 99 hurdle? Or is this a sign that he really should just stay as a hater and stay far, far away from the guy with the fishiest, most seductive smirk known to mankind?

“—Chuuya, if you keep on ignoring me, I’m going to turn down this collaboration with Dazai Osamu.”

“—HAAAAA?!” In a span of a split-second, Chuuya drops his phone and turns into the most attentive employee ever. “Explain it quickly, Shirase.”

“So now you’re paying attention to me?” As Chuuya’s long-time friend and manager, Shirase is aware of the other’s hidden collection of Dazai Osamu merchandise. “I’ve been calling your name for the past fifteen minutes…”

“And now I’m paying full attention,” Chuuya says quickly. “What were you saying about a collab?”

Despite Shirase’s misgivings about his friend’s bias, he goes into work-mode immediately. “Illuminations invited the two of you as their brand ambassador. There’s already a full line-up of paired endorsement activities for you two.”

Based in France, Illuminations is a luxury clothing brand known worldwide. Being named as a brand ambassador is no small feat, especially since most of their previous endorsers were Hollywood sensations with at least two Oscars or Golden Globes under their belt. This move is a sign of the brand’s desire to expand into the Asian market and the younger demographic. More importantly, Illuminations is known for always naming two brand ambassadors at the same time—always choosing those who are in a relationship, or at least in rumors of one.

“Do you know what this means, Chuuya?”

Chuuya’s breath catches in his throat. “That the marketing team of Illuminations ships me with Dazai?”

Shirase resists the urge to hit this star who somehow loses braincells whenever there’s a certain someone involved. “It means that you’re going to be incredibly busy in the next couple of weeks, oi.”

-

[NEW] Nakahara Chuuya named as brand ambassador for Illuminations!

0059: OMG they have such good taste, picking our Chuuya-san <3 <3 <3
0060: Glory to Illuminations! A hundred more years of prosperity to Illuminations!
0061: headline is fake news, he’s a *co-ambassador
0062: Chuuya haters aren’t welcome here, go back to the hole where you crawled from, thanks <3
0063: Why would they pick those two together though

0064: Maybe the Fall collection has a theme of Parent-Child lmaooooooo
0065: just thinking about how their pictures would turn out… it’d be like “bring your child to work” sobs
0066: Chuuya’s so small that if he stands behind Dazai nobody would see him
0067: maybe the delulu fangirls were right… maybe Dazai and Chuuya interacted before… it’s just that Chuuya was so small we didn’t see him…
0068: already looking forward to another post by chairman dissecting the photoshoots lol

0069: 69 nice
0070: so happy for Chuuya-san… this is his biggest endorsement since the start of his career <3 I feel like a proud mother <3
0071: it’d be so much nicer if this was a solo endorsement instead of someone riding his coattails
0072: girl if anyone’s doing the coattail-riding here, it’s defo not dazai
0073: Illuminations only ever has paired brand ambassadors so toxic solo fans can shut up

0074: Illuminations only ever names pairs that are already in a relationship 😊 so what does this mean 😊
0075: it means times are changing & they want to mix it up
0076: tbh is illuminations aware of some gossip that they’d like to share with the class??
0077: During the 2025 New Year gala, The Detectives had a performance in the Yokohama Open Air Stadium. The performance began at 11:15pm. FLAGS were guests in the New Year countdown and had a performance that ended 10:45pm. The venues are 15 minutes away from each other. It’s totally possible for Dazai and Chuuya to have a secret tryst after the FLAGS performance. That would explain why Dazai had rosier cheeks than usual during their performance. He explained it away as excitement about the new year, but we all know better. In the interview afterward, he mentioned wanting to try riding a motorcycle. And who’s a known motorcycle enthusiast? Chuuya. In conclusion, they were secretly dating at that time.
0078: Sir, this is a Wendy’s.

-

Dazai isn’t a stranger to beauty. Just one look at the mirror should be a testament to that. But there’s something about Nakahara Chuuya. He doesn’t even have to do a particular pose, but he already exudes such aura. It’s a little overwhelming. It makes Dazai hot under the collar. And it’s especially hot, given that the photo shoot for Illuminations involves winter coats and so many layers.

The solo photos are a breeze to get through. Dazai just has to focus on doing his own thing, letting his looks and physique carry him.

But the photos with the two of them together…

It’s the first time they’ve ever had to shake each other’s hands and introduce themselves to each other. It’s the first time that Dazai has had to see Chuuya nod his head at him and tell him “Nice to meet you” and “Let’s work well together”. It’s the first time that Dazai has had the chance to smell Chuuya’s infamous perfume up close. It’s the first time that Dazai has had the opportunity to stand close to the other and see the whorl on top of the other’s head.

It’s… really a bit overwhelming.

“—Stand a bit closer together, look straight at the camera, yes, that’s it—”

Dazai takes a deep breath and utilizes his years of experience in controlling his facial expression, in order to not look like he’s having so many emotions being so close to a chibikko.

-

[NEW] Leaked photos for Illuminations Fall Edition Center Spread

0125: tbh how did chairman even get these leaks
0126: you misspelled ‘thank you chairman for these leaks’
0127: Am I the only one who’s not really feeling the photos? They look so stiff and awkward.
0128: you misspelled ‘they look hot’ actually
0129: They look nice individually, but there’s something off with their chemistry.

0130: Because there’s absolutely none between them.
0131: Chuuya looks so constipated near Dazai…
0132: And Dazai actually looks so un-flirty, it’s unreal…
0133: They’re squeeing so much inside that they end up looking constipated…
0134: They’ve been scolded by their managers about their relationship, and are doing their best to pretend to not know each other 😊 But see how Dazai’s hand keeps on straying to his side? He’s subconsciously trying to grab Chuuya’s waist 😊

0135: Dreaming in broad daylight truly is a skill…
0136: Their matching coats look so delicious <3 Dazai can hug Chuuya inside his coat <3 So cute <3
0137: Are we all just going to ignore that blurry shot of Dazai’s phone? His music player shows that he’s listening to FLAGS 😊
0138: Now that they’re co-ambassadors, he should at least know something about his partner, right?
0139: Chuuya’s hair shifted a bit between shots 7 & 8… Did Dazai help him adjust it? 😊

0140: I heard that it’s Chuuya’s suggestion for them to have matching chokers in one of the shots 😊
0141: That only proves that at least one of them has good aesthetic sense…

-

Chuuya has three identities in FLAGS. He’s the songwriter, one of the rappers and the main dancer. Dancing is the main reason why he’s in this industry. The freedom of movement that it allows him makes him feel like he has a supernatural ability to control gravity.

His excellent control over his limbs goes hand-in-hand with his top-tier physical attributes.

…Which is why, it really shouldn’t take a lot of effort for him to control his tongue and the rest of his body. He shouldn’t be so stiff and awkward standing beside Dazai. He should be able to play this coolly. He’s a successful figure in his own right. He isn’t inferior to the man beside him.

Illuminations has successfully launched the two of them as this year’s brand ambassadors. The photoshoot is done, and the magazines are on sale tomorrow. Now, the only thing that Chuuya has to worry about is getting through this after-party. It’s a lot more casual and private, with reporters kept at bay near the entrance. There are less eyes on the attendees, though of course that doesn’t mean that he could just do whatever he wants.

“…I watched you on Doki-Doki Mystery,” Dazai says after a few moments of awkwardly standing together, nursing a half-full glass of champagne. “Your approach to solving the problem is certainly… unique.”

He swallows down the reflexive surprise at the other man watching any of his past appearances. He remembers it well, because Edogawa Ranpo has taken to calling him ‘Fancy Hat’ after their meeting. “Beating up everyone is a faster way of solving a mystery if there are a hundred culprits.”

“Like I said, it’s very unique. Certainly not how I would have solved it.”

“You do seem like the sort who’d go for the smarty-pants way. Same as Edogawa.”

“Oh, that is a bit too orthodox for my tastes.” Dazai leans down a bit, body turning to him, as if to separate their space from everyone else. The after-party isn’t particularly loud, but this little maneuver gives them the illusion of privacy. “I’d prefer to trick the mastermind into revealing themselves and all their tricks.”

Chuuya takes a sip of his drink, feeling mildly drunk. He meets that reddish-brown gaze head-on, even if he could feel his cheeks burning. There’s really something about Dazai’s presence that brings about a seductive air, like he’s really interested in getting to know the secrets of his conversation partner. His bedroom stare coupled with his low voice: it’s a sure-fire combo to win hearts.

The mild intoxication loosens his tongue and his inhibitions. “You do seem like the sort to be lazy and prefer to sit back and let others do the work.”

“You do seem like you’ve spent some time thinking about what I’m like.” A smirk. “I’ll have you know that I’m a hardworking idol who dedicates all his time to creating works that makes my fans happy.”

“You say you’re hardworking, but in A Little Beauty, you let the other dancer do all the hard work.” The choreography for that EP seems different from the rest of Dazai’s portfolio. It’s almost as if the dance is meant for someone else. It has a lot of moves that Chuuya’s pretty sure would fit someone of his body type and repertoire—not that any of FLAGS believes him. Only Akutagawa entertains his ramblings about how he’d dance so much better than the other redhead dancer, but that’s because Akutagawa is a good junior.

Dazai comes closer, to the point that their heads are practically touching. “Oho? Is that a challenge I hear?”

Competitiveness is hardwired into Chuuya’s bones. He cocks his eyebrow and grins. “It’s me telling you that your part in that choreography can’t be considered as hardworking.”

“And are you about to show me just how hard you can work the dance floor then, little Chuu-Chuu?”

Secret crush or fan or hater or not, Chuuya’s not about to let this slide. “Oh, I’m going to make you eat your words.”

-

[NEW] Illuminations After-Party Private Dance Challenge

3446: wow
3447: wow
3448: wow
3449: sorry for interrupting this, but wow
3450: why am I not rich enough to be invited to these kinds of parties sobs

3451: did dazai-san really just upload this to his main account and caption it as “little fairy” i’m so
3452: did someone hack his account
3453: did someone hack his brain directly
3454: i thought his manager had a chokehold on his socmed
3455: The power of love triumphs over all <3

3456: I KNEW IT!!! THAT CHOREOGRAPHY IS MEANT FOR CHUUYA!!!! IT FITS HIM SO WELL AAAAAAAAAAAAA
3457: It only means that Chuuya’s a much better dancer than that girl.
3458: All those who said that Dazai and Chuuya have 0 chemistry!!! COME OUT AND FIGHT!!!! IS THAT 0 CHEMISTRY IN THE ROOM WITH US RN!!!
3459: can’t believe I had a nosebleed watching two men dance ayo
3460: Excuse you. That’s one man and his little fairy <3

3461: Nope. That’s one man and his little beauty <3
3462: they definitely dating
3463: they definitely explored each other’s bodies
3464: No way those two have dated. With that much sexual tension, they probably never even touched pinkies!
3465: Give me Dazai x Chuuya collab and my soul is yours!

-

“JUST HOW ARE YOU GOING TO EXPLAIN THIS!”

Gone is Kunikida’s carefully-styled hair. In fact, if one squints, they could see some clumps of blond hair at the other’s feet, no thanks to the stress that he’s been subjected to for the past few hours. As the team’s leader, there’s a hefty responsibility upon his shoulders.

The fact that Dazai is an unsubtle fanboy of someone from a rival agency isn’t exactly a secret to his teammates, but there are limits to this thing! It’s one thing to secretly amass merchandise, but it’s another thing entirely to post a scandalous video on his main account!

“IF YOU REALLY HAD TO UPLOAD SUCH A VIDEO WITH THAT CAPTION, COULDN’T YOU HAVE POSTED IT ON YOUR PRIVATE ACCOUNT.”

Kunikida resumes pacing around the room, which is a lot better than his initial reaction of simply strangling Dazai to get rid of the problem at the source. Deleting the video would have been better, but it has gone viral too quickly, and now they’re relegated to damage control.

But what can they say? That Dazai is too thirsty that he ended up leaking his true thoughts? That Dazai has been pining for so long that he has amassed a collection of endearments for the other party? That Dazai’s tastes in endearments are on the syrupy side, causing him to call a grown man a ‘little fairy’? They’re going to be finished!

“You see, I really wanted to upload it on my priv.” Dazai even raises a hand, as if to solemnly swear. His tone of voice is full of apologies, like he’s about to dig himself an early grave to make up for his mistakes. “After all, why would I want to let the rest of the world see such a… video? It should have been for my eyes only.”

Unfortunately, his contrite act is full of cracks. His eyes are glued on his phone, where he’s replaying the video for the five-hundredth time. His lips are stretched into a smile, presumably because he’s too proud of himself of tricking Chuuya into dancing with him in a choreography that he’s long fantasized the other into doing.

“Dazai-san looks so suspicious, grinning like that…”
“He looks so happy, it’s kinda scary…”
“He looks happier now compared to when we ate at that delicious buffet…”

The three younger members huddle together like chicks trying to weather the storm. They’re not that worried that ADA can’t find a solution for this matter. They’re more worried that they’d become witnesses and/or accomplices to Kunikida’s attempt to murder Dazai.

On the opposite end of the room, Ranpo is perched on his usual chair, casually snacking on some popcorn while playing on his phone. He has his earphones on, which means that he’s also on the phone with his Extremely Close Friend Edgar. No NDAs required for the unrelated civilian—in Ranpo’s words, it’s not as if Edgar talks to anyone else aside from him.

“Isn’t the solution easy,” Ranpo proposes the answer in an easygoing manner, like all of this is way beneath his genius. “They can just play it off as a teaser for a collab EP.”

Kunikida looks at him like he’s the only hope against early baldness. “Ranpo-san.”

Dazai also looks at their genius main rapper. “Ranpo-san,” he says with some awe.

“Six months of ramune,” comes the swift request for compensation, finishing the one-sided negotiation.

Dazai sighs and hands over a wad of cash, ignoring the outcry from the rest of their members, all protesting about how he still owes them various lunches.

With a giggle, Ranpo reminds him, “Though of course, as hardworking idols, you’d have to manage those dating rumors, wouldn’t you, Da~zai~kun~?”

-

[NEW] Dazai Osamu spotted visiting Port Mafia

0175: Dazai-san bringing snacks while looking like a snacc himself <3
0176: Is it just me or did Dazai look like he actually bothered to style his hair
0177: Are you calling Dazai-san unwashed
0178: didn’t he say something about not wanting to bother styling when he’s just out in casual clothes
0179: Nothing about his outfit today screams casual… They’re an exact match to Chuuya’s clothes from this photoshoot

0180: Are we just going to ignore the fact that he’s actually bringing food to a rival agency
0181: He’s famous and rich, he can afford these things <3
0182: Atsushi must be yelling back in ADA… Didn’t he say that Dazai’s super stingy and even mooches food from his juniors
0183: Dazai brought 7 cups of milk tea. He’s feeding his boyfriend and his in-laws <3
0184: wouldn’t be surprised if the food is poisoned

0185: you guys know this is all just publicity for that collab they just announced, right?
0186: no, this is just a man visiting his little fairy <3
0187: you’re wrong. this is just a man visiting his little beauty <3
0188: The brand that Dazai brought is the same brand that Chuuya mentioned from this interview last week that he wanted to try…
0189: As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach <3

-

The only constant thing in this world is change.

Chuuya’s not a stranger to rollercoasters in his life’s trajectory. From being born to a family with an uninterrupted bloodline of doctors and military, to deciding to pursue a career in the idol industry, he’s used to weathering all sorts of tumultuous storms.

Staying strong while adapting to changes is an important skill to master.

That said, he can’t help but feel a bit unbalanced by the recent slew of changes in his life. He’s gone from not having a single interaction with Dazai Osamu, to seeing the man practically every single day.

It’s not just about onscreen work, though there is indeed a lot of that. Illuminations is a famous luxury brand, and representing them involves a lot of engagements and appearances. There’s also that collaboration EP proposed by ADA, with him as the songwriter and rapper, and Dazai as the lead vocals. It would also involve a special appearance of Dazai playing the piano, a talent that he has supposedly kept a secret from the whole world.

Beyond the constant communication about their workload and the photoshoots and practices that happen in-between, Dazai’s presence is really just… everywhere.

Chuuya’s phone now has someone constantly texting him at all hours of the day. Dazai apparently has a habit of barraging him on LINE even when they’re seated beside each other. Dazai also makes it a point to visit Port Mafia every other day, bringing all sorts of food that he claims to have been charged from Kunikida’s credit card.

Dazai is around so much that Chuuya could even hallucinate the bandaged man being the 8^th member of FLAGS.

And the most annoying part is everyone seems to just accept this. The staff adore him, as Dazai has the habit of outrageously flirting with the housekeeping. Even Port Mafia’s President has made jokes about wanting to poach Dazai into their agency. Iceman and Doc tend to keep to themselves, but they could be seen energetically discussing things with Dazai whenever he’s around. Albatross getting along well with others is a given, but even the pickier Piano Man and Lippmann don’t seem to have any issues with Dazai waltzing into their agency unannounced. And let’s not even get to Akutagawa, who supposedly has been inspired to join the idol industry due to Dazai.

Shirase stands beside Chuuya and pats his shoulder. “Don’t glare too much. You look like you’re jealous, Chuuya.”

“I’m not,” he denies immediately.

It’s not like he’s some idiot who thinks that Dazai is constantly visiting because of him. This is all just a publicity stunt. He doesn’t have a reason to feel annoyed that Dazai is such a peacock, spreading his seductive pheromones everywhere. That’s just how the fishy mackerel is, flirting with everyone like he’d stop breathing otherwise.

And he’s especially flirty lately. Chuuya would know. He’s familiar with the other’s usual style, and he has noticed that Dazai’s been wearing fancier outfits whenever he’s around. A guy who’s infamous for thinking that bandages are the height of fashion accessories, actually bothering to style himself. It’s strange. It’s not so strange if he thinks of it as the other man just being an insufferable flirt.

“—And here’s yours,” Dazai’s voice pierces through his thoughts. “I asked them to add more toppings, because a growing kid needs more nutrients. Not that you still have some hope of growing, chibikko.”

Attention sufficiently snagged, Chuuya jumps away from Shirase and starts yelling at Dazai, as part of their new bickering routine.

-

[NEW] Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya spotted on an arcade date (?)

0231: the blurriness of some of the pics should be considered a war crime
0232: this photo is too blurry, so i choose to believe that they’re holding hands here
0233: I thought idols aren’t allowed to date? Are ADA and PM aware of this?!
0234: you guys are just outing yourselves as friendless slobs. friends go on arcades together okay?
0235: nope, that’s a man and his little fairy eloping at an old arcade <3

0236: nope, that’s a man and his little beauty eloping at an old arcade <3
0237: Dazai refusing to carry his own backpack during last week’s show, citing that he’s too weak. Today, Dazai carries Chuuya by the waist to help him play that basketball game 😊
0238: and then the next photo is of Dazai on the floor because he’s too weak to carry Chuuya completely ☹
0239: maybe chuuya is just too heavy ☹
0240: he has a big… heart, that’s all

0241: Chuuya once mentioned in an interview that his parents were very strict with his education, so he didn’t get the chance to play at arcades when he was younger. It’s sweet of Dazai to bring him here to make some memories 😊
0242: Now I believe those who say they’re not dating. Only someone thirsting and not in a relationship could look at someone like this good lord
0243: The word pining should have this picture right beside it in the dictionary
0244: Are we ignoring the fact that Chuuya won a gazillion plushies and gave them all to Dazai
0245: Are we ignoring the fact that today is Valentine’s Day?!

-

Dazai bends down for the iris scanner and waits for it to beep and allow him access.

After a couple of months of persistence, Dazai has managed to grow close enough to Chuuya to be admitted to his ‘inner circle’. He can’t help but muse that they’re unexpectedly similar in this regard; they’re both known to be quite personable, but they’re also guarded when it comes to their inner workings.

One of the privileges of being part of Chuuya’s trusted people is access to the private studio that he uses whenever he wants to keep to himself. This place is utilized often during Chuuya’s songwriting binges, and his occasional forays into making their group’s choreography.

Nobody greets Dazai at the door. He brings with him food and drink for two, charged to his group’s account, much to Kunikida’s consternation. Being this attentive to someone else’s needs isn’t like him, but he can’t help it. There’s something about such a tiny, little man that makes him want to wrap him up and take care of him under his wing.

Chuuya’s not someone who lacks care from others. It elicits the competitiveness in Dazai, the kind that makes him want to show off to the whole world that he’s the one who can best take care of the other.

Such thoughts accompany him as he makes his way inside the studio. Even from the doorway, he could hear thumps of footsteps against the shiny wood flooring. Faint clicks of a metronome serve as background noise. The melody and instrumentals haven’t been finalized for their EP, so Chuuya’s focused on getting the beat and timing right first.

It’s a small space that has bright lighting that simulates a stage. But what greets Dazai’s eyes is something even brighter, a supernova given human form.

It’s almost as if he’s been transported back to all those years ago, at that first glimpse of someone who had seemed so much like a flame nymph, a red-hot fairy who has deigned to grace humanity with his presence. Chuuya is as tiny as before, but his hair is a bit longer now, with more wavy strands breaking free from the messy bun atop his head. His tank top is as loose as before, and his shorts are as short as before too. But his muscle lines are much more defined now, honed by years of training and refinement. Sweat makes some of his hair stick to his neck, and there are droplets scattered all over the floor as a testament to his hard work.

He moves like he’s a beast prowling over his territory, like he’s a god intent on destroying all preconceptions about what is considered beautiful. He doesn’t have eyes for his surroundings, solely focused on his art. He’s even multitasking during his dancing, as his hands are occasionally jotting down something—lyrics, most likely—on a notebook, refining what he’s written depending on the beat.

In short: Dazai is utterly entranced.

He remembers seeing this similar scene from way back then.

At that time, he’d been despondent and melancholic, consumed by thoughts of not having any reason to strive hard to stay alive. Back then, he’d been thinking about how there was no beauty in this wretched world, and that it was a place purely occupied by suffering.

And it’s at that moment that he’d glimpsed a redhead trainee, trying so hard and so full of life, in a small space where there’s no certainty that he’d even debut and see the light of day.

Dazai looks at the star in front of him now and thinks, this is truly what could be called ‘the brilliance of life’.

-

[NEW] Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya spotted at Yokohama Marketplace

0294: Dazai and Chuuya are out on a date, fork found in kitchen, etc
0295: tbh these two are like, everywhere lately, these kinds of posts should just be archived at some masterpost?
0296: feels like they’re just terrorizing the whole Kanto region atp
0297: can’t bros shop together ayo
0298: they can shop together, but they shop together every day and are making conjoined twins seem not close enough

0299: bros can shop together, but Dazai can’t stop using Chuuya as an elbow-rest or chin-rest
0300: did Chuuya really have to grab Dazai by the wrist like this??
0301: he had to, otherwise Dazai was about to spray insecticide over the vegetables
0302: did Chuuya really have to shut Dazai up by shoving an apple to his face???
0303: IKR… could have just kissed him and be done with it

0304: you guys still remember that they’re idols and aren’t supposed to date anyone right
0305: Dazai solo and Chuuya solo stans should just accept that their fantasies would be all ‘he leaves you for another man’
0306: so apparently they’re close enough that Dazai can visit Chuuya’s room and eat his homemade meals?
0307: they’re close enough that Chuuya’s confident enough to trust Dazai near his kitchen… if that’s not true love, idk what is
0308: Atsushi’s frantically texting Chuuya telling him to keep Dazai away from the kitchen… what a good kouhai he is

0309: and because Chuuya’s phone is in Dazai’s clutches, Atsushi has to resort to contacting Akutagawa
0310: I smell another ship…
0311: supposedly Chuuya’s cooking something for Dazai because he lost a bet… I wonder what they bet on?
0312: on who’s more popular?
0313: no way, Chuuya’s not the sort to bet on his popularity

0314: maybe on who’s a better kisser <3
0315: are we all just ignoring the fact that this happened on Chuuya’s birthday???

-

Chuuya squints a bit as the bright light flashes to signal the beginning of the program recording. Beside him, Dazai immediately raises his hand and gently places a palm over his eyes, protecting him from the glare.

Pinched squealing erupts from the studio audience, but Chuuya couldn’t hear it due to the pounding of his heart. Months of interacting with Dazai hasn’t managed to completely dull his senses whenever the other does things like this. Sweet poison is how he’d like to classify it, because the sweetness is undeniable, and so is the ill-effects on his blood pressure.

Dazai’s palm stays over his eyes longer than necessary. Chuuya clicks his tongue and raises a gloved hand to drag it away. A chuckle tickles his earlobe. “Chibikko, if you hold my hand so tightly, I’m going to think that you have other designs on me.”

“Yes,” he agrees. “I plan on breaking your wrist, shitty mackerel.”

“Fufufu, what a violent little man you are.”

Something that has developed over the months of working together is the banter between them. He isn’t as careful as he’d usually be when it comes to other colleagues. He’s a lot less forgiving in his words compared to when he’s with friends. Before he knows it, Dazai has occupied a unique spot in his heart: that of someone that he secretly admires, openly works with, but not exactly just-a-friend, just-a-colleague or just-a-rival. It’s difficult to pinpoint just what their relationship is, but thankfully it’s not a topic that comes up in their conversation, so Chuuya could just go with the flow without thinking too deeply about it.

Today’s talk show isn’t as cooperative with his desire to not have to articulate his thoughts about their partnership.

Yosano Akiko doesn’t mince words as she gets into the heart of the matter. “What made you two decide on a collaboration?”

“As you know, in this kind of industry, it’s actually our bosses who made the decision,” Dazai smoothly responds, causing laughter to spread amongst the audience. Since this is a recorded program, both guests have been given copies of the program and the possible questions. Yosano Akiko is infamous for dropping incisive questions and pursuing less-vague answers though, which contributes to her show’s popularity.

Chuuya jabs a thumb to the other’s chest. “This guy bragged about his dancing skills to me, so I decided to witness it point-blank.”

“You’re remembering it wrong, chibikko.” At the nickname, the audience squeals. “I was simply talking about my hardworking personality.”

He harrumphs and crosses his arms over his chest. “And you’re the type of guy who’s never straightforward. We both know what you were really saying.”

“We both know, hmm?”

The topic dances a bit over the Illuminations endorsement. Yosano congratulates them on the magazine having to reprint twice due to high demand. Yosano also points out the prevalent criticism about their paired photos looking a bit stiff and awkward.

“Isn’t it because it’s our first meeting?” Dazai leans towards Yosano, like he’s about to start a conspiration. “I’ll have you know, the moment we met, I could sense this little guy’s hatred over my height. The way he glared at my legs… It’s really quite frightening.”

“I did no such thing!”

Yosano smiles. “So you’re telling me that there’s no truth to the rumors that the two of you have contact with each other prior to being named as co-ambassadors for Illuminations?”

“Never even breathed in the same frame as this guy,” Chuuya affirms.

“Mm, not quite true,” comes the slow, easy denial from Dazai.

Chuuya’s surprise is overshadowed by the loud gasp from the audience. Even though this is a recorded program, his surprise is completely genuine. “Huh? What are you talking about? I’m very sure we never met before.”

“You see, you’re quite small so there are a lot of things that you don’t manage to see.” Dazai laughs even when Chuuya swats his knee. With the two of them occupying the couch, it’s easy for them to tussle around.

“Then is this a case of a one-sided recollection?” Yosano looks interested in diving deeper into the topic. “Care to lead us down the memory lane then, Dazai-kun?”

“Yosano-san, since this is Very Exclusive News, I hope you share some profits from your bonus for this episode.”

“How shameless,” Chuuya cuts in before Yosano could reply. “With your level of popularity, shouldn’t you have way more money than you could spend?”

“Well, I’m busy buying food and drink and gifts for a certain someone and his family and friends.” A cheeky grin. “I’ll need a lot of finances to keep it up for a long time, yes?”

“Another shameless lie. Kunikida said that you’re charging it from his bank account.”

Dazai smoothly avoids the topic about the source of his funds for buying things whenever he visits Chuuya’s agency. “Buying a certain someone’s merchandise is not a cheap hobby.”

“Your partnership is close enough that you buy Chuuya-kun’s merchandise?” Yosano asks. “And don’t think you can throw me off about your tidbit about your past together, Dazai-kun.”

A low laugh. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Yosano-san.” Another chuckle. “If you ask my teammates, they’d be more than happy to tell you about the extra room I have requested just so I have enough space for the merchandise I buy.”

The erratic heartbeat returns to torment Chuuya. In a pinched voice, “…Are you for real, shitty Dazai?”

During the briefing prior to the start of the recording, they’ve been advised on the topics that would be covered. Before that, they’ve gone through coaching from their respective management. As idols, they have images to maintain. They’re already considered veterans, so they already know what topics are considered landmines. They already know what topics they can bring up, and what topics should be avoided at all costs.

They’re currently collaborating now. This program is supposed to promote the Double Black EP prior to its release tomorrow. Once the EP is released, their collaboration is considered to be completed successfully. Promotions will still happen in the aftermath, but the daily barrage of their interactions should begin to taper down. After all, at the end of the day, they’re idols from rival agencies, with their own respective groups. Their paths are destined to separate after being briefly intertwined.

Thus, even if there’s something that forms between them, even if a little bit of attraction is considered mutual between them, they should absolutely, certainly, definitely NOT fuel the rumors. They should be doing their utmost best to squash the rumors down and create smokescreens to dissipate any flames that could spark between them.

They shouldn’t be doing whatever Dazai is doing now.

…What even is he doing?!

Dazai grabs his wrist, presumably to stop him from whacking his knee again. He doesn’t let go, and Yosano’s gaze zeroing in on the physical contact tells him that she—and the audience—isn’t going to let this go either.

“Once upon a time, when a certain little man was even so much smaller,” Dazai starts, sounding like he’s about to regale them with a fairytale. “Trainees at that time all had to go to the same building to register.”

A memory sparks inside Chuuya. He remembers the regulation at that time. All idol trainees are briefly managed by one company, before being sent out on their different ways. He remembers coming in early to register, only to be asked to wait because there’s something wrong with his records. Presumably because they’re worried about his background, with his parents being high-ranking military officials. He remembers being frustrated, and deciding to vent his frustration by finding himself a room and dancing his heart out.

“We were fifteen then,” he could only say, sounding like he’s trapped in a fairytale too.

“Mm. It’s been quite some time.” An easy agreement. Dazai still doesn’t let go of his hand. “I spotted a little fairy spinning around like a hurricane… or maybe like a red Pomeranian chasing his own tail.”

“—Oi!”

Dazai taps his chin using his free hand. “It’s given me quite the first impression. So the moment I see him debut, I bought his merchandise.”

“And you’ve kept it up all these years?” Yosano asks, raising her eyebrows. When Dazai doesn’t refute, she smirks. “You’re quite the dedicated fan.”

“As I’ve said multiple times before, I’m very hardworking.” Dazai smirks back. “Now that this secret is out, I still hope that you could help finance my merchandise-buying by sharing some profits, Yosano-san.”

“With this kind of reveal, I’m sure plenty of lucrative collaborations will be offered to the two of you,” Yosano demurs. She turns to Chuuya, who’s still flabbergasted by this revelation. “Though you might need to resuscitate your partner. He doesn’t look like he’s breathing.”

Shirase would probably kill him. Chuuya grabs Dazai by the lapels, halfway between shaking him and dragging him nose-to-nose. “You’ve known me for that long? You’ve been following me for that long?!”

“Following sounds very sketchy.”

“You’re very sketchy!”

“And I didn’t exactly know you during that time.” When it comes to wordplay, there’s nobody else who can claim to be better than Dazai. One hand tucks a stray hair behind Chuuya’s ear. “See, back then, I didn’t know that your eyes look like lightning when you’re this angry this close to me.”

Despite his IQ suffering several blows whenever he breathes near Dazai, Chuuya’s actually a pretty smart person. With things laid out like this, there are matters that don’t need further words to explain.

He pushes down the urge to bite the other’s face. He gives one last shake to the other’s lapels and threatens, “If you’re lying about any of this, I’m going to make you wish you’re struck dead by lightning.”

The curve of Dazai’s lips is like a perfect crescent moon, surrounded by stars. “And if you try to pretend that you don’t understand any of this, I’m going to make you wish that you’d just sit on my lap during this entire interview.”

The odd words cause him to falter. “Ha?”

That gives Yosano enough room to cut in. “Now that things have developed to this point, can you tell me how you’d best describe your relationship?”

“With such a troublesome guy, I really don’t want to have a collaboration with him ever again,” gripes Chuuya. It’s not very convincing, he supposes, given that he still doesn’t break free from the hold Dazai has on his hand.

“Twenty-one is the perfect distance,” Dazai references the lyrics from Skin and Heart. With a beaming smile, he adds, “It’s a relationship where if I were forced to become Snow White, I’d think that nobody else would make for such an interesting, violent, little fairy of a chibi prince.”

-

[NEW] Dazai x Chuuya Master Post

• [LINK] [NEW] FLAGS 031826 Livestream Q&A.
• [LINK] [NEW] FLAGS NEW ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!
• [VIDEO] Spring Breeze vs when a genius falls in love 01:24-01:29 side-by-side comparison
• [LINK] [NEW] Love and Beauty EP is Dazai Osamu’s (terrible) love confession to Nakahara Chuuya
• In Doki-Doki Mystery, Nakahara beats up all suspects except for the detective with messy brown hair. He claims that he gives off such a strange aura.
• In Daily Morning, Nakahara wakes up early and cooks a traditional Japanese breakfast with mackerel and miso soup. He says that he hopes to practice cooking so that he can give breakfast to those who have terrible sleeping habits. The episode two weeks before has Dazai claiming that he has insomnia and that he’d like to have a traditional breakfast to wake him up fully.
• In Nippon100, Nakahara avoids answering the fortune-teller when she probes about his love life. He claims that he doesn’t need guidance about romance.
• In Horrorscape, Nakahara tells Atsushi that he should be less afraid because there seems to be reliable seniors around him.
• In Fifth-Grade Maths Olympiad Celebrity Edition, Nakahara talks about admiring a certain genius. The episode three months before has Dazai and Fyodor competing and Dazai being hailed as a genius.
  
  
• The lead photographer of Illuminations, Rimbaud, has visited The Detectives before and has reportedly seen the inside of Dazai’s merch-collection room. Rimbaud is the one who suggested naming Dazai and Nakahara as co-ambassadors. Illuminations only ever picks those who are in relationships or in rumors of one. Which means that Rimbaud has seen something suggesting that Nakahara should be paired with Dazai.
• During the 2025 New Year gala, Dazai has asked Atsushi to send a package to Akutagawa. This package is then forwarded to Nakahara under the guise of it being a gift from an avid fan. It’s an unmarked gift box that has a beige cable knit sweater that Nakahara has reportedly claimed to be an excellent gift. Dazai is seen wearing a matching sweater the next day.
  
  
• [LINK] [NEW] Leaked photos for Illuminations Fall Edition Center Spread
• [VIDEO] Dazai secretly touching Nakahara’s hair during the Illuminations Fall Edition Center Spread Photo Shoot
• Nakahara suggested to Illuminations head designer Paul Verlaine that they use matching chokers for the photo shoot. Dazai asked the head photographer Arthur Rimbaud for both chokers as a souvenir.
• During an interview for his Hai-Chew endorsement, Albatross claims that everyone in FLAGS have empty hearts except for Nakahara whose heart is full. He plays it off by saying it’s because Nakahara is too focused on his career, but he also claims that Nakahara is hard at work at being a collector of certain merchandise.
  
  
• In Daily Morning, Doc claims that amongst FLAG members, Nakahara is the one most likely to be diagnosed with love-sickness. Piano Man says that Nakahara’s type is someone who can play the piano well, but it isn’t him. Lippmann says that Nakahara’s type is one who is more dramatic than him.
• In Nippon100, Tanizaki says that while Dazai is the type who flirts with everyone, his heart is also surprisingly pure and loyal to only one person.
• [LINK] [NEW] Illuminations After-Party Private Dance Challenge
• At 00:01-00:02 of Dazai’s video of Nakahara’s dance challenge, a blurry close-up of Nakahara’s face is the most recent photo in Dazai’s camera reel.
  
  
• [LINK] [NEW] Dazai Osamu spotted visiting Port Mafia
• During an interview for his Supah Bowl endorsement, Kenji claims that Dazai has recently asked him for a favor to contact FLAGS to ask about Nakahara’s recent cravings. This comes right-before Dazai’s first casual visit to the Port Mafia agency.
• [LINK] [NEW] Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya spotted on an arcade date (?)
• All of the plushies that Nakahara won from the arcade were given to Dazai, and are displayed in The Detectives shelf during their 02/21 livestream.
• There’s a new Pomeranian charm on Nakahara’s phone during the 02/22 livestream for FLAGS. Nakahara claims that it’s a gift from an annoying guy.
  
  
• [NEW] Dazai Osamu and Nakahara Chuuya spotted at Yokohama Marketplace
• A delivery guy was spotted sending a huge bouquet of camellias to Port Mafia on Nakahara’s birthday. On the same day, Kunikida complains that someone had stolen his card details once again to pay an expensive florist.

And last, but not the least, there’s a pair of idiots holding hands right in front of my salad.

Posted by chairman 01 minute ago

0001: WTF CHAIRMAN IS EDOGAWA RANPO?!!!!!!!!

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end