Chapter Text
The sun blazed down on the Mallorca villa, reflecting off the crystal-clear pool. The doors swung open, and the first islander stepped through.
Chuuya Nakahara struts in, adjusting his hat, his eyes instantly scanning the perimeter. He’s confident, but his posture is completely defensive.
Chuuya: (Muttering) If the accommodation isn't up to standard, I'm turning right back around.
Right on his heels is Nikolai Gogol, who practically leaps into the villa with a theatrical, manic grin, waving his arms wide.
Nikolai: Welcome to the greatest show on earth! Or, well, this villa! Who’s ready for some absolute chaos?
Behind him, the air temperature seems to drop significantly. Fyodor Dostevsky walks in with a slow, measured pace, his face completely unreadable and cold. He doesn't say a word, simply taking a seat on the daybed, observing everyone like chess pieces.
Edogawa Ranpo strolls in next, completely relaxed. His eyes narrow as he takes in the entire layout of the villa, instantly reading the room.
Ranpo: (Smirking) Please, I already know exactly how this season is going to play out. It’s almost too easy.
Breaking the sudden tension, Atsushi Nakajima jogs in, laughing brightly to ease the awkward atmosphere.
Atsushi: Wow, this place is huge! I just hope I don't accidentally trip and fall into the pool on day one!
Following close behind is Edgar Allen Poe, who looks around curiously. He’s clearly excited but clutches a small notebook to his chest, looking incredibly nervous.
Ryuunosuke Akutagawa steps through the threshold next. The energy shifts instantly. He radiates a mysterious, dangerous, and downright threatening aura, coughing slightly into his hand and glaring at Atsushi.
Akutagawa: I am not here to make friends. Foolishness will not be tolerated.
Ozaki Kōyō walks in next, radiant and elegant. She immediately walks over to Chuuya, placing a comforting, motherly hand on his shoulder.
Kōyō: Calm down, Nakahara. Try to enjoy the sunshine for once.
Akiko Yosano steps in right after, completely calm but carrying an intense, unpredictable energy.
Yosano: If anyone needs medical attention this season... I'll be more than happy to dissect—I mean, treat your symptoms.
Fukuzawa Yukichi enters with a dignified, calm presence. Everyone in the villa instantly straightens up, showing immediate respect to his grounded nature.
Fukuzawa: Let us maintain order and integrity during our time here.
Finally, Mori Ougai steps in with a polite, slick smile. Akutagawa and Chuuya stiffen out of habit, but Yosano immediately glares daggers at him, her expression hardening. Mori’s smile falters slightly as he glances between Yosano and Kōyō, keeping his distance.
The Islanders gather around the fire pit as the speaker crackles to life.
Host (Voiceover): "Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to couple up! You’ll have the day to interact and get to know each other. Remember, chemistry can strike anywhere!"
While the rest of the islanders scatter to mingle, talk strategy, or glare at each other across the pool, Ranpo doesn't waste a single second. He walks straight over to Poe, who is sitting anxiously by the edge of the terrace.
Ranpo: (Placing his hands on his hips) Alright, let's skip the small talk. You’re with me. I already figured out we're the perfect match, so there’s no point in waiting around.
Poe: (Blushing furiously, startled) W-What?! Already? Ranpo, we've only just arrived! Are you truly certain?
Ranpo: (Grinning confidently) Of course I am! My deductions are never wrong. Now come on, let's go grab the best seats by the bar before anyone else takes them.
Poe offers a shy, genuinely happy smile, standing up to follow Ranpo, sealing the very first official couple of the villa.
Before the night falls, the villa splits into distinct factions. Despite the host's instructions to mingle, the Armed Detective Agency and the Port Mafia instinctively stake out opposite sides of the pool, keeping a tense, watchful distance from one another.
Over on the Port Mafia daybeds, Chuuya paces back and forth, crossing his arms and glaring across the deck. Kōyō sits elegantly under a parasol, sipping a cold drink.
Chuuya: This is ridiculous. Why do we have to share a roof with those agency hacks? And don't get me started on the rat.
Kōyō: (Calmly) Take a breath, Nakahara. Rash decisions won't serve you well here. Relax your shoulders and observe. You lose your advantage when you let your temper show.
Chuuya: (Sighs, rubbing the back of his neck) Yeah, yeah... I hear you, Ane-san. I'm just keeping my guard up.
The Decay of Angels, however, didn’t care about the groups’ separation.
By the outdoor kitchen, Atsushi was trying to mind his own business and fix a snack. Suddenly, Nikolai appears out of nowhere, leaning over his shoulder with a dramatic gasp.
Nikolai: Oh! A snack for a tiger, or a tiger of a snack? Tell me, Atsushi! If you had to choose between true love and absolute freedom, which one would you sacrifice first? Choose wisely, or the plot thickens!
Atsushi: (Jumping back, startled) Wha—?! I just wanted to make some toast! Please don't sneak up on me like that!
Near the lounge area, away from the loud chatter, Fyodor sits perfectly still. Ranpo walks past, holding a lollipop, and pauses. The two geniuses lock eyes, the air between them instantly turning sharp.
Fyodor: (Quietly) A fascinating strategy, securing a partnership so quickly. Do you truly believe foresight can protect you from the unpredictability of this environment?
Ranpo: (Unwrapping his lollipop, smirking) It’s not a strategy if it’s just a fact. I don’t need to guess what’s coming next, Fyodor. I already see the board. You can keep playing your little mind games, but you won't outsmart me.
Fyodor: (A faint, cold smile touches his lips) We shall see how well your deductions hold up when the rules inevitably change.
As night falls over the villa, the islanders gather around the fire pit, laughing and whispering about the day's events. The tension from earlier has settled into a quiet curiosity.
Suddenly, the heavy wooden front doors of the villa click open.
The chatter stops instantly. Everyone turns their heads. A silhouette stands in the doorway, casting a long shadow across the illuminated walkway. The newcomer steps forward into the dim light, a smirk playing on his lips as he looks over the shocked faces of the contestants.
???: "My, my... what a lovely gathering. I hope you left some room for me, because this game was getting far too predictable."
Chuuya: You’ve got to be kidding me... HIM?! Chuuya’s hands immediately ball into fists, his face flushing a bright, angry red as he glares at the entrance. He takes a step forward, completely forgetting the relaxed villa vibe, looking ready to throw the newcomer across the pool.
Kōyō: (Placing a firm, warning hand on Chuuya's shoulder) Chuuya. Control yourself. Everyone is watching.
Across the fire pit, the reaction is instantaneous. Mori’s polite smile completely vanishes, a rare look of genuine discomfort crossing his features as he shifts back a step.
Yosano, on the other hand, lets out a sharp, cynical laugh, crossing her arms with a look of pure amusement.
Yosano: Well, well. The drama just arrived. This vacation just got a whole lot more interesting.
Atsushi: (Gasping, his eyes wide with a mix of relief and sheer panic) You're the bombshell?!
Dazai Osamu steps fully into the warm glow of the fire pit lights, dramatically tossing his hands into the air as if taking a bow on a grand stage. His tan trench coat catches the evening breeze, and a brilliant, entirely mischievous grin spreads across his face.
Dazai: Hello, beautiful people! Did you miss me? Oh, Chuuuyyaaaa your face is absolutely priceless! Tell me, did you miss me the most? I knew this place was lacking a certain flair, so I graciously decided to bless you all with my presence!
Akutagawa: (Stiffening, his voice a low, tense whisper) Dazai-sama...
Nikolai: (Clapping his hands together delightfully) Splendid! Magnificent! A twist of epic proportions! The stage is set!
Dazai smoothly walks past the stunned crowd, his eyes lingering on Chuuya with a teasing wink before he looks around the rest of the villa, entirely aware of the absolute chaos his arrival has just sparked.
…
Dazai: Now, who's going to show me around?