A strong, vibrant beep slices through the late afternoon. You watch as a limousine glides up the street with grace, its polished surface catching the fading light. The car comes to a smooth halt in front of your house, the chauffeur's stern face momentarily illuminated with soft pinkish light as he rolls down the window, the motor's low rumble fading into a muffled purr.

The grown-up talk weaves around your son leaving him tangled in confusion. Silently, he senses the gravity of the moment, letting his curiosity slip away as he diverts his attention to the vehicle.

"Mother, Chuuya," your son's voice rings out with a genuine, wavering tone. "Your ride has arrived. It's best if you leave now."

He envelops you in a tender embrace, his small frame pressing against you with a mixture of comfort and farewell. As he pulls away, his gaze drifts toward Dazai, a standing figure in the intruding dark. The sight of Dazai—caught in a web of unspoken regrets and silent pleas—seems almost ghostly. His words distant murmur swallowed by the indifference of the evening, yet you find no need to decipher his words.

Looking at Dazai stirs a storm within you—anger and despair rising. It is almost unfathomable that the person who was once a figure of love and trust has now become a source of such deep-seated hate.

Chuuya's hand, firm and reassuring, guides you toward the waiting limousine. He's like a steady anchor in the shifting sea of emotions. "Let's go," he says, his tone blending resolve and gentle concern. "Kouyou will deal with the bastard."

From the shadows, Dazai's eyes, dark and intense, watch the scene unfold. His gaze flickers with a sharp pang of jealousy. A silent storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. He sees the way Chuuya's hand encircles yours with a protective firmness, his fingers interlacing with yours. His touch is both a shield and a promise, a warmth that seeps through the chill of the evening. The gentle pressure of his grip conveys a strength, an unspoken reassurance.

Dazai watches as Chuuya's presence offers a comfort that he cannot provide, warmth that he will never feel, and family he will never have. The realization stings, reminding him of what he has sacrificed and forsaken.

The limousine's door opens with a quiet swoosh and with Chuuya's lead, you step inside. The soft interior envelops you. As the door closes with a thud, you catch one final glimpse of Dazai through the tinted glass—a reflection of the man from your past, and nothing more.

Your son runs toward the vehicle, his face illuminated with affection and evening light. You roll down the window, the cool breeze fluttering the edges of your clothes. He presses his small hands against the window frame.

"You forgot to give me a goodbye kiss!" His voice is a sweet reminder of the love that exists amidst this whole chaos.

A gentle smile appears on your lips as you lean forward, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. His eyes sparkle with joy as he returns the gesture, pressing a soft kiss against your cheek. The wind plays with his hair, lifting it in playful clumps as he waves goodbye. His small build grows smaller as the limousine drives away.

As you settle back into the plush seat, uncertainty mingles with the quiet comfort of the car's interior. The calm and silence inside the car are a sharp contrast to the turmoil swirling in your mind.

Chuuya, seated across from you, is a mystery of both strength and vulnerability. You often find yourself wondering how fortune chose to smile upon you, bringing him into your life and allowing him to stay. His eyes, sharp and vigilant, flicker between the city lights outside and the watch on his wrist. Each glance is a silent witness to his impatience.

You shift in your seat, your gaze fixed on the dance of streetlights casting fleeting patterns on the window. You release an almost silent sigh, a gentle exhalation that seems to carry away pieces of worry. Chuuya's perceptiveness catches the movement, and he raises an eyebrow, a gesture of both curiosity and concern. "Are you alright, darling?"

You offer a nod, but it's a gesture that's not entirely convincing. "Just thinking about how everything turned out. I never imagined it would come to this."

"None of us did, love." Chuuya's gaze, usually so intense, softens. He leans slightly forward, the dim light catching the angles of his face, making his features appear almost sculpted in the amber glow. The light casts a gentle shine, making him ethereal in its warmth. His voice is soft and each word is a thread of reassurance. His eyes, deep and earnest, capture the very essence of sincerity. At that moment, his beauty is not just in his features but in the way he looks at you. "But what's important now is ensuring you and your son are safe."

The limousine turns a corner, and the restaurant comes into view. Located high above the city—a sign of warmth and elegance now that night has fully settled in. Its soft, golden lights spill from the high windows, casting a glow that reaches down to the sidewalk below. A truly peaceful escape from the fierce world.

As you step out of the car, Chuuya's hand gently rests on the small of your back; a gesture both protective and intimate. The crisp night air greets you, mixing with the rich aroma of fine cuisine that flows down from the heights. The sea of lights and shadows gradually fades as you walk toward the restaurant's entrance.

Inside the grand lobby, the atmosphere is vibrant and sophisticated. The high ceilings and marble floors create an impression of elegance, accentuated by the soft, golden light from the chandeliers. You and Chuuya approach the sleek, glass-paneled elevators, where a soft, melodic chime announces their arrival.

The elevator doors slide open, revealing a sleek, mirrored interior. As you and Chuuya step inside, the soft hum of the elevator and the distant clinking of glasses from above create a sense of excitement. He presses the button with a practiced touch, his attention briefly captured by the rhythmic glow of the indicator lights above.

The small space is soon filled with the low murmur of other guests—an elegant crowd dressed in their finest. Chuuya stands close beside you, his hand still lightly resting on your back, a silent oath of reassurance. As the elevator ascends, the reflections in the polished walls create an ever-shifting dance of light and shadow, mirroring the subtle shift in the night's mood.

The closeness between you and Chuuya feels more pronounced. The warmth of his presence, combined with the delicate hum of conversation around you, creates a wrap of closeness. Occasionally, his gaze meets yours in the reflection, offering a reassuring smile.

The subtle, alluring scent of his cologne—an intoxicating richest and finest fragrance—envelops you. It weaves an intimate, comforting embrace. Each breath you take is infused with his scent. Chuuya leans in slightly, his voice a soft murmur against the backdrop of the elevator's hum. With his breath warm against your ear, he says, "Hold out just a little longer darling, we're almost there."

The warmth of his voice mingled with the gentle rustle of his breath. It sends a flutter of butterflies dancing in your stomach. It's a light, lively feeling that makes your heart race just a little faster. This innocent closeness, stirs an unexpected thrill, a soft, exhilarating pulse that makes you aware of the space between you.

A subtle, lingering question arises within you: are you truly just friends, as you've always claimed? The gentle warmth of his closeness paired with the flutters in your chest. The feelings that make you wonder if the boundaries you've set are as clear as you thought.

In this fleeting moment, with the world outside slipping away, you're left to ponder whether this connection might be hinting at something deeper, something beyond the simple comfort of friendship.

A/N — Hello my precious friends! I know you waited a long while for this, a year to be precise, but I hope you enjoyed it.

I am not sure if I should write Chuuya or Dazai as the main love interest. Which one would you choose?