A/N: Before we begin, I want to thank you all for your votes and especially for the comments — they make me laugh a lot! Love you all!

The elevator doors slide open with a gentle whoosh and ding, revealing a rush of warmth and the lively sounds of a bustling restaurant. The rich glow of the interior replaces the cool, confined space you've just left. Lively chatter, the clatter of silverware, and the clinking of glasses draw you in, pulling you from your thoughts.

The elegant restaurant features a polished wooden floor that gently rotates, offering a continuous, sweeping view of the cityscape. Each turn reveals fresh sights of glittering lights and bustling streets. Soft, ambient lighting casts a gentle, golden glow, highlighting the subtle textures and tones of the decor. The chairs are luxuriously upholstered in deep, rich fabrics that suggest comfort and luxury. The tables are elegantly set with gleaming marble surfaces, each adorned with fine silver cutlery and crystal glassware. The walls are decorated with minimalist art that subtly enhances the light.

A waiter, impeccably dressed in a deep midnight blue suit, awaits you with a warm, inviting smile. His every movement is deliberate and smooth, reflecting the quiet elegance of the restaurant as he guides you through the softly glowing ambiance. He leads you past a pair of refined doors that, with a gentle push, open into a private dining room.

Inside, a single table bathed in soft, golden light awaits you. Delicate silk drapes the table elegantly, whispering its grace with each subtle ripple. Its hue is a tender cream, like the first blush of dawn caressing the horizon, wrapping the room in a quiet warmth. Gleaming cutlery, polished to a mirror shine, lies carefully arranged beside crystal glassware that shimmers like stars trapped in the clear depths of night.

In the center of the table, slender candles stand in gleaming holders, their soft flames flickering with an almost invisible pulse. They cast a gentle, dancing light that paints the walls in tender hues of amber and gold. The shadows they create move with elegant grace, shifting rhythmically as if whispering secrets to the room.

As you watch the candles' flames flicker and sway, their gentle dance envelops you in a blanket of peace. The shifting light paints delicate patterns on the walls, and the tranquil ambiance settles over you.

The air is filled with a faint, enchanting scent—a blend of honeyed vanilla and a hint of fresh pine—evoking an old memory stirred by a gentle breeze. The room exudes intimate charm, as if time has slowed to savor the moment.

As you enter the softly glowing ambiance of the private dining room, Chuuya's hand rests gently on your back, sending a warm, tingling sensation through you. The warmth of his hand feels like a tender caress, spreading a gentle heat that differs from the coolness of the evening air.

Chuuya's fingers, lightly grazing your skin, move with a deliberate, almost affectionate touch. His closeness and careful consideration heighten the sense of intimacy. When his gaze, filled with deep sincerity, meets yours, it sends a shiver racing down your spine.

He guides you to the table, where the soft flicker of candlelight creates an inviting atmosphere. With a graceful motion, Chuuya pulls out your chair, his gesture both considerate and effortlessly charming.

"Please, have a seat," he says softly, his voice imbued with warmth. You lower yourself into the chair and feel the plush, luxurious fabric, enhancing the sense of comfort and elegance. Chuuya's reassuring smile accompanies his gentle push of the chair, ensuring you're perfectly settled.

You wonder if you're overanalyzing the significance of his touch, the warmth of his smile, and the tenderness in his gaze. Is this intimacy a sign of deeper feelings or just the enchanting atmosphere playing tricks on your mind?

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," the waiter says in a calm, soothing tone. "The food and wine are being prepared with care and will arrive shortly. If you need anything in the meantime, don't hesitate to let me know."

As the waiter exits with a final, courteous nod, you and Chuuya are left alone in the private dining room. The gentle hum of ambient music fills the background, creating a quiet atmosphere that you're not accustomed to, given the lively child at home.

Chuuya gracefully takes his place at the table, sliding into the chair across from you with effortless charm. His movements are smooth and deliberate, exuding ease and confidence. As he settles in, he leans forward slightly, his gaze fixed on you with a warm, attentive expression.

As you sit across from Chuuya, you find yourself captivated by how the soft light highlights the contours of his face. His deep, expressive eyes seem to hold endless depth, and his effortlessly charming smile makes your heart flutter.

Lost in admiration, you let your thoughts drift, soaking in his warmth and charm. His laughter at a silly joke, the way he leans forward effortlessly, and the tenderness in his gaze—all draw you in, making it hard to look away.

Then, suddenly, a wave of self-awareness washes over you. The room's atmosphere sharpens into focus as the weight of your feelings settles heavily on your mind. Could it be that, after all the time you've spent together, you've developed feelings for Chuuya?

The fear of getting hurt again grips you tightly.

If he returns your feelings, you face the risk of him leaving if things don't work out. It could be a painful blow you're not sure you're ready to handle again. On the other hand, if he doesn't, you might lose a dear friend.

These fears are what make you confront your feelings—your crush on Chuuya.

Chuuya, ever perceptive, observes you with increasing concern. He notices the distant look in your eyes, a look he's seen only when you think about Dazai. He pauses mid-sentence, his gaze softening with a blend of curiosity, worry, and even anger.

His posture is both relaxed and attentive—one arm resting casually on the table, his elbow propped up by his hand. His fingers curl thoughtfully, and his chin rests lightly on his knuckles.

"Hey," he says gently, leaning forward slightly, his voice tinged with concern. "You've been quiet tonight. Is everything okay?"

You catch his gaze and, feeling the weight of his concern, shake your head slowly. The simple act of him noticing and reaching out makes the weight of your feelings feel a bit heavier, but also a bit lighter, as if sharing them could bring some clarity. You take a deep breath, struggling to find the right words.

"It's not," you admit, your voice betraying the vulnerability you've been trying to hide, "I've got something on my mind."

"Hey," he says softly, his voice warm and reassuring. "I know it's not easy, but talking about what's on your mind might make it a bit easier. I'm here for you, and you don't have to go through this alone."

His sincere words create a comforting atmosphere, inviting you to let down your guard and share what's troubling you. His steady gaze offers silent encouragement, bridging the gap between your unspoken worries and his willingness to listen.

"I've always been honest with you, Chuuya, and I plan to be this time, too, but it's just—" you pause, searching for the right words, "I've been resisting feelings I didn't expect, and it's hard to sort through them."

Chuuya's eyes narrow slightly with concern as he listens to your heartfelt confession. His fingers still rest against his chin, his posture remaining open and supportive.

"Is this about Dazai? Seeing him again—could that be stirring up these feelings?" he asks gently, his voice reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. Chuuya's mind races with frustration as he silently curses Dazai, feeling the sting of how, even after all these years, Dazai's actions continue to affect you deeply.

"Damn it, Dazai! Even after all these years, he still manages to make things difficult—"

"I think I've developed feelings for you, Chuuya. I'm not sure yet, but I find myself admiring your every move, every feature, every word. Surely, a friend wouldn't feel this way." Your voice trails off, growing quieter with each word.

Chuuya's anger fades, replaced by stunned disbelief, his eyes widening as he absorbs the weight of your confession. The intensity of his gaze softens into something almost awe-struck as if he's trying to hold onto every syllable of your confession. The moment stretches, thick with emotion, and your hearts beat in sync.

"We've been through so much together," you begin, your voice steady but laced with emotion. "You helped me raise my son, to the point where he even asked if he could call you Dad."

You pause, taking a deep breath to steady yourself. "I denied him that, of course. I didn't want to burden you with such a commitment. But despite him being... well, the son of that bastard, you always took such great care of him. I found myself wishing you were his dad, even though I tried to push those thoughts away."

You continue speaking, your gaze fixed on your hands, the weight of your words pressing heavily on your chest. You don't see the shift in Chuuya's expression as his eyes widen with a mixture of surprise and relief. A faint blush spreads across his cheeks, and a genuine, warm smile begins to form on his lips. His gaze softens with joy and tenderness as he absorbs the depth of your confession. His intense focus gives way to unmistakable affection, but you remain unaware, lost in the vulnerable honesty of your words.

"There were moments," you continue, your voice faltering slightly, "when I felt a pull towards you that went beyond friendship. I had a sense that I might be developing something more, but I avoided it. I didn't want to complicate things."

You look at him, grappling with the vulnerability of the moment. "I don't think I can ignore it anymore. I'm sorry, I'm not even sure exactly what I feel, but if you're willing to help me, it would mean a great deal."

Before Chuuya can respond, a soft knock echoes through the room, and the waiter glides in with a tray that gleams like a polished jewel. The waiter's steps are measured and precise as he sets down the cloches—sparkling silver crowns that shimmer with an elegant glow—on the table with grace.

Next, the waiter turns his attention to the wine, gently pouring it from the tray into the crystal glasses. The deep red liquid cascades slowly, catching the light and casting a warm, ruby glow. As he finishes, the waiter gives a polite nod, his presence now a whisper as he retreats from the room.

Chuuya watches as the waiter exits, his eyes returning to you with a tender smile. He gestures toward the elegant cloches with a gentle nod. "Why don't you lift the lid from your dish?"

As you reach for the gleaming silver dome, you hear the soft clink of metal against porcelain. Lifting the lid, you're greeted by the delicate aroma of the dish mingling with the candlelit air. Chuuya's gaze lingers on you with an affectionate glint, his eyes reflecting anticipation.

Nestled beside your favorite dish is a small, neatly rolled scroll of paper, tied with a delicate ribbon. Its presence is an unexpected touch amidst the meal's elegance. Chuuya's gaze softens with a hint of amusement, as if eager to see your reaction to his mysterious addition.

You gently pick up the scroll, the ribbon slipping away easily under your fingers. As you unroll the paper, the soft rustle of parchment fills the air. The message is written in elegant, flowing handwriting, each word carefully chosen and infused with affection.

"My dear," you begin reading.

"Tonight, as we share this meal, I want to admit something. Over time, my feelings for you have grown beyond friendship. I've cherished every moment we've spent together and admired your strength, kindness, and the way you've let me be a part of your life."

You pause, letting the gravity of the words sink in. As you look up, you meet his gaze. The warm candlelight dances across his face, highlighting the earnest hope in his eyes. The room feels charged with quiet intensity, the air heavy with unspoken emotions.

"I find myself captivated by your presence, longing to be closer and to understand the depths of what I feel for you. This evening is as much for you as it is for me—a chance to explore what lies beneath our friendship and see where our hearts might lead us."

A soft sigh escapes you as you absorb the depth of his feelings. The room seems to hold its breath, the quiet hum of the restaurant fading into the background.

"As you enjoy this meal, know that each detail has been chosen with you in mind. I hope this night helps us embrace and understand the feelings we share and see if it might be something more than we've allowed ourselves to imagine."

You delicately fold the scroll, your fingers tracing the elegant script one last time before gently rolling it back into place. The act, though simple, feels profound, as if sealing away a precious secret. You tie the ribbon with a final, soft rustle and place the scroll back on the table.

The silence stretches, each second extending like the gentle exhale of a long-held breath. The delicate tension in the air speaks volumes, the intimacy of the moment wrapping around you both like a soft, velvet cloak.

Chuuya takes a deep breath, his voice is soft yet steady as he speaks, "I've felt it too, you know. All this time, I've been trying to put my feelings into words, but I've always been a bit clumsy with that sort of thing. So, I decided to write it all down, hoping that the letter would help."

His gaze is earnest, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "I wanted to make sure I expressed it right, without stumbling over my words. I hope you don't mind the letter; I just didn't trust myself to say it properly."

The tension in your shoulders eases, and a soft smile tugs at the corners of your lips. The air around you feels lighter. The realization that Chuuya shares your feelings brings an unexpected warmth, a gentle thrill that spreads through your veins. You're grateful that he feels the same way and is open to exploring these emotions before diving into any commitment.

"Thank you," you say softly, your voice conveying your relief. "It means so much to me that we can understand these feelings without rushing into anything."

Chuuya's face softens, his relief evident. Yet, as he listens to your words, a shadow of past fears flickers across his mind. He recalls the heavy weight of his worries that perhaps your heart was still tangled with memories of Dazai. The thought that his confession might have come at the wrong time had troubled him.

"And thank you," he says, his voice sincere and warm. "Thank you for understanding and being open to this. I was so worried that my timing might have been off, or that you might still be caught up with old feelings."

You smile, though a faint tinge of awkwardness colors the following silence. Chuuya's smile is hesitant, his eyes searching yours for any sign of what comes next. The air between you feels charged with the moment's weight, and the previously comforting quiet now seems to hang a little heavier.

"So," he begins, a hint of hesitation in his voice, "what do we do now? Do we just carry on as we always have, or is there something different we should be doing now that we've both laid our feelings bare?"

"You know, my feelings for you have grown from our friendship. It's not like we need to make any drastic changes. It's this very friendship that's brought us here." You smile softly, your gaze meeting his. "And honestly, Chuuya, you've already been more of a gentleman than I could have ever hoped for."

With a playful grin curling at the corners of his lips, Chuuya clears his throat, his eyes glimmering with the hint of a secret yet to be unveiled. The room hushes, holding its collective breath in anticipation.

"Well then," he says, his tone excited and teasing, "I hope you like the surprise I have planned for after dinner."

A/N — hihi, notice the new (×chuuya) in the title?