Opposites Do Attract (a Dazai x Kunikida fanfic)

Chapter 14: Dazai the Invader

Dazai had gotten some actual good advice from Kenji (unlike some people who would just relentlessly tease him instead of actually giving advice), and he'd made up his mind to confess to Kunikida. For real this time. He was still a bit nervous, but Kenji had made a good point that if even if Dazai were to get rejected, at least he'd be getting his secret out in the open and he wouldn't have to feel like he was being secretive towards Kunikida.

He showed up to work, albeit very late. He assumed that Kunikida would be there, since Kunikida was rarely the type to skip work.

But once Dazai got there, Kunikida was nowhere to be found. That's odd...really odd, Dazai thought. Was Kunikida not at work for once? If that was the case, this just might be the most shocking thing since that time Kunikida forgot about his notebook.

Speaking of the notebook...

There it lay, right there on Kunikida's desk. Kunikida couldn't have gone far if he didn't have his notebook; he never went anywhere without that thing.

Dazai was tempted to look through the notebook, even if it was just to take a little peek. The curiosity Dazai possessed was killing him. True, Dazai wanted to die, but not by curiosity, for that was quickly proving to be far too painful. Therefore, he decided that it was of the utmost importance that he find out what Kunikida wrote in his notebook. He began to reach for it.

But then he jerked his hand back. Dazai, what do you think you're doing?! Kunikida-kun has already told you not to read his notebook!

And despite that, Dazai found himself beginning to pick up the notebook. But I need to know what he writes...

No! Don't do it! Dazai told himself. He walked away from Kunikida's desk so the temptation wouldn't overcome him.

Ranpo entered the room. "Dazai? You actually showed up today?"

"Is it really that shocking?" Dazai asked.

"Honestly, yeah," Ranpo answered.

"Ouch. But fair enough."

"You look like you're struggling," Ranpo remarked.

"I am," Dazai admitted.

"What's up?" Ranpo questioned.

"I'm debating on whether I should read Kunikida's notebook or not," Dazai announced.

"Simple. You don't," Ranpo responded.

"But I'm curious!" Dazai protested.

"And Kunikida's told you not to read his notebook. Not only that, but you promised him you wouldn't. If you did now, then that would break his trust in you," Ranpo pointed out.

Dazai sighed. "You're right..."

"As always," Ranpo said smugly.

"Of course I don't wanna break my promise, but come on. Aren't you a little bit curious, too?" Dazai wanted to know.

Ranpo shrugged. "It's probably boring adult stuff."

"Dude, you're older than Kunikida," Dazai pointed out.

"I know, but I'm a kid at heart and he's...well, let's just say he's not. I was gonna say something else but I prefer to save my roasts for those who really deserve it," Ranpo replied.

"Yeah. In other words, not me," Dazai said.

"Yes, you," Ranpo argued.

Dazai sighed. "Well, at least it's not Kunikida who's getting insulted."

"Yeah see, I wouldn't do that to him," Ranpo stated.

"But you'd do it to me," Dazai lamented.

"Mhm," Ranpo agreed.