Because of Him (Shin Soukoku)

Communication is key ♡

Atsushi came to the realization suddenly after speaking to Kyouka. This must have been the shift in mood! Atsushi thought to himself. He recalled the conversation to make sure he wasn't jumping to wild conclusions.

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"Ah, so that's what's bothering you!" Kyouka exclaimed after Atsushi had finally gave in and told her. She gave him a long look before adding, "I'm unsure why you even agreed to meet up with him. He's an assassin. Plus, why are surprised he hasn't said anything since? He's probably busy and you guys are enemies y'know?" Atsushi pondered for a moment.

"It's just.. well he seemed so.. normal. Like I could totally see past his bloody past and see him just as a person. He's really not that bad, he's actually really nice! He's very considerate of people's feelings and although he may act cold, he's really just ador-" Atsushi stopped himself midsentence and immediately began to flush. Kyouka shook her head with a sigh.

"You shouldn't get so close to him, he's not so.. nice." Kyouka admonished. Her eyes began to darken quickly. Something in her casual light hearted mood had changed. Atsushi frowned.

"I know. He's our enemy. I just.. I'm not sure why he's so upset now." Atsushi said quietly. Kyouka regained some light and smiled weakly at Atsushi.

"Fine. Just don't get hurt. I'll have my katana in any case."

"Kyouka!!"

"But back on topic, I think it may have something to do with Dazai." Kyouka proposed. "When I was in the mafia, even then, Akutagawa constantly chased after his acknowledgement. Maybe Dazai said something? I'm not so sure, that's all I can come up with."

"I was thinking of that. But I'm not so sure what Dazai could have said." Atsushi mumbled in deep disappointment in his memory. Kyouka shrugged.

"Atsushi-kun, if you really like him, it'll come to you. Don't worry." Kyouka said patting his back gently. Atsushi froze, his cheeks tinted red. "It was obvious it wasn't just platonic dude." Kyouka laughed. "And again, don't worry I won't out you or anything." The agency pretty much already knew, but Kyouka refrained from telling this to Atsushi since it'd make him feel embarrassed. Atsushi nodded hesitantly.

"Thanks. You're like my smart little sister." Atsushi half joked. Now it was Kuouka's turn to blush. "You have really good advide, thanks Kyouka-chan!" Atsushi said affectionately. He wrapped her into a hug. Kyouka smiled secretly. She had always longed for a family and now she finally had one. She couldn't be happier. Her eyes glowed.

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"Atsushi-kun!! I'm so proud, you finally got a date!!"

Dazai's words had rang in Atsushi's head for a while. That was it. His own self esteem had been lowered and the only hopes of ever undoing it were if Dazai himself could acknowledge him. His strength and determination, his will. And now he had heard another person be acknowledged, even if jokingly by the man Akutagawa had been chasing for years. Atsushi could now understand and it hurt him to think of how badly Akutagawa had probably taken this. How was he doing now? This thought sent him instantly to message Akutagawa. They had agreed to meeting at the cafe in 5 minutes. Atsushi quickly dressed and combed his hair before he ran out his apartment to the nearby cafe. Once there, he noticed the familiar man in the dark coat.

"Akutagawa! Over here!" He called out. Akutagawa, a few feet back, looked up startled. His gaze fell on Atsushi and a smile escaped his lips. They walked inside hand in hand, both without realizing. Atsushi started to feel the familiar butterflies that came with seeing Akutagawa or even thinking about him. They chose a seat in the secluded back.