bsd oneshots from ao3

(soukoku) strawberries and cigarettes part 2

Dazai was never a huge fan of coffee.

He actually preferred tea, which shocked most of the people who knew him and his personality. But nonetheless, each afternoon when it's his break, he'd go to Uzumaki Cafe with his coworkers, which was one of the most famous cafes in the city thanks to their well brewed, authentic coffee. Everyone always went there just to get a sip of it, and all the other things on the shop's menu seemed obsolete.

The rest of the agency that Dazai worked in felt like it was miracle that their office was just right next to the popular cafe, and that they were free to go there on their lunch and afternoon break. Dazai was stubborn the first few times he went there and would only order their tea, but it seemed all their effort was put into their coffee since their tea tasted like "actual trash" according to him.

"Is Kunikida gonna come with us?" Kenji asked as he, along with his coworkers, walked out of their office room.

"Nah, he says he has a report to finish." Dazai replied, stretching his arms. "Anyway, what food are you guys gonna order at the cafe? See, I'd love to buy my own red velvet cake, but my tab says no."

"Oh actually, I won't be going with you guys to the cafe." Atsushi said with an apologetic smile. "I have to go meet my boyfriend, he's nearby."

Dazai put an arm around his subordinate and grinned. "That's okay, Atsushi! Tell Akutagawa I said 'hi'."

"Do I have to remind you again that Ryuu's currently mad at you?" Atsushi raised an eyebrow.

"It's not my fault I accidentally crashed into his car!" Dazai threw up his hands in defense. "He should've known I was a bad driver!"

Atsushi rolled his eyes and playfully punched the older in the arm, making them and the whole group laugh.

"You and Aku have been dating for quite a while now, huh?" Yosano nudged her elbow into his ribs before giggling. "Anyway, I'm spending my break to go shopping. Tanizaki, mind coming with me?"

Tanizaki, who was behind her, jolted in surprise with the sound of his name being announced. Everyone else did a quick prayer of thanks to the universe that they weren't picked to be Yosano's little helper for the day.

"Oh right! I'm not going to the cafe too," Ranpo spoke up after a few moments. "I have to go meet Poe."

"I haven't seen Poe in quite some time." Dazai pouted. "Encourage him to visit the agency more often, he's your fiancé after all!"

Ranpo blushed at the word 'fiancé' before looking away. "Y-Yeah sure!"

"That just leaves you and me, Dazai!" Kenji smiled, and Dazai couldn't help but return it.

"Say, Dazai. You aren't a big fan of dating, are you?" Atsushi glanced at his mentor.

"Nope!" Dazai exclaimed, popping the 'p'. "I haven't gone on a date in months if I'm not mistaken, and I don't plan to."

"Then, have you ever been in love before?" Atsushi tilted his head.

The group exited the building, and Ranpo along with Yosano and Tanizaki went to different directions, waving a quick goodbye to everyone.

"Yeah," Dazai chuckled as the wind blew his hair. "I have."

-

Dazai stared out the window, taking a look at all the people walking on the sidewalks, just going on with their day. He also noticed that the sky growing darker, yet he managed to smile before taking a sip of his cappuccino.

It's been four years since he first felt free.

When he turned eighteen, he decided to finally confront Mori about how he was feeling, and how he wanted to live his own life from that day on. It took his whole life to build up for that moment, and he had no regrets. Sure, Mori was disappointed and threatened to kill him, but after he calmed down, he gave Dazai a good amount of money and allowed him to wander off on his own.