Secret (shinsoukoku)

Chapter 3

Atsushi kept zoning out while doing his paperwork in the agency. He would write, then his eyes would go to one point and then they wouldn't leave it. He would barely blink and only started focusing again when someone said something to him or something else distracted him.

Dazai noticed it about a week ago but didn't think much of it. He though it was just some weird habit he got after getting closer with his tiger. He heard that animals often just stay in one spot and do nothing, not even move their eyes.

But after a week, it started to worry Dazai. Because he also realised that Atsushi started apologizing more. As if he started being more self-concious of himself again.

He started talking with Chuuya about it. He knew his ex-partner in crime turned boyfriend was more used to helping people than he was. Not in the physical way. Dazai was much better at that, of course. Nothing was better than his rescue plans. But when it came to emotional help, Dazai was close to nothing.

„Huh? And what? Can you not help him yourself, idiot? How am I supposed to know what's wrong with him?" Chuuya asked after he took another sip of the wine bottle he held in his hand.

„Don't be so mean, Chuuya~. I'm really worried for him. And I hoped that since you're my pretty little, tiny, small boyfriend, you would help me." Dazai complaint and fake sobs and for that Chuuya throws a paper towel at him.

„Shut up, Mackerel! I'm not that small! But if you're really worried, you should ask him yourself. Not me." His boyfriend says and Dazai sighs. Guess it's the only way he can find out what's wrong with Atsushi.

And so, the next day, he entered the office earlier than usual to make sure no one was there yet except for Atsushi and sat by the desk, looking at the boy.

„Uh, Dazai-san? I something wrong?" The weretiger asks a bit confused. His mentor keeps looking at him, trying to uncover what's wrong with Atsushi, but he still can't find out. He only sees that Atsushi's a bit more pale than before, but that's all.

„Yes, actually. I've noticed you're a bit less productive than usual. Is there a reason for that?" Dazai asks in a serious voice and Atsushi doesn't know what to say at first. Dazai notices hot his eyes keep moving. It's as if Atsushi's panicking. But the question was ‚why?'.

„I'm just tired, sir. It's really nothing to wory about... I'm very sorry for worrying you, Dazai-san. But I'm really okay." Atsushi smiles. But Dazai doesn't believe it. However, he doesn't know how to get Atshushi to tell him the truth yet. Normally, he would torture the person he planned on interrogating, but he would never do something like that to his new mentée.

Dazai wants to ask something else, but then Kunikida enters and that takes away his chance. Atsushi seems glad that the blond man came, and Dazai gives up on trying to get Atsushi to talk. Only for today, that is. He's sure he will know the truth soon. All he needed was patience. Patience that he never lacked.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter
-Nat