Walking In Your Fleeting World || Dazai Osamu

Chapter-44: I can enjoy

Unwarranted anxieties

-Neutral POV-

"Dazai-kun," Mori's voice echoes in the dim office; heavy mechanical curtains partially obscure the glass wall behind him as he lounges in his high-backed chair, steepling his fingers thoughtfully. "Is there a reason you haven't made your relationship with Riki-kun official?"

The question comes so unexpectedly that even the demon prodigy takes a second to process it, his brown eyes widening. Weren't they just talking about the contract the Port Mafia needs signed by the end of the year? It's December 11th; do they really have time for chitchat about his personal life?

"Hai?" Dazai questions, bewildered, clutching the folder containing his latest mission report in his hands. "Where did that come from?"

"You like her, don't you?" Mori asks, a slight smile stretching across his lips. "It's the talk of the entire mafia lately. Surely you've heard about it by now?"

Dazai diverts his gaze, scratching behind his left ear to buy time. While it was fun to see such a rumor spread, he'd have shut it down sooner if he'd known Mori would become an avid follower.

"She..." He begins confidently, but the assurance evaporates the soon as he starts. He pauses, bringing his hand down and letting in hang from his side. "I have heard the rumor, yes."

"Certainly you have." Mori's knowing smile deepens, making Dazai feel more embarrassed. Is this the kind of conversation a boss and his subordinate should be having? Why can't Mori be professional and leave him be? "Frankly, I adore Riki-kun. She is a sweet young lady of sharp intellect, respectful yet fierce. You two would make quite the couple."

"...Thank you, boss," Dazai whispers, avoiding Mori's ruby eyes. He should've seen this coming. How stupid of him!

"So?" Mori tilts his head. "Why haven't you asked her out yet? You're not the type to beat around the bush when you're certain about something."

"She has a lot on her plate at the moment," Dazai replies slowly, trying to sound sincere even though he doesn't want to have this conversation. He prefers the name 'Riki' to stay unmentioned within the walls of the mafia HQ. After the incident with Kouyou and Chuuya — which Mori instigated without his knowledge — Dazai views the mafia as an 'unsafe' place for her; therefore 'discussing her' equals 'endangering her' in his mind. "I don't think she's ready for me to jump on it too."

"So the issue is her?" Mori leans forward, resting his cheek on his gloved palm. "You are completely on board with furthering this relationship?"

Good grief, he shouldn't have stepped inside the HQ today.

"I... am also quite busy with things that don't involve her. I don't think I can give her the time and attention she deserves at this moment. Now can we go back to our discussion—"

"In that sense, both of you aren't ready for such a commitment. Am I wrong?"

Dazai lets out a harsh breath, then shakes his head. "You are not."

"So why don't you talk it through with her? You two are mature and understanding of each other. Even if it's not an official relationship, it will be good for both of you to know how serious you are about each other!"

Dazai stares at the boss quietly, surprised at how easy the boss thinks this ordeal is. Riki is neither sharp nor mature! She hid for over two hours because she 'accidentally' confessed her feelings! How could he expect her to sit still and listen as he confesses his adoration but can't be in a relationship right now? It is much easier to show up at her house and drag her to outings without her catching on that he's courting her!