Nikolai had always been captivated by birds. Their elegant wings, the way they soared effortlessly through the sky-it was a kind of beauty that never ceased to amaze him.
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He often watched them from his window, imagining what i...
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
"Your what?!" Kunikida's voice rang out, sharp and full of disbelief. You stood in the middle of the detective agency office, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on you—Dazai, Ranpo, and the other members were all watching. You'd finally gathered the courage to say it, to tell them you were quitting. But of course, you couldn't tell them the real reason: that you were joining the Decay of Angels. Only Dazai and Ranpo knew the truth, and you couldn't bring yourself to share it with the others who didn't.
"I'm sorry..." you mumbled, trying to avoid Kunikida's intense gaze. "I just don't think I can help out..."
"You only just joined recently, Y/N! Why are you leaving now? It's irresponsible to just change your mind like this!" Kunikida's voice was stern, frustration evident in his tone. His usual sense of duty and responsibility was clashing with your sudden decision, and it was clear he wasn't going to let it slide easily.
You felt your stomach churn with guilt. "It was a great experience, trust me!" you started, holding up your hands as if to explain yourself. "But I don't think this agency is... suited for me."
Kunikida's brow furrowed, his arms crossing over his chest. "That's a weak excuse, Y/N. We don't just give up because things get difficult. What's really going on?"
You bit your lip, your eyes darting to the side where Dazai was standing, watching you with that usual unreadable look. You could feel the tension in the room, the heaviness of keeping this secret.
"I'm just..." you sighed, trying to gather your words. "I don't think I can meet the expectations here. I thought I could, but maybe I rushed into this."
"You're capable, Y/N," Kunikida replied, his voice softening slightly. "We've all seen it. There's no need to quit because you're doubting yourself."
"It's not that I'm doubting myself," you said, your voice growing quieter. "I just have to do something else. Something that feels right for me." Even though the truth was far more complicated, you couldn't tell him that. Couldn't tell him about the Decay of Angels or the dangerous path you were choosing.
Dazai, leaning casually against the wall, finally chimed in with his usual playful tone. "Oh, come on, Kunikida. Let Y/N spread her wings a little! She's got her reasons, right?" He shot you a knowing glance, but his words were more for Kunikida's benefit than yours.
Kunikida glared at Dazai. "This isn't a joke, Dazai. She's making a big decision, and I don't think she's thought it through."
You sighed again, feeling the pressure from all sides. "I *have* thought it through, Kunikida. I'm grateful for the chance I got here, really. But I need to move on. Please understand."
There was a pause as Kunikida studied you, his expression still conflicted. You could tell he wasn't happy about it, but he wasn't going to push any further.
