Bound by Obsession

Part 15

After the dorm inspection, Dazai leaned back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. His fingers absentmindedly strummed his guitar, though his mind was far from relaxed. The echoes of Fyodor's words still haunted him—his declaration that Dazai belonged with him, and that chilling laugh as though he knew something no one else did.

You belong with me.

Dazai closed his eyes, trying to push the thought away, but it clung to him like a persistent shadow.

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Oi, Dazai! Open up!" Chuuya's familiar voice barked from the other side.

Dazai smiled faintly as he got up and opened the door. Chuuya barged in without hesitation, his fiery presence filling the room. "I swear, this whole dorm inspection thing is a waste of time. How the hell did you convince Yosano that you're some kind of model resident?"

Dazai chuckled, stepping aside to let Chuuya roam. "It's all about appearances, Chuuya. A little organization here, a little music there, and everyone believes what I want them to."

Chuuya rolled his eyes but his gaze lingered on the guitar propped against the wall. "Since when do you play?"

"Since forever," Dazai replied casually. "It's just one of those things I never talk about."

"Hmph," Chuuya grumbled, crossing his arms. "You've got more secrets than anyone I know. How much are you hiding?"

Dazai smirked, moving to sit on the windowsill. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Chuuya huffed, stepping closer. "What's the deal with Fyodor, Dazai? Why's he so obsessed with you?"

For a moment, Dazai's playful demeanor faded, replaced by a brief flicker of something more serious. "It's... complicated," he admitted. "Fyodor and I go way back. We've always had a strange connection, but it's not what you think."

Chuuya's eyes narrowed. "He's not going to stop, you know. That bastard's convinced you're his."

"I know," Dazai said quietly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the windowsill. "He won't stop until he gets what he wants."

"Well, he won't get you." Chuuya's tone was firm, his gaze burning with determination. "Not while I'm around."

Dazai looked at Chuuya, surprised by the intensity in his voice. "You really mean that, don't you?"

Chuuya scowled. "Of course I do, idiot. You're annoying as hell, but no one gets to decide your fate except you. Not Fyodor, not anyone."

A soft smile crept onto Dazai's lips. "Chuuya, you're as stubborn as ever."

"Damn right I am," Chuuya shot back. "So stop messing around and take this seriously."

Before Dazai could respond, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it, seeing a message from Mori. "Looks like our mission's about to start," he said, standing up. "We've been called in to take down a new organization, and we'll be working together with the ADA."

Chuuya's face hardened. "Another joint operation with the Agency? Great."

Dazai grabbed his coat, slipping it on as he glanced back at Chuuya. "Don't worry. You'll be leading the charge with me."

"Of course," Chuuya muttered, already steeling himself for what was ahead.