Bound by Obsession

Part 24

As the tension in the air thickened, Dazai let out a quiet sigh. The subtle comfort from Fyodor's embrace, the gentle stroke on his back—it was enough to coax him into a state of calm he hadn't felt in ages. He didn't speak, didn't offer any sarcastic remarks or deflections, just allowed himself to feel the quiet for once.

Fyodor's voice remained soft, barely a murmur as he whispered, "You're exhausted, Dazai. Rest."

The others outside watched in disbelief as Dazai, for the first time, didn't resist. Instead, he leaned his head slightly against Fyodor's shoulder, his eyes heavy-lidded from fatigue. There was no sign of the sharp, calculated man they all knew. He looked... vulnerable.

Chuuya's heart clenched as he watched Dazai begin to close his eyes, his body relaxing into Fyodor's hold. He couldn't believe it. His partner—his rival—was falling asleep in Fyodor's arms like he was safe there. It was almost unbearable to watch.

Ranpo's brows furrowed, his mind racing to understand. "Is he really... just going to sleep?"

Kunikida could barely comprehend it either. "This isn't right. This isn't Dazai."

But it was happening right before their eyes. Dazai's breathing slowed, his body going limp in Fyodor's arms. It was as if the weight of his exhaustion finally caught up with him, and there, in the arms of the very man they all feared, Dazai allowed himself to rest.

Fyodor's lips curled into a satisfied smile as he held Dazai close, his voice low but full of possessiveness. "Sleep, Dazai. I'll keep you safe."

Chuuya clenched his fists, barely able to contain his frustration and confusion. He wanted to shout, to wake Dazai up, to drag him away from Fyodor, but something held him back. Maybe it was the realization that Dazai had chosen to let his guard down, or maybe it was the fear that any interference would make things worse.

The others watched in stunned silence as Fyodor carefully lifted Dazai, cradling him with surprising gentleness. He carried Dazai back up the stairs, disappearing into the mansion as the door closed softly behind them.

Left outside, the ADA and PM were frozen in disbelief. Chuuya, seething with emotion, could only stand there, staring at the closed door, wondering how everything had come to this.

Dazai had fallen asleep in Fyodor's arms, and for the first time, they all felt like they were losing him.