Bound by Obsession

Part 45

A few days had passed since Fyodor's unsettling visit, and the atmosphere within the Armed Detective Agency had grown more tense. Everyone noticed it—the way Fukuzawa seemed more pensive than usual, the way Kunikida's frustration simmered just beneath the surface. Dazai, as always, seemed to exist in a strange, detached way, his calm demeanor masking whatever internal storm raged beneath.

On a quiet afternoon, Fukuzawa called a meeting, gathering the entire agency. The mood was serious, and the room buzzed with quiet murmurs as the members took their seats. Dazai, as usual, lingered near the back, his sharp eyes watching everything unfold, though his expression remained unreadable.

Once everyone was settled, Fukuzawa stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative. "I have something important to discuss with all of you."

The room fell silent, all eyes on their leader.

"Several days ago, Fyodor Dostoevsky visited our headquarters," Fukuzawa began, and there was an immediate ripple of shock through the group. "He came with an offer—a proposition that directly concerns Dazai."

Everyone's gaze shifted to Dazai, who didn't react visibly but straightened just slightly, his eyes narrowing.

"What kind of offer?" Kunikida asked, his voice tense.

Fukuzawa's expression darkened. "Fyodor claimed that Dazai is still under his influence. He said that, despite Dazai's return, Fyodor still holds a part of his mind. He offered us protection—promising not to 'break' Dazai's mind in exchange for certain resources and information from our agency."

The room erupted into whispers. Atsushi looked alarmed, Yosano exchanged a concerned glance with Kunikida, and Chuuya, who had been leaning against the wall, clenched his fists.

"Is he serious?" Yosano muttered. "He really thinks he can manipulate us like that?"

"We can't trust him," Ranpo chimed in, his usual air of confidence giving way to a rare seriousness. "Fyodor never makes offers without an ulterior motive."

Chuuya's voice cut through the murmurs. "So what's the plan? We're not actually considering this, right?"

Fukuzawa's gaze shifted to Dazai, who had remained quiet throughout the explanation. "We're not making any deals with Fyodor. But I wanted everyone to be aware of the situation, especially Dazai."

For the first time, Dazai spoke, his voice soft but steady. "So, he came here and made you an offer for my mind?"

Fukuzawa nodded. "Yes. He's trying to use you to get what he wants. We won't let that happen."

Dazai's smile was faint but there. "Of course he is. That's just like him." He leaned back slightly, eyes flicking from Fukuzawa to the other members of the agency. "But what if he's right? What if I'm not as free as you think?"

The room went silent again, tension filling the air.

"Dazai," Atsushi spoke, his voice uncertain, "are you saying you still feel... under his control?"

Dazai sighed softly, running a hand through his hair. "Let's just say that Fyodor and I have a complicated relationship. He knows me better than most. It wouldn't be impossible for him to have left some... lingering effects. But I'm here, aren't I? I'm not going anywhere."

Kunikida, visibly frustrated, stepped forward. "Then why didn't you tell us? If you're still feeling his influence, we could've helped."

Dazai shrugged. "Because I'm handling it. Or at least, I thought I was."

Chuuya, who had remained silent until now, took a step forward, his voice low and angry. "This isn't something you can just 'handle,' Dazai. If Fyodor still has his claws in you, we need to deal with it."

Dazai's eyes met Chuuya's, and for a moment, something unspoken passed between them. "I appreciate the concern, Chuuya. But this is my battle."

Fukuzawa cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to him. "Regardless, we're not giving in to Fyodor's demands. We'll protect Dazai, and we'll find a way to ensure his influence is completely broken."

Dazai didn't respond, though his expression remained neutral. He wasn't sure what bothered him more—Fyodor's manipulation, or the fact that, despite everything, part of him still didn't want to completely escape that influence.