Bound by Obsession

Part 48

The air in the Armed Detective Agency was heavy with unease. Days had passed since Fyodor's first visit, and though everyone worked tirelessly to keep Dazai safe, a lingering tension hung in the air. Fukuzawa, sitting in his office, had been mulling over Fyodor's words for days, but he knew it wasn't over. Fyodor was not someone who would walk away quietly, and his silence was unsettling.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Kunikida entered, looking grim.

"Sir, Fyodor is here again. This time, he's not alone."

Fukuzawa's jaw tightened. He had been expecting this.

"Let him in," he said quietly, standing and mentally preparing himself for the inevitable confrontation.

A moment later, Fyodor walked into the room, his presence cold and commanding as always. Behind him stood several of his men, adding an oppressive weight to the already tense atmosphere. Fyodor's eyes, sharp and knowing, settled on Fukuzawa.

"Fukuzawa-san," he greeted smoothly, his voice dripping with false politeness. "I trust you've given my proposition some thought?"

Fukuzawa didn't answer right away. His face remained neutral, though his thoughts raced. Fyodor had made his intentions clear before, but something about his demeanor today felt different—more dangerous, more final.

"I've made my decision," Fukuzawa said calmly, standing his ground. "We won't be making any deals with you."

Fyodor's smile barely wavered, but his eyes darkened, a cold gleam shining in them. "I was hoping you'd say that." He stepped closer to Fukuzawa's desk, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "That's why this time, I'm not offering you a deal. I'm giving you an ultimatum."

Before Fukuzawa could react, Fyodor's men stepped forward, their hands resting on the weapons hidden beneath their coats. The room felt even smaller, the threat tangible.

"You see," Fyodor continued, his voice smooth, "I've been patient. I've allowed you to believe that you could protect Dazai from me. But that ends now. You'll hand him over to me... or I'll dismantle this agency piece by piece."

Kunikida, standing by the door, stiffened. "You think you can just walk in here and—"

Fyodor's sharp gaze cut him off. "I don't think, Kunikida. I know. If you don't comply, every mission, every resource, every life in this agency will be at risk. And believe me, I'm more than capable of delivering on that promise."

Fukuzawa's hands clenched into fists. "You're threatening us?"

Fyodor's smile widened. "I'm not just threatening you. I'm giving you no choice. Hand over Dazai, and I'll leave peacefully. Refuse, and watch everything you've built fall apart."

For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of Fyodor's words hanging in the air like a guillotine. Fukuzawa knew he had to make a choice, but no matter what, it felt like losing.

Fyodor's eyes flicked toward the doorway, where Dazai now stood, having heard everything. Dazai's expression was as unreadable as always, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—surprise, confusion, maybe even fear.

"Dazai," Fyodor called out to him, his voice taking on a softer, almost coaxing tone. "It's time to come home."

Dazai blinked, momentarily caught off guard. His mind raced as he processed what was happening. He hadn't expected Fyodor to come so boldly, hadn't expected the situation to escalate like this. But what shocked him even more was what happened next.

Without a moment's hesitation, Fyodor walked up to him and, before anyone could stop him, scooped Dazai into his arms—bridal style. The room froze, stunned by the sheer audacity of it. Kunikida's eyes widened in disbelief, Atsushi looked like he didn't know what to do, and even Fukuzawa's stoic expression broke for a split second.

"Wha—" Dazai started, but Fyodor silenced him with a knowing look.

"Shh," Fyodor whispered, his voice low and soothing. "You don't need to say anything."

Dazai, for once, was speechless. He didn't resist, though his mind whirled with a thousand thoughts. Fyodor carried him like it was the most natural thing in the world, walking confidently through the agency as though it belonged to him. The agents stood frozen, too shocked to react, as they watched Fyodor carry Dazai past them.

Outside, a sleek black limo was waiting. Fyodor's men opened the door as he approached, and without hesitation, he stepped inside, still holding Dazai in his arms.

Dazai, despite his calm demeanor, couldn't quite suppress the feeling of utter bewilderment. He had expected many things—but not this. Not being carried away in front of everyone, like some fairytale bride. It was humiliating, it was absurd, and yet... part of him couldn't help but feel the strange sense of control Fyodor exuded.

Fyodor leaned close, his voice a whisper only Dazai could hear. "I told you, Dazai. You belong with me."

As the limo doors closed, the agents of the ADA could only watch in stunned silence. Kunikida rushed forward, but it was too late. The limo pulled away, disappearing into the distance.