Operation Mackerel: 10 Ways to Make Dazai Osamu Jealous

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 22

A month has passed since they started training together, and despite how hard it is to deal with Dazai, Chuuya can tell the man's improvement when it comes to preparing things related to the competition. Dazai is good with measurements, and with only a short span of time, he was able to memorize all the necessary measurements that Chuuya often uses in Arahabaki Cafe.

It's risky since it's basically giving Dazai access to all their secret specialties, but he believes Dazai has a lot of personal shit in his life to even waste his time messing with the cafe.

It's just—

"Chuuya?"

His train of thoughts stopped for a while when he saw a familiar face waving at him. From afar, a redhead man with a bandaid on his nose is grinning from ear to ear. He's holding a black bag, and his green wool jacket is wrapped around his body.

Chuuya blinks and crosses his arms, thinking. Who is this person?

They are currently in the airport, waiting for their departure to a different country where the ultimate PortMoon competition will be held. Chuuya is currently buying a coffee while Dazai is sleeping in the waiting area. Their baggage is being taken care of by the man, and that damn brunette, who keeps on whining about waking up early, immediately falls asleep.

"Chuuya! It's really you!"

Chuuya's eyes narrow suspiciously. "Wow, you look like a double-spy government agent who infiltrated the mafia organization to the point of dying his black hair... rust red."

Tachihara's laughs, "Please add a manga spoiler in the tags after this."

"I can also smell the aroma of brother issues in you. I mean, I smell that same thing on myself back in Stormbringer, but anyway, who are you?"

"I'm Tachihara Michizo." The man grins, and Chuuya can see that he's got a not-that-punchable face, so he just nods. "We're classmates in college."

Chuuya blinks and stares at the man. "Oh, you're that kid who—" he deadpans, "Nevermind. You're my classmate, you say? You know me, so yeah. Good to meet you again."

Tachihara smiles gratefully, and since Chuuya feels bored waiting for their plane, he offers to buy the man a coffee as a compensation for not recognizing him immediately.

They sit on a nearby chair and chat for a while. Chuuya finally remembers what happened back then, and it's an understatement that he didn't recognize the man earlier because he indeed dyed his hair to the same color as him. They keep on talking until Chuuya asks something necessary for the plot.

"Where are you going though?"

"I've got an invitation to compete in the largest coffee-making competition." Tachihara grins and Chuuya's nods proudly.