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After a tiring and crowded day from performing with the band. Chuuya hanged the case of his guitar over his shoulder and sighed. Nothing interesting really happened while performing, it was all just the same reactions from the crowd. He groaned thinking about it, it was like, his dream of being a rockstar was slowly disappearing."Chuuya, going so soon are we?" Someone asked.Kouyou approached the short ginger with a cup of tea wrapped around her fingers. Chuuya looked up at her and nodded slightly before stretching his stiff limbs."Yeah, it's pretty late anyways." He replied. Kouyou stayed silent for a moment with eyes narrowed. She placed down her tea on a near coffee table and seemed to be pondering on something. Chuuya noticed it and he knew it'd be somewhat of a long talk."Is something bothering you?" She asked another question while Chuuya stays silent and he stared at her, he sighed and sat down on one of the couches. He fidgeted with his fingers for a moment, he didn't know if Kouyou would like what he'll say."I have a feeling... That, I want to quit the band."He said as he lowered his head. Kouyou inhaled before sitting beside the short guy, she placed a hand on his back and smiled."Lad, are you sure about it?" She asked with a soft gentle voice as she rubbed her hand against Chuuya's shoulder. Chuuya now felt complicated whether he would quit, this was his dream, to be a rockstar. But he didn't enjoy it anymore, the same faces, the same crowds. He wanted something new to see and to long for. He rubbed the bridge of his nose before shaking his head."B-But I know. That, I can't quit. But something is really bothering me, Ane-san. What should I do?" He turned his head to look at Kouyou as she sees the lost look on Chuuya's face, she sighed once again. "Take a break, lad." She patted his back and nodded, giving reassurance for whatever questions he has.The two fell into comfortable silence before Chuuya nodded and stood up. "Alright, I'll take a break." He said, looking in Kouyou's eyes for any answers. Kouyou just nodded and reached for her tea on the table and took a sip. "Alright then, go now. I'll tell your other band mates about it." She said dismissively with her hand and Chuuya didn't have any power over that, so he quietly nodded.Chuuya waved his hand to Kouyou and left the studio. Fresh air greeted him from outside with the wind to blew his orange hair. His eyes scanned around, slight vulnerability appeared in them as they did. He gripped the strap of the case of his guitar and walked through the pavement. In the air was filled with the strong scent of street food like tempura and sweet potatoes. It wasn't long when he felt something wet drop on his hair, so he stopped walking and looked up at the sky, he didn't notice it was so dark already with the heavy clouds covering the sky. Tiny drops of rain started to drop down to land and it slowly became a heavy one, Chuuya didn't want the rain to be the reason his electric guitar wouldn't function anymore.Chuuya ran for it with other people, from left to right. He crossed the pedestrian lane before he almost got hit by a fast moving truck that missed only centimeters away from him, "Curse you." He grumbled as he glared at the back of the truck, that trunk honked too late for Chuuya to even notice, he groaned and continued to run. He eventually found a shop that had some good roof for coverage in the front porch, he stopped on the porch as he tried to catch his breath. He inhaled and looked around, seeing the bright yellow lights coming from the window of the shop, it seemed to be quite warm inside. He hugged himself, additionally, he was wet and soaked, so it isn't too bad to go in? Right? He placed his hand on the doorknob and twisted it to open the door, he was instantly hit with the smell of an old shop."Ooh!~ Welcome customer!" A voice he heard behind the counter, his eyes widened slightly as he saw the most beautiful, handsome man in the entire planet, excluding him. Brunette locks that seemed to bounce on every move made from the man, and those crimson eyes. It was like he was on fire and hell hot. "Oh- uh..yeah." Chuuya's voice trialed off and the brunette just smiled before going back to sorting paint? Chuuya looked around, different types of paint, paintbrush, canvases and other art supplies could be seen inside and each stall was full. He didn't look at the shop's sign and didn't expect this to be a paint shop.He placed down the casing of his electric guitar on the floor beside the door. He rubbed his boots on the welcome mat that had cats as design, there were abstract and ethereal paintings hang on the wall. "Woah.." He said before seeing a ginger cat approach him and meowed, he crouched and started to pet the kitty's head. His skin touched soft fur and it made him blush slightly, he liked the feeling, "His name is Chibi." Chuuya turned to the
person behind the counter and nodded."Do you want to buy paint?" The brunette asked and Chuuya stood up, he shook his head. "No, I'm just waiting for the rain to pass." He answered, "You have unique eyes." He said suddenly. The brown haired guy crouched down behind the counter and Chuuya blushed, he hasn't heard that kind of compliment after a long time. The man stood up with two colored paints in his hands, he placed them down on top of the counter so Chuuya approached him. "Here, these are the colour of your eyes." He pushed the two paints towards Chuuya. He tilted his head and took the two paints up to his eye level to inspect, "Baby blue and...Hazel." He mumbled and the man nodded and looked out through the window."Looks like the rain isn't stopping soon, how about you explore? I'm giving you permission to do so." The brunette smiled slightly and Chuuya stared for a moment before nodding. He turned around and walked around the shop, he spotted hanged paintings on the wall and almost all of them were breath taking, "Did you paint them?" He asked, the brunette nodded and answered, "Yes, they are mostly requests from every customer, I helped them out to learn how to paint their favorite thing or person."Chuuya silently nodded, acknowledging what he said, "What's your name?" The brunette asked, sitting down on a chair behind the counter as he observed Chuuya walk around his shop. "Chuuya Nakahara." He answered, before pausing and turning around, "What about yours?" He asked, the brunette smirked and replied with a smile, "Osamu Dazai." Dazai stood up and walked to a room leaving Chuuya alone in the shop, he nodded to remember the name as he walked around more, he came across a vase of Camellia's. He smiled and tapped the soft texture of the petals of the flower, he liked those flowers, the red color of the petals and its soft texture against his fingers."You like them?" A voice came from behind and Chuuya was a little bit surprise to be honest, he let out a breath before looking behind him, finding Dazai's face so close to his, he went red and jumped away from him. "Woah,-" Dazai stared at him with an opened smile with a blank stare, "Sorry." He scratched the back of his neck and looked away, that was embarrassing. "It was surprising...that I had to bend down so low." He smiled with his eyes closed, clearly was pointing out how short Chuuya was.Chuuya's brows scrunched as he frowned, "Lay off my height!" He yelled. "Whatever you say~" Dazai teased in a sing song tone before backing away back to behind the counter. Chuuya grumbled with a glare before letting out a sigh, he then looked back at the Camellias and sat down on the chairs beside it. "You play the electric guitar?" Dazai asked, staring at the casing of the electric guitar against the wall beside the door. Chuuya followed his gaze and nodded, "Yeah, I do." Dazai stared at him weirdly for a moment before chuckling, "You look like chibi." He commented, turning to look at the cat on the counter, that were licking its paws. "Don't compare me with cats." Chuuya rolled his eyes, but he will admit, he does look alike with the cat."What's with the bandages?" Chuuya suddenly asked, he noticed those bandages when he first walked in and saw Dazai. Those were weird, the bandages were from his wrist to below his polo, and he could see them also sticking out around the guy's neck. "Hm? Oh, these. These are just fashion." He smiled, Dazai placed his hand under his cheek as he tilted his head to the side and leaned forward. Chuuya raised an eyebrow, "Do you think I'm stupid? Or are you just mental?" He said without even considering his words, but Dazai didn't look offended but instead pouted, "How can you say that?" He placed a hand on his chest as he tugged on it tightly as he sniffed, mimicking crying sounds.Chuuya stared at him with a weirded out look, he hoped he didn't talk to a weirdo right now. "So, Chuuya...Are you interested in getting painted?" He asked with a teasing smile, now Chuuya doesn't even know if he was serious or joking because of that smile. "Do I need to pay?" He asked, crossing his arms against his chest. Dazai shifted on his seat and chuckled, "I suppose you do need to." Chuuya scoffed and shook his head, "Then no need." He replied. Dazai stayed silent for a moment before laughing, "No no, I don't need money from you. I want you ---- to play songs for me." He leaned against his chair and placed his legs on top of the counter with a smug smile.Chuuya pondered before he let out a huff with a grin, "So desperate huh? So then, suit yourself." He said, closing his eyes with a big grin on his face, he looked so full of himself right now that it made Dazai snicker, "You look like a dog." He tease and Chuuya's smile fell and turned into a growling mess. "What!?" He yelled, springing up with a stance that literally says 'you wanna fight!?' but of course, Dazai raised two of his hands against his chest and shook his head. Of course he doesn't want to fight, he has frail body after all. "I'm just teasing!" He laughed. And Chuuya's gaze softened before it went back to a glare, "Whatever." He rolled his eyes and back to crossing his arms.Dazai stood up and entered another room, Chuuya stared at the door where Dazai went to. This was strange, he hasn't heard about this shop anywhere. He'll take a look when he goes home, and it seems so empty too. But he guess, that paint shops like these out in the corner aren't really that popular in this era, mostly are in malls. He wonders if this guy has a branch in a mall? He heard a message come through his phone and took it out from his pocket. He opened the phone and went through the messages, it was Tachihara, a fellow band mate.'Chuuya! bro, you wouldn't mind buying some vegetables on the way right? Please drop them off my house, I'll send the list later. Thank you!' It said, Chuuya glared and grumbled. "This guy..." He gripped his phone as more messages from Tachihara flowed in, he closed his eyes and his phone before putting it back in his pockets. "What is it?" Dazai's voice can be heard behind the counter, Chuuya didn't even hear any movements. "A band mate asking for groceries." He answered, letting out a sigh. Dazai took out a canvas and his supplies that he borrowed from the stalls. Chuuya stared with a soft gaze, before he turned to the paintings that were hanged on the wall. The paintings held many significances, many stories, and how Chuuya knows? - we don't know."Sit still." Dazai said, looking at the empty canva in the opposing angle. "Whatever" Chuuya rolled his eyes and walked around, not obliging on what Dazai said, but when he took a glimpse of his face, he didn't seem to be bothered but no other than amused. Chuuya spotted a camera beside a cup filled with pens and pencils inside. "Where is this shop located?" Chuuya asked, raising an eyebrow. Dazai looked up from his canvas with a smirk, "You know, if stupidness was a virtue. You'd be a saint right now." He teased, setting down the canvas on top of the counter. Chuuya gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, "Let me introduce you to dignity, maybe you'll need its guidance." He rolled his eyes with sarcasm.Dazai pouted and crossed his arms against his chest and stood up, "Short!" He yelled. Chuuya also approached him with his hands shoved in his pockets to keep himself from punching, "Stupid!" "Midget!" "Waste of space!" "Orange!" They bickered back and forth until they got close to each other and exchanged glares, Dazai's glare said, 'Are you attempting greatness? It's a shame pity is just an attempt!' while Chuuya's glare intensified and it said, 'I've met scarecrows with more spine than you!' It was a silent mind bicker.After a few moments, they were silent and we're sitting away from eachother, Dazai didn't know what to do with this shorty, While Chuuya was still annoyed.
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( Maybe it's you )For some reason, the ginger kept coming back to Dazai's shop and he always had that annoyed look on his face that matches with Dazai's, but he didn't actually mind him coming in, since he was almost like his only costumer even though he never really purchase anything. And today wasn't an exception."You're back again." Dazai spoke up, spinning a pen between his fingers."Am I not allowed to?" The ginger rolled his eyes with a hint of annoyance.There it was again, His snarky comebacks that just made Dazai either scoff or smile. It's literally so early in the morning and he's already acting like this.'I wonder how his band keep up with him?' He thought with a smile as he leaned forward the counter."I suppose I should put a sign, 'no gingers allowed' how's that sound?" He bit back a remark with a smirk.It made Chuuya groan, while it enjoys Dazai seeing the little man frown. Having the ginger guy always made Dazai smile for some reason, which confused him. But he didn't mind it at all, he just likes to see his pre- ugly face."Who names their shop, 'In another life time?'" Chuuya questioned with mockery before crossing his arms, standing in front of the counter with an eyebrow raised.Dazai feigned hurt and pouted his lips, he wasn't really annoyed. He had a reason for that name or so he thought, it was the first thing that came up to his mind and he didn't want to think about replacements for the name."It's more sensible than your name." He rolled his eyes and that made Chuuya fumed."Why you-" He slammed his hand on top of the counter as anger showed in his eyes but they both knew it was just all fun and games even though, the other slightly gets annoying.Chuuya backed away with a mumble."You always carry your electric guitar,.. in what band are you in?" Dazai asked, eyeing the black casing that was strapped around Chuuya's shoulder before his eyes scanned his orange hair that seemed to be brighter today.'Maybe I'm just imagining things' He thought without breaking a smile, before his eyes went back to stare at Chuuya's heterochromia eyes. Those eyes always made Dazai feel a little bit in peace after his ravaging negativity."The studio is just a few blocks away, why? Do you want to come and watch our show?" Chuuya grinned in a teasing way while Dazai just rolled his eyes. He hasn't gone out of this shop for more than a decade and he wasn't really planning to go out."Who would want to watch your bullshit band?" He rolled his eyes again with mockery in them, Chuuya grumbled again, he was pretty annoyed right now. He didn't like how Dazai talked about his band."Whatever, who even wants to look at your face anyways?" He looked away with a frown. Dazai stared at him with amusement on how easily he gets riled up and it makes him want to tease him more."You~" He let out a whistle and Chuuya glared at him."I would never." He said with disgust and Dazai slightly groaned, he placed a hand on top of his chest and clenched it."Ugh- You hurt me soooo badd-" His dramatic words always made Chuuya roll his eyes."Then die." He said, crossing his arms as he did."Gladly~" Dazai's face instantly lit up and that's when Chuuya realized something was wrong with this guy.***It was afternoon when Chuuya went him from visiting Dazai's shop, he went ahead and ate hotdogs for lunch before he went home. He took out his keys from his pockets as it jingled, he was so tired that he literally pressed his forehead against the door while sighing as he continued to unlock the door. When he did, he turned the knob and pushed the door open and stepped in before taking his shoes off and placed them neatly beside the door."Dammit.." He mumbled, yawning slightly.He stepped in further to his house and placed his his electric guitar on a corner and slouched down on the couch. He stayed like that for a while with his eyes closed, he was falling asleep but he was annoyed which could result to a very very annoying breakfast. So he opened his eyes and looked through his phone. Still, no messages from the band. It made him frown, the group chat would usually be filled with chats from his band mates but it was oddly quiet.He placed down his phone beside him on the couch and placed his arm over his eyes. Where whispers made him toss and turns on the couch which annoyed him so switched back to bed.The next morning he got up, he noticed he was still in his outfit yesterday, he assumed he didn't bother to change his clothes since Arahabaki was annoying him up all night. That voice wouldn't back off. Chuuya pressed the bridge of his nose before sighing.He looked at himself on the mirror when he went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He looked like he hadn't sleep at night which was partially true, he slept but it was already quarter after one when he did. He reached for the tap and switched it on, he splashed his face with the cold water and wiped the water off with a towel hanged on a wall. He reached for his toothbrush and squirted out toothpaste from the container to the toothbrush before brushing his teeth.He cooked instant noodles to make his life easier and devoured it with no rush as he scrolled down his phone. After he ate, he sat down on the couch with his electric guitar on his lap as he started practicing for their upcoming show. He stared at a wall blankly, and he hated it. He still hasn't received any messages from the band, not even for practice. He didn't get a text from Ane-san, not even from Akutagawa and the white haired boy. No one texted him.He changed his clothes and stared at his electric guitar."Rock yeah.." He said weakly before turning around towards the door.He walked out of it and headed for Dazai's shop. He doesn't know why he kept coming back but something about that shop made him want to go back more and more, except for its name."I guess I know a bastard that'll name their shop, 'In another life time.'" He scoffed and smiled as he thought about it. His shine returned as he went down his apartment to go ahead to Dazai's shop.****He arrived back at Dazai's shop, he stood outside seemingly lost in thought as he stared into space again. His hand raised up and collided with the door three times, he knocked before turning the knob and pushed the door forward to open it. Chuuya closed his eyes as he inhaled the scent of the familiar place, the smell of old and new paint, and also a cat scent.He looked around. 'Strange.' He thought.Dazai was nowhere to be found in the main entrance, not behind the counter, not with the cat."Chibi- Do you know where the waste of bandages went?" He asked the cat.He crouched down to level his eyes with the large and furry cat. Its ginger fur grazing Chuuya's skin as he pet it. The cat meowed, the cat's blue eyes seemed to reflect Chuuya's image, staring at him deeply. It reminds him of someone."Got that from your owner, huh? He's a bad influence." He said, thinking about Dazai for a moment before reaching his hands out under the cat's arms. He lifted it up to his nose as he carried it around the room.
"You're back." A voice called.Chuuya turned around and saw Dazai lensing against the counter. He halted and glared at him with an eyebrow raised."Where did you go?" He asked, placing down the cat."My room." He answered, pointing on of the doors in the shop.Well, that surprised Chuuya, he didn't expect for this guy to live in the shop, he thought he would've had his own house."You live here?" He asked in a mumble."Obviously, I just said so." Dazai was the first to say a snarky remark only for it to earn a glare."Oh shut up smartass." Chuuya rolled his eyes in annoyance, he leaned against a wall and stared at Dazai."Why thank you." He chuckled, it was in a mock manner and it only made Chuuya groan.It was silent between them, the only sound they could hear was the honks outside, Chibi's meows and Dazai working around the shop."Why do you keep coming back? I thought you'd be a busy guy. Especially being in a band." Dazai broke the silence.He didn't look at Chuuya at all when he spoke, he was just organizing the paint on the shelf behind him."Even if I'm in a band. I can still visit some place, now can't I?" He groaned, that was such a stupid question coming out form that smart mouth.Dazai just rolled his eyes and grumbled. Chuuya noticed the white earmuffs over Dazai's head, and it made him raise an eyebrow again."Is it winter or something? Why are you wearing earmuffs?" He asked, pushing himself of the wall and approached a couch."Just leave me be." He hummed a tune with a smile.Chuuya stared at him, baffled. He didn't expect that kind of answer from him, he was already thinking of a comeback."Whatever.." He muttered under his breath and looked away. The brunette was getting more annoying than ever."Where's my painting?" He asked with his arms crossed.Dazai looked at him for a moment before pretending to think. "Painting? What painting?" He asked with a held back chuckle.Chuuya groaned and turned away, his lips pouted wen he did."Right right... It's in my room." He said with a huff of feigned annoyance.Chuuya turned back to look at him before Dazai led him to his room, when they went inside. It was surprisingly neat, and it looked quite cozy for a man like Dazai. Chuuya looked around, portraits were hanged on the walls, the sun's rays slipping through the curtains made it so much better."How?" Chuuya said blankly, not thinking about anything other than Dazai's room.
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( Stuck in winter )It was the early afternoon, Chuuya was out walking on pavement, his face almost covered by his white scarf that was up to his abdomen. It was winter season when he stumbled by Dazai's shop and now, it was snowing.Christmas was upcoming and is just around the corner, but he cannot take his mind off about his band, it has been weeks now and they still haven't texted yet and reach out to him for any upcoming performance or practices. Which subtly annoyed Chuuya.He had his earphones over his head as he looked down on the ground, his hand inside his pockets in attempt to warm them. He breathe with his mouth, fog coming out as he exhales. He also had his electric guitar strapped around his shoulder incase his band mates or Ane-san might text him.His body halted which took him by surprise, he let out a breath, fog escaping as he turned his head to a shop."Dazai..." He whispered under his cold breath.He never knew Dazai's shop was so close to his house, he was surprised he hasn't seen this shop anywhere until for the past few days. He looked around, nothing seemed amiss so he stepped up on the porch and pushed the door open, a bell clinking when he did.He was greeted with a Dazai who had a red scarf around his neck, and white earmuffs over his head. And also an amused smile."You're back again?" He asked.Somehow, that's the only greetings Chuuya has ever heard from the Dazai everytime we walks into the shop, he almost think of him as a weirdo."I decided to drop by." He answered, standing in front of Dazai."You look shorter today." Dazai said, scanning Chuuya for anything wrong.Chuuya almost felt self-conscious when he did, he was used on eyes being glued on him when he performs. But how Dazai looks at him, it sends shiver down his spine, it was as cold as snow.He forced a grumble as he took out his hands from his pockets to cross his arms."Are you up to an argument again?" He snarled, standing there with a frown on his lips."You look like a child in that scarf." Dazai said, approaching Chuuya as he pulled him close by the shoulder.He silently fixed the scarf around Chuuyaa neck, that pull had him flinch in surprise, he wasn't used on being dragged. It was silent as Chuuya looked away and Dazai intensely focused on the scarf."There, you don't look like a goblin anymore." He said, laughing."How great of you, Grinch." Chuuya rolled his eyes and backed away."And, oh, about that painting. It was beautiful by the way." Chuuya added, walking around the shop."Of course it was beautiful, I was the one who painted it." Dazai commented proudly of himself."Hm, I'm not really sure about that. If any painting involves my face, of course it'll look pretty." Chuuya also corrected to brag."By the way, can I keep the painting? I'll paint you a new one." Dazai said, shifting in his position to behind the counter and sat on a chair. His eyes following Chuuya's every move.Chuuya didn't look at him as he continued to walk around."Sure" He replied in a short while.There was always something strange about this shop and its owner, Dazai. That name sounded familiar but he didn't know where he heard it from. And also, the atmosphere in the shop had always been cold that could be enough to make him shiver, like it was winter everyday.That is also because Dazai keeps wearing a coat even though it is literally supposed to be 38°C outside but the temperature in the shop always was cold."You're thinking so deep, care to share?" Dazai snapped Chuuya out of his thoughts, making him turn to him."Oh, I forgot you existed." He commented."So mean...This is my shop, I could kick you right now and then." Dazai rolled his eyes on Chuuya's comment.Chuuya just stayed silent, scoffing at what Dazai said. He went towards the door of Dazai's room and opened it."H-Hey- You're invading privacy-" Dazai sprung up from his seat and quickly blocked Chuuya from coming in.Chuuya's suspicion went back, he never had seen Dazai look so desperate to defend something before."What? I only want to take a look at the painting again." Chuuya glared, growling slightly."Then wait here." Dazai said, he opened the door and walked inside.Chuuya felt more suspicion but what else could he do? This is not his house. He walked around, spotting Chibi as he took him to his arms, he looked at the cat's deep blue eyes, he felt lost and cold in them, a shiver went down his spine it almost made him drop the cat. He couldn't take any more of these shivering sensation, he placed down the cat and rubbed his hand against the other to warm himself up."Why is it so cold in here?" He mumbled.Dazai walked out of his room with the painting in his hands, he turned around to look for Chuuya who was curled up against a wall with Chibi on his lap."Are you cold?" He asked, placing down the painting against a wall."What does it look like dumbass? Your shop is fricking cold." He grumbled with a frown.Dazai rolled his eyes, looking around and took an extra coat under his table and tossed it to Chuuya.He took the painting to his hands again and sat beside Chuuya."Wear that." He said.Chuuya stared at him with a blank look before slipping on the jacket. That felt a little bit better now, and with Dazai beside him, that definitely did melt the ice."You were in a hospital?" Dazai asked. That caught Chuuya off guard, because he never went to any hospital this month."What are you talking about? What hospital?" He asked, confused.Dazai stared at him and pointed at his wrist. "Here, you have a hospital band."Chuuya followed Dazai's finger, looking at his worst only to find it empty. "There's nothing there? Do you want to go to the hospital or ?" He asked, confused.Dazai groaned and stood up, looks like he couldn't see it."Whatever, get out of here, come back later." Dazai said, handing the painting to Chuuya
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( Giving up )Chuuya sat on his couch, confused he stared at his wrist where a band should be from a hospital. That was weird, he couldn't see it.
'What was that bastard talking about?' He thought to himself, a frown on his lips as he kept staring at his wrist.
Before he sighed and his hand went to his pockets, searching for his phone. As he took it out, he checked his messages, he expected for texts from the band but nothing, nothing at all.
He never felt so devastated before. He turned his head and his eyes landed on a bottle of wine on the counter, this was his only escape from this suffocating feeling.
He stood up and walked towards the counter, grabbing the wine up to his eye-level. He turned to a cabinet filled with glasses that he got around the country, he took the wine glass and poured the wine, watching as the blood coloured liquid swirl in the shape of the glass, he filled it up half way before sitting on a stool.
"Everything's so strange.." He mumbled to himself.
Chuuya took a gulp of the wine, tasting its bitter taste on his tongue as it made its way down his throat, he gulped it fast, resulting for the back of his throat to burn slightly. He let out a refreshed sigh when he finished the glass quickly before pouring another half filled wine.
The feeling of the alcohol in his system made Chuuya a bit drowsy but that was nothing new, he was used to it and he won't be stopping.*****Dazai plopped himself on a wooden stool as he settled in his room. He looked at the unfinished portrait infront of him, taking its form well. He grabbed the pallette and sky blue paint as well as a paint brush. He pressed the paint out of the tube and brushed the paint brush against it, colouring its black form before stroking it gently on the canvas.
This unfinished portrait of Chuuya, the ginger who always comes back to his shop to just argue or bicker with him and nothing else. He is an interesting guy, he always carry that electric guitar that Dazai couldn't help but feel intrigued by the man's determination and confidence on being a rockstar. But he had noticed that something was off with him the first time he met, but shrugged it away.
"Meow." Chibi called out to Dazai, slipping through the small gap of the opened Door.
Dazai turned his head around and smiled, placing down the pallette before stroking the cat's head. He lifted it up to his lap and placed his hand under it's arms. He looked at those blue ocean orbs, it reminded him of Chuuya's and it was calming.
He looked back at the painting, he wants to finish it as soon as possible. This was something he was confused about, it was like something inside of him was stirring at his cold and silly heart, something warm and painful.*****"Welcome back." Dazai greeted with a silly big smile as he leaned forward the counter.
Chuuya stared at him with raised eyebrows, he crossed his arms and nodded. He didn't feel like talking, he was still a bit tipsy after all. He might say something he'll regret later.
In the silence, Dazai's mind was working and Chuuya felt like he could see the gears in his mind, working and working. He must be deep in thought but he couldn't help but feel surprised that an idiot can think.
"What are you looking at?" He pointed out Dazai's intense stare as he pondered.
"Nothing, just admiring your beautiful face." Dazai replied with simplicity but a little sincerity in his tone.
Chuuya looked at him weirdly. Well that was weird, he was used on Dazai's teasing remarks that he forgot that he had the ability to compliment one another.
"Do I need to say thank you?" He asked, uncrossing his arms as he sat on one of the chairs.
Dazai shrugged, his silly smile not disappearing a minute and his eyes never blinking as he stared, his eyes wondered around Chuuya's face, the orange eyebrow that is always scrunched, his eye colour, matching with the sea and burnt amber. As well as his freckles, they looked cute on him especially when he was scowling.
His eyes traveled to Chuuya's neck, noticing the usual choker covering most part of it. Sometimes, he'd get a peek on what he was hiding behind that choker that seems like he wasn't planning to leave behind soon. His eyes went to Chuuya's hand, looking at it with a smile until he noticed the hospital band, his smile disappeared slightly, his mind thinking again after being distracted.
"Anything wrong?" Dazai asked.
The warm atmosphere of the store really helped with the temperature outside, it still hasn't snowed but it was already freezing cold. Sometimes Dazai would think why would Chuuya bother to go back into this place to see him.
"Nothing, just my band." He muttered the last part under his breath, but little did he know that Dazai was someone not misunderstood with.
Dazai nodded, he heard the last part but he didn't want to say anything, yet. Pity washed over him, he wonders if ever, Chuuya could love him like he does.
"Orange should be your nickname from now on." Dazai said with a small smile, mischievousness in his eyes.
"What!?" Chuuya exclaimed, the fuming energy was something Dazai always sees.
"You heard what I said, Orange." He chuckled, standing up, feeling a little bit playful.
"You- Mackerel!" Chuuya growled as he sprung up.
"I'm not a fish!" Dazai whined feeling a little bit offended on being called a literal fish.
Dazai walked around the counter and teased Chuuya more until he was chased around his shop. Laughter filled the air, with insults also around, this was something Dazai barely experienced. Chibi watched the two run around the house, feeling entertained on the big cats fighting and playing with each other.
"Come here- You!" Chuuya yelled, trying to corner Dazai.
Dazai laughed, he was moving too much that his bandages almost came undone which he wants
to avoid so he quickly backed up the entrance door to fix his bandages.
Dazai looked down at Chuuya who was infront of him that suddenly slammed his hands on the door beside his shoulders. He was glaring, but the closeness with him made Dazai flustered which he hid with a broken smirk.
"Aight', You caught me." He said, raising both hands up to the air.
Chuuya had a mischievous smirk, he was planning something cruel. Dazai watched as Chuuya placed his hand on the doorknob.
"Bye bye." With that, he turned the knob and pushed the door open which made Dazai stumble backwards.
But what caught his surprise when Dazai took a grip of his hair and dragged him along. Chuuya let out a yelp before he found himself on top of the skinny boy, outside in the freezing temperature.
"Ow ow ow ow ow!" Dazai exclaimed, his body aching a bit as he brushed his rear.
"What was that for!?" Chuuya groaned, propping himself up with an arm.
"What was that for!?" Dazai glared, knowing that this was Chuuya's fault and he just needs an excuse to get him above him.
Dazai suddenly went silent, he blinked and Chuuya looked at him weirdly like he lost his mind.
"Am I in heaven?" He asked with a silly smile.
Chuuya groaned before smacking his cheek. "Hoped you were."
"Ow-" Dazai placed a hand on his cheek as he rubbed it to reduce the sting.
They stayed like that for a moment before Chuuya realized he was still above him. He quickly stood up and backed away.
"Slug." Dazai rolled his eyes before sitting up, the cold air hit him and it made him shiver.
Chuuya rubbed the sides of his shoulder as he trembled from the cold, he quickly went in the shop and took his coat and Dazai's. He tossed it to him and slipped into his.
Dazai caught the coat, looking at it in his hands. He frowned before tossing it away towards the door.
"Oh, no. I'm not going to walk out." He said, walking back to his shop before Chuuya dragged him out again.
He grunted as he grabbed the edge of the door, trying to stay inside.
"Stop being a baby, it's just snow." Chuuya rolled his eyes, forcing Dazai out with deliberate force.
Chuuya succeeded on taking Dazai out of his shabby shop with a coat on. They walked around the pavement but he could see the annoyance and hesitation in the man's eyes.
"Why don't you go out?" He asked, getting Dazai's attention.
The brunette looked away, knowing the ginger wouldn't understand anything at all. He felt a chilling feeling run down his spine everytime he steps out of that shabby shop after what happened... but the result on that was isolation since he couldn't go. He was soon planning to, finally let go of everything until Chuuya came up.
To the very first, that Chuuya took a step in the shop. He was already holding a knife, but he quickly let go of it when he found a customer. He hadn't have a customer after a long time of being stuck.
Everything was piecing together in his mind, the way Chuuya dresses, and the hospital band in his wrist-
"Yo! You still there?" Chuuya sounded annoyed, it was visible in his face after all.
Dazai snapped out of it and turned to look down at the ginger. The height difference was hilarious. He muffled a laugh, thinking about it.
"W-What's so funny?" Chuuya felt embarrassed and he blushed red, he was self-conscious when Dazai suddenly muffled a laugh looking at him.
"N-Nothing-" Dazai finally let out a long laugh, holding his stomach as he curled himself slightly.
That angered Chuuya and he quickly kicked him on the leg, making him kneel down with one knee up. But he was still laughing, Chuuya was flustered.
"Shut up!" He said, repeating it at least ten times in an aggravated manner.
"Oh my gosh-" Dazai wheezed, still laughing uncontrollably.
There was incoherent yelling and teasing, until it subsided when they felt something cold fall down to their heads. They looked up and saw it was snowing.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
(Snow Fall and your hope)"It's snowing." Chuuya said, cold air escaping as he speaks with awe, it has been a while since he last seen snow even though it's only been a year since so.
Chuuya turned to look at Dazai who was sitting on the ground, he looked bored. Chuuya groaned and rolled his eyes before sitting beside him.
"You look dead." Chuuya commented, not looking his way.
Dazai looked at the green grass, getting tainted b white spots. "Snow takes so long to form." He whispered, he looked up, though, it might be fast in this heavy fall.
"Let's go back." Chuuya sighed, standing up while reaching a hand for Dazai to take.
Dazai stared at the hand and couldn't help but grin, in his mind, there was always something he could say to rile Chuuya up which was quite a fun idea but he'd rather not have a black eye.
He took the ginger's hand with a big grin, using it as an anchor as he lifted himself off the crazy grass that slowly started to turn white from the falling snow.
"We should go back." Dazai repeated, not letting go of Chuuya's hand until he had to take it back.
"Yeah, obviously weirdo." Chuuya rolled his eyes and was first to walk back towards the old shop.
"You're so mean, chibiko!" Dazai whined, feeling quite hurt inside but that's all part of an act anyways, nothing special.
Dazai stared at Chuuya's back, he had to tilt his head down a bit to really get a full look on the back of his head which made him to laugh but he held it in. He saw the snow sticking on Chuuya's orange hair so he reached out to take them one by one until Chuuya noticed and grabbed his wrist almost twisting it.
"What are you doing?" The ginger asked with a stern look, his grip wasn't tight but it wasn't merciless either.
Dazai winced, feeling a sharp pain on his wrist below his bandages, he looked at Chuuya with a pained gaze as he repeated 'ow'. Maybe it was his fault that he let Chuuya get used to being tricked with his feigned innocence that he wouldn't even let go when real pain strucks him.
"Nothing!" He groaned, pulling his wrist back as he felt it went limp. He looked at his wrist with fake teary eyes to teg and make Chuuya feel bad but he only got a small glare.
"Whatever, don't do anything weird." Chuuya turned around and shoved his hands on his pockets as he stomped his way back.
Dazai stood still for a moment before forcing a bubbly smile, like his 'happiness' was radiating off him as he walked again behind Chuuya.
"Why don't you have customers?" He asked, looking around at the shop like he hadn't been there for the past few months.
Dazai knew that that will be asked by the ginger because curiosity is very hard to ignore but it was a reasonable question. He just didn't know how to answer it so he just sat on his chair behind his desk.
"Well...This shop had been here for so long, it's so old you would probably go crazy and not know what day it is." He yawned, he was getting tired slightly and that didn't annoy him or anything because he always wanted to sleep.
"Why should I? It's June 13." Chuuya rolled his eyes, taking a seat on a couch, probably a good 5 meters away from Dazai's counter.
"Oh, is it now?" Dazai looked down, placing both hands with fingers intertwined under his chin. He thought for a moment, his eyes narrowing and his mood was complete different from earlier.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" Chuuya asked, intrigued by the sudden change on the demeanour.
They got back, nothing was new. There was something Chuuya really wanted to ask for a long time now.
"What's with those bandages?" He asked, looking at the white cloth wrapped around Dazai's wrist.
"What's with your band not responding?" Dazai answered with a question that earned a glare from Chuuya.
"Geez, sorry." He rolled his eyes, looks like he hit some sensitive topic. "They're just stupid that's all." He mumbled.
Dazai stayed silent for a moment, staring at Chuuya's form. "Have you ever though on visiting your band?" He asked, slowly turning bored.
For the truth, he never thought of that. He just thinks his band finds him annoying so they didn't text him, meaning they don't want him at all.
"You're pathetic, your frowning makes me wants to change your face in the painting." Dazai pouted his lips, being outside was hell since it was cold.
"Why don't you go outside?" Chuuya asked, a hint of playfulness and curiosity.
"I don't want to." He simply replied.
"Then how do you feed yourself?" Chuuya asked standing up against a wall as he looked out of the window, the snow was still falling heavily and covered most of the ground snow.
Dazai stayed silent for a moment, this ginger surely has many questions. He shook his head and sighed before burying his head in his arms on the table. He was not gonna respond to that.
Chuuya waited, before his thin lips curled into a frown, he looked back at Dazai and sighed, he approached him and yawned him off his chair.
"Come here." He said, dragging him out.
"Ahh! What is chibiko doing!?" Dazai was startled, he feigned innocence as we was dragged out.
Chuuya wrapped the red scarf around Dazai's neck and let him put on his earmuffs again. He was glaring at him but it was empty, like it was just his normal face.
He put on his white scarf as well and he dragged him out to the street, the snow was piling up so Chuuya had a plan.
"How about..making a snowman, or a snow angel.." He suggested dryly, he seemed embarrassed about this.
Dazai blinked, processing what the ginger had just said. "You want us to play on the snow?" He asked, his lips tugging into a smile.
"Yeah, isn't it on obvious? Are you stupi-" He was cut off when something soft and white hit his face, he quickly wiped it off and bent down to roll up snow.
"Oh, you're so getting it!" Chuuya yelled, he stood up and started to throw it at Dazai who swiftly avoided that one.
They were throwing snowballs back and forth, not caring if it gets on their face anymore and just wants to hit the other.
After a few moments, they laid down on the side by side.
"Now wasn't that fun?" Dazai chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Yeah, it was." Chuuya replied calmly.
It was silence over them for some time before Dazai decided to speak as he turned his head around to face Chuuya.
"How about I go to your concert? But it will be free cuz I'm your friend!" He said, pulling a smug smile.
Chuuya groaned at what he heard, he rolled his eyes and tried to his side to face Dazai. Their fingers were brushing from each other slightly as they observed each other's faces.
It was comfortable silence in a moment, Dazai was lost in thought and Chuuya can see it in his eyes. Chuuya looked away before sighing, he sat up and formed a ball of snow.
Dazai cleared his throat, sitting up also. He hummed a song as he watched Chuuya make a snowball. "The views nice." He whispered, his eyes on Chuuya.
Chuuya turned to him and raised an eyebrow, "What are you saying? You aren't even looking at a scene." He groaned in confusion.
Dazai paused before giving him a knowing grin. "I wasn't talking about a scene." He said.
Chuuya scooted away, he looked at him as his face flushed. "Whatever." He didn't want to clarify, it'd be embarrassing if he was wrong, Dazai would definitely tease him.