Chapter Text
Chapter 11: Dazai Osamu
"Are you sure you're alright?" The on-set medic did a second scan of Chuuya’s body upon Ranpo’s insistent request, the rest of the film crew surrounding him with worried looks. Luckily for him, the pot had narrowly missed, but there was still a chance that a shard lodged itself somewhere in his skin.
Once the medic had given him the all clear, Chuuya offered a nod to Ranpo, "See? Not even a cut, don't worry about it." But even as he spoke, he couldn't deny the lingering chill that ran through him. The only reason he was fine was because he was tackled out of the way, and he hadn't come back to reality until after the pot had shattered on the ground.
Ranpo stared at him, his gaze intense. "It’ll only be wasting camera space if you push yourself to go on. If you think you need to sit this one out then—"
"No, we can't waste time," Chuuya insisted. "There's a fixed date for the music video release, and this garden is exclusive. I’ve already wasted a day with all the retakes we had to do. I’m not injured, we need to continue."
Sigma, who stood beside Ranpo, seemed conflicted about what to do. On one hand, Chuuya was right . The music video release was running on a strict schedule, with Chuuya’s recent media campaign already hinting to his fanbase about plans for a new release. On the other hand, an accident like what just happened, even if everything turned out to be fine, shouldn’t just be dismissed so easily. Besides, Chuuya wasn’t the only one that had been endangered by the accident.
"The woman that pushed you out of the way, where is she?" Sigma looked around the area, trying to find her.
"I'm here, Sigma-san," a female’s voice responded right after. She walked towards them, her posture stiff and her brown hair tied into a tight bun. “The medic has also cleared me of any injury. I will be able to perform my tasks normally.”
Chuuya’s face lit up, approaching her casually. "Ah shit, I haven’t even thanked you for saving me yet, have I?"
The woman nodded, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
"No worries, sir," she assured, "I simply did what anyone else in my position would have in that moment."
Sigma shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Nonsense. You saved this troublemaker," he said, gesturing towards Chuuya, who remained silent. "Can we have your name? The least we can do is know who so bravely saved him."
The woman stared at Sigma for a moment, her smile unwavering. Then, she placed a hand over her heart. "…Takashi Hana. I was only hired recently, so it’s a pleasure to properly introduce myself, even if the circumstances were less than ideal, " she answered, her voice soft yet clear.
After a few minutes of conversing, Hana was eventually called away to check out the damage that the vase had made and if the set had been damaged. As she walked away, the carefree smile on Chuuya’s face slipped away. The way she stood, poised and ready, felt more like a soldier than someone working on a film crew. It was unnerving, especially how calmly she had acted moments ago, when she had tackled him out of the pot’s trajectory.
Right after the plant pot dropped and he’d come back to his senses, the pain of his back slamming against the ground shaking him up, all he saw were her eyes, coldly staring into his own. Everyone else had crowded around him in a panic to make sure he was okay, even Ichigo had jumped on his chest and yipped at him frantically before Sigma pulled him away. Yet, she had slowly backed away from him. At first, he thought that she was just in shock like he was.
But after he was pulled away from the area and questioned about what happened to cause the accident, he realized one thing: the blade that he spotted to be lodged in the rope, not one person had mentioned it. Everyone kept on referring to it as an accident, rather than sabotage. The prop technicians had inspected the rope and reported that it had already been worn out. Apparently, it had been frayed from the inside, letting the defunct rope form the notice of the set team and used to hang up the plant.
For that, the team was severely reprimanded by Ranpo, but Chuuya couldn’t bring himself to believe it completely. He swore he saw a blade lodged in the rope; it couldn’t have been just a trick of the light. And yet, it wasn't found.
With everyone else distracted by him, that Hana girl had been cold and composed, lingering behind where the pot itself had fallen. With the rope cut, the knife itself had to have also fallen around the area. Could she have retrieved it? Was she the one that orchestrated all of this?
He had no evidence, no proof to back up his suspicions. It could just be a feeling, a paranoid reaction to the events that had just transpired. But the feeling wouldn't go away. And there was something else... the feeling of having seen her before. He just couldn't place where or when.
---
Chuuya slammed the restroom door shut, the sound echoing in the small space. He turned on the faucet, letting the cold water cascade over his hands. His reflection in the mirror was pale, his lips cracked and dry. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, evidence of countless sleepless nights. He looked tired as if his soul had been wrung out.
Dammit
That fucker was driving him insane. Restless. Every moment was constant tension, a lurking dread. First the rat and now this. He couldn’t even be sure if it was an accident or not. But either way he needed to find that fucker, before paranoia seeped into every aspect of his life. But how?
He didn’t even know why the guy was doing this. This man was powerful, he had influence, he could easily find someone else to play with. Why him? Was it because of their…intimacy?
The sharp chime of a notification pierced through his thoughts. He dried his hands on a tissue and grabbed his phone. A wave of fury washed over him as he read the message.
[Unknown]
-Awww, did little chibi almost get his head caved in? That's too bad (･ัω･ั)
Well then, it was confirmation that it was planned by him, at least.
[Chuuya]
-If you want to fuck around with me then that’s our business
-Don’t go involving everyone else, asshole
He didn't expect a reply, but another message popped up almost instantly.
[Unknown]
-If anyone else is pulled into this it'll only be your fault
-Unless you’re willing to do something for me?
Chuuya scoffed.
[Chuuya]
-And why would I ever think you’d stick to your word?
[Unknown]
-Awww, there’s no need to be like that! C’mon, what if I said I just want one more night with you ?
Chuuya stared at the screen, unable to form a response. The bastard was responsible for the accident. That meant that Hana was working for him, and if not her then someone else from the staff. He ran a hand through his hair, the pressure in his head building. He turned on the faucet, splashing the cool water onto his face, his makeup and hair be damned. It was time for him to find a way out of this mess, but the path ahead was shrouded in darkness, and the man who had thrown him into this seemed to be laughing at him.
Water dripped down his face. He took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. With a nod to himself, Chuuya opened the door and stepped out of the restroom, only to find Lucy walking towards him. "There you are!" she exclaimed. "They're already looking for you—what did you do to your makeup?!" Her eyes widened, taking in the state of his smeared makeup and damp hair.
"I—" he began, but Lucy cut him off before he could finish.
"You know what, doesn’t matter. Let's go." She grabbed his wrist, pulling him along. Spotting an empty chair, she gently pushed him towards it. He sank into the chair, feeling her hands on his shoulders as she guided him into a more comfortable position. Lucy rummaged through her makeup bag, pulling out various materials and quickly began to work on his face, completely cleaning his face with a wipe so she could redo everything. Chuuya allowed her to work, his mind still racing. He glanced to the side, and his heart skipped a beat. There she was, Hana, conversing with some crew members as she held a box of props.
A soft brush touched his brow, making him close his eyes reflexively. "Stop frowning," Lucy admonished as she angled his face to a better position. With a sigh he obeyed, his gaze lingering on the woman for a moment before finally closing his eyes. He rested his head back against the chair, allowing Lucy to work her magic. After what felt like a mere minute, she was done. She closed her makeup bag, her expression stern. "Don't you dare ruin that," she warned, "or I swear..."
Chuuya chuckled, a light laugh that felt almost foreign. "Don't worry, I won't."
"You better not," her glare lingered for a moment before softening.
"Lucy-san!" A voice boomed from a distance, cutting through the air. "Is he ready? Ranpo-san is getting impatient over here!" the voice called again, a hint of urgency in their tone.
"We'll be there!" Lucy yelled back, her voice echoing across the set. Letting her pack up her supplies, the two of them made their way towards the set
Chuuya, caught up in the rush, didn't notice the woman standing a distance away, her gaze fixed on him. Her expression was blank, hiding her inner confusion. The boss had specifically instructed her to ensure Chuuya Nakahara would be wounded. But then he had ordered her to save him. It was a puzzling directive, but she had no choice but to obey and trust that the boss had a reason. But the confusion lingered, a nagging doubt ticked at the back of her mind.
She sighed, shaking her head. It wasn't her problem. She needed to focus on her job. She turned and discreetly walked away, making sure to remain unnoticed. As she exited the garden, her gaze wandered a billboard showcasing the star himself, his handsome face plastered across a new magazine cover. She stared at the picture, her expression unreadable, for a few seconds before turning away and continuing her walk, a weary smile playing on her lips. First the business with the rat and now staging this whole accident.
"Looks like I’ll be even more busy from here on…"
---
The light buzz of conversation blanketed the bar while the knocks of billiard balls and excited shouts came from the corner.
"There you are!" Albatross exclaimed, the first to approach him as always. He bounded over to Chuuya like a hyperactive dog, his smile wide and bright as he erratically waved a billiard stick in the air, narrowly avoiding poking a hole into the ceiling. It wouldn’t have been the first time the group had been responsible for property damage to the bar. The owner only welcomed them back because of how much revenue they gave to the place. Chuuya rolled his eyes at his friend's theatrics and walked past him, heading towards the billiard table where Pianoman and Lippman were locked in a heated game. Doc watched them intently, while Iceman leaned against the side, a glass of alcohol in hand.
Albatross gasped dramatically. "Is that how you treat your number one bestie?" he lamented, his voice filled with mock offense.
Chuuya snorted, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Haaah? That title goes to Ichigo, you dramatic bastard," he retorted without turning to face him. He then turned his attention to the group gathered around the billiard table. "Who's winning?"
Lippmann's smile was blindingly bright, causing Chuuya's eyes to twitch involuntarily. But who was he to judge? The man in front of him was one of the most successful actors in the country, a Flag member, a true icon.
"Pianoman," Lippman confirmed, his voice a smooth baritone. He shifted his attention back to the game, his focus laser sharp.
Chuuya nodded, his gaze still fixed on Pianoman's skillful movements. But before he could fully absorb the placements of each of the balls, Albatross was there, his arm hooked around Chuuya's neck. "Soooo any gossip here?" he asked, his eyebrows wagging suggestively.
"Seriously? Did you ask me to come here just for that?" He reached out, pinching Albatross's nose. "For an Alpha, you're sure intent on poking your nose everywhere you can."
"Hey! I’m just doing my duty as a responsible citizen to be informed about my precious friends’ life! What’s wrong with that, huh?" Albatross protested, pouting like a child who had just been denied a cookie.
Chuuya sighed, his sarcasm dripping from every syllable. "Sure Tross. How admirable, everyone should salute you."
"Oh come on, Tross," Doc chimed in playfully after observing the two banter. "Just ask what you really want to ask. No need to pout like a child. You're not cute at all," he added, his smile wide and mischievous.
Albatross glared at Doc, but he paid him no mind.
Chuuya raised an eyebrow at the two of them, not understanding. But when he glanced at the others for a hint, a palpable shift had occurred in the room. The air grew heavy, the playful banter evaporated, replaced by a chilling silence. Chuuya felt a prickle of anxiety run down his spine. Everyone's faces were stony, their expressions unreadable. Though he was a Beta, he could still feel the weight of their suppressed pheromones, a silent pressure that made the air crackle with tension.
"Guys...Am I missing something here or…?" he looked at everyone, hoping that one of them would just say something already. But the silence stretched, agonizingly long. Each of the members looked at one another with terse expressions, wordlessly arguing about which of them would be the one to explain.
While Chuuya wasn’t sure if they’d come to an actual agreement, it was Pianoman that had stepped up first. He sighed, his eyes filled with a somber gravity. Placing his billiard cue on the table, he made his way towards Chuuya.
"Look Chuuya, we’re not accusing you and we don’t want to sound stereotypical, but… that Alpha from the party, did he get up to anything with you?" He asked, his voice quiet but firm.
Chuuya's body froze, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it was about to burst out of his chest. His mind was racing, a single question echoing in his head: "How did they know?"
"Why would you say that?" Was what came out of his mouth instead. He was thankful he hadn't slurred, that his words were at least coherent. Everyone watched him carefully, even if some pretended to be nonchalantly listening in.
Albatross sighed, stepping closer and gently shifting Chuuya's body towards him. "Look, Chuu," he began, his voice strangely soft as if he were talking to a child. Chuuya knew he was just trying to be respectful, but it came off as insulting. His fists clenched. The question itself felt like an accusation, even if it hadn’t been meant like it. But he forced himself to calm down.
"You ran off on us so suddenly, then we saw you walking off in that guy’s arms," Albatross continued, his voice hesitant. "You were holding him like your life depended on it, looked like you were both kinda out of it too..." He trailed off.
Chuuya felt his anxiety spike. If they saw him walking out with that guy, then what about everyone else? What if someone took a picture of them together, if other people had evidence that they’d been together? His mind was spiraling, betraying him when he desperately needed to stay calm.
"Right...that," He forced the words out, his voice shaky. He could only hope it wasn’t too strained . "He's a high school friend. I guess I had a little too much to drink then, and all the noise just got too much for me, so I ran to the balcony. It was just my luck that he found me there and got me a room to rest in for the night.”
Everyone stared at him, their expressions unreadable. Silence descended upon the room once again, thick and heavy. Panic welled up inside him. Did they not believe him? What if they already knew the truth, and they were just testing him, waiting to see if he would crack?
Iceman's voice cut through the silence, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Who knew you’d have connections to Mr. Bigshot CEO himself, successful people really do gravitate to one another," he remarked, taking a slow sip of his drink.
Chuuya froze up. "Huh? You guys know about him?" He asked, trying not to sound too desperate.
Lippmann, with a knowing smile, answered instead. "Of course, the news has been shoving him into everyone’s faces anytime they can. Dazai Osamu, the CEO of Mori Corp." Lippmann said, “According to the press, he became a CEO at twenty, almost straight out of high school." He shook his head, his expression grim.
"…until now I hadn’t known about his whereabouts at all…" Chuuya said faintly to himself, trying to absorb all the information given to him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw everyone nod in agreement. "Well, the company didn’t have much of a presence until recently. Same thing for that CEO of theirs," Pianoman pointed out.
Chuuya hummed with understanding, but something was nagging at him. "Why didn’t you all go to help me if you saw me so out of it?" He might not have wanted them to see him like that, but still...
Albatross shifted uncomfortably, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "We were going to...but then birthday boy and his father came over and started bitching at us in front of everyone," he rushed to explain. "I guess that Ryota guy was pissed at you for something, so he got his father to come and berate us since he saw you were with us. Saying stuff about how we should’ve ‘kept you in check’ or something. It didn’t help that the two of them were pretty drunk. By the time we finally managed to settle things with them, the two of you were already gone. And when we asked around, no one knew where you went.”
Chuuya stared at them for a moment, digesting their words. He wasn't angry, not really. In fact, he was grateful they hadn't confronted him directly. He was already ashamed of that night, there was no need for his friends to be exposed to it too, at least not yet. Rather than that, he was thankful. Because now, he finally had a name.
"Ahh gotcha. Now that the confusion is cleared up, let’s just enjoy the night."
Dazai Osamu, that singular name echoed through his head for the rest of the night.