Chapter Text
Dazai looked back at the street once more and then looked back at the large building thy was his school. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sprawling campus of PM High. Students buzzed around like bees, their laughter and chatter mingling with the soft rustle of leaves. Dazai stood at the entrance gate, hands stuffed deep in the pockets of his school blazer. He squinted at the sea of unfamiliar faces, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach.
“Orientation day,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head. “What a perfect way to get hopelessly lost.”
With a resigned sigh, he stepped through the gate, the crunch of gravel underfoot echoing in the morning air. The campus buildings loomed around him, each one more intimidating than the last. Dazai glanced at the map in his hand, a flimsy piece of paper that had already crumpled in his grip. The principal’s office was somewhere on the other side of the school, but with a little over an hour left, he figured he could find it. Maybe.
As he wandered through the hallways, the noise of students filled the air. Some were huddled in groups, exchanging stories and laughter, while others rushed past him, their faces buried in their phones. Dazai tried to keep his head up, a confident smile plastered on his face, but inside, he felt like a fish out of water.
“Okay, Dazai, focus,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the din. He turned a corner, glancing down another corridor. “Maybe the principal’s office is down this way?”
But the more he walked, the more disoriented he became. The hall seemed to stretch endlessly, and every door looked the same. He could feel a bead of sweat forming on his brow.
“Shit, I can’t believe anybody is ever excited for school,” he groaned, running a hand through his messy hair.
Just then, he collided with someone—a smaller figure that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Dazai staggered back, his arm instinctively reaching out to steady himself. The impact sent the other boy tumbling to the ground with a soft thud, a surprised “umf!” escaping his lips.
“Oh no!” Dazai exclaimed, rushing forward. “I’m so sorry! Are you—?”
But before he could finish the sentence, the boy was already on his feet, brushing off his jacket. Dazai blinked as he got a good look at him. The newcomer was striking, with heterochromatic eyes—one blue and one brown—that seemed to sparkle even in the harsh fluorescent light of the school hallway. His hair was a vibrant ginger with hints of brown, tousled yet somehow perfectly styled.
“Hey, watch where you’re going, asshole,” the boy snapped, but there was no real bite to his words. He grabbed Dazai’s hand, pulling himself up with surprising strength.
Dazai's breath hitched. “Uh, yes, sorry! I was just… uh… lost,” he stammered, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. “I mean, of course I’m lost! This place is a maze! Honestly how do they expect us to learn here if I can’t even navigate this ridiculously large highschool. I mean-“
The boy crossed his arms, eyeing Dazai with a mix of annoyance and curiosity. “You really are clueless, huh? What are you looking for?”
Dazai fumbled for words, his thoughts racing. Since when was he attracted to boys? “I—uh—need to find the principal’s office, I think. I just transferred here and—”
God he was making himself look like an idiot, Mori would be disappointed. So would father.
Atleast neither of them are here to see this.
“Nakahara Chuuya,” the boy interrupted, extending his hand. “Also- Everybody just transferred here. It’s literally only a High School. And aren’t you um…Dazai Osamu right?”
Dazai took his hand, still dazed by the boy’s beauty. “Yes, that’s me! How did you know?”
Chuuya shrugged, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. “They post up our names and pictures on the board. I’m not sure why. But I thought I saw you up there. I see I was right.”
A bout of silence washed upon them and they were standing there awkwardly, “Well um… you said you were lost right? I can show you the way.”
Relief washed over Dazai as he fell into step beside Chuuya. “Thank you. Finally someone is being helpful! I tried asking some guy for directions earlier and he just pulled out a cig and walked away”
“Oh, that was probably Hirotsu-san. He’s like…a teacher I think, he doesn’t really care for the rules. I don’t know how he hasn’t been fired yet, but oh well. And also you’d probably just end up in a corner talking to yourself or something if you kept on trying to find the office,” Chuuya teased, glancing sideways at him. “With your sense of direction, it wouldn’t surprise me.”
Dazai frowned, the tension easing from his shoulders. “Tsk my navigation skills are impeccable I’ll have you know. Whag you saw today was just um… a fluke?” He offered weakly.
Chuuya raised a brow at him and shook his head, “I saw you walk past the principals office like…ten times earlier.” He said.
“…”
”…”
”Let’s just go to the office.” Dazai suggested.
As they walked, Dazai caught glimpses of Chuuya’s expressions—his eyes lit up when he laughed, and there was a fierce determination in his gaze. It made Dazai’s heart race in an entirely different way. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. “So, what’s your story, Chuuya? Why did you come to PM High?”
“Not much to tell,” Chuuya replied with a shrug. “I came here because it was…Well PM High is kind of far from my middle school and I just wanted a new start. People back there just thought I was a problem child and only caused trouble.”
“Trouble?” Dazai raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What kind of trouble?”
Chuuya grinned. “You know, like fighting with people, swearing, shit like that.”
“Sounds like you haven’t given up on that cursing problem,” Dazai said, teasing.
“How could I even begin to give that up?” Chuuya replied, a hint of mischief in his voice. “it’s my only way to explain things the way they should be.”
Dazai laughed, “Oh yeah? With foul language?” Chuuya nodded his head, “Well of course.”
The two boys arrived at the principal’s office, a large oak door that loomed ominously. Dazai swallowed hard, nerves creeping back in.
Chuuya nudged him playfully. “You’ll be fine. Just remember to smile—even if you’re secretly dying inside.”
With a deep breath, Dazai pushed the door open. The interior was just as intimidating as the door suggested—a spacious office adorned with bookshelves and a large desk behind which sat Fukuzawa, the principal. He looked up, his expression stern yet welcoming.
“Ah, hello. You are…? he asked, his voice deep and authoritative. “Dazai Osamu.” He said.
For some odd reason his face seemed to show recognition. “Ah hello, Dazai-kun. Welcome to PM High. Here’s your schedule. I hope you will find your way around well.” He handed the schedule over to Dazai. It was slightly crinkled but nicely folded, Dazai took it.
“Uh, yeah I’ll find my way around,” Dazai admitted sheepishly. “I’ve got help.” He gestured to Chuuya, who stood off to the side with a smirk.
“Good to hear,” Fukuzawa replied, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I hope you find your classes engaging. “Thank you, sir!” He glanced at the list, his heart sinking slightly. “Looks like I have a few classes with… uh, interesting subjects.”
“Life is about challenges,” Fukuzawa said sagely. “Embrace them.”
“Right, challenges,” Dazai echoed, trying to keep his spirits up. “I’ll try my best.”
As they stepped out of the office, Chuuya glanced over Dazai’s shoulder at the schedule. “We have a couple of classes together, so you won’t be completely alone.”
“Really? That’s great!” Dazai felt a rush of relief. “I’ll need someone to keep me from getting lost again.”
“Trust me, it’ll be an adventure,” Chuuya replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let’s find your classes before the next bell rings.”
The two of them navigated the maze of hallways, Chuuya leading the way with confidence. Dazai tried to keep up, taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the school. Students filled the hallways, and snippets of conversations floated around him, a blend of excitement and nerves.
After a frantic thirty minutes, they finally made it to the last classroom on Dazai’s schedule. “There! You’re all set,” Chuuya announced, a triumphant grin on his face. “Now you can officially say you survived your first day. Well technically your first day.”
“Thanks to you,” Dazai said, genuine thankfulness shining in his eyes. “I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
Chuuya waved a hand dismissively, his cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. “It’s no big deal. Just don’t let it go to your head, alright?”
Dazai laughed, feeling a warmth spread through him. Just then, the bell rang, signaling the end of orientation. Students filed out of classrooms, and the chaos of the hallways resumed.
“Hey, I was thinking…” Chuuya began, rubbing the back of his neck, a hint of shyness creeping in. “I was going to hit up this café nearby after school. You wanna come with me?”
Dazai’s heart raced at the invitation. “Oh really? Is this slug asking me on a date? I’d love to go! I mean, if you don’t mind me tagging along.”
“Fuck you! This is not a date.” He glared at Dazai. “But um, course’ I don’t mind you coming,” Chuuya replied, his confidence returning.
They made their way out of the school, the sun casting a golden hue over the pavement. Dazai couldn’t shake the feeling of giddiness as they walked side by side.
’Hmmm. Chūya is so oddly familiar I swear I’ve seen him elsewhere-‘ Dazais train of thought was interrupted by Chūya.
“So, Have you been here before?”
“I- um have been here a lot I like their caramel macchiatos,” Chuuya said, a spark of enthusiasm in his voice. “And their chocolate croissants are to die for.”
“Sounds delicious,” Dazai replied, his mouth watering at the thought. “I’m more of a matcha latte person myself. I’ve only been here a couple times before.”
“Ugh, matcha?” Chuuya scrunched his nose in mock disgust. “You’re one of those people?”
Dazai laughed, feigning offense. “What’s wrong with matcha?”
“It’s just so… green! And earthy!” Chuuya insisted, shaking his head. “But hey, to each their own. Maybe we should swap drinks when we get there? See what the others taste of food is like.”
“Sure” Dazai said, he wasn’t really excited since he was never a huge fan of sweet food, but he didn’t mind.
As they approached the café, the aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air, tantalizing Dazai’s senses. The café was cozy, with warm lighting and soft music playing in the background. They placed their orders, and Dazai couldn’t help but smile when he noticed the barista’s friendly demeanor.
“Here you go, boys,” the barista said cheerfully, handing them their drinks. “Enjoy!”
Chuuya led them to a small table by the window, and they settled in, the atmosphere buzzing with life. Dazai took a sip of his caramel macchiato, his taste buds exploding with sweetness. “Wow, this is amazing!” he exclaimed, wide-eyed. He just couldn’t tell Chuuya that it wasn’t to his tastes. They had wasted money on this after all.
“Right?” Chuuya grinned, clearly pleased. “I told you! Now, try the croissant.”
Dazai took a bite, and his eyes lit up. “Oh my god, this is heavenly! How do they make it so flaky?” Dazai exclaimed.
’Man I am glad Mori taught me to lie properly.’ He thought.
“Secret recipe, I guess,” Chuuya shrugged, enjoying his own drink. “I’ll admit, this is pretty good too.”
’And too catch lies too…’
They spent the next few minutes chatting about their favorite subjects, hobbies, and even their most embarrassing moments. Laughter filled the air as they shared stories, the bond between them growing stronger with every word.
Just as Dazai was about to share a particularly embarrassing incident involving a failed attempt at cooking, Chuuya’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, his expression shifting from carefree to concerned. “Sorry, I have to take this.”
“Go ahead,” Dazai said, sipping his drink while watching Chuuya’s face.
‘Ah I see where I recognize him from now. Ha Mori will like this. That slimy bastard.’ He thought after glancing at Chūya’s phone and seeing the contact name.
Chuuya stepped outside, his voice a mix of annoyance and urgency. “Yeah, I’m coming! Just give me a minute, okay?”
Dazai felt a twinge of disappointment as he watched Chuuya’s expression harden. When he returned to the table, Chuuya looked apologetic. “Sorry, my sister needs me to head back home. Family stuff, you know?”
“Of course,” Dazai said, trying to mask his disappointment. “No problem at all.”
Chuuya sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I really wanted to hang out longer. I was having fun.”
“Me too,” Dazai admitted, a soft smile on his face despite the situation. “But we’ll definitely do this again, right?”
“Absolutely,” Chuuya replied, his eyes lighting up again. “Next time, I’ll introduce you to some other places. You haven’t lived until you try their strawberry parfait.”
Dazai chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him. “You’ve got a deal.”
As they stood up to leave, Dazai’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. His heart sank as he saw a string of missed calls from home.
“Everything okay?” Chuuya asked, noticing the change in Dazai’s expression.
“Just… my dad,” Dazai sighed, rolling his eyes. “He’s probably wondering where I am. I should probably check in.”
Chuuya raised an eyebrow. “Your dad? Sounds like he’s a bit overprotective. Um just based on the amount of missed calls I see.”
Dazai shrugged, smirking. “He’s just a bit… intense. But I’m sure he’s just mad that I’m not home yet.”
“Just tell him you’re with a friend,” Chuuya suggested. “That’ll make him chill out a bit.”
“Good idea,” Dazai replied, dialing his butler’s number instead.
“Hello, sir?” the butler answered, his voice calm and composed. “Where would you like me to pick you up?”
“Uh, can you come to the café nearby? I’ll text you the address,” Dazai said, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.
“Of course, sir. I’ll be there shortly. But may I ask why you aren’t called Ango-kun?”
“Hmm, I just wanted to bother him today!” Dazai said. He hung up quickly not wanting to elaborate on that, he glanced at Chuuya, who was watching him with curiosity. “What’s the plan now?”
“Well, my um…friend I guess? Is coming to pick me up, so I guess I’ll head home,” Dazai said, trying to hide the hint of disappointment in his voice.
Chuuya’s expression softened. “If you want, I can walk with you to the entrance. You know, just in case you get lost again.”
Dazai laughed, feeling lighter. “Sure.”
As they stepped out of the café, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the streets. They walked side by side, their conversation flowing easily, a comfortable silence settling between them at times.
“Hey, Dazai,” Chuuya said suddenly, breaking the quiet. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure, anything,” Dazai replied, glancing at him.
“Do you think you’ll fit in here?” Chuuya asked, his tone serious but warm.
Dazai considered the question for a moment. “Honestly? I’m not sure yet. But with the right company, I think I’ll manage.”
Chuuya just nodded his head, “Alright then.”
As they approached the school entrance, Dazai felt a pang of regret. “Thanks for inviting me! I had a great time.
See you soon.”
“Me too,” Chuuya said, his voice softening. “Have a good day Dazai.”
“You too.” Dazai replied.
Chuuya’s phone buzzed again, and he glanced at the screen. “Looks like I have to run. My sister is impatient, as usual.”
“Go on, then,” Dazai said, forcing a smile. “I’ll text you later, alright?” Dazai had luckily managed to score Chuuyas number while they were in the cafe.
“Do it,” Chuuya said, a confident smile on his face as he turned to leave. “And don’t get lost on your way home!”
Dazai laughed, watching as Chuuya walked away, his ginger hair catching the light. He pulled out his phone again, checking for messages. Just as he suspected, there were more missed calls from home, but he only smirked at the thought of the doctor’s frustration.
With a sense of satisfaction, he dialed the butler once more. “I’m ready. Just outside the school entrance.”
As he waited, he couldn’t shake the feeling of excitement that bubbled within him. Maybe this school thing wouldn’t be too bad. At least now he has somehow to occupy his time with.
Nakahara Chūya certainly seemed interesting.
He needed to know more about the Sheep’s king.