Forced into the same gravity

The order came at dawn.

Chuuya Nakahara read the message twice, jaw tightening with every word.

Joint operation. Armed Detective Agency involvement confirmed.

Objective: eliminate the ability user threatening Yokohama’s underground.

“…You’ve got to be kidding me,” Chuuya muttered.

As if summoned by his irritation, the name burned itself into his thoughts.

Dazai Osamu.

There was no mistaking it. The mission wasn’t an accident. Someone—somewhere—had decided it was time to put them in the same space again.

And Chuuya hated how fast his heart reacted.

Abandoned District – Later That Night

The warehouse loomed like a hollow ribcage against the dark sky. Broken windows stared down at the ground like empty eyes.

Chuuya landed silently on the rooftop, gravity cushioning his descent. He straightened, senses sharp, irritation simmering just below the surface.

“Long time no see, Chuuya~”

That voice.

Chuuya didn’t turn.

“Say that again,” he growled, “and I’ll crush you into the pavement.”

Dazai stood a few steps behind him, hands raised in mock surrender, bandages fluttering lightly in the wind.

“So hostile,” Dazai said cheerfully. “I thought we’d matured.”

Chuuya finally faced him.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Moonlight cut across Dazai’s face, highlighting the familiar curve of his smile—and the shadows beneath his eyes that hadn’t been there before.

“You look worse,” Chuuya said flatly.

Dazai blinked, then laughed. “Wow. You noticed.”

“Tch.”

Chuuya turned away. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I don’t want to work with you.”

“And yet,” Dazai replied calmly, “here we are.”

The Mission Begins

The enemy ability activated without warning.

The air warped violently, pressure crashing down like an invisible tide. Chuuya staggered, boots scraping against concrete.

“What the—?!”

A wave of force slammed toward him.

Before he could react, a hand grabbed his wrist and yanked him back.

“Careful,” Dazai said quietly.

The attack missed by inches.

Chuuya stared at their joined hands.

Dazai released him immediately, as if burned.

“…Don’t touch me without warning,” Chuuya snapped.

Dazai’s smile softened—just a little. “You used to say that too.”

Chuuya clenched his teeth.

Mid-Battle: Old Instincts

The enemy was strong. Stronger than expected.

They moved separately at first—unwilling, cautious—but slowly, without discussion, something familiar happened.

Dazai predicted the attacks.

Chuuya countered with precision.

“Left!” Dazai shouted.

Chuuya didn’t question it. He moved instantly, gravity flaring as he smashed through the incoming force.

“Don’t slow down!” Chuuya yelled back.

Dazai was already there—nullifying, disabling, guiding.

It was seamless.

Terrifyingly so.

For a brief moment, it felt like the past had never broken.

The Close Call

The enemy lashed out wildly, energy spiraling out of control.

“Chuuya—!”

Too late.

The force slammed into Chuuya’s side, sending him crashing into a pillar. Pain exploded through his ribs.

Before Chuuya could even curse, Dazai was there.

Kneeling. Hands shaking as they pressed against Chuuya’s shoulder.

“Idiot,” Dazai whispered. “Why do you always push yourself like this?”

Chuuya stared up at him, stunned.

“…You’re panicking,” Chuuya said hoarsely.

Dazai froze.

For a split second, the mask slipped.

Fear. Raw and unguarded.

Then Dazai stood abruptly, turning away. “You’ll live. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Chuuya grabbed his sleeve.

“Then why,” Chuuya demanded, voice low, “do you look like you’re about to fall apart?”

Silence.

The enemy retreated, sensing something dangerous—but not the kind they could fight.

Aftermath

The mission ended successfully.

Too successfully.

They stood on opposite sides of the warehouse, tension thick enough to suffocate.

“You never answered me,” Chuuya said quietly.

Dazai didn’t look at him.

“Some things,” Dazai replied, voice calm but tired, “are better left untouched.”

Chuuya laughed bitterly. “You always say that.”

He stepped closer.

“But you keep coming back.”

Dazai finally met his eyes.

And for the first time, he didn’t smile.

Ending (Hook)

As they parted ways, Chuuya called out:

“If you disappear again—”

Dazai paused.

“I won’t chase you.”

Dazai’s shoulders stiffened.

Chuuya continued, voice steady but heavy:

“…But I won’t forgive you either.”

Dazai didn’t turn around.

“I know,” he said softly.

And somehow—

That hurt more than anger ever could.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***