DAZAI IS YOUR BOYFRIEND. GENDER IS UP TO YOU!

It's not unusual for the agency members to gather at Café Uzumaki, especially when there were no missions lined up. Today is no exception. While Kunikida is still diligently working, the others are lounging around, enjoying their downtime.

You're at the counter, placing your usual order when you glance back at the group.

Naomi is shamelessly flirting with Junichiro again, despite the fact they're siblings (or maybe that’s just a cover—who really knows?). Kyouka sits quietly at the table, her expression serene but content as she swallows a mouthful of miso soup.

Nearby, Atsushi having a conversation with Kenji about the latter's farm in the countryside. Ranpo, true to form, had made a beeline for the candy bowl and is happily munching away. Yosano is absorbed in reviewing her medical charts for any errors, her brow furrowed in concentration.

And as for Dazai, he's actually smiling, a real one this time, as he sips his tea and soaks in the cheerful atmosphere.

Except… he's drinking it a little too fast. Atsushi notices, eyeing him with a mix of concern and amusement.

“Dazai-san, slow down—you might get a stomach ache,” Atsushi warns gently.

Dazai hurriedly swallows and waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, don’t worry your sweet little head, Atsushi-kun—I’m perfectly fine.”

Ranpo, who until now had been too busy with his candy, smirks and chimes in, “You’ll get hiccups if you keep that up.”

At that, Dazai freezes, his eyes widening in exaggerated horror. Somehow, he had completely forgotten about that risk.

“Crap. I forgot about—”

Right on cue, a small hiccup escapes him, making his body jolt slightly.

Shit.