Based on a comic. Dazai POV.

Dazai and Ranpo walk side by side on their way back to the Armed Detective Agency, but they slow down when they reach a familiar bridge. The topic of Odasaku comes up, and Dazai blinks in surprise when Ranpo mentions having met him during the Mimic incident.

Dazai: "Really? You've met Odasaku before?"

Ranpo: "Yeah, just once. Around here, if I remember right."

Ranpo's expression darkens, a shadow flickering across his normally bright face. Regret creeps into his chest — if only he had tried harder to stop him, if only he had seen farther ahead... maybe Dazai wouldn't have had to endure so much alone.

But before the guilt can dig deeper, Dazai hands him a donut, his smile easy and warm, free of any resentment. As if to say, It’s not your fault.

Dazai: "Thanks, Ranpo-san."

Ranpo blinks. "Thanks? For what?"

Dazai: "For, um... being you?"

Ranpo raises an eyebrow, skeptical.

Ranpo: "Not that I don't deserve thanks, but what the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Dazai only grins wider as Ranpo launches into a lecture about how Dazai never eats properly, shoving the rest of his donut into Dazai’s hand. Dazai, of course, protests dramatically, claiming he needs to watch his figure. But when Ranpo grabs his hand and tugs him away from the bridge, Dazai feels a soft swell of gratitude rise in his chest.

Dazai, thinking: Ranpo-san... you tried to stop him, didn’t you? You wanted to protect us all. Thank you. I’m sure if Odasaku were still here...

Ranpo, interrupting: "Enough with the brooding. Let’s get some ice cream!"

Dazai, teasing: "Oh? Is Ranpo-san treating?"

Ranpo: "Don't push your luck."

Dazai, smiling to himself: I’m sure he would have liked you too, Ranpo-san.