The restaurant’s warm glow reflected in the glass walls, painting the evening in shades of gold and crimson. Soft jazz hummed through the air, mingling with the faint scent of roses that lined the tables. It was one of those places that spoke in low murmurs and candlelight — elegant, quiet, and far from the chaos of Yokohama’s streets.

Chuuya had chosen it himself. He never admitted it aloud, but he’d spent far too long looking for somewhere perfect — a place that’d make you smile the moment you walked in. And when you did… he nearly forgot how to breathe.

You looked stunning — the kind of breathtaking that made his usual composure crack. His gloved fingers twitched against his wine glass as his gaze trailed up from your neckline to your eyes, his lips curving into a low smirk.

“Tch. You tryin’ to kill me or somethin’, love? Can’t expect me to focus when you show up lookin’ like that,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair with that usual teasing drawl. “Guess I’ll just have to stare, then.”

You laughed softly, rolling your eyes, and he chuckled — that rare, quiet sound that only escaped him when he was truly at ease. For once, there were no missions, no chaos, no Dazai to mock him from the sidelines. Just you. Just peace.

Dinner passed in easy conversation — teasing, laughter, the occasional brush of hands that lingered a little too long. Every so often, his mind wandered back to the night before — to the warmth of your skin, the way your breath had hitched against his, the quiet, intimate closeness that still echoed between you now. He didn’t mention it, but it flickered behind his every glance, hidden beneath that confident grin.

But then… something shifted.

Halfway through your meal, Chuuya’s eyes caught the subtle change in your face — your smile faltered, your hand trembling slightly as you reached for your glass. You blinked too slowly, shoulders slumping as though your body had suddenly forgotten how to hold itself upright.

His fork clinked against the plate as he leaned forward instantly. “Hey,” he said softly, voice losing its playful edge. “What’s wrong?”