Flashback — Last Night

The room is dim. Kunikida sits on the edge of his bed, sleeves rolled up, shirt half undone, clearly tense. Bram leans back against the headboard, calm, amused.

Bram: "You tense up like I’m a threat. Am I?"

Kunikida: "You’re annoying. Not a threat."

Bram (dry smile): "Then why’d you let me bite you?"

Before Kunikida can answer, Bram trails a finger along his neck, then bites gently beneath his jaw.

Kunikida: sharp intake "Bram."

Bram: "A mark to remember me by. Since you leave early."

---

Next Morning — At the ADA

Kunikida arrives, clutching case files, coffee in hand. He looks composed — until Yosano’s eyes catch the faint red mark on his neck as he passes.

Yosano: "Kunikida, is that...?" She raises an eyebrow. "You didn’t check yourself this morning?"

Kunikida pauses, confused.

Kunikida: "Check myself?"

Yosano: "The mark on your neck. Left side."

He rushes to the bathroom mirror with everyone watching. The faint hickey is unmistakable.

---

Back in the common room:

Dazai (grinning): "Oh, the mighty Kunikida marked by love! Or lust, maybe?"

Kunikida (blushing, defensive): "Enough, Dazai."

Atsushi (curious): "Someone special?"

Kunikida (snapping): "That’s none of your business."

Ranpo (eyes closed, smirking): "They say a mark speaks volumes."

Yosano: "Definitely a bold one."

---

Kunikida returns to his desk, trying to focus. His phone buzzes.

He glances — a message from Bram.

Bram: “Saw you didn’t cover it. Exhibitionist.”

Kunikida types back quickly, cheeks burning.

Kunikida: “I forgot.”

Bram replies instantly.

Bram: “I didn’t.”

---

Dazai (calling from across the room): "Kunikida, when do we get to meet this mystery mark-maker?"

Kunikida’s glare could freeze the sun.

Kunikida: "Never."

Atsushi: "Now I’m even more curious."

Yosano (teasing): "Patience, Atsushi. Love’s a slow game."