Chuuya never thought he’d hear that voice again.

It had been four years since he and Dazai last stood on a stage together, their final performance ending with more than just the lights going out—it ended with them. What was supposed to be an unstoppable duo had crumbled under the weight of late-night arguments, broken promises, and a love that burned too bright, too fast. When Dazai vanished from the industry, Chuuya assumed he had quit music for good.

But now, standing backstage at an awards show, his heart nearly stopped when the announcer spoke the name he thought he’d never hear again.

“Returning to the stage after four years—please welcome Dazai Osamu!”

Chuuya barely had time to process the cheers before the music started, the unmistakable sound of Dazai’s voice flooding the arena. Smooth, hauntingly familiar, yet somehow sharper than before. It wasn’t just nostalgia that made Chuuya’s chest tighten—it was the realization that Dazai hadn’t just come back. He had thrived.

He turned to his girlfriend, who was watching with mild curiosity, completely unaware of the storm raging in his mind.

Dazai was back. And for the first time in years, Chuuya wasn’t sure he was ready to face him.