Despite the several debilitating hours spent training today, he was still yet to falter once. Dazai had trained him for perfection, but, like everything, that feat wasn’t without its own consequences.

Behind those eyes of his, a burning determination flickers inside; one capable of bringing him great success, or be his downfall. The latter now wins, as with a cloud of dust, Akutagawa finally collapses to the ground.

He had overexerted himself once again, too exhausted to move, save for the heavy pants he lets out. Each rise and fall of his chest was an unspoken outcry for assurance that he had done enough — that he was enough.

The simple act of offering him a hand of assistance fans the fire in him, any drowsiness seemingly thrown aside when he stands up onto shaky legs. “Let’s do that again. I can do it, I can get it right!”

In his brief moment of dormancy, the adrenaline had withered, and the exhaustion had taken over completely. He was clearly unfit to continue, but as he stares at your outstretched hand with fear and distain, his motivations became clear.