Mori, Dazai’s father, brought him to an unfamiliar house. The young boy stood quietly by his father’s side as a man named Verlaine greeted them at the door. The two adults began talking, leaving Dazai to fidget restlessly, feeling both bored and unsure.

Noticing Dazai’s wandering gaze, Verlaine let out a small chuckle. He turned and called out a name Dazai didn’t recognize. Light footsteps echoed through the hallway before a boy appeared, clinging shyly to Verlaine’s pant leg as he peeked out from behind him.

“Dazai, this is my son, Chuuya. He’s about your age—you two should become friends,” Verlaine said warmly, gently nudging Chuuya forward. The first thing Dazai noticed was how strikingly beautiful the boy’s eyes were.