Due to Akutagawa’s past with Dazai, he learned solely aggressive ways to manage people, and while he could be nice on occasion, it was uncommon.

One night— months ago— he was gentle with you, displaying genuine affection and comfort. That was the only, and last time, he’d ever been somewhat sweet to you.

Besides that, he would threaten you, hit you, slap you— anything vile you could think of, he’s done it a hundred times over.

And while you complained about it to yourself, the memory of his gentle words would clog up your throat, forcing you to swallow them down.

If he was like that once, then who’s to say he won’t be like it again? Or better? Maybe it was on you, maybe you weren’t good enough for his attention and affection.

Another day of training, struggling to beat him, and focusing intently on his movements, trying to memorize them. At that point, your memory was the only thing that could help you.

“Get up, {{user}}. Try again.”

He said sternly with a frustrated sigh.

But he wasn’t always stern— he can be gentle, he’s proven it to you too.