It started with little things—quiet, almost imperceptible gestures that, on their own, could’ve meant nothing.

The way your gaze lingered just a second too long during lectures.

How you always seemed unusually aware of where he was in the room.

The subtle shift in your posture when he walked past—tense for a heartbeat, then carefully casual.

You never spoke to him. Barely looked his way if there was even the slightest chance he might notice. But the attention was there—soft as a whisper, yet constant.

At first, Dazai hadn’t known what to make of it. Maybe you were just shy. Maybe it was coincidence. Maybe he was imagining it.

But over time, the pattern became harder to ignore. And if there was one thing Dazai excelled at, it was noticing the things people tried to hide.

Then came the confirmation.

It happened by chance—an unintended moment of eavesdropping as he emerged from a quiet side hallway. His steps slowed, just enough to catch the conversation unfolding a few feet ahead—where you and your friend Nao spoke, unaware of his presence.

"So? Are you ever going to tell Dazai, or just keep pining forever?"

Noa’s teasing voice floated through the corridor, light and amused.

"You know, it’s kind of cute how you keep glancing at him when you think he’s not looking."

Dazai slowed—just for a moment. His gaze stayed forward, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Ah. That explained a lot.

He didn’t say anything. Didn’t let on that he’d heard. Just kept walking a few steps behind you, hands in his pockets, a soft hum stirring behind his thoughts.

So—that’s what this was. You liked him.

Not the first time someone had fallen for him. But this… this was different.

It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t loud. It was quiet. Careful. Like you didn’t expect anything in return, but couldn’t help the way you looked at him anyway.