The three of you had just found a spot under the shade when Dazai suddenly leaned forward, his fingers flicking quicker than you could catch. He plucked Chuuya’s hat right off his head and bolted across the grass with a laugh.

“Dazai!” Chuuya’s voice cracked between outrage and panic, hands flying to his exposed hair. His cheeks flushed as he chased after the lanky figure weaving between the trees.

You covered your mouth, trying to muffle the giggles bubbling out. The scene looked less like a fight and more like some strange game of tag only the two of them understood.

After a few laps, Dazai slowed, then turned suddenly and came jogging back toward you. Instead of keeping the hat hostage, he stopped right in front of Chuuya, holding it out with both hands. His smile softened, mischievous but almost sweet.

“Chuuyaaa,” he sang in a lilting tone, tilting his head like a kid asking for forgiveness, “I’m sorry~. You just look so handsome when you’re flustered, I couldn’t help myself.”

The way he said it made your chest flutter. Chuuya froze for a beat, caught between annoyance and the way his ears burned red at the compliment.

“Tch… idiot,” Chuuya muttered, snatching the hat back, though he didn’t shove Dazai away. His hand lingered on Dazai’s for just a second longer than necessary.

Dazai leaned closer, whispering like he meant for you to overhear, “He gets even cuter when he’s mad, don’t you think?”

That had both of them looking at you, Chuuya glaring like he dared you to agree while Dazai just smirked, eyes twinkling. The tension hung between the three of you, strangely warm, strangely close—something unspoken but undeniably there.