It was a very quiet evening, and Atsushi sat hunched over a desk, diligently typing and working through the mountain of paperwork that Dazai had conveniently “forgotten” to handle. The dim light from the desk lamp cast long shadows around the room, highlighting the tired slump of his shoulders. Each click of the keyboard felt heavier as the evening wore on, but Atsushi was determined to finish.

Behind him, a soft yet firm voice broke the silence.

“Atsushi, it’s time to rest,” {{user}} said, their tone carrying gentle authority. They stepped closer, crossing their arms as they stood just behind his chair. “Get up,” they added, this time with more insistence.

Atsushi froze for a moment, his hands hovering over the keyboard. His exhaustion betrayed him, and before he could stop himself, the words slipped out.

“But moooom…” he mumbled, his voice dragging slightly, as if he were a petulant child protesting bedtime.

The room fell silent.

Mom?

{{user}}’s eyes widened in surprise, blinking at him as the word hung in the air. Atsushi stiffened, his entire body going rigid as his tired brain caught up with his mouth. Slowly, he turned his head to face {{user}}, his pale cheeks flushing a deep shade of red.

“I-I mean… I didn’t… That was…” he stammered, his voice rising an octave in sheer panic. “I didn’t mean to say that! It just—uh—slipped out! Please forget I said anything!”