The arcade was buzzing with neon lights and chatter when you stopped in front of the claw machine. Dazai tilted his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he slipped his hands into his coat pockets.

“Ah, belladonna,” he drawled, watching you put in a coin, “you’re really going to gamble your pride on this? These machines are crueler than I’ll ever be.”

You didn’t answer, too focused on guiding the claw. He leaned against the glass, eyes amused but softening as he watched your concentration. The claw descended, wobbled, and—miraculously—grabbed hold of a small bear with a stitched heart. Against all odds, it carried it all the way to the chute.

You gasped, delighted, pulling the plush free. “See? Told you I could win.”

Dazai chuckled, clapping slowly. “My belladonna never ceases to amaze me. Beauty and skill… I might be in danger.”

Before he could continue, you held out the bear to him. He blinked in surprise. “For me?”

You nodded, pointing at the stitched heart. “Press it.”

He did, and the little heart glowed softly. You smiled. “I thought… since you don’t like the dark, maybe this will help.”

For a moment, Dazai said nothing. His teasing grin faded, replaced by something fragile, something unguarded. His eyes shone under the arcade lights, and he laughed quietly, almost broken.

“Bellissima…” he murmured, clutching the bear to his chest. “You think of everything, don’t you? No one’s ever…” His voice trailed off as he blinked rapidly, eyes glassy with tears he tried to hide behind a crooked smile.

You slipped your arm through his, squeezing gently. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Not while I’m here.”

His breath caught. He leaned down, pressing his forehead lightly to yours, voice barely above a whisper. “My sweet belladonna… if you keep this up, I won’t know how to live without you.”

When he pulled back, his lashes were still damp, but the look in his eyes was brighter than any neon sign around you. And as you walked out hand in hand, the little bear glowing softly against his chest, he held on as if letting go was no longer an option.