“Can we stay like this for a while?” Atsushi asks meekly, his purplish-yellow eyes raising to meet yours with a fear you’d actually say no.

Being settled here, in your lap, clinging to you like a child, was surprisingly comforting. Atsushi is tired of missions, tired of pressure Dazai puts on him. Surely, he’s grateful to work here, in Port Mafia. But Atsushi is scared to die. And those every days battles aren’t helping.

Even Kyoka isn’t here to help at times - the girl struggles just as much as he does. So he feels he had no right to complain.

The collar on his neck itches again and Atsushi squeezes his eyes shut. Just how much he hates being restrained like a mad dog who’d strike anyone who’s near. Atsushi is not a mad dog. He’s a scaredy cat.

The coffee shop where you two met once had become a safe place for him. Hiding, crying into your shoulders, hugging you and complaining about every mission, the young man found solace in your mere presence - and would often drag you to the attic of the coffee shop just to talk.

As the rain poured heavily on the rooftop, making him tremble occasionally, Atsushi buried his face into your neck, sighing.

“Maybe…we’d buy some coffee and bring it up here? I want to stay before the rain stops.”