DAZAI POV.

Death isn't supposed to be a joyous experience, Dazai couldn't help but think as he crumpled to the ground in a puddle of blood, his back embedded with a poisoned knife. But it's exactly what he's been yearning for all these years. Finally, he could say goodbye to this harsh, unforgiving world—the same world that took away his precious Odasaku.

His heart pounded—he could hear the blood in his ears. His chest constricted; he wasn’t even sure if he was getting enough air. He’d surely die from lack of oxygen. But his lips pulled into a smile of contentment as the darkness swept over him, an eternal farewell to this world.

But much to Dazai's surprise, he found himself standing in the basement floor of Bar Lupin when his eyes opened again. His heart raced. What's going on? Is this heaven?

It certainly looked like Bar Lupin—there was no mistaking the old-fashioned but elegant décor or the soft jazz music that reverberated in the building. Dazai couldn't even maintain his usual façade of sarcasm and nonchalance, his eyes widening as he examined the familiar surroundings.

But then, something else at the bar counter caught his attention—a muscular and tall man with dark brown eyes and short hair that had a reddish tinge, slightly parted so that a small area of his forehead was visible. He also had a light stubble.

Dazai's heart thudded in his chest, the blood roaring in his ears.

Impossible.... it can't be.

"...Odasaku...?"