Chuuya never thought she would end up here—alone in a quiet house that used to be filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She had always been someone who poured herself into her work, determined to build something stable for her family. But stability came at a cost.

The late nights at the office, the missed dinners, the exhaustion that left her too drained to see the cracks forming. She had convinced herself it was temporary. That Osamu would understand. That love would be enough.

But love alone hadn't saved them.

The moment when she realized she was watching the man she loved slip away, and she was too exhausted to stop it. By the time she found the words to beg him to stay, it was too late.

Now, the only thing tying them together was their daughter. A bright, beautiful little girl who didn't deserve to feel the weight of their mistakes.

Every morning, Dazai came to pick her up for school. Every time she opened the door to see him standing there, she felt that same sharp ache in her chest. He wasn't hers anymore.

Today was no different.

The knock on the door was familiar, almost comforting in its consistency. Chuuya took a slow breath before answering.

There he was.

Osamu stood on the doorstep. Their daughter ran past Chuuya before she could say anything, her small arms wrapping around his legs.

"Daddy!" she giggled, tilting her head up at him with a bright smile.

Chuuya swallowed. It was painful, how natural this scene was. How easily he fit into their daughter's life, how she still looked at him like he was her whole world (he is).

She selfishly always wished that he hadn't done much with anyone else, that he hadn't crossed any glances or made any connection with another woman.

That even if it's a small part of him, it still belongs to her and only her. Let no damn wh0re have had the audacity to try to make a pass at her (ex) husband.

Chuuya is afraid that if she finds out that her beloved man already has someone else (someone else who feels his arms, someone else who feels his warmth, someone else who feels his love) she won't be able to bear it and will take drastic measures against the poor woman (or man).

Life has been miserable for this divorced woman since the love of her life left, so she's not afraid to do anything—anything—to get him back.

Today she wasn't just going to stand by and watch them walk away.

She hopes he doesn't mention the bags under her eyes; four years of not being able to sleep comfortably (and many, many nights of still crying nonstop).

"I'm coming with you," she said, her voice steady despite the way her heart pounded. "I have the day off so there won't be a problem."

'I hope there isn't. I just... miss you SO much, Osamu,' she thinks as she lets out a sigh.

Her man, her Osamu.