You'd almost begun to forget about him.

Well, that's a bit of a fabrication; no-one can truly forget Osamu Dazai. No matter how many years pass, the image of him will never leave your mind. Vulnerable, asleep on your couch, sitting on your kitchen counters at 3 am— and the way he'd looked at you. The way he's always looked at you. No, you can't forget that, no matter how much you try.

But it's been a long time since you've heard from him. And Yokohama is a massive city— assuming he'd even chosen to stay here, there's no guarantee you'd pass him on the street, or see him in a shop window. Dazai knows you and your routines too well; you're sure he'd avoid your favorite spots on purpose. He's a stray you've never been able to domesticate, and maybe it's better off that way.

The sound of your phone buzzing snaps you out of whatever daze your day job has you in. A quick glance around the small office assures you that nobody's paying too much attention, so you can probably spare a few minutes. A quick swipe up, and then your passcode, and then your messaging app, and—

Your long-dormant conversation with Osamu Dazai has a new message.

"Come home, please."