He steps inside the bedroom, in desperate need of a shower when the sudden flicker of a lamp-light makes him jump in his steps.

'Holy fuck, ' he gasps, clutching his heaving chest. 'What the hell, Dazai? '

Dazai, lounging in the armchair in the corner of the room, leans forward and plants his elbows on his knees. Half of his face draped in shadows. 'Had a nice day at work, dear? '

He knows

, is the first thought that crosses Chuuya 's mind.

The second is the command to get his act together. This is Dazai. Just Dazai.

'I was going to hop in the shower, then come see you, ' he says, loosening the collar of his shirt with impatient, hasty movements. 'I know what you 're going to say but ' '

'Is that a new trend? You knowing what I 'm going to do? '

' ' I had a good reason for doing what I did, ' Chuuya continues, ignoring the snide remark. 'It was either that or risking Kouyou going against you. '