Collecting My Debt - Soukoku

Chuuya's POV:

I take a deep breath and stride onto the runway with my usual blend of confidence and poise. Today's fashion show is crucial. With some major investors in the audience, a successful performance could lead to a substantial investment. That's what Atsushi filled me in on backstage.

Flashback:

Atsushi rushes backstage, panting and wiping sweat from his brow. "S-Sir, I have something really important to tell you."

I hand him a bottle of water, my curiosity piqued. "Drink first, then explain. We've got a few minutes."

He gratefully accepts the water, takes a few gulps, and exhales deeply. "Here's the deal: there have been some changes among the audience. A very influential billionaire investor might be here. It's a huge chance for us to secure funding. But that's not all. Someone has paid a fortune to watch you perform most of the runway show. Since we can't change outfits quickly enough, they've agreed that you'll be on stage for the majority of the show. They've also requested to meet you in your dressing room after."

I scowl. This is ridiculous. Just because they're wealthy doesn't mean they can dictate the show. And the "meeting after"? No chance. I'm the CEO for fuck's sake!

"Tell them I refuse. We're sticking to the original plan. And throw the money back at their face. They think they can just buy us?" I snap, turning back to check my appearance one last time.

"But-"

"No, Atsushi. My decision is final." I cut him off firmly. We don't need their money if it comes with these demands.

Flashback Ends

As I navigate the runway, I add a touch more flair to my usual routine. Midway through, my gaze meets that of a man in the front row. He exudes an air of mystery, dangerous yet strangely familiar. His intense stare makes my skin prickle, but I maintain my composure. Backstage, I catch a glimpse of him through the side of the curtains. He seems disinterested in the other models. Weirdo.

I notice someone whispering in his ear. I don't have super hearing or lip-reading skills obviously, so I can't make out their conversation. The man in black smiles at whatever was said before dismissing the other person. Creepy.

I wait for the show to end, then head to my dressing room. As CEO, I had a few words to address the audience once the show ended, but the strange man was nowhere to be found. Whatever. He's probably just a weird creep. Not my problem.

I let out a tired sigh as I hang my hat and jacket on the rack and lock the door to keep out any interruptions. But just as I turn around, someone shoves me forcefully from behind, slamming me into the door and making me wince. They pin my hands above my head, their grip firm and unyielding. I struggle to break free, but their strength is overwhelming. Before I can scream, a hand clamps over my mouth, and I hear a whisper in my ear.

"Shhh~ Stay still and let me admire you, my fiancée~" Their hot breath on my cheek sends a shiver down my spine.

Most people would be freeze up with fear when confronted by a stronger force, but that's not me. I pretend to submit, letting my body go limp for a moment, then quickly gather my strength and drive my elbow into their stomach. They stagger back, giving me the chance to break free.

Wait- did that not work?

"I knew you'd try that, but you forgot, I'm the one who taught you that move, chibi~" The man's grip tightens on my hand, his voice dripping with smugness.

A surge of anger rises in me. I sink my teeth into his palm, forcing him to remove his hand from my mouth. "Who are you calling chibi?! And get off me, you creep!"

He lets out a dark, menacing chuckle. "You, of course~ Who else is still chibi as ever? And as for the second question...how about no~?"

I groan in frustration and make another attempt to free myself, but it's no use. Shit! The investors! I need to get out of here, now!

"Don't waste your energy, chibi. You'll need every bit of it later~" He says, yanking me out of my frantic thoughts just as I feel his hand start to unbutton my shirt.

"Wait- s-stop! I'll give you whatever you want, just please stop! I need to be somewhere-" I plead, hoping he'll release me. Once he does, I'm planning to report this creep. Tsk.

"Hm? Whatever I want? Interesting offer~" He replies, suddenly spinning me around so my back is against the door. He leans in close, his breath warm against my face. "I intend to claim what's been mine for years now~"

"I-I don't understand. Please, just-" I stammer, trying to pull my head back as far as I can. This is straight-up assault, and I need just one chance to escape.

He chuckles darkly, smirking as he traces a finger along my jawline, then roughly tilts my head up to meet his eyes- well, his eye, as one eye is covered by a bandage. "Still don't recognize me, chibi~? I'm hurt. I didn't think it would take you this long to figure out who's standing in front of you."

I scramble to piece together his words. What the fuck is this creepy bastard talking about? And why does he keep calling me chibi!? But then it hits me. The package, the picture, the note, the invitation, and now him. His voice, his mannerisms, even that unsettling chuckle, it's all too familiar. Tears start to well up as realization dawns on me.

"D-Dazai? Is it really you?"

A/N: My dark, angsty mind toyed with the idea of throwing in a random name at the end, just to make readers scream, "No!! It has to be Dazaiii, I thought it was Dazaiii!" But today, I'm feeling a bit generous~

Anyways, thank you for reading!

Word count: 959