The red strings of fate

A New Beginning

The days that followed felt like a blur. Each one seemed to carry a sense of weightlessness, as if something had shifted in the air, in their relationship, and they were both floating in this strange, new space. Chuuya still wasn't entirely sure what it all meant, but somehow, he felt like he was starting to understand it. He was starting to understand Dazai—and more importantly, he was starting to understand himself.

Chuuya had always been so used to fighting, to hiding, to pushing people away. But Dazai didn't let him. Dazai didn't let him run. He stayed by his side, gentle but persistent, never once forcing Chuuya into anything he wasn't ready for. And little by little, Chuuya started to realize that maybe he wasn't so afraid anymore. Maybe it wasn't so bad to trust, to be cared for.

One night, as they sat together in the quiet of the orphanage garden, Chuuya found himself leaning against Dazai, his head resting on his shoulder. Dazai's presence was comforting, grounding in a way Chuuya hadn't experienced before. The night air was cool, but Chuuya didn't feel the chill, not with Dazai's warmth beside him.

Dazai chuckled softly, breaking the silence. "You know, I never thought I'd see you like this."

Chuuya raised an eyebrow but didn't move his head. "Like what?"

"Relaxed. At peace," Dazai said, his voice teasing, but there was an underlying sincerity in it that made Chuuya's heart soften. "I think it suits you."

Chuuya snorted, but the hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Don't get used to it."

"I don't know," Dazai mused, shifting slightly so he could look down at Chuuya with that same soft expression. "I think I'm getting used to it already."

Chuuya rolled his eyes, but there was no real bite to it. "You really are something else, you know that?"

Dazai's grin widened, but it wasn't the usual teasing smirk. It was something more genuine, more tender. "I know. But I think I'm starting to like the 'something else' I've found in you."

Chuuya's chest tightened, and for a moment, he wasn't sure what to say. He wasn't used to words like that, words that made his heart feel like it was fluttering in his chest. But he didn't need to say anything. He simply took a deep breath and nestled closer to Dazai, feeling his presence like a steady anchor.

For the first time, Chuuya didn't feel like he was fighting against the current. He wasn't fighting against himself. He wasn't fighting against what he wanted. He didn't have to. Because for the first time in his life, he didn't feel alone.

The next few weeks were just as gentle, but in a way, they were more meaningful. Dazai and Chuuya grew closer, not in some grand, dramatic way, but in small, quiet moments. They learned more about each other, shared pieces of their lives they had kept hidden for so long. Chuuya learned that Dazai wasn't just this carefree, enigmatic boy; he had a past, a story of his own. And Dazai learned that Chuuya wasn't just the angry, defiant boy he had first seen. Chuuya had dreams, fears, and a quiet strength that had always been buried deep inside.

And somehow, amidst all the chaos of their individual pasts, they found something together. Something that made them both feel whole.

One evening, as the two of them walked side by side through the streets near the orphanage, Chuuya glanced at Dazai. It was a small, fleeting glance, but it was enough. Enough for Dazai to catch it.

"What is it, Chuuya?" Dazai asked, his voice light but laced with curiosity.

Chuuya hesitated before answering, but there was no fear in his words now. No hesitation.

"I don't know how to explain it," Chuuya said, his voice soft, almost tentative. "But I think... I think I'm okay with this. With us."

Dazai stopped walking, his expression unreadable for a moment, but then he smiled—wide, gentle, his eyes soft with something Chuuya couldn't quite name.

"I'm glad," Dazai said quietly. "Because I think I'm more than okay with it too."

Chuuya felt something warm spread through his chest, a lightness he hadn't known he was capable of. He reached out, his hand brushing against Dazai's, and for a moment, they stood there, just the two of them, surrounded by the quiet hum of the world. It wasn't a dramatic moment, but it was perfect in its simplicity.

And for the first time in his life, Chuuya felt like he didn't need to run anymore.

A few days later, the head of the orphanage called Chuuya into his office again. Chuuya's stomach twisted, but this time, it wasn't the same anxiety he had once felt. This time, there was a quiet confidence in him, a belief in himself that hadn't been there before.

The head of the orphanage looked at him with that familiar stern gaze. "Chuuya," he began, his voice as steady as always. "I've noticed some changes in you recently. And I must admit, I'm impressed."

Chuuya blinked, surprised by the words. "You are?"

The head of the orphanage gave a small, approving nod. "You've been more focused, more considerate of others. You've even started getting along with the other kids. I think you're finally realizing your potential."

Chuuya didn't know how to respond to that, but he could feel the pride swelling in his chest. "Thanks," he said, his voice softer than usual.

"I don't know what's changed," the head continued, his gaze softer now. "But whatever it is, keep it up."

Chuuya nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. Maybe he wasn't perfect. Maybe he didn't have it all figured out. But for the first time, he didn't feel like he needed to.

As he left the office and made his way back to the garden, he found Dazai waiting for him, leaning against the stone wall with that familiar mischievous smile on his face.

"You're still here?" Chuuya asked, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Dazai raised an eyebrow, his expression teasing but affectionate. "Of course. I wouldn't miss this moment for the world."

Chuuya shook his head, but there was a warmth in his chest that couldn't be ignored. He stepped closer to Dazai, his voice quieter now. "Thanks, Dazai. For everything."

Dazai's smile softened, and for a moment, all the noise of the world seemed to fade away. "You don't have to thank me," he said gently, reaching out to touch Chuuya's cheek. "I'll always be here. You're not alone, Chuuya."

Chuuya's heart fluttered as he looked into Dazai's eyes, feeling a sense of peace settle within him. For the first time in his life, he didn't feel like he was fighting to survive. He felt like he was living.

And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

The End... For Now.

(I hope you guys enjoyed this story as much as I did!I will try make more in the future!This was my first full fanfic so I hope you can forgive me if there are any errors 😭)Thank you so much for reading this ❤️❤️❤️