Chapter 35: The Double Black
The afternoon sun in Tokyo cast a lazy glow, slanting across the streets. Chuuya Nakahara stopped, his gaze sweeping over a brightly colored billboard on the street corner, announcing the opening of a new amusement park.
“Hey, Dazai.” He turned his head to look at the man beside him, whose hands were in his pockets and who seemed uninterested in everything. “There seems to be a newly opened amusement park nearby. Shall we... go check it out?” He paused, a hint of probing in his tone, “Have you... been to a place like this before?”
He wasn't actually very familiar with this place, having only been here two or three times for work. However, the layout of bustling commercial areas is generally similar, and he could always find his way by remembering the street signs and shops. He chose to meet here simply for convenience, as it was close by and offered many options.
Dazai Osamu's amber eyes shifted slightly, as if recalling something, then a familiar, enigmatic smile appeared on his lips: "No, Chuuya~"
He drawled out the last syllable, a hint of mockery in his voice, "The few times I remember were when we went on missions together, Chuuya, have you forgotten?" The smile didn't reach his eyes; instead, a shadow settled deep within his pupils. The amusement park, the memories it stirred in his mind, weren't of children's laughter, but of gunpowder smoke and the terrified, distorted faces of his targets.
Chuuya Nakahara silently shook his head. Of course he hadn't forgotten. He asked this only to know if, in all the years they had been apart, Dazai had ever, even once, stepped into that kind of place like an ordinary person, not for killing, but just for a moment of pleasure.
The answer seems self-evident.
He himself was no different; his impoverished childhood and violent youth meant that amusement parks were merely coordinates on a mission map. In his few hazy, colorful memories, there was always a figure wrapped in bandages with an infuriating smile, and the background noise was always the roar of explosions rather than the music of a carousel. Today, for the two of them to go to an amusement park simply for fun was truly unprecedented.
For two adults in this unfamiliar city, the only place that could pique their interest yet that they had never been before seemed to be this place full of childlike wonder. At least, it was probably the closest one in the vicinity.
They followed the signs, and soon the outline of the newly built amusement park came into view. However, the cheerful music and noisy crowds they had imagined did not come; instead, there was an unsettling silence and glaring warning lines.
Several police cars were parked at the entrance, their blue and red lights silently flashing, indicating that something unusual had happened. The police officers were sternly blocking the crowd trying to approach the amusement park entrance, and the faces of the tourists forced to stay inside the park were filled with fear and confusion.
Dazai Osamu stopped, his nonchalant expression softening slightly. He looked in the direction of the police tape and let out a soft "Ah," his tone carrying an almost detached, knowing air: "Looks like this is another unfortunate day for others, Chuuya. The density of cases in Tokyo is truly astonishing."
"Luckily we didn't come here any earlier, otherwise the list of unfortunate people trapped inside would probably have two more familiar names added to it."
Chuuya Nakahara nodded silently, his gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene not far away, acknowledging his partner's assessment. This should have been a perfectly normal understanding, but Dazai Osamu's heart seemed to tighten slightly.
Something's not right.
Since their last reunion, Chuuya's attitude towards him had become increasingly cold. The anger, sarcasm, or other emotions that should accompany a long-awaited reunion were almost imperceptible, replaced by a deliberate distance and calm. Just like now, he merely nodded at his own words, not even bothering to offer a simple "Yeah, that's really unlucky."
Dazai Osamu suppressed the inexplicable displeasure in his heart, maintaining an impeccably relaxed expression, as if those dark thoughts had never crossed his mind. He said nothing more, simply following quietly beside Chuuya. The two walked aimlessly along the sidewalk, silence filling the air between them, with only the echo of their footsteps, as unfamiliar as if they had just met.
This atmosphere suffocated Dazai. He disliked it, vehemently disliked it. Chuuya shouldn't be like this either. Even after such a long time, even after they had both experienced so much, where had Chuuya's once vibrant, almost burning life force gone when he faced him?
He won't get an answer, and Chuuya probably won't tell him the correct answer either.
Well... Dazai sighed silently in his heart.
Perhaps it's because of time, this damned, insurmountable time.
Chuuya Nakahara never mentioned to Dazai how long he had been in this world, and Dazai himself never asked. However, judging from the other's activity level and popularity online, his stay couldn't have been short. Perhaps it was the impact of this unexpected event that made Chuuya Nakahara temporarily unable to get used to his presence.
So Dazai ultimately chose to remain silent, just like Chuuya. Since Chuuya had chosen to treat him with this distant attitude, he would have to play along. At least, for now.
With their amusement park plans ruined, the two had to find another place to go. As they passed a brightly decorated ice cream truck, Dazai Osamu's gaze was easily drawn to it. Several children were gathered around the truck, licking their colorful ice cream cones, their faces beaming with pure, radiant joy.
Suddenly, a strange impulse made Dazai want to buy an ice cream cone.
"Chuuya~" He reached out and grabbed Chuuya Nakahara, who was about to continue walking without looking to the side. He pointed to the ice cream truck and said in a slightly expectant tone that he himself did not realize, "Do you want to have some ice cream?" As soon as he said it, he was stunned for a moment.
If it were a sixteen-year-old Chuuya Nakahara, he would probably immediately shake off his hand, impatiently shouting things like, "Are you an idiot? If you want to eat, go buy it yourself. Don't expect me to pay." His eyes might even hold a hint of aroused curiosity.
But before him stood twenty-two-year-old Chuuya Nakahara. He merely stopped, glanced at Dazai, then at the ice cream truck. The brim of his baseball cap partially obscured his eyes, but the knowing look on his face became clear as he looked up. He knew Dazai wanted some.
"It doesn't matter." Chuuya's voice was flat, almost devoid of emotion. "If you want to eat it, just buy it."
So the two went back and stood in front of the ice cream truck. Chuuya gestured for Dazai to choose a flavor, and Dazai unhesitatingly ordered two vanilla flavors. Chuuya still didn't say anything, just silently paid.
After receiving the two icy, sweet ice cream cones, they tacitly avoided the queue and walked to a relatively quiet corner a few steps away. Dazai Osamu then pulled down his mask and eagerly took a lick. The icy sensation went straight to his head, and the sweetness melted on his tongue.
Then, to Chuuya's surprise, Dazai handed him another intact ice cream, his face beaming with a pure, almost blinding smile, clearly indicating that he wanted him to eat it with him.
Chuuya Nakahara was clearly stunned. He had indeed thought that Dazai might greedily eat two, but he hadn't expected that the other one was prepared for him. The scent of vanilla mixed with a certain unique smell on Dazai Osamu's wrist wafted into his nostrils, but he wasn't sure if the latter was just his imagination.
After a two-second silence, Chuuya Nakahara finally took it. He didn't act immediately, his gaze lingering for a moment on Dazai's genuinely smiling face, as if confirming something. Finally, he also pulled down his mask, and with a hint of caution, lowered his head and took a bite.
The icy touch instantly entered his mouth, followed by an intense sweetness. It wasn't a bad taste, but he couldn't say he liked it either, so he ate it in small, quick bites, and soon his attention was completely focused on the ice cream cone.
Dazai Osamu quickly finished his ice cream cone, then stared intently at Chuuya as if he had discovered something interesting.
As he ate more, his brows unconsciously relaxed, and his eyes even narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of relief from the pleasure of sweets. Dazai's smile also deepened.
They didn't linger on the street for long, to avoid uncontrollable trouble. As perceptive as Shuanghei was, they quickly noticed that the gazes around them had become denser and more purposeful, and some people seemed ready to strike up a conversation or take a picture at any moment.
"Let's go." Chuuya Nakahara said simply, turning around first. Dazai naturally followed.
This time, only Dazai drove, while Nakahara Chuuya took a taxi. So, upon arriving at the parking lot, Dazai opened the door of his car: "Get in, Chuuya. I'll take you home." The reason was convincing and hard to refuse.
Chuuya Nakahara had assumed the day would pass by uneventfully, and that after their brief meeting, they would part ways when the time came. However, things rarely go as planned.
When the car stopped downstairs at Chuuya's apartment building, Dazai Osamu got out of the car with Chuuya without any hesitation and followed him to the elevator to go upstairs together. Only then did Chuuya belatedly realize that this guy had also followed him to his doorstep as if it were perfectly natural.
At this moment, Chuuya Nakahara stood in front of his apartment door, his finger hovering over the fingerprint lock, his movements somewhat hesitant. The lingering sweetness of the ice cream seemed to still cling to his tongue, mixed with some more complex emotions.
Was there alcohol added to that vanilla ice cream? Or... was Dazai Osamu's innocent yet expectant smile downstairs just now too seductive?
He still clearly remembered how the other person casually said things like, "Chuuya's house looks very comfortable. Won't you invite me in? It's so hot outside~", and then he inexplicably... acquiesced.
The door lock clicked softly as the password was confirmed, and Chuuya Nakahara pushed open the door and went inside first.
It was dusk again. Light streamed into the living room through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, casting shadows on the furniture within the area, as if cut by obstructions. Tiny specks of light seemed to float in the air.
Dazai Osamu followed Chuuya into the entrance hall, his gaze quickly and discreetly scanning the space. This place was completely different from his own show flat-style apartment; it was filled with traces of Nakahara Chuuya.
The floor here is a warm, natural wood tone, and there's a comfortable fabric sofa against the wall. The record rack in the corner is piled high with vinyl records. Everywhere is decorated with warm and inviting furniture, so much so that after a while, you might get the illusion that a cat or dog might pop out from the corner. Clearly, this isn't a temporary residence, but rather Chuuya's regular place of residence—his private domain.
Chuuya clicked his tongue, casually tossing his keys onto the entryway cabinet with a crisp sound that broke the silence of the house. He glanced at the wall clock; the hands pointed to dinnertime. "Time to eat," he thought, and habitually headed towards the kitchen, ready to cook for himself.
"Wait!" Dazai Osamu's voice carried a deliberate lightness. He stepped forward and stood between Chuuya and the kitchen, a bright smile blooming on his face that instantly set off Chuuya's alarm bells.
“How could I trouble Chuuya to do such a small thing? I am grateful for your hospitality today, so let me repay you with a delicious dinner.” He said in an exaggerated and upbeat tone.
Chuuya Nakahara looked Dazai up and down suspiciously, his brows furrowed. As soon as Dazai finished speaking, countless related memories surged from the depths of his mind, such as the burnt-through bottom of the pot and the billowing black smoke... This guy's destructive power in the kitchen was comparable to his superpower [No Longer Human], which could eliminate the normal taste and characteristics of all ordinary food and twist them into a pile of unknown poisons that had lost their edibility.
But... the other person's eyes were too bright, even carrying a rare pleading tone, causing Chuuya's resolute "No" to linger in his throat, ultimately turning into a compromising statement tinged with deep doubt: "...Are you sure?"
"Of course!" Dazai confidently tied on the apron that Chuuya handed him (Chuuya secretly remarked that the apron looked a bit ridiculous on him, as it was far too small for Dazai's size), and then strode into the kitchen with great pride.
Time passed amidst the occasional clanging of pots and pans and Dazai's off-key humming. About twenty minutes later, the kitchen door opened. Dazai Osamu carefully carried a plate, his face beaming with anticipation for praise.
Chuuya Nakahara looked up and his pupils suddenly contracted.
It was a viscous substance, its composition indistinguishable from its appearance, and possessing an eerie dark green hue. Even more terrifying, wisps of visible black smoke were rising from its surface. The visual impact was so intense that it would trigger the highest level of danger alarm in any living being.
Nakahara Chuuya: ...
Chuuya Nakahara completely lost control of his expression. He pointed at the plate, his voice almost distorted, "Dazai Osamu! What... what the hell is this?!"
"Eh?" Dazai blinked innocently. "This is my latest creative dish! I haven't thought of a name yet... but I bet it will taste very unique."
He tried to pick up a bit with his fork to show it off, and it looked just like grime under the gears of a trash can.
Without hesitation, Chuuya Nakahara snatched the plate, strode to the trash can, and poured the so-called delicacy into it.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the throbbing veins on his forehead, pointed at the sofa in the living room, and delivered his final verdict to the regretful Dazai: "You, now! Immediately! Right now! Sit over there and don't come any closer to the kitchen! If you waste any more food, I'll throw you out with the garbage!" His tone was resolute and brooked no argument.
Dazai Osamu, like a wilted eggplant, shuffled onto the sofa, looking back every few steps, and sat down obediently, watching Chuuya put on his apron and take over the kitchen again with a pitiful expression.
It's rare to see Chuuya wearing an apron; he looks rather cute.
He couldn't help but press his finger against his lower lip, concealing the smile hidden there.
In the end, thanks to Chuuya Nakahara's practical cooking skills, which far surpassed Dazai's, the two were finally able to enjoy a reasonably normal dinner at the table.
After dinner, Dazai Osamu's gaze was drawn to the latest gaming console next to the TV cabinet. He leaned back lazily on the sofa and pointed in that direction with his toe. "Chuuya, wanna play a game?" His tone was casual, yet carried a hint of probing, perhaps an opportunity to break down the invisible barrier between them.
Chuuya Nakahara was clearing away the dishes when he heard this. He paused, glanced at the game console, then looked at Dazai, and remained silent for a few seconds.
"Whatever." He finally uttered those two words with a nonchalant attitude, but immediately put down his chopsticks and walked over.
The two sat cross-legged on the living room carpet, each picking up a controller. Without any unnecessary words, they casually chose a two-player fighting game. Initially, both remained calm, with only the rapid clicking of the controller buttons echoing in the living room. The characters on the screen displayed sharp moves and swift transitions between offense and defense.
However, as the battle intensified, the calm they had been trying to maintain gradually crumbled.
"Idiot, you're blocking my way, get out of my way!"
"Huh? It was clearly Chuuya who bumped into me because of your terrible positioning! Quick, heal me!"
"Support my ass! Can't you see I'm being ganged up on by three people? Why don't you do something, Dazai!"
"I can't move! Chuuya, your attack that accidentally hit a teammate was really accurate. My character is still stunned."
The once fearsome "Double Black" of the Port Mafia now resemble two schoolchildren fighting over candy, yelling at the screen and accusing each other of being a burden.
Furthermore, in an attempt to distract each other, various petty actions abound. For instance, Dazai would occasionally bump Chuuya's arm with his shoulder, and Chuuya would retaliate without hesitation by elbowing him back. Chuuya would then try to sneakily poke Dazai's waist in retaliation, but Dazai would nimbly dodge and slap his leg away. These childish physical clashes mostly ended in failure, only fueling their competitive spirit even more.
Several hours passed in this intense yet childish contest. When the words "Game Over" finally appeared on the screen, both of them collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.
The shouts and insults they had exchanged seemed to still linger in the air, but a strange, exhilarating feeling also arose, and their tense nerves were released in this stimulating game.
The deliberately maintained sense of distance and alienation seemed to have been subtly diluted amidst the unconscious clashes and shouts. A long-lost tacit understanding, a kind of unspoken agreement between the two, quietly returned after the smoke of battle (though only virtual) dissipated.
The clock on the wall had quietly slipped into the dead of night.
"Ah...so tired." Dazai Osamu sprawled out on the carpet, staring at the ceiling, completely losing his composure.
Before going to bed, Dazai Osamu claimed the bed in the guest room, saying that he would stay at Chuuya's house. Chuuya didn't object, just nodded and said it was fine, which surprised Dazai for a moment.
Chuuya's easy and calm acceptance made Dazai feel more uneasy and lost than any vehement refusal.
"Thank you for the treat, Chuuya~" He quickly composed himself, his tone becoming light and cheerful again, as if his momentary lapse in composure had never happened.
In the stillness of the night, the guest bedroom door was pushed open a crack. Dazai Osamu stood silently in the doorway. He listened intently, but there was no sound from the direction of the master bedroom, and no light shone through the crack in the closed door. Nakahara Chuuya was clearly already fast asleep.
He moved silently through the living room to the entryway, his movements as light as a feline's, his slippers barely touching the floor. His fingers deftly unlocked the door, pushed it open just wide enough for one person to pass through, slipped out, and then gently closed the door behind him.
The cold metal door lock made a barely audible click, completely shutting out the remaining warmth inside.
The only light in the corridor was the eerie green glow of the emergency lights. Dazai Osamu leaned against the cold wall, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.
All the confident and composed emotions he had during the day had vanished, leaving only weariness and unease in his body.
Yes, it was unease, a feeling that had quietly crept in from the moment they reunited. He couldn't define it precisely. He couldn't be sure if it was a fear of the unfamiliarity caused by time, or a worry about what lay hidden beneath Chuuya's calm aloofness, or perhaps... a deep-seated self-doubt and resistance stemming from his own act of getting close to this person again.
The invisible barrier between them couldn't be erased by a moment's playfulness. While he made some requests of Chuuya, certain instinctive emotions were also clamoring for him to escape. This relationship had become fragile and dangerous during their years of separation; getting close again would only bring unpredictable harm.
He walked into the elevator alone, his pale face reflected in the metal elevator car. Once he stepped out of the apartment building, the chill of the late night instantly enveloped him.
The streets were eerily deserted in the middle of the night, devoid of any pedestrians or vehicles. The dim streetlights were the only source of light, casting his long, distorted shadow. The windows of the apartment buildings on either side were pitch black, and it seemed as if he were the only one awake in the entire world, walking alone on the road.
Dazai Osamu was wearing only a thin shirt. Despite it being the height of summer, the air tonight was unusually cold, like winter. The cold wind swept over him without any obstruction, instantly raising goosebumps on his exposed skin.
The weather changed too quickly. He instinctively hugged his arms, trying to draw in a little bit of warmth.
Where should he go now? His apartment was on the other side of the city, and he hadn't planned to go back that night when he left. After much deliberation, he finally gave up thinking and decided to embark on a aimless nighttime wandering. He'd go wherever the road took him, and if he got too exhausted, he'd just lie down wherever he could find a place.
However, after taking only a few steps, the chill suddenly intensified, as if he had stepped from the sweltering heat into the dead of winter, and he even had the illusion that it might snow.
As something drifted down onto his skin with a cool touch, Dazai Osamu abruptly stopped in his tracks. He guessed what it was and looked up at the dark sky in disbelief.
It's not an illusion.
In the dim beams of the streetlights, countless tiny white particles were drifting down. They swirled in the air, silently covering the city that had long since fallen asleep.
Dazai Osamu slowly raised his hand and opened his palm. A few cool snowflakes gently landed on his warm skin, instantly melting into tiny water droplets.
He stared blankly at the fleeting coolness in his palm, then looked up at the snow falling in the sky, completely out of place on this summer night. The glow of the streetlights became hazy and indistinct amidst the swirling snowflakes.
-----------------------
Author's Note: It was a lot of work to finally finish and upload this! [hugs] Thank you everyone for your support! I overestimated my speed. Although I roughly finished writing the plot I wanted yesterday afternoon, I didn't have enough time for revisions and polishing, so I didn't finish until this morning. [please]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
