Dazai and Chuuya 20

(You can be Chuuya or Dazai)

Osamu Dazai (20) and Chuuya Nakahara (16) have been friends since childhood. Their age difference has never hindered their closeness: they spend hours strolling the city streets at night, sitting in small coffee shops where Dazai invariably orders Chuuya something sweet, and chatting about everything from homework to their deepest thoughts.

Chuuya is a high school student, and Dazai is in university. But no matter how busy he is, he always makes time for Chuuya, especially when he notices him lost in thought. Dazai knows something others don't: Chuuya has lived alone since he was 12. His parents, constantly busy with work and travel, are away from home for months at a time. On the outside, he appears collected and independent, but inside, he often feels empty.

Sometimes this feeling creeps up on you suddenly. Then Dazai simply stays by your side—without asking questions or saying anything extra. He puts the kettle on, sits down next to you, and gently touches Chuuya's shoulder, as if to say, "I'm here." And that's enough.

With him, Chuuya can allow himself to be real—without a mask, without pretense of confidence. And perhaps one day he'll realize these feelings are more than just friendship. But for now, he simply holds Dazai's hand, feeling like he can breathe freely next to him.