Nothing Is Impossible || Soukoku

It had been already 1 month since Yosano and Kouyou had gotten married, but the relationship between Chuuya and Dazai hadn't improved at all. Each morning felt like a battle waiting to ignite, their words sharp and glares colder than the winter. Today was no different.

Chuuya sat at the breakfast table, his cereal untouched as he flipped through a comic book. Dazai entered the room with a smirk, his eyes locking onto Chuuya's untouched bowl. "Still playing the picky eater, I see," he remarked, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

Chuuya rolled his eyes but said nothing, trying to tune out Dazai's taunt. Yosano entered, her presence momentarily diffusing the tension. "Good morning, boys," she greeted them with a warm smile.

"Morning," Chuuya muttered, still engrossed in his comic.

Dazai, ever the provocateur, leaning against the counter. "Chuuya's just too busy with his comic heroes to eat like a normal person," he quipped, earning an irritated glance from Chuuya.

Yosano sensed the tension and to change the topic. "Dazai, have you finished your homework for today?" She asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from conflict.

Dazai waved a hand dismissively. "Of course, Mother. I'm always ahead of the game," he replied with a smug grin.

Chuuya scoffed under his breath, earning a pointed look from Yosano. "Chuuya, manners," she reminded him gently.

He sighed, pushing cereal away. "I'm not hungry anymore," he muttered, standing up from the table.

Dazai watched him go with a smirk, knowing he had gotten under Chuuya's skin once again. "He is always so dramatic," Dazai commented to Yosano.

Yosano gave Dazai a knowing look. "You two need to find a way to get along. We are family now," she said, her tone firm but kind.

Dazai nodded, his expression softening briefly. "I will try, Mother," he promised, though his track record didn't inspire much confidence.

Meanwhile, Chuuya retreated to his room, frustrated with the constant clashes with Dazai. He threw himself onto his bed, staring up the ceiling in exasperation. "Why does he have to be like this?" He muttered to himself.

Outside, snow began to fall slowly, casting a serene blanket over the neighborhood. Chuuya's thoughts drifted to happier times, before Dazai had entered his life. He remembered playing in the snow with Kouyou, their laughter filling the air.

A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts. "Chuuya, can I come in?" Kouyou's voice called from the other side.

Chuuya sighed and sat up. "Yeah, Mom," he replied, trying to sound more composed than he felt.

Kouyou entered, her expression concerned. "Is everything alright?" She asked, sitting down next to him.

Chuuya hesitated before speaking. "It's just... Dazai. We can't seem to get along, no matter what," he admitted, frustration evident in his voice.

Kouyou placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It takes time to adjust to new family dynamics, especially with someone like Dazai," she said, her tone understanding.

Chuuya nodded, feeling a bit calmer with his mother's reassurance. "I will try to be more patient," he promised. 

Back in the kitchen, Dazai helped Yosano with the dishes, a rare moment of cooperation between them. "Do you think Chuuya will ever come around?" Yosano asked quietly, her eyes flickering with concern.

Dazai shrugged nonchalantly. "He is just being stubborn. Eventually, he will see that I'm not so bad," he replied with a smirk.

Yosano gave him a knowing look. "You might have to meet him halfway, Dazai. Building relationships takes effort from both sides," she reminded him gently.

Dazai's smirk faltered for a moment before he masked it with a casual expression. "I will keep that in mind, Mother," he said, though his thoughts were already wandering elsewhere.  

After finishing the dishes, Dazai decided to go for a walk outside, hoping the crisp winter air would clear his mind. As he stepped outside, he was greeted by the sight of snow-covered streets and the sounds of children playing nearby. He couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for simpler times.

He wandered aimlessly for a while, his thoughts drifting back to his strained relationship with Chuuya. Despite his confident facade, deep down, Dazai was unsure of how to bridge the gap between them. He knew he could be frustrating and antagonistic, but, you know, old habits died hard.

Lost in thought, Dazai almost didn't notice when he bumped into someone on the sidewalk. "Watch where you are going," a familiar voice snapped, and Dazai looked up to see Chuuya scowling at him.

"Sorry about that," Dazai replied casually, though inwardly he was surprised by the encounter. He hadn't expected to run into Chuuya outside their home.

Chuuya crossed his arms, eyeing Dazai suspiciously. "What are you doing out here?" He asked, clearly curious about Dazai's intentions.

Dazai shrugged. "Just taking a walk. Clearing my head," he answered honestly, not wanting to start another argument.

Chuuya raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. "Right. Well, don't expect me to join you," he retorted, starting to walk away.

Dazai hesitated for a moment before calling out, "Wait."

Chuuya stopped but didn't turn around. "What?"

Dazai took a deep breath, feeling a rare surge of sincerity. "I know we don't get along, but maybe we could try to understand each other better," he suggested, surprising even himself with the words.

Chuuya turned around, his expression guarded. "Understand each other?"

Dazai nodded. "Yeah. Maybe we could talk, without the insults and bickering," he proposed tentatively.

Chuuya studied him for a moment, and Dazai held his breath, unsure of how Chuuya would respond.

Finally, Chuuya sighed, relenting slightly. "Fine. But no funny business," he warned, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

Dazai nodded eagerly, grateful for even small chance at reconciliation. "No funny business, I promise," he assured.

They ended up finding a bench in a nearby park, sitting awkwardly beside each other. The snow continued to fall softly around them, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

"So... What do you want to talk about?" Chuuya asked, breaking the silence.

Dazai shrugged, struggling to find the right words. "I don't know. Maybe we could start by... I don't know, sharing something about ourselves?" He suggested, feeling a bit foolish.

Chuuya raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Dazai thought for a moment. "Well, what's your favorite thing to do when you are not arguing with me?" He asked, trying to inject some humor into the conversation.

Chuuya snorted. "I don't spend all my time arguing with you, you know," he retorted, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

Dazai grinned. "Sure, sure. So, what's the answer?"

Chuuya hesitated before replying, "I like drawing. It helps me relax."

Dazai's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "Really? I didn't know you were into art. That's cool."

Chuuya shrugged, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "It's nothing special."

But Dazai could see the spark of passion in Chuuya's eyes when he talked about drawing. "I would love to see some of your work sometime," he said sincerely.

Chuuya looked surprised by the offer but nodded. "Maybe."