Nothing Is Impossible || Soukoku

Over the following weeks, their bond continued to strengthen as they spent more time together, sharing meals, going on outings, and even collaborating on a few art projects.

Dazai's curiosity about Chuuya's drawings only deepened with time. They would often spend hours discussing different techniques, styles, and artists that inspired Chuuya. Dazai found himself learning more about the art world than he ever thought he would, and he relished every moment of it.

One rainy afternoon, as they sat by the window with cups of hot chocolate, Chuuya brought out a new sketchbook he had been working on secretly. "I wanted to show you something," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Dazai leaned in eagerly, his eyes widening as Chuuya revealed a series of sketches depicting their shared experiences since they started spending more time together. There were drawings of Dazai on the swings, walking through the park, and even a humorous doodle of him attempting to draw a stick figure.

"These are incredible!" Dazai exclaimed, genuinely touched by Chuuya's gesture. "You captured everything so perfectly."

Chuuya shrugged, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "It's just something I do to remember moments that matter to me."

"Well, I'm honored to be a part of your artwork," Dazai replied with a smile.

His smile was genuine, reflecting the warmth he felt in that moment. The rain pattered against the window, creating a cozy ambiance in the room. Chuuya's sketchbook held a treasure trove of memories, each stroke of the pencil a testament to their growing bond.

Chuuya grinned back, his usually reserved demeanor softening. "I'm glad you like them," he said, a hint of bashfulness in his tone. 

As the rain continued to drum against the windowpane, Chuuya and Dazai decided to embark on a spontaneous adventure. They grabbed their raincoats and dashed out into the wet streets, their laughter mingling with the sound of raindrops.

Their first stop was a quaint bookstore tucked away in a corner of the city.

The bookstore was sanctuary of stories, with shelves filled to the brim with books of all genres. Chuuya and Dazai wandered through the aisles, their footsteps muffled by the patter of rain outside. Dazai gravitated towards the mystery section, while Chuuya found himself drawn to the art books.

"This place is amazing," Dazai remarked, flipping through the pages of a detective novel. "Do you like mystery stories, Chuuya?"

Chuuya nodded, his eyes scanning the colorful covers of the art books. "I do, but I prefer stories that more about human emotions and relationships."

Dazai raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Like dramas?"

"Yeah, something like that," Chuuya replied, pulling out a book about famous painters. "I find it fascinating how artists can capture so much with just a few brushstrokes."

They spent a good hour browsing through the bookstore, occasionally sharing interesting finds with each other. Chuuya picked out a novel recommended by the store owner, while Dazai couldn't resist buying a classic mystery that caught his eye.

 As they stepped out of the bookstore, the rain had subsided into a gentle drizzle. The air was cool and fresh, with a hint of petrichor from the wet pavement. "So, what do you say we head to the café a few blocks down? I heard they have the best mocha."

Dazai's eyes sparkled. He could never say no too a huge cup of mocha which was his favorite coffee. "I'm all for it! A warm drink and a good book sound like the perfect way to end the day!"

Chuuya chuckled lightly, finding the fact that Dazai was excited over some coffee amusing. "Great. Let's go warm our bones then."  

The café was cozy with soft jazz music playing in the background. They found a corner table by the window and ordered steaming cups of coffee. Dazai opened his mystery novel, immediately engrossed in the intricate story.

Chuuya on the other hand, delved into his art book, studying the works of renowned painters. "Did you know that some artists use hidden messages in their paintings?" He asked, peering over the pages at Dazai.

"Hidden messages?" Dazai looked up, extremely intrigued since he loved solving mysteries. "Like secret codes?"

"Not exactly codes, but symbols and metaphors," Chuuya explained, pointing to a painting with subtle imagery. "It adds another layer of meaning to the artwork."

Dazai leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "Can you give me an example?" He asked, setting his novel aside to focus on Chuuya's explanation.

Chuuya flipped through his book and stopped at a painting depicting a serene landscape with a lone figure standing by a tree. "Take this one, for instance," he began, tracing the lines of the painting with his finger. "At first glance, it seems like a simple scene, right?"

Dazai nodded, studying the painting intently. "Yeah, just a person in a peaceful setting."

"But if you look closely," Chuuya continued, "you will notice small details that suggest a deeper story. The position of the figure's hands, the way the tree branches are arranged, even the colors used. All of them convey emotions and ideas beyond what's visible."

Dazai squinted, trying to depicher the hidden meanings. "So, what do you think this painting is trying to say."

Chuuya smiled, enjoying the intellectual exchange. "In my interpretation, it's about solitude and self-reflection. The figure's posture suggest contemplation, while the tree represents growth and resilience."

"That's fascinating!" Dazai exclaimed, his eyes alight with newfound understanding. "I never realized art convey so much without words."

When they returned home, Yosano and Kouyou were in the kitchen, chatting animatedly as they prepared a delicious meal.

"Welcome back, boys," Yosano said with a smile, noticing their arrival.

"Hi, Mom," Dazai replied, feeling a sense of contentment settle over him.

Chuuya nodded in greeting, a small smile playing on his lips. The tension that once hung between them had dissipated, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and acceptance.

The scent of delicious food filled the air, and Dazai's stomach grumbled in response. "What's for dinner?" He asked eagerly, already imagining the delicious dishes his mothers would prepare.

Kouyou chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "We are making your favorite, Dazai. Snow crab sushi."

Dazai's eyes widened in delight. "Snow crab sushi? That's amazing!" He turned to Chuuya, excitement evident in his voice and expression. "You are going to love it, Chuuya. Mom makes the best sushi."

Chuuya nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'm looking forward to it." 

Once dinner was served, they all sat down at the table, passing around plates of sushi, miso soup, and various side dishes.

As they ate Yosano complimented Chuuya on his recent artwork, having seen some of his sketches around the house. "You are quite talented, Chuuya," she said with a warm smile. "Have you ever thought about pursuing art professionally?"

Chuuya's cheeks tinted pink at the praise. "I... I haven't really thought about it. I just draw because I enjoy it."

Kouyou nodded in agreement. "There is nothing wrong with that. Art should be a passion first and foremost.

Dazai, who had been listening intently, chimed in. "But Chuuya's art is really good. Maybe he could consider it as a career option in the future."

Chuuya glanced at Dazai, a mixture of surprise and gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks, Dazai. I will think about it."

After dinner, they cleared the table together, washing dishes and putting away leftovers. The evening stretched into night, filled with comfortable silence as they relaxed in the living room. Chuuya and Dazai sat side by side on the couch, each lost in their own thoughts.

Eventually, Dazai broke the silence. "Chuuya, can I ask you something?"

Chuuya turned to him, curious. "Of course, what is it?"

Dazai hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Why didn't we get along before? I mean, we are step brothers, but it always felt like there was this barrier between us."

Chuuya sighed softly, leaning back against the couch. "I think we were both dealing with a lot back then. Adjusting to our mothers' marriage, trying to find our place in this new family dynamic... It wasn't easy."

Dazai nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I guess you are right. But I'm glad things are different now. I enjoy spending time with you, Chuuya."

A genuine smile graced Chuuya's lips. "I feel the same way, Dazai. Maybe we just needed time to figure things out."