Nothing Is Impossible || Soukoku

Three years had passed. As they sat together in the living room, each holding their respective acceptance letters, a mix of excitement and apprehension filled the air. Chuuya would be heading to Tokyo for his art program, while Dazai had been accepted to a prestigious writing program in Osaka. It was a momentous occasion, marking the next chapter of their lives.

Kouyou beamed with pride as she looked at them. "I knew you both would make it. You have worked so hard for this."

Yosano nodded in agreement. "Your dedication and talent have paid off." She then added with a smile. "We both are proud of you two."

Chuuya glanced at Dazai, a mixture of excitement and nostalgia in his eyes. "Can you believe we have come this far?"

Dazai grinned back. "I know, right? It feels like just yesterday we were struggling to finish our assignments."

Chuuya chuckled, memories of late-night study sessions flooding back. "And now we are off to different cities to pursue our dreams."

Dazai nodded, a hint of melancholy in his voice and expression. "It's going to be strange not having you around, though. Who will I argue with about the best ramen place now?"

"You will survive," Chuuya teased, nudging Dazai playfully. "Besides we can always text or call each other."

Their mother exchanged knowing smiles, silently acknowledging the bond that had formed between stepbrothers despite their occasional clashes.

The next morning, the house buzzed with activity as Chuuya and Dazai packed their bags. Kouyou fussed over Chuuya's belongings, making sure he had everything he needed for his journey to Tokyo. "Chuuya, did you remember everything? Your clothes, your toothbrush, your favorite book?"

"Yes, Mother," Chuuya rolled his eyes playfully. "I'm not a child anymore."

Kouyou chuckled lightly. "Oh, but you are my baby boy!" She said and pulled Chuuya into a hug.

Yosano, on the other hand, sat with Dazai in his room, helping him organize his notes and manuscripts. "You are going to do great in Osaka," she reassured him, smoothing out a creased paper.

Dazai forced a smile. "I hope so. It's a big step."   

As the clock ticked closer to their departure time, Chuuya and Dazai exchanged glances filled with unspoken emotions. Their relationship had evolved over the years, from initial animosity to grudging respect, and now to reluctant fondness. Despite their differences, they had grown accustomed to each other's presence.

Chuuya zipped up his suitcase, a mix of excitement and nerves churning in his stomach. He couldn't wait to immerse himself in the bustling art scene of Tokyo, yet leaving behind the familiar comforts of home was bittersweet.

Dazai too, double-checked his belongings, his mind racing with thoughts of the challenges and opportunities awaiting him in Osaka. He had always been drawn to the literary world, and now he had a chance to prove himself on a larger stage.

As they bid farewell to their mothers at the train station, emotions ran high. Kouyou hugged Chuuya tightly, whispering words of encouragement and reminders to eat well and stay safe. Yosano gave Dazai a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting pride and confidence in her son.

The train platform was bustling with travelers, each lost in their own thoughts and dreams. Chuuya and Dazai found seats beside each other, their luggage stowed away neatly overhead.

"So, Tokyo, huh?" Dazai broke the silence, trying to mask his nerves with casual conversation.

"Yep, Tokyo," Chuuya replied with a small smile. "I can't wait to dive into my art classes and explore the city."

Dazai nodded, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the train window. "Osaka is going to be interesting. New people, new experiences."

Their conversation ebbed and flowed, punctuated by moments of shared laughter and contemplative silences.

As the train sped towards their respective destinations, Chuuya and Dazai found themselves lost in their thoughts. Chuuya imagined the vibrant art studios and galleries that awaited him in Tokyo, while Dazai pictured himself among fellow writers and mentors in Osaka.

The train announcements jolted them back to reality as they approached their stops. Chuuya gathered his belongings, his excitement palpable as he prepared to step into a new chapter of his life.

"Take care, Chuuya," Dazai said, a genuine warmth in his voice.

"You too, Dazai," Chuuya replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Maybe we will meet again during a break or something."

Dazai nodded, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Yeah, maybe."

They parted ways at the bustling train stations, each embarking on their own journey filled with dreams, aspirations, and the promise of new beginnings.

Chuuya navigated the streets of Tokyo with a mix of awe and determination. The city was alive with energy, it's neon lights and towering skyscrapers a stark contrast to the quiet countryside he had left behind. He found his way to his new apartment, a cozy space filled with art supplies and inspiration.

Meanwhile, Dazai settled into his dorm room in Osaka, surrounded by stacks of books and a typewriter waiting to bring his words to life. He could use it until he got his new laptop. The university campus buzzed with creative energy, and Dazai felt a surge of excitement mingled with nerves as he attended his first writing workshop. 

Days turned into weeks, and Chuuya and Dazai immersed themselves fully in their respective pursuits. Chuuya found solace in his art, pouring his emotions onto canvases that spoke volumes without words. Dazai honed his writing skills, drawing inspiration from the vibrant cityscape and the people he met along the way.

Occasional phone calls and messages kept them connected, bridging the physical distance between Tokyo and Osaka. They shared stories of their adventures, their triumphs, and even their moments of doubt and uncertainty.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon casting a warm glow over Tokyo, Chuuya found himself lost in thought. He missed the familiar banter with Dazai, the late-night ramen runs secretly from their mothers, and even their occasional arguments about trivial matters.

Dazai, too, stared at the twinkling city lights of Osaka from his dorm window, a sense of nostalgia washing over him. He missed Chuuya's artistic insights, his unique perspective that often challenged Dazai to think differently.

A spontaneous decision sparked in Chuuya's mind, and he dialed Dazai's number, heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.

"Hey, Dazai," Chuuya said when Dazai answered the call. "I was thinking maybe we could meet up during the break. Grab some ramen like old times?"

Dazai's surprised laughter echoed through the phone. "I was just thinking the same thing! Osaka has some amazing ramen places! It's a plan!"

Chuuya grinned, relief flooding through him at Dazai's enthusiastic response. "Great. I will book my ticket then. It will be good to catch up in person."