Chapter Text
It is lunch break. Hallways are filled with chattering students heading to the cafeteria or the courtyard. I can hear happy voices and see happy faces. The atmosphere is very pleasant, despite my current situation.
I look at Kenji-kun and he nods and smiles with reassurance. I lift my fist and knock at the door of Kunikida-sensei's office three times, the first knock being just light and the other two gradually stronger, as the etiquette prescribes. I try my best not to do anything that would make Kunikida angry at me.
He opens the door and quickly masks the surprise on his face.
“Can I help you?”
I take a deep breath to calm down.
“I need to talk to you about Dazai,” I say, purposely omitting the honorific to avoid being seen as a Dazai follower.
“And you?” he turns to Kenji-kun.
“I'm his moral support!”
Kunikida-sensei adjusts his glasses as if Kenji-kun's smile blinded him.
“Alright, come in,” he sighs and returns to his desk. “Take a seat and tell me what's going on.”
I don't know what kind of furniture I expected Kunikida-sensei to have in his office, but this isn't it. He sits on a very simple wooden chair with a desk in front and a window behind his back. Kenji-kun and I sit on the other side of the desk on the same chairs. The walls are covered by bookshelves from floor to ceiling, full of the exact same notebooks as Kunikida-sensei always carries on him. There are hundreds of those, ordered neatly, presumably by date. Everything is made from honey-coloured wood, which makes the room feel warm and welcoming, even though the chairs are very uncomfortable and by far not "ideal".
“We think Dazai-san has a problem. A mental problem,” I correct myself swiftly to avoid a misunderstanding. “He seems really upset about something. Or someone. But he doesn't want to talk about it, not even with his friends.”
“Who is this "someone" and why do you think Dazai has a problem with them? You're being pretty vague,” Kunikida-sensei asks. I sense that Kenji-kun is going to tell him, so I speak up before it could happen.
“I don't want to cause anyone trouble.”
Kenji-kun looks at me in surprise. His innocent honesty is truly admirable, but I want to be cautious around Kunikida. He hasn't given me a reason to trust him yet.
“Look,” Kunikida-sensei nods, “I promise that whatever you tell me will stay between the three of us, and I'll let you know before I do anything about this so that you can stop me. Is that okay with you?”
Kenji-kun's wide smiley eyes are telling me to accept the offer, and I feel that Kunikida-sensei genuinely wants the best for Dazai-san.
“Yes. The person is Nakahara Chuuya-san from class 2-M.”
“The transfer student?”
“Dazai-san said that they used to be classmates as first-years in Tokyo and that they're mortal enemies.”
“He didn't look at him that way though,” Kenji-kun adds. “To me, it looked like he really cares about him.”
“That's right,” I confirm, “but Nakahara-san glared at him really nastily. You could feel the fierce hatred radiating from him over the whole schoolyard.”
“I could talk to him about it, but I don't know if he'll tell me anything,” Kunikida-sensei sighs.
“That doesn't sound like a good idea,” Kenji-kun states suddenly. “Dazai-san and Nakahara-san have a history together. It's like in a drama. Maybe we should sit back and see how this episode ends? Without meddling with their story? When bulls fight, you shouldn't get between them either.”
He has a point, though his similes confuse me.
“Kenji-kun is right. Direct confrontation doesn't seem like the best solution here.”
“I see. How about I ask Ozaki-sensei about this, then? She's Nakahara's homeroom teacher, she might know something. I will tell her not to to keep it a secret, of course.”
“That sounds good,” I agree.
“Anything else you want to tell me?” Kunikida-sensei asks, and even though I sort of trust him now, I still feel uncomfortable telling anyone about this thing. I look at Kenji-kun, whose smile wavers, but he says it. Bless his brave soul.
“Dazai-san was drinking alcohol.”
“Yes, I knew about that.”
“Really?” Kenji-kun and I gasp in surprise.
“Of course. I'm neither blind nor stupid. I talked about it with his guardian, and we agreed that there is nothing we can do about it. He isn't dangerous and it doesn't affect his grades, so it's fine. Besides, it's not like we could stop him even if we tried,” he sighs and knowing Dazai-san, I understand what he means.
Kenji-kun looks at the clock.
“We have to head back to class. Thank you for everything, Kunikida-sensei.”
We both get up and bow.
“Thank you very much,” I smile.
“You're welcome.”
We rush to the gym to get changed, ready to be yelled at for almost being late.
—
“Atsushi-san, you're not coming to the council room today?” Kenji-kun wonders.
“I'm running that errand for Yosano-san. You know, that with the judo club,” I explain with an apologetic smile.
“Okay! I'll see you tomorrow in class then!” He waves at me as he leaves the classroom.
“Yes, see you!” I wave back and head for the gym.
On my way, I spot a familiar redhead in a matching uniform.
“Nakahara-san!” I run a bit so I can walk side by side with him. “Where are you headed?”
He points at the gym.
“To the judo club practice? Me too! Does that mean you've been accepted? Or are you just going to take a look?”
He doesn't reply for a moment and I realize that I forgot to give him a yes-or-no question and forced him to speak.
“Just watch,” he says finally. “But Kouyou-ane-san accepted me.”
“Oh, I see. Congratulations!” I smile and we continue walking.
“And you?” he asks after a few moments of silence.
“I'm running an errand for the Student Council,” I explain and he nods.
Neither of us speaks for the rest of the way. It's slightly awkward, but it's really hard to have a conversation with Nakahara-san. I thought Fukuzawa-sensei was a man of few words, but Nakahara-san is on a whole new level of quiet.
“Um... I'll let you enter first.” Nakahara-san gives me a questioning look. “So that you can meet your new clubmates normally, without an outsider supervising.”
He nods and I could swear I saw him flash a tiny smile at me before he enters the gym. He leaves the door half-opened.
I shouldn't look. But I need to know what kind of person the club president is. I just gave Nakahara-san space to make friends without supervision, and now I decide to watch him? That would be low. But I have to talk to the president, I want to be prepared. Alright then, just a little bit.
As soon as Nakahara-san enters, a clap accompanied by a loud “Mate!” command echoes through the room. All the club members (which is precisely two people right now) freeze on the spot and stop exercising.
A boy that can't be much older than me approaches Nakahara-san. He has spiky rusty red hair and a bandaid over his nose.
“Y-you're the new member, Nakahara Chuuya-san, right?” I notice a deep blush on his cheeks. “I'm Tachihara Michizou, the club president. We're.. um... in the same class too.” He fumbles with his orange-green belt. “Come with me! We have some extra clothes you can borrow. I'll teach you the basics before the rest of the club arrives!”
Nakahara-san shakes his head and sits down on the mats, leaning his back against a wall.
“Oh, you want to take a look at us first,” Tachihara-san understands and Nakahara-san nods. “Yeah, that's fine too!” He turned to his clubmates. “Alright, guys, we'll continue with stretching. Hajime!”
Tachihara-san seems way more energetic than before. He is probably excited about a new member. All in all, he looks like a nice person, so everything should work smoothly.
“These are Suezo and Otama, by the way. Ane-san teaches us new things on Wednesdays, and we practice what she taught us on the other days. There are only eight members, including you, so Ane-san can teach all of us individually. You don't have to come to practice every day, only Wednesday lessons are obligatory. That's why there aren't many people here now. Okada is also in the Baseball Club, Outa has kendo class, and Higuchi and Gin are... god knows where. I come here every day to help everyone with practice, so if you need anything, feel free to ask me anytime,” he explained. I decided to interrupt now, Nakahara-san didn't seem like the type who would ask questions anyway.
“Um, excuse me? I'm from the Student Council.”
Tachihara's expression changes into an annoyed scowl as soon as he spots me.
“Mate,” he stops his clubmates. “What do you want?”
“I'm supposed to tell you that your budget will be a bit lower next month.”
“What? We need our money! Washing these kimonos is expensive, you know?”
“So are bandages and painkillers,” I object, which angers him even more. He walks up to me, posture arrogant and intimidating. The only thing that keeps me calm is the fact that I could probably outrun him.
“Who decided this?” he smirks. “I'm going to kick their ass personally. And yours too, while I'm at it.”
What should I say? The reason why Yosano-san didn't come here herself was that she, as the head of healthcare, could be accused of stealing the money for herself. However, this was a way bigger problem. I didn't want anyone to be beaten up by these guys. What should I do? Take the blame myself? Who is in charge of finances anyway? Sure, Yosano-san did most of the council's work, but that was only because Kenji-kun and I were new, and the remaining members were either lazy or suspended. But, if I'm not wrong, the one who should be overseeing the budget is... Oh, that's it! There is a person whose name I can say that has a big chance of not getting beaten up, especially since this is a student from class M who already went to this school last year.
“It was Dazai-san who decided this. You wouldn't hurt him, would you?” I hope so.
“Dazai? Don't make me laugh,” he smirks cockily and turns to the boys behind him. “I would never follow anyone with a flat ass like him. It there's nothing to look at, then what's the point?” They laugh, but I feel it's out of fear rather than support of his opinion. “Deal with the small fry, I'll call the others and we'll go after Dazai together,” he orders and walks away to get his phone.
I take a step back, preparing to run. The yellow and white belts may indicate that they are on a low level in judo, but they are still better than me. They raise their fists, ready to strike.
Their hit never lands. I see a flash of red and green. I need a moment to realize what happened.
Nakahara-san saved me.
He kicked their legs from under them. Then, he pulls back a bit and kicks one of them into the chest, sending him to the floor. The other guy turns after him, surprised, and Nakahara-san kicks him to the ground as well.
One hand slips out of his pocket and beckons me to run.
“Go tell Ane-san,” he whispers to me quickly before turning back to face his two opponents and a shocked Tachihara. I was shocked as well, but my instincts took over and made my legs carry me away.
I need to find Ozaki-sensei.
—
Doppo enters the common room for teachers and immediately finds the person he was looking for. Her distinct pink kimono and red hair are hard to miss.
“Ozaki-san, can I have a moment of your time, please?” He speaks up and she puts down her cup of tea. Other teachers stare since it's very rare for him to talk to anyone else except Yukichi. He always regards the other teachers with a certain amount of hostility.
“Is there a problem, Kunikida-san?”
“Not yet,” he says and gestures for her to come outside with him. She invites him into her office. It is very different from his own, with plush wine red armchairs and a small tea table in the centre. Her things are hidden in elegant cupboards at the flower-decorated walls. They both take a seat and he politely declines her offered tea.
“So, what is this about?” she demands.
“You know that every time I have a problem, it's is still with the same student: Dazai,” he sighs.
“Ah, the Demon Prodigy. What does that have to do with me?”
“Two first-years have warned me that he has a difficult relationship with one of your students, Nakahara.”
“So you heard about it too. Chuuya-kun told me about it when he got accepted here. What did those children tell you?”
“They said that Dazai didn't want to talk much about it, but he did say that they used to be classmates and that they're mortal enemies.”
“That is what Chuuya-kun told me as well, so we can assume that it is true. That could end up very badly, considering Osamu-kun's history in bullying students.”
“And teachers,” Doppo adds with a sigh.
“Chuuya-kun has a colourful history as well. And by 'colourful', I mean blood red,” she warns.
“Violent tendencies?” He asks with worry. This is turning out to be more troublesome than expected.
“Unfortunately.”
“Well, aren't they the perfect couple for ruining teachers' peace...”
“Indeed. What do we do about it?“
”I'm glad we agree on that, but we need more information. Sadly, Dazai isn't very sharing. Do you think I could talk to Nakahara?”
“No. I doubt you could get more out of him than I already did. Oh, but I remember one more thing he said: that he transferred to this school only because of Osamu-kun.”
Doppo's fists tightened in his lap.
“Do you think he's...”
“He's not like those crazy followers last year,” she denies that thought before Doppo could even finish it. “But that doesn't seem like something one would do for an enemy.”
“My informants did mention that Dazai looked at Nakahara with care rather than hate.“
”You were right, we do need more information. We have to find out why do they act like they hate each other.“
”Should we tell other teachers?“
”It can stay between the two of us for now.“
Rushed knocking on the door interrupts their conversation. As soon as Kouyou allows them to enter, the door slams open.
”Ozaki-sensei, I need your help!“ Atsushi says in one go, slightly out of breath. He appears to be in a state of shock and panic.
”Nakajima? What happened?“ Doppo responds immediately, worried about his student.
”I went to the Judo Club for a Council matter, but now Tachihara and his friends want to beat me and Dazai-san up! Nakahara-san is holding them back for now, but...“
Kouyou exchanges a look with Doppo. Chuuya protecting Osamu?
”I will take care of it. Stay here with Kunikida-sensei and have a cup of tea, it will help you to calm down,“ she stands up, grabbing her parasol.
”Thank you,“ Atsushi bows. She leaves and he sits down, abiding by her advice and pouring himself a cup of tea. He tastes it, breathes deeply and closes his eyes.
—
After I calm down a bit, I realize that I'm not alone in the office. It takes me another full minute of sipping the delicious camomille tea to figure out why is Kunikida-sensei here.
“Um... did you and Ozaki-sensei talk about... that?” I speak up into the silence. If they did talk about Dazai-san and Nakahara-san, I want to know what conclusion they came to.
“Yes. We decided to pay closer attention to them, but we won't take any action yet. We have too little information. I'm leaving it to you, Miyazawa, Yosano and Edogawa to find out more. You are the closest people to him, try to push him a little. He needs to learn to be more open anyway,” Kunikida-sensei summarizes.
“You also mentioned knowing Dazai-san's guardian, right? Could you ask them as well?” I recall.
Kunikida shakes his head.
“Dazai's current guardian adopted him only a month before he entered his school, and he doesn't know anything about his past. He won't help us here. I believe it would be best for all of us if he never found out.”
I have a feeling that Dazai-san's guardian might be the same as Dazai-san, if not worse. I pray that I will never have to face him, seeing as even Kunikida-sensei is trying to avoid him.
“I see.”
Kunikida-sensei looks on his watch.
“Head home for today, Nakajima. Leave the rest to us and think about how you'll get information out of Dazai, got it?”
That is surprisingly kind of him. I stand up and bow.
“Yes. Thanks again, Kunikida-sensei. Please give my thanks to Ozaki-sensei as well.”
“I will. See you tomorrow.”
“Goodbye!”
I am curious about how the conflict in the Judo Club ended, but I figure I can find out later. Besides, now that I'm out of the picture, this is only a matter of the Judo Club and their advisor, so there is no reason for me to stick my nose in there ever again.