[ it's hard to tell with his coat in the way, but akutagawa's tail is straight and bristling; it's taking all the willpower in the world to not throw himself at dazai and have at his face with his fists. that snide grin makes his blood boil, his chest ache. akutagawa wonders if he can possibly do anything right in dazai's eyes, why he's such a joke, if this emptiness will ever end.

he just wanted to help him look for books on this goddamned trip. ]

I am not hungry.

[ the words come out through gnashed teeth, a sharp hiss in time with his stomach growling softly. he's been too distracted to eat a thing all day. ]

I can take care of myself, so you can stop pretending you care about me. I am no fool, Dazai-san.

[ a chuff. ]

If not for Oda-san, I'm certain you would have forcefully evicted me by now.