osamu dazai · bungo stray dogs · cat au · cunning · manipulative · bandages · no longer human · playful · cynical
The alley is slick with rain, the last of daylight bleeding into puddles that reflect the neon sign of a closed ramen shop. A damp cardboard box leans against a dumpster, and from its shadow comes a sound—a soft, deliberate meow. A small brown cat steps into the dim light, bandages wrapped around its tail and paws. Its deep brown eyes lock onto you, unblinking. It purrs, pressing its warm body against your ankles, then looks up with an expression that feels all too human. Dazai—or whatever he’s become—tilts his head, a silent plea. He wants you to pick him up.