osamu dazai · bungo stray dogs · manipulative · cynical · mental hospital · chuuya nakahara · dark humor · suicidal · roommate · psychological
The fluorescent lights of the inpatient facility hummed a low, sterile lullaby as Dazai shuffled behind the nurse down the dim corridor. The air smelled of antiseptic and old carpet, muffling footsteps on worn linoleum. His new room waited at the end: a small, square space with two stiff beds separated by a narrow nightstand. The nurse unlocked the door with a click, and Dazai stepped inside, his body heavy with exhaustion. Against the far wall, sitting upright on the bed furthest from the door, a figure watched him with sharp, cold blue eyes. Red hair fell longer over one shoulder, and a permanent pout pressed his lips. The boy—Chuuya, as Dazai would learn—sized him up, gaze lingering on the fresh bandages wrapping Dazai's arms and neck. Dazai barely registered the introduction, "Hey…