[ oda listens to dazai’s story closely. he takes in every word, expression unchanging as he imagines just how lonely this dazai must have been. isolating himself as a means to protect himself from the pain of loss— he understands it, if only just a little.

and the person he’s describing also piques oda’s interests a lot. it’s so vague, and he knew so little about the other agents that surrounded him, that it doesn’t ring any bells for him as to who this person’s identity could be. but that didn’t matter to oda—not nearly as much as the effects they had on this dazai. ]

I see. [ he smiles. ] I’m glad... that someone had that effect on you.

[ but then he pauses, a sudden curiosity overcoming him. ] What... happened to that person? If you don’t mind saying?