Dazai hates his job.

Its not like those people who say that just because it happens to be a bad day. He legit loathes his job.

At the moment, he's dealing with his fifth Karen and wishing his life away. Its called multitasking.

"Ma'am, you do realize that I can't make shoes magically appear. All the shoes with that size are currently being used. You'll have to wait a bit." He was beyond pissed at this point. Thats why he was on the verge of snapping at this woman.

She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes. Her child was awkwardly fidgeting behind her. Dazai felt bad. He would hate to have a mother like this.

The little girl tried to speak up. "Mom, really its fine. Lets just go another ti-"

"It's not fine! Look again." She raised her voice, addressing him.

He sighed. "I've already looked three times." He looked down at his hands as if they were the most interesting thing in the world, picking at his cuticles.

The woman slammed her hands on the counter. He didn't look up. "Ugh! Let me speak with your manager!"

Actions like this could so get Dazai fired, but he felt it wouldn't be so bad at this point. "I am the manager. In case you haven't noticed, I'm the only one here working."

The woman was fuming. She turned to leave after glaring at him for a solid minute. "Fine! We're leaving, Aiko."

Dazai could have sworn he heard a silent 'thank god' before they both left.

Right after their leave, he got a text from Ranpo.

Atsushi-kun's bday today! Party at that one karaoke place! U know where! >:3

Dazai texted back a quick 'Wouldn't miss it!" before returning to his work.

Aka harrassing Chuuya as he tried to do his work.

¤¤¤¤

Ranpo sure wasn't missing this party. He saw it as an opportunity to ask Edgar out. Despite talking once, he felt they were on first name basis. (Edgar begged to differ.)

And although he would totally use this party as an advantage, he's not sure if going to a friend's birthday party screams 'romantic'.

Ah well. All's well that's well for me, he thought.

He was currently waiting at the entrance to the coffee shop where Edgar worked.

'So I can ask him immediately,' he reasoned.

Ranpo was sure that Edgar had never been to a party. He isn't called the Ultimate Detective for nothing, duh. Many opportunities are sure to arise from this simple birthday party.

He's certain of it.

¤¤¤

Edgar wasn't sure what to expect when he saw Ranpo waiting in front of his place of work.

He wasn't sure what to do, either.

'Dear god, what am I supposed to do?! It's fine, calm down. You're okay.' He took a deep breath. He's got this.

"Ed! I was waiting for you!"

He did not have this.

"I- uh! Ranpo! Wha-what are you doing here?" Great. An incredible first(?) impression.

Ranpo grinned and opened his eyes. "I'm so glad you asked, Ed!~" Oh, no. "You see, a friend of mine is having a birthday party, and you're coming with me to it."

"Oh, oka- wait, what?" Edgar wasn't sure if this was real life. On one hand, Ranpo. On the other, people. Ones whom he doesn't know, mind you.

"That's nice of you to ask, Ranpo-"

"I don't recall asking, Poe. Kun." Ranpo grinned. Edgar faintly registered the lollipop between Ranpo's fingers.

Of course. He wasn't sure what he was thinking. He almost scoffed. This is so. . . Ranpo. He hardly knew him, and yet-

"Sure. I'll go." Wasn't this what he was waiting for? Something to fill the gaps of time that he finds throughout his days?

Ranpo's Cheshire grin grew wider. "Perfect. I'll need your number to text you the details."

Edgar took a breath. He didn't feel so awkward anymore. It's strange. Ranpo has a certain aura that calms the people around him. "Okay." He listed off his number to Ranpo.

"Cool. I'll text you later." And then Ranpo was gone.

Edgar all but went into cardiac arrest.

¤¤

What was Atsushi expecting? Honest to god, the whole fucking gang was here. When Chuuya said a party, he meant a party. He had stepped into the karaoke room and expected a few people. Not all of Japan.

People he didn't even know were here. From what he could gather, the following were the ones here. (Keep in mind, some of these people are complete strangers.) (How does Chuuya know so many people?!)

First, obviously, Chuuya. He and Dazai were hanging out near the table. Atsushi heard Dazai yell something about alchohol, and Atsushi was immediately scared. Chuuya was trying to wrestle the tablet out of his grip. (Chuuya's strength is probably what scared Atsushi the most.)

Next was Yosano and her girlfriend, Kouyou. He'd met Kouyou before thanks to Yosano. Yeah, they were totally making out in the corner right now. In the dark room, it was hard to make out too much detail, which he was thankful for.

And if Yosano's here, Ranpo must be here too. Atsushi scanned the room. Ah- there he was. He's standing with a taller man, who looks like he's regretting all life decisions. Right next to Ranpo was also- is that the fucking security guard from the mall? At this point, Atsushi didn't care. He was looking dead inside, as well. Poor man.

He came in with Kyoka. She had walked off somewhere. Glancing around (the surprisingly large room ((Chuuya's fucking loaded and he works at a dilapidated mall of all places)), he saw someone he most definitely did not expect to see.

Akutagawa.

"Whhaaaaat the fuck...." Atsushi breathed out. Akutagawa must have heard him because he turned to face him. His face was blank, per usual.

He said a single word. "Jinko."

Atsushi was appalled. "Jinko!?" He shook his head. "That doesn't matter. What matters is why you're here."

Akutagawa didn't seem fazed. "Dazai-san invited me."

"Ugh, of course he did," Atsushi groaned, rubbing his face.

He glanced around the room once more. There was someone else. Some kid he had never seen before. The kid had half black half white hair, and Atsushi vowed he would never become friends with someone so. . . cute and dangerous. (He then remembered his best friend is Chuuya.)

Next to the cute/dangerous kid, there was a blond girl. They had no adult near them, and Atsushi was scared. Should he. . . call the police? Child services?

Next to him, Akutagawa coughed, a grim reminder he's still here. Akutagawa doesn't seem to like Atsushi, so maybe Chuuya's not the only one who admires Dazai. (Not that Chuuya would ever admit it.)

Speaking of Chuuya and Dazai, they were currently in what someone would call a 'compromising position'. Chuuya sure as hell wasn't aware of it. He's too busy trying to hit Dazai. Dazai's too busy staring fondly down at Chuuya. Atsushi didn't want to elaborate on any of it.

Chuuya eventually got out from underneath Dazai (seriously, how did they end up like that?) and stood up. Dazai pouted as Chuuya walked towards Atsushi. Oh no.

Chuuya's grin was telling him nothing good was about to happen.

Akutagawa straightened up and cleared his throat. Atsushi raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

He sighed. "Sup, Chuu-"

Before he could finish his greeting, he was being crushed in a tight hug. And fuck, Chuuya gave the best hugs. They were always warm, and tight to a point where you felt secure and not overwhelmed. He hugged back.

Akutagawa and Dazai were both glaring at the spectacle for their respective reasons. Though Atsushi isn't sure why Akutagawa was glaring. Weird.

"Happy birthday, Sushi!" Chuuya yelled in his ear, pulling away from the embrace and smiling.

Atsushi couldn't help but return his smile with one of his own.

"Thanks, Chuuya."

¤

Atsushi couldn't sing.

And he had tried to warn the group of this as they tried to push him onto the small stage in the center of the smaller room.

Needless to say, his protests didn't stop them from trying to get him to sing at least one song.

It's your birthday!

Its can't be that bad! Just give it a try!

They were warned. Now they will deal with the consequences.