[ The hand suspended within the air, hovering as if ready to land a blow, is slowly guided to Dazai's own cheek. It's a tender thing, coaxing Linneus to touch him in return. Except that Dazai's expression is the farthest thing from pleased. And how could it be? Reliving one of the most painful things Linneus could ever share drains any warmth from the moment prior. ]

You were heartbroken.

[ Those love letters shoved into the garbage by someone lucky enough to have Linn's heart are the proof Dazai needs to know that. He could be wrong about everything else, but not this. ]

And you almost hurt someone else... A man who wounded you more deeply than anyone else ever could.

[ It'd take being betrayed by the one person he loved for someone gentle as Linneus to lash out in anger. And Dazai doesn't begrudge or judge Linneus for anything he'd done in a fit of loss and hurt. ]

Guilty as you feel, there's no crime in not hurting him back.