[Akira's fingers find one of his own pieces, a knight that he rocks from side to side ever so slightly.

There's only one person that's ever looked at him with such a penetrating gaze. He wonders how much Dazai can see of what's locked up in his heart. Akira didn't mind it back then, and he doesn't mind it now.

It's always a nice thing, to finally be seen.]

Keep your mind clear, play the game for the game itself... [He weighs the piece in one hand, Dazai's grin in the other. It feels telling.] You speak like it's from experience.

[He laughs a little, but it's directed inwards. He can't win if he thinks about Akechi or Dazai or anyone else, huh?

Maybe that's a little familiar, in its own way, but that's too bitter of a thought for such a nice afternoon.]

I should learn from you, then. Should I be calling you "Dazai-senpai" instead?

[It's said a little jokingly, but it's genuine in its way, too. He hasn't called anyone "senpai" since before he got close to Makoto and Haru.]