tears of mercury | beastars

chapter 13. YIN-YANG STRIPES

𖤣𖥧.𖤣𖥧𓆏𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧
━━━━━━━━━━━

The infirmary was silent save for the occasional hum of the overhead lights. Members of the Drama Club, including Sanou, stood stiffly around Louis' unconscious form on the bed, their faces pale with worry.

Inside the clinic's office, (Name) sat before Dr. Akagi, her hands clenched together tightly in front of her. The school doctor's voice was calm but firm, delivering news she had dreaded hearing.

"You should've insisted he see me earlier." Dr. Akagi said, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

"I. . . I know." (Name) muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers moved nervously, picking at the skin of her cuticles—a habit she hadn't outgrown since childhood.

Dr. Akagi sighed, leaning back in his chair. "It's a stress fracture in his left foot. He's been pushing himself too hard, and now it's worsened. Louis can't walk properly without support until he's had adequate rest and recovery. Continuing this way could lead to permanent damage."

The words struck her like a physical blow. She nodded numbly, unable to meet his eyes. "I should've done more to stop him." she murmured, guilt lacing her tone.

"Blaming yourself won't help him recover, Ms. Amamiya," Dr. Akagi replied, softening his voice. "What matters now is making sure he follows my instructions. No more reckless behavior."

She thanked the doctor and excused herself, biting her lip to keep her emotions in check. It was already 8 PM, and the hallways of the school were eerily quiet.

As she approached the infirmary door, the cool metal of the doorknob stung her fingers. Looking down, she noticed small clot of blood on her fingertips—evidence of her nervous habit. Quickly, she hid her hand on her pocket and opened the door.

Inside, the room was dimly lit. Louis sat upright on one of the beds, his usual commanding presence dimmed by exhaustion. A few Drama Club members surrounded him, their voices low as they debated who should take over his role as Adler for tomorrow's performance.

". . . But why not (Name)?" a third-year member suggested, glancing at her as she entered.

(Name) blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. She stepped closer, shaking her head firmly. "I'll have to decline that role. It's not for me."

"But you've acted before," the third-year pressed. "And you were amazing back then."

She gave him a tight-lipped smile, not quite reaching her eyes. "That was a long time ago. The spotlight belongs to the younger members now. Let them shine."

Louis finally raised his head, his piercing gaze silencing the room. "Bill will take the role." he announced. His voice was calm but left no room for argument.

The decision settled, the members reluctantly dispersed to the clubroom to help Bill rehearse. Sanou offered to oversee the practice, giving (Name) a chance to stay behind with Louis.

She hesitated before sitting beside his bed, the moonlight casting a soft glow over his weary form. For a moment, she observed him silently, the usual fiery determination in his eyes now replaced by a shadow of frustration.

"How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice soft as she scanned the prescription papers left by the doctor.

Louis didn't respond, his paws gripping the blanket tightly. His head hung low, his body hunched forward—not from pain but from the weight of his emotions.

(Name) set the paper aside, her chest tightening at the sight. Without thinking, she reached out and placed a hand over his. "It's okay." she said gently, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her chest.

His grip loosened slightly, but his brow remained furrowed. She continued, "You've done more than anyone could have asked for. You pushed yourself for the club, for the play. But it's okay to stop and rest. You've already done so much."

Her words seemed to unlock something within him. His hands trembled as she placed another hand over his, sandwiching it between her own. His shoulders lightly shook as he tried to stop the waterworks.

(Name) stood, leaning closer to wrap her arms around him. She held him comfortably, one hand gently stroke his back and the other placed over his shoulder. "It's okay." she repeated softly, over and over, her voice a balm to his frayed nerves.

For what felt like an eternity, they stayed like that—Louis clinging to her as if she were the only thing keeping him from falling apart. When he finally pulled back, in his tired eyes was a flicker of resolve returning to them.

"Thank you." he whispered.

(Name) offered him a small smile. "Get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day."

As she left the infirmary that night, her heart felt heavier than ever. Louis's strength had always been his defining trait, but even the strongest needed someone to lean on.

And as she walked back to the clubroom to check on the play's adjustments, she resolved to be that person for him, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

✅ EDITED