tears of mercury | beastars

chapter 18. THE RELUCTANCE SYNDROME

𖤣𖥧.𖤣𖥧𓆏𖡼.𖤣𖥧𖡼.𖤣𖥧
━━━━━━━━━━━

On the day after the two cataclysmic performances, the circumstances between the four beasts and man make a complete change. . ?!

Conversations buzzed in every hallway, classroom, and dormitory, centering around two main topics: Legoshi's sudden popularity and (Name)'s unexpected return to the stage with Louis.

"Extra, extra! We've got everything you need to know about the two theater performances!"

"It's a special edition!"

The loud voices of the newspaper club members echoed as students eagerly grabbed copies of the school paper. (Name) trudged toward the cafeteria, her circle of omnivorous friends flanking her. Despite her usual air of composure, her lips were pressed into a thin line, her brows knitted tightly.

"Looks like you're in the spotlight again after a long hiatus." Jiro teased, his grin aimed at her.

She groaned in response, unwilling to entertain his playful jab.

"Now, now," Ichiro, the calmer brother, interjected, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Don't tease (Nickname) like that. Can't you see she's already in a bad mood?"

Her frown deepened, and she let out an exasperated sigh.

Chinen, the ever-sympathetic one, gave her a light tap on the shoulder. "I think you were amazing during the second performance, (Name). It's no wonder everyone's clamoring to read about it."

"Thanks, I guess. . ." she muttered, though her expression didn't brighten.

As they entered the cafeteria, the clamor of students rose to a fever pitch. All eyes turned to her, and within seconds, she was surrounded.

"Can I have your autograph?"

"Can I get a picture with you?"

"What inspired you to go back to acting?"

Questions and requests flew at her from every direction. She complied with the autograph, her hand moving mechanically as she signed notebook after notebook. For the rest, she waved them off with a curt, "Make an appointment with Sanou if you want a picture and an interview."

The signing session dragged on until Yukimura, the Vice President of the Student Council, stepped in. His presence (and eye catching silver long hair) was enough to silence the crowd as he placed a firm hand on her back.

"Lunch break is almost over, and our star here need to eat," Yukimura announced, his tone authoritative yet polite. "There will be other opportunities for your requests. Please give her some space."

The crowd dispersed reluctantly, grumbling but unable to argue with Yukimura's authority. (Name) shot him a grateful look as they made their way to their usual table.

"Thanks for the rescue." she said as she finally sat down, rubbing her temples.

"You'll have to get used to it for the second time," Yukimura replied with a small smile. "This is what happens when you're in the spotlight, right?"

She didn't respond, instead focusing on her lunch, though her appetite was barely present.

━━━━━━━━━━━

After the final class of the day, (Name) managed to avoid the students who were still seeking her attention. She darted through the hallways and slipped into her dormitory room, locking the door behind her.

The mess left in the wake of her outburst after the play greeted her—a stark reminder of her volatile emotions. She quietly began to tidy up, folding clothes and putting books back on the shelves. Her movements were mechanical, her mind elsewhere.

Just as she finished, a knock sounded at the door. She hesitated for a moment before opening it, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of someone unexpected.

"Riz?" she asked, her tone laced with a subtle surprise. "Do you need something?"

"Um, I actually wanted to give you this." he said, holding up a paper bag.

She stepped aside, opening the door wider. "Come in."

Riz entered, his large frame making her room feel smaller. He handed her the bag. "I thought you might need a little cheering up. I made this for you."

(Name) raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by his gesture. "This is. . . out of the blue. You can sit there, make yourself at home."

Riz shrugged as he sat on the couch, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "I just got the sense that you weren't in the best mood after yesterday."

Her expression softened slightly as she took the bag. Inside were several tomato-based dishes, their savory aroma filling the room. She grabbed a spoon from her cabinet and sat beside him on the couch.

"Thanks, Riz, I appreciate this." she said quietly before taking a bite. The warmth of the food spread through her, and for the first time all day, she felt a small sense of comfort.

Its. . . salty, but delicious nonetheless.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the tension in her shoulders gradually easing.

"You know, you're not such a bad guy," she said eventually, breaking the quiet. "I'll have to return this someday."

Riz chuckled, his dominant paw scratching his nape, flattered. "Don't worry about it, senpai. Just focus on feeling better."

For the first time that day, (Name) allowed herself a small, genuine smile.

✅ EDITED