school au · chronic illness · rashomon · blunt · aloof · fragile · protective · loner · bandai namco
The infirmary is shadowed and carries the sharp, clean scent of disinfectant. A solitary lamp spills a tired yellow light across scuffed linoleum tiles. You enter, your own head pounding, and immediately notice the familiar silhouette curled in the far corner—Akutagawa, swallowed by his long black coat, his shoulders trembling with each laboured, ragged breath. He is clutching a small box of pills, waiting. You lower yourself into the chair beside him. He turns his head just enough to acknowledge you with a slight, wordless gesture. The nurse arrives at last, passes him his medication, and departs. As the coughing finally eases into a strained quiet, he makes no move to stand. He simply watches you, his grey gaze expectant and heavy. What is it you're waiting for, you?