✯ Zianourry ⏯ OneShots ✯

I want this to be perfect. ⏯ L.T. Lilo

Louis rubbed his tired eyes, his fingers barely able to type on the keyboard in front of him. The studio was filled with the low hum of music playing in the background, but his mind was anything but tuned to the rhythm. He glanced at the clock, realising it was well past midnight. Yet, here he was, still trying to perfect that one note, that one lyric that seemed to elude him.

"Louis, mate, you need to take a break," Liam's voice broke through the haze of exhaustion. He appeared at the doorway of the studio, concern etched on his face.

Louis forced a tired smile. "Just a bit more, Liam. I want this to be perfect."

Liam stepped into the room, his expression softening as he saw Louis's weary state. "You've been at it for hours, Lou. You can't keep pushing yourself like this."

"I know, I know," Louis muttered, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "But we have deadlines, Liam. We can't afford to fall behind."

"We won't fall behind because of you taking a break," Liam insisted gently. "Come on, let's grab some food. You need to rest."

Reluctantly, Louis pushed himself away from the desk, his muscles protesting the movement. He followed Liam out of the studio and into the chilly night air. The streets were quiet, the city asleep while they worked tirelessly on their music.

As they settled into a nearby diner, Louis couldn't help but feel guilty for taking a moment's respite. The weight of their upcoming album hung heavy on his shoulders, each track a testament to their dedication and hard work. But lately, it felt like he was carrying the burden alone.

"I'm sorry, Liam," Louis said suddenly, breaking the silence that hung between them like a thick fog.

Liam looked up, his expression softening with understanding. "There's nothing to apologize for, Louis. We're in this together, remember?"

Louis nodded, his throat tight with emotion. "I just... I want this to be perfect. For the fans, for us."

"We all do, mate," Liam said, reaching across the table to squeeze Louis's hand. "But we can't forget to take care of ourselves in the process. You're no good to anyone if you burn yourself out."

Louis swallowed hard, the truth of Liam's words hitting him like a ton of bricks. He had been so consumed by the pressure to deliver that he had forgotten to take care of himself along the way. But now, sitting across from his bandmate and friend, he realised that he didn't have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders alone.

With Liam's support, Louis found the strength to let go of his fears and embrace the much-needed rest he deserved. And as they left the diner, laughter replacing the tension that had gripped them before, Louis knew that together, they could conquer anything that came their way.