✯ Zianourry ⏯ OneShots ✯

I'm being stupid, aren't I? ⏯ L.T.

It was a typical day on tour for One Direction. The sun was shining, fans were screaming, and the boys were buzzing with energy. But amidst the chaos of their busy schedule, Louis Tomlinson was struggling more than usual.

Louis had been dealing with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) for years, but today it seemed to be hitting him particularly hard. Everything had to be just right, every detail meticulously in place. From the way his clothes were folded to the alignment of his water bottles, nothing could be out of order.

As they prepared for their soundcheck, Louis couldn't shake the feeling of unease. His mind raced with intrusive thoughts, and his hands trembled as he tried to straighten his belongings for the umpteenth time.

"Lou, you alright mate?" Liam, ever the observant one, noticed Louis' distress.

Louis forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just a bit off today, that's all."

Harry frowned, concern etched on his features. "Is it your OCD acting up again?"

Louis nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Yeah, it's like... everything has to be perfect, you know? And when it's not, it's like I can't breathe."

Niall stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Louis' shoulder. "We've got your back, mate. Whatever you need, just let us know."

But as the day progressed, things only seemed to spiral further out of control for Louis. A string of small mishaps—a spilled drink, a misplaced item—sent him into a frenzy of panic. He tried desperately to fix each problem, but it was like trying to hold back a tidal wave with his bare hands.

Finally, in a moment of overwhelming frustration, Louis snapped. Tears pricked at his eyes as he repeated the same words over and over again, a mantra born from desperation. "It has to be perfect. It has to be perfect."

The other boys exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to help their friend. It was Zayn who suggested they seek out their tour manager, Paul, for assistance.

Paul was like a father figure to the boys, always there to lend an ear or offer guidance when needed. When they explained the situation to him, his expression softened with understanding.

"Alright lads, leave it to me," Paul said with a reassuring smile. "I'll talk to Louis and make sure he's alright."

With that, Paul sought out Louis, finding him curled up in a corner backstage, his hands trembling as he tried to regain control.

"Hey there, Lou," Paul said gently, taking a seat beside him. "Mind if I join you?"

Louis sniffled, nodding slightly as he wiped at his eyes. "Sorry, Paul. I'm being stupid, aren't I?"

Paul shook his head, placing a comforting hand on Louis' shoulder. "Not at all, mate. It's okay to struggle sometimes. But you don't have to do it alone."

Together, they talked through Louis' feelings, unraveling the knots of anxiety that had tightened around his mind. Paul offered practical solutions and words of encouragement, reminding Louis that perfection wasn't always attainable—and that was perfectly okay.

By the time their conversation came to an end, Louis felt a weight lifted off his shoulders. He knew that he still had work to do in managing his OCD, but with the support of his friends and Paul by his side, he felt stronger than ever.

As they headed back out to face the world once more, Louis knew that even on the hardest days, he wasn't alone. And that, in itself, was the most perfect thing of all.