Work Text:
There's something wrong with his back. It's more than a strain from cutting the courtyard grass now.
Homare has known that since Izumi's disastrous massage. The director meant well, just as she had always been. Homare truly appreciated her efforts. But no matter how well-meaning she was, he can't deny that his spine isn't in the right position afterwards. Not even Kumon's massage is saving it, although the little Hyodo's massage skills have eased his pain.
This is bad considering his upcoming role as Yuri Kamanosuke is full of action, being a kusarigama-wielding warrior and all.
Because it's this bad Homare finds himself in a predicament. What Izumi has done violates workplace safety law. If news ever comes out especially to his mother, there's a good chance she'll sue the company. Because the Arisugawa family has a big name, Mankai will be in serious trouble if that happens. It feels excessive, at least Homare thinks, but he doubts his mother can afford to see him hurt like this, especially after losing her husband a long time ago.
And so Homare avoids seeing a doctor, because whatever he does, the truth will eventually come out and reach his mother. He even hides his pain behind a lot more poems and metaphorical speech for a good measure. No one knows something is very wrong with him.
Until one day, the truth decides to come out on its own because his spine can't take it anymore. A sharp pain shoots up from his lower back when he tries to climb up his loft bed, which sends him falling flat on his back. Afterwards his legs go numb, and he can't get up anymore…
When he's rushed to the hospital, despite his best efforts, truth finds its way to his mother.
And it doesn't take long for the lawsuit to get Mankai into trouble. Numerous headlines pop up everywhere:
"Mankai Company Faces Lawsuit After Mishandling Actor's Injury - Irresponsible or Incompetent?"
"Director or Danger? The Woman Behind Arisugawa Homare's Back Injury"
"Back Injury Turns Into Legal Battle: The Real Drama Behind the Stage"
The backlash is frighteningly quick. Public perception of Mankai Company plummets overnight, with critics condemning their unprofessionalism. Talk shows, online forums, and social media are all discussing the scandal.
"How could a director think it was ok to perform a medical procedure without proper training?"
"Isn't an actor's health a theater director's responsibility?"
"Does Mankai Company know anything about workplace safety law?"
Many condemn Mankai and Izumi, but there's a handful of diehard fans who steadfastly defend them and instead blame Homare.
"Ok but no one forced him to cut grass or do action roles. He chose that himself. You don't get to sue people just because you're bad at physical work."
"Honestly, what kind of grown man gets taken down by a little strain and massage? It's embarrassing."
"Homare should've known better than to rely on a non-professional. That's on him, not the director."
The bedridden Homare scrolls through the news and comments with a heavy heart. He has tried to avoid this, but look at the situation now.
At the end of the day, all Homare could think is that he shouldn't have treaded into the uncharted territory that is stage combat. If there's anyone to blame, he believes it's all on him.