Chapter Text
The infirmary was never just a place for rest and recovery.
It was a news hub too, where rumors and stories drifted as freely as the scent of antiseptic.
Today was no different.
“Have you seen the new history professor?” one student asked, her voice carrying a spark of excitement.
“Oh! Yes, I caught a glimpse of him in the hallway earlier,” another replied quickly.
“He’s kind of cute, isn’t he? Word is he’s smart and already popular.”
“They say the lecture room’s filling up more and more each day,” said the first girl, leaning in conspiratorially.
On the bed, the patient frowned faintly. “I haven’t seen him yet.”
“You should check your schedule,” one of the girls urged. “His lectures are open to anyone. You might as well slip in when you can.”
From his desk nearby, Doctor Luuk Herssen listened with quiet amusement. He had grown used to the flow of gossip in these walls, the topic varies from time to time like tales of exams, romances, rivalries, however t oday’s subject was simply the latest wave sweeping through campus: the mysterious new professor.
Luuk approached the bed with a gentle smile, a small paper bag in hand. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but I’ve brought your medicine, Rubia.”
“Thank you, Doctor Herssen.” She accepted the bag with a sheepish grin. “I promise I’ll take them.”
“As you should,” he replied warmly. “I don’t want these visits becoming a monthly routine. One after breakfast, every day, don’t forget.”
His gaze shifted to the two girls standing nearby. “And you two? No class at the moment?”
“We still have fifteen minutes before the next one, Doctor Herssen,” the blue-haired girl answered. Then her eyes lit up suddenly. “Oh! Do you know the new professor?”
Luuk glanced toward Nana, the nurse only shrugged before returning to her work. He hummed thoughtfully. “I’ve heard there’s someone new, but I haven’t met them yet.”
“I see,” the other girl murmured, nodding.
“This professor seems to be the talk of the week,” Luuk said, folding his arms. “How do you manage to focus on your own classes with all this gossip?”
“We do focus!” the blue-haired girl protested quickly. “We’re here to give Rubia the notes we copied so she can catch up.”
“Well, that’s good,” Luuk said with a smile. “Helping each other, that’s what friends are for.” He reached into his coat pocket and produced a small packet. “Now, would you like some candies before you head off?”
The girls’ faces lit up. “Thank you, Doctor Herssen!”
Luuk watched them take the sweets before returning to his desk beside Nana. The nurse glanced at him, then at the students, Nana’s smirk lingered as she spoke. “Indulging in rumors, Doctor Herssen?”
Luuk chuckled softly, accepting the chart she handed him. “I only answered their question. But now I admit, I’m curious myself.” He flipped through the chart, his brow furrowing slightly. “What was that professor’s name again?”
“Rover?”
.
.
“Professor Rover?”
“Yes?” Rover lifted his gaze from the tablet, he was waiting for the student to answer the question he asked, it took a while for her to finally speak.
“I think I missed what the Twilight Epoch was again…” She scratched the back of her head, chuckling awkwardly.
Rover arched a brow. He remembered this one, Lynae, the blonde student who always arrived late. She left quite an impression when she had used her invisibility to slip into his very first lecture in this academy half an hour late. Rover spotted her immediately and since then she had become creative trying to get past him instead of just arriving in time.
How hard can that be?
Today she almost made it in time though... keyword 'almost', she arrived ten minutes late. however, from his peripheral he could see her slowly dozing off that's why he called her attention. But it seems like she missed half of the lecture already.
“The Twilight Epoch marks the current era in Royan chronology, when they began collaboration with the outside world.”
“Ah, right, of course!” Lynae nodded quickly, eyes darting back to her tablet.
“Do you have any questions, Lynae?” Rover asked, his tone clipped but patient.
“No, I just… missed that part,” she admitted, sinking back into her seat.
Rover considered if he should call her out, but there are too many students and he didn't want to embarrass the poor girl. Perhaps he should talk to her after the lecture instead. His gaze then swept the hall. “Anyone else?”
His eyes settled on two students whispering at the side, Phoebe and Sigrika. He tilted his head, curiosity piqued, and stepped away from his desk to get a clearer view. Something about their exchange felt off.
“What’s going on?” Rover asked, stopping before them.
Phoebe looked up, hesitant. “Professor… Sigrika is..” Phoebe opened her mouth to explain, but Sigrika suddenly raised a hand to stop her. She turned to Rover, forcing a smile as she pushed herself to her feet.
“Professor, it’s nothing, really, I’m fine—” Her words faltered. The color drained from her face, and before she could finish, her knees buckled.
A collective gasp rippled through the lecture hall.
“Sigrika!” Phoebe cried, reaching out, but Rover was already moving. He sprinted, catching her just as her body gave way, preventing her from striking the floor.
The room fell into stunned silence, broken only by the scrape of chairs as students half-rose, unsure whether to rush forward or stay back. Rover steadied her in his arms, his expression tightening with concern. he adjusted his hold on Sigrika, steadying her limp form against his chest. His voice cut through the stunned silence of the hall.
"What happened?!" Lynae asked, already up on her feet.
“Phoebe, lead me to the infirmary. Quickly.” Rover looked at her, startling her out from her shock.
Phoebe scrambled to her feet, nodding with wide eyes. “Yes, Professor!” She hurried toward the door, glancing back to make sure Rover was close behind.
Rover turned his head just enough to address the rest of the class. “Everyone else, remain here. Stay seated until I return.” His tone left no room for argument.
The students obeyed, murmurs rippling through the hall as he carried Sigrika out, her head resting against his shoulder. Phoebe pushed the door open ahead of him, guiding the way through the corridors.
The lecture hall’s chatter faded behind them, replaced by the echo of Rover’s hurried footsteps, only the whispers of the students they passed by the corridors and the faint sound of Sigrika’s shallow breathing could be heard. His jaw tightened as he followed Phoebe’s lead.
“Hold on, Sigrika,” he muttered under his breath, determination sharpening his stride. “We’ll get you help.”
The infirmary door swung open as Phoebe rushed ahead, her voice rising in panic. “Doctor Herssen! Please help!”
Luuk looked up from his desk, startled, while Nana was already on her feet. The nurse’s sharp eyes widened as she saw Rover carrying Sigrika, her body limp against his chest.
“This way, quickly!” Nana ushered them toward an empty bed, pulling back the sheets with urgency.
Rover lowered Sigrika carefully onto the mattress, his movements steady but urgent. Her breathing was shallow, her skin pale. He glanced at Nana, his voice tight. “She fainted in the lecture hall, caught her before she hit the floor”
"Is she acting strange before she fainted?" Luuk asked as he arrived at Sigrika's bedside.
Phoebe hovered at the foot of the bed, wringing her hands. “She said she was fine, … she didn’t want me to say anything… but she’s been feeling off since this morning”
"How off? can you please elaborate?" Luuk asked, glancing at the other girl.
"She was having headaches, Denia told her to come to you and ask for an excuse slip so she can rest a bit ... but she insisted on attending the class" Pheobe said, a small sigh on her lips "I should have helped persuade her more, Ive been worries so I was keeping an eye on her"
"It's alright Pheobe, you did well to look out for her" Luuk smiled before turning back to Sigrika, he checked her pulse, his expression calm but focused. “Nana” he called out and they exchanged a look, a silent understanding passed between them.
"We will take care of her, please step away for a moment" She smiled as she shut the curtain to give the patient more privacy.
Rover and Pheobe stood outside, the infirmary filled with the quiet rush of activity, the clink of instruments, Luuk and Nana's voices and Pheobe's foot anxiously tapping the floor. Rover stood just outside the curtain, arms crossed now, for the first time since arriving at the academy, the professor’s composed demeanor cracked, replaced by a flicker of concern.
“Phoebe,” he called looking down at her, “go back to the lecture hall. Gather Sigrika’s things and keep the class settled until I return.”
Phoebe hesitated, torn between her friend and the order. “But—”
Rover cut her off gently, his tone softening. “She’ll be looked after here. Right now, the rest of the students need you. I'll follow after”
Phoebe swallowed hard, then nodded. “Yes, Professor.”
She hurried out, the infirmary door closing behind her.
He paced a few steps away from the bed, giving the two space to work. The sound of Nana’s brisk movements and Luuk’s calm instructions filled the infirmary, a rhythm of practiced care. Rover folded his arms, his gaze drifting toward the window, though his attention never truly left the curtain. He had only known her as one of many students yet seeing her collapse so suddenly had shaken something deeper.
Perhaps it was instincts, after all this also happened to someone important to him.
The panic was real.
Rover wasn’t sure how long he had been standing and pacing there. Perhaps only minutes had passed, yet time seemed to drag when his thoughts refused to settle. The muffled sounds of the infirmary blurred around him until the soft rasp of curtains being drawn pulled him back to the present. He turned, catching sight of the blond doctor approaching. From Phoebe’s hurried words earlier, Rover knew this must be Doctor Herssen.
Luuk approached the man who had carried Sigrika in. The moment their eyes met, he faltered, those irises, a striking shade of gold, caught him off guard. A small gasp escaped before he could stop himself.
This person..
“How is she?” Rover asked, his voice steady but laced with concern, however the doctor didn’t answer him immediately instead he was staring at him as if he asked something so obscure. “Uhm.. Doctor?” he repeated.
This time, Luuk composed himself quickly, offering a reassuring smile. “My apologies, She’ll be fine. She fainted from fatigue, likely stress. The signs of sleeplessness are clear. I believe she might be skipping some meals too.. hmm nothing dangerous for now" He slipped his hands into the pockets of his lab coat, his tone calm and professional. “With exams coming next week, it’s not surprising.”
“I see…” Rover murmured, his gaze lingering on the bed.
“Fortunately, you caught her before she fell,” Luuk continued. “No injuries. What she needs now is proper rest and a healthier routine. That’s something I can talk to her about later”
Rover’s gaze lingered on Sigrika for a moment longer before he nodded to himself. At least he was sure she would be okay; he would need to speak with her once she regained consciousness.
Meanwhile Luuk was watching him carefully. His crimson eyes studied the stranger’s expression, weighing the quiet intensity behind those golden irises. Finally, he spoke with a smile meant to ease the air. “You can relax now and return to your class. We will look after her, your professor might be looking for you.”
Rover arched a brow. It wasn’t the first time someone had mistaken him for a student, his youthful looks invited the assumption often enough. On his very first day, he’d asked for directions to the lecture hall, and a handful of students had eagerly led him there, chatting all the while. They gossiped about how the new professor was probably some strict, boring old man who loved long quizzes and would lull them all to sleep.
Rover had chuckled at that. Strict, boring, fond of long quizzes...well, they weren’t entirely wrong.
Only when he stepped up to the podium did the truth dawn on them. The chatter died instantly, replaced by stunned silence as the “freshman” revealed himself to be their lecturer.
So, he couldn’t fault Luuk for the mistake. Still, he straightened, meeting the doctor’s gaze.
“I’m not a student,” Rover said evenly.
Luuk blinked, momentarily thrown by the correction. His gaze dropped as he searched for the clipped ID at the man’s hip. When he found it, the name was clear enough
Professor Rover.
The title beneath it read:
Professor of Global Chronology and Civilizations
Luuk’s eyes lingered on the words, then flicked back up to meet those golden irises once more. The realization settled in, and his earlier assumption dissolved into quiet surprise.
So, this is the new professor that was the star of gossips in his infirmary these past few days.
“My apologies, Professor. I suppose this is the first time we’ve met. I am Luuk Herssen, the attending doctor of the Academy. The one assisting with Sigrika is Nurse Nana.” He gestured lightly toward her before continuing. “I’m on rotational shift with Doctor Hoda, and we have two other nurses as well.”
“Rover” Rover gave a small nod introducing himself before glancing at his watch. twenty minutes had already slipped by. “It’s fine no need for apologies and If you say she’ll recover, then I’ll leave her in your care. I need to return to my class.”
“Of course, we will look after her”
He paused just long enough to meet Luuk’s gaze. “Thank you, Doctor Herssen.”
With that, Rover stepped back, his golden eyes catching the light as he turned and left the infirmary, and he made his way back toward the lecture hall.
The doctor’s red eyes lingered on the door, his expression complicated as he watched Rover’s retreating form.
“Are you alright, Doctor Herssen?” Nana’s voice broke through the silence.
As if waking from a trance, Luuk glanced back at her and offered a small smile. “Yes… I’m fine. My apologies.” He exhaled, steadying himself before nodding toward the bed. “Come, let’s check on Sigrika’s charts.”
Rover returned to the lecture hall, his stride purposeful as he slipped back into the rhythm of teaching assuring everyone that she is fine. The students, still buzzing faintly from Sigrika’s sudden collapse quieted as he resumed the lesson. His voice carried with its usual calm authority, guiding them through the intricacies of their current lecture of Royan chronology until the session drew to a close.
The hours passed in steady rhythm, from one class to another, preparing for the exam and grading some papers until the bell marked the midday break.
By lunch, Rover made his way to the professors’ cafeteria, a separate hall reserved for faculty and academy staff. The atmosphere was quieter than the bustling student commons, filled instead with the low hum of scholarly conversations and of course rumors. He was joined at the long table by a few fellow professors he met during his first week in Startorch Academy, their trays set down with casual familiarity. Some greeted him warmly, others with curious glances, still adjusting to the presence of the new lecturer whose golden eyes had already sparked rumors across the academy.
Rover inclined his head politely, settling into his seat. For now, it was simply lunch among colleagues.
“How was your first week, Rover?” A woman with soft pink hair asked as she set her tray down. Rover recognized her, Professor Changli, who taught Law and Ethics.
He glanced at her politely. “It was great. I’m still adjusting, but everyone has been very accommodating.”
“I heard one student fainted in your class,” Mortefi, one of the academy’s researchers, chimed in. His words drew a few curious glances from the rest of the table.
“Oh, I heard that too,” another professor added, leaning forward. “Sigrika, wasn’t it?” Professor Mornye from the Spacetrek Collective chimed in, looking worried.
Rover set his fork down, his golden eyes steady as he nodded once. “Yes. She fainted, but I brought her to the infirmary. Doctor Herssen assured me she’ll be fine, it was fatigue and stress, nothing more.”
The table quieted for a moment, the professors exchanging looks. Changli gave a small smile. “Well, it seems you handled it well. Students are stressed, especially this close to exams. Its not the first time something like that happened”
"All sorts of things happens before exams" Mortefi added.
"Yeah! some students over work their brains studying, some were praying to every Sentinel they know, others doing some suspicious rituals.." Brant who was in charge of the Theatre Arts suddenly joined the conversation, setting his phone aside and taking a bite from his food. “At least she’s fine now, with the exam looming over the academy candy doc is gonna be busy"
Rover paused mid‑motion, confused. “Candy doc?”
Mornye leaned forward to supply the context. “He’s referring to the Head Doctor of the Academy, Doctor Luuk Herssen. He always gives out candies, hence the nickname”
“To the students?” Rover clarified, brows raised.
“To everyone,” Mortefi added with a shrug. “The candies are good though.”
Changli smirked, teasing him. “You only say that because you have a sweet tooth. But yes, he’s quite infamous for it. Everyone in the academy calls it his candy outreach program.”
Brant chuckled, lifting his fork. “The doc is cool though. I can always ask him some candies whenever we cross paths, Roccia loves them”
"I always wonder how those candies fit in his pockets, it seems like he had endless supply" Mornye said wondering out loud.
Rover’s gaze drifted across the cafeteria. Since starting at the Academy, he hadn’t seen Doctor Herssen outside the infirmary at all. Researchers and scientists filled the room, but never that blond doctor. “Haven’t seen him much,” he murmured, almost to himself but the table caught it.
Changli tilted her head thoughtfully. “He’s quite… how should I put it? Cooped up in the infirmary. He rarely goes out, but he’s very friendly when you meet him. Which I suppose you already know?”
"Very private too" Brant added "We once invited him out for a drink but he declined, he said he's taking care of something and he doesn't drink"
"Leave the man alone, he'll join if he feels like it" Changli added.
Rover blinked, recalling only fragments. He had been too worried about Sigrika to pay much attention, but he did remember doctor Herssen’s professional tone and warm smile. “I honestly didn’t notice much,” Rover admitted, “but he seemed like a nice guy.”
"Perhaps I should ask him next time if his pockets are bottomless" Mornye said out loud still wondering about her question earlier.
"Or he refills it each time" Brant pointed out.
Rover chuckled as he listened to them and ate his food, quipping here and there until the conversation stirred to different topics and when their lunch break was over they all went to their respective classes.
After lunch, Rover returned to his lecture hall, finishing the day’s lessons with his usual calm. The students scribbled notes, some whispering about the morning’s incident, but the professor kept the focus firmly on the material.
The afternoon went by smoothly and when the final class ended, Rover found himself with a stretch of free time before going home. His thoughts drifted back to Sigrika and he decided to check on her, he felt unsettled until he could check her current condition. The corridors of the Academy were quieter now, sunlight slanting through tall windows as he made his way toward the infirmary.
The faint scent of antiseptic greeted him as he pushed open the door, Rover stepped inside, his golden eyes scanning the room until he spotted Nana.
“Professor Rover,” Nana greeted with a gentle smile as she approached. “Is there something you need?”
Rover inclined his head. “I had some free time before going home. Thought I’d check on Sigrika.”
“She’s stable, she woke up few times and had a meal” Nana assured him, her tone calm and professional. “No complications. Just fatigue”
Rover stepped closer to the bed, his voice low but steady. “Would it be alright if I spoke with her?”
Nana shook her head gently, her hands folded before her. “Doctor Herssen is currently assessing her right now for discharge, perhaps if you can wait for a bit" she gestured at the chair.
Rover nodded, understanding, though his eyes lingered on the curtain that separated him from Sigrika. "I'll wait"
Just then, the curtain was pulled aside. Doctor Herssen appeared, his red eyes calm and his expression composed. “It’s fine, Nurse Nana,” he said with a reassuring smile. “Professor you may come in. A familiar voice might help her feel at ease.”
Nana hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod, stepping back to allow Rover through.
Rover inclined his head in quiet gratitude before stepping past the curtain, his gaze settling on Sigrika as she was sitting up against the pillows. Rover leaned closer, his tone gentle.
“How are you feeling, Sigrika?”
“I’m fine… thank you, Professor. For bringing me here. I heard what happened, sorry for worrying you” Her voice was soft, but there was genuine gratitude in it.
“It's fine don't apologize you should take it slow. Don’t push yourself and listen to Doctor Herssen, he knows what’s best for you right now.”
Sigrika managed a faint smile, her fingers curling slightly against the blanket. “I will, he did give me some instructions on how to recover faster”
From the side, Luuk observed the exchange in silence. His red eyes lingered not on Sigrika, but on Rover. The way the professor’s presence seemed to ease the student, the calm steadiness in his voice. The doctor’s expression remained composed, professional, but there was a subtle complexity behind it, as though he was weighing something unseen.
Rover’s voice softened as he stood by her bedside. “I’ll send you the notes of the lessons you missed so you can look at them later. Phoebe has your things, how are you supposed to return to your dorm?”
Sigrika’s eyes brightened faintly, her voice still weak but sincere. “Thank you, Professor. I… I really appreciate it. I heard she dropped by earlier but I was still asleep, I have all my things now and my friend Denia will be here soon to help me back to the dorm”
With that, Rover straightened, offering a polite glance toward Nana and Doctor Herssen. “I see, that's good.. anyways I just wanted to make sure you are doing well, if you need more rest do so, health is important, the tests can wait."
"I will, I think I scared everyone earlier, so I don't want that happening again" She added shyly.
"I'm sure they understand, though you did give me a small fright" he chuckled and shoved his hand on his pockets "anyways, since you are feeling well now I’ll take my leave.” He gave her a small smile before he turned, his stride purposeful as he moved toward the door.
Luuk followed a few steps behind, his red eyes steady on Rover’s back. As they stepped into the corridor, the doctor spoke, his tone even but carrying a subtle weight. “It’s rare for professors to personally come back to check on their students. Most leave it to us once the patient is in the infirmary.”
Rover glanced at him, golden eyes calm. “She’s my responsibility. I couldn’t just leave it at that.”
Luuk’s expression softened into a faint smile “A rare sense of duty, Professor.”
“It’s not really a big deal. I wouldn’t be able to relax if I didn’t see it myself.” Rover’s stride was calm, his voice steady.
Luuk’s red eyes lingered on him, thoughtful. “You seem to be the type who wants to make sure everything is right. It tells me you’re not the kind to leave things unresolved. You hold on until you’re certain. That kind of persistence can be admirable… or exhausting.”
Rover stopped and crossed his arms, a brow raised as he looked up at the doctor slightly amused. “I’m pretty sure I didn’t come here for a consultation.”
Luuk blinked, then chuckled softly. “My apologies. I tend to slip into that unconsciously, a habit, I suppose.”
“I can see that,” Rover replied.
“Well, enough of me diagnosing personalities,” Luuk said with a faint smile. He reached into his lab coat pocket and pulled out a wrapped piece of candy, holding it out. “How about I offer you this instead? Want some candies?”
Rover looked at the candy, realization dawning as he remembered the professors’ earlier chatter. “Huh… candy outreach program,” he murmured under his breath, though Luuk caught it.
“Ah, so that rumors already reached you,” Luuk chuckled.
“I was confused at first, but now I get it,” Rover said a small smile on his face, taking the candy with a nod.
“A little sweetness to brighten the day doesn’t hurt,” Luuk replied, shoving his hands back into his coat pockets. His smile was warm but steady, the tone of his voice softened “And if you ever feel unwell, run into problems, or even face something you can’t put into words.. don’t hesitate to find me. Whether it’s about the Academy or beyond, I’m always here”
Rover blinked as he stared at him, that sounded a bit .. personal? Or was it just him?
“I mean the infirmary is always open.” Luuk suddenly added with a smile.
The corridor fell quiet for a moment, Rover holding the candy thoughtfully while Luuk’s words lingered in the air, carrying more weight than their casual tone suggested.
“I’ll remember that. Thanks again for the candy doc” Rover said, giving a small wave before turning down the corridor.
Luuk crossed his arms, his posture relaxed but his gaze lingering on Rover’s retreating form. The faint smile on his lips faded into something more contemplative. For a moment, the doctor stood there in silence, the echo of footsteps fading. His red eyes narrowed slightly, not in judgment but in thought.
It seems that he had forgotten..
He then noticed Nana standing beside him, her eyes fixed directly on his face, attentive and almost clinical, as though she were observing a patient.
“Yes, Nurse Nana?” Luuk asked, his gaze still angled toward the corridor.
“I sense something different in Doctor Herssen’s behavioral pattern today,” she said evenly.
Luuk finally turned to meet her eyes. “Is that so?”
Nana held his gaze for a moment longer before smiling faintly. “Seems like it will be interesting here from now on.” With that, she returned to the infirmary, her steps light but purposeful.
Luuk remained in the corridor, his arms folded, her words echoing in his mind. His red eyes narrowed slightly, thoughtful.
“Rover huh….” he murmured, before following her back inside.
It seems like things will be either interesting or complicated.
For now Luuk doesn’t know.