You and the boys, excluding Vil, relax in the lounge. This time, Ace won a spot next to you and Jamil sits on your other side, not wanting to give up a spot next to you. Kalim sits in the floor in front of the coffee table and the others take their seats on the chairs.
Ace sighs dramatically. "I finished my dinner, but I feel like I've still got room for more."
Kalim nods. "I know what you mean. It wasn't bad, but it just didn't have the spicy punch or richness I'm used to."
"The dishes used vegetables, white meat chicken, and fruit." Jamil shrugs his shoulders. "I thought the portions were reasonably sized."
"They described it as a toning menu, not a slimming-down menu." Deuce complains.
Grim slouches in the arm of the couch. "All those veggies are barely a meal to me... Y/N and I aren't even competing, so how about lettin' us have some more meat? Ooh, or somethin' fried!"
You roll your eyes at the cat. "If you're this bad on day one, this is gonna be a long month. I liked dinner." You shrug. "It was delicious and healthy."
Someone knocks on the front door.
"Who's showin' up this late?" Grim asks.
Epel stands. "I'll get it."
Epel lead to the foyer and opens the door to find a ghost holding a box and in a mailman uniform.
"Special delivery! Is Epel Felmier of Pomefiore present?"
"Y-yes." Epel nods. That's me."
"If you could sign here? We've got ten large boxes for you. Mind if we drop them off in the foyer?"
"Sure, that's-" Epel's eyes grow large. "wait, did you say TEN?"
"Yes. It's from... Oh, this also says Felmier. I take it that's your family? They're all heavy, so be careful carrying them."
The ghost brings all the boxes into the foyer, dropping them with a loud thunk. Hearing the noise, you and the boys join Epel in the foyer.
Deuce let's out a low whistle. "The Ramshackle Dorm foyer's stacked floor to ceiling with boxes now."
"These have to be from Meemaw," Epel clears his throat. "that is, from my grandmother. I've told her so many times over the phone that she doesn't have to send this stuff."
"What is it?" Kalim peers into a box. "A delivery of silks from your home?"
"Oh, it's nothing so fancy." Epel rubs his neck. "Um, my hometown produces a lot of apple-based goods. So I suspect these are all, ah... apple juice."
You look at the many boxes in surprise. "All this is apple juice?"
"Dude!" Ace exclaims. "Forget the Mostro Lounge, we could run our own drink stand with this much product!"
"Oh, there's a letter in one of the boxes. Let's see..." Epel picks up the letter and reads. "We had some unsold stock near its sell-by date. You can share it with your friends at school. Fer cryin' out loud! Don't push yer stinkin' overstock on me, Meemaw! I mean," He clears his throat. "I can't believe they have so much they didn't sell."
"If they're sending you this much stuff, you must come from a real rich family." Deuce concludes.
Epel tilts his head. "Huh?"
"Ooh, I think I get it." Ace turns to the lavender haired boy. "Are you so dedicated to your apple juice brand that it's all you want to drink?"
Epel shakes his head. "N-not at all, honest! Everyone's welcome to have some. It's one hundred percent apple juice, no preservatives. It's loaded with vitamins, and Vil... probably won't yell at you for drinking it. Tastes real good, too!"
Ace smirks. "Yep. You're a total apple juice freak"
Epel laughs. You realize this maybe the first time you've seen him this happy.
"Merci, Monsieur Pommette." Rook smiles. "I happily accept. Tell your family merci beaucoup on my behalf."
"We can't leave the foyer blocked off with all these boxes." Jamil adds. "Let's get them to the lounge, at least."
You and the boys luge the boxes into the lounge. With how many there are, it didn't take long to move all the boxes.
"I appreciate all of you helping with those boxes." Epel says. "Thanks, uh... very much. Why don't we open one up and quench our thirst? The citric acid and polyphenol in apples works wonders for fatigue. It should be the perfect drink after a hard day of dancing and singing rehearsal... I think."
Epel opens a box and pulls out one of the containers of apple juice. You bring out some plastic cups that were stored in one of the closets.
Deuce takes the apple juice and pops the lid open. "Ooh. There's a nice, tangy apple smell already, and all I did was pop the cork."
"What a piquant aroma." Rook takes a cup from your outstretched hand. "I shall partake as well."
Deuce pours the drink into everyone's cup. You take a sip and your eyes widen. "Tho has to be the best apple juice I've ever had."
"Why... c'est bon!" Rook exclaims. "This is exquisite, Epel!"
Kalim takes a sip from his cup. "Ooh, that IS good! It's like I'm drinking an apple in liquid form!"
"It's one hundred percent apple juice, so that's literally what you're doing." Jamil takes a sip. "Mm... It is quite good, though."
"This's the stuff right here." Grim tries to pry the apple juice from Deuce. "I could guzzle it by the liter!"
Deuce fights off the cat. "Hey, Grim! Don't put your mouth on the bottle!"
Ace chuckles. "I can't blame him for wanting to chug it from the source, though. It goes down great."
"It's not too sweet and not too tart." Rook adds. "It goes down like a pleasant breeze blowing through an orchard, refreshing to the extreme! I'd go so far as to call this beverage a masterpiece that was clearly made with love."
Epel nods excitedly. "Isn't it? It's made from a blend of several different types of apples. It's the pride of our hometown! And it's soothing for the throat when you add in a little honey. It could be great to drink after vocal practice! Ooh, and the apples themselves are delicious, even before they're turned into juice!"
Rook laughs. "How nice to hear you speak with such enthusiasm. It's clear that you carry a great deal of fondness for your hometown, Monsieur Pommette."
Epel's smile fades. "Unfortunately, though... I don't know if it's because we make it in a backwater part of the Shaftlands or what, but it's just not very well-known."
"Wow. It's so good, though." Kalim shakes his head. "Such a shame for it to go unnoticed."
"We get fewer and fewer tourists every year, too. The direction things are going, well..."Epel sadly trails off.
"How long are you all going to congregate in the lounge?"
Glancing to the stairs, you see Vil descending the steps. "And what are these stacks of boxes?"
"Epel's family sent him some apple juice, which he has been kind enough to share." Rook explains.
"I-it doesn't have any added sugars! Or preservatives!" Epel quickly adds. "And, um, it's not going to last for very long, so... you're welcome to have some too, Vil. If you like."
You hold out a cup for Vil. "You should try some, Vil! It's amazing!"
Vil looks from the cup in your hand to your eyes. You feel yourself being pulled into his own light purple eyes. "Is that so? Perhaps if the mood strikes me. But it's just about 10 o'clock. That means lights out for you spudlings."
"You expect us to go to bed at 10 p.m.?" Ace scoffs. "What are we, grade schoolers?"
Vil smirks. "Perhaps so, if your mindset moves you to equate an early bedtime with being a child. You need a MINIMUM of seven hours of sleep a night to maintain lustrous skin and hair. Speaking of which, I've been meaning to ask you," Vil looks to the rest of the boys. "what products do you use for hair and skin care?"
"Uh, what do you mean, care?" Deuce tilts his head.
"My hair tangles easily with repeat washes, so I use hair oil," Jamil shrugs. "but I don't put anything extra on my skin."
Kalim scratches his head. "My attendants back home always slathered me in moisturizers, but I haven't done any of that since I started school here."
"I haven't been able to get any because I don't have any money." You look to the floor with embarrassment.
"You shouldn't feel embarrassed by your predicament, little flower." Vil places a hand under your chin and gently lifts your head to meet his gaze. "You were thrown into a world that you had no control over whatsoever."
Your mouth hangs open and you suddenly hug Vil, taking him by surprise. "Finally, someone gets me."
Though he would never admit it out loud, Vil finds himself enjoying being in your embrace.
Vil clears his throat and pulls out of your hug attack. "Yes, now for the rest of you. You strip away your natural oils and then leave your skin gasping for hydration? Are you mad? I'm giving each of you a set of my personally formulated skin care products. Apply them every morning and evening after you wash your face."
Vil hands the boys each a set of various vials. Kalim eagerly takes his. "Ooh, you make your own cosmetics? Neat!"
Jamil smirks. "I shouldn't be surprised. Of course the Pomefiore housewarden would be an expert in herbalism."
"Epel and I have been naught but smooth and supple since we started using Vil's products." Rook smiles.
Epel rolls his eyes. "Yes, and he makes other things, too: sunblock, setting powder, lip balm, hand cream... He dumped-ah, I mean, gifted me, a bunch of it."
Vil hands you a set. "If you need anything else, simply come to me. I shall give you whatever you need."
You look at the purple vials that shimmer beautifully in the light. "Thank you so much, Vil! But you don't have to give me anything. I don't want to take all of your products."
Vil waves a dismissive hand. "Please, they're so simple to make. And if you'll use them, then I don't see why not."
You smile appreciatively. "Thank you, Vil."
"By the way, I see a lot of bottles here." Kalim rubs his neck. "How do you use all this?"
Vil sighs and rolls his eyes. "Must I explain everything? Fine. I'll start with the facial cleanser." Vil grabs your hand and drags you to middle of the room. "Y/n, you'll be my model. The rest of you, pay close attention."
"Uhh, okay." You feel a little self conscious with all the boys looking at you.
Vil sets up the various vials on the coffee table. "Kalim, what do you use when you wash your face normally?"
"Water!"
"Out of the question!" Vil shakes his head. "First, work up a lather with this loofah, then massage your face with the foam. NO hard scrubbing."
Vil gently places a hand on your cheek and rubs your face with a small loofah. You can't help but giggle. "That tickles."
"Once you've finished washing, use a refining toner. Apply it gently to your skin with a cotton pad." Vil turns your head this way and that to gently apply the toner.
"You have to wipe yourself down again right after rinsing the foam off?" Kalim asks.
"This is a secondary step for removing dirt from your pores. Next comes the moisturizer. Rub it into your palms and press down firmly with it to ensure it permeates the skin." Vil massages the moisturizer into your skin.
You breathe in the flowery scent. "It smells amazing!"
"Next is the milky lotion. Boys our age secrete a lot of sebum, so applying too much could backfire." Vil says as he applies the lotion to your skin.
Kalim laughs. "It's kind of funny when you say 'our age'."
Vil quirks an eye. "Would you care to elaborate on that statement?"
"I just mean, you're so mature compared to all the other juniors I know."
"Good. I was ready to come to blows if you had intended to call me old." Vil waves a hand. "Anyway, moving on. What I just went over was the order of operations for your morning and evening care routine. This container here is a facial cream meant to be used once every three days for added care. Apply it before you go to bed. Work this oil into the ends of your hair before using a dryer. This body milk here is for use after showers. Apply it meticulously to your knees, elbows, and the heels of your feet."
Deuce runs a hand through his hair. "This is as hard as a Potionology practical."
"Wow!" You exclaim. "My skin already feels so soft!"
Kalim places a hand to your cheek. "You're right, Y/N! You feel like the finest silks from back home!"
Before you could say anything, Vil slap's Kalim's hand away. "Hey! Get your grimy hands off her clean face! Hands are a breeding ground for microorganisms."
Ace whispers to Deuce. "In some ways, our housewarden's got nothin' on Vil. This is nuts..."
Deuce shushes him. "He's right there!"
"Hey, Vil? Question." Ace steps forward. "You became housewarden because you're good at magic, right? Do you know any spells that can skip all this stuff and just magically gussy up our hair and skin?"
"Magicians like yourselves should understand that most spells and potions are not permanent." Vil folds his arms. "Magic might create a temporary illusion of beauty and allow someone to indulge in a brief dream, but I have no interest in spells that fade when the clock chimes midnight. What I seek is genuine, authentic aesthetic perfection. Like the Fairest Queen who earned the Magic Mirror's recognition."
Your heart stops. Magic mirror?
Rook waves a hand. "If that legendary mirror still existed, I have no doubt it would recognize your excellence, Vil."
"Perhaps." Vil sighs. "That talk ran a bit long. All of you, to your rooms now. And don't forget to follow the skin care routine before you go to bed!"
"Yes, sir!"
Grim collapses onto the bed. "Myah... We're only on day one, and I'm already pooped."
You quirk an eye at the cat. "I don't seem to recall you doing anything, Grim."
Grim waves you off. "It's all for my tuna bonanza. I gotta make sure they win this thing."
You're about to crawl into bed when you hear singing coming from outside. Grim perks his ears to listen. "Hm? Who's that makin' noise in the yard?"
You put your jacket on. "Let's go see who it is."
Quietly walking outside, you see Kalim singing in the snow.
"Hey, Kalim!" Grim trots through the snow. "If you stay out late, Coach Vil is gonna chew our heads off!"
Kalim jumps when he hears Grim. "Whoa! Grim and Y/N? Did you hear me from the dorm? Sorry about that!"
"How can you still be going after gettin' worked to the bone today?" Grim asks.
You step next to Kalim. "Rest is also important, Kalim."
Kalim laughs. "It's not what you think. This is the first time I've ever done something like this. I'm... pretty upset that I got passed over for main vocals."
You place a reassuring hand to Kalim's shoulder and he places a hand on top of yours. Grim tilts his head. "Huh? You didn't look upset to me."
"I wasn't, when it first got announced." Kalim sighs. "But when I climbed into bed and closed my eyes, it started nagging at me. I couldn't just lie there working myself up. Figured I'd let off some steam by practicing. I've... never felt this way before."
Grim folds his arms. "You've had everything handed to you on a silver platter before this, I bet. Guess that's what it's like when you're mega- rich. Must be nice!"
"Ah, well... Yes and no." Kalim shrugs. "I don't think that's quite it. I'm always chosen. Always. That's such an obvious truth that I never even consciously processed it. But now I see that was only possible because of Jamil's constant sacrifices. He created that truth in my mind by always holding back. By always letting me win... It stings. Galling doesn't even begin to describe it."
You nod. "I'm sure it's not easy to wrap your head around."
Grim scoffs. "You wanna talk about galling? Imagine how I feel not even makin' the cut for the audition to start with."
"Ah, you're right." Kalim sheepishly rubs the back of his neck. "My bad! I didn't mean to rub it in. Goodness, there I go again! I'm super sorry, honest."
"Geez, gettin' a sincere apology makes me feel like I kicked a puppy or somethin'. Ace or Deuce woulda hit me with a comeback..." Grim clears his throat. "Look, if that's how you feel, then you'd better win!"
Kalim smiles. "That's a good way to look at it. I'll keep working hard, so don't give up on me, okay? I wouldn't want to disturb the others' sleep, so I'll stop for now and call it a night."
You smile sweetly. "Tomorrow is a new day. I hope you sleep well, Kalim."
"You too, Y/n." Kalim wraps you in a hug. "Good night."
Kalim let's go and walks into the dorm. You feel a blush forming on your cheeks. You're thankful that you could easily blame it on the cold.
"Let's get back to our room, Y/N." Grim says. "My paw pads are freezin' out here."