𝒲𝒾𝓃𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝒲ℴ𝓃𝒹ℯ𝓇𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒹： 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓌 ℴ𝒻 𝓉𝒽ℯ ℱ𝓇ℴ𝓏ℯ𝓃 ℋℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉

𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐵𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔： 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟 3

*
"I knew I'd never know that warm and loving glow. Though I might wish with all my might"

**
Pomefiore Dorm - Lounge

"Cleanser, check. Face wash, check. Booster essence lotion, check. Moisturizer, check. Eye cream, check. Overnight serum, check. Day serum, check. Sheet masks, check..."Vil recited with a sharp eye, meticulously inspecting Epel's luggage as if the world's fate depended on it.

"Um, Vil..." Epel rubbed the back of his neck, sweat trailing down his temple. "You're not even going to the social. You don't have to be so stringent about checking what I'm packing..."

"Please." Vil echoed, arching a perfectly groomed brow. "I know you'd just take a change of underwear and nothing else if I didn't check,"

"Okay, that's a little unfair..." Epel laughed nervously.

"Oh, is it, now?" Vil's gaze sharpened. "I know how you like to cut loose when I'm not around," he suddenly revealed.

Epel stiffened. "Grk..."

"You are representing both Night Raven College AND our dorm, which is under my leadership," Vil said coolly. "If I hear any rumors of a student from my dorm goofing off in unkempt clothes with unprotected skin, well..." he stated, glaring at Epel. "...I trust I don't need to spell it out,"

"Eep..." Epel gulped.

"Worry not, Vil, for Epel will have my fullest support," Rook declared, swooping in like a theatrical breeze.

"You don't exactly inspire confidence, Rook," Vil deadpanned, hand on his hip. "Why did you two of all people get selected for this?"

"Oh, Vil. I implore you to forgive me for leaving you alone in such a way," Rook lamented, dramatically producing a flower bud from his coat. "I leave you this flower ere my departure. I shall return by the time this bud blooms. Please, keep it and do not forget me..." he frowned sadly as well.

"You do realize you'll be gone 72 hours, not 72 weeks, right?" Vil sighed. "Look. The headmage may have been flippant about this whole thing... But you attend the famous Night Raven College. People will view you with their own prejudices, for better or for worse. There's no telling who might seek to undermine you. You must stay sharp at all times when socializing," he warned.

"Don't worry!" Epel said, puffing his chest. "I'll be honest, I ain't got a lick of interest in no ball... But I'll do my best to uphold Night Raven College and Pomefiore's image!" he promised.

"Heh. You're excited and you know it," Vil's sternness softened into a slight smile. "I'm going to give you a crash course in ballroom dancing. Otherwise you'll just embarrass yourself."

"A crash course?! Right now?!" Epel yelped, eyes wide.

"Oh, how delightful!" Rook clapped. "Come, Epel, let us trip the light fantastic!"

*
Ignihyde Dorm - Idia's Room

"NOOO!!!" Idia shrieked, flailing dramatically on the floor in front of his computer. "I don't want to go to a stupid social! It's the very LAST thing I'd ever want to do!"

"Are you still kicking up a fuss?" Ortho asked, floating beside him with a small frown. "So many other students wanted to go. You should consider yourself lucky you got picked,"