The Reve - Part 1

Chapter 3: Campfire

The apartment's doorbell woke Hyori from her disturbed slumber. Beyond exhausted, she remained under her covers with her curtains drawn. Her eyes closed again on their own until someone knocked on her door. Begrudgingly, she climbed out of bed to open.

"Good morning, Bliss."

"Hello, Haze. Is anything the matter? You still haven't had breakfast."

"I'm not feeling well. I think I'm getting ill."

"You should eat something."

Thinking about drinking the heavy and creamy milk made her feel like retching. Yet, Bliss's tone left no room for an argument when she ushered her outside.

"Come on, it's already lunchtime."

Hyori hadn't realised she slept for so long. She was somewhat rested but her head was spinning after crying so much on an empty stomach. She hadn't had dinner last night and skipped breakfast. Maybe she wouldn't have to drink the morning milk if it was already lunch.

In the living room, Muse was enjoying lunch. After some lobsters and a cobb salad, Hyori barely had any space left for the seafood cake bites. She was about to leave when Bliss reminded her of the breakfast she skipped.

"You have to drink the milk. Lactase pills have been delivered to help you digest. They are inside the fridge."

Hyori didn't want to oblige but Bliss added.

"Orochimi will notice you aren't taking the milk because it won't affect your shape."

Hyori reluctantly opened the fridge. While uncovering the plate, her eyes fell on the breakfast. She took the fruity salad to wash the milk off her tongue. After she closed the fridge, Bliss recommended eating the whole meal.

"Try to finish your breakfast before dinner."

"Do we have to eat all of this?"

"Those are leftovers. They will be trashed if we don't eat them. And you must eat enough or the milk will have limited effects."

"I will try."

"Also, try to eat dinner before hosting if you are spending the night out."

~~~

Later in the afternoon, Bliss retrieved the violet to make her eat breakfast and enquired about her planning for the night.

"Are you hosting all night long?"

"I don't know. I didn't verify my agenda."

"You should check. And let me know if you do."

Hyori retreated into her bedroom to look for her phone. She felt lighter when she saw that the next booking was next week. She walked back into the living room to inform Bliss. The latter wasn't surprised by the empty agenda.

"It's because you are debuting. You should meet the standards by the end of the month."

Hyori had forgotten the requirements. There was no guarantee her Mother would have access to the person she would be passed if the manager decided to get rid of her.

Would Orochimi hand her friend's daughter to a stranger? Or would she send her back to the Inner Palace? At least, she would be back in a familiar environment inside the Inner Palace. And the Emperor couldn't visit her every night.

She regretted leaving her home for the outside world. How was her Mother expecting her to fare well in such a place? Did she know what she was being forced to do? Didn't she have other friends that could help?

Bliss noticed Haze's face turn grim when she evoked the requirements. Orochimi expected a lot from her hosts and the new hire wouldn't last long if she didn't change her attitude. Knowing that easing into the habit would only happen through practice,  she instructed Haze to sit with her.