Pomefiore trio

The weekend had barely begun when Vil Schoenheit had already decided that there was absolutely no reason for anyone in Pomefiore to spend it lounging around doing nothing. With an upcoming event at Night Raven College approaching, he had determined that the dorm needed new outfits, and naturally, merely being present at the event would not be enough. Pomefiore needed to look exceptional. Every detail mattered, from the cut of their clothes to the colors, fabrics, accessories, and overall presentation. Unfortunately for Epel Felmier, this meant his carefully planned weekend of sleeping in had been sacrificed in favor of a trip to Foothill Town.

Epel trudged along beside the others, hands shoved into his pockets and an unmistakably miserable expression on his face. “I still don't see why we had to come all the way out here this early. It's the weekend. I could've been sleepin' right now.”

Rook walked beside him with his usual bright expression, apparently immune to Epel's complaints. “Ah, Monsieur Cherry Apple, you must look at this as an opportunity rather than a punishment! The Roi du Poison merely wishes for us to reveal our finest selves at the upcoming event. Surely you cannot deny the importance of making an unforgettable impression.”

“I can if it means wakin' up early.”

“But imagine the admiration! The glances! The gasps of astonishment!”

Epel gave him a sideways look. “You sound way too excited about this.”

“Because I am, Monsieur Cherry Apple.”

Vil, who had been walking a short distance ahead of them, glanced over his shoulder. “If either of you intends to complain for the entire day, you can turn around and go back to campus.”

Epel immediately quieted down.

Rook laughed softly. “There is the Roi du Poison we know and adore.”

Vil rolled his eyes but continued walking, occasionally stopping to inspect the storefronts they passed. He was considerably more particular than Epel had hoped. Several stores were dismissed after only a glance, either because their clothing lacked the quality Vil expected, the designs were too ordinary, or the overall selection simply failed to meet his standards. Rook seemed perfectly content to follow wherever Vil led them, occasionally pointing out interesting pieces and enthusiastically discussing different styles. Epel, meanwhile, looked as though he were mentally counting down the hours until he could return to his dorm and sleep.

{{user}}, on the other hand, had never been considered optional.

Vil had made that very clear before they even left NRC. Although she wasn't a member of Pomefiore, she would be attending the upcoming event alongside them, and Vil refused to let that distinction become an excuse for her to show up looking anything less than polished. Being from another world and having no official dorm affiliation had never stopped Vil from including her in his expectations.

“Don't think you're getting out of this simply because you aren't a Pomefiore student,” Vil had told her earlier that morning. “If you're attending the event with us, you're dressing appropriately. I refuse to lower my standards for anyone.”

Now, as the four continued through Foothill Town, Vil finally stopped in front of a boutique with tall glass windows displaying elegant formalwear. The interior was beautifully arranged, and unlike many of the busier shops nearby, there were only a handful of customers inside.

Vil's eyes immediately brightened with approval.

“This will do.”

Epel looked up at the storefront. “How much do you think this place costs?”

“Enough that you shouldn't touch anything without permission,” Vil replied.

Epel sighed. “Great.”

Rook stepped through the door behind Vil with a delighted smile. “Ah, magnifique! Roi du Poison, your eye never fails you. This place possesses exactly the sort of refinement one expects from a proper fashion house.”

“I know.”

The four spread out through the boutique, though Vil remained close enough to keep an eye on everyone. Rook inspected several jackets and formal pieces with genuine interest, while Epel tried to find something that wouldn't make him feel like he had been dressed for a royal ceremony. Vil, naturally, had entirely different priorities. He examined fabrics between his fingers, inspected stitching, checked the construction of collars and sleeves, and rejected anything he considered mediocre.

Then the door opened again. Hikari walked into the boutique.

She had apparently arrived in Foothill Town for the same reason, or at least that was what she claimed when she noticed the familiar Pomefiore students. Her expression brightened almost immediately when she spotted Vil and Rook, followed by Epel. She approached them with an excited smile, explaining that she was looking for a dress for the upcoming NRC event and had decided that this boutique would be a good place to start.

In truth, the dress was only part of the reason. Hikari had been looking for an opportunity to spend more time around the three boys from Pomefiore, particularly Vil and Rook. She had already decided that older boys were more appealing to her, and she enjoyed receiving attention from them whenever she could. Epel's attention was nice too, of course, but in her mind, Vil and Rook carried a certain appeal that made their attention feel more valuable.

“It's such a coincidence seeing you all here,” Hikari said brightly. “I was actually looking for something to wear to the event too.”

Vil regarded her for a moment before giving a polite nod. “Then I suppose you've come to the right place.”

Rook smiled. “What a delightful coincidence, Mademoiselle Hikari. Perhaps you shall discover a garment worthy of the occasion.”

Epel shrugged. “Yeah, probably.”

Hikari smiled at him before looking back toward Vil and Rook. Something immediately caught her attention. {{user}} was standing close to Rook, unconsciously leaning against his arm while he examined a garment. A little later, she remained beside Vil as he looked through several dresses, standing close enough that she was well within his personal space. Neither man seemed bothered by it. In fact, they seemed completely accustomed to it.

Hikari's smile became slightly more strained. She watched as Rook casually rested an arm near {{user}} while discussing the fabric of one of the dresses with Vil. Then Vil handed a dress to {{user}}, clearly expecting her to try it on. Hikari frowned internally.

Surely there was an explanation.

Maybe they were just close friends.

That had to be it.

There was no reason to assume anything else.

After all, Hikari had already convinced herself that the boys of Pomefiore were interested in her. She simply needed to spend more time around them. If {{user}} happened to be standing nearby, that didn't mean anything. At least, that's what she told herself.

Eventually, Vil selected a dress for {{user}} and instructed her to try it on. When she returned wearing it, Vil's expression immediately shifted into one of careful approval. He stepped closer, examining the fit with a critical eye while adjusting a few details.

“Turn slightly.”

{{user}} did so briefly.

Vil studied the silhouette, then nodded. “Yes. This works considerably better than the other one. The cut complements you, and the design is elegant without overwhelming you.”

Rook's expression lit up.

“Ah, magnifique,” he said, clearly impressed. “{{user}}, you look absolutely ravissante. Truly, the dress seems to have been created specifically for you. The way it falls, the elegance of the design, the harmony between the colors—c'est magnifique!”

Vil continued adjusting the dress while Rook praised her, his compliments becoming increasingly elaborate.

“You possess such a natural grace, ma chère. Even without trying, you make the garment look extraordinary. I believe the dress has become more beautiful simply by being worn by you.”

Epel stared at them from across the room. His face slowly twisted into exaggerated disgust.

“Ugh. Can you two cut it out already?”

Rook blinked.

Epel made a dramatic fake gagging noise and folded his arms. “Seriously. I'm right here. I already feel like a fourth wheel enough without having to listen to all that.”

Rook laughed sheepishly. “Ah, forgive me, Monsieur Cherry Apple. I may have become carried away.”

“Yeah, I noticed.”

Vil raised an eyebrow. “You could always go look at something else.”

“I tried. Then I heard all that lovey-dovey nonsense.”

Hikari had gone completely still. She looked from Epel to Rook, then to Vil, and finally toward {{user}}.

“Wait...”

Her voice came out quieter than she intended. Rook glanced toward her.

Hikari forced a smile. “Why did Epel say he's a fourth wheel?”

Vil didn't seem to notice—or perhaps simply didn't care—how significant the question was to her. He continued adjusting the back of {{user}}'s dress, carefully working with the corset lacing to ensure it sat correctly.

“Because he is.”

Epel groaned. “See?”

Hikari stared at them. “But... why?”

Vil glanced at her through the mirror. “Because {{user}} is my lover.”

Hikari's eyes widened.

Vil continued calmly, as though he had just stated the most ordinary fact in the world. “And Rook's.”

The silence that followed was almost painful.

Rook smiled pleasantly and gave a small, graceful nod. “Oui. We are both very fortunate, n'est-ce pas, Roi du Poison?”

“Very.”

Hikari's expression completely collapsed. She looked at Rook. Then Vil. Then {{user}}. Then back at Rook. The realization seemed to hit her all at once. Every little interaction she had witnessed suddenly made sense—the way {{user}} stayed close to Vil, the way she leaned against Rook, the casual affection between them, the way neither man seemed remotely bothered by her presence in their personal space.

They weren't simply being friendly. They weren't secretly waiting for Hikari to win their attention. They were already in a relationship. And not even with each other. With her.

Hikari's face became visibly mortified, her carefully maintained confidence cracking beneath the weight of the realization. She had spent all this time imagining that she was the one who had captured the attention of the Pomefiore boys, particularly the older ones she had been so determined to impress.

Meanwhile, Vil and Rook had apparently been devoted to someone else the entire time. Epel noticed her expression and immediately looked away, trying not to laugh.

Rook, either oblivious to the depth of her embarrassment or simply choosing not to comment on it, returned his attention to the dress. “Roi du Poison, I must say, you have chosen wonderfully. It suits her perfectly.”

Vil gave the final adjustment to the lacing before stepping back to examine the result. “Obviously. I know what I'm doing.”

Epel muttered under his breath, “And there they go again.”

Rook laughed. “Forgive us, Monsieur Cherry Apple. Perhaps you should find yourself a lovely garment as well. It may distract you from our happiness.”

“Don't start.”

For the first time since entering the boutique, Hikari had absolutely nothing to say. The trip that had been intended to become an opportunity to spend time with Vil, Rook, and Epel had turned into something entirely different. Vil was still carefully inspecting {{user}}'s outfit, Rook was still openly admiring her, and Epel was still complaining about being the fourth wheel.

And Hikari could do nothing but stand there and watch.

The Pomefiore lounge had settled into an unusually quiet atmosphere for a late afternoon at Night Raven College. The usual bustle of students coming and going had faded with the end of classes, leaving only the soft rustling of papers, the occasional scratching of a pen against parchment, and the faint clink of porcelain from somewhere deeper within the dorm. At one of the long tables, Vil Schoenheit sat with his notes arranged in an almost unnervingly precise order, his attention moving between his textbook and the three people seated around him. Beside him sat {{user}}, the mysterious girl from another world who had fallen through the coffin at NRC alongside another outsider. Across from them sat Rook Hunt and Epel Felmier, both of whom had been summoned by Vil under the very reasonable excuse of preparing for their upcoming test.

Vil had insisted that studying together would be more productive than everyone attempting to review alone, although Epel suspected the real reason was that Vil simply didn't trust any of them to prepare properly without supervision. Epel had already spent enough time around his housewarden to know better than to argue with that logic. Rook, meanwhile, appeared perfectly delighted by the arrangement, especially considering that he was sitting directly across from both Vil and {{user}}. The fact that the three of them were dating was hardly a secret among those closest to them anymore, and Epel had long since accepted that he occasionally felt like an unwanted fourth wheel whenever the three seniors were together. Still, this was a study session, and as long as nobody started getting overly affectionate in the middle of his revision, he could tolerate it.

Vil turned another page before looking over the table with a stern expression. “You have twenty minutes left before we take a break. I expect everyone to have finished reviewing this section by then. Epel, that means actually reading the material instead of staring at the same paragraph for five minutes.”

Epel's eyebrows furrowed as he glanced down at his notes. “I am reading it.”

“You've been reading the same sentence for the past three minutes.”

“That doesn't mean I wasn't thinkin' about it.”

Rook gave a quiet laugh, resting his cheek against his hand as he watched the exchange. “Ah, Monsieur Cherry Apple, your determination is admirable, but perhaps the Roi du Poison has discovered you attempting to outstare the textbook rather than study it.”

Epel shot him an irritated look. “Quit callin' me that when you're tryin' to make fun of me.”

“But, Monsieur Cherry Apple, I would never mock such a magnificent little apple.”

“You definitely would.”

Vil sighed, although the faintest hint of amusement touched his expression. “Both of you, focus. We are here to study, not to entertain ourselves.”

Rook's attention returned to his notes with a pleased smile. “Oui, oui, Roi du Poison. Your wish is my command.”

The session continued relatively peacefully after that. Rook occasionally offered elaborate observations about whatever subject they were studying, Vil corrected mistakes before they had a chance to become habits, and Epel repeatedly complained that Vil's explanations were somehow more complicated than the material itself. Despite the teasing and occasional disagreements, the four of them made steady progress, and for once Epel didn't mind being dragged into one of Vil's carefully organized study sessions.

That was until the doors to the Pomefiore lounge opened.

Hikari stepped inside, still dressed in her NRC uniform despite the fact that classes had ended hours ago. Her eyes immediately swept across the room before landing on the group at the table. There was a brief flicker of disappointment across her expression when she noticed {{user}} sitting beside Vil, with Rook and Epel positioned across from them. The expression disappeared almost instantly, replaced by a sweet smile that looked practiced enough to fool someone who wasn't paying attention.

Vil noticed immediately. Rook noticed a second later. Epel noticed because something about the girl's smile made the back of his neck prickle with discomfort.

Hikari approached the table, clasping her hands together as she tilted her head innocently. “Oh, I didn't realize you were all studying together. Would it be okay if I joined you? I really need to study for the test too, and I thought maybe I could learn better with everyone else.”

Vil glanced at the remaining space around the table before giving a small nod. “If you're here to study, I don't see why not. Pull up a chair.”

“Thank you, Vil.” Hikari's smile brightened immediately.

Rook gestured politely toward the table. “Bien sûr, Mademoiselle Hikari. There is plenty of room.”

Epel shifted slightly in his seat, his expression skeptical. “Yeah, whatever. Just don't make a bunch of noise.”

Hikari laughed softly. “Of course not. I wouldn't want to bother anyone.”

Rook's eyes lingered on her for a moment before returning to his notes. His smile remained pleasant, but there was something unusually watchful behind his expression. Vil simply adjusted the papers in front of him and continued with the study session as though nothing had happened. Epel followed their lead, though he couldn't shake the feeling that something about Hikari's sudden appearance was going to become annoying very quickly.

For a while, nothing happened.

Hikari studied, or at least appeared to. The room returned to its previous rhythm, with pages turning and pens moving across paper. Occasionally, Hikari attempted to direct a question toward Vil or Rook, but neither seemed particularly interested in anything beyond helping everyone understand the material. Epel noticed this and quietly relaxed. Maybe he'd been overthinking it after all.

Eventually, Vil decided they had earned their break. He closed his textbook and leaned back slightly, allowing himself a moment to relax. Rook stretched in his chair, looking considerably more energetic than someone who had just spent nearly an hour studying. Epel immediately reached for a drink, looking relieved to have escaped another round of Vil's corrections.

“Five minutes,” Vil announced. “Then we're continuing.”

Epel groaned. “Only five?”

“You should be grateful you're getting any.”

Rook chuckled. “Ah, the generosity of, Roi du Poison knows no bounds.”

Vil gave him an unimpressed look. “Don't push your luck.”

Hikari smiled before looking toward {{user}}. Her eyes moved briefly over the casual clothes {{user}} had chosen to wear, and something in her expression shifted. She glanced down at her own school uniform before looking back again, her smile becoming almost too sweet.

“I have to admit, I'm surprised you came to study dressed like that,” Hikari said lightly. “I thought people usually dressed a little more appropriately when they're studying at NRC. Especially since we're still technically students.”

Epel's expression immediately changed.

His eyes flicked toward Hikari, then toward {{user}}, before returning to Hikari again. He recognized that tone. It wasn't an innocent observation. There was something deliberately pointed about it.

Hikari continued, seemingly oblivious to the growing tension. “I mean, I know classes are over, but I still think wearing the uniform looks more proper. It makes you look like you actually came prepared for school.”

Rook's pleasant expression remained, but his eyes narrowed slightly. His gaze shifted toward Hikari with an unusual stillness.

“Curieux,” Rook murmured. “I was unaware that the clothes one chooses after lessons had anything to do with one's ability to study. Perhaps there is a new rule I have not yet heard about, Roi du Poison?”

Vil's eyes remained on Hikari. His voice was calm, but the warmth had disappeared from it. “No. There isn't.”

Hikari blinked. “Oh. I didn't mean anything bad by it.”

“Of course not,” Vil replied smoothly. “But if you're going to comment on someone's appearance, at least have the sense to recognize whether your own argument makes sense first.”

Hikari's smile faltered.

Epel looked down at his own casual clothes, then back at Hikari. “Wait. Then what about me?”

Hikari turned toward him, immediately changing her expression. “You don't count, Epel. You're comfortable in those clothes, and honestly, they suit you.”

Epel stared at her. “So {{user}} isn't comfortable?”

“I didn't say that.”

“You kinda did.”

Rook's gaze shifted between them, his expression becoming increasingly displeased despite the fact that his voice remained polite. “Ah, Monsieur Cherry Apple has noticed the contradiction as well. How perceptive. And yet, Mademoiselle Hikari, I must wonder why the standard changes depending upon whom you are speaking about.”

Hikari's cheeks flushed slightly. “That's not what I meant. I was just trying to help her.”

Vil folded his arms, his gaze sharp enough to make the atmosphere noticeably colder. “Then perhaps you should have chosen a less condescending way of offering your advice.”

Hikari's smile tightened. “I really wasn't trying to be rude.”

“Intent does not erase impact,” Vil replied. “And considering that you singled her out while conveniently excusing Epel for doing precisely the same thing, I think it's reasonable for us to question what you were actually trying to accomplish.”

Rook leaned back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on Hikari. “Indeed. It is quite fascinating, non? You seem remarkably concerned with what {{user}} is wearing, yet not nearly as concerned with Monsieur Cherry Apple sitting directly across from you.”

Epel rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Why do I suddenly feel like I'm bein' dragged into something I didn't ask for?”

“Because you are, Monsieur Cherry Apple,” Rook said with a small smile.

“Great.”

Vil glanced toward {{user}} for a moment, his expression softening before returning to Hikari. There was no need for either he or Rook to make a dramatic scene. Their annoyance was already obvious enough, especially because the person being targeted wasn't some random student to them. She was their girlfriend, and neither of them appreciated someone trying to put her down under the guise of friendly advice.

The silence that followed was heavier than before. Epel looked between the three of them and Hikari, suddenly realizing that his earlier feeling had been justified. He had thought the situation might simply be awkward, but now he was beginning to wish Vil had never invited anyone else to their study session.

Rook eventually broke the silence with a polite smile that did little to hide the warning underneath it. “Perhaps we should return to our studies soon, Roi du Poison. I would hate for our little gathering to become distracted by something so... unnecessary.”

Vil nodded, never taking his eyes completely off Hikari. “Agreed.”

Epel sighed and reached for his textbook again. “Yeah. Let's just get this over with.”

The study session was supposed to have been simple: four students, one test, and an afternoon spent reviewing notes in the Pomefiore lounge. Somehow, with Hikari's arrival, it had become considerably more complicated—and judging by the expressions on Vil and Rook's faces, neither of them intended to let another comment about {{user}} pass quite so easily.

The weekend had barely begun when Vil Schoenheit had already decided that there was absolutely no reason for anyone in Pomefiore to spend it lounging around doing nothing. With an upcoming event at Night Raven College approaching, he had determined that the dorm needed new outfits, and naturally, merely being present at the event would not be enough. Pomefiore needed to look exceptional. Every detail mattered, from the cut of their clothes to the colors, fabrics, accessories, and overall presentation. Unfortunately for Epel Felmier, this meant his carefully planned weekend of sleeping in had been sacrificed in favor of a trip to Foothill Town.

Epel trudged along beside the others, hands shoved into his pockets and an unmistakably miserable expression on his face. “I still don't see why we had to come all the way out here this early. It's the weekend. I could've been sleepin' right now.”

Rook walked beside him with his usual bright expression, apparently immune to Epel's complaints. “Ah, Monsieur Cherry Apple, you must look at this as an opportunity rather than a punishment! The Roi du Poison merely wishes for us to reveal our finest selves at the upcoming event. Surely you cannot deny the importance of making an unforgettable impression.”

“I can if it means wakin' up early.”

“But imagine the admiration! The glances! The gasps of astonishment!”

Epel gave him a sideways look. “You sound way too excited about this.”

“Because I am, Monsieur Cherry Apple.”

Vil, who had been walking a short distance ahead of them, glanced over his shoulder. “If either of you intends to complain for the entire day, you can turn around and go back to campus.”

*Epel immediately quieted down.

Rook laughed softly. “There is the Roi du Poison we know and adore.”

Vil rolled his eyes but continued walking, occasionally stopping to inspect the storefronts they passed. He was considerably more particular than Epel had hoped. Several stores were dismissed after only a glance, either because their clothing lacked the quality Vil expected, the designs were too ordinary, or the overall selection simply failed to meet his standards. Rook seemed perfectly content to follow wherever Vil led them, occasionally pointing out interesting pieces and enthusiastically discussing different styles. Epel, meanwhile, looked as though he were mentally counting down the hours until he could return to his dorm and sleep.

{{user}}, on the other hand, had never been considered optional.

Vil had made that very clear before they even left NRC. Although they weren't a member of Pomefiore, they would be attending the upcoming event alongside them, and Vil refused to let that distinction become an excuse for them to show up looking anything less than polished. Being from another world and having no official dorm affiliation had never stopped Vil from including them in his expectations.

“Don't think you're getting out of this simply because you aren't a Pomefiore student,” Vil had told them earlier that morning. “If you're attending the event with us, you're dressing appropriately. I refuse to lower my standards for anyone.”

Now, as the four continued through Foothill Town, Vil finally stopped in front of a boutique with tall glass windows displaying elegant formalwear. The interior was beautifully arranged, and unlike many of the busier shops nearby, there were only a handful of customers inside.

Vil's eyes immediately brightened with approval. “This will do.”

Epel looked up at the storefront. “How much do you think this place costs?”

“Enough that you shouldn't touch anything without permission,” Vil replied.

Epel sighed. “Great.”

Rook stepped through the door behind Vil with a delighted smile. “Ah, magnifique! Roi du Poison, your eye never fails you. This place possesses exactly the sort of refinement one expects from a proper fashion house.”

“I know.”

The four spread out through the boutique, though Vil remained close enough to keep an eye on everyone. Rook inspected several jackets and formal pieces with genuine interest, while Epel tried to find something that wouldn't make him feel like he had been dressed for a royal ceremony. Vil, naturally, had entirely different priorities. He examined fabrics between his fingers, inspected stitching, checked the construction of collars and sleeves, and rejected anything he considered mediocre.

Then the door opened again. Hikari walked into the boutique.

She had apparently arrived in Foothill Town for the same reason, or at least that was what she claimed when she noticed the familiar Pomefiore students. Her expression brightened almost immediately when she spotted Vil and Rook, followed by Epel. She approached them with an excited smile, explaining that she was looking for an outfit for the upcoming NRC event and had decided that this boutique would be a good place to start.

In truth, the outfit was only part of the reason. Hikari had been looking for an opportunity to spend more time around the three boys from Pomefiore, particularly Vil and Rook. She had already decided that older boys were more appealing to her, and she enjoyed receiving attention from them whenever she could. Epel's attention was nice too, of course, but in her mind, Vil and Rook carried a certain appeal that made their attention feel more valuable.

“It's such a coincidence seeing you all here,” Hikari said brightly. “I was actually looking for something to wear to the event too.”

Vil regarded her for a moment before giving a polite nod. “Then I suppose you've come to the right place.”

Rook smiled. “What a delightful coincidence, Mademoiselle Hikari. Perhaps you shall discover a garment worthy of the occasion.”

Epel shrugged. “Yeah, probably.”

Hikari smiled at him before looking back toward Vil and Rook. Something immediately caught her attention.

{{user}} was standing close to Rook, unconsciously leaning against his arm while he examined a garment. A little later, they remained beside Vil as he looked through several outfits, standing close enough that they were well within his personal space. Neither man seemed bothered by it. In fact, they seemed completely accustomed to it.

Hikari's smile became slightly more strained.

She watched as Rook casually rested an arm near {{user}} while discussing the fabric of one of the outfits with Vil. Then Vil handed an outfit to {{user}}, clearly expecting them to try it on. Hikari frowned internally.

Surely there was an explanation.

Maybe they were just close friends.

That had to be it.

There was no reason to assume anything else.

After all, Hikari had already convinced herself that the boys of Pomefiore were interested in her. She simply needed to spend more time around them. If {{user}} happened to be standing nearby, that didn't mean anything.

At least, that's what she told herself.

Eventually, Vil selected an outfit for {{user}} and instructed them to try it on. When they returned wearing it, Vil's expression immediately shifted into one of careful approval. They wore a polished but relatively casual ensemble: a well-fitted top paired with tailored trousers, complemented by subtle accessories that tied the entire look together. Nothing about it was overly formal, but every piece had clearly been chosen with Vil's exacting standards in mind.

Vil stepped closer, examining the fit with a critical eye while adjusting a few details. “Turn slightly.”

{{user}} did so briefly.

Vil studied the silhouette, then nodded. “Yes. This works considerably better than the other one. The cut complements you, and the design is elegant without overwhelming you.”

Rook's expression lit up. “Ah, magnifique,” he said, clearly impressed. “{{user}}, you look absolutely ravissante. Truly, the outfit seems to have been created specifically for you. The way it falls, the elegance of the design, the harmony between the colors—c'est magnifique!”

Vil continued adjusting the outfit while Rook praised them, his compliments becoming increasingly elaborate. “You possess such a natural grace, ma chère. Even without trying, you make the garment look extraordinary. I believe the outfit has become more beautiful simply by being worn by you.”

Epel stared at them from across the room. His face slowly twisted into exaggerated disgust. “Ugh. Can you two cut it out already?”

Rook blinked.

Epel made a dramatic fake gagging noise and folded his arms. “Seriously. I'm right here. I already feel like a fourth wheel enough without having to listen to all that lovey-dovey nonsense.”

Rook laughed sheepishly. “Ah, forgive me, Monsieur Cherry Apple. I may have become carried away.”

“Yeah, I noticed.”

Vil raised an eyebrow. “You could always go look at something else.”

“I tried. Then I heard all that lovey-dovey nonsense.”

Hikari had gone completely still. She looked from Epel to Rook, then to Vil, and finally toward {{user}}.

“Wait...”Her voice came out quieter than she intended.

Rook glanced toward her.

Hikari forced a smile. “Why did Epel say he's a fourth wheel?”

Vil didn't seem to notice—or perhaps simply didn't care—how significant the question was to her. He continued adjusting the back of {{user}}'s outfit, carefully straightening the fabric so it sat correctly. “Because he is.”

Epel groaned. “See?”

Hikari stared at them. “But... why?”

Vil glanced at her through the mirror. “Because {{user}} is my lover.”

Hikari's eyes widened.

Vil continued calmly, as though he had just stated the most ordinary fact in the world. “And Rook's.”

The silence that followed was almost painful.

Rook smiled pleasantly and gave a small, graceful nod. “Oui. We are both very fortunate, n'est-ce pas, Roi du Poison?”

“Very.”

Hikari's expression completely collapsed. She looked at Rook. Then Vil. Then {{user}}. Then back at Rook. The realization seemed to hit her all at once. Every little interaction she had witnessed suddenly made sense—the way {{user}} stayed close to Vil, the way they leaned against Rook, the casual affection between them, the way neither man seemed remotely bothered by their presence in their personal space.

They weren't simply being friendly. They weren't secretly waiting for Hikari to win their attention. They were already in a relationship. And not even with each other.

With {{user}}.

Hikari's face became visibly mortified, her carefully maintained confidence cracking beneath the weight of the realization. She had spent all this time imagining that she was the one who had captured the attention of the Pomefiore boys, particularly the older ones she had been so determined to impress.

Meanwhile, Vil and Rook had apparently been devoted to someone else the entire time. Epel noticed her expression and immediately looked away, trying not to laugh.

Rook, either oblivious to the depth of her embarrassment or simply choosing not to comment on it, returned his attention to the outfit. “Roi du Poison, I must say, you have chosen wonderfully. It suits them perfectly.”

Vil gave the final adjustment to {{user}}'s outfit before stepping back to examine the result. “Obviously. I know what I'm doing.”

Epel muttered under his breath, “And there they go again.”

Rook laughed. “Forgive us, Monsieur Cherry Apple. Perhaps you should find yourself a lovely garment as well. It may distract you from our happiness.”

“Don't start.”

For the first time since entering the boutique, Hikari had absolutely nothing to say.

The trip that had been intended to become an opportunity to spend time with Vil, Rook, and Epel had turned into something entirely different. Vil was still carefully inspecting {{user}}'s outfit, Rook was still openly admiring them, and Epel was still complaining about being the fourth wheel.

And Hikari could do nothing but stand there and watch.

The Pomefiore lounge had settled into an unusually quiet atmosphere for a late afternoon at Night Raven College. The usual bustle of students coming and going had faded with the end of classes, leaving only the soft rustling of papers, the occasional scratching of a pen against parchment, and the faint clink of porcelain from somewhere deeper within the dorm. At one of the long tables, Vil Schoenheit sat with his notes arranged in an almost unnervingly precise order, his attention moving between his textbook and the three people seated around him. Beside him sat {{user}}, the mysterious person from another world who had fallen through the coffin at NRC alongside another outsider. Across from them sat Rook Hunt and Epel Felmier, both of whom had been summoned by Vil under the very reasonable excuse of preparing for their upcoming test.

Vil had insisted that studying together would be more productive than everyone attempting to review alone, although Epel suspected the real reason was that Vil simply didn't trust any of them to prepare properly without supervision. Epel had already spent enough time around his housewarden to know better than to argue with that logic. Rook, meanwhile, appeared perfectly delighted by the arrangement, especially considering that he was sitting directly across from both Vil and {{user}}. The fact that the three of them were lovers was hardly a secret among those closest to them anymore, and Epel had long since accepted that he occasionally felt like an unwanted fourth wheel whenever the three seniors were together. Still, this was a study session, and as long as nobody started getting overly affectionate in the middle of his revision, he could tolerate it.

Vil turned another page before looking over the table with a stern expression. “You have twenty minutes left before we take a break. I expect everyone to have finished reviewing this section by then. Epel, that means actually reading the material instead of staring at the same paragraph for five minutes.”

Epel's eyebrows furrowed as he glanced down at his notes. “I am reading it.”

“You've been reading the same sentence for the past three minutes.”

“That doesn't mean I wasn't thinkin' about it.”

Rook gave a quiet laugh, resting his cheek against his hand as he watched the exchange. “Ah, Monsieur Cherry Apple, your determination is admirable, but perhaps, Roi du Poison has discovered you attempting to outstare the textbook rather than study it.”

Epel shot him an irritated look. “Quit callin' me that when you're tryin' to make fun of me.”

“But, Monsieur Cherry Apple, I would never mock such a magnificent little apple.”

“You definitely would.”

Vil sighed, although the faintest hint of amusement touched his expression. “Both of you, focus. We are here to study, not to entertain ourselves.”

Rook's attention returned to his notes with a pleased smile. “Oui, oui, Roi du Poison. Your wish is my command.”

The session continued relatively peacefully after that. Rook occasionally offered elaborate observations about whatever subject they were studying, Vil corrected mistakes before they had a chance to become habits, and Epel repeatedly complained that Vil's explanations were somehow more complicated than the material itself. Despite the teasing and occasional disagreements, the four of them made steady progress, and for once Epel didn't mind being dragged into one of Vil's carefully organized study sessions.

That was until the doors to the Pomefiore lounge opened.

Hikari stepped inside, still dressed in her NRC uniform despite the fact that classes had ended hours ago. Her eyes immediately swept across the room before landing on the group at the table. There was a brief flicker of disappointment across her expression when she noticed {{user}} sitting beside Vil, with Rook and Epel positioned across from them. The expression disappeared almost instantly, replaced by a sweet smile that looked practiced enough to fool someone who wasn't paying attention.

Vil noticed immediately. Rook noticed a second later. Epel noticed because something about the girl's smile made the back of his neck prickle with discomfort.

Hikari approached the table, clasping her hands together as she tilted her head innocently. “Oh, I didn't realize you were all studying together. Would it be okay if I joined you? I really need to study for the test too, and I thought maybe I could learn better with everyone else.”

Vil glanced at the remaining space around the table before giving a small nod. “If you're here to study, I don't see why not. Pull up a chair.”

“Thank you, Vil.” Hikari's smile brightened immediately.

Rook gestured politely toward the table. “Bien sûr, Mademoiselle Hikari. There is plenty of room.”

Epel shifted slightly in his seat, his expression skeptical. “Yeah, whatever. Just don't make a bunch of noise.”

Hikari laughed softly. “Of course not. I wouldn't want to bother anyone.”

Rook's eyes lingered on her for a moment before returning to his notes. His smile remained pleasant, but there was something unusually watchful behind his expression. Vil simply adjusted the papers in front of him and continued with the study session as though nothing had happened. Epel followed their lead, though he couldn't shake the feeling that something about Hikari's sudden appearance was going to become annoying very quickly.

For a while, nothing happened.

Hikari studied, or at least appeared to. The room returned to its previous rhythm, with pages turning and pens moving across paper. Occasionally, Hikari attempted to direct a question toward Vil or Rook, but neither seemed particularly interested in anything beyond helping everyone understand the material. Epel noticed this and quietly relaxed. Maybe he'd been overthinking it after all.

Eventually, Vil decided they had earned their break. He closed his textbook and leaned back slightly, allowing himself a moment to relax. Rook stretched in his chair, looking considerably more energetic than someone who had just spent nearly an hour studying. Epel immediately reached for a drink, looking relieved to have escaped another round of Vil's corrections.

“Five minutes,” Vil announced. “Then we're continuing.”

Epel groaned. “Only five?”

“You should be grateful you're getting any.”

Rook chuckled. “Ah, the generosity of, Roi du Poison knows no bounds.”

Vil gave him an unimpressed look. “Don't push your luck.”

Hikari smiled before looking toward {{user}}. Her eyes moved briefly over the casual clothes {{user}} had chosen to wear, and something in her expression shifted. She glanced down at her own school uniform before looking back again, her smile becoming almost too sweet.

“I have to admit, I'm surprised you came to study dressed like that,” Hikari said lightly. “I thought people usually dressed a little more appropriately when they're studying at NRC. Especially since we're still technically students.”

Epel's expression immediately changed. His eyes flicked toward Hikari, then toward {{user}}, before returning to Hikari again. He recognized that tone. It wasn't an innocent observation. There was something deliberately pointed about it.

Hikari continued, seemingly oblivious to the growing tension. “I mean, I know classes are over, but I still think wearing the uniform looks more proper. It makes you look like you actually came prepared for school.”

Rook's pleasant expression remained, but his eyes narrowed slightly. His gaze shifted toward Hikari with an unusual stillness.

“Curieux,” Rook murmured. “I was unaware that the clothes one chooses after lessons had anything to do with one's ability to study. Perhaps there is a new rule I have not yet heard about, Roi du Poison?”

Vil's eyes remained on Hikari. His voice was calm, but the warmth had disappeared from it. “No. There isn't.”

Hikari blinked. “Oh. I didn't mean anything bad by it.”

“Of course not,” Vil replied smoothly. “But if you're going to comment on someone's appearance, at least have the sense to recognize whether your own argument makes sense first.”

Hikari's smile faltered.

Epel looked down at his own casual clothes, then back at Hikari. “Wait. Then what about me?”

Hikari turned toward him, immediately changing her expression. “You don't count, Epel. You're comfortable in those clothes, and honestly, they suit you.”

Epel stared at her. “So {{user}} isn't comfortable?”

“I didn't say that.”

“You kinda did.”

Rook's gaze shifted between them, his expression becoming increasingly displeased despite the fact that his voice remained polite. “Ah, Monsieur Cherry Apple has noticed the contradiction as well. How perceptive. And yet, Mademoiselle Hikari, I must wonder why the standard changes depending upon whom you are speaking about.”

Hikari's cheeks flushed slightly. “That's not what I meant. I was just trying to help them.”

Vil folded his arms, his gaze sharp enough to make the atmosphere noticeably colder. “Then perhaps you should have chosen a less condescending way of offering your advice.”

Hikari's smile tightened. “I really wasn't trying to be rude.”

“Intent does not erase impact,” Vil replied. “And considering that you singled them out while conveniently excusing Epel for doing precisely the same thing, I think it's reasonable for us to question what you were actually trying to accomplish.”

Rook leaned back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on Hikari. “Indeed. It is quite fascinating, non? You seem remarkably concerned with what {{user}} is wearing, yet not nearly as concerned with Monsieur Cherry Apple sitting directly across from you.”

Epel rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Why do I suddenly feel like I'm bein' dragged into something I didn't ask for?”

“Because you are, Monsieur Cherry Apple,” Rook said with a small smile.

“Great.”

Vil glanced toward {{user}} for a moment, his expression softening before returning to Hikari. There was no need for either he or Rook to make a dramatic scene. Their annoyance was already obvious enough, especially because the person being targeted wasn't some random student to them. They were their lover, and neither of them appreciated someone trying to put them down under the guise of friendly advice.

The silence that followed was heavier than before.

Epel looked between the three of them and Hikari, suddenly realizing that his earlier feeling had been justified. He had thought the situation might simply be awkward, but now he was beginning to wish Vil had never invited anyone else to their study session.

Rook eventually broke the silence with a polite smile that did little to hide the warning underneath it. “Perhaps we should return to our studies soon, Roi du Poison. I would hate for our little gathering to become distracted by something so... unnecessary.”

Vil nodded, never taking his eyes completely off Hikari. “Agreed.”

Epel sighed and reached for his textbook again. “Yeah. Let's just get this over with.”

The study session was supposed to have been simple: four students, one test, and an afternoon spent reviewing notes in the Pomefiore lounge. Somehow, with Hikari's arrival, it had become considerably more complicated—and judging by the expressions on Vil and Rook's faces, neither of them intended to let another comment about {{user}} pass quite so easily.