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It was a normal day like any other at Night Raven College, a place where promising young mages go to learn magic. One of these mages was Vil Schoënheit, a junior student who also happened to be housewarden of Pomefiore, a dorm based on the Fairest Queen. Vil was also a famous child actor and model with over five million followers on Magicam— a social media platform.
It was currently lunch time and Vil was getting lunch with Rook Hunt, his vice housewarden and best friend. Vil tucked his platinum blonde hair with lavender-purple tips behind his ear and set off to get food.
“Ah, Roi du Poison! They have special sans gluten bread rolls to go with your lunch!” Rook beamed. Rook was a junior student with yellow blonde hair, sharp green eyes, and a bob cut with bangs. Vil's lilac-colored eyes met Rook's.
“Rook! Not so loud! I don't want the entire school knowing I can't eat gluten!” Vil hissed. I'd be shocked if anyone didn't hear that. “On another note,” Vil said, changing his tone. “How’s your photography going?” Vil asked out of pure curiosity. As he asked this question, Vil had picked up a croissant and put it on his plate.
“Oh, sweet Vil! I'm glad you asked! I got some merveilleux photos today!” Rook said passionately. “Later, I can show you!” Vil sighed.
“Later, after my photoshoot, of course, I can't miss that. I'm promoting a hit moisturizer.” Vil reminded Rook. The pair took a seat at a table with plates of food. Vil picked up his croissant, and took a bite without hesitation. Rook's eyes widened, and his heart pounded so hard, he felt like people across the cafeteria could hear.
“Umm… Vil?” Rook said hesitantly. “I don't think you're supposed to be eating that!” Rook said in alarm. Suddenly, Vil realized what he had done. No… I ate gluten! I have a photoshoot later! How could I be so stupid!? Vil quickly put down the croissant, and rushed off toward the restroom. He had celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the gluten in the digestive system. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains.
Once in the restroom, Vil rolled up his sleeves to check his arms. No. His arms were already breaking out into a rash, one of the signs of a severe reaction to gluten.
Weighing his options, Vil decided to stay in the restroom, at least for a few minutes to make sure his croissant didn't make a grand re-entrance to the world via his mouth. His stomach was starting to hurt and his head was pounding, but at the same time he felt dizzy. I'm going to vomit. Suddenly, much to Vil's dismay, someone opened the restroom door.
“Roi du Poison! Are you ok!?” Rook asked with concern. The only response he was met with was the sound of Vil throwing up. Gross!
“Don't worry Vil! I will fetch you some ginger tea!” Rook said with determination. Vil needs me! His photoshoot must be saved! Rook ran off to get some ginger tea as fast as he could. He had to help his best friend after all. He ran out of the cafeteria, through the halls, across the courtyard, all the way to the Hall of Mirrors, to access the Pomefiore dorm. Rook stopped in front of the mirror for a few seconds to catch his breath, then stepped into the mirror.
Once Rook stepped through, he was at the Pomefiore dorm, which looked like an elegant castle. Rook went to the dorm's kitchen, opened a drawer and pulled out a tea packet, which had a warm, spicy aroma with a hint of sweetness to it. Rook got some water, and put it on the stove to boil. Ugh, I hate this part. It takes forever! I must hurry! Vil needs me! He has a photoshoot later today! What are we going to do!? Rook felt helpless. He waited what felt like forever for the water to boil. Once it started to boil, he immediately poured the bubbling hot water into a cup to make tea. His housewarden needed him, after all.
After making the tea, Rook ran as fast as humanly possible to get back to Vil, even if it meant pushing by people.
“Out of my way, imbécile! It's a tea emergency!” Rook shouted as he barreled through the halls. Once Rook got back to the restroom, Vil was sprawled out on the cold, hard tile floor. He looked pale. Rook squatted down to his level and handed him the tea— which, at that point, was only warm. Vil slowly sat up. He felt clammy, sweaty, shaky, and dizzy. His stomach pain was severe, and a horrible headache pounded in his skull.
“Thank you.” Vil said weakly. He took the tea from Rook’s hands and began to sip on it.
“My dear Vil, what about your photoshoot? Surely, you can't do it in this condition!” Rook voiced concern. Yes I can. I've done it before when I was a kid.
“I'll be fine,” Vil said dryly. “After all, I've had to do a lot more than just a photoshoot as a child.” Vil winced.
“Like, act in a movie? Regular viewers would never know, but I always knew.” Okay, that was kinda creepy Rook. When Vil finished the tea, he slowly got to his feet. He was wobbly. Rook noticed this and wrapped Vil's arm around his shoulders for support. Vil was grateful to have a friend like Rook.
“Thank you,” Vil said weakly. “For everything.” As the two went back to the Pomefiore dorm, Vil received a confirmation message from the photoshoot company for an advertisement. Vil looked at it with a hint of worry. Surely, I will be fine. Reluctantly, he confirmed for later that day.
“Roi du Poison, are you sure that's a good idea? What if you throw up? Or pass out?” Rook had a good point. What if I did? I'll just say I came down with a stomach bug.
“I'll be fine.” Vil affirmed. I'm not fine. My stomach hurts, my head is pounding, my arms itch like heck, and I can't even walk straight. What was I thinking? Confirming the photoshoot? Vil, you're such an idiot. Vil took a deep breath. Vil, you are strong. You are capable. You've got this! “Rook?” Vil asked.
“Yes, my dear Vil?” Rook responded.
“If I do throw up at the photoshoot, will you cover for me and say that I came down with a stomach bug? I don't want all of Night Raven College to know that I am anything less than perfect.” Rook’s heart skipped a beat at the idea of feigning illness. Vil had never asked him to do that before.
“Anything for you, Roi du Poison!” Rook beamed. “Just don't poop yourself during the photoshoot.” He chuckled. Vil scowled at the crude humor. At Pomefiore, Vil had spent most of the time in and out of the bathroom. I have to get as much as possible out before my photoshoot. No way I'm cancelling!
When the time for the photoshoot came, Vil was still pale. His stomach was still in excruciating pain, he still felt clammy and nauseous, and still had a severe headache that pounded in his skull. The show must go on. Vil started to apply heavy amounts of concealer and foundation to mask his paleness. Rook raised an eyebrow.
“Vil, this is absolutely not a good idea! You must cancel!” Rook cautioned. I should, but I don't want them knowing that I am anything less than perfect.
“Rook, I told you, I'm fine.” Vil snapped as he shakily applied concealer. Rook's eyes narrowed, and his arms crossed.
“Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you.” Rook said, defeated.
When Vil finished getting ready, the two set off for the photoshoot. Vil had brought Rook along to potentially cover for him and because Rook wanted to observe. When they got there, there was a camera crew, already set up. No turning back now. Vil's stomach made a loud gurgling sound. Oh my gosh. That was so embarrassing.
“Mr. Schoënheit, you ready?” A member of the camera crew asked. The show must go on. Vil put on a happy face and replied, “Yes. I'm ready.” This is a horrible idea.
About midway through the photoshoot, Vil was starting to feel faint. It felt like the world was spinning around him. Oh no. I'm going to pass out! The edges of his vision blurred, darkening like a curtain falling over his eyes. His body felt heavy, as though gravity had suddenly doubled. A wave of nausea rolled through him, and his knees buckled. No. Not right now. The sounds around him became muffled, distant, like underwater whispers. A sudden dizziness overtook him, and before he could catch his breath, his body crumpled to the floor. He tried to steady himself, but his vision blurred, and the ground rushed up to meet him. It had happened so quickly, that Vil couldn't process what was going on. He hit the ground with a dull thud, the impact ringing through his skull. For a moment, everything was silent—then the sound of his breathing was the only thing anyone could hear.
“Vil!” Rook screamed. Rook rushed over to Vil's side, and checked for a pulse. It was there, just weak. He's still alive. Without hesitation, Rook rolled Vil over onto his back, elevating his feet slightly by placing them on one of the camera bags. Rook, you need to stay calm. Panic was starting to set in. This was his best friend that fainted. After laying him flat onto his back, Rook tilted Vil's head back— the last thing he needed was for Vil to vomit and drown on it.
“Come on, Vil! Stay with me!” Rook cried. Tears began to flow from his eyes. His breaths hitched. My dear Vil… Rook pulled out his phone, and called for emergency services. It was a long, agonizing five minutes before Vil woke up.
When Vil woke up, the room was spinning, and his body felt distant—almost like it didn’t belong to him. Vil tried to move but could barely lift his arm, the sheer exhaustion making his limbs feel like lead.
“Where am I?” Vil groaned. Rook was overjoyed that Vil woke up
“Vil!” Rook beamed. But then, his demeanor changed, “I thought you were going to die!” Rook lamented. He had a sorrowful look on his face, tilted eyebrows, a frown, and teary eyes. “No need to rush. Take your time getting up.” Rook said firmly. “Emergency services are on their way!” Great. The hospital. My reputation is ruined!
By the time the emergency services arrived, Vil was still lying on the ground— he didn't even attempt to get up. He was loaded onto an ambulance and taken to the hospital. All Vil could focus on the entire ride were the sirens. The loud, blaring sirens. Ugh, this is making my head hurt even worse! Once at the hospital, the nurses checked his vitals, asked a ton of questions about his symptoms, and administered an IV.
“This will help you get rehydrated. Relax, and breathe.” The nurse told Vil. “Here, this will help your pain.” Vil was handed some strong pain meds. I want my mommy…
Vil was monitored for five long, excruciating hours before finally being discharged. He still felt a little painful and bloated, but the doctor said he was good to go.
“Be careful not to eat croissants anymore. Unless you want serious consequences on your health, I suggest you be more careful.” The front desk staff said as Vil walked by. Vil cringed. He didn't need a reminder. After all, he's been living with celiac disease for as long as he could remember. I never want to see a croissant again!