Chapter Text
A notification chimed from Vil’s phone.
Manager:
Schoenheit-sama
The shoot for Saturday was called off
Neige-sama got sick with a fever
The photographers for Iris don’t want to push back the promotion date of their new production line, but they can’t find a new model
Do you know anyone who could fill in?
On Saturday, Vil was scheduled for a highly anticipated model shoot with Neige. The event was for Iris, a major makeup company that was currently in the process of promoting the release of their new production line. The company plans to feature more inclusivity by producing products suited for the daily use of mermen and other aquatic races. The theme was deep sea ocean, and beach shoreline—a contrast between light and dark. Of course, Vil was meant to represent the dark side, but both suited his face well.
Looking at the text, Vil quietly gave the question a thought. For Neige’s replacement, the company was searching for someone with a mature yet youthful appearance who suited lighter colored attire.
Going off on the theme, he first thought of Azul. Lighter colors do suit him well, but Vil quickly shot down the idea. The thought of being in debt to him seemed very unappealing, and Azul couldn’t have gone anyway. The Mostro Lounge was having an upcoming event for their new selection of menu desserts.
Rook—he would be out at the theaters that day to watch a fairly recent movie of Neige’s…for the sixth time….
There was also Silver, but could he trust that he'd be able to keep himself awake during the shoot?
…Was there really no one else? His mind couldn’t come up with any others that would suit the cool-toned purples and blues.
Vil typed out a response.
Vil:
No, I can’t think of anyone available with the right face for the products
Manager:
Okay, I’ll keep you updated then
Vil placed his phone atop a small table in the botanical garden as he glanced at the flowerbed. He held a hose in his other hand, a small frown forming on his lips.
That Neige…to get sick on such an important promotional shoot for one of the largest beauty companies….
His face knit with disapproval, then quickly smoothed as he remembered Rook’s mention of a small wrinkle forming between his brows. It was likely unnoticeable to others, but after that comment, Vil paid extra attention to his facial expression.
When he looked in the mirror, he was unsure if the microscopic wrinkle he saw was an illusion of the mind or not. He couldn’t be too sure.
So, for that reason, Vil had been spending his time after school attending to the flowers to use for a newly curated formula of facial cream.
Turning on the hose, he dragged it along the entire area of the flowerbed, making sure not to miss any plants. Vil watched with satisfaction as droplets of water made the leaves dip down towards the soil.
A quiet shifting of leaves suddenly sounded in the botanical garden, making Vil raise his head toward the noise. He looked at the tall foliage in front of him. The sound was coming from the opposite side. Vil turned off the water, and the noise instantly went quiet.
“….”
He pointed the hose at the sound and pressed down on the trigger, a soft hiss and clatter going off from the other side.
“E-eep!”
Vil recognized that yelp.
Walking around the rows of flowerbeds, he turned the corner to see the housewarden of Ignihyde, Idia, attempting to sneak off after realizing he wasn’t alone in the garden.
A trail of cat prints led out of the garden, starting in front of a very dejected, soggy Idia. His hands were in a cradling position before he returned to his usual hunched posture, muttering something quietly. “Aaah, unbelievable, the one time I leave my room, I get doused in water by one of the SSR Epic Troublemakers? -70 HP. I didn’t even get enough fluff from Lucius-shii ... .Oof, I’m cursed to only get bad routes.”
Vil stared for a moment.
Idia looked different today. The flames that covered his hair were now extinguished. In their place, long strands of deep blue cascaded over his shoulders, the dampness giving them a sort of glitter under the sunlight.
Like a beautifully cut sapphire, the shine beckoned Vil’s eyes. This look caught his attention far more than Idia’s usual neon flames ever had.
…Idia actually had hair underneath all that fire? And where is that shadow that was always cast over his eyes? What’s going on?
The poor lighting and burning flames shouldn’t have made such a drastic difference in appearance, and yet—
“You actually look somewhat presentable?”
Maybe even good, he thought to himself. Face-wise, that is. Idia’s hoodie had no business being so unflattering of his figure.
Idia scowled, “RUDE.”
Vil paid no mind to Idia’s words; the blue-haired boy’s hidden features calling for his attention. He took a step closer, and Idia flinched, shifting back.
“W-what?” He stuttered.
“Your complexion is quite fair considering the person it belongs to. It’s a wonder how your skin holds up under such extreme conditions.” He spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, faintly frowning at his classmate’s poor habits. “I could only imagine the cries of agony my pores would make if I were to endure such overnight gaming sessions.”
Despite Idia’s socially unacceptable lifestyle and diet, Vil couldn’t spot a single imperfection on his skin—save for his eyebags. Though even those that seemed to be hidden fairly well with a sort of blue eyeshadow.
Had he not noticed his appearance before because of the shadows cast over Idia’s face? It was an absurd idea, but not entirely implausible.
“Uwah,” Idia shook his head, his shoulders slouching down even further. “Was that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?”
Vil waved a hand, dismissing his comment, “Neither of the two. It was just a small inquiry.”
Though he did wonder how Idia’s skin was so indifferent to its conditions. If he were to find out more about it, perhaps he could increase his beauty to new heights.
“What brand do you use?” Vil blurted out suddenly.
The other wore a confused expression, reaching for the familiar tablet that lay face down on the stone tiling, “Eh? What are you talking about?”
Vil motioned his finger to the corner of his eye, “Your eyeliner and eyeshadow—it holds up even when wet. Also your skin is pale and clear. What’s your routine? What do you use? Not that I’ve ever seen your parents’ faces, but genetics can’t be the sole factor. Even the most beautifully born child must take proper precautions and preventative care to maintain their appearance.”
Throughout Vil’s talk, Idia’s social capacity seemed to reach its limit, his anxiety plain as everything happened all at once. He was physically unable to respond.
Idia grabbed his tablet, holding it close to his chest and tapping at the surface. After several attempts, swirls replaced his eyes as the screen remained unresponsive and failed to wake. He gave the screen a quick glance to find a long crack in the lower corner, water droplets sliding off the glass.
His hair sparked faintly in alarm as he stared at the device, like he had just witnessed the death of his one true love.
“M-my….”
Vil followed Idia’s line of sight and immediately understood the damage he had caused. “Ah….I can compensate for that if you’d like.”
He reached over to the pocket where he would usually keep his phone, only to find that he had left it back on the table.
Without a second to spare, Idia quickly shot upright and bolted out of the botanical garden faster than Vil thought was physically possible for him.
“MY GAME PROGRESS!!!”