The Reve - Part 3 - Rewrite

by canonecolombe

Red is vibrant. Velvet is sensual. Shinsou is experimenting with her quirk.

3. Chapter 3: Campfire

« Remember the campfire reflecting in my eyes tonight. »

The apartment's doorbell had woken Hyori from her disturbed slumber. Breakfast delivery occurred at seven in the morning and the girl assumed it must be the reason for the ringbell going off. The summer sun was probably already shining bright outside. Feeling beyond exhausted, she remained under her bed covers with her curtains drawn. She had tiredly cried herself to sleep after coming down from her first night in a hotel room. Her eyes closed again on their own until someone knocked on her door. Begrudgingly, she climbed out of her bed to open her door on her oldest roommate.

"Good morning, Bliss." She greeted the copper-haired.

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

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

"You look sick, indeed. You should eat something."

Thinking about drinking the heavy and creamy milk served for breakfast made the girl want to retch.

"Come on, it's already lunch." Requested the oldest in a tone that left little room for arguing.

Hyori hadn't realised she slept for so long. She must have mistook the lunch delivery for breakfast delivery. She slept for hours, so exhausted she lost track of time and didn't hear the breakfast delivery doorbell. 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. She thought it was a good thing it was already lunchtime, hoping not to have to drink the morning milk.

Assuming her tallest roommate had some form of authority in the basement, Hyori obeyed despite not being hungry. She didn't have much choice but to dress into an indoor Yukata dress and walk down the hall. In the living room, the third host was enjoying lunch at the dining table. She hadn't needed to ask questions regarding her first night as a host. All of the answers were written on the girl's face as she retrieved her plate after greeting Muse.

They ate their stuffed lobsters and Cobb salads. Hyori barely had any space left for the seafood cake bites. She understood the kitchen sent them their leftovers but wondered if they had to assemble such heavy plates. She was wondering if she had to finish the plate 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. The sensation of the creamy beverage that made her throw up was an uncomfortable memory.

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

Hyori reluctantly walked towards the fridge to take one pill and drink the milk. While uncovering the plate, her eyes fell on the benedict eggs and sliced ham on it. She took the fruity salad to wash the milk from her taste buds. She intended to leave the cake bites on the plate that the hotel's workers would eventually retrieve even if there was still food on it.

"Try to finish your breakfast plate before lunch." Said Bliss.

"Do we have to eat all of this?" Asked back Hyori.

"Not really but those are leftovers. They will be trashed if we don't eat them. Also, it's important to eat enough or else the milk will have limited effects."

"I will try." Conceded the girl.

"Also, dinner is delivered at seven in the afternoon." Added Bliss. "You might want to have it before hosting if you are spending the night out."

Hyori didn't answer and silently ate the fruity salad. Her roommates had already finished their plates while she was having the morning treat. Once she finished, she returned to her bedroom.

Later in the afternoon, the girl was yet again requested to finish her breakfast before the dinner delivery and the remainder of her lunch platter. Sitting at the dining table, she regretted having eaten the sweet and fresh fruit salad already. It would have helped to ingest the salty cake bites. After finishing her late breakfast, she attempted to leave the living room but Bliss halted her to enquire 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 now. And let me know if you do."

The girl retreated into her bedroom to look for her phone. She felt weight fall from her shoulders when she saw she didn't have any more visitors for the remaining days of the week. Her next booked session was on Wednesday but with the same visitor, though. That left her a week to breathe and recover. She walked back into the living room to inform the taller one.

"I guess it's because you are still debuting. You should meet the standards by the end of the month." Stated the most experienced host.

Hyori had forgotten she had requirements to meet unless she wanted to risk being passed onto someone her Mother probably didn't know. She didn't have access to the woman at the moment, but she supposed the latter had access to the pension's manager. There was no guarantee her Mother would also have access to the person she would be passed on if she didn't meet the requirements to stay in the pension. Would Orochimi really 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. Also, the Emperor couldn't visit her every night. Hyori was regretting having left 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? She would be stuck inside this hotel's basement for years and was already at her wit's ends after a couple of days.

The woman noticed the girl'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. The girl needed to ease into the habit and that would only happen through practice. Having an idea, she instructed Haze to come sit with her. She had noticed the girl considered her to be an older sister with all due respect.

Once they were side by side on the couch, she enquired about the previous night, making the girl visualise what happened and what would happen again.

"Tell me what he did."

"He asked me to show him my abilities. And then he wanted to hear me play some music. After that, he asked me to sit on his lap before he laid on me."

A pause passed and Bliss pressed since the girl didn't elaborate further.

"Is that all that happened?"

"Yes. He woke up in the morning and I left while he was taking his shower."

The experienced host didn't state out loud how she should have wished her visitor 'goodbye' before leaving. Her actions made the ordeal more commercial than it needed to be and cheapened the experience.

"He only laid on you and you spent the day hidden under your bed covers?"

"He was heavy."

"Did it hurt?"

Hyori paused before replying. "I don't think so."

Her memories of the night were scarce. She remembered the lead pushing her down, the unintelligible sounds and even the sweat turning cold during the night. But she didn't remember feeling pain like on her birthday night. Unsure of what she felt, she answered the question with the little information her memory supplied. Filling the suspense, Bliss asked again.

"Did you enjoy it?"

Hyori paused again.

"I didn't."

"Do you want me to show you how to enjoy it?"

Hyori didn't answer. She suspected she wouldn't feel this disheartened if she had enjoyed the night. That would have made everything easier from the start and she wouldn't be far from her Mother and everyone dear to her. Aoi and Sora wouldn't have lost their position and neither would Miss Sako. Yet, she didn't know if she wanted to enjoy it. What would that make her? She was afraid of enjoying it. Not as much as she was afraid of it but enough to prevent her from taking her roommate's offer.

It seemed she didn't have much of a choice since the taller one responded to her silence by touching underneath her Yukata dress. The touch was noticeably softer than anything that happened the previous night. She was nearing the edge when Bliss stopped and guided her inside Muse's bedroom. The taller one knocked and the door opened on their roommate. Bliss pushed Hyori inside the dimly lit bedroom before entering herself. A large computer screen sat on the desk with various professional-looking cameras. There were recording lights angled towards the cushioned office chair at the desk.

"Ain't my streaming set impressive?" Enquired the tenant. "I invested in the best setup to create quality content."

"Are your cameras recording?" Asked Hyori.

She didn't want to be recorded in such moments. Now that she thought of it, were there cameras inside the bedrooms? There must be cameras in the common areas of the hotel such as the halls. But they wouldn't put some in places where they could record their guests' privacy. Could they? Muse interrupted her inner questioning.

"They aren't. I'll put them away if it makes you uncomfortable."

The shapeshifter retrieved her cameras from the desk and put them away inside some bags she left in the drawers.

"Could you get into a more fitting shape? Also, sit on the head of the bed." Requested Bliss.

Muse changed into an anthropomorphic grey tiger and sat as requested. At the same time, Bliss removed Hyori's clothes and tickled her a bit for good measure. Then, she prompted her to sit on the tiger's lap with an encouraging tone. The lavender girl did as told. The absence of an appendage in the shapeshifter's lap eased her as she sat in them. The taller figure took her into a seated embrace before she felt a tongue tickling her. Her face went from surprise to relief as a contented sound escaped her throat. The tongue eventually dived in, making the lavender girl more vocal in the expression of her relief.

It wasn't long before she contracted on the other's soft muscle, falling over the edge in waves as suction prolonged the fall. She was granted time to recover from the fall before Bliss told her to sit on the side and watch. The older one had undressed and laid on the now crowded bed. Hyori watched Muse's second tongue turn into an upward and protruding limb. She watched as Muse laid on Bliss in a similar way her visitor did. She had never seen people being intimate and the sight made her uneasy. Her heart was beating in her ears and she could feel herself reacting to the scene her eyes were stuck onto.

Bliss seemed to enjoy herself and fell over the edge. She took some time to even her breath and addressed the youngest.

"It's your turn."

Hyori obeyed and laid on her back before the tiger laid on her under the older's scrutiny.

"You need to use your quirk. Focus on her sensations, like you did with me the first time." Said Bliss before anything could start.

Hyori did as told. Closing her eyes to focus, she sensed the other's breathing and heartbeat. As per habit, she worked to even them.

"It's nice but can you keep that for when I'm done? Your visitors don't want to sleep in such moments." Commented Muse.

Hyori let go of the tiger's heartbeats and breathing patterns. The latter started slow motions that weren't uncomfortable. Now that she was focused on the link, Hyori could feel something rise inside the other.

"Can you try something else with your abilities?" Enquired the shapeshifter.

Hyori focused on the new sensation her roommate was feeling and worked on numbing the others.

"Not bad." Voiced the tiger before quickening its pace.

After a minute, Muse slowed down and bent for a kiss that made the experience enjoyable for the girl. The friction pressing her into the mattress made Hyori grip the bigger one before she seized again. Her legs were unresponsive by the time her mind reconnected with the current moment.

"It was actually nice." Complemented Muse. "But you can't finish before them if that means your quirk stops working. You need to work on your control. Take a deep breath when you feel like coming."

Hyori tried to retain as much information as she could in her tired state. Her body craved resting and she could feel her eyes closing. Yet, she hadn't been able to sleep since Bliss announced it was time for a shower. The girl climbed out of bed and slowly walked to retrieve her dress that was discarded on the floor.

"You should wish farewell to the guests before leaving." Admonished the most experienced host. "You have to treat them as if they were dear to you at all times. Even when clocking out."

Her head still in the clouds and her inner legs sore, the girl bowed a bit and wished her roommates to "have a nice day."

"It's better if you smile." Added Bliss.

Hyori repeated the action without much improvement and left her roommates behind. She made a detour by her bedroom for her toiletries purse and took a cold shower before climbing back in bed. This time, she slept with less fear and apprehension. She wondered if she would eventually grow to enjoy hosting like her roommates seemed to. As much as she had enjoyed the time spent with her roommates, she doubted she would enjoy the nights inside the hotel room.

Then again, had she really enjoyed what she did with her roommates? She couldn't say she had been forced. And she had remained lucid during the ordeal. Yet, she hadn't asked for it either. And she didn't remember them asking for her permission. Did her body reactions mean she secretly wanted it? Hyori was divided between her thought process and what her body felt. She suspected the same questions would arise again if she happened to physically enjoy hosting. Plus, the visitors weren't like her roommates. At least the one she met the previous night. She had sensed his lascive interests when connecting to him. He had been like the Emperor, lust-driven and selfish. She hadn't felt cared about, only used.

Was there a world in which she would enjoy being used like that by multiple people? She couldn't imagine such an alternative. Dissociating had been a blessing last night since she hadn't retained much of what happened. She had been able to get outside of her body while having been able to use her quirk. There was nothing else she could have done at the moment and she would rather retain as little memories as she could while hosting.

The pension's manager hadn't heard from her recruit's first visitor since Haze hosted him the previous night. She hadn't received any negative feedback early in the morning and therefore assumed things didn't unravel poorly. It was nine in the morning when she checked the hosting agenda. The snake lady had been overjoyed when she noticed the booking next Thursday. She hoped to convert him into a regular soon enough and the best way to achieve that result was to make the girl less available.

She needed to upload inviting pictures on the girl's profile to maximise the chances her prospects would book hosting services. The visual factor was the most important one for a debuting host. She didn't have a packed agenda to show how sought-after her services were. All she could rely on was her look for the guests to leave her a chance. As implied by that assistant she called the previous days, a blank feed didn't let people envision who they would be involved with. The manager texted Bliss, her most reliable host, to see how the recruit posed in front of cameras. She would need to have an idea of what she would work with.

Finally, she tracked yet again the delivery of the hosting clothes and shoes she ordered for the girl's measurements. The package will be delivered between Monday and Wednesday of the upcoming week. Hoping for the former day, the snake lady signed out of her session and brought closer the platter that had been left on the secretary's desk. Unlike the basement's inhabitants, the hotel's personnel could enjoy the day's meals at the same time the guests did. She enjoyed steamed lamb with a spinach salad and a portion of baked sweet potatoes.

Later in the afternoon, her office phone rang and she hurried to pick it up. She thought it could only be a prospect since Friday afternoons were slow-paced administrative-wise. When the snake lady answered, she was elated to hear it was a call from a doctor, only for her mood to plummet when she heard his name. She thought about giving Doctor Mineho her personal phone number so that she would see his name and not experience the emotional roller coaster again.

"Hello, Doctor Mineho. Can I help you?"

"Yes, I would like to know how Miss Shinsou's daughter is doing. Her Mother would like to hear from her more often than not."

"I see, yes. She's doing fine. She will start hosting next week."

"Already? I thought you would wait for another year."

The Doctor was unsure of how he should formulate his thoughts. The girl already hosting visibly unsettled him.

"I assure you she's ready for it. She's not exactly a novice. Her trial last Thursday went just fine."

"Really?"

The doctor was at a loss for words and only managed to voice his surprise.

"Indeed. Did you need something else?" The manager was eager to hang up.

She finally did so after he tripped over his words when wishing her a nice evening. Not wasting time, she unlocked her personal phone to text the number that just called her office. She decided to send him a link towards the girl's booking calendar and let him know 'her spot in the pension would be secured as long as she maintains the standard of four visits per week'. The manager added that 'the agenda will help report how well the girl is doing to Miss Shinsou'. She locked her phone after texting him greetings and felt she ripped a thorn off of her shoe.

The doctor didn't know how to tell Miss Shinsou what her daughter had been doing in the pension. He was surprised the snake lady would do that to her friend's daughter. He knew her establishment was shady but hadn't thought she would put the girl on the line and certainly not so soon. He had auscultated her the morning after her birthday and could tell the teen had been traumatised by what she endured. He couldn't imagine her going through it again and everything being just fine. The manager's notion of 'going just fine' was obviously not the same as his. She didn't care about the girl's well-being at all. The mere fact she implied the teen already had some experience was alarming.

He would have to tell the girl's Mother tomorrow during her Saturday appointment in the Inner Palace. He had agreed to keep Miss Shinsou updated on her daughter's happenings. His phone's messaging notification took him out of his thoughts and he unlocked the device. It seemed the pension's manager had sent him a link to see the girl's progress. He tapped on it and it showed a session on Thursday night. He tapped on the session to see some details but nothing happened. All he could know was the booking period of eight hours. He was sure that spending eight hours awake during the night would mess with the girl's sleeping patterns and could have negative effects on her studies.

Resigned, he locked his phone and left his car in his residence building parking lot. He walked into the mundane residential building that looked like most of the high-end projects dating from three decades ago. Back then, he had been a freshly graduated from university as a doctor and started working at the Tokyo University Hospital where he still monitored the next generation.

That's where he met his wife who had been a nurse at the time. A swift encounter near the coffee machine, small talks in the halls, visiting temples together and gifts on the birthday. They did the whole courting process before their parents met. They married the way they had been dating, living in the moment without thinking about tomorrow. At least on his behalf. His wife had always been the grounded one, down to earth and with a mind that could plan the complex things in life.

He might have relied on her planning too much after she resigned to stay at home. It's how he felt every time he entered the house in which he felt mostly like a guest, always surprised when something changed in the decorum. He didn't know how many curtains they had but they were always nice. His wife rejoiced in her fancy and cosy life, taking care of the household's finances without worrying about the future. She might have relied too much on his earnings. He couldn't picture her working again even to save her life.

She greeted him in the living room and entered the kitchen to warm dinner for him. The doctor stopped by the in-door office to leave his case. Then, he beelined by the bedroom to take his shower before dinner. His wife liked to keep things tidy and clean, as showcased by their bedroom whose wooden floor was always spotless under his bare feet. On his way back to the living room, the darkened hall reminded him their two children had long left the nest. Leaving his wife alone in the four-bedroom apartment.

His wife was already sitting at her end of the table and he sat at his. She sported her signature short permanente that had been en vogue during their youth, popularised by the actress Kaori Makimura. He loved the short side part that gave her a wild look and reminded him of their old days. At some point, she talked about the grandchildren they would keep while their daughters would be on vacation with their husbands. Of course, a babysitter had been hired for the week the infants would stay.

If his wife could delegate some work, she always would. When they lived in their first apartment, a two-bedroom, she often paid the kids of their complex to run errands for them. After a decade, they had their own children she could boss around according to their abilities. It was around that time he had been introduced to the Imperial House by his retiring mentor. The new position had sensibly increased his revenues and his wife decided they could purchase a larger apartment. The family moved into the current complex and left their previous apartment on rent.

"Is anything the matter? You seem elsewhere." Questioned his wife.

"A patient of mine is in a complex situation at the moment. That's all."

"Hopefully not in the Inner Palace!"

"Not there. But I'm still worried for them."

Her face softened as she cheered on him.

"I know you always do your best. If anything happens, it was meant to happen anyway."

"I know."

They spent the rest of the dinner in silence. He didn't talk about his work days at home. It was a habit he started in the hospital as a way to keep the stress out of his home. The less he dwelled on what happened, the better his break from work would be. That's what he believed until he entered the Imperial House's service and his eyes landed on Miss Shinsou for the first time. He had never been able to keep away his thoughts about the woman.

Even after hearing words that she had a love spell quirk, he refused to believe everything he felt for her was the effect of manipulation. His feelings for her were genuine and already consumed him too much to even care. Hadn't she been a courtesan, he would have probably divorced to be with her. Sadly, the universe wasn't on his side and the love of his life already caught the eye of the Emperor, a man that even the law couldn't restrain.

The doctor was shaken from his thoughts when his wife removed the plates from the table. He excused himself stating he was too tired to stay awake. As per usual, his dreams were filled with Miss Shinsou's delicate voice and glowing eyes. The phantom of her rose scent hung in the hair, defused by a scented candle that helped him experience sweet dreams about the woman.

The following morning, he boarded his car at seven in the morning to arrive early at the Inner Palace. His Saturday morning shift started at eight and he would have half an hour to hear from the night shift team after changing into his duty clothes. Miss Shinsou's appointment was at eight in the morning. She would be the first patient he would receive at an hour most of the inhabitants were busy with their morning routines.

The woman entered the auscultation room wearing one of her usual fashionable dresses that randomly mixed East Asian designs with mainstream clothes. She was probably the only person living inside the Inner Palace to wear clothes that didn't belong in a given category. The other courtesans and even the members of the Imperial House chose between traditional and mainstream dresses. Her ability to display such uniqueness was a testimony to the special treatment she received from the Head of the House.

The woman sat on the chair opposite to him at the desk, her perfume tickling his nose and playing with his senses. He greeted her.

"Good morning, Miss Shinsou."

"Good morning, Doctor Mineho."

Her voice was a melody for his ears. Everything about her made his senses hayware.

"I talked with your friend yesterday. She told me Lady Hyori's trial went well, and she would start hosting next week."

"I see. It happened earlier than I thought but I guess it's for the best."

The doctor was taken aback by the Mother's reaction. How could the situation be for the best? Her daughter would repeatedly be abused and she seemed to accept that fate.

"I thought she was sent into the pension to hide from such practices." Voiced the doctor.

Miss Shinsou marked a pause before replying to his concerns.

"She was sent there to expand her opportunities in life. She would have been trapped inside the Imperial harem if I hadn't sent her away while I still had full authority over her. That place is the only one where I can keep an eye on her."

"What if she wants to come back? I'm not sure the Emperor would let her in after knowing what happened inside the pension."

"Why would she want to come back here? There is nothing for her but a dead end."

The doctor still wanted to argue but chose to believe the woman. After all, she was the one living inside the Inner Palace and could only have the best intentions for her daughter.

Not having more intel to receive, Miss Shinsou left the medical area and walked back inside her suite. The Inner Palace's grounds seemed less lively now that her daughter wasn't there anymore. Music couldn't be faintly heard when passing by the now unused study room. Curled lavender lianas couldn't be seen bouncing inside the physical education grounds. Life was even more monotonous now that the teen wasn't around. Overall, the place felt empty and suddenly too big, especially her suite which was eerily silent when the Emperor didn't visit her.

The sun had fully risen when Hyori started her musical practice. She picked up her Kokyu violin from her closet. She hadn't practised on the previous day and decided to play a festive melody fitted for the season. She remembered the practice sessions in her study room. Her music instructor had worked her through a strict practice regimen. One couldn't keep track of the amount of tries she made while learning how to play music. She wasn't a gifted musician and couldn't play a given song simply after hearing it once. She needed at least a couple of tries to reproduce a melody with minor errors.

She remembered the delight in the Empress Dowager's eyes when she played music for her. The elderly woman had been the most receptive to her quirk so far. She was almost rabid for it at this point. The girl wondered how the latter coped with not having her for entertainment. They had tried multiple times with different devices but nothing had been able to record the quirk process. It only ever worked live and that fact had been the reason she had been controlled from the temperature of her food to the amount of time she spoke and the tone she used. Whispering or shouting were prohibited, and so were cold or hot meals and beverages. She received supplements during the winter and summer to prevent her from catching the flu.

Hyori also remembered the pride in her Mother's eyes when she pulled people into a daze by playing music. Her musical abilities were among the traits the woman absolutely loved in her daughter, along with her hair and endearing face. Hyori knew her Mother was disappointed with the shape of her body. Her feline face and what came out of it had been the only thing that consoled the woman. The girl knew her Mother only wanted the best for her, but it still stung every time she requested the photographer not to capture her below the midsection unless she wore furnished or superposed clothes.

She once heard her Mother state with distaste how the treats she received from the Empress Dowager prevented her from having a nice figure. As much as the statement had hurt, the pleasant taste of mochi and tang yuan balls along with the fondant dark chocolate warmed the girl's heart, especially on the days she was the most upset with her restrictions. She tried not to take more than one piece in a day, though. Her Mother already poured so much effort into having the chefs establish for Hyori a diet that the Empress Dowager would approve.

Melodies had resonated for at least an hour inside the bedroom when Hyori wondered if her roommates could hear her playing. She focused on her quirk but didn't feel any connection. The walls and doors were probably soundproof enough not to let her roommates hear her play. That meant she could probably practise singing without being heard as well. Yet, she didn't want to unless she was requested to do it. She did it so often inside her previous home while not particularly liking the songs. She played like a radio device, powering off fruity sweets instead of electricity.

Hyori's mind was in the wrong place at the moment and she decided to stop playing. Somehow, her thoughts kept heading in sour directions and she felt like spiralling. The girl put her instrument inside its case before putting the whole set away in the drawers. She walked to her bed for a nap. Then, she remembered she now had a phone she could use to contact the pension manager. She walked to her desk and retrieved the device she left lying there. After unlocking it, she opened her contacts application and tapped on the pension manager's name. She had the option to call her or text her. Not sure whether the woman was available, she chose to send her a message asking for textbooks for the current school year.

She didn't receive any response and after laying in her bed for a while, the apartment's doorbell rang. It was probably lunchtime. Meaning it was noon. In the end, she hadn't taken a nap and would take one in the afternoon after lunch. Hopefully, she won't sleep too much. If she did, she would have issues sleeping at night. She exited her bedroom and walked into the living room. A worker was loading the morning platters. New ones were already set on the table. The worker exited the apartment and Bliss closed the door.

"What do we have?" She questioned.

Hyori opened a platter.

"Salty crepes with mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach. There is also an avocado toast and a smoothie glass." Answered the smaller.

"Cool." Replied Bliss. "Let's eat!"

She was humming when she sat at the table with her phone in her hands. Hyori's roommates were constantly on their phones. Was the device that much entertaining?

"What are you doing on your phone?" Asked Hyori.

"I read the news, the serious and the unserious ones." Replied Bliss. "And I wander on the internet. What are you doing in your room?"

"I practise music or study."

"Ah. I forgot you were still a high schooler."

The third roommate arrived minutes later when the first two were already enjoying lunch. The table remained silent until they finished and the older one offered to go out the day after. The city would be quiet on Sunday afternoon since the visitors who attended the fireworks festivals would leave on Saturday or Sunday morning.

"We could walk by the beach spot of the hotel. There should be few people if any. It would be the perfect time to take pictures of my new clothes. I hosted the Gotemba Centre executives during the festival. I received loads of bags and apparel for the season."

"Do you want to stack pictures?" Asked Muse.

"Not really, I will post a haul video later."

"I see."

The oldest included the youngest in the conversation.

"Do you have a swimsuit?"

"I don't." Replied Hyori. "Could we go out after dinner? The sun would still be out but it would be less intense."

"Less sun would be better for the pictures, yes." Said Muse.

Afterwards, her roommates went to their usual spots. Bliss lounged in the living room and Muse retreated inside her bedroom. Hyori went inside her bedroom to study some more. She practised the calculus exercises she should have been doing on that day monitored by Miss Sako. After exercising, she didn't want to remain inside her bedroom and needed a pause. The girl supposed she would feel better after drinking some water and left her bedroom.

In the living room, Bliss was watching a show when she passed to serve herself a glass of water from the fountain. She took a moment to watch the drama that played on the television but quickly lost interest. The plot was too advanced for her to keep track of who was who and what was happening. It seemed to be nearing the end and she couldn't emotionally connect with the story unfolding.

The show ended in less than a dozen minutes and Bliss asked her if she had a preference for what to watch next. She didn't have any, not being used to watching television since she didn't have access to one in the Inner Palace.

"I never had television or a phone." Said the girl.

"Really? Your home was strict." Commented the impressed copper-haired. "What would you do all day?"

"I had gymnastics and musical sessions in the mornings, with study sessions during the afternoon. I often played music for the house's Grandmother before going to bed."

"You didn't have any leisure activities?"

"I read in between sessions or when I had nothing to do."

Bliss took a moment to react to the information. Hyori could sense the woman's curiosity mixing with her will not to get involved with her.

"You can read on your phone. I'll show you."

"I left it in my bedroom."

The youngest excused herself before leaving the common room and walking down the hall. Inside her bedroom, she retrieved the device left on her desk and walked back into the living room. She sat on the couch close to the oldest who prompted her to unlock her phone.

"You should have a reading application in the store, right there." Said Bliss while pointing at a shopping cart icon on the screen.

Hyori did as instructed and downloaded an application. She was asked to create an account and followed the instructions with her roommate's assistance. Most of the books had to be paid but she could read the previews. The few ones who were free were old books that she assumed were in the public domain. It was already a good start and she thanked Bliss before heading back inside of her bedroom. She had read for maybe an hour when she started to have headaches. The small screen was probably faulty despite having calibrated the font on the biggest setting. She decided to put the device on her desk and lay down.

She couldn't comfortably read on the small device but didn't have anything else to do besides studying alone or playing music. Thinking she might not have anyone to help her even after classes start again, she decided to give another try to study alone. This time, she picked a grammar textbook. Amidst her studying, she wondered how close to the official program her study sessions had been. She would need the current year's textbook to compare with what she learnt so far. The thought made her restless and she wanted to stretch her legs.

She couldn't even be active in the basement and started to feel restless from doing nothing but playing music all day. She was looking forward to going out the next day, even if she remained in the hotel's compound. Hyori used to stay in the same places all the time. What she wasn't used to was having little things to do all day. Her life in the Inner Palace had been monotonous but it had been packed enough not to feel much bored. She never thought she would miss being pushed to her limits during her music or study sessions.

Remembering random episodes of her sessions, Hyori wondered what her instructors were doing now that they didn't teach her anymore. Had they already found new apprentices to replace her? Probably. They were high profile and sought after. Did Miss Sako also move on? At some point, she thought the advanced-aged woman told her she didn't teach anyone besides her. Was it a dream or a distorted memory? Has she moved on already? Probably not yet due to the holiday season. Maybe in September after classes start.

Thinking about classes, would she attend school in the city? She hadn't been told anything and Orochimi still had to reply to her text. Maybe she didn't work during the weekend. If that was so, Hyori would have to wait until Monday to receive an answer from the snake lady.

Feeling parched, she walked into the living room to drink some water from the fountain. They had the choice between room-temperature water, cold water and sparkling water. Hyori served herself two glasses of room-temperature water. A lifestyle program was playing on the television's screen and she found it rather interesting.

The youngest inhabitant decided to watch the leisure boat program on the couch, with the oldest. She saw how people worked on tidying yachts for parties and tours.

"Do you enjoy the program?" Enquired Bliss.

"Yes, I do. Thank you."

"Have you ever been on a yacht? Would you like to?"

"I haven't. I don't think I would like to party on a boat. Maybe for looking at the scenery. Have you ever been on a boat?"

"I have. There's a marina with a dock for yachts by the hotel's beach. They are impressive."

Hyori pictured her roommate on one of the vessels she saw on screen. They looked like living accommodations not much different from the hotel's rooms.

"Did you host on boats?" Asked Hyori.

"No, never. We never follow anyone outside of the hotel's rooms or restaurants. It could be dangerous. They might not let us go back."

"Has anyone ever been kidnapped from the pension?"

Hyori was suddenly worried for her safety. Was she in danger every time she hosted? Could she be kidnapped? Maybe by traffickers?

"Never. There are security cameras in the halls and security agents in the domain. That's not the case on someone's yacht or inside someone's apartment. At least not in our favour. You should never follow anyone anywhere. Even if you know them. Even the boys or teachers at school. Always let me and Orochimi know if you divert from the usual road or want to go out. Okay?"

"Yes, I understand."

The oldest acknowledged her response before focusing back on the television's screen. Hyori hadn't thought about all the dangerous things that could happen in the outside world. She hadn't been trained not to follow people or be on her guard. Her former home had been safe and guarded. It might even be the safest place in the country since it was home to the Imperial House. She might have taken what she received there for granted. The more days passed, the more she was willing to try to get used to the Emperor's company.

The sun was setting on Sunday afternoon when the tenants of the hotel's basement walked towards the beach. Hyori was sheltered under her umbrella and clad in a coral Yukata dress. Bliss had wrapped a floral pareo on top of a black swimsuit with a large hat on her head. Muse wore shorts above a citrus bikini ensemble. Hyori smelled the salty sea air before she could see the expense of sand lining the blue waters stretching towards the skyline. The sounds of crashing waves were enchanting, punctuated by birds' cries.

The hotel's beach was lined with tall palm trees and lounging chairs sheltered by large shades. Shut lanterns were sitting on outdoor sticks in between a few palm trees. As her roommates unloaded their bags containing a camera and a stand for Muse, and water bottles for Bliss, the youngest removed her shoes to sink her feet in the sand. The pulverised material was warm around her bare feet and the sensation was foreign to her. It felt good in an exciting way and made her giggle. She folded her umbrella and put it under her chair. Muse set up the camera on its stand before she started taking pictures of a posing Bliss.

Hyori distantly watched them, more focused on feeling the sand gliding between her toes. It was her first time touching sand and she loved the experience. The sand underneath the large umbrella was cold, unlike the one that remained under the sun's rays for the whole day. At some point, she bent out of the shade to take the warm grainy powder in her hands. The sand flooded through her fingers like water. She took a handful again and poured it on the length of her feet. She repeated the motion on the length of her legs. The tickling sensation was soothing and she smiled at the stimulation.

After a while, a hotel worker lit fire inside the lanterns. The teen then noticed her roommates had walked into the waters up to their hip line, Bliss turning her back to the sea and Muse facing her. She couldn't understand why the oldest was taking so many pictures with different poses. She assumed it was the same reason the shapeshifter had advanced cameras inside her bedroom. After what could be an hour, her roommates walked towards their bags left on the lounging chairs. They retrieved towels to dry their legs and sat down to drink some water. As per habit, the oldest was the one who addressed her first.

"Do you want some pictures?"

"I don't know. We can take pictures if you want." Replied the youngest while sitting straighter on her chair.

The two oldest looked at each other before turning back to face Hyori.

"I can stand if you prefer." Added the youngest.

"Yes, stand up." Said Muse. "Come with me under that palm tree."

Hyori walked towards said tree and held her hands in front of her while Muse sat her camera back on its stand before her.

"It's better if you smile." Commented the occasional photographer.

She snapped a picture and Bliss stood from her chair to look at the result.

"The picture is pretty but you aren't doing much." Commented the older towards Hyori. "Can you pose?"

As the youngest remained awkwardly forbidden, Bliss assumed she didn't know how to pose and guided her through the process.

"Get closer to the tree on your left and put your right hand on it. Lean into the tree, now smile."

The photographer took another picture and Bliss commented on how it was a start.

"Pretend to hide behind the tree. Bend a bit more on the side so that we can see your full face and smile."

Muse took yet another picture and Bliss commented on how she needed to train her smile for the camera.

"Orochimi will take some pictures to display on your profile. You need to look inviting in them, not shy. I guess you aren't used to taking pictures as well?"

"I'm not. We only took pictures on special occasions."

The last time had been her birthday. She wondered if the grainy instant picture was still inside the bonzaï encyclopaedia she had been reading. Or if her Mother put it inside her picture album. There was also the official picture and she wondered where it had been put.

Bliss gestured for Hyori to come closer and let her see the results. She didn't know what to think of it. She could see how unnatural she looked in the pictures but reasoned she wouldn't get anything better at the time. The ones in which she posed like the oldest told her looked better than the first one, though. It was already an improvement on its own. The occasional photographer unmounted the camera, interrupting Hyori as she looked at the pictures.

"Let me transfer them to my phone so that I can send them to you. You can look at them all you want once you have them."

The shapeshifter powered the camera off and folded the support. She walked towards her lounging chair with the others on her tails. Her furry hands retrieved her phone and she transferred the pictures before sending them to her roommates.

They put their belongings back inside their bags and the oldest suggested they walk for a bit on the beach before returning to the basement. The summer air was moist and still warm at this hour. Their promenade was silent save from the waves crashing. Without thinking much, the youngest started humming the first melody that came to her mind. The fire inside the lanterns was reflecting inside her happy eyes as she hadn't felt this light for days. It was only in the open air that she realised how much she had felt caged inside the basement. The girl wanted to run and jump, feel her heartbeat increase as she sped through the wind and flipped upside down. Walking on the beach was the closest she had been to gymnastics since her birthday.

"What are you singing? It doesn't sound like what's on the radio." Interrupted Muse.

"Probably. I don't know what plays on the radio. I didn't have access to one in my home."

"That's your first day at the beach, right?" Asked Bliss.

"Yes, it is." Answered Hyori.

"What kind of home have you been raised in? You look like you have little experience of... Everything." Enquired Muse.

"It was a traditional home." Replied Hyori.

Her roommates already guessed that part from the way the girl dressed. What they wanted to know was how disconnected the girl had been from the outside world. She seemed to have some knowledge but didn't know how to do anything. They already knew she didn't do chores and it seemed she didn't go out as well. Bliss had recounted how bare the girl's bedroom was and her previous routine.

"Is there something you like for no reason? Do you have a favourite colour or a favourite music genre?" Asked Muse again.

Hyori took some time to think about the question and search in her memories.

"I don't know a lot about music. I played what I was taught and asked. I guess I like every colour but my... I've been told I didn't like yellow when I was young because of the sun."

"Is there something with the sun? You're still under your umbrella even now."

"I can't stand too much sunlight because I was born with albinism. My Mother's lover paid for a treatment when I was still a baby but it didn't correct everything. That's why I bring my shade everywhere."

"Is that why your pupils are discoloured? I thought it was related to your quirk."

"That's the reason, yes. For my eyes and my hair. My Mother has dark hair that looks almost black."

"And for your skin, right? I thought you used some weird products at first. And then I thought it was a mutation."

"Yes." The girl hesitated. "Do you have a favourite colour? Or a favourite music genre?"

"I love bright colours, especially orange or yellow. And I enjoy rumba or jazzy music. It's fun to dance on it. Did you also have dancing lessons?"

"No, I didn't."

Bliss silently listened to her two roommates' conversation. The time spent inside Muse's bedroom seemed to have warmed their dispositions towards each other. She hoped the girl would also grow accustomed to hosting as the days would pass. The manager expected her to ease the recruit into the practice and she didn't want to disappoint her. The manager was the closest to a genuine relationship at the moment. The woman had seen so much of her she suspected the snake lady knew her better than she knew herself. She had been barely seventeen when she entered the pension seven years ago. Orochimi had personally guided her through the hosting process and never failed to check on her after the parties during the first months.

Saying Bliss trusted the woman was an understatement. She had been a runaway drop-out when the snake woman approached her at the convenience store where she worked in the city. At the time, she rented a bed in an elderly woman's old house. The uncomfortable place had been better than the abusive home she left behind. Her host also drank at night, but she was at least quiet and shrunken on herself during her inebriated moments. Distantly hearing her roommates chat, she walked with them back into the basement.

The sun was finally setting when the trio arrived inside their shared apartment. Hyori walked into the bathroom while the two others lingered in the living room. After her shower, she headed straight into her bedroom to climb into bed. The phantom feeling of the sand was still lingering on her skin. Her first day at the beach had been nearly overwhelming with the experience of the sand. The salty smell of the seaside had been strange at first. As if she were about to sneeze but it never came. Not having a swimsuit, she hadn't approached the waters since she might have wet her Yukata dress. For the first time since she arrived at the pension, Hyori swiftly fell asleep.

While the youngest was falling asleep, her roommates lingered in the bathroom as they proceeded to their weekly routines on the bench. Muse didn't need much work and had helped Bliss with her skin and hair care. Out of her usual appearance, the shapeshifter was average in height and bulky, with turquoise eyes and dark grey hair falling on her shoulders. She offered herself a subscription to use the hotel's gym equipment and worked out every day. In that sense, they were opposites as the tallest only walked the treadmill and occasionally ran, while the shortest was dedicated to her lengthy and demanding routines.

The shapeshifter didn't shave since it was easier to mimic fur with her body hair than with her skin, and the hair on her head was tricky to move around. Instead, she used a deep conditioner on her luxuriant body hair that littered her skin from her arms to her legs without missing her defined abdomen. She was rinsing off the deep conditioner when Bliss addressed her.

"Do you find her bewitching?"

Muse took some time before answering as she didn't want to have that conversation with her slightly upset roommate. She didn't want to say words that would undermine her mood.

"She's a bit of a mystery to me, with how differently she had been raised."

"I was talking about her abilities."

The smallest was taken back into her memories of sleeping with the girl.

"I guess she would be if she weren't that reserved and awkward. Her quirk seems tricky and I suppose that using it in the bedroom is new to her."

Bliss seemed to consider her words. Mused assumed the conversation was over until the oldest addressed her again.

"How long do you think it would take her to get there?"

"I don't know. Bliss, don't project your resentment on her."

"It's not like I could, anyway."

The shapeshifter wanted to leave the conversation but felt compelled to enquire.

"What do you mean?"

"She used her quirk on me and I enjoyed it. It was... It wasn't overwhelming. It's soft and you just feel good afterwards. Her suave voice complements her abilities and it's just everything the guests would enjoy. She's not staying here for long."

"Why are you staying here after seven years?"

Muse put her toiletries purse down and fully turned to face her roommate. The most experienced host seemed to have reached the point where she didn't enjoy hosting anymore. Yet, she seemed unwilling to stop and Muse didn't understand that part.

"I don't understand your attachment to the pension." Added Muse

"Aren't you also attached to the pension?" Contered Bliss.

"I am. But I'm not second-guessing staying here. I can see you are."

"It's not like I can do much. My masseur certificate is never going to pay as much as hosting."

"Don't you have enough money not to have to work again? I know you have the highest pay since companies pay for all of the participants as if they had individually booked. And you host roughly a dozen guests per ceremony."

The oldest didn't answer and the shapeshifter added.

"You could undergo a face surgery and start over. Here or abroad."

The oldest shook her head before answering.

"I don't want to be alone again."

Bliss's face was cast downwards but Muse could see she just voiced her real issue. It was something the shapeshifter didn't have in mind. She didn't have a reason to think about it since the older one had been a constant in the pension ever since she arrived two years ago at twenty.

"Would you still be there if I left?"Questioned Bliss. Following the short silence, she added. "You wouldn't. Am I wrong?"

Muse didn't answer and let the conversation die. Her input wasn't needed anymore as her roommate had already made her mind up. She wanted to tell the oldest how she had never thought about it and needed time but she feared nothing she would say would be well received after her silence. Therefore, she left the bathroom and walked out of the bathroom. Inside her bedroom, the shapeshifter reviewed her agenda for the upcoming week. She had to collect costumes for the commissions she received during the week. The items should be delivered on Monday at her usual pickup store.

As she laid in bed, she thought about her conversation with Bliss. Thinking about herself, Muse couldn't envision stopping anytime soon. Hosting was a stable activity that sustained her while she could save her volatile earnings from streaming and commissions. She guessed she had a better opinion about herself since most of the guests she entertained were spoiled young women using their love money. They wanted to live their fantasies with the beast or charming prince from the novel they rabidly enjoyed. The most proactive ones even sent her visual renderings of the characters they expected to spend the night with.

As much as they were spoiled, her guests were sweet and easy to entertain. Especially after she had drama lessons to help her impersonate the characters she cosplayed. Surprisingly, she hadn't been able to grow as popular as the manager expected her to be among young wealthy men. They hadn't been hooked on the shapeshifting part as they would rather have a "real person with an actual personality", as an adventurous guest once told her.

She hadn't thought much about the shortcomings as she preferred to roll with what worked for her. Her clientele already filled her agenda enough, anyway. Plus, most of her streaming subscribers were young men. They weren't as wealthy as the hosting clientele but were lucrative and actually enjoyed her content. She wasn't about to switch her marketing strategy and upset actual clients to accommodate prospective clients. Virtual streamers lost fans after revealing their faces, she wasn't about to make that mistake herself.

On another hand, her conversation with Bliss made her consider new parameters. A day would come when she would be tired of hosting. Probably later than sooner, but it would come. Maybe in a decade, maybe once she would want to see something else or once the manager would find a replacement for her. As a shapeshifter who specialised in impersonations, another random person with the same gift and drama lessons would swiftly replace her. Her broadcasting channel was linked to her bank account but nothing prevented Orochimi from introducing another Muse and redirected her fanbase to the new account.

The shapeshifter suddenly wondered why the manager hadn't already recruited a new Muse. Maybe because the companion niche required constant replacement and took much of her energy to keep up? Or maybe she hadn't seen the point of doing so since her current Muse wasn't showing any sign of leaving? A vague sense of insecurity rose inside the host and she thought it would be safer for her to keep sensibly managing her broadcasting revenues. Her hosting career might come to an unplanned end and she would need the maximum interest if she wanted to keep her current lifestyle.

In her bedroom, Bliss replayed the conversation she had with Muse earlier in the bathroom. The smaller host for sure wasn't someone she could relate to, but also proved to be someone she couldn't emotionally count on. The tallest one turned in her bed. She didn't have any contacts outside of the pension and leaving would set her back to square one in terms of human contacts. She didn't want to make friends based on her tax bracket and wasn't naive enough to think less fortunate people wouldn't try to profit from her.

Remembering she had yet to give Orochimi her feedback on the attempted photoshoot session, she retrieved her phone from the nightstand. The girl wasn't a natural and needed instruction as she had no idea of how to pose. Even then, she remained nervous in front of the camera and looked a bit stiff. Yet, she had been relaxed when she talked to Muse and Bliss supposed she would be good with candid pictures as long as she had a distraction to take her mind off of the camera.