She didn't have many lifelines this far from home, so she decided not to text anyone right away. This was truly her problem alone at this point, and she had no way to cope with it as she was. Instead, she spent the morning silently sobbing in the infirmary while the eccentric, almost crazy sounding nurse handled her daily routine. She stayed in a forced silence for the remainder of that afternoon too. In fact, one would note she didn't seem to do much beyond a few noises that barely came out.

Her voice was gone.

All her life Arceia had only wanted to bring joy with music. Both to herself and to those around her. She had paid for her tuition almost by herself with her show's donations, and the revenue from her recent concerts. This wasn't just a personal tragedy that could force an existential crisis - This could possibly end her education and force her life down a new path that she couldn't handle. This would separate her from her school, her passions, her fans, and Konosuke. Even if swimming had helped her pay for everything, she couldn't keep that as her only way. She wasn't that good at it, just barely able to remain on the team if you asked her.

With some bitter feelings, she decided finally to send a text to Konosuke. He was the only one at this school she could think to talk to right now. She couldn't bare to face him as she was, and she definitely couldn't speak. They'd communicate through text.

"Making sure you're staying out of trouble." she sent, attaching a heart with it.

She mulled over the events in her head. The reality that she couldn't be an idol, or even give the yes she had decided to give set in hard. All because of some damn Aphonia that had just now decided to rear its head.

He was staring at the ceiling, arms behind his head trying not to think about her too much. He liked her, a lot. A whole lot. But constantly thinking about her all the time could be considered creepy. Man, but her hair, her perfume, she always smelled so good, and looked so cool, even when she was a little awkward at times. The way she looked so sexy on stage, so determined in the water, and so absolutely perfect when she was just herself, no lights, to glimmer, just Arceia. Yeah, Kono decided that was the version of Cei he liked best of all.

He was in Shoka's dorm, she was using his computer, her's had died and she had him bring his over for some business or another.

Suddenly his phone buzzed and he sprung up, ears perked and snatched it. His heart skipped a beat and he couldn't help the grin when he saw who it was. And was that...a heart emoji? Yes! A fist pump later and Kono was thinking of what to say back.

"I'm always in trouble, chillin' with Shoka. What are you up to? Haven't heard from you in a while."

"Let me guess," said Shoka, suddenly tuned into the redhead, "That was your little dance-bunny eh?"

Konosuke blushed,but was smiling, "Yeah,"

"She want you to come over? I can bring this by when I'm done with it,"

"Ah," replied Kono, "I don't think so...I mean she didn't ask me to."

"You should go see her, you know where she lives." Shoka's eyes narrowed, her underlying tone implying something scandalous. Kono had to look away.

"I'm not like you, heh," he sniffed, trying to stay cool.

Shoka crossed her arms, "What exactly does that mean?" She smiled.

He just laughed a little, more like he let out a breath through his nose that was almost a laugh, they both knew what he meant. Shoka making him even remotely think of that was unfair, she deserved some respect, not to be oggled like some kind of sexual object. But...ah...he had a flash image of her on stage run through his mind, those alluring glowing eyes. Man...

"Well, keep me updated. I want to know when she lets you in. How long has she been stringing you along? Thinking about being with you? I'm telling you, sometimes you have to show a little force." continued the purplenette, turning back to type something.

Kono's smile turned down a little, "She just needs time, not everyone can make a girl fall head over heels at first glance like you."

Shoka chuckled, but kept typing. On that sour note, his phone buzzed again and he happily turned his red gaze back to it.

One part of her had regretted sending that immediately. She knew she would have to face him again soon anyway, and when she did, she had to tell him-- Ah... And there goes her cool again. She can't tell anyone anything. She had to keep trying to keep it cool though. If anybody could calm her down it would be him. That was all she had to keep in mind.

Ah, but... He was busy. She felt bad now. She was interrupting friend time. Things couldn't just be that simple could they? Ah well... She would push through the guilt, and be a little selfish. But, what could she even say to that? It was true, they hadn't seen each other since the last practice, and she hadn't done anything except come here since last week. She would have to lie, and that sat poorly with her.

"I've just been quiet lately." the text began, an obvious attempt at laughing at her own misfortune."I was actually thinking, could we practice together more often? Just us."

He would find out eventually anyway. She couldn't hide it but she sure didn't want to say it right now. So instead she would make that offer. She needed swimming now more than ever if she was going to stay at Spica, and that meant she had to get better. There wasn't a choice in the matter anymore - she would improve or leave. And leaving everything she had worked for, as well as leaving Konosuke behind, did not agree with her. She would do anything to stay here with him.

The invitation excited him,

"Dude, she wants to spend more time at the pool together!" He exclaimed, grinning.

"Ooh," cooed Shoka teasingly, "alone, all wet and half naked. Goodness Kono, well done."

The redhead was blushing,

"It's not like that!" His thumbs were already working on a reply.

"Sure! Hey, we could meet up now if you wanted."

He was partly motivated to add that second sentence because he wanted to escape Shoka's teasing, but mostly because he did want to see her. Arceia and the pool was always a good combination.

Shoka's cheek was near his own as the purplenette read the text,

"My, look who's in a hurry," She purred.

He yanked the phone off to the side and shot her an incredulous look, sputtering; to which the other prince chuckled and shook her head, "You're adorable."

"Stop it," Kono said,

"Why, got dirty pictures on there?" She reached for the phone, Kono held it away, which ended up getting him pinned under the older Spican who kept reaching. She straddled his chest, which freaked him out enough for her to snatch it away. Shoka got up and started doing something with it, -click-

Did she just take a picture?

"No, hey give it back!" he said, pulling his shirt back down, one hand went through his hair to fix it, the other reached out for Shoka, who shrugged him off.

"A present for you. Don't worry, no funny business, he's all yours. ~Shoka" read the text. Attached was a picture of Konosuke like so: link

She hit send and spun around grinning, clicking another button or two. Kono growled and snatched the phone, easily getting it and Shoka shrugged innocently.


"What did you send? Did you delete it?" Panicked, he rushed to text again,

"Really sorry about whatever Shoka just sent. Hope it wasn't weird. I'll be at the pool in ten."

He went for her door,

"Ta," sang Shoka with a grin.

"Tch," was all he said as he stormed out.

Now, this was not her intent, but... She had no choice now. She invited Kono to these private practices, and had to agree in those terms. She had no idea how to approach this situation as she was, a disheveled mess, but she had to try. She had hoped nurse Skyline would allow her to leave, but she couldn't exactly figure out how to ask for permission. She bowed nervously and tried to speak up, but all that came out was a faint cough, to which the nurse just shook her head and pointed to the door, understanding perfectly well what her intentions were, but also gave her the warning to be back before dark. She would be spending the night in the infirmary after all.

But as she exited the building her phone went off a few times. The first thing she did was blush - madly - at the result of the message. She couldn't hide it either, so she just allowed herself the moment. It took quite a while to find the courage to look away and to the next message. And that would result in the explanation she needed. Yes, that was useful...

Still, this wouldn't sit well with her. Time to face some unconventional demons.

"I'm on my way."