12:05
Thoma loved Mondays. It came from his natural diligence and dedication to any task that came his way. He worked at the café with a highly irregular schedule, so he was used to any workload: sometimes Gorou would head off to his competitions, sometimes Kuki would ride out with Arataki's gang for another biker meetup—or whatever they were. And only Yoimiya never missed her shifts, always bailing Thoma out during rushes or even pulling four shifts in a row. That girl definitely had energy and strength to spare.
But lately… Thoma had been feeling constant fatigue throughout his body. The school year had only just started, yet his strength was already running out. Maybe it was because he'd recently crossed someone… Well, "crossed." As a newcomer to the student council, Thoma had straight-up told their chairman he was doing a shitty job. And it was true! Kamisato-senior and his student council "mafia" were a whole drama that history should immortalize as a crime chronicle titled "The Circus Left—The Clowns Stayed."
Thoma had only transferred to full-time studies this year. The previous two years he'd studied remotely because he was working so much. Money troubles had hit his family especially hard after his father's death. So right after high school the young guy had to scramble for part-time jobs and push studying to the back burner. Now things were more stable, so the decision was made to return to proper in-person classes. The university allowed it since, despite the heavy workload, Thoma was diligent and an excellent student. Thanks to Kazuha and Tartaglia (and why did fate have to tie him to Thoma…), the guy quickly settled in and even moved into the dorms.
A couple days after classes started, Thoma decided to apply to the student council because his hands itched to sort out the mess with schedules, chaos in some classrooms, and generally: if you want something done right—do it yourself!
But how shocked the poor guy was when he found out the student council wasn't the shining perfectionist's dream but a genuine gang. Mafia. Cult. Bunch of idiots led by the biggest idiot—Kamisato Ayato. The only somewhat normal ones in the student leadership were Aether and Gorou.
And despite Thoma's love for Mondays, there was one mandatory event that soured them—the student council meeting during the long break. By 12:00 Thoma was supposed to be in the hall, but on the way he got distracted by a work call from Kuki. Quickly answering her, the guy raced to the meeting room and, entering, realized in horror that he was late. The only thing worse than that would be nuclear war, because Sara's face—who'd already started the meeting—looked like the beginning of the apocalypse. Thoma had never seen so much contempt, anger, and irritation, though he'd heard plenty about this lady being the devil in a skirt who'd kill anyone daring to disrupt student council discipline.
"One second to explain," her voice rang like a jackhammer.
"Uh… I got a work call," the guy quickly came up with an answer, but Sara wasn't impressed. The brunette narrowed her eyes, scanning Thoma, then nodded toward the students seated at the large table, still allowing him in.
Among the crowd Thoma found an empty spot next to Gorou and Aether, who looked at him in horror as if their friend was about to say goodbye to life and they couldn't help…
"You're in deep," Gorou whispered to Thoma as he sat down. "She's off the chain today."
Aether also glanced at Thoma, cold sweat breaking out on the blond's face. Not only had he crossed Kamisato Ayato, but now he'd have issues with Kujou Sara too…
The agenda was announced: club certification and the upcoming fall festival, for which the program schedule needed to be drawn up.
"This year we have a large influx of students, so administration decided to expand the event across the entire university grounds," Sara read monotonously from the sheet while discontented sighs started filling the auditorium. "This means all buildings and administrative facilities will need decoration this year. So as organizers, you will have to…"
The students were already almost groaning from the amount of upcoming work, but Thoma didn't care—he was used to that routine. Gorou, though, seemed to have already tasted all the horrors of his fate. At least he'd escaped group leader duties, passing them to Thoma. Gorou was a total workaholic with no sense of moderation, so Kazuha had asked Thoma to help. And why not?
"If you want something done right—do it yourself!"
Sara handed out information sheets with the preliminary festival schedule.
"This is just a draft we put together with the chairman. Read it and suggest changes if needed."
Thoma got his copy but didn't even manage to glance at the paper before hearing a saddened, heavy sigh from the blond beside him:
"Sorry," Aether raised his hand. "The last day has 'ANEMO' scheduled to perform—they… won't be able to."
"Is their vocalist on another bender?" snickers echoed through the auditorium.
"No, they… took a break."
"No breaks," Kujou's reply hit like a slap—sharp. "If they don't pass certification, their club will be disbanded. That's the only thing that could prevent the performance."
"You don't understand," Aether's voice wavered for a moment but grew colder. "They. Won't. Be. Able," he enunciated each word with a pause.
"You're the one who doesn't understand," Sara slammed her palm on the table. "Our university is spending a huge budget on this festival, and if…"
"Sara, why are you yelling?"
Kujou whipped around toward the doors where a familiar voice came from. Yae Miko and Raiden Ei stood at the entrance. Thoma and everyone present turned to the arriving girls, impressed by their "entrance."
"Ayato's not here, and you're raising your voice?" the pink-haired one smiled sweetly but with precise mockery. "Stop scolding cute little Aether. He's telling the truth," the girl walked to the table with the silent Ei.
"And how do you know?"
"Well, 'ANEMO''s Saturday stunt at the café didn't leave anyone indifferent," Yae Miko bloomed into another sly half-smile, hinting at recent university gossip channel news.
"And what do you suggest I do?!" Sara crossed her arms, losing patience.
"We have another band," Ei spoke up for the first time, eyes still on her phone.
"Ha?! You mean the one with your little brother?" Sara waved it off. "I'd rather go to administration right now and ask them to cancel this damn festival than let them perform!"
"How rude, Sara!"
"Have you heard the songs they sing? It'll be a total flop!"
"What do they sing about?" Gorou asked quietly, turning to Thoma and Aether.
"No idea, I've never been to their show," Aether shrugged.
"'ANEMO' will perform!" Sara declared firmly, completely ignoring the words from their new "agent."
"And I think Ei's brother's songs would go perfectly with my new book presentation," Yae Miko let out another chuckle, casually reminding everyone that this fall festival included the release of her publishing house's new book.
"Your book about death and drugs?" Raiden asked, still buried in her phone.
"No, it's about a kid with an inferiority complex."
"Okay, you two—out!" Sara, tired of their snide comments, pointed at the doors. "Not only did you show up late to the meeting, but you started a circus!"
Thoma sighed almost inaudibly. The girls kept arguing, trying to decide which band would perform at the fall festival. The guy tiredly rested his head on the table, thinking he'd been wrong about Ayato. When Kamisato ran this crowd—things went more civilized, and now the student council meeting was turning into a circus, and it was only the beginning…
Thoma would've kept lamenting that nothing in this world was perfect and you had to put up with the status quo, but at one point he noticed Aether's face. The guy sat dejected, clutching the festival schedule sheet. Thoma sat up, trying to peek at his friend's face, and saw so much regret in those eyes—like Aether had just watched a sad video about homeless animals. Thoma picked up on the mood and started suspecting the "ANEMO" situation was far more serious and complicated than it seemed. Thoma stood, gently placing a hand on the young man's shoulder and whispering quietly:
"Let's go."
"Hm?" the blond looked up at the standing Thoma, who was already heading for the door. Aether carefully stood and followed his friend, grabbing his bag in time, ignoring Sara's annoyed outbursts.
The guys left the student council and the loud shouting echoing from the hall. Thoma stepped into the corridor and headed straight to a window: it was open, letting fresh cool air in. While everyone was in the cafeteria or outside—it was the long break—windows were opened in the hallways to air things out.
"Thoma? Why'd you call me out?" Aether stood beside the guy, setting his backpack on the wide windowsill.
"I thought you looked upset," the green-eyed one started right away and sat right by the open first-floor window. "Want to tell me what happened? It's about that band, right?"
"Hm," Aether did the same: sat on the sill. "Yeah, it's about 'ANEMO,'" Aether hesitated. "…they just need time. They probably can't perform right now."
Thoma listened to his friend and gazed out the window: at the inner university courtyard where students strolled the paths or sat at tables eating lunch.
"So 'ANEMO' broke up after all?"
"No, but… it's complicated."
Thoma sensed awkwardness from Aether—apparently he couldn't fully share his problem, but he didn't need to.
"Whatever the case, now they have you," Thoma smiled his usual gentle smile—the kind that usually took Aether's (and not just his) breath away. "And you know what that means?"
"What…?"
"It means no matter what problem 'ANEMO' faces, you'll always find a way out and help them," Thoma kept smiling softly, a tender green shade shimmering in his eyes. "Or am I wrong?"
"You…"
"Aether! Thoma!"
Their conversation was interrupted by a familiar voice from the end of the corridor. The guys turned their heads and saw a familiar ginger head approaching.
"Oh no…" Aether exhaled quietly, recognizing Tartaglia.
"What are you two doing here?" Childe asked, running up. "Isn't your meeting right now?"
Thoma silently pointed his thumb toward the door where shrill female screams echoed.
"Ah, got it," the ginger nodded, grinning widely. "Then screw them? Let's go eat?" Tartaglia draped an arm over Thoma's shoulder. "Thoma, why don't you visit me? I miss you, y'know," he leaned toward the blond's face, but Thoma turned away.
"Stop it, Childe."
"Hey! Is that how you talk to the buddy who helped you move? By the way, how's the room?"
"Fine, thanks," Thoma softened a little, remembering this ginger's connections had helped him move into the dorms almost at the end of assignments. Without Tartaglia, Thoma would've had to rent an apartment—which wasn't very… convenient.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Aether asked.
"I was heading to the faculty office," the ginger yawned briefly. "Professor Zhongli's here today, and I promised to stop by."
"Professor Zhongli's here?" Aether's face changed, staring surprised at Tartaglia.
"Yeah. Something happened with his nephew—gossip channel mentioned it…"
Aether was about to ask more, but a phone notification distracted him. The guy quickly pulled out his gadget and, seeing something, straightened sharply and jumped off the sill.
"Everything okay?" Thoma checked.
"Yeah, but I have to go. Tell Sara I felt sick," Aether grabbed his bag. "And Thoma, we'll talk next time, okay?"
"Sure," Thoma waved goodbye to the guy who quickly disappeared down the corridor. Poof, gone.
"What's with him? Miss Zhongli too?" the ginger quipped, earning a short chuckle.
"Hardly."
"Ah, right, yeah," Tartaglia rolled his eyes, remembering. "He's pining for the younger one."
Thoma pretended not to hear. He knew Aether was an "ANEMO" fan—Xiao in particular—but they'd never brought it up. And Thoma probably had no right to spread it.
"Listen, Childe," the blond stood from the sill. "While you're here. Can you help with something?"
"Of course, buddy—anything for you," the ginger flashed a happy grin. Why was he always so cheerful? Or was Professor Li's presence in the university walls affecting him?
"Can you censor a couple of your songs for the festival?"
12:24
Venti, 12:24
Aether, hurry to the main entrance!!!
Zhongli's here, he's with Xiao!
Come quick!
I'm waiting
AETHER!!!
Aether, 12:25
I'm coming, I'm coming!
The blond ran down the corridor toward the main entrance as fast as he could. He'd bolted so quickly to meet Venti that he hadn't even thought about why or where he was going. But it was too late to ponder: Aether was already turning into the main hall where he spotted a familiar head with twin short braids by the doors.
"Why'd you take so long?" the bard asked in a half-whisper.
"What?!" the breathless Aether stared indignantly. "You're seriously…"
"Shh," Venti suddenly clamped a hand over the blond's mouth. "Quiet," the guy frowned, glancing out the window, then nodding toward it to direct Aether. The blond followed Venti's gaze and saw, just a few meters away by the window, Xiao and Zhongli sitting on a bench having a pleasant chat. Aether's honey eyes widened in surprise; he turned back to Venti, trying to figure out what was happening and what the hell he was planning.
"Like you don't know," the brunet whispered. "Zhongli wants to take Xiao out of university."
Aether widened his eyes again, trying to peel the hand off his face.
"And where'd you even get that?" the blond whispered after exhaling.
"Think about it yourself," Venti narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at his friend's face, then turning back to the Li family outside. "Would Zhongli just show up for no reason? He rarely visits the university and only comes for holidays."
"And today…?"
"Yeah, today's the holiday 'save Xiao's ass from himself,'" the bard smirked. "And we're the main participants."
"You'll probably suggest we drink to that."
"Very funny," Venti stuck out his tongue briefly and turned back to the window, noticing Zhongli and his nephew stand from the bench and head toward the courtyard.
"Damn, they're leaving," Venti bolted up. "Come on, quick," the brunet grabbed Aether's hand and pulled him outside.
The blond had no idea what was going on or why Venti was dragging him.
"Wait! Where are we…"
"Don't you want to hear what they'll talk about?" the bard asked without turning. "I thought you stalked Xiao."
"Of course not!" And who was Aether trying to fool?
Venti stayed silent on that claim, continuing to pull the guy along through the corridor, passing wide open windows and trying not to lose sight of the two figures outside. Aether obediently trailed, legs moving. He fully understood eavesdropping on private conversations was very wrong and all that, but… What conscience was there when someone he cared about's fate might be decided right now? What if Xiao agreed and left somewhere? Vacation? Rehab? Treatment?
"Oh!" Venti exclaimed quietly, spotting their targets. Xiao and his uncle approached the porch canopy and stood near some bushes, continuing their conversation. Venti, still holding Aether's hand, darted to an open window, crouching so they wouldn't be seen.
Aether was in complete shock over this bullshit they were pulling. What if someone spotted them? Thank the gods it was the long break—few people around—but who knew…
"…there won't be issues with studies," the guitarist's familiar voice reached them. "Please don't worry about it."
Aether found it endearing that Xiao addressed his uncle formally.
"That's wonderful, but still try not to overwork yourself," Zhongli's voice was soft, caring… clearly concerned for his charge.
"You worry too much about me," Xiao replied after a pause. "There's no need."
Silence fell. Venti and Aether froze in such tension that any squeak or rustle felt like an unforgivable mistake right now. Aether had no idea what was happening. What were they talking about? Studies?
"Your condition, Xiao, can't help but worry me," the professor finally replied. "So I ask you to think about my proposal."
"I already said I don't want to leave anywhere," the guitarist's reply seemed too sharp to Aether. Apparently a sore topic. But one thought nagged the blond: if Xiao needed some kind of rehab or therapy in another "facility"—maybe it was for the best? Maybe he really should leave?
"Venti," Aether addressed his companion very quietly, almost inaudibly. "Listen. Maybe Zhongli's right?"
"What do you mean?" the bard whispered back.
"Maybe it's better for Xiao to leave? It would be… better for him?"
Venti looked thoughtful for a moment, then said:
"But you realize if he leaves, he probably won't come back?"
Aether flinched—the realization only hitting him now… If so, then… then…
"I'd very much like you to think about it again," Zhongli sighed briefly and quietly, like a father coaxing his son to see a doctor. It was extremely hard for him not to show concern for his charge's state. "But even if you refuse, I'll understand perfectly."
Aether and Venti exchanged surprised looks, and they heard the same in Xiao's voice:
"What?" he didn't hide his astonishment. "You're not against me staying?"
"Could I force you to leave university?" Zhongli said it like it was obvious, but then his voice softened, as if moving away. Venti and Aether immediately sat up to peek out the window and saw the professor and his nephew had stepped aside.
"What are you two doing?" a sharp whisper came from above. Aether and Venti shivered, turning in sync to whoever had caught them spying. It was Kazuha, sitting so close Aether nearly yelped in surprise. Kaedehara smiled, but… not very welcomingly, narrowing his eyes.
"Kazuha," Venti started quietly. "We just…"
"Decided to eavesdrop on a private conversation? Fine, Venti, but you…" he shot a suspicious ruby-eyed glance straight at Aether. "What are you even doing here?"
"Oh, Kazuha…" Venti tried to speak as quietly as possible. "Please, not now… This is really important."
The light-haired one looked puzzled but didn't ask extra questions.
"Xiao might leave," Aether added softly, but desperation tinged his voice. "For good…"
"What…?" Kazuha didn't hide his surprise. "Is he that bad?"
"We don't know, but… Since his uncle's here, it's serious, so…" Venti trailed off because he heard Zhongli's voice from outside:
"Don't blame Hu Tao—she's just as worried about you as I am."
Venti exchanged glances with Kazuha, who moved closer to the window and sat beside the guys. Apparently he'd gotten curious too? Aether was surprised by the decision but stayed silent, pretending he was a victim here, not the instigator. Though there was nothing shameful in worrying about someone "close" to you.
"With each day it gets worse and worse," Venti suddenly said. "Kazuha…"
Kaedehara turned to his former bandmate, looking with such… sadness and doubt, as if trying to solve a universal problem in his bright head, dimly aware nothing would come of it.
"You three."
Kazuha didn't manage to reply because he heard a familiar voice…
He, along with Aether and Venti, whipped around in horror toward the caller. It was Xiao, standing right by the window.
"Have you completely lost your minds?"