Deathly Headache and The Idol

I woke up the next morning with a killer headache. I used my abilities way too much yesterday. I was way too tired to even care about the pain yesterday, but now all of it is kicking in at once.

"Ugh…"

I continued on the daily routine, albeit a bit sluggish. I was thinking of just warping to school, but then realized that by doing that I will only worsen my state. I worry about my state in the future. If this goes on, I'm afraid I'll lose consciousness at some point.

As I was walking to school, I came across Albedo.

"Oh, good morning Aether… You look deathly pale. What happened?"

"I've got a headache after an endless battle yesterday at Stormterror's lair."

I then proceeded to explain everything to him. Of course, I left out the parts that will reveal Venti's identity. We walked to school together with Albedo matching my pace. When we arrived at the gates, I quickly spotted the girls. Even Amber was with them.

"H-hey, goodmorning." I said as I waved at them. They quickly realized something was wrong and ran over to me as fast as they could.

"Why are you so deathly pale?! What happened yesterday?!" said Mona in a panic. Ah, I feel so bad for making her worry like this. I proceeded to explain the events to them like how I did with Albedo. However, I started to wobble halfway.

"I seriously should have regulated my ability usage…"

I was feeling like I was going to barf. Damnit, I haven't felt like this before. Why the hell did I come to school? I feel like I'll fall down at any minute. I should train more. Anyways, I continued my explanation.

After that, we headed to the classroom and went on with the day as usual. Although, there was a time where I was almost brought to the clinic. Barbara and Noelle just wouldn't stop. She even sat beside me just to make sure that I was okay. Seriously, those girls.

---

"Finally, I thought I was gonna die." I said as I laid back on my seat. Today was the worst for me.

We were now eating in a family diner. I just realized that I haven't actually eaten in a diner in this before and gotta say, why didn't I do this before? The food was so delicious. Ah, I really want to eat here again. Should I take Mona here sometimes?

I looked at her since she was just beside me and our eyes met. Wait, was she staring at me eating? No fair, I was trying so hard to not stare at her. I sighed and just continued on eating. I feel out of place right now actually. Since Albedo didn't come, I was the only dude here.

"Oh? Hello Aether!"

A voice suddenly called out so I looked behind me. It was the bard Venti.

"Fancy seeing you here. Oh wow, you're with Barbara!"

As soon as he yelled Barbara's name, the diner suddenly became noisy. Ah, I feel like my headache will come back again. As I was thinking that, a lot of people started crowding around us.

"It is the Deaconess Barbara!" "How could I not notice?!" "Ah! Noelle is also with her!"

Oh no. Our table was getting even more crowded by the minute. I need to do something about this… Should I just warp us out of here? No, I haven't tried it yet so it might be a little too risky.

"Um, please come one by one…" said Barbara.

"I'll do my best to help you if you need something…" said Noelle.

They both sound a bit tensed out by this sudden shift in the atmosphere. I sighed and just decided to open my mouth.

"We're eating right now. Could you please save your request for later?" I said in the friendliest tone I could. It was hard not to sound rude though. I mean, who wouldn't get annoyed with this? Luckily, Amber also helped out and we were now eating in peace once again.

I looked at the source of all of this with a bit of annoyance. He just giggled and took a seat behind mine. I guess he wants to talk about something.

"Dvalin has been a bit more active recently. I think we should lay low for a while since the Abyss Order is also more active."

"Sigh… Alright. That means the scheduled meeting?"

"Oh, we will still do that since there's a statue there that you have missed. You need to get every single one. Believe me, it will be useful in the future."

He then continued to explain that the statues will heal me no matter the injury. Well, that's just awesome. I'll be able to warp there during battle so that I could heal up as well. Although, wouldn't that just be more tiring?

"Aether? Who are you talking to?" said Mona with a worried look on her face as she looked from behind me to my face.

I was confused by her expression so I looked behind me and saw that Venti was gone.

"I think he just left. He was here earlier when you were talking with the others."

"Is that so...I think we should just head home so you can rest."

Does she think that I have gone mad? Please don't tell me she's really thinking that. I sighed and just resolved myself to tell her that she has the wrong idea. However, as soon as we stood up, people started blocking our way and went to Barbara and Noelle. Not again.

"Barbara-sama, can I get an autograph?" "Noelle, can you help me find a gift for my boyfriend?"

"Um…" they both said in unison. They then both looked at me with pleading eyes before looking back at the crowd and complying with their requests.

I didn't actually know that they were this popular. Especially Barbara. I asked Mona, Fischl, and Amber for more information and they told me that Barbara was actually an idol of Mondstadt. Well, at least all of this makes sense now. We decided to wait for Barbara and Noelle outside. It seems like it'll rain.

---

A while later Barbara and Noelle came outside and they looked pretty much worn out. I gave them a little wave and a smile before I walked over to them. However, as soon as I reached them, it started to rain. I can't really let the other girls walk home like this. I mean, this is a diner close to my dorm.

"Wanna stay over at my dorm until the rain stops?" I said as the rain kept on intensifying. They all nodded so we all made a run for it.