The evening sun cast long shadows across the dorm hallway as Lumine and Scaramouche walked side by side. The tension from earlier still lingered faintly, but there was a mutual understanding between them now. Snowball trotted happily behind Lumine, her tiny paws pattering against the polished floors.
As they approached the common area, voices could be heardâAmberâs cheerful laughter, Venti humming an off-tune melody, and Aetherâs unmistakable voice, firm yet calm.
Scaramouche stopped walking, his hand clenching into a fist at his side. Lumine noticed and turned to face him.
âYouâre not backing out now, are you?â she asked softly.
Scaramouche let out a sharp breath, looking away. âNo⦠just give me a second.â
Lumine smiled and nodded before stepping into the common area first.
The group was scattered around the room. Amber was lounging on a beanbag chair, Ayaka and Albedo were sitting by the window discussing homework, and Venti was playing with Snowball, who had scurried over excitedly. Aether was sitting on the couch, arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on the floor.
When Lumine stepped in, all eyes turned to herâand then to the doorway, where Scaramouche was slowly walking in behind her.
The room fell silent.
Amberâs smile faltered slightly. Ayakaâs lips pressed into a thin line. Aetherâs jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
âUh⦠hey,â Scaramouche said, shoving his hands into his pockets and avoiding everyoneâs gaze.
Lumine stepped forward, breaking the silence. âScaramouche has something he wants to say.â
The tension in the room felt suffocating as Scaramouche exhaled sharply and looked straight at Aether.
âI⦠I messed up,â he said bluntly. âI lost control, and I shouldnât have punched you. It was out of line, and Iâm⦠sorry.â
Aetherâs amber eyes locked with Scaramoucheâs violet ones. For a moment, no one said anything.
Then Aether stood up, walking toward Scaramouche. The room collectively held its breath.
âDo you mean it?â Aether asked, his voice calm but firm.
Scaramouche nodded, his gaze steady. âYeah. I do.â
Aetherâs shoulders relaxed slightly. âThen⦠I forgive you. But if you ever pull something like that againââ
âI wonât,â Scaramouche interrupted, his voice firm. âI promise.â
The two boys stared at each other for a few seconds longer before Aether extended his hand. Scaramouche hesitated but then shook it.
Amber let out an audible sigh of relief. âOh thank Archons! The drama was getting exhausting!â
Venti flopped onto the couch dramatically. âI thought weâd have to separate you two again. My poor heart couldnât take it!â
Ayaka smiled softly, and Albedo gave a small nod of approval.
Snowball meowed loudly, seemingly annoyed at being ignored.
Lumine chuckled, relief washing over her face. âWell, I guess we can officially call this resolved.â
---
Later that Nightâ¦
The group had returned to their usual dynamic, with laughter and lighthearted teasing filling the dormâs common area. Scaramouche was sitting on the floor beside Lumine, tossing a small toy for Snowball to chase.
Aether sat across from them, occasionally glancing at Scaramouche but saying nothing more.
âAlright!â Amber announced suddenly. âGroup movie night again, anyone?â
Venti groaned. âNot another movie night. My back still hurts from sleeping on that mountain of pillows last time!â
Ayaka giggled. âYou could just sit on the couch like a normal person, Venti.â
As the group bickered about movie choices and seating arrangements, Lumine leaned slightly toward Scaramouche.
âYou did good today,â she said softly.
Scaramouche glanced at her out of the corner of his eye before smirking faintly. âOf course I did. Iâm amazing, after all.â
Lumine rolled her eyes but smiled. Snowball crawled into Scaramoucheâs lap, curling into a tiny ball.
For the first time in days, the air felt light again. Scaramouche leaned back against the couch, his usual sass slowly creeping back into his voice as he made a sarcastic remark about Ventiâs movie taste.
The night stretched on, and though things werenât perfect, the group felt whole again.