Chapter 118: Chapter 111: "The Announcement"

The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter and faint scribbling of pens on paper as the students settled into their seats. Albedo was already absorbed in his notes, Ayaka sat elegantly with her textbook open, and Amber was twirling her pen absentmindedly. Lumine leaned against her desk, whispering something to Venti, who was trying not to fall asleep.

Aether, seated beside his twin, glanced at Scaramouche, who was lounging in his chair with arms crossed and an annoyed look permanently etched on his face.

Their teacher, Ms. Yae Miko, sauntered into the classroom, heels clicking against the floor. The room instantly fell silent.

“Good morning, my adorable little students,” Miko greeted with a sly smile, her gaze sweeping over them. “I have some exciting news for all of you.”

The room collectively braced itself. When Yae Miko said something was exciting, it was rarely ever as innocent as it sounded.

“We’re going to have a PROM in four weeks!” she announced, clasping her hands together dramatically.

The room exploded into chaos.

“A PROM?!” Amber practically leapt out of her chair.

“No way…” Ayaka said softly, already blushing at the thought.

“Oh Archons…” Venti groaned, flopping face-first onto his desk.

“Fascinating,” Albedo muttered, jotting down notes as if analyzing prom was a scientific experiment.

Lumine blinked, stunned. “A… prom? Already?”

Ms. Yae Miko grinned. “That’s right! But don’t get too carried away. It’s after the upcoming periodical exams. So, if you want to enjoy the prom, you’d better study hard.”

Aether sighed, rubbing his temples. “Exams and a prom… this school really knows how to keep us stressed.”

Scaramouche rolled his eyes. “Oh great, now we’ll have to deal with overenthusiastic teenagers and poorly chosen outfits.”

Venti peeked up from his desk, smirking. “Don’t act like you’re not already planning your dark and mysterious outfit, Kuni.”

Scaramouche shot him a sharp glare. “Shut it, windbag.”

Amber leaned closer to Lumine, practically vibrating with excitement. “Lumine! Do you think anyone will ask you to the prom?!”

Lumine blinked, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. “H-Huh? I… I haven’t thought about it…”

From across the room, Scaramouche’s sharp gaze flickered to Lumine at Amber’s question before he quickly looked away, tapping his pencil against his desk.

Yae Miko clapped her hands again. “Alright, alright, settle down, children. You have four weeks to prepare. Now, let’s get back to today’s lesson before you all start writing prom proposals on your notebooks.”

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Lunch Break – Chaos Ensues

The cafeteria was packed, students buzzing with excitement over the prom announcement.

Amber was already discussing dress ideas with Ayaka while Albedo listened quietly, adding logical advice here and there. Venti was making exaggerated poses about ‘how he would dramatically descend the staircase at prom’ while Kazuha watched with an amused smile.

Lumine sat beside Aether, quietly eating her lunch. Snowball—who had somehow made it into the cafeteria in Lumine’s bag—peeked out and meowed softly.

Scaramouche, with his tray, dropped into the seat across from Lumine. “This prom nonsense is already getting on my nerves.”

Aether smirked. “What, afraid no one’s going to ask you to dance, Kuni?”

Scaramouche shot him a glare. “I’d rather set the dance floor on fire than dance with anyone here.”

“Careful,” Venti piped up, grinning. “You’re starting to sound like you care, Kuni~”

Scaramouche slammed his fork down. “Stop. Calling. Me. That.”

Lumine stifled a laugh behind her hand, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement. “You guys are too much.”

Amber leaned across the table, resting her chin on her hands. “Sooo, Lumine, do you have anyone in mind to go with?”

The question caught Lumine off guard. “W-What? N-No!”

Scaramouche’s gaze snapped to Lumine for a split second before he looked away again, his jaw tightening.

Aether grinned mischievously. “Better be careful, sis. With him around—” he tilted his head toward Scaramouche, “—you might not have much of a choice.”

Scaramouche kicked Aether’s shin under the table.

“Ow! Hey!” Aether hissed.

Snowball meowed loudly, startling everyone.

Venti sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. “Ah, the smell of teenage tension and unspoken confessions… truly a fine delicacy.”

Albedo, ever the logical one, adjusted his glasses. “Perhaps we should focus on preparing for the exams first before deciding who will attend the prom with whom.”

Amber nodded. “Albedo’s right. Let’s study hard first, then we’ll worry about dates and outfits!”

Kazuha smiled gently. “Wise words, as always, Albedo.”

As the conversation gradually shifted back to lunch and casual banter, Scaramouche glanced briefly at Lumine, who was gently petting Snowball.

His thoughts were a chaotic mess, but one thing was clear—this prom was going to be… complicated.