Chapter 129: Chapter 122: One More Day

The school garden was alive with vibrant blooms and a soft breeze carrying the scent of fresh flowers. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting playful patterns across the wooden picnic table where the group had gathered for lunch.

Albedo was seated calmly at one end of the table, a notebook open in front of him. Ayaka gracefully sipped her tea beside him, her gentle smile complementing the peaceful setting. Venti was strumming a soft tune on his lyre, occasionally pausing to steal chips from Amber’s bag. Amber, on the other hand, was animatedly chatting with Lumine and Aether, their laughter ringing through the air.

Kazuha leaned back, his eyes closed as he soaked in the peaceful atmosphere, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Meanwhile, Scaramouche sat slightly apart from the group, his arms crossed and his usual sharp glare softened into something distant. His gaze occasionally flickered to Lumine, but every time their eyes almost met, he’d look away with a scowl.

“So, tomorrow’s the big day!” Amber said excitedly, breaking the chatter. “Prom is finally here, and everything’s ready!”

Ayaka nodded, placing her teacup down. “The preparations are complete, and Chiori even made sure our outfits were perfect.”

“I still can’t believe it’s tomorrow already,” Aether added, grinning. “Time flew by so quickly.”

“Ehe~ I can already picture myself dancing under the lights,” Venti said dreamily, plucking a whimsical tune from his lyre. “But the real question is… who will everyone’s dance partner be?”

Amber’s face flushed slightly as she shoved Venti’s shoulder. “Don’t start with that!”

Lumine chuckled softly at their antics, but her gaze subtly shifted to Scaramouche, who had remained unusually quiet. He was staring down at a half-eaten sandwich, his brows furrowed as if deep in thought.

Kazuha, ever perceptive, spoke up. “You seem distracted, Scaramouche. Something on your mind?”

The indigo-haired boy snapped out of his thoughts, his sharp glare returning momentarily. “Mind your own business, Kazuha.”

“Whoa, chill, Scara!” Aether raised his hands in surrender. “No need to bite.”

Lumine tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes watching Scaramouche carefully. “Are you feeling okay?”

Her voice was soft, gentle—like a breeze breaking through a storm. For a fleeting moment, Scaramouche’s expression softened, but he quickly turned away. “I’m fine. Just… tired.”

Amber, trying to ease the tension, clapped her hands together. “Well, whatever it is, we’ll all have fun tomorrow, right? It’s prom, after all!”

“Exactly!” Ayaka agreed with a warm smile. “It’s a chance to create wonderful memories together.”

As the conversation drifted back to lighthearted topics—discussing outfits, dance plans, and teasing Venti about his inevitable over-the-top prom speech—Scaramouche leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting to the sky.

The dream from the night before still lingered in his mind. The feeling of Lumine’s hand in his, the soft glow of moonlight on her face, and the warmth of her lips against his… it was maddening how real it felt.

Why can’t I stop thinking about it? he thought bitterly, his hand clenching into a fist under the table.

But then, as if sensing his turmoil, Lumine’s voice broke through his thoughts.

“Scaramouche?”

He looked at her, her golden eyes filled with concern and warmth. For a moment, the world seemed to pause.

“…Don’t overthink it, okay?” she said softly, her smile gentle yet reassuring.

His breath hitched slightly, but he quickly turned his head away. “Whatever.”

The group continued their lunch, laughter and chatter filling the air once more. Yet, even as the afternoon sun bathed them in warmth, Scaramouche’s mind remained clouded with thoughts of moonlit dances and golden eyes.

Tomorrow… he thought. Tomorrow, I need answers.

And as the breeze carried the faint scent of flowers through the garden, Scaramouche’s resolve quietly began to form.

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