After the celebration had ended, everyone pitched in to clean up the dormâs living room. Venti hummed a tune as he gathered the remaining plates, Amber yawned dramatically while tossing out the streamers, and Ayaka neatly folded the used napkins, smiling at Kazuhaâs jokes. Lumine couldnât help but feel a warm sense of gratitude as she watched her friends work together.
When everything was spotless, they bid each other goodnight. Aether stretched his arms, exhaustion tugging at his expression. "Well, Iâm heading to bed," he announced, ruffling Lumineâs hair as he passed her. "Donât stay up too late."
"I wonât," she replied, waving him off. But she had no idea whatâor whoâwas waiting for her later that night.
Back in her room, Lumine sat cross-legged on her bed, playing with Snowball. The fluffy white cat pawed at a string toy, its wide eyes glowing under the dim bedside lamp. She giggled as Snowball pounced, letting out an adorable meow.
Meanwhile, a shadow slipped through her slightly ajar door. A sleek black cat padded silently across the floor, its violet eyes glowing mischievously. Snowballâs ears perked up, but instead of hissing or reacting aggressively, it blinked calmly, as if acknowledging the intruder.
The indigo cat leapt gracefully onto Lumineâs bed. Startled, she turned to it. "Kuni?" she whispered, narrowing her eyes. The cat stared at her for a moment before its form shimmered, a soft glow enveloping its body.
In seconds, Scaramouche stood there in his human form, his usual smirk firmly in place. "Youâre quick to recognize me now," he teased, settling himself beside her on the bed.
Lumine rolled her eyes, scooping up Snowball and placing it gently into its small plush bed in the corner of her room. "Youâre not exactly subtle," she replied, crossing her arms.
Scaramouche chuckled and leaned back, his sharp gaze softening as he watched her. She joined him on the bed, and without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
"You really couldnât wait until morning, could you?" Lumine teased, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Morning feels too far away," he murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Besides, whoâs going to stop me?"
Lumine laughed softly, her heart fluttering at his words. Before she could respond, he tilted her chin up and leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Her fingers clung to his shirt as he pulled her even closer, his free hand resting gently on her cheek.
When they finally broke apart, her cheeks were flushed, and her breaths were uneven. But before she could say anything, Scaramouche smirked, leaning in againânot to kiss her lips, but to press soft kisses along her face.
He started with her forehead, then moved to her temples, her nose, her cheeks, and even her jawline, each kiss slow and deliberate. Lumineâs laughter bubbled up uncontrollably, her giggles filling the room. "Kuni, stop! That tickles!" she squealed, trying to squirm away.
"Not a chance," he replied, his voice low and playful as he continued. "Youâre too cute when you laugh."
When he finally stopped, they both lay there in comfortable silence, Lumineâs head resting on his chest as his arms held her protectively. Snowball let out a small meow from its bed, as if approving of the scene.
"Youâre impossible," Lumine murmured sleepily, her eyes fluttering shut.
"And youâre irresistible," Scaramouche whispered, placing one final kiss on her forehead before they both drifted off, tangled in each otherâs warmth.