The morning sunlight filtered through the apartment as Lumine prepared for school. She bustled around, packing her books and sketch supplies into her bag while Kuni watched her from his usual spot on the couch.
âAlright, Kuni,â she said, pulling on her shoes. âBe good while Iâm gone. Donât knock over any cups this time, okay?â
Kuni let out a low mrow, pretending to be indifferent, but his indigo eyes glinted with purpose. He watched her leave, the sound of the door clicking shut echoing in the room.
The moment the apartment was silent, Kuni leapt down from the couch. His form shimmered, and within seconds, Scaramouche stood in his place, stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders.
âSheâs too trusting,â he muttered, grabbing a small bag he had prepared the night before. Heâd spent hours thinking about this, and his decision was final. He wasnât going to leave Lumine unprotected in a world full of unpredictable people.
---
Lumine walked briskly toward her school, her headphones in and her mind occupied with the thought of an upcoming exam. She didnât notice the figure following her at a careful distance, keeping to the shadows when necessary.
Scaramouche kept his indigo hair tucked beneath a beanie, his dark attire blending into the background. He didnât mind being discreetâit was better if Lumine didnât notice him yet.
As he approached the school gates, he smirked to himself. Thanks to some well-forged documents and his ability to charm (or intimidate) when necessary, heâd managed to get himself enrolled under the name Scaramouche.
---
Lumine sat in her first class, chatting with her friend Amber while waiting for the teacher to arrive.
âDid you hear? Thereâs a new student joining today,â Amber said, leaning closer. âRumor has it heâs kind of... intimidating.â
Lumine tilted her head. âIntimidating? How so?â
Amber shrugged. âYou know how people talk. Probably just a rumor.â
Before Lumine could respond, the classroom door opened, and the teacher walked in, followed by a tall boy with sharp features and an air of quiet confidence.
âClass, this is Scaramouche,â the teacher announced. âHeâll be joining us starting today. Please make him feel welcome.â
Lumineâs eyes widened slightly as she took in the boyâs appearance. His indigo hair and piercing eyes were striking, and there was something about him that felt oddly familiar.
Scaramouche scanned the room, his gaze briefly meeting Lumineâs before moving on. He gave a curt nod to the class. âPleasure to meet you,â he said, his tone flat but polite.
---
As the day progressed, Scaramouche kept his distance from Lumine, blending into his new role as a student. He observed her interactions with her friendsâAmber, Kazuha, Ayaka, and Albedoâand noted how easily she laughed and smiled around them.
A strange pang of jealousy gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside. This wasnât about his feelings. It was about ensuring her safety.
During lunch, he purposefully chose a seat near Lumineâs group, pretending to scroll through his phone while subtly eavesdropping on their conversation.
âHave you met the new guy yet?â Amber asked, nudging Lumine.
âNot really,â Lumine replied, glancing over at Scaramoucheâs table. âHe seems... quiet.â
Scaramouche smirked faintly, overhearing her. Quiet, huh? Letâs keep it that way for now.
---
The school day ended without incident, and Lumine packed up her things, ready to head home. As she walked through the crowded halls, she couldnât shake the feeling of being watched. She glanced over her shoulder but saw nothing unusual.
Outside the gates, Scaramouche leaned casually against a lamppost, waiting for her to leave. Once she was far enough ahead, he followed, keeping to the shadows as always.
---
When Lumine arrived home, she kicked off her shoes and called out, âKuni, Iâm back!â
The cat was already perched on the couch, his tail swishing lazily.
âGood boy,â she said with a smile, scratching his ears. âYou wouldnât believe the day I had.â
Kuni let out a soft purr, hiding the smirk that threatened to cross his face. She had no idea what heâd been up to, and for now, that was exactly how he wanted it.