The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft light over the sleeping forms scattered throughout Lumineâs apartment. Amber was draped over the couch, one arm dangling off the side. Ayaka had claimed the recliner, her blanket neatly tucked around her. Albedo and Kazuha were sprawled out on the floor, surrounded by pillows they had stolen during the night.
Lumine stirred in her bed, still half-asleep. Her hand instinctively reached out, expecting to find Kuni curled up beside her. But her fingers touched nothing but the empty mattress.
âKuni?â she mumbled groggily, sitting up.
The door to her bedroom was slightly ajar, and the faint sound of movement drew her attention. Curious, she slipped out of bed and padded into the living room.
---
Kuni, in his human form, stood by the kitchen counter, his indigo hair slightly disheveled. He had spent the night keeping watch, unable to shake the unease that always crept in when Lumine was surrounded by others. Seeing her peaceful among her friends had soothed him to an extent, but it didnât stop the nagging feeling of wanting to be the only one she relied on.
He ran a hand through his hair, glancing back at the group. Lumineâs friends were all still asleep, their laughter and energy from the previous night replaced with quiet snores.
âI donât get it,â he muttered to himself. âWhy do I feel like this?â
He turned his gaze toward Lumineâs closed bedroom door. She had always been kind to him, even when he didnât deserve it. But now, seeing her surrounded by others who shared in her warmth, he couldnât help but feel⦠jealous.
The faint sound of footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts. In an instant, he shifted back into his cat form, leaping up onto the counter just as Lumine entered the kitchen.
---
âKuni?â she said, spotting the midnight-furred cat perched on the counter.
The cat tilted his head, letting out a soft meow.
âYouâre up early,â she said with a small smile, reaching out to pet him. âDidnât get much sleep with all the noise last night?â
Kuni nuzzled her hand, purring quietly. He couldnât exactly tell her that he had spent most of the night pacing in frustration, torn between his protective instincts and his growing attachment to her.
Lumine let out a small laugh. âYou really are the clingiest cat Iâve ever met.â
If only she knew.
---
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of groggy laughter and shared breakfast. Amber, ever the ball of energy, had somehow convinced everyone to help make pancakes, though most of the group ended up covered in flour.
âKuni, youâre lucky you donât have to deal with this,â Amber said, scooping up the cat once again.
Kuni squirmed in her grasp, letting out a sharp meow that made everyone laugh.
âHeâs not a fan of the chaos,â Albedo observed, smirking as he flipped a pancake.
âWho would be?â Kazuha added, brushing flour off his shirt.
Lumine watched the scene unfold with a soft smile. Despite the mess, it was moments like this that reminded her why she valued her friends so much.
---
Later that afternoon, after her friends had left and the apartment was finally quiet, Lumine sank onto the couch with a sigh. Kuni hopped up beside her, curling up against her side.
âThanks for sticking around,â she said, stroking his fur.
The cat purred in response, his indigo eyes watching her intently.
She leaned her head back against the couch, her eyes closing as she let herself relax. âSometimes I feel like youâre the only one who really understands me, Kuni.â
His purring grew louder, and he nuzzled her hand. If only she knew how true her words were.
For now, though, he was content to stay by her side, silently protecting her from the world and from the feelings he couldnât quite name.