The apartment was quiet, the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen the only sound in the stillness of the night. Kuni lay curled up on the couch, his midnight fur blending seamlessly with the shadowy fabric. He had finally let himself drift into sleep after a long day of watching over Lumine, his ears occasionally twitching at the faint noises from outside.
But something stirred him from his rest.
A soft, muffled sound.
His ears perked up, and his indigo eyes opened in the dark. The sound came again, faint but unmistakableâsobs, coming from Lumineâs bedroom.
Kuni leapt down from the couch, landing silently on the floor. Padding toward her room, his steps were slow and cautious. The door was slightly ajar, and the soft glow of her bedside lamp spilled out into the hallway.
As he slipped through the opening, his heart sank at the sight before him.
Lumine was sitting on her bed, knees pulled to her chest and her face buried in her hands. Her shoulders shook as she let out quiet sobs, her usually bright expression now clouded with sadness.
---
Kuni hesitated for only a moment before jumping onto the bed. He approached her cautiously, his small frame pressing into the mattress with every step. When he reached her, he sat beside her, his tail curling around him as he let out a soft, questioning meow.
Lumine didnât respond.
Not wanting to give up, he nudged her with his head, his nose brushing against her arm. When she still didnât look at him, he gently licked her hand, his rough tongue a soft but insistent presence.
Finally, Lumineâs tearful eyes shifted to him.
âKuniâ¦â she whispered, her voice hoarse.
The sight of her tear-streaked face struck something deep within him. He let out another quiet meow, pressing his head against her hand as if to say, Iâm here.
---
Lumine sniffled, her fingers brushing over his soft fur. âYouâre always here for me, arenât you?â
Kuni purred in response, the low rumble filling the room like a soothing melody. He wished he could do moreâwipe away her tears, hold her, tell her she didnât have to face this alone. But for now, this was all he could offer.
She stroked his fur absently, her sobs gradually quieting as the comfort of his presence washed over her. âItâs just⦠everything feels so overwhelming sometimes,â she admitted softly. âSchool, responsibilities⦠I feel like Iâm not doing enough.â
Kuni stayed silent, his gaze never leaving hers.
Lumine let out a shaky sigh, leaning back against the headboard. âYou probably think Iâm silly for crying over this, huh?â
The cat climbed onto her lap, settling down and resting his head on her leg. His warmth was a silent reassurance, his indigo eyes telling her everything she needed to hear: Youâre not alone.
---
Minutes passed, and Lumineâs breathing grew steadier, her tears finally subsiding. She cradled Kuni in her arms, holding him close as if he were her lifeline.
âThank you,â she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kuni purred louder, his eyes closing as he allowed himself to relax.
In that moment, he realized something: more than protecting her, more than watching over her, he wanted to be the one who could take her pain away.
As Lumineâs breathing evened out and sleep finally claimed her, Kuni stayed awake, keeping his silent vigil by her side. For her, he would always be thereâno matter what.