The apartment was filled with a warm glow from the dim lighting as Lumine settled into her nightly routine. After a quick dinner, she lounged on the couch, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone. Kuni, as always, was by her side, his sleek midnight fur blending with the shadows around him.
âYou know, Kuni,â Lumine began, her voice light, âsometimes I think youâre more than just a cat.â
Her words made Scaramoucheâs ears twitch. He glanced at her from his curled-up position, careful to maintain his innocent feline expression.
âYou always seem to know when Iâm feeling down or when I need someone around,â she continued, reaching out to gently scratch his head. âItâs almost like youâre watching over me.â
You have no idea how true that is, Scaramouche thought, suppressing the urge to smirk in his cat form.
---
The clock ticked past 10 PM as Lumine sighed, setting her phone aside. âUgh, Iâve got so much to do tomorrow,â she muttered, leaning back into the couch. âWhy does being a student have to be so exhausting?â
Kuni meowed softly, hopping onto her lap. He pressed his head against her hand, nuzzling it with affection.
âAww, you always know how to cheer me up,â Lumine said, stroking his fur. âYouâre the best, Kuni.â
Scaramouche purred in response, though inside, he felt a twinge of guilt. He wasnât just her comforting petâhe was someone keeping secrets from her, watching her life unfold from two different perspectives.
---
As the night deepened, Lumine eventually dozed off on the couch, her breathing steady and peaceful. Kuni remained by her side, his sharp indigo eyes scanning the room.
Sheâs so vulnerable when she sleeps, he mused, his gaze softening as he looked at her. How can someone like her be so kind and trusting in a world that doesnât deserve it?
Careful not to disturb her, Kuni jumped down from the couch and padded toward the window. The city outside was quiet, the occasional car passing by below. Scaramoucheâs thoughts were a whirlwind.
What am I doing here? he wondered. Iâm supposed to be looking out for her, but being close to her like this⦠itâs getting harder to keep my distance.
---
The soft sound of Lumine stirring snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see her blinking awake, her eyes heavy with sleep.
âKuni?â she mumbled, her voice groggy.
He leaped back onto the couch, curling up beside her and letting out a reassuring purr.
âYouâre always here, huh?â she whispered, her lips curling into a faint smile. âIâm so lucky to have you.â
As she drifted back to sleep, Scaramouche lay beside her, his mind conflicted yet comforted by her presence.
Youâre the lucky one? he thought bitterly. No, Lumine. Itâs me. Even if you donât know it yet.