The night was serene, the faint hum of the city barely audible through the window. Lumine had retired to bed hours ago, leaving Kuni curled up on the couch. But Scaramouche couldnât sleep.
Restless thoughts plagued him, and he couldnât shake the unease creeping into his chest. Quietly, he leaped down from the couch and padded to the center of the living room. A soft shimmer of light surrounded him as he shifted into his human form.
Now standing in his true form, Scaramouche ran a hand through his indigo hair, frustration evident on his face. âWhat am I doing?â he murmured under his breath. âWhy am I staying here? Watching over her like this? Sheââ
He stopped mid-sentence when he heard the creak of a door.
---
Lumine stood in the doorway to her bedroom, her golden eyes wide with shock. âScaramouche?â she asked, her voice laced with confusion and disbelief. âWhat are you doing here? How did you even get in?â
Scaramouche froze, his heart racing. He hadnât heard her approach, and now he was caught. His mind scrambled for an explanation, but nothing plausible came to mind.
âIâ¦â he started, his tone hesitant. âI was justââ
âYou were trespassing?â Lumine cut him off, stepping closer with furrowed brows. âAnd why are you here in the middle of the night? Waitââ She suddenly paused, her eyes narrowing. âHow did you know where I live?â
Scaramouche opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, a realization seemed to dawn on her. Her expression shifted from confusion to something far more alarming. âYouâve been following me, havenât you?â
---
He bit his lip, taking a small step back as her words hit him. He couldnât let her figure out the full truthânot yet.
âIâ¦â Scaramouche started again, his voice steadier this time, âI wasnâtââ
Before he could finish, a soft glow surrounded him once more. His body began to shrink, his midnight fur replacing his indigo hair. Within seconds, he was back in his cat form, sitting on the floor and looking up at her with wide, innocent eyes.
Lumine gasped audibly, her hand flying to her mouth. âYou⦠Kuni?â
The realization hit her like a tidal wave. She stumbled back, gripping the edge of the table for support as she stared at the small cat in front of her. âYouâre him? All this time? Youâre not just a catâyouâre Scaramouche!â
Kuniânow Scaramouche in cat formâlowered his head, letting out a soft meow that almost sounded apologetic.
---
Lumine paced back and forth, her mind racing. âThis doesnât make sense,â she muttered, glancing back at him. âYou gave me your jacket⦠we talked, and youâreâ¦â
She crouched down to his level, her golden eyes locking onto his deep indigo ones. âYouâre not just some random guy, are you? Youâve been here, with me, this whole time. Watching me. Protecting me.â
Kuni let out another meow, this time softer, almost as if confirming her words.
Lumine sat back on the floor, her head spinning. âWhy?â she whispered, more to herself than to him. âWhy would you stay here like this? Why pretend to be a cat?â
---
Scaramouche watched her carefully, his feline form betraying none of the turmoil he felt inside. He wanted to explain everythingâto tell her why he had chosen to stay by her side. But for now, he could only hope she wouldnât push him away.
Lumine exhaled deeply, her expression softening as she reached out to gently touch his head. âYouâre a strange one, Scaramouche,â she said, her voice trembling slightly. âBut⦠I guess I owe you for everything youâve done.â
Her fingers brushed through his fur, and he closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. He couldnât speak, but in that moment, her acceptance meant more than words ever could.
For now, the truth was outâand though he didnât know what would happen next, Scaramouche felt a small flicker of hope.