The following morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the apartment. Lumine groggily stepped out of her bedroom, still trying to process the events of the previous night. Her thoughts were consumed with one question: What was she supposed to do now?
Kuni sat on the counter, watching her with an unreadable expression in his indigo eyes. He didnât move or meow, just stared, as if waiting to see how she would act.
Lumine caught his gaze and let out a small sigh. âMorning, Scaramouche,â she said, her tone light but with a hint of teasing. âOr should I say Kuni? Honestly, I donât even know what to call you anymore.â
Kuniâs tail flicked lazily as he let out a soft purr, his way of responding without giving too much away.
---
As Lumine prepared breakfast, she found herself sneaking glances at the small cat on her counter. âYouâre oddly quiet today,â she commented, cracking an egg into a pan. âNo smug meows or sudden jumps onto my papers? Are you planning something?â
The cat tilted his head, giving her an innocent look.
âUh-huh, sure,â Lumine muttered, rolling her eyes.
She set a small dish of milk on the counter for him and then sat down to eat her toast. As she chewed, she couldnât help but chuckle softly. âYou know, itâs kind of funny. I used to talk to you all the time when I thought you were just a cat. Now that I know you can actually understand me, it feels⦠weird.â
Kuni let out a quiet meow, as if encouraging her to keep talking.
âI guess it doesnât matter,â Lumine continued. âYouâve been here for me when I needed someone, and I wonât forget that. But youâve got some explaining to do eventually, okay? I deserve to know why youâre here.â
---
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Lumine spent her time cleaning the apartment and finishing up some homework. Kuni stayed close by, following her from room to room like a silent shadow.
By evening, Lumine was sprawled on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Kuni leapt onto the armrest, curling up beside her.
âYouâre really sticking to this âsilent protectorâ thing, huh?â Lumine joked, glancing at him. âI guess I donât mind. Itâs kind of nice knowing youâre always around.â
Scaramouche, in his cat form, felt a twinge of guilt. She didnât know the full truthâabout why he stayed, about who he truly wasâbut her words warmed something in his chest.
---
As the night wore on, Lumine eventually dozed off on the couch, her phone slipping from her hand. Scaramouche watched her sleep, his indigo eyes softening.
In that quiet moment, he allowed himself to shift into his human form. He sat on the floor beside her, his gaze lingering on her peaceful face.
âYouâre too kind for your own good,â he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. âIf only you knew what youâre getting yourself into by letting me stay.â
But even as he spoke, he knew he couldnât bring himself to leave. For better or worse, he was bound to her now.
When Lumine stirred slightly, he quickly transformed back into his cat form, curling up at her side. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face themâall to stay by her side.