Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Eyes of Jealousy

⚠️ SLIGHT KAZULUMI🙇🏻‍♀️🎀⚠️

The camping trip had been going smoothly—or as smoothly as it could with Venti causing chaos every ten minutes, Amber attempting to climb every tree she saw, and Albedo keeping a scientific journal about… rocks.

Lumine, however, had been enjoying herself. The morning sun cast a warm glow over the lake, and the group had decided to split into pairs for a kayaking activity.

“Alright, everyone!” their coach called out. “Get into pairs, grab a kayak, and remember—safety first!”

Venti immediately grabbed Lumine’s arm. “Partner!”

Before Lumine could reply, Amber tackled Venti out of the way, grabbing Lumine’s other arm. “Nope! She’s mine!”

Kazuha chuckled lightly from the side. “Perhaps we should let Lumine decide.”

Scaramouche, still in his cat form and perched on a nearby bench, narrowed his violet eyes as he watched the interaction unfold. His tail twitched with annoyance, and if looks could kill, everyone near Lumine would’ve dropped on the spot.

In the end, Lumine ended up paired with Kazuha, much to the very vocal disappointment of Venti and Amber.

---

On the Water

The lake sparkled under the sunlight as Lumine and Kazuha paddled smoothly across its surface.

“You’re good at this,” Lumine remarked, her paddle slicing effortlessly through the water.

Kazuha smiled softly. “The trick is to let the water guide you, rather than fighting against it.”

Lumine rolled her eyes playfully. “That’s very poetic of you.”

Their kayak glided past the others, with Amber and Venti nearly flipping theirs over as they bickered, and Albedo attempting to collect water samples with a tiny vial.

On the shore, Scaramouche sat in cat form, his tail flicking furiously as he watched Kazuha and Lumine laugh together.

Amber’s voice carried over the water. “Look! Kazuha and Lumine are the picture-perfect couple!”

“Amber!” Lumine exclaimed, her face heating up.

Kazuha chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Ignore her.”

But Scaramouche’s glare could’ve burned holes through Kazuha’s head.

---

Back on Shore

The kayaking session ended, and everyone gathered back on land. Lumine stretched her arms above her head, her golden hair catching the light.

Scaramouche, still in his cat form, strutted up to her with his usual smug demeanor.

“Oh hey, Kuni!” Lumine bent down to scoop him up, but the cat turned his head away dramatically.

“Kuni?” Lumine blinked. “Are you… mad at me?”

He let out a low mrow before hopping out of her reach and padding off toward the tents.

Amber walked up with a grin. “Aww, is your little furball jealous, Lumi?”

Lumine sighed. “Honestly, it feels like he is.”

---

That Evening

The campfire crackled as the group huddled around it, the smell of roasted marshmallows and smoke filling the air.

Lumine sat beside Kazuha, who was calmly roasting a marshmallow with perfect precision. Across from them, Venti was dramatically telling a ghost story while Amber hid behind Albedo, clutching his sleeve.

Scaramouche had shifted back to his human form when no one was looking and leaned casually against a tree behind Lumine. His sharp eyes flickered over to her and Kazuha occasionally, his arms crossed over his chest.

“Lumine,” Kazuha said softly, holding out the perfectly roasted marshmallow.

She smiled brightly, taking it from him. “Thanks, Kazuha!”

From the shadows, Scaramouche’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits.

---

Later That Night

Lumine was walking back to her tent alone, enjoying the peaceful quiet of the forest. The stars twinkled above, and the cool breeze rustled the leaves.

Just as she reached her tent, she froze when she felt someone’s presence behind her.

Turning her head slightly, she found Scaramouche standing there in his human form, his arms crossed and a sharp look in his violet eyes.

“Kuni?” she said softly. “What’s wrong?”

He stepped closer, closing the distance between them. “You’ve been awfully cozy with Kazuha today.”

Lumine blinked. “Wait, are you—are you seriously mad about that?”

Scaramouche leaned down, his face inches from hers. “Do I look like I’m joking, Lumine?”

His voice was low, almost a growl, and Lumine felt her face heat up as she took a step back. But Scaramouche didn’t let her escape; his hand shot out, pressing against the tree behind her, effectively trapping her in place.

“You… you’re being ridiculous,” Lumine stammered, trying to avoid his intense gaze.

“Ridiculous?” Scaramouche scoffed. “You’re laughing with him, smiling with him… Do you have any idea how annoying that was to watch?”

Lumine sighed, her shoulders relaxing slightly. “Kuni… You’re jealous again, aren’t you?”

Scaramouche’s expression froze for a moment before he clicked his tongue and looked away. “Tch. No, I’m not.”

Lumine smirked slightly. “You totally are.”

“Shut up,” he muttered, glaring down at her.

There was a brief moment of silence before Lumine poked his chest lightly. “You’re cute when you’re jealous, you know that?”

Scaramouche’s face turned a faint shade of pink, and he immediately stepped back, turning away from her with an annoyed huff.

“Just… go to sleep already,” he muttered, his voice gruff.

Lumine couldn’t help but giggle as she stepped into her tent. “Goodnight, Kuni.”

As she zipped up the tent, she caught a glimpse of Scaramouche standing there under the moonlight, his expression softening slightly as he watched her disappear inside.

“Goodnight, Lumine,” he murmured under his breath before turning away and disappearing into the shadows.

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End of Chapter 43