Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Under the Stars

Slightly Kazulumi cuz why not?🎀

The final night of the school camping trip had arrived, and the sky was painted with a sea of stars, scattered like glitter across an endless canvas. The students had gathered in an open clearing, blankets spread on the grass as they gazed up at the breathtaking night sky.

Lumine sat cross-legged on a shared blanket with Amber and Mona, her golden eyes reflecting the twinkling lights above. Venti was nearby, bundled in his own blanket while keeping a safe distance from Kuni, who had somehow snuck onto the camping trip and was now curled up on Lumine’s lap.

“Ah, the stars are so pretty tonight!” Amber exclaimed, leaning back on her elbows. “It’s like they’re putting on a show just for us!”

“They remind me of stories,” Mona said, her voice dreamy as she traced imaginary constellations with her finger.

Lumine smiled softly, stroking Kuni’s fur absentmindedly. “It’s peaceful, isn’t it? Moments like these make everything else feel… smaller somehow.”

---

On the other side of the clearing, Kazuha stood beneath a tree, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The faint glow of the stars illuminated his calm face as the night breeze played with his silver hair. Spotting him, Lumine gently lifted Kuni off her lap and set him down on Amber’s blanket.

“I’ll be right back,” she said softly before walking over to Kazuha.

Amber smirked. “Oho~ someone’s sneaking off for a romantic chat!”

Venti chimed in from his bundle of blankets. “Do I hear the faint sound of poetry and longing gazes in the distance?”

“Shush!” Lumine called back, her face flushed.

---

Kazuha noticed her approach and smiled warmly. “Lumine. Couldn’t resist the quiet out here either, huh?”

She stopped beside him, hugging her arms against the cool night air. “I noticed you standing here all by yourself. Thought you might need some company.”

Kazuha’s gaze returned to the sky, his voice soft and contemplative. “The stars tonight… they remind me of home. The vastness, the quiet… it’s humbling, isn’t it?”

Lumine followed his gaze, her own voice gentle. “Yeah. It feels like they’re watching over us, carrying our wishes somewhere far away.”

Kazuha chuckled lightly. “That’s a beautiful thought, Lumine. You always know how to see the world in such a warm light.”

She looked at him, her cheeks slightly pink. “You’re too poetic for your own good, Kazuha.”

A comfortable silence settled between them as they stood under the vast sky.

But, unknown to them, a pair of sharp indigo eyes were watching from the shadows.

---

Scaramouche, in his human form but concealed behind a tree, narrowed his eyes as he watched the two standing together. His arms were crossed over his chest, and irritation was written all over his face.

“Why does she look so comfortable around him? Why is he standing so close to her?”

His grip on his arm tightened, but before he could step forward, Amber and Venti appeared on either side of him.

“Well, well, if it isn’t someone sulking in the shadows!” Amber said with a sly grin.

Venti leaned closer, his mischievous smirk widening. “Jealous much, Scaramouche? Or should I say… Kuni~?”

Scaramouche’s head snapped toward them, his glare sharp enough to cut glass. “Shut it, both of you.”

Amber giggled. “Aww, don’t be like that! Look at you, all broody and intense. You should just go over there and tell her how you really feel.”

Venti let out an exaggerated sigh. “Ah, young love. So tragic, so melodramatic. Truly a tale for the ages.”

Scaramouche growled lowly, but instead of responding, he turned on his heel and stalked away into the night, his coat billowing behind him.

Amber and Venti exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter.

---

Back with Kazuha and Lumine, the two had settled down on the grass, sitting side by side. Lumine had her arms wrapped around her knees as she stared up at the sky.

“Kazuha,” she started softly, “Do you ever think about what the future holds?”

He looked at her, his expression serene. “All the time. But I’ve learned not to fear it. The future is uncertain, but as long as we keep moving forward, I believe we’ll find our path.”

Lumine smiled. “You always know the right thing to say.”

Before Kazuha could reply, a sharp gust of wind blew past them, and they both turned their heads to see Scaramouche walking away into the shadows. Lumine frowned slightly, concern flickering across her face.

“Kazuha… I think I should go check on him.”

Kazuha nodded, a soft smile on his lips. “Go. He probably needs someone right now.”

Lumine stood and gave him a grateful look before hurrying in the direction Scaramouche had disappeared.

---

She found him sitting on a large rock away from the group, his back to her as he stared at the sky with his usual scowl.

“Scaramouche?” she called gently.

He flinched slightly but didn’t turn around. “…What do you want?”

Lumine stepped closer, wrapping her arms around herself. “Why did you walk away like that? Did something happen?”

Scaramouche finally turned his head, his indigo eyes sharp yet vulnerable. “Nothing. Go back to your perfect little moment with Kazuha.”

Lumine blinked, realization dawning on her. “Wait… are you—are you jealous?”

His face flushed a deep crimson, and he immediately looked away. “As if. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Lumine couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible, Scaramouche.”

She walked over and sat beside him, their shoulders almost touching.

“…You know,” she said softly, “No matter who I talk to, you’re still… you. You’re still the one who’s been by my side all this time.”

Scaramouche’s gaze flickered toward her, his expression softening just a fraction.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The stars twinkled overhead, and the faint sound of laughter from their classmates echoed in the distance.

“Come back to the group?” Lumine asked after a while.

“…Fine,” Scaramouche muttered, standing up with a dramatic sigh. “But if Venti says one word to me, I’m leaving.”

Lumine giggled as she followed him back toward the clearing.

And from the shadows, Kazuha watched them with a knowing smile before turning his gaze back to the stars, letting out a quiet sigh.

“Some things are better left to the stars to decide.”