Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Ramen Night

The comforting aroma of steaming ramen filled Lumine’s small apartment, mingling with the soft hum of rain tapping against the window. Three bowls sat neatly on the low table in the living room, steam rising into the warm glow of the overhead lights.

Lumine sat cross-legged on the carpet, her golden eyes gleaming with anticipation as she stirred her noodles. Amber, seated beside her with her brown ponytail swaying, had already taken a dramatic slurp of her ramen.

“Mmh!” Amber’s muffled voice broke the silence. “Lumine, this broth is amazing! Did you make this yourself?”

Lumine chuckled, resting her chopsticks on the edge of her bowl. “Nope, takeout. I’m not that skilled!”

Ayaka, seated gracefully on the opposite side of the table, let out a soft laugh as she twirled her noodles elegantly. “It doesn’t matter who made it; the company makes the meal special.”

From across the room, Scaramouche stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall near the window. His indigo bangs partially covered his sharp violet eyes, which were locked onto Amber like she was his mortal enemy.

Why does she look like she’d try to scoop me up if I were in my cat form?

Amber’s gaze caught his, and her grin widened. “Scara! Why are you just standing there looking all gloomy? Come sit with us!”

Lumine patted the empty spot beside her. “Yeah, Scaramouche, come on. You can have some of mine if you want.”

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his messy hair before reluctantly approaching. He plopped down beside Lumine, arms crossed tightly, and pointedly avoided looking at Amber.

The front door suddenly burst open without warning.

“The party has arrived~!” Venti’s sing-song voice filled the room as he kicked off his shoes and dramatically spun into the living area. Behind him, Albedo followed calmly, carrying a bag of extra drinks.

“Venti, you’re tracking rainwater everywhere!” Ayaka chided, though her voice held no real sharpness.

Venti twirled once more and dropped onto the carpet with a sigh. “Ahh, ramen night! The most sacred of traditions!”

Albedo set the drinks down on the table and adjusted his glasses. “I hope we aren’t intruding.”

“Not at all!” Lumine smiled brightly. “You guys made it just in time.”

Amber grinned, pointing her chopsticks at Scaramouche. “Look, Albedo! Scara’s in his human form tonight. Otherwise, I’d totally be petting him like a little marshmallow right now.”

Scaramouche’s eye twitched. “Why is everyone obsessed with that thought? I’m not a plushie!”

Venti immediately perked up. “Oh? You mean we missed a chance to see little kitty Scara? Tragic! I would’ve brought catnip and a tiny scarf!”

Albedo sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Please don’t provoke him, Venti.”

Scaramouche groaned, dragging a hand down his face as Lumine patted his shoulder, her eyes twinkling with barely contained laughter. “Don’t worry, Scaramouche. I won’t let them gang up on you.”

Amber leaned forward, her brown eyes sparkling mischievously. “Hey, Scara, serious question—if you were still a cat, would you let me pet you?”

“Absolutely not.” His response was immediate, voice sharp and final.

Venti let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching his chest. “Rejected! Amber, how will you ever recover from such heartbreak?”

Amber dramatically fell back onto the carpet. “I don’t think I can recover, Venti. This wound is too deep!”

The room erupted in laughter, even Albedo’s lips twitching into a rare smile.

As the group settled into their bowls of ramen, Venti poured drinks for everyone while Albedo quietly observed the lively energy surrounding him. Scaramouche, despite his earlier irritation, found himself sinking into the warmth of the moment.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Venti leaned back against the couch, sighing contentedly. “You know, nights like these make me wish time could just stop for a little while.”

Amber nodded, a softer smile replacing her usual playful grin. “Yeah… it’s nice to have moments like this, away from all the stress.”

Ayaka set her empty bowl down carefully. “And we have Lumine to thank for that.”

Lumine blushed lightly, waving her hands. “Hey, it’s just ramen and good company. You guys are the ones who make it special.”

Scaramouche, who had been quietly sipping his drink, muttered just loud enough for Lumine to hear, “You’re the one who makes it special.”

Lumine’s head turned slightly, her golden eyes meeting his. She smiled softly, a warmth spreading in her chest.

Venti’s voice cut through the peaceful moment. “Alright, who’s up for karaoke after this?”

Amber raised her hand instantly. “Me! Me!”

Ayaka hesitated before raising her hand shyly. “I’ll join… if someone else sings first.”

Scaramouche groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Kill me now.”

Albedo sighed but didn’t object, already predicting how chaotic the night was about to become.

As the laughter and chatter filled the cozy apartment once more, Scaramouche allowed himself to relax. The nightmare from the night before, the shadows of his curse—it all felt distant here, surrounded by people who accepted him, both as a cursed cat and as himself.

For tonight, at least, he could let himself feel at ease.

And in Lumine’s soft smile, he found a light strong enough to keep the shadows at bay.