Chapter 61: Chapter 61: The Twin Revelation

The schoolyard was buzzing with energy during lunchtime. Students scattered across the grass, groups gathered under the shade of cherry blossom trees, and somewhere in the chaos—of course—Lumine and her group had claimed their usual spot near the fountain.

Amber was leaning against a tree, munching on a sandwich. Ayaka sat primly on the grass, sipping green tea. Venti was sprawled on the picnic blanket like a starfish with a half-eaten breadstick sticking out of his mouth, and Scaramouche sat cross-legged next to Lumine, poking at his bento box with mild disgust.

Albedo, seated beside Ayaka, was carefully peeling an orange with scientific precision, because of course he was.

“So let me get this straight,” Scaramouche said, holding up a piece of sushi with his chopsticks. “Venti failed his math test again, and somehow I’m the one getting detention because I ‘encouraged disorderly behavior.’”

Venti shot up like a spring. “It’s called being a martyr, Scara! A symbol of rebellion against academic oppression!”

Scaramouche glared at him. “You spelled your own name wrong on the paper.”

Amber nearly choked on her sandwich as Ayaka gently patted her back. Albedo just sighed. “Honestly, Venti, it’s a miracle you’ve survived this long.”

“Hey!” Venti pouted, clutching his breadstick dramatically. “You can insult my intelligence, but never—ever—insult my breadstick.”

Lumine snorted, and Scaramouche rolled his eyes. “God, this entire group is a circus.”

“You’re the grumpy ringmaster,” Amber quipped.

Before Scaramouche could respond with a sharp retort, Lumine’s phone buzzed. She glanced down at the screen and froze.

Aether: I’ll be arriving tonight. See you soon, sis.

Her eyes widened slightly.

Amber noticed instantly. “Ohhhh, is it him?”

Lumine nodded.

Venti perked up. “Oh boy, oh boy! The savage prince is finally returning to reclaim his throne!”

Scaramouche squinted at the group. “What are you guys on about? Who the hell is the ‘savage prince’?”

Amber smirked. “Oh, you’re gonna love this.”

Lumine tucked her phone away and turned toward Scaramouche. “Uh… Scara, I need to talk to you.”

Scaramouche raised an eyebrow. “That’s never a good sign.”

The two of them stood and walked a few steps away from the group, out of earshot. Scaramouche crossed his arms, his midnight-indigo hair catching the soft sunlight.

“Alright, what’s the deal?”

Lumine sighed. “So… my twin brother, Aether, is arriving tonight. He doesn’t know about… you know…”

Scaramouche frowned. “About what?”

“About you. As in—cat-you. Kuni.”

Scaramouche blinked. Then blinked again. “Wait. Twin brother?”

Lumine gave him an apologetic look. “Yeah… I kinda forgot to mention that.”

“You have a twin brother, and I’m just finding out about this now?” Scaramouche hissed. “Do I look like an afterthought to you?”

“Scara—”

“No, no, let me process this. All this time, I’ve been lurking in cat form, blending in like some weird magical pet, and no one thought to tell me there’s another version of you walking around? What the hell, Lumine!”

Lumine pinched the bridge of her nose. “Okay, yes, I probably should’ve told you sooner, but please—when he arrives, you need to stay in your cat form. Just until I figure out how to explain… everything.”

Scaramouche grumbled under his breath but reluctantly nodded. “Fine. But if he steps on my tail, I’m biting him.”

“Fair enough.”

The two walked back to the group, where Amber was practically vibrating with excitement, and Venti was already narrating fake scenarios.

“And then, when Aether and Scaramouche finally meet, it’ll be like two titans colliding! Sparks will fly, and chaos will reign supreme—”

Scaramouche jabbed him in the side. “Shut up, windbag.”

Amber clapped her hands. “I can’t wait to see Aether again! It’s been, what, a year since he moved to the States?”

Ayaka nodded. “I still remember his farewell party. He made such a dramatic speech…”

“I leave this land in your capable hands, dear sister!” Venti mimicked, clutching his chest and pretending to faint.

Lumine rolled her eyes but laughed along with the others.

Albedo, ever composed, spoke up. “It’ll be interesting to observe the dynamic between Scaramouche and Aether. Twins often share a strong bond, and knowing Lumine, her brother must share her fiery spirit.”

“Yeah, fiery spirit and a mouth,” Amber added.

Scaramouche groaned. “Great. Another sarcastic blond to deal with.”

Lumine smiled faintly at the chaos around her. Despite the teasing and Scaramouche’s visible irritation, there was a warmth in the air—a sense of excitement and anticipation that even the snarkiest comments couldn’t dampen.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, they started packing up their things.

“Alright, squad!” Venti said, slinging an arm around Amber and Ayaka. “Tonight, we meet the legendary Aether! Scaramouche, try not to hiss at him.”

Scaramouche flipped him off.

Amber giggled. “This is gonna be so good.”

Lumine glanced at her phone again, Aether’s message still glowing on the screen.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

And knowing her friends… probably chaotic as hell.