Chapter 62: Chapter 62: The Arrival of Aether

The golden glow of the city lights filtered through the windows of Lumine’s apartment as the sound of suitcases rolling against the floor echoed in the hallway. Inside, chaos was already brewing.

Amber was sprawled on Lumine’s couch, munching on chips. Venti was perched dramatically on the armrest, fanning himself with a napkin. Ayaka and Kazuha sat cross-legged on the floor near the coffee table, engaged in quiet conversation while Albedo meticulously arranged cups of tea on a tray like they were conducting a scientific experiment.

And then there was Scaramouche—arms crossed, back pressed against the wall, and a visible scowl etched onto his face.

“Why do I have to go back to being a stupid cat again?” he snapped, glaring at Lumine.

“Because,” Lumine said, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Aether doesn’t know about your… situation. It’s going to be hard to explain why my supposed ‘cat’ is now a foul-mouthed, emotionally constipated guy standing in my living room.”

Amber choked on her chips while Venti burst into laughter.

“Emotionally constipated,” Venti wheezed, pointing at Scaramouche.

“Shut it, windbag,” Scaramouche hissed.

Amber leaned forward, grinning ear to ear. “But Scara, think about it—you can just curl up in Lumine’s lap all day again without anyone judging you.”

Scaramouche’s face turned an impressive shade of red. “I DID NOT CURL UP IN HER LAP.”

Kazuha, ever composed, spoke softly, “But you did sleep on her lap quite often when you were still… Kuni.”

“Et tu, Kazuha?” Scaramouche groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

Venti dramatically flopped backward. “Please, Scara! Stay in your human form! Do you understand how hard it is for me to exist in the same space as a cat? My allergies are already plotting my assassination.”

Albedo pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Medically speaking, Venti, exposure therapy could actually reduce your allergic reactions over time.”

Venti gasped. “I will not be subjected to your cold, scientific experiments, Dr. Albedo!”

Before another argument could erupt, the sound of the front door unlocking snapped everyone to attention. The door swung open, and there stood Aether, suitcase in hand and a casual backpack slung over his shoulder. His golden hair was slightly tousled, and his amber eyes scanned the room with a familiar warmth.

“Yo,” Aether greeted with a grin. “Miss me?”

Amber let out an excited squeal and practically tackled him in a hug. “Aether! You’re finally here!”

“Easy, Amber!” Aether laughed, patting her back.

Ayaka offered a polite smile. “Welcome back, Aether. It’s good to see you again.”

Kazuha nodded in greeting. “It’s been a while, Aether.”

“Ayaka, Kazuha,” Aether said with a smile before his eyes flickered to Venti, who was still lying dramatically on the couch armrest. “And Venti… still allergic to life, I see.”

Venti clutched his chest. “You wound me, Aether.”

Aether chuckled before turning to Albedo. “And you’re still a scientist in disguise, I presume?”

Albedo gave a slight nod. “Welcome back, Aether.”

Finally, Aether’s gaze fell on Scaramouche, who was still leaning against the wall, arms crossed, looking as grumpy as ever.

“…Who’s this guy?” Aether asked, tilting his head.

Lumine stepped forward, her voice a bit hesitant. “Oh, uh… this is Scaramouche. He’s… a friend.”

Scaramouche’s eyebrow twitched. Just a friend, huh?

“Right…” Aether’s sharp eyes scanned Scaramouche up and down before he shrugged. “Nice to meet you, I guess.”

Scaramouche gave a curt nod. “Likewise.”

Amber, unable to help herself, piped up, “You know, Aether, Scaramouche’s been spending a lot of time with Lumine lately. Like… a lot of time.”

“Amber!” Lumine hissed, her face flushing.

Aether raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh? Should I be concerned, sis?”

“NO,” Lumine blurted, her cheeks turning crimson.

Kazuha, who had been watching the exchange quietly, let out a soft chuckle. “They make a good pair, don’t you think, Aether?”

Aether glanced at Kazuha and then back at Lumine and Scaramouche. “Hmm… you might be onto something, Kazuha.”

Scaramouche’s scowl deepened as his arms crossed tighter over his chest. His glare could’ve burned a hole through the floor.

Amber leaned over to Venti and whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, “Is it just me, or does Scara look like he’s about to combust?”

“Oh, he’s definitely jealous,” Venti said with a sly grin.

“I’M NOT JEALOUS,” Scaramouche snapped.

“Oh, totally not jealous,” Amber said, winking.

As the playful chaos unfolded, Lumine sighed, pressing her palm against her forehead. “Alright, everyone, settle down. Aether, your room’s still the same as before. Go ahead and drop your stuff off.”

Aether gave a mock salute. “Got it, sis.”

He wheeled his suitcase down the hallway, leaving the group behind. The second he disappeared from view, Venti let out a dramatic gasp.

“Did you see that tension? Oh, it was so thick I could slice it with a butter knife.”

Scaramouche shot him a death glare. “I swear to whatever god you believe in, if you don’t shut up—”

“Relax, Scara,” Kazuha said calmly, though the faintest smirk danced on his lips. “It’s cute seeing you like this.”

Scaramouche pointed an accusing finger at him. “You’re all insufferable.”

Amber chimed in, her face glowing with excitement. “This is going to be the best week ever. I can already feel the drama brewing.”

Lumine plopped down onto the couch, burying her face in a pillow. “Why are you all like this?”

Albedo, ever composed, calmly sipped his tea. “Perhaps because we find it amusing.”

Before Scaramouche could snap back, Aether’s voice called from the hallway. “Hey, Lumine, where’s your cat? I remember you saying something about a cat named… Kuni?”

The room went dead silent. Every pair of eyes turned to Scaramouche.

“Uh-oh,” Venti whispered.

Scaramouche groaned and covered his face with both hands. “This is going to be a nightmare.”

Amber grinned wickedly. “Oh, it absolutely is.”