Chapter 71: Chapter 69: Aftermath and The Calm Before the Storm

The rest of the day passed in a blur of tension, whispers, and the occasional glance toward Aether and Scaramouche, who had been dragged to the principal’s office. While the two boys were temporarily out of sight, their legacy lingered in the hallways, leaving a trail of gossip in their wake.

Lumine was barely fazed by it all. She had returned to her usual routine, meeting with her friends at lunch, munching on chips, and chatting as though nothing extraordinary had happened.

As for Aether and Scaramouche? Well, both had received their fair share of reprimands from the principal. Aether sat stiffly across from him, arms crossed and scowling, while Scaramouche—despite his usual cool demeanor—looked visibly irritated.

“I don’t care how much you two despise each other,” the principal snapped, his voice firm. “Fighting on school grounds is unacceptable, and you’ll be serving detention tomorrow. Consider it a lesson in patience—something both of you sorely need.”

Aether huffed, muttering under his breath. “It’s not like I was the one who started it.”

Scaramouche shot him a glare that could have melted steel, but he didn’t argue. He had his pride, after all, and losing it to Aether was the last thing he wanted.

Back in the cafeteria, Venti and Kazuha exchanged relieved looks as they saw their friends reuniting. They both knew that it would be a while before Aether and Scaramouche were back to normal—or at least as normal as those two could be.

“So, who’s going to try and stop them next time?” Kazuha asked with a grin, nudging Venti.

Venti just sighed, leaning back in his seat. “I think I’m done trying to be the peacekeeper. This is on you now, Kazuha.”

Kazuha just laughed, taking a sip of his drink. “You’re a brave soul, Venti.”

Lumine, who had been quietly watching all of this unfold, rolled her eyes. “If they want to fight, let them. They’ll get over it eventually. But I’m done stepping in.”

Amber, ever the mediator, tried to change the subject. “So… what are we doing this weekend? I’m so ready for a break from all this chaos.”

Lumine looked around at her friends, her expression softening. “I’m down for whatever. I just want some peace and quiet for once, without the drama.”

Ayaka gave a light laugh. “Considering the last few days, that might be a bit too much to ask for.”

As the lunch bell rang and students began packing up to head to their next classes, Lumine took one last look around the table. The school year had been nothing short of eventful, and it was clear that the drama with Aether and Scaramouche wasn’t going away anytime soon. But with her friends by her side, she felt ready to take on whatever came next.

“Let’s just enjoy the rest of today,” Lumine said, standing up and grabbing her things. “Tomorrow’s a new day. Who knows what’ll happen?”

Venti chuckled. “Knowing you, Lumine, it’ll be something dramatic. But I’m here for it.”

Kazuha laughed too, offering a knowing glance to Lumine. “Whatever happens, we’ll handle it together.”

And with that, they all filed out of the cafeteria, preparing for whatever chaos—or calm—awaited them next.

It's midnight here... Imma post this in the morning