Chapter 80: Chapter 77: Turf War - Cafeteria Edition

The next day at lunch, the cafeteria buzzed with noise as students chatted, trays clattered, and laughter echoed across the room. Lumine sat at her usual table with Amber, Ayaka, Venti, and Kazuha. They were enjoying their meals in peace—well, as peaceful as it could get with Venti stealing fries from everyone’s trays.

But peace was short-lived when they arrived.

Aether walked in from one side of the cafeteria, holding his tray with an air of calm confidence. On the opposite side, Scaramouche strolled in, hands in his pockets, wearing his signature smirk. Their eyes locked across the crowded room, and an invisible bolt of lightning crackled between them.

Amber’s fork froze halfway to her mouth. “Oh no… not again.”

Ayaka sighed, placing her hands delicately on the table. “Can’t they go one day without competing over something?”

Venti, mouth full of stolen fries, leaned closer to Lumine. “Are you placing bets this time?”

Lumine groaned and buried her face in her hands. “I am not getting involved.”

---

Aether and Scaramouche both made their way toward Lumine’s table, but neither was willing to let the other sit beside her.

Aether moved to sit down first, placing his tray beside Lumine. But Scaramouche was quick—he nudged Aether’s tray slightly to the side and plopped down right next to Lumine.

Aether narrowed his eyes. “Excuse me. That’s my spot.”

Scaramouche raised an eyebrow, casually sipping his drink. “Looks like it’s my spot now.”

The tension was palpable. Students nearby had stopped eating and were now watching the showdown unfold like it was the season finale of their favorite drama series.

Amber whispered, “Here we go again…”

Aether slammed his tray onto the table and leaned in close. “Lumine’s my sister. I get priority seating.”

Scaramouche leaned back, unfazed. “She saved me from dying in the rain. That practically makes her my guardian angel. I get priority seating.”

Lumine, in the middle of them, sighed heavily and continued eating her pasta as if this wasn’t happening.

Kazuha chuckled softly. “The way Lumine is just eating in peace despite the chaos is admirable.”

Venti grinned. “She’s used to it by now.”

Aether pointed a finger at Scaramouche. “You’re a cat. Go find a cardboard box or something.”

Scaramouche smirked. “And you’re a golden retriever. Why don’t you go fetch a stick and leave us in peace?”

Amber gasped dramatically. “Oh, he did not just say that!”

Lumine finally had enough. She set her fork down loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. Both Aether and Scaramouche froze mid-glare.

“Both of you. Stop.” Lumine’s sharp tone silenced the table. “If you two want to act like children, do it somewhere else. I’m trying to eat.”

The two troublemakers exchanged sheepish glances before slowly sitting back in their chairs.

For a brief moment, peace returned to the table.

---

But, of course, it didn’t last long.

Venti, with the most innocent grin, pointed at Aether and Scaramouche. “So… who’s the better brother-slash-catboy, Lumine?”

Chaos resumed immediately.

Aether: “Obviously, I am!”

Scaramouche: “In your dreams, golden retriever!”

Lumine stood up, grabbed her tray, and walked away from the table. “I’m eating in the library.”

Amber, Ayaka, Kazuha, and Venti burst into laughter as Lumine left, shaking her head.

The cafeteria returned to its usual noise level, but now with an added layer of chaotic arguing between one overprotective brother and one smug cat-turned-human.

One thing was clear—lunchtime was never going to be peaceful as long as Aether and Scaramouche were around.