Chapter 87: Chapter 83: Midnight Schemes and Furry Tactics

The campfire crackled softly, casting a warm orange glow across the group as they sat in a circle, enjoying the peaceful night after the chaotic day by the river. The sky above was a blanket of twinkling stars, and the cool night breeze carried the scent of pine and smoke.

Lumine sat comfortably on a foldable camping chair, her eyes reflecting the flickering flames. Beside her, Aether leaned back with his arms crossed, ever-watchful like the overprotective brother he was. Amber and Ayaka were chatting softly, while Venti and Kazuha played soft tunes on a small guitar they’d brought along.

Scaramouche, however, had disappeared from the circle. No one paid much attention to it since he was always slipping away without warning. But behind one of the large trees not far from the group, a familiar midnight-blue cat with piercing violet eyes crouched low, tail flicking mischievously.

Scaramouche—now in his cat form, Kuni—smirked internally as he adjusted his paws on the forest floor. Time to make my move.

With a graceful hop, Kuni emerged from behind the tree and strolled casually into the campfire circle. His fur glistened under the firelight, and his piercing gaze was locked onto one person—Lumine.

Lumine’s eyes lit up when she noticed the sleek feline approaching. “Kuni? What are you doing here?”

Aether’s brow twitched, his gaze narrowing at the midnight furball as Kuni made a straight line for Lumine.

The cat let out an elegant little mrow before effortlessly hopping onto Lumine’s lap. He circled once before settling down comfortably, curling his tail around himself as if claiming his territory.

“Oh, Kuni,” Lumine sighed softly, her fingers instinctively reaching out to scratch behind his ears. “You’re so spoiled.”

Kuni’s ears twitched in delight, and his purring started almost immediately—a soft, rhythmic hum that filled the space between them.

Aether’s glare intensified, daggers practically shooting from his golden eyes. “Really? Right here? In front of me?”

Kuni ignored him entirely, tilting his head upward to give Lumine an almost heartbreakingly innocent look. His violet eyes shimmered under the firelight as he let out the most delicate, adorable mrow.

Lumine’s heart practically melted. “Aww, Kuni… you’re too cute.”

Amber and Ayaka exchanged knowing glances, trying—and failing—not to laugh at the sight of Aether’s annoyed expression.

Kazuha glanced over and chuckled lightly. “Seems like someone’s staking their claim.”

Venti, strumming a random chord on his guitar, grinned wickedly. “Oh, this is delicious drama. Someone hand me popcorn!”

Lumine continued gently scratching Kuni’s ears, and in a moment of pure audacity, the midnight-furred cat leaned forward and gave Lumine’s hand a soft lick with his tiny, sandpaper-like tongue.

Aether nearly exploded. “Did you just—?! Did he just—?!”

Amber couldn’t hold back her laughter anymore, covering her mouth to stifle the sound. Ayaka turned away, shoulders shaking as she tried not to giggle.

“Aether,” Lumine said patiently, though she couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips, “he’s just a cat. Don’t overthink it.”

“A cat with too much personality,” Aether shot back, still glaring at the purring fluffball in Lumine’s lap.

Kuni, clearly enjoying the chaos he was causing, nestled deeper into Lumine’s lap, his tail flicking contentedly.

Venti finally spoke up, unable to resist adding fuel to the fire. “You know, Aether, cats can sense tension. Maybe if you relaxed, Kuni would stop antagonizing you.”

Aether crossed his arms tightly. “Relax? Relax?! That furball knows exactly what he’s doing!”

Kazuha smirked. “Perhaps, but he does look quite comfortable there. It seems Lumine’s lap is prime real estate.”

Amber, still laughing, managed to say, “Okay, okay, let’s calm down. Kuni’s just… affectionate in his own way.”

Lumine gently stroked Kuni’s soft fur, her expression calm and serene. “See? He’s harmless. Just a sweet little cat.”

The smug glint in Kuni’s violet eyes told a very different story, but no one could call him out on it without sounding completely unhinged.

Eventually, the campfire chatter resumed, though Aether kept a wary eye on the midnight cat, occasionally muttering under his breath about “scheming furballs” and “manipulative feline behavior.”

Kuni stayed right where he was, smug and satisfied, purring like a motorboat as Lumine continued to scratch behind his ears.

For tonight, at least, Kuni had won.