The group walked through the dorm gates, still reeling from Aether's record-breaking driving performance. Venti clutched his bag dramatically over his shoulder, shaking his head with exaggerated disappointment.
"I swear, Aether, you're not a driverâyou're a menace behind the wheel. I need therapy after that ride," he huffed, earning a snicker from Scaramouche.
"Venti, you survived," Aether said flatly, adjusting the strap of his backpack. "Be grateful."
Amber stretched her arms above her head, sighing in relief. "Honestly, I'm just glad we made it back in one piece."
Ayaka nodded politely. "It was... an experience, to say the least."
As they walked towards the dormitory building, Lumine couldn't help but glance at her brother, suppressing a smile. Aether walked with an air of nonchalance, as if he hadnât just pulled off a stunt that could probably land him in some Fast & Furious movie.
Scaramouche, walking alongside Lumine, leaned down slightly toward her ear. "You know, princess, if you ever want a safe ride, you could always call me instead," he said smoothly, his signature smirk in place.
Lumine rolled her eyes, though the faint pink dusting her cheeks didnât go unnoticed. "As if youâd be any better."
"Hey, Iâd drive carefully with you around," Scaramouche said, his voice softer, but still holding that teasing edge.
Aether, who had been listening despite pretending otherwise, shot a sharp look at Scaramouche. "Youâd better not."
Scaramouche grinned wider. "Aw, look at big brother being all overprotective again."
Before Aether could retort, Venti suddenly twirled in front of them, walking backward with his arms outstretched. "Alright, lovebirds and overprotective siblings, letâs focus on the important part hereâweâre back at the dorms, and I, for one, am craving a proper meal and a nap."
Albedo adjusted his glasses, glancing at the group. "We should unpack and settle back into our rooms first. The teachers are expecting us to report in."
"Ugh, responsibilities," Amber groaned playfully.
As they finally entered the dorm building, the group began heading toward their respective rooms. The once-lively chatter began to fade as everyone split off to drop their bags.
Later in the Common Room
An hour later, everyone was gathered in the dormâs common room. The couches were occupied, backpacks were strewn across the floor, and snacks were already being passed around.
Venti was lounging across an armchair, strumming an imaginary guitar. Amber and Ayaka were sharing a bag of chips, while Albedo quietly scribbled something in his notebook. Kazuha was by the window, sipping tea and staring out at the school grounds.
Lumine sat cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through her phone, while Scaramouche casually leaned against the couch behind her.
"So," Scaramouche began, his voice breaking through the relaxed atmosphere, "now that we're back, are we pretending the camping trip didnât just devolve into pure chaos?"
Amber snorted. "Pretty sure every trip we have ends in chaos, one way or another."
"That's because we're surrounded by certain people who thrive on drama," Aether said pointedly, eyes flicking toward Scaramouche.
"Oh?" Scaramouche raised an eyebrow, a sly smile creeping across his face. "Are you accusing me, Aether?"
"You literally transformed into a cat to sit on my sister's lap," Aether deadpanned.
Lumine let out an embarrassed cough, her cheeks flaring red as everyone turned to look at her. "Can we not bring that up again, please?"
But Scaramouche wasnât done. He crouched down beside her, smirk still in place. "Whatâs wrong, princess? Embarrassed about having the adorable and innocent Kuni on your lap?"
Amber burst out laughing, nearly choking on her chips, while Venti fell out of his armchair in a fit of giggles. Ayaka covered her mouth to suppress her laugh, and even Albedoâs lips twitched in amusement.
Lumine buried her face in her hands, groaning. "Youâre impossible, Scaramouche."
Aether, meanwhile, looked like he was seconds away from throwing Scaramouche out the window. "Donât push it, Scaramouche."
But Scaramouche wasnât fazed. In fact, he leaned even closer to Lumine, his face mere inches from hers. "Aw, look at you hiding your face. Cute."
The room went silent. Even Venti stopped laughing, his head snapping up to look between the two.
Lumine froze, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. Aether, however, snapped.
"Thatâs it!" Aether grabbed one of the couch cushions and launched it at Scaramoucheâs head. Scaramouche dodged it effortlessly, stepping back with a chuckle.
"Easy there, big bro," Scaramouche said with a wink. "No need to get violent."
Lumine, flustered and annoyed, stood up abruptly. "Iâm getting water!" she announced before quickly walking out of the common room.
The room erupted into laughter once she left, with Aether glaring daggers at Scaramouche while the others teased him mercilessly.
"Nice going, Casanova," Venti said, nudging Scaramouche with his elbow.
Scaramouche simply smirked, leaning back against the couch. "What can I say? Sheâs cute when sheâs flustered."
Aether muttered under his breath, still clutching the couch cushion like a weapon.
Chaos, it seemed, followed them everywhereâand this group wouldnât have it any other way.