Chapter 107: Chapter 101: "That's My Seat."

The lunch bell rang, signaling the end of the morning classes. Students poured out of their classrooms, and the hallways buzzed with chatter and laughter. Lumine walked alongside Kazuha and Aether toward the cafeteria, still carrying Snowball in her arms.

“Honestly, PE should be illegal before lunch,” Lumine sighed, cuddling her kitten.

Kazuha chuckled softly. “At least the weather was kind to us today. No blazing sun.”

Aether glanced over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes slightly. “Lumine, don’t get too comfortable with Kazuha. You never know with these guys…”

Lumine rolled her eyes. “Aether, please. Kazuha’s one of the sweetest people here.”

They entered the cafeteria, spotting their usual table where Amber, Venti, Ayaka, Albedo, and Scaramouche were already seated. Scaramouche was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, and a scowl firmly planted on his face.

As Lumine approached, she naturally moved to sit beside Scaramouche—until Kazuha casually pulled out the chair next to her for himself and sat down smoothly.

Scaramouche’s eyes snapped to Kazuha like daggers.

“Excuse me,” Scaramouche said, his voice dripping with venom. “That’s my seat.”

Kazuha smiled politely. “Oh? I didn’t see your name on it.”

The table went silent. Amber stifled a giggle, and Venti’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

Lumine blinked between the two boys, realizing the rising tension. “Uh… guys? There’s plenty of space—”

“No, no,” Scaramouche interrupted, standing up abruptly and leaning over the table. “I always sit there.”

Kazuha, ever composed, tilted his head slightly. “It’s just a seat, Scaramouche.”

Scaramouche’s eye twitched. “It’s not just a seat.”

Albedo pushed his glasses up, observing the interaction with mild interest. “It’s fascinating how territorial behavior isn’t limited to animals.”

Amber choked on her juice, and Ayaka covered her mouth to hide her laugh.

Venti leaned forward, whispering to Lumine, “You know… Scaramouche is giving off serious ‘jealous boyfriend’ energy right now. EHE~”

Lumine’s face turned red as she hissed, “Venti, shut up!”

Aether slammed his tray on the table, making everyone jump. “Can you all stop acting like children? Sit down and eat!”

Scaramouche clicked his tongue, glaring at Kazuha one last time before dramatically flopping into the chair across from Lumine, arms crossed tightly.

The rest of lunch was filled with awkward silences, stolen glances, and the occasional snicker from Venti and Amber.

---

After Lunch: Hallway Chaos

As the group walked back to their respective classrooms, Scaramouche was trailing behind Lumine and Kazuha. His sharp indigo eyes never left the two, especially when Kazuha leaned slightly closer to Lumine while talking.

Aether, walking beside Scaramouche, noticed his sour expression. “If you have something to say, say it.”

Scaramouche shot him a glare. “Why are you still here, golden boy? Shouldn’t you be glued to your sister’s side by now?”

Aether smirked slightly. “I trust Lumine with Kazuha more than I trust her with you.”

Scaramouche froze mid-step, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “What was that?”

Before Aether could respond, Lumine turned around, oblivious to the rising tension. “Guys, hurry up! We’re going to be late!”

Scaramouche pushed past Aether, brushing shoulders with him as he walked ahead.

“Whatever,” Scaramouche muttered.

---

Math Class – Too Close (Again)

Lumine sat at her desk, chewing the end of her pencil while staring blankly at the math problem in front of her.

“Why… is math… like this?” she groaned softly.

From beside her, Scaramouche smirked. “Need help, princess?”

Lumine sighed and looked up at him. “Honestly? Yes.”

Scaramouche leaned in closer, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, “You forgot to carry the one here, dummy.”

Lumine froze. Slowly, she turned her head to find Scaramouche inches away from her face. Their noses were practically touching.

Her breath hitched.

“W-Why are you so close?!” Lumine stammered, leaning back slightly.

Scaramouche raised an eyebrow, his usual smug smirk in place. “You asked for help, didn’t you? I’m helping.”

Around them, the class was already starting to notice. Amber and Ayaka exchanged excited glances, while Venti mouthed a dramatic “Ooooh~” from across the room.

Lumine’s face turned beet red. “C-Can you… back up a little?”

But Scaramouche didn’t move, his sharp indigo eyes locking onto hers.

“What? Am I distracting you?” he said smoothly.

Before Lumine could respond, the teacher’s voice rang through the room.

“Scaramouche! Lumine! Are you two having a moment over there, or can we continue the lesson?”

The entire class erupted into laughter as Lumine slammed her head onto her desk in embarrassment.

Scaramouche leaned back, finally giving her space, but his smug grin remained intact.

“You’re so annoying,” Lumine mumbled into her arms.

Scaramouche chuckled softly. “You’re welcome.”

---

Outside the Classroom – After Class Ends

As students filed out of the classroom, Aether was already waiting outside, arms crossed.

The moment Lumine and Scaramouche stepped out, Aether grabbed Lumine’s wrist and pulled her toward him.

“Lumine, I swear, if he—”

“Calm down, Aether!” Lumine groaned, prying herself free.

Scaramouche walked past them with his hands in his pockets, throwing a casual smirk over his shoulder.

“Relax, golden boy. Your sister’s still intact.”

Aether’s eye twitched, and Lumine had to physically hold him back from lunging at Scaramouche.

From down the hallway, Venti and Amber peeked around the corner, snickering to themselves.

“Oh boy,” Venti said. “This love triangle is getting spicy!”

Amber grinned. “I’m getting popcorn for the next round.”

Lumine sighed heavily, already bracing herself for whatever chaos tomorrow would bring.

BRAINCELLS lost: ∞