Chapter 69: Chapter 67: Life with Kuni

The group had gathered once again for one of their usual late-night hangouts, but this time, Aether had a pressing question on his mind. As always, their discussions quickly veered off into playful banter, but when Aether innocently asked about what Lumine’s life had been like without him, things took a very interesting turn.

"So," Aether began, glancing at Lumine, who was lounging comfortably on the couch. "What’s your life been like without me? You never really told me about... well, you know, him." His eyes flicked to Scaramouche, who was sitting across from them, in his human form, clearly uninterested in the conversation.

“Oh, him?” Venti said, chiming in with a mischievous grin. “Lumine's life without Aether was quite the eventful one. She spent most of it cuddling his cat form.”

Lumine nearly choked on her soda. “W-What?!” She shot Venti a glare, but he was already leaning back smugly.

“Yeah,” Venti continued, teasing. “She really loves it when Kuni—er, I mean, Scaramouche in cat form—lays on her lap. And she’s obsessed with scratching his ears. It’s her favorite thing.”

Lumine blushed furiously, sinking further into the couch, but before she could protest, Amber cut in. “Oh, and let’s not forget how Scaramouche glares at us whenever we try to pet him. He’s all ‘back off’ like he owns her.”

Scaramouche smirked, leaning back against the armrest. “You all are way too obsessed with my cat form. It’s the only time I get some peace.”

Kazuha, who had been quietly sipping his drink, added, “Yeah, he even gave me the stare last time when I helped Lumine at the school camp. You should’ve seen it. It was like he was ready to kill me when I saved her from almost drowning in the river.”

Aether’s eyes widened in shock, his expression quickly turning from confusion to alarm. He stood up abruptly, his voice rising. “Wait—what do you mean, ‘almost drowned’?”

Lumine waved her hands frantically. “It was nothing! Just a little accident. I’m fine, Aether, really!”

But Aether wasn’t hearing it. He was more focused on the idea that something had happened to his sister—without him around to protect her.

Ayaka, who had been watching the back-and-forth with a smile, leaned in to add her own thoughts. “In Kuni’s—I mean, Scaramouche’s—cat form, he’s an emotional support for Lumine when she’s feeling down. It’s kind of sweet how he always seems to know when she needs comfort.”

Lumine had to admit, that was true. Whenever she had a bad day, Scaramouche would show up in his cat form, curling up beside her without saying a word. It was comforting.

Albedo, never one to shy away from adding his own two cents, spoke up next. “Don’t forget that Scaramouche’s cat form is a master at roasting people. Sassy, savage, and he knows exactly what to say to cut deep when he’s in the mood.”

“Hey!” Scaramouche interjected, looking offended. “I’m not that bad.”

“Oh, don’t pretend you’re not,” Albedo smirked, raising an eyebrow.

A moment later, Venti added dramatically, “And, of course, Scaramouche loves to sleep beside Lumine in his cat form. He’s like a fluffy little companion who never leaves her side.”

Ayaka, who had been patiently listening to the whole conversation, immediately covered Venti’s mouth with her hand. “That’s enough, Venti.” Her cheeks were flushed pink as she tried to steer the conversation away from any further embarrassing revelations.

Lumine, now thoroughly embarrassed, crossed her arms and huffed. “Can we please change the subject? Aether, stop looking at me like that!”

Aether had been silent up until now, his fist clenched at his side. His face had taken on a serious expression, and everyone could see that the situation was escalating.

“Oh, I’m not done yet,” Aether muttered under his breath, glaring at Scaramouche. “If he’s that close to you, I’m throwing him out and getting you a new kitten. One who won’t try to steal my sister away.”

Everyone went silent at Aether’s words, and even Scaramouche looked momentarily taken aback.

Lumine’s eyes widened. “Aether, you wouldn’t—”

“Oh, I would,” Aether said, his voice innocent yet filled with an unsettling resolve. “You deserve a better one, Lumine. No one is taking your attention away from me.” He gave Scaramouche a pointed look, his fist still tight.

Ayaka was the first to break the silence. She smiled nervously, trying to diffuse the tension. “Uh, Aether, maybe you should take a breather. I think Lumine is capable of choosing who she wants to be around…”

Amber laughed awkwardly, adding, “Yeah, I mean, Scaramouche is kinda like a personal bodyguard in his cat form, right?”

Kazuha nodded, his usually calm voice carrying a lighthearted tone. “I don’t think a new kitten will do much to replace Kuni. He’s... unique.”

Venti, of course, couldn’t resist a cheeky comment. “Besides, Aether, we all know that someone is just a little too attached to his sister. Don’t you think?”

Lumine, feeling a headache coming on, stood up. “I’m going to bed before this escalates any further.” She shot Aether a pointed look, one that clearly said this is your fault, before walking off to her room.

Aether stood there, his gaze fixed on Scaramouche. “Just wait until next time, Scaramouche,” he muttered, his fist still clenched. “Next time, you won’t be getting in my way.”

Scaramouche simply stared back, his eyes narrowing. “Try me, Aether.”

As Lumine closed the door behind her, the rest of the group remained in a tense silence, wondering if they had just witnessed the beginning of a full-blown showdown between the two.

Lmaoo I didn't got proper sleep cuz... I'm watching squid game season 2