.

.

.

The four decided to meet in front of Thoma's cafe. After an intense discussion, Thoma left to go home feeling deeply unsettled by the shocking revelations shared by Kaveh and Al Haitham.

Lumine

"No luck."

Al Haitham

*Sigh*

Paimon

"How did the slut react?"

Lumine

*Gasp*

"Paimon!"

Paimon

"Whaaat?! Everyone calls him that!"

Kaveh couldn't contain himself and erupted into uncontrollable laughter, his eyes crinkling at the corners as a wide grin spread across his face.

Kaveh 

"Pfft- Haha! Everyone calls him a slut?!"

Paimon

"Teehee, yeah! Whore, manwhore, slut, you name it!"

Kaveh

"That's fucking hilarious!"

As Lumine and Al Haitham engaged in a private conversation to the side, Kaveh and Paimon carried on with their lighthearted banter, playfully coming up with new inappropriate nicknames for Thoma.

Lumine

"Ignore them."

Al Haitham

"Noted."

Lumine

"So, how did things go?"

Al Haitham

"He's in denial."

"He's telling us that the person couldn't have been Y/N, because he 'would've known'."

Lumine

"Out of all things... I wouldn't expect that from him."

Al Haitham

"Well, that was our outcome."

Lumine

"Maybe I can try talking to him."

Al Haitham

"By all means, go for it."

"He's not working anymore though."

Lumine

"That's fine. I'll just have to visit the Kamisato residence."

.

.

.

-A FEW HOURS LATER-

As Lumine and Paimon journeyed through the lush landscapes of Sumeru, the Kamisato's new residence stood proudly amidst the backdrop of the picturesque surroundings, its traditional architecture blending seamlessly with the modern cityscape. 

Knock knock!

Ayaka

"Ah, Lumine! What are you doing here? It's almost nighttime."

Lumine

"Hello, Ayaka. How's Ayato?"

Ayaka

"He's holding up well. Though, he's gone to bed already."

"What brings you here?"

Paimon

"We're looking for the slut!"

Lumine

"Paimon! What did we talk about?!"

Paimon

"Teehee! Sorry! It's such a silly nickname, I can't help it!"

Ayaka's laughter started as a soft chuckle, then bubbled up into hearty laughter that echoed.

Ayaka

"Hah, I'm assuming that means you're looking for Thoma?"

Lumine 

"Yes, that does indeed mean we're looking for Thoma."

Ayaka

"Today he works late hours. He's at the cafe."

Lumine

"... At the cafe? He's not at home?"

Ayaka

"Yeah, I know right? That guy can never catch a break, he's always working."

Lumine

"Oh... I see."

Lumine's brow furrowed, her eyes creasing with concern as she came to the chilling assumption that you had already found Thoma and removed him from the equation.

Ayaka

"... Is something the matter?..."

Lumine

"No, no... Everything's just fine."

Lumine's attempt at a smile appeared somewhat forced as if she were trying to conceal her awkwardness.

Ayaka

"Are you sure?"

Lumine

"Yup! I just... Needed him last minute for a commission I was doing, but I can just find someone else."

Ayaka

"Oh, I can take his place if you'd like."

Lumine

"No, no... No need for that. You already look so comfortable in your sleep wear, I wouldn't want to bother you."

Ayaka

"Oh, alright then. Have a good one, you two."

Lumine and Paimon bid their farewells. As they turned away, their eyes met, reflecting a shared unease. Paimon's brows furrowed, and Lumine's lips pressed into a thin line, each silently conveying their unspoken concerns.

Paimon

"Oh not good... Not good! This means that Thoma's missing, and so is Y/N!"

As they walked away from the Kamisato residence, Paimon's voice rang out, sharp with worry. Her small frame quivered with anxiety, and Lumine glanced back over her shoulder, her eyes shadowed with concern.

Lumine

"Hm... We've gotta come up with a way to find him... Track his steps somehow."

Paimon

"So that means... Back to the cafe!"

.

.

.

-MEANWHILE-

Thoma

"That's not Y/N. That's not Y/N."

Thoma muttered the phrase under his breath, each word a quiet mantra as he treads the winding forest paths in search of you. His footsteps were nearly silent on the soft, moss-covered ground. 

His eyes, sharp and alert, scanned the entire forest for any sign of your presence.

Thoma

"It can't be Y/N."

.

"That's not Y/N."

As he walked, Thoma hugged himself for comfort and warmth against the unusually cold night in Sumeru. The chill seeped through his clothing, making him shiver slightly. Suddenly, an idea flashed into his mind, illuminating his thoughts.

Thoma

"Caves..."

"Y/N always hid in the caves."

Fortunately for Thoma, the path he chose brought him to the base of a towering mountain of rock. He paused for a moment, taking in the imposing structure before deciding to search the area for any sign of you. 

Despite his determination, a sense of futility gnawed at him, as if his efforts were leading him in circles.

Thoma

"That's funny... Y/N?... In Sumeru?..."

"They used to always... Talk to me about how much they hated this nation."

"And how... They'd never step foot in it."

.

.

.

"Are they here for me?..."

"I remember telling them I'd be here."

"Maybe... They're out to get me now. To kill me."

Thoma appeared almost frantic as he muttered to himself, his voice echoing off the rocky walls as he searched every nook and cranny of the mountain. 

His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, and his hands swept over the rough surfaces, his self-directed conversation a desperate attempt to stave off the encroaching frustration.

The night was drenched in rain, each drop falling steadily from the dark, brooding clouds above. The sound of water pattering against leaves and the ground created a constant, soothing rhythm, while occasional gusts of wind sent sheets of rain sweeping through the air. 

The world seemed shrouded in a misty veil, the outlines of trees and buildings softened by the relentless downpour.

Thoma

"What... What is this?..."

As Thoma scanned his surroundings, a glint of light caught his attention. He turned and observed a bright brass doorknob gleaming in the dim light, its polished surface standing out starkly against the rough, weathered rock.

Thoma

"A doorknob?... In someplace like this?..."

With a moment's hesitation, Thoma slowly extended his hand towards the doorknob. As his fingers wrapped around the cold brass, he turned it, eliciting a rusty, screeching noise that echoed through the night. 

Startled by the harsh sound, he instinctively released his grip, his heart pounding in the sudden silence that followed.

Thoma

"Damn, that's fucking loud..."

Though, on the other side of the door...

.

.

.

Scaramouche

"Someone's here."

Scaramouche sat absorbed in his book once more, the pages flicking quietly in the dim light. Meanwhile, you lay sound asleep, your head resting on his lap, the rise and fall of your breathing gentle against his thighs. 

Suddenly, he gently shook you awake, his hand a subtle disturbance in the tranquil scene, breaking the silence with a soft flutter of pages.

Scaramouche

"Y/N."

You

"..."

Scaramouche

"Y/N, wake up."

You

"..."