𝖧𝖤𝖠𝖱𝖳𝖳𝖧𝖱𝖮𝖡𝖲 ☆ 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘵 [✓]

⁰¹¹ SLUMBER PARTY

CHAPTER ELEVEN

SLUMBER PARTY

The next night, the girls and Luma decided to have a sleepover at Komi's dorm since Ganyu was with Hu Tao for the night. With Kaede's dates and Komi and Luma hanging out with their fake lovers, they certainly had a lot to talk about. Kaede and Luma arrived in their usual sleepover attire. Kaede wore a pair of white and pink polka dot shorts with a matching pajama shirt. Luma wore a pair of dark grey sweat shorts and a camisole with pink flowers on it.

Kaede and Luma were greeted at the door with Komi dressed in a purple silk pajama set with a black lace design. "Hi guys!" "Hi!" "Heyy," the girls and Luma greeted each other, pulling them in for hugs. Komi shut the door after the two entered the dorm room. "I kinda wish Ganyu was here," Luma commented, heading towards Komi's bedroom.

"Me too!" Kaede exclaimed. While Kaede's friend group was mainly second years, she did interact with her cousin's third year friends once in a while and got along well with some of them. "Yeah, Hu Tao practically forced her to come over tonight and watch a horror movie with her. Who are we to deny Hu Tao's spooky urges?" Komi said, breaking into laughter. Luma and Kaede laughed along with her.

"True. Although, I feel betrayed she didn't invite me," Luma said, clutching their chest, showing they were hurt. "She probably knew we were gonna hang out tonight. She did invite Ganyu after we agreed to this slumber party," Komi explained. Luma nodded, understanding. "Well, speaking of horror movies," Luma began, earning groans from their cousin and best friend.

"Noooo, just because it's spooky season doesn't mean we wanna get spooked late at night," Komi said in a complaining tone. Luma crossed their arms, giving Komi a look. Komi deadpanned at her best friend. "Fine, let's...talk about our "relationships"," Luma said in air quotes.

Kaede's cheeks flushed at the mention of it. As well as Komi's. She bit her tongue, not fully knowing what to say. She didn't want to explain the events that went down the last time she and Ayato were alone with Kaede with them. The same went for Luma. Thankfully, Kaede was more than happy to share her date with Albedo the previous day.

"So...Albedo and I saw that movie I really wanted to watch." Luma and Komi nodded, knowing which movie she was talking about. "Then we got ice cream at the parlor Su and I always go to. That was a lot of fun," Kaede explained, smiling as she reminisced. "Then when it got late we went stargazing at a place Albedo knew. The view of the stars was amazing. He picked a really good spot."

Her smile slowly started to fade as she continued, "I laid on his chest as we stargazed. When I realized how late it was, I told him he didn't need to waste his time on this date since no one was around. He told me he wouldn't trade that moment for the world. He also called me his "dear". Then he kissed me and we continued watching the stars," Kaede explained with blushing cheeks.

"Aw, that's so sweet!" Komi exclaimed. Luma couldn't help but smile. They were happy Albedo was treating their cousin right in this false relationship. "I'm glad he's treating you right, Kae. And I'm happy that you're happy," Luma said genuinely, rubbing their cousin's hand.

Kaede looked down, frowning. "What's wrong, Kae?" Komi asked, concerned. The concern was evident on Luma and Komi's faces. Looking up, she sighed heavily, "Sometimes, I wish it was real." Komi and Luma's eyes widened at her confession. "You're..." "In love?" Luma began, only for Komi to finish their sentence.

Kaede nodded shyly. Luma felt their chest tighten. They wanted nothing more than for Kaede to be happy with the person she loves. But, the person she loves is in a fake relationship with her and will eventually go back to enjoying the buzz of being with several girls. Their appreciation for Albedo quickly returned to loathing again as they clench their fist.

"But, it's okay! I'm grateful for the fake relationship. At least we can act like a couple without actually being one," Kaede said, trying to sound cheerful. Luma quickly wrapped their arms around her, followed by Komi. "Don't worry, we're gonna help you get Albedo. For real," Luma reassured, pulling away and smiling. "Yeah, if he doesn't return your feelings, he's an idiot," Komi added.

"Thanks guys. I love you both," Kaede said with a laugh. "We love you too, Kae," Komi said, followed by Luma nodding in agreement. "What about you, Ko? How's it going with you and Ayato?" Kaede asked, turning her attention to her. "O- Oh," Komi stammered, being caught off-guard. She hesitated, not knowing what to say.

"Ayato and I are doing...fine," she said awkwardly, glancing at Luma. Luma sent a discreet smirk her way, sensing what went down between her and Ayato on Wednesday. "What about you, Lumi?" Kaede asked, sensing Komi was growing uncomfortable. "Same as Ko and Ayato," Luma replied.

"What'd you guys do on Wednesday?" She asked curiously. Luma and Komi glanced at each other with nervous looks. "We watched movies and talked," "Kaeya and I played video games," the two said, coming up with excuses quickly. "That sounds like stuff you do with your friends already. It sounds like the exact same things we're probably gonna do tonight. Are you kidding me?" Kaede groaned, deadpanning at Komi and Luma.

Luma sighed. They were okay with the disappointment because they'd rather have that than Kaede finding out what they and Kaeya actually did.

The girls and Luma transitioned to the next thing on their list of what to do tonight. Watch a movie. They picked a movie each person enjoyed otherwise Luma would scoff and pout the whole movie. So, they went with a movie from their favorite franchise, Black Panther. As Komi turned on her tv and got the movie ready, Kaede went to get the tissues. Komi and Kaede teased Luma by saying only they needed the tissues when in reality they all needed them. The movie made all of them cry. Especially after Chadwick Boseman's death. They curled up on the bed under the blankets and began eating the snacks already in Komi's room before they arrived.

As expected, Luma was the first to start crying. They did a good job at hiding it. Only Kaede noticed since she knew them since she was born. Luma's fifteen months older than Kaede so they've known each other for a long time. Even living together for a period of time when Luma was in middle school.

She knew they went to see Marvel movies with their grandfather. So the movies held a special place in their heart. That's why the deaths always got to them. Still, they're able to enjoy the movies and the memories of the past when they and their grandfather watched it.

After the movie finished, they agreed to watch Clueless, Luma claiming they were in a "bad bitch" mood.

They continued watching movies late into the night. Luma went on their phone for long periods of time because they have such a short attention span. Kaede was the first to fall asleep, followed by Komi and then Luma, who gave up after the girls passed out.