As students shuffled into lines, the buzz of excitement filled the air. The Test of Courage—a highly anticipated tradition—was about to begin.
Standing at the front with a small megaphone, Kanade took charge.
"Attention, everyone!"
His commanding voice instantly quieted the restless crowd. After testing the megaphone, he raised it to his lips again.
"The time has come for our long-awaited Test of Courage! Is everyone ready?"
The response was immediate but lacked energy.
"Ready!"
"Was that it? Louder! Are you ready?!"
"READY!!!"
"Perfect!" Kanade nodded with satisfaction, his hand slicing through the air in a bold gesture. "Then I hereby declare the Test of Courage officially open!"
A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd as students broke into applause and shouts of excitement.
The energy was infectious. Even Kanade, normally calm and composed, felt a surge of adrenaline.
"Alright, let's line up according to the order posted. Remember, no pushing or cutting in line. Violators will be disqualified from participating!"
This warning, reinforced by prior announcements, ensured the students queued patiently. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the first few pairs stepped into the designated forested trail.
Kanade turned to Kaguya, who stood by his side.
"Shall we go?" he asked, his tone casual but inviting.
"Of course, President," Kaguya replied, her voice steady, though her heart raced.
As members of the top-performing students granted autonomous pairing privileges, they had a private entry route. This pathway, designed for discretion, allowed them to avoid the bustling main entrance and any prying eyes.
Kaguya, however, felt a twinge of disappointment.
Earlier, she'd scoped out the main entrance, hoping for an audience. Just one nosy pair would suffice to witness her and Kanade embarking on their "date." The rumors and gossip that would follow were part of her grand strategy to assert dominance over her rivals.
Alas, discretion ruined her plans.
Kanade, oblivious to her scheming, saw the private route as a practical choice.
As they walked, Kaguya spoke up, her tone feigned nonchalance.
"President, I heard all participants are required to hold hands throughout the event. Quite the... traditional touch, isn't it?"
"Ah, yes," Kanade nodded. "It's been part of the event since its inception. It's meant to emphasize teamwork and trust, I believe. If you're uncomfortable, though..."
"No!" Kaguya interjected hastily, cheeks flushing. "I'm perfectly fine with it."
In truth, she was elated.
Not only could she hold hands with Kanade, but she could also flaunt their closeness to others. Let the world see who truly belonged at Kanade's side!
Kanade hesitated. "Alright then... Shall I?"
Kaguya extended her hand, her face a shade of crimson. "...Yes."
Their fingers interlocked, the warmth of Kanade's palm enveloping hers. Though this wasn't their first time holding hands, the intimacy of the moment—set against the buzz of the event—made her heart flutter anew.
Why does this feel so much more embarrassing in front of others?
She glanced at Kanade's calm demeanor and felt a mix of admiration and exasperation.
This idiot... Couldn't he be a bit more self-conscious? Or take the initiative more often?
"What was that?" Kanade asked, tilting his head.
"Nothing!" Kaguya deflected, her voice unusually high.
As they approached the first checkpoint, Kanade felt a pang of uncertainty.
The Test of Courage was overseen by the gaming club, with oversight from select student council members—namely, Chika Fujiwara.
Given Chika's penchant for chaos, Kanade had reason to worry.
He recalled skimming the equipment request form submitted by the gaming club. The initial items—costumes, fabric, balloons—seemed perfectly reasonable. But the latter half of the list included items like blowers, spiked clubs, and gas masks.
What kind of "haunted trail" were they planning?
I swear, if they've turned this into a death trap...
Kanade shook his head, focusing on the present.
Finally, it was their turn to enter the forested trail.
The dimly lit pathway stretched before them, shadows cast by hanging lanterns creating a foreboding atmosphere. Somewhere up ahead lay their first obstacle.
The two exchanged a glance.
"Ready, Vice President?" Kanade asked, tightening his grip on her hand slightly.
"Always, President," Kaguya replied, her voice unwavering, though a small, mischievous smile tugged at her lips.
The Test of Courage had officially begun.