The event venue was set deep within a forest. Following a narrow man-made path, participants encountered traps and "ghosts" scattered along the way. The goal was to complete the course, check in at designated points, and earn a medal symbolizing courage.
Participants could choose to quit mid-game without affecting their partner. Alternatively, they could continue solo. However, since it was a two-person team event, both members had to clear the course to earn the medal—individual success wasn't enough.
Teams were assigned randomly based on student IDs, which introduced a layer of unpredictability. Drawing a partner terrified of ghosts or the dark? Well, tough luck—that basically doomed both of you.
In this context, the supposed "freedom of choice" was a golden ticket. It let you ditch a weak teammate and pick someone brave. In other words, a perfect opportunity to cling to someone reliable! Find someone fearless, form a pact, and your chances of winning skyrocketed.
But there was one glaring flaw in this plan—
Huh? Surely no one was here just for the prize, right?
Wasn't the real draw inviting your crush to join you, seeing her clutch your sleeve in terror, and watching her tremble adorably in your arms? Even if she got scared and quit, you could comfort her, sitting together backstage, bonding over shared whispers and newfound closeness...
Wouldn't that beat braving the forest with some muscle-bound teammate?
This wasn't Dungeon Explorers! Can we have some romantic atmosphere here, please?
"President, I think I just saw... two guys holding hands?" Kaguya Shinomiya said hesitantly.
Once they entered the forest, the surrounding light faded away completely. All they had now was a weakly glowing flashlight, the sole source of illumination in this oppressive darkness.
"...I saw it too," Kanade Natsukawa nodded, his expression complicated.
Though their view was limited by the flashlight's faint beam, the two broad backs and matching buzz cuts were unmistakable.
"I think they're from the weightlifting club. Their haircuts are distinctive..."
"..."
They fell silent.
Unconsciously, they tightened their grip on each other's hands. Both were thinking how lucky they were that their partner was Shinomiya (or the President)!
As they ventured further into the forest, the sounds of the bustling event faded completely. The eerie silence was punctuated only by the occasional caw of a crow, adding a touch of life to the foreboding woods.
It wasn't the environment itself that was terrifying—it was the monotony of the journey. For the past 5–6 minutes, they hadn't encountered another soul, nor heard any sound other than their own movements. The narrow path, sporadic warning signs, and cryptic messages—Hurry ahead, don't let them catch you...—heightened the tension.
The oppressive setting blended humanity's greatest fears: claustrophobia, the unknown, and an impending sense of doom. All they could do was walk along the seemingly endless path, unsure of what lay ahead.
"Are you okay, Kaguya?" Kanade turned back to check on the girl following closely behind.
"I'm fine..." Kaguya shook her head. Though she didn't appear visibly distressed, she hated this environment—it reminded her of her childhood.
When she was younger, failing to complete her assigned tasks resulted in being locked alone in a room. She wasn't allowed to interact with anyone, not even the person delivering her meals. That isolation shaped her into the "all-round genius" everyone admired today, but it left scars she didn't want the President to see.
"I'm glad to hear that." Kanade nodded, slightly relieved. "The rest of the route might be like this. If you feel uncomfortable, just let me know. Don't push yourself—I'll be here the whole time."
He had mentally prepared for sudden scares or "ghosts" chasing them, but the psychological weight of the atmosphere had caught him off guard. After some time, however, he managed to adjust. Besides, the girl behind him kept silently lending him strength. As a guy, he had to step up.
"...Alright." Kaguya nodded softly, her voice barely audible.
The President was surprisingly reliable. Despite his earlier tension—his tight grip on her hand betrayed his nerves—he still managed to say something so reassuring. Was he trying to be her knight, rescuing her from her metaphorical cage?
What a lovable fool... Her mood lightened, and her steps became lighter. Without realizing it, she moved closer to him, her pace now just half a step behind his.
It felt just like their usual routine—patrolling the school grounds together, her eyes focused on the capable, dependable President...
After walking for what felt like an eternity, the path narrowed further, and the signs had long since disappeared. Just as Kanade began to worry they had strayed off course, a faint, flickering light appeared in the distance.
It was irregular, as if beckoning them forward.
"That should be the checkpoint. Let's check it out," Kanade said.
He turned back to gauge Kaguya's reaction, only to find she was already right beside him—so close he could feel her breath. The faint scent of her hair wafted in the air, and in the darkness, her lips glistened as she teased:
"President, what is it? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"..."