His heart was pounding.
It felt as though it were mustering all its strength to break free from his chest.
Was this the suspension bridge effect? Kanade Natsukawa wondered.
Having stayed on edge the entire way, the sudden appearance of a light source had eased his tension, allowing his tightly wound body to relax.
Of course, he couldn't let himself misunderstand. He couldn't confuse this feeling with romantic excitement toward Kaguya.
He took a small step back before replying to her:
"It's nothing. I was just checking on you," Kanade shook his head and explained softly.
"This checkpoint design is surprisingly good…" he added, his face showing genuine approval.
"Honestly, I was worried someone would jump out to scare us the whole way here. Yet we've made it to the checkpoint without seeing a single person… But I have to admit, this path was still quite stressful to walk."
He spoke candidly, occasionally offering a comment or two, while the girl beside him listened quietly, her expression soft with a smile.
"Uh… so, sweating a little… is a normal reaction…"
"..."
"Sorry. Maybe we shouldn't keep holding hands for now…"
"That won't do," Kaguya Shinomiya shook her head firmly.
"..."
"The rules clearly state we must hold hands at all times. President, you can't quit halfway," the eccentric heiress reminded him.
"Uh…" Kanade opened his mouth, intending to suggest bending the rules since no one was watching.
But what came out instead was:
"As long as you don't mind a little hand sweat…"
"I don't mind…"
If it's the President, I don't mind at all, Kaguya thought.
In fact, this situation was perfect.
Her hands would end up imbued with his scent, and even if her own hands grew slightly damp, he wouldn't notice.
But more importantly, the President's adorable side was so rare that she had to commit this moment to memory.
"Let's… let's check in first," Kanade suggested.
"Okay."
The two of them headed toward the light source.
The path wasn't long—they arrived after just a few steps. What puzzled them, however, was that the area was completely deserted. The only things there were a wooden table and chairs by the roadside and a flashlight lying lonely on the tabletop.
"Where's the person here?" Kanade frowned. "Did they go to the bathroom?"
Nature's call was understandable, but given that this was an ongoing event, shouldn't there have been someone else to fill in?
With no better options, the two waited patiently. But no one returned. Instead, faint sobbing sounds reached their ears.
"Did you hear that?" Kanade asked softly, turning to Kaguya.
"Yes, it came from over there," Kaguya replied, pointing in a direction and lowering her voice.
"Let's check it out. If it's just part of the game, fine. But if it's something else… you should run back to get help," Kanade instructed, his expression growing serious.
He couldn't afford not to consider the possibility.
Even though this was part of the test of courage, what if?
A deserted checkpoint in the middle of a dark forest, and faint sobbing… If they found ghosts or monsters, Kanade's heart wouldn't waver—he'd know it was all part of the game.
But what if it was a real emergency? As the student council president, he had to step forward and ensure everyone's safety.
Having made up his mind, the two of them crept toward the source of the sound.
The sobbing grew louder, leading them to a dense thicket. The sound was unmistakably coming from behind the bushes.
"I'll go check first. If anything seems wrong, run," Kanade gestured to Kaguya and handed her his flashlight.
Under her silent gaze, he rose and crossed the bushes. What he saw made his heart sink.
A group of Shuchiin Academy students sat tied to a large tree, their hands bound behind their backs.
Kidnapping? Or did they stumble upon something they shouldn't have?
Whatever the case, it was clear this wasn't part of the event—it was a real crisis.
After scanning the area and confirming there were no perpetrators in sight, Kanade approached to untie them. Before he could act, Kaguya's voice called out urgently.
"President!"
Kanade instinctively turned around, only to see Kaguya had been captured.
Several burly figures wearing strange masks stood behind her, surrounding a slender individual who stepped forward slowly.
Kanade felt a pang of regret. If only he had kept Kaguya by his side, she wouldn't have been caught.
"Who are you? What's the point of kidnapping our students?"
Kanade tried reasoning with them. The captors had tied up students without inflicting harm, suggesting they had an agenda.
Given Shuchiin Academy's prestigious background, it wasn't hard to guess: they were probably after ransom.
That thought lasted until the slender figure spoke up:
"Heh, you don't need to know who we are. Just know we're kidnapping you!"
"..."
"Our goal is ransom money, of course! Since there are two of you here, pick one to stay behind while the other goes to report this. Make your choice!"
"I understand…" Kanade nodded expressionlessly and turned to Kaguya.
"Kaguya, you understand the situation, right?"
"Yes… Don't worry, President. You should go. They won't hurt us until they get the ransom," Kaguya said, her lips tightening.
She would rather volunteer to stay behind than hear the President apologize for leaving her.
This wasn't just her duty as a member of the Shinomiya family—it also left her with hope. Maybe the President would offer to stay instead, only for her to preempt him by volunteering first.
"Huh? What nonsense are you saying?" Kanade looked puzzled but quickly understood—she was acting.
Though Kaguya seemed engrossed in her role, Kanade had reached his limit. He turned to the slender figure and said:
"Alright, enough. Let her go already."
"Oh? Are you volunteering to stay as the hostage? Brave, aren't you?" the figure said mockingly before signaling the others to release Kaguya.
As Kaguya returned to his side, Kanade continued, "So, this is over, right? Where's our checkpoint?"
"W-What checkpoint? I don't know what you're talking about! Just get your girl to leave!"
"Really? Do I need to say your name to end this? Chika Fujiwara, Secretary?" Kanade crossed his arms and sighed.
"..."
After a brief silence, the figure stammered, "I-I don't know any Chika Fujiwara… Don't change the subject! Go get the ransom money!"
Kanade shrugged. "Looks like the Game Club's funding might take another cut next term…"
"What do you mean another cut, you idiot President?! Explain yourself!" Chika Fujiwara finally lost it.
She ripped off her pig mask and yelled:
"This is an abuse of power! I'm reporting this! I'm reporting you!"
"Heh…" Kanade merely chuckled coldly.
Beside him, the eccentric heiress was stunned.
"...Huh?"
How… How was it Chika Fujiwara?!