Although they had stopped ostensibly to rest, Eriri was the only one truly relaxing. She even had the mental space to start envisioning their future lives together.
If Kanade didn't say something soon to draw her attention, she might've ended up daydreaming about the names of their great-great-grandchildren.
"Eriri, have you rested enough?" Kanade finally spoke up, unable to endure the silence any longer.
He was getting restless.
Though he'd given himself the task of "surveying the surroundings," it amounted to nothing more than aimlessly scanning the area. It required no real effort. With Eriri sitting quietly beside him, he had too much free time to think about their schedule. The clock was ticking, and if they stayed idle much longer, dealing with Mahiru later would become tricky.
Not wanting to waste any more time, he decided to prompt Eriri gently.
"After this, there won't be any more segments requiring long walks. You don't have to worry," he reassured her, seeing her slightly uneasy expression.
"…" Eriri nodded lightly. "Okay… let's go then."
In truth, she wasn't particularly interested in the games at the Test of Courage. Her reason for inviting Kanade was tied to her grand "Make His Heart Race Operation!"
She had picked up the idea online, based on the "suspension bridge effect." The theory was simple: if someone experienced a situation that made their heart pound—like fear—they might mistake that heightened emotion for attraction toward the person they were with.
It seemed reasonable enough, and with the Test of Courage happening, it felt like the perfect opportunity to put the plan into action.
But now that she thought about it, the Test of Courage might've been unnecessary. Her real goal was simply to spend time alone with Kanade, using her irresistible girlish charm to win him over. That goal was already well underway—whether or not they continued the event didn't matter much.
In fact, upon further reflection, the Test of Courage might even be counterproductive!
Eriri remembered how, during a previous haunted house visit, Kanade had remained completely unshaken while she got hopelessly lost. He'd even found her and led her out without breaking a sweat.
Compared to him, I look so lame, she thought bitterly.
Fear was an involuntary reaction—she couldn't control it. But if Kanade ended up looking down on her for it, or worse, being annoyed, wouldn't that defeat the entire purpose?
Having reached this realization, Eriri made a bold decision.
"I think I might've hurt my foot earlier… I don't think I can walk anymore," she said, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
Lying for a noble cause wasn't easy, and her cheeks flushed with shame as the words left her mouth. Thankfully, the darkness concealed her reddening face.
"Huh? You hurt your foot too?" Kanade responded instinctively.
"Too?" Eriri frowned. "Someone else got hurt like me?"
"Yes." Kanade nodded, oblivious to the undertones of her question. Thinking there was no harm in explaining, he added, "A friend of mine injured their foot earlier. I guess that's why I was surprised just now."
"I see…" Eriri replied, her tone measured, though her thoughts were racing.
Her intuition screamed that something was off. After all, she herself had just lied about an injury—who's to say Kanade's "friend" wasn't doing the same? And of course, it had to be a girl.
Only a scheming vixen would use such underhanded tactics to win Kanade's sympathy!
Though the conversation had lasted mere moments, Eriri had already spun an entire drama in her head.
But when she considered that she was the one accompanying Kanade now, satisfaction replaced her earlier frustration.
Good thing I was proactive and invited him first! Otherwise, who knows what kind of sneaky cat might've ended up by his side?
Clearing her throat, she continued, "So, since I can't walk, we should probably stop here… unless you're planning to carry me through the rest of the Test of Courage?"
For a brief moment, Kanade's face went pale.
She was joking, but his body remembered the earlier ordeal with Kaguya. He wasn't superhuman—just a slightly athletic high schooler. Carrying someone through a lengthy event once had already pushed him to the brink. Doing it again? Absolutely not.
"Wait, is that an option?" Eriri asked, genuinely tempted.
A legitimate chance to get closer to Kanade? She was ready to throw caution to the wind and agree. Worst case, she'd just close her eyes the whole time and enjoy the ride while basking in his scent.
But then she remembered how exhausted Kanade had looked earlier, almost stumbling near the entrance. It was clear that his responsibilities as student council president had taken a toll on him.
She couldn't ask this of him, no matter how much she wanted to.
He might not care about overworking himself, but she couldn't stand by and let him do so. Love was about mutual care, after all.
"Never mind." Eriri shook her head, her voice filled with consideration. "You'd just tire yourself out, and you've already been so busy with student council work. You should take this time to relax. Don't push yourself too hard."
"And… for me, just walking and chatting with you is enough. We don't have to finish the Test of Courage."
Though embarrassed, Eriri forced herself to express her feelings openly. She'd learned the hard way that keeping everything bottled up could lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.
Kanade breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Let's take it easy, then—"
But before he could finish, a faint noise behind them drew their attention.
"…"
"…"
Their eyes met, and without a word, they stood and turned toward the source of the sound.
The rustling of grass grew louder, as if some unseen creature was steadily approaching.
"Get behind me," Kanade whispered, keeping his voice low but firm. "Move slowly—no sudden moves—and don't run off."
He picked up a sturdy stick from the ground, ready to defend them if necessary.
His first instinct had been to grab Eriri and bolt, but with her "injured foot" and the uncertainty of what lay ahead, staying put seemed safer.
It might turn out to be nothing, but Kanade wasn't about to take any chances. This was the wilderness, after all—who knew what might emerge from the shadows?
Eriri, understanding the gravity of the situation, obediently nodded and positioned herself behind Kanade, careful not to make a sound.
Together, they slowly retreated, their eyes locked on the swaying bushes ahead, waiting to confront whatever unexpected guest was closing in.