The group played in the ocean until the sun was slanting at a nice angle. After returning to their hotel rooms, they took turns using the shower to wash and change into fresh clothes. If they started the Courage Test when it was still bright out, the atmosphere wouldn't be right, so they took their time getting ready.

Kitamura: Forward march!

Kitamura stood charmingly at the front, as he led everyone towards the Observatory's nature trails. In the still chilly air, the sound of eight people padding along the wet rocky surface in sandals resounded against the trickling stream of ocean water. Practically sobbing for no reason, Minori was peering around nervously as she walked.

Minori: Ooh~, is it just my imagination or does this place look really different from earlier?

Noto: Don't worry, Luxure is still a paradise on earth. It only seems creepy right now because it's dark. When the sun's out, you don't have to worry about a ghost popping out when you least expect it.

Minori: NO! Don't talk about ghosts right now!

She was shivering with pure fear. Noto's teasing was extremely effective at constructing a horror atmosphere for the Courage Test.

Maya (displeased): I can't believe we're really doing this.

Haruta: Of course we are! This is the main event!

Kitamura: Not only is this a special trial, but an important opportunity for everyone to become closer. That's why I want to cherish this very moment.

They went on talking normally. Meanwhile, Ami was grumbling in the back, still angry about being tricked by someone like Taiga. She had been showing such a subtle level of irritation that even her friends weren't aware of it. Her enemy noticed though.

Taiga: Don't fall behind.

Taiga's tone was dark and threatening, rumbling like a mob boss in a crime movie.

Ami: Mind your own business.

Placing a hand on Ami's back, Taiga moved her along anyway. She glared at Taiga, but she couldn't do anything else with the others around. Taiga glared right back.

Noto: Does anybody know any more scary stories?

Minori: No! No more scary stuff! Instead, let's talk about what kind of rice balls we like, or about kids, or about ramen, or exercise!

Taiga: I'm sure Kawashima-san knows one. She is quite the 'storyteller'.

She intended every meaning in that pun.

Ami: Would you just leave me alone already? Geez!

Taiga whispered in a voice so low that only Ami could hear.

Taiga: Baka-chi, play along and make nice with everyone like you usually do. If not, then Okami might think there's something wrong with you. And neither of us want him asking questions and finding out what happened in the elevator. Right?

Even now, Kai was occasionally looking back to check on Ami. He had also suspected a change in her attitude. Upon noticing this, she did not produce any objections to Taiga's proposition. She sighed forcefully while scratching her head with apparent exasperation. Then she immediately changed course by putting on her angelic mask with a composed smile.

Ami: You're right, Aisaka-san. I have a crazy story that happened to me last week...

Minori ran next to Ami and clutched around her waist, like a scared child.

Minori: No,no,no,no! That's enough Amin, you don't have to talk about that!

Ami: It's not that scary. It's actually quite funny. It's a funny story, I promise.

Not believing Ami, Minori quickly shook her head. Ami grinned, hugged Minori tightly and spoke sweetly into her ear as they walked.

Ami: So it's about when I went to a studio for a magazine shoot last week. The makeup rooms in that studio are super small and everything in them looks sooo~ old and worn out. Like, the water pipes are all exposed, the lighting is dim, and the mirrors are a little cracked. I totally didn't like the place. But then, it's not like I can choose the studio.

She had entranced everyone simply by setting the background. They were captivated in silence, highly anticipating her next words.

Ami: Anyways, I had an appointment with the makeup artist but when I walked into the room, she was nowhere to be found. All I could see was some type of... red liquid. It was splattered everywhere; on the sink, the mirror, the floor. Nearly everything was covered in it. I was hoping it was just paint or something but the smell was unmistakable. It was definitely someone's blood.

Minori: Oh, Amin! You lied! This IS a spooky story!

Minori's face was distorted by despair. Sweat ran down her head like a waterfall. Shortly after that, her facial color changed yet again, from red to blue and even purple—Almost like a traffic light. She even started slipping out of Ami's arms when her body went limp.

Ami firmly grasped Minori, pulled her up, and gently rocked her as though pacifying a baby.

Ami: I'm sorry, Minori-chan. It's really just a joke. Aha! The blood splatter was simply caused by a bloody nose! The cameraman at the time was a super difficult person and when he didn't get his way, he threw around film boxes. And there was a staff member who got hit in the face! Their nose bent like ninety degrees. It's so stupid, right! Ahahahaha!

Kitamura (tense): I don't think I like that joke at all.

Minori: No, I'm so glad it turned out like that!

She wiped the excited sweat from her brow.

Minori: I was certain there was a serial killer disposing of severed remains in the sink. Then it clogged, and the drain pipes burst causing blood to splatter everywhere. Then the flesh and blood were bubbling up from the drain. The hair would be all tangled up and the flesh would look like roast pork, and a big molar would plunk out and...waah, it's so scary!

Minori was once again pouring sweat. This time, Ami said nothing as she let go of Minori and gently pushed her away. A delicate silence fell over the group. Minori's wild imagination had even managed to dismay Kai.

Great, this is the person I have to be with during the Courage Test. Lucky me...

Kai was already regretting his decision to participate in the Courage Test. He was sure to experience a headache from pairing up with such an explosive self-scarer. Minori would take something frightening and spook herself further by making it even more terrifying.

Maya (unsettled): That was way grosser than Ami's joke story.

Minori: But Kihara-san, what about the eyeballs?! They would probably just pop right out the socket. Taiga, what if that mess was me? What would you do? Hey Amin, what would you do? No, that would just end with me being washed down the drain. I don't want to die like thaaaaat!

Haruta (terrified): I don't want to die like that either! To hell with this Courage Test! I'm going back!

Haruta was on the verge of tears. Kitamura grabbed his shoulders before he could escape.

Kitamura: Now, now Haruta. Calm down. That's the whole point of tonight.

Haruta: To die?!

Kitamura: No, to face our fears.

Kai lost interest in listening to the group's conversation. He slyly maneuvered himself so that he was walking alongside Taiga. He started whispering to her.

Kai: Tiger, does Kawashima seem weird to you?

She merely shrugged her shoulders.

Taiga: She can't help it, she's been weird since the day she was born. Why are you just noticing it now?

It suddenly dawned on her.

Taiga: Oh, you're that type of guy, huh? When you're in love, everything about the other person is beautiful to you. That's really pathetic, Okami.

That was an answer that came far out of left field. She was clearly trying to annoy him.

Kai: No, that's not what I meant! I'm saying that Kawashima seems to be in a bad mood tonight.

Usually when that happened, Taiga was the cause for it. Kai was no fool.

Kai (suspiciously): What did you do to her?

Taiga: How dare you accuse me like that?! I haven't touched a single hair on her head.

He was able to read between those lines.

Kai: So the poison came out of your mouth this time?

Taiga: I have no idea what you're talking about and you can't prove otherwise. If you keep being so whiny over your little princess, then I'm going to be forced to wash my hands of your foolishness… Actually, that might be for the best.

With Taiga using his own words against him again, he really started believing he was in a parallel dimension.

Taiga: I always try to be a good Master to you but I can't allow you to keep running to me for salvation all the time.

That threw his mind into an even bigger frenzy.

Kai: Salvation?! When have I ever-

Taiga: Okami, it's too late. I've already made up my mind. I'm no longer concerning myself with the likes of you and Baka-Chi. It's too time consuming and bothersome. You're free to do whatever you want from here on out. Go run your big mouth like you normally do and confess to her, or whatever. I don't care.

Kai: Y-You don't care? You certainly cared this morning and this afternoon. What changed all of a sudden? -(accusingly)- You're acting weird too!

Taiga: Too? What do you mean 'too'? And how am I weird? I'm pretty normal! N-O-R-M-A-L, you see?

Kai: How is that normal?!

Her face went crimson red, then she stomped the ground.

Taiga: Why must I explain myself to you!? What is this?!

Kai (baffled): What are you getting angry for?!

Taiga: I don't have to report everything to you! Sometimes there's just things I don't feel like saying! People who spout whatever comes to their heads are weirdos! So you're the only weird one around here!

Kai: ...

He didn't know how he was supposed to respond to that.

Taiga: What do you want? Will you stop staring at me? That's horribly gross!

Kai: -_-

Taiga: I said don't sta-

Simultaneously, he reached out with one hand and grabbed Taiga firmly by the strap of her dress. Taiga clamored at first, but seeing as how Kai had just saved her from tripping over her own feet, she held her tongue. When she regained her balance, she continued walking and acted like nothing happened. He felt as though an opaque glass had been placed between him and Taiga. He wasn't able to understand what was happening right now. Needless to say, Taiga's aura was screaming: 'You're annoying so don't talk to me'.

What's with this girl? She gives a big nonsensical speech, then suddenly gets all defensive and ends the conversation.

Taking her hint to heart, Kai promptly zipped his lips and kept walking.

Kitamura eventually came to a halt. He took a brief look at his surroundings. From what he could see, the path that veered off the main road was fairly dark, and honestly speaking, even he would have been a little uncomfortable to walk down it alone.

Kitamura: This should be a good place to start.

The sounds of insects suddenly pervaded their ears, making them feel like they had finally arrived in the midst of true nature. They were on the brink of the forest, looking down a dark, narrow path leading to the observatory that was a mile down. The nature trail through the woods was paved but dimly lit by lamps positioned in equal intervals. Still, being in the forest at night is distinctly more frightening than any jump scares. The darkness alone was enough to make every hair on your body stand on end. The stirring trees sounded like the voices of otherworldly beings, and when the wind blew, you felt the dead caress your cheeks. That was how the forest felt around them.

Maya tugged at Kitamura's sleeve.

Maya: Hey, Maruo-kun. Let's tackle the courage test together.

Kitamura: Umm, alright, I don't mind. But I thought you would want to go with Ami.

Maya: It's really darker than I expected, and it would be so scary with just us two. Right, Ami-chan?

Ami smiled with her usual elegance.

Ami: Yeah, that's right.

Afterwards, she turned around and rolled her chihuahua eyes. As expected, Maya had already come up with a plan to capture Kitamura. Taiga furrowed her brow in anguish. She had let her chance to approach Kitamura slip away. Yet, there was someone here who wasn't going to listen to others and was mentally writing their own success story—and that person wouldn't be satisfied unless things went according to their script.

Noto: Ah! Wait!

Noto had merely taken his eyes off Kitamura for a moment! He was too careless! Maya had already stuck herself onto Kitamura. And Kitamura, not knowing that he was supposed to be paired up with Taiga, was happily agreeing to pair with Maya. Noto should've known that no matter who tried to appeal to Kitamura, he would give them his trademark smile and agree. He just wanted to be good to everyone.

Noto: That's a big no-no! Off you go now!

To stop things from going the wrong way, Noto sprinted over to separate Maya and Kitamura. He forcibly grabbed Kitamura's shoulders and dragged him far away from her. Maya's face showed a particular line of words: 'You're not needed over here!'

Kitamura: What's the big deal, Noto?

Noto: Seeing as how the Courage Test was Haruta's idea, I thought it would be fitting to let him be in charge of pairing us up.

Haruta: Yep! You guys should just sit back, relax, and let the Mastermind work!

Kitamura: Oh, I see. Well, forgive me for stepping on your toes, Haruta. By all means, take the reins.

Maya: Seriously?!

That reason wasn't enough to appease Maya. They were throwing a wrench in her plan just like they did to Kai earlier.

Maya: Why can't we just choose our own partners?

Noto instinctively looked at Haruta, cueing him to speak.

Haruta: I did some digging around and I found out that the people who have seen the ghost are ALWAYS couples.

He played with his hair at the nape of his neck. Although he seemed to have his misgivings, he still opened his mouth shyly to speak.

Haruta: S- So in order to increase our chance of seeing it, we have to re-...recreate the same conditions. And I've come up with a martial way to do it!

You should've spent more time rehearsing those lines that Noto fed you.

Kai was disgusted by this theatrical performance.

Ami: Martial? -(teasingly)- Are we going to have a battle royale to determine the pairs?

Noto: Uh… I think he meant: 'impartial'. He's come up with an impartial way to pair us up. Good job, Haruta!

Minori: Yes! We have to do whatever it takes to catch the ghost!

Taiga: A-And it'll be more exciting this way.

Taiga was fully on board. Before, it was impossible for her to pair up with Kitamura. Now with Noto & Haruta's plan, she could take a gamble and roll the dice. She didn't know the game was already rigged for her benefit.

Noticing that the tide was turning in Noto's favor, Maya began to move towards the one person who could resolve this. Even though this person refused to be her ally, he had always worked wonders when it came to shutting down Noto.

Maya: Arito-kun, what do you think? Do you have any objections to this?

Noto also approached Kai.

Noto: He's fine with Haruta choosing the pairs. Ain't that right, Arito?

Noto was hinting for Kai to agree with him. Kai didn't. Instead, he removed himself from the middle of their dispute, and went to lean against a light post. He just wanted to get this over with as fast as possible. Not being able to pair with Ami was really taking a toll on his mood. If he had known things would end up like this, then he would have never agreed to the Courage Test in the first place.

Kitamura: So, Haruta! What pairing system did you come up with?

Haruta: Hehe! Dun dun da da DUUN! A LOTTERY!

How do you rig a lottery?

Haruta: I brought four pairs of chopsticks and each pair is a different color. The guys will draw one of the four colors. Then, as an unexpected twist, I'll randomly give the girls one of the four colors, and the matching chopsticks will pair up.

Noto: Sounds good.

Kitamura: Alright, let's do it!

Haruta: Can I please have the guys stand here while the ladies line up over there.

The genders separated themselves a lengthy distance from each other. Haruta pulled out 4 chopsticks from his pocket and headed over to the boys.

Haruta: Alright on the count of three, everyone draw!

ONE, TWO, THREE!

Everyone was able to see which color each boy chose. Kai had blue, Noto had orange, Kitamura had red, which left green for Haruta. Haruta stuck his chopstick in his back pocket. Then he pulled out 4 more chopsticks and ran over to the girls.

Haruta: Remember, I'm giving these out randomly. Whether you're smiling or crying, don't complain! This is it! And don't show your color to anyone until it's time for the big reveal.

Oh, now I see. Haruta made us show our colors so he could remember what the guys picked. Then he'll purposely give each girl the color that matches up with Noto's Scheme. All this talk about it being 'random', is just another sham.

Noto's Scheme

Kitamura & Taiga (Red)

Haruta & Ami (Green)

Kai & Minori (Blue)

Noto & Maya (Orange)

Once the ladies were given their chopsticks: Maya and Ami were very disgruntled, Taiga was indifferent, and Minori would have been happy no matter what color she got. As they were headed back to the boys for the 'big reveal', Taiga tripped and fell into Ami.

Ami: Watch where you're going, you little klutz!

Neither of the girls hit the pavement, but both of their chopsticks did. Taiga quickly retrieved them before anyone else could see their colors.

Taiga: Just shut up and take your chopstick, Baka-chi.

Taiga discreetly handed a chopstick over to Ami. It was at that point, Ami realized that Taiga's fall wasn't due to her being a klutz this time. She had intentionally bumped into Ami to pass off the chopstick that was given to her.

Ami (shocked): What are you up to?

Taiga: Don't get the wrong idea. This is pity. I'm looking down on you.

Ami: But it's not a fair trade. I don't even have Yusa-

Taiga: Just take it before I change my mind!

Taiga gritted her teeth while shoving the chopstick into Ami's hand. Ami was dumbfounded by her sudden generosity. It was so out of character for her.

Kitamura waved his hands indicating for everyone to gather around for the big reveal.

Kitamura: Let's see, the pairs are…..Kushieda and me, Aisaka and Haruta, Ki-

Noto (startled): What?!

Noto, who had been brimming with confidence just moments earlier, was practically floored by the reveal of the 'unintended' pairings. There was also a change in the silently annoyed Kai. He now looked like he was about to die from holding in his laughter.

Haruta can't even do basic memorization techniques! His parents really must have bribed his way into our school!

Kitamura: Noto, are you okay?

Noto: Y-Yeah, I'm good.

Noto was struggling to keep his composure. He didn't want anyone to realize he was the real Mastermind behind the Courage Test. To cover up his involvement, he had the Village Idiot take charge instead. He thought it would be enough if he just coached Haruta from behind the scenes, yet somehow, Haruta still managed to screw up the whole thing. Two girls were given the wrong color by mistake.

Haruta's Screw up

Kitamura & Minori (Red)

Kai & Taiga (Blue)

The ruin of Noto's scheme was further exacerbated when Taiga secretly exchanged her blue chopstick with Ami. This secret would probably never see the light of day. Kai and Noto had already chalked everything up to Haruta's stupidity.

Kitamura: Ok.. As I was saying, the pairings are…

Final Pairings

Kitamura & Minori (Red)

Haruta & Taiga (Green)

Kai & Ami (Blue)

Noto & Maya (Orange)

Haruta: Wait, I'm with Aisaka?! Something about that doesn't sound right…. Oh well...

He just didn't have the mental capacity.

Noto (perky): Alright, let's start the Courage Test!

Though a good chunk of Noto's scheme was messed up, there was a silver lining in this cloud that restored his vigor. One of the pairings turned out exactly as he wanted.

Maya: Why did things end up like this?

Openly revolted, Maya was grumbling underneath her breath. She was not looking forward to being with Noto during the Courage Test. Kai had anticipated that. The only highlight of his night was seeing what karma had in store for Noto. However, that had been pushed aside for something even better. From the start, he had only wished for one pairing to happen. It was the only one that mattered to him. Now that his wish had manifested into reality, he wanted to capitalize on his stroke of 'good luck' no matter what.

Kitamura: The pairs should depart in alphabetical order, going by the girl's name.

Noto: Then we'll wait 10 minutes before sending the next group off.

Kitamura: That means Aisaka and Haruta are first up!

Haruta: Kaay! Tiger~ Let's work hard and find us some ghosts!

Her cattish eyes were thoroughly bloodshot as she glared harshly at Haruta, seeming as if fire would erupt from her gaze at any moment.

Taiga: Tch!

Haruta: Huh? What was that for?

Taiga: Shut up. Let's just go already.

Haruta: Hm? Okay.

Kitamura: Haruta is raring to find the ghosts, it seems.

Kai: He already found something that's much scarier than a ghost.

After Taiga and Haruta left, they waited for 10 minutes to pass.

Kitamura: Now then, Team Kawashima, please be on your way.

Minori: Amin! Amin! If you guys see the ghost, give us a holler! We'll be right there!

Kitamura: Yeah, that's a good idea. I'd love to see it for myself.

Ami: Hmm, IF we see it, sure.

Minori: Arito-kun, do your best to make sure nothing harms Amin! And find the ghost.

Kai: I can't make any promises.

The apathetic response caused Ami to give him a mean look.

Kai (smirks): I was only referring to the part about finding the ghost. Hahaha. What's wrong, Kawashima?

Ami: Nothing~ Ami-chan's just peachy.

Kitamura: The best of luck to you both!

The moment Kai and Ami set foot into the woods, they were struck by the lush and overgrown greenery around them. Though it was summer, the evenings at Luxure were a bit breezy. You couldn't be quite sure if it was just the wind out or if the presence of some mysterious entity was giving you shivers. The eerie mood wasn't able to affect Kai. He carried on normally.

Kai: Hey, is everything alright with you?

Ami: Hm?

Kai: I just noticed you seemed 'different' on the way here.

Ami: Let's try throwing a bunch of Sea Roaches at you, and see how you end up feeling afterwards.

Kai: Yeah, that was... pretty disturbing. It would put anyone in a bad mood. I suspected it might be something else but maybe I was just thinking too much.

She tactfully moved on to something else before he could inquire any further.

Ami: I was surprised when you agreed to the Courage Test.

Kai: I felt the same way about you.

Ami: Oh really?

Kai: Yeah, I thought you'd roll your eyes, and say it was childish.

Ami: I was going to decline but... I guess, I just wanted to try something different for once, that's all.

Kai: Trying something different? Hmm, I think that can be applied to me too.

Ami and Kai continued on, following a bend in the trail. They came upon an area where an unreliable, flickering, bluish-white light illuminated two benches. Occasionally, the lamp would give off a creaking sound. This was by far the scariest part of the trail. She glanced down for a second, like she was thinking, before smiling teasingly at him.

Ami: Arito-kun, have you ever been to an observatory before?

Kai: Uh, thinking back...I did go to one in my old neighborhood but that was just for a flower viewing at the bottom of the hill where the cherry trees grow.

Ami: I see. Haruta-kun said this spot is supposed to be really popular with couples.

Kai: Oh yeah, the couples were the only people who were able to see the ghost. Sounds like a contrived plot, doesn't it?

Ami: What I mean is…..If we link our arms, like so… We look like a couple, don't we?

Before he knew it, she wrapped herself around his right arm and pressed against him. Kai swallowed before answering.

Kai: …Yeah... we do.

He didn't try to resist Ami, nor did he make any reaction that conveyed a feeling of suspicion. He liked the feeling of her head resting on his shoulder and her body was so soft and warm, it didn't matter if it was all an act. When Ami noticed he was going along with it, she was the one who gasped in surprise with her eyes full of skepticism.

Ami: This feels so different from usual. Are you up to something?

Kai: You started this, so shouldn't I be asking you that question?

Despite enjoying being close to her, he was playing along with the charade because he felt like the one who gives up first would lose. He always got like this when he sniffed any hint of a challenge. Since Ami had initiated it, she couldn't afford to lose her cool either. She continued to stay by his side and matched her pace with his as they walked through the forest.

Ami: I'm not up to anything… The truth is… Ami-chan's not so good with, like, scary stuff. Arito-kun, you'll protect me, won't you?

She gazed up at him with watery eyes. Her voice was weak and feeble, somehow inspiring a desire to defend her from all the dangers in the world.

What an actress. I won't let you beat me, Kawashima. I'll take you head on.

Yet, compared to her, he was just a rookie at this. He cleared his throat in an attempt to stay calm. He had to mentally brace himself for his next line. Saying such cheesy words, pained him a little.

Kai: Of course. No matter what happens, g-ghosts or anything else, I'll be here to protect you.

In the face of his subpar acting, Ami slapped her hand to her mouth and looked away. Kai could feel her whole body trembling.

Whatever. Go ahead and laugh all you want. I think I did a pretty good job.

Satisfied with his performance, he proceeded to hit the ball back in her court.

Kai: By the way, you still haven't explained why you're pressed to me like glue.

Ami finally quelled her laughter and stared at Kai with her normally cool-headed eyes shimmering. She had no problem getting back into character, she was a true professional.

Ami: Wouldn't it be easier to protect me this way? Plus…. Doesn't it put some other ideas into your head?

Her expression was certainly beautiful, there was no denying it. But no matter how hard he looked her in the eye, it was impossible to tell just what sort of thoughts and emotions were swirling behind her calm façade. His best guess was a feeling of provocation.

Kai: Like what?

Ami: It's okay, you don't have to play coy… There's no one around to see us.

Her alluring voice made him stop in his tracks. Every sensation was instantly sharpened, as he stared at the seductive luster of her lips. He no longer had any doubts what she was referring to.

Ami: You know, a girl like me would rather die before getting all cozy with some random boy.

She put both her arms around his neck.

Ami: You're the only one I do this type of stuff with. If you still haven't figured out why that is… then maybe I should just show you instead..

She licked her lips. Then she slowly pulled his face towards hers using the arm wrapped around his neck. He stared at her with a useless determination to rebel.

I've been cornered. She truly is the master when it comes to this sort of teasing. There's nothing I can do to counter this move. But if I turn away, she'll probably make fun of me for it.

Through pure force of will, he managed to stay put. Very, very slowly, Ami's face moved toward him. The distance between them shrank from five inches to three and then to just a few. The faint, warm breath from her mouth caressed his lips. His heart was beating like crazy.

She's never gotten this close before. Does that mean this is real? Or is she expecting me to dodge? Or does she want me to move towards her? What if I dodge and it's real?! What if I move to kiss her and it's fake?! I would spend my whole life regretting either of those decisions. There's only a 25% chance of this going how I want it.

He tried to take a rational approach to keep from losing his cool completely. Ami, however, couldn't have cared less. Eventually, her nose was about to touch his. She tilted her head slightly out of the way so their lips could get even closer. Then at the last second... she completely jerked her face away.

Ami: Woooow! You're red as a tomato!

The next moment, Kai returned to his senses and realized what had happened.

I lost.

He had said all the right words. He didn't back down when she came too close. Yet, he couldn't control his internal reactions to her womanly charms. He hadn't even felt his face heating up.

Ami: Were you seriously picturing it? Men are truly simpleminded.

Her face twisted as though it were sincerely funny. She seemed thoroughly entertained by the way his eyes were darting between her beautiful, glistening, bizarrely attractive eyes and her ruthless yet magnetic expression. Her impish conduct was on the level of a great demon lord.

Dammit! I knew she was teasing me and she still got me. How many times am I going to fall for this?!

It was humiliating to be so completely at her mercy. He wondered if he could get her back somehow.

Kai: Kawashima, the next time you bring your lips close to mine, you're gonna be in for a rude awakening!

She was even more amused by his warning.

Ami: Are you actually threatening to kiss me? Oh please, Arito-kun. Even you're not bold enough to-

WHOOSH ~

The sound of a strong gust of wind suddenly resounded throughout the forest. Ami jumped in fright.

Ami (shrieking): Eeek!

She blinked a few times, then breathed a sigh of relief when she understood it was just the wind. Upon seeing Kai's sly smirk, she appeared to be confused. The action had been unconscious on her part. When she realized what she'd done, she quickened her pace and walked ahead of him.

Withstanding the urge to mock her mercilessly, he pretended not to notice and retook his place by her side. They had walked in silence for a whole minute, yet Kai hadn't stopped smiling for even a second. Eventually it became too much for Ami to bear. She kicked a pebble that she happened to come across.

Ami (irritated): Why do you have such a cocky grin on your face?

He really wasn't going to say anything about it but since she brought it up-

Kai: Well, I was just over here thinking: You talk a good game but you really are scared.

Ami's cheeks swelled indignantly. She crossed her arms in front of her chest as she glared at him.

Interesting. It seems she really didn't want me to notice she's afraid.

Ami: I was just caught by surprise, that's all. I didn't expect the wind to blow so hard. This stupid Courage Test doesn't have any effect on me whatsoever.

She executed that line with great conviction. However, he could clearly see how frustrated she was at him for suddenly hitting the bull's eye.

Kai (incredulous): Good lord, you lie as much as you breathe!

She really had some guts for telling that story after shrieking so loudly.

Kai: C'mon, just admit it. You were clinging to me because you were scared but then you tried to play it off like your intentions were just to tease me.

Ami: If you say so.

Kai: No, that's how it is. Nearly every other word that comes out of your mouth is a lie, so I have to really pay attention and figure out which parts are true. I know for sure I'm right on this.

She didn't say anything, but the cold expression on her face told him that she was already sick of the Courage Test.

Kai: I was serious when I said you don't have to act so tough all the time. It's okay to let me know these things from the start. I won't judge you for it. Let's go back.

For a split second, she seemed hesitant about whether or not she should accept his offer.

Ami: I'm fine.

Kai: There's really no point in forcing yourself to go through with this. We can find something else to do until the others come back.

Ami: I said I was fine, didn't I?

Kai: You might be the most stubborn person I've ever met.

She grew sullen while dropping her gaze.

Ami: That's not it. I'm fine, really. -(mutters)- I don't want to keep running away from everything…

It felt like the voice she spoke with sounded more immature than usual. No, it was because she normally appeared mature, but the fact of the matter was that she was a girl who was the same age as him.

Kai: Alright. Um...The sign over there says a vending machine is just around this corner. Let's get something warm to drink and then we can finish the Courage Test. What do you say?

He was trying his best to be considerate of her feelings. If she wanted to continue the Courage Test, then he would support her even though he couldn't understand the reasoning behind it. The impromptu suggestion of going to the vending machine, was his attempt at getting her to be more relaxed before they went deeper into the forest.

Ami: …That's fine...

They took a slight detour from the nature trail and continued to walk until they spotted a half red/ blue vending machine. Kai pointed to a nearby bench.

Kai: You can sit there. I'll buy a drink for you.

Ami: I'll buy it myself.

Kai (peeved): Still acting tough, huh?

Ami capitalized on her long legs by taking big strides. After cutting in front of Kai to get to the vending machine first, she pulled out some change and glanced over the selections.

While looking at Ami's dainty back, Kai's rebellious spirit suddenly resurfaced. He discovered a way to get revenge for her improvised- fake kiss prank. He quietly snuck up behind her, brought his lips close to her ear, and his arms slowly enclosed her body.

Ami (shocked): Eh?

Kai acted like he was going to hug her from behind. He was only pretending, but Ami's nerves were so shaken up that she ended up dropping all the change she was holding.

Kai: Oh, I got you really good with that one!

Kai laughed as he pointed at the surprised Ami. Her mouth was agape and her face was colored a bright red all the way up to her ears.

Ami: I'm so… angry! Juice!

Ami pointed to the vending machine.

Kai: Hm?

Ami: Didn't you say you'd buy me a drink?

She posed it as a question, but in reality, she was issuing an order.

Kai (disgruntled): So now you're turning my gesture of kindness into some sort of punishment?

He wasn't happy about this sudden change of events. Though he recognized it would be best to placate her for now.

Kai: Okay, okay. Which juice do you want?

Ami: Honeydew.

Kai: Are models allowed to have such sugary drinks?

Ami: Yes we can! Stop poking your nose into stuff that doesn't concern you! Seriously, you're always thinking of such unnecessary things!

Kai tried to muffle his laughter by pretending to cough. He couldn't help himself. He loved messing with her just as much as she did him.

After buying the honeydew juice and an oolong tea for himself, the two of them sat on the bench. She refused to acknowledge his existence.

He gazed at Ami tenderly, wondering if he had been just a little too mean with his mischief.

Kai: Kawashima, you're such a bad sport when the tables are turned. Whenever you play around with me, sure, I get irritated at first but I'm quick to get over it. If you're not able to do the same, then you should stop throwing the first punch all the time.

Ami: Didn't I tell you not to stick your nose into other people's business?! Don't talk to me! And don't look at me!

She abruptly turned her body away from him. The back of her shoulders gave off the light smell of perfume and an evil aura.

I've never seen Kawashima this mad before...

Kai pulled the tab off his warm tea can. As he put it to his mouth, he wore a bitter expression. You could practically hear the cogs turning inside his head as he thought about how to get out of this predicament.

Kai: Would it be okay if I apologize?

Ami: You don't even know what I'm angry about.

She was right. From Kai's perspective, it was just another harmless prank. This may have been the first time he took the initiative to get extremely close to her, but he hadn't inappropriately touched her or forced himself onto her. It wasn't any worse than what she had done to him in the past.

Kai: Then tell me why you're angry. Once I know, I'll do my best to make up for it.

Ami: It isn't that simple... There are a lot of reasons which you wouldn't understand.

Ami, who was still facing away from him, forcibly severed the conversation. Yet...

Kai: That's just another way of saying: you don't want to tell me. I really didn't have any bad intentions, you know? I was only kidding around, it's exactly the same as the stuff you do to me.

Even though he attempted to continue the conversation, Kai had already mentally prepared himself to be ignored. But surprisingly, Ami softly answered while staring into the darkness of the forest.

Ami: It's not the same.

Kai seemed to have picked up on something. He felt that Ami's words had a deeper meaning, but was unable to find a way to get her to reveal it. It appeared to be just as she had said, it wasn't that simple.

You're always like this, always saying half of what you mean. I'm sure I would be able to understand if you just told me. It's not like I'm an idiot. But if that's what you think, then tell me something that even idiots can understand. Since you're more mature than everyone else, and understand more than everyone else. Then tell me, instead of being angry by yourself, and understanding by yourself. Please tell me something…anything...

There's so many things Kai wanted to ask her, that he wanted to force out of her but he knew that would be counterproductive. He had no intention of kicking the hornet's nest. It was obvious she had already made up her mind to not tell him anything. No doubt, there were words that she had weaved in her heart, but without making a sound, without saying it, it would not reach him.

Not wanting to agitate her any further, Kai simply remained quiet and sipped his tea. He yearned to hear her voice, instead he had to settle for listening to the low hum of the vending machine… the treetops swaying in the slight breeze…then a particularly zealous insect gave a long, buzzing chirp.

After a few minutes, he suddenly detected the sound of her nails slowly tapping against the can of honeydew. Ami flicked her hair over her shoulder, finally turning to look at Kai with her usual ice-cold gaze.

Ami: I lie as much as I breathe?

Kai blinked in surprise when he heard how harsh those words sounded. It was much too late to take them back now, they had already left his mouth.

Kai: I -

Ami: I don't dislike that about you, so don't apologize.

He was relieved and frustrated at the same time. Relieved, because this outcome hadn't resulted from him being too blunt with his words. Frustrated, because he was expecting her to reveal why she was mad and she didn't.

Kai: Then why did you bring it up?

Ami: Well, I'm sure you're curious as to why I lie so much. It's not always just for fun and games, y'know? There's a strategy to this.

Ami still refused to touch on it. She talked about something else in bits and pieces as if substituting for that.

Kai: Strategy?

She knew that word would pique his interest. Standing up from the bench and taking a few steps ahead of him with her eyes fixed forward, Ami finally responded.

Ami: Yes. I can learn a lot about a person based on what lies they choose to believe. Actually, when someone believes a lie- don't you think that in itself makes it somewhat true?

With every step she took forward, the lamps casted a warm light, and cold shadow on Ami's face. This made her expression difficult to read, just like her blurry words that felt contradictory.

Kai: A lie doesn't transform into the truth just because someone believes it. Overall, it's still a lie.

Ami: Overall, you're right. But try looking at it from the perspective of the person being 'told' the lie…. The part of the lie that the person wants to see, wants to hear, wants to believe- that 'Truth' is in there, so they become a believer of the lie.

Ami lifted her head towards the sky. Following her lead, Kai also gazed up. The stars here were so much brighter compared to the city.

Ami: For example, replace the word 'Truth' with 'Hope'. In a lie, if you find the 'Truth' or 'Hope' you want to believe in, you'll end up accepting it as such. If you're not able to sense either of those things, then the lie is seen for what it is and immediately gets rejected.

He had been silent for a while, and perhaps Ami was anxious about his response. She kept glancing over towards Kai, but never directly at him.

Kai: I think...I got the gist of what you're trying to say.

As if that were some kind of signal, Ami smoothed down her hair and closed the distance between them. She leaned in very close and peered at him. The mere inch between her face and his, the sparkle in her eyes pulling him in, and that abnormally good smell coming from her were really getting to him right now.

Ami: In that case, Arito-kun. You probably think I've told you many lies. Was there any 'Truth' you wanted to see in them?

Kai clenched the steel can in his hand tightly. He was startled by Ami's sudden question. Her tone was way more intense than usual.

What should I say?

He had no idea. Her two somewhat cold eyes looked at him as if they could see through anything. Ami forcefully tried to see what was in the bottom of Kai's heart with such directness that it prevented him from moving.

Should I tell her the truth? That would practically be confessing to her. I didn't plan on doing that tonight. I don't care if Tiger gave me the go ahead. I only intended on building up my success rate for now. I'm not prepared for a confession. It's too sudden. I don't even know the right words to say. I should've put more thought into this...

He had to say something. This was it. The timing was natural, it wouldn't seem weird, and if worse came to worst, he could play it off as though it were a joke. He hid his nervously shaking fist in his pocket, then opened his mouth. He desperately tried to squeeze out the right words, but he simply couldn't find the strength. They were sitting right there, on the tip of his tongue, yet they just wouldn't come out.

She probably knows my answer. It's possible. She knows and yet she wants to hear it come from my mouth. It is definitely possible that she wants to tease me and get me back for that prank I pulled on her. For the rest of my life, I'll probably remember what happened tonight and agonize over how embarrassing it was.

He simply looked at her. Still not knowing what to say. Still not delving into the topic at hand. Still pondering over her words endlessly.

Ami didn't expect for the silence to remain this long. She became a bit irritated by that. He normally wouldn't hesitate to speak his mind. He always kept things as short as necessary, precisely to the point. That was her usual impression of him. And yet, there was this indecisiveness and uncertainty that lingered at his feet. She couldn't comprehend it at all.

Seeing that he was unable to give her an answer, she separated from him in the blink of an eye. As though she were dancing, she turned around to face him with her angelic smile back in place and brushed up her hair as she spoke.

Ami: Forget everything I said. I wasn't actually that interested to begin with. Let's hurry up and finish the Courage Test.

That voice sounded like she was forsaking him. She didn't like how he wasn't himself so she flung the conversation in a different direction. If not, he might have said something she didn't want to hear. She attempted to reach out to him, but her habitual impulse to try and escape won out in the end. To want something and be unable to obtain it, for it to be right in front of her yet her hands couldn't touch it, that was surely painful. She had to hide and play pretend. The need to maintain pretenses and the need to face reality were at odds with each other.

She retreated backwards step by step, still wearing that angelic smile. Her face didn't change in the slightest to reflect her real emotions. Kai noticed she seemed to be pushing everything into that unnatural smile. He couldn't let her walk away like that, especially after telling such a bold face lie to him. When she asked her question, her gaze was so intense, he felt like she was searching his soul. How could she claim she had no interest in his answer after doing something like that?

Kai: Hold up!

Kai was gradually coming to understand that Ami was highly likely to avoid any situation that would make her vulnerable. If she was currently running away, after trying to meet him face to face, then he would just force a confrontation to make her stay. There had been a lingering notion in the back of his mind that he was overlooking an implicit meaning in what she said. He started searching for the right way to draw that out, in hopes that it could explain her sudden behavior.

He ran Ami's words through his head one more time. Licking his dried lips and forgetting to even breathe in front of her gaze, something like a divine revelation suddenly appeared to him. It came bursting into his thoughts as an explicit truth for the very first time. He tried putting it out there, trying to confirm it. There's no way he wasn't going to.

Kai (stunned): Kawashima...that hug?...Do you like…me?

Ami's face paled, seemingly shaken by what he had chosen to zero in on.

Ami (bleakly): Why did you start there?

As he looked at her expression, he came to realize something. That, she had been absolutely certain he would initially answer her question. She hadn't expected him to grasp the subtle implication behind her words and discover her feelings first.

While Ami was giving her speech about people believing the "truth" in lies, the whole time, it felt as though she was describing something that was unrelated to her. That is to say, she had only acknowledged herself as the 'teller' of the lie, not a 'believer'. However, Kai finally recognized that everything Ami said, could clearly be seen as talking about herself.

Ami wasn't the only person who engaged in deception tonight. When Kai pretended to hug her, that could also be considered as 'telling a lie'. Her reaction to the hug proved she believed his lie. There was a truth in it that she wanted to see. She hoped it was real and when she discovered it wasn't, she was hurt by it. The appearance of the truth could wind itself around someone's heart then pierce through sharply, like the thorns of a budding sprout.

He got up from the bench, holding his head in shock. A flow of information came rushing into his mind.

Kai: So many things make sense now! Like, how you lashed out at me on the elevator when you thought I agreed to Kihara's proposal. She must've told you that I liked someone and you didn't know who. You were just jealous!

A sneer appeared at the edge of her lips. That was confirmation he had successfully managed to piece everything together. The elation he felt from finally being able to understand was indescribable. He couldn't help but grin.

Kai (playfully): Kawashima Ami, if you're able to be jealous of yourself then…you're even vainer than I thought.

Being told this, Ami could only swallow her bated breath. The words he had chosen weren't elegant, beautiful, or romantic like a confession of love should be. But even so, they embodied Kai's way of doing things.

As always, he realized his mistake soon after. If someone was special to you, then it was important to express that sentiment to make sure you wouldn't lose them.

Kai: No, I shouldn't have said it like that. Let me try again…

He was still smiling, but his eyes were serious. He gazed directly at her, brimming with his usual confidence. This moment wouldn't have been possible if he failed to decipher her cryptic words. He intended to fully answer Ami's question about what "truth" he wanted to see.

Kai: Kawashima, there are a lot of things you've told me that I hoped was true. Now that I know that they are, I'm glad because...I have feelings for you... in...a romantic sense..

Ami:...

His voice was reverberating inside her brain like a ringing bell. She didn't expect that anything would actually change between them.

Kai: …

Ami: …

Kai: …

Ami: …

Kai: Uh, this is my first time doing this, but...um...Aren't you supposed to say something right now?

Ami was still silent, as if her brain hadn't yet fully processed what he said. Her gaze flickered around his nose, she was sure that she would swoon looking directly in his eyes now.

Ami: Oh...um...okay...I-

She was trying to be cool, but the voice she managed was so low it was barely audible.

Ami: I'm willing to accept... your confession.

Kai: …

That reply would usually be worthy of a celebration, yet Kai wasn't pleased with it. He needed something else from her. Something more direct. It seemed Ami knew exactly what he was thinking.

Ami: Isn't it already obvious? You even said it yourself.

Listening to her lacking words, Kai's irritation intensified.

Kai: Shouldn't YOU be the one to say it?!

Although Kai urged her like this, Ami did not voice any opposition. It was an indispensable part of this confession. Only after receiving a definite reply, their relationship could grow into something more.

Ami: …

Kai: Can you not say it?

If she couldn't answer properly then-

Ami (disgruntled): Wait! Just wait a second!

Ami the Actress would be able to quickly say what needed to be said, without even breaking a sweat. This was different though. Right now, her emotions were all over the place. Despite that she had no reason to run away anymore, it still took some effort to sort out her thoughts, organize the words and speak them. She dived inside herself, searching her heart to express in concrete terms what she found there. The girl who put up walls, not wanting to be hurt, was now slowly mustering up the courage to openly express her feelings.

Kai watched her silently. He wasn't trying to read her. He was just waiting to hear what she would say. Actually, he had been waiting a long time for her to open up to him. That's why she decided to tell him what she was feeling in its rawest form. She looked in his eyes and began to speak.

Ami: I'm sorry for sending mixed signals. I just hated the possibility that if I tried to get close to you, I might end up getting pushed away... Anyways, um, I've always liked you.

Ami's voice was so earnest, almost like she was atoning for a time when she wasn't. Those were words that she probably didn't expect to say out loud tonight. Trying to ward off her own discomfort, she frantically searched for a way to regain a sense of normalcy.

Ami: It's been such a nuisance falling for a guy whose love experience is still stuck at the middle school level.

Kai (sarcastically): I'm sorry that you're the only one who was suffering through all this.

Ami: It's okay. God gave me unparalleled beauty, so it makes sense that I have to go through more hardships than normal people.

Seriously, what was her deal? She took forever to tell him how she felt, then once she did, she acted all cocky and superior about it. But due to him feeling that she was ineffably cute in that state, he didn't mind the severe lack of modesty in her comments. Holding a conversation like this, they got back into their normal groove, allowing them to relax again.

Ami tucked her silky hair behind one ear as she spoke as clearly and fluidly as ever.

Ami: So now that you know why I was mad, aren't you going to make up for it? You said you would.

Make up for it?

She smiled at him like a goddess overflowing with affection.

Oh! That! … Oh… That?...Right now?...Hmm...

This was no time to be bashful, she was obviously giving her consent. He steeled his resolve and slowly moved towards her. Just before he got too close-

Ami: Arito Kai, what kind of girl do you think I am?

His face was plastered with confusion.

What?! There's no way I read that wrong. She definitely wanted me to hug-

Ami: I'm not going to hug a guy who's not my boyfriend. And what complicates this situation even more, is how you view girls. They're either your friend or they're not. They can only fall into those two categories, nothing else.

She put a finger to her lips, pretending to be stumped. Her tone was teasing but warm.

Ami: If only there was a way to solve this problem…

This little devil…

Ami was revisiting a topic which they had discussed long ago. At that time, she stated:

"I'm still undecided as to whether I want to be your friend or not."

Kai had initially perceived that statement as being geared strictly to 'friendship'. His mindset towards girls didn't allow him to attain that there was a third possibility. However, his mentality had clearly changed since then and it appeared that Ami was no longer undecided about the matter. There was no beating around the bush this time. She was adapting to his blunt honesty and letting him know upfront that she wanted to be someone a little more special to him.

Essentially, Kai had been given an ultimatum. She paid close attention to what he was going to say next.

Kai: Okay, fine. I'm willing to let you be my girlfriend.

She poked him in the chest.

Ami: What's with that obnoxious answer?!

Kai (smirks): Well, you were 'willing' to accept my confession so I thought it was okay to-

Ami (stubbornly): No, try again.

Kai chuckled as he reached out his hands and gently grabbed both of hers. She trembled for a brief moment when she felt his touch. Though their hands were cold due to the wind, there was still a hint of warmth contained within. He took full advantage of this opening to lean in and wrap his arms around her. He could feel himself relaxing, only now realizing just how tense he had been. Apparently now satisfied, Ami nestled her face into his neck, relishing his embrace. Their bodies pressed against each other, at zero distance, so close that they could feel each other's breathing and the pounding of their heartbeats. It hit them with crystal clarity that this change was something truly precious.