Stage 2: Jealousy Endurance Challenge
Reina stood in front of the class like an executioner.
> "Kaito Tenma will now undergo controlled emotional contact with each unchosen girl.
His girlfriend must observe and score him.
No interference.
No crying.
No mercy."
Everyone went silent.
Riko didn't move.
Didn't speak.
Just stared straight ahead.
Yuna stretched like she was warming up for war.
Airi adjusted her uniform. Calm. Unreadable.
Akari… just smiled.
---
Round 1 – Yuna (The Wild Card)
She pulled me into the hallway before Reina even finished speaking.
> "I've been waiting for this."
"What does that mean—"
She leaned in.
Close.
Too close.
> "Remember when I said I'd win with heart, not votes?"
Her fingers brushed mine.
I flinched.
She smiled.
> "Still flinchy. Cute."
Then she whispered something that hit me harder than anything else:
> "She's watching, Kaito.
So give her a reason to fight for you."
And she walked away.
Like that didn't wreck me.
---
Round 2 – Airi (The Unexpected Reset)
She met me in the library.
Didn't say a word at first.
Just held out a printout.
> "Current emotional stability index: dangerously low."
I blinked. "…Yours or mine?"
She looked up.
Eyes soft.
> "Ours."
She stepped closer.
Held up a pen.
> "Do you regret it?"
I froze.
"…No."
She nodded.
But didn't smile.
> "Then promise me something."
"What?"
> "Make sure your heart doesn't stay halfway."
Then she turned her back to me.
> "Because if it does… I might steal it when she's not looking."
---
Round 3 – Akari (The Calm Storm)
We sat in the old music room.
The same one we used to sneak into as kids.
She played one note on the piano.
Then looked at me.
> "Do you remember when I said I'd always be here?"
I nodded.
She smiled.
> "That offer has an expiration date."
That hit harder than it should've.
> "But don't worry. I haven't used it yet."
She stood up.
Kissed me on the forehead.
And whispered:
> "Your move, Tenma."
---
After All That – Riko's Reaction
I walked back into the classroom.
Heart pounding.
Head spinning.
And Riko?
She was standing.
Reina held out a scorecard.
She didn't take it.
Instead, she looked at me.
Eyes unreadable.
> "You really don't get it, do you?"
I blinked. "What—"
> "This test wasn't for me."
She turned.
Started walking out.
Paused at the door.
> "It was for you. To see if you're actually ready to be with me."
Then she left.
Didn't yell.
Didn't cry.
Just left me standing there, surrounded by girls…
But somehow completely alone.