My breathing stopped as I heard the distorted voice.

It came from the painting...and it's mouth was moving...

This is a nightmare...!

"Wha!? Who's voice was that!?" Q-taro shouts, not having noticed the painting yet.

"Ha ha ha. Don't sweat the details. I'm the master of this room. You can call me Meister."

I think the voiced caused me enough of a shock to calm down a little.

I pulled away from Sara but Joe kept his hand on my back. His facial expression read 'You gonna be okay?' so I nodded at him with a smile that I could barely manage. He nodded back and pulled away as the voice continued.

Joe is a sweetheart. Must protect.

"Now, let's get right to it, lemme explain the rules of the next game."

"T...The rules...?" Kai asked aloud.

"Well, of course! You wanna stake your life without even knowin' the rules!? You're a real character, man!"

"Stake...my life?" Even with the weight of the words, Kai's blank look never left his face.

How does he look so calm!?

"This one's simple! Right now, there's you six humans in this room. This is one more person than we anticipated, but we'll just have to improvise! Glance around the room...! There's four open seats. One will be the Challenger, and the other five will sit down and be targets. One of you will just have to sit on a doll's lap. Sorry not sorry!"

Hmm I wonder who that lucky person will be...

Sigh... Who am I kidding?

"Targets...? Targets fer what!?" Q-taro asks.

"Well, I gave you that cool weapon here in this room, didn't I?"

This fucker is actually amused by this.

"W...We're gonna be targets for a revolver!?" Q-taro shouts.

The thought finally must have sunk in with Q-taro's words because I felt my head go blank and my eyes turn glossy once more.

The silent sign of fear.

Joe must have noticed because he put his arm around me and rubbed my arm to comfort me.

Physical contact is just the thing I need right now...

"And? What are the rules to this? Surely there's an outcome where nobody dies." Keiji comments.

"Ha ha ha! Naturally! A regular death trap is just old-hat, you get me? But, see... First you'll have to decide who'll be the Challenger for me."

"You're tellin' us to decide who's gonna shoot without knowin' what the game is!? Who's gonna want to be the targets!?'" Q-taro exclaims. "...Will the Challenger be safe?" Joe asks Meister.

Huh? Good question, actually...

"Yep! Only the targets get to relish the thrill! What a shame!"

"...I see. Sara, can I ask you to be the Challenger?" Joe asks with a smile.

What...

"...Wha!?" Both Sara and I shout out. "D...Don't kid me! Ya can't decide that all on yer own!" Q-taro exclaims. "I suppose it may not be proper to make a young girl handle a gun." Kai muses. "I'm in favor of it myself, Sara's got a clear head." Keiji states.

Yeah, that and you kind of have a thing for her, maybe, but that's not important right now!

"Well, Sara? You confident?" Joe asks her.

Everyone, including myself, looks at Sara.

"Confident...?" She asks aloud. She thinks about it for a good while before she looks back up and nods her head. "...Please, let me do it." She requests. Q-taro looks flabbergasted. "...No way. Can't approve'a that. 'Snot like I don't trust ya... Don't think badly of me." He says.

Kai speaks up. "...Holding it to a vote... Perhaps...this is the best way to settle this. Why don't we discuss it, and then hold a majority vote?" He offers.

Huh...

"That...sounds fair." I shrug. "Yeah... Might be the only way." Keiji nods. "Right...!" Joe adds.

Everyone looks at Q-taro. "...Gotcha. Let's do it." He says. Keiji looks at Sara and me. "Talk to me when you're all set. I'll be standing right here." He tells us.

Guess we have a moment to talk still. Sounds good.

I turn to Joe and hug him. "Thanks for comforting me... You're awesome." I tell him. He chuckles and ruffles my hair as he hugs back. "It's no big, don't worry! Also thanks!"

I swear I can almost hear the grin in his voice.

I laugh and pull away. After wiping off a few stray tears away, I walk over to Sara. "You ready to do this?" I ask. "I should be asking you." She says worriedly. I frown. "I'm better now. I really need to get used to being in this nightmare or I'll just become a nuisance and extra dead weight... Nobody wants that..." I sigh while rubbing my right arm.

Sara places a hand on my shoulder. "Hey, you're like my sidekick, (F/n). Plus, you helped Sou and I figure out that the doll torso was connected to the doll head in the pink room! That goes to show you can overcome your fears for the sake of the group!" She tells me with a smile.

Man... Now I'm holding back tears of happiness... I'm such a crybaby.

Oh well, nevermind that!

I hug Sara again. "Thanks for lifting my spirits Sara. I'll stay your loyal sidekick no matter what!" I tell her with a smile as I pull away. "You're welcome, (N/n)." Sara says happily.

She reaches a hand out to me. "Ready?" I look at it for a second before nodding at her and grabbing her hand. "Ready, partner."

With that we walk up to Keiji. "You two prepared for the discussion?" He asks. We nod. "I'm always on your two's side." He says and ruffles my hair with a smile before heading back to the group.

I guess I've become the loveable, weird teen of the group, huh?

"What am I, a dog?" I mumble as a joke and Sara laughs. She also ruffles my hair. "Woof. You may call me Gin 2.0 now." I roll my eyes at my own joke. Sara takes me to the circle.

[DECIDE CHALLENGER]

Sara and I do a quick scan of everyone gathered around.

Let's do this!

Q-taro is the first to speak. "Alright, let's discuss who's gonna take the role of Challenger." He says. "Once we settle our opinions, we'll hold a vote at the end." Kai adds.

"Sara... You know what's up! Show Q-taro what makes you worth trusting!" Joe tries to hype Sara up a bit and Keiji nods to show his support. I squeeze her hand as my own way of supporting her.

"We gotta have the one we can trust most be the Challenger, I'm thinkin'." Q-taro muses. "I agree wholeheartedly there. Don't feel like having my brains blown out." I state. "Seconded." Sara points to me. "No objections there, right? So, let's talk it out." He responds.

[DEVELOPMENT]

"Straight to the point: I got experience handlin' guns. So leave bein' the Challenger to me." Q-taro states. "Is that true?" Joe asks. "Yep, I hate lies. I got real acquainted with shootin' when I went to the US!" Q-taro admits proudly. "So you're saying you've had training?" Keiji asks. He sighs and crosses his arms. "I'll keep it simple too. Q-taro, even if you do have experience, I can't trust you." He says plainly. "...Really now?" Q-taro narrows his eyes. "Sorry." Keiji shrugs. "The mood has become tense..." Kai points out awkwardly.

And we gotta discuss important things in this mood. That's the worst thing.

"...Hrm...I am undecided. It pains me to put the responsibility on miss Sara." Kai admits. "She'll be fine! Sara's got a mind of steel! Just call her Steelmind!" Joe says. Kai tilts his head. "...Steelmind...?" Sara just shakes her head.

Joe turns to Sara and I. "Well? Can you two think of any rebuttals?" He asks. Sara ponders on it. "I think we need more time to think, Joe." I tell him. "Well, ask me if you're not sure! We'll stress about it together!" He grins which causes me to smile.

"C'mon Sara, might as well take him up on his offer." I snap her out of her transe. She nods before looking back up at Joe. He gently gives her a punch to the shoulder. "Don't look so nervous! Put on your usual big shot attitude!" He says. She narrows her eyes at him. "Who do you even think I am...?" She asks him. "The Godfather of Sonobeno High School!" He cheers.

His grin could blind you it's so bright, I swear.

This causes me to chuckle at their close relationship. "Urgh... Can you think about this seriously? My problem is that I don't know how to object. I feel like everyone's arguments are sound. I have...no rebuttals to make." Sara admits. Joe turns serious. "True... Thinking about it logically, you don't have much ground to stand on, Sara. In that case! How about you have two people's statements duke it out!?" He offers.

Say what?

"Huh? What do you mean Joe?" I ask confused. He looks at me. "Yeah! Pit opposing statements against the other to advance the discussion!" He explains. "So you're saying to borrow the words of others... We'll give it a try!" Sara says with a smile. He smiles back at her. "Alright back to the discussion you two!" I laugh. Joe scratches his neck and Sara nods at me. I can see faint traises of pink on their faces.

Okay I know this is not the time for shipping but this is hella adorable!

I giggle and nudge Sara in the rib to which she swats my arm away.

I speak up. "Keiji, can you repeat what you said?" I ask him. He nods and turns to Q-taro. "Q-taro, even if you do have experience, I can't trust you." He tells him. "...Urk. Whyzat!? Ain't experience important for this!?" Q-taro retorts, clearly confused. "It's because I can't imagine this game requires skill with a gun." Keiji explains. "...Say what?" Q-taro asks wide eyed. Keiji motions towards the dolls. "Look at the room. Aren't these dolls curious? I'm betting...they're dummy targets." He explains.

Woah... That makes a lot of sense!

"Dummies...?" Q-taro asks. "Shoot a human, or shoot a doll... That's probably what the game's about. What's important is a cool head. The targets can't move from the chairs anyhow." Keiji explains. "I'm always cool-headed... Believe it or not." Q-taro tries to convince him with a smile. Keiji side eyes him. "Even when you're pointing a gun at someone?" He asks. 

Q-taro stays silent.

Damn Keiji...roughless...

"It's an awful thing, when the person you're looking at could die by your hand. You ever experienced that? I trust someone determined to save her friends more than an amateur with average training." Keiji finishes. "...I get it. Maybe I might not be up for it..." Q-taro scratches his head.

Huh... Well that was easier than I tho-

"But still! I got more to say." Q-taro adds.

Welp. There goes that.

"Suppose I'll listen..." Keiji gives in. "We got time, go on." I say.

[PROGRESS]

"Keiji! Doesn't that mean we should have you be the Challenger!? You must've been in tons of gunfights in your line o' work!" Q-taro points out. "I mean...you have a point." I muble. Keiji stays quiet. "T-That is true..." Joe admits. "Indeed I was wondering about that myself. Why the policeman, who would be the most suitable, is not recommending himself." Kai adds. Keiji rubs his neck. "...Guess you would think so, huh..." He says.

That's immediately a red flag. I better keep that in mind.

"If I'm gonna put my life on the line, I want the most dependable person I can get. If it ain't me, then it's Keiji... You're the only one." Q-taro explains. "Keiji... What's the matter...?" Joe asks him. 

Now that he mentions it, Keiji is being very quiet... 

"Keiji?" I try. No response. "We won't know if you keep quiet!" Joe looks like he's starting to lose his patience for the policeman. "If you refuse, I wish to know the reason. At this rate, it will prove to be an issue... We cannot end our discussion in this state." Kai reasons.

Okay I've had it.

I turn to Sara and she looks at me. "We have to get Keiji to talk, what do you say?" I ask her. "I agree. His lips are sealed and that's doing us no good. You try first." She tells me. I nod at her. 

Let's try good cop first.

Heh, puns.

"Keiji, we need to know why you're staying silent." I tell him. 

He just side eyes me. 

"Keiji...c'mon man! This is making this discussion more difficult than it needs to be! You want to help Sara, right?" I try again. 

Still nothing. 

"Answer her!!" Sara suddenly shouted at him.

Everyone is wide-eyed.

Wow I did not expect that from her...

"Woah." Keiji puts a hand out in a bad attempt to calm Sara down. She's even let go of my hand. "We're all being serious! If you don't say what you're thinking, we won't know!" She tries to knock some sense into him. 

After staying silent, Keiji just starts laughing. "...Hahah. Hah hah hah hah! What are you, my mom? Hahaha!"

He's just laughing like this is all a joke!

Seriously, this guy seems like a good ally but when he's so secretive about his past it makes me want to suspect him!

"The fuck are you laughing at?" I ask with some mix of anger about how he's treating Sara and confusion as to why he's laughing in the first place. He keeps laughing until he catches his breath and starts to calm down. "Wahah... Ahh, that was a good laugh... All right, I'll explain." He finally says as he looks to the side. "About damn time..." I mutter out. He turns back to us. "...I shot a person. Since then...I haven't been able to fire a gun." He explains. "Ohh..." Is all I can manage to say. "...Huh!?" Sara seems even more surprised.

Wow... This is a lot to take in all at once... I'm in a room together with a man who shot someone...and they probably died! 

Okay, just listen to what else Keiji has to say (F/n)...

"I know it's pathetic. Should've been prepared for that when I became a detective." He says. "But... If something like this happened, wouldn't it make the news...?" Sara asks him. Keiji sighs. "Reality's not only what comes to the surface. That's all I got. It's the truth." He finishes. "Damn..." Is all I manage to say.

Well now that he admitted that, I trust him a little more. I respect him for being truthful in the end.

"...'Zat the truth?" Q-taro asks. "...Yeah." Keiji nods. "...On the job, right? Did the one you shoot...die...?" Q-taro asks. I immediately start making various 'no' gestures to show him that he shouldn't have asked that but the damage is already done. Keiji just sighs and looks away. "...Traumatic, I bet..." Q-taro mumbles sympathetically. "...Real sorry I can't live up to your expectations. Especially you, (F/n). You're still young and need to trust police. Not all of them are like me." He says.

I'm surprised he even mentioned me.

"It's...fine Keiji... I'm just glad you told us the truth. Took you a while, but we got there eventually, so thank you." I give him a gentle smile. He nods at me and sighs. "Ever since then, pointing a gun at somebody makes my head go weird. Can't stop sweating." He says. "...Wouldn't wanna make you do it, then." Q-taro sighs. "S...So then you'll count on Sara! Right, Q-taro!?" Joe asks. "...H-Hold on now! I'm still uneasy!! It's our lives what's on the line, right!?" Q-taro says. "Huh!? Q-taro!!" Joe whines.

Good Lord, he's stubborn as an oaf! What will it take to convince him!?

"Sara... Use your words...and prove to me...that you're worth trustin'!" Q-taro offers. 

Finally we're getting somewhere! 

"Understood... But I'll only do that if you allow (F/n) to help me convince you." She says. "Huh?" I ask, completely confused. "...Fine. I can accept that." He nods. "Well okay, I guess I'm doing this now!" I state matter of factly.

[PROGRESS]

[WAR OF WORDS]

Sara and I stare intensely at Q-taro.

Here we go!

"Can a high-school kid handle this!? I can't trust somebody who's got no experience with a gun! This ain't fun and games!" Q-taro begins.

I speak up. "But Keiji said that experience with a gun isn't important for this challenge! Did that just fly over you head!?" 

"Urk...!" Q-taro grunts.

Sara continues. "I don't have experience, but I can think calmly! And I'm determined to save everyone!" She assures him.

Q-taro starts looking around at everyone. "We could leave it to Keiji, Kai or even Joe instead!"

I speak up again. "But Keiji just told us he can't do it because of his trauma! Do you want to force him to do something that reminds him of it!?"

"No...but...even still..." He pointlessly tries to prove his argument.

Sara points at him. "Would you put your life in the hands of someone who wouldn't trust himself!?"

"Damnit...! That's true..." He admits.

Q-taro crosses his arms. "Just havin' the motivation don't mean nothin'! Do you guys not trust me enough to do this? You really think Sara has the confidence!?"

Sara speaks up. "I do! I can say this much loud and clear! I'm confident I can save everyone!"

I continue. "You heard it right from the horse's mouth, Q-taro! There's your answer!"

"...No value in trustin' yer life to somebody with no confidence. If even this doesn't freak ya, that's nothin' to sneeze at!" He admits.

"Are you fine with puttin' everything on Sara!? Could be worse games to come! Like with monsters...right!?" He asks me.

"Joe, Keiji and I have been saying that Sara should do it from the start! Of course we're fine with it! We trust her!" I respond.

"Grm..." Q-taro grunts.

Sara grabs her hips and has a proud stance. "And even now, that hasn't been shaken! Q-taro, please, believe in me too!" She pleads him.

"Urghhh..." He's crumbling.

Just a little more!

"Sara doesn't trust others! Is there any chance she'll win!? She might even end up shootin' her own friends!" He tries.

"That's exactly why I definitely won't mess this up! Not only Joe and (F/n), but Q-taro, Keiji, Kai... I won't let any of your lives be taken!" Sara tries to convince him even more.

"Q-taro, right now... You can't possibly feel a stronger determination than me!" She points at him.

"Sara is the most logical option! You have to admit that, dude!" I continue.

"...You got a point there. To me, you're strangers I just met, all of ya... Can I bet on...your desire to save your friends...?" He asks Sara.

Sara nods at him. "Please, count on me!"

"...What a weird-ass high school girl!" He mumbles to himself.

[DISCUSSION END]

"Pant, gasp... I'm exhausted..." Q-taro says. 

Same here, I'm leaning on Sara and coughing myself. Sara's panting too!

Jesus Christ, I don't think I've ever had an argument that was this intense with someone!

"Bein' honest and arguing it out is kinda refreshing, though." Q-taro says with a smile. "Huh...?" Sara makes a surprised noise but all I manage to do is look up at Q-taro in confusion. Kai steps in between us three. "Well, the discussion's settled down. Shall we have our vote soon?" He asks. Keiji nods at him. "Right. Sorry, know you three are tired, but let's get started." I smile at him tiredly and let go of Sara. "It's fine... Let's go." My voice is a bit gravily from straining it so much, and I could use a drink of water but otherwise I'm good to vote.

[VOTE]

Sara: Joe, (F/n), Keiji, Q-taro, Sara.

Q-taro: Kai.

5 to 1

[SARA WINS]

"Well... Seems it's decided." Q-taro states obviously. "There'd be no objections, right?" Keiji asks. "Hahaha! Naturally!" Q-taro laughs. "Sara, (N/n), hardly any kids these days can make themselves as clear as you two can. I feel like I can bet on you!" He smiles.

Aww... This guy is actually cool!

"Q-taro...!" Sara seems touched. I wink at him and put my fist out. "Thanks, big guy. I appreciate it!" He smiles and does a fistbump with me. "What a cool thing to say." Keiji comments with a grin. "Man, lookin' at you guys just makes me feel like I'm bein' selfish." Q-taro, strangely enough, says this with a smile. 

"Alright! Good luck with the rest, Sara! It's all riding on you!" Joe says. I give Sara a hug. "You can do it! Show us what miss Steelmind can do!" I say. She smiles. "...Right! Leave it to me!" Kai gestures to the seats with his ladle. "Well then, shall we take our seats?" He asks. "Don't worry, guys. I'll be the one to sit on a doll's lap." I assure them with a smirk.

They tried to hide it but they looked relieved. Some more and some less than others.

Praise me bitches!

Ok, now comes the scary part...

Keiji, Q-taro and Kai go to sit on the second floor while Joe and I stay on the first. 

I sit down on a doll on the far left from Sara's perspective. It's also right next to Joe which provides a little comfort. Joe chuckles at my situation so I decide to be sly. I roll my eyes and smirk before I put my arms around the doll's neck and kiss it where its cheek would be while looking at Joe the whole time. He does a wolf whistle and tries not to burst out laughing but fails. I laugh too and sit normally again.

Let's hope my humor makes fate spare me...

Sara gets herself ready for a bit before talking to the painting. "I'm ready."  

"Yo. That took forever. Is it okay for me to give the rules now?" 

Meister sounds bored.

"Yes." Sara nods.

Here we go.

"You found the gun and the bullets in this room earlier, right? And you should've also found dummy bullets in a different room. You've got 3 live bullets and 6 dummies. That's a total of 9 bullets you can load into this revolver. You gotta fire all 9 bullets into everyone - human and doll - in any order you like. Also, the bullets are fired in clockwise order... But once you load 'em, the barel'll spin and stop! Which means the starting bullet is a mystery! If you fire all the bullets and all the humans survive, you win! I call it Russian Roulette! ...'Cause that's just what it is. Want another quick summary of that?" 

"No." Sara replies.

Let's hope you really got this Sara!

"Alright! Then let's begin! First, load up the gun how you like it!" 

Sara opens the barrel of the gun, thinks for a second and then starts loading it up. 

I'm pretty sure I see a pattern so that's good. 

"Done." Sara looks back at the painting. 

"You okay with that?"

"Yes." Sara confirms. 

"Alright, lock in the barrel!" 

She does as instructed. 

"And let the barrel spin!" 

I feel myself gulp. I look over at Joe and see he's sweating but trying to keep it together. I grab his hand and squeeze it. He looks at me and I smile. He smiles back. We look back at Sara.

Shaka-shaka-shaka-shaka-shaka...

"It's stopped! Now fire in any order you want! Oh, but of course, shooting the same target twice or discussing with the targets is against the rules! Hey, there's only three real bullets. It's simple!" 

Meister finally shuts up.

The silence is super eerie.

I squeeze Joe's hand as I start to shake. He squeezes it back. 

I trust Sara to make the right choice but that doesn't mean I'm not scared of dying still! 

Sara aims at a doll next to Joe. 

*BANG*

Nothing happened. 

She points at another doll next to it. 

*BANG*

Its head flew off and green liquid started spilling out. 

Oh please Sara have a strategy! 

She stands in front of Joe and aims the gun at him. I feel him squeeze my hand so I hold it tighter.

*BANG*

Nothing happened.

Oh thank God, he's alive!

"Hehehe... My heart was about to explode." Joe laughs breathlessly. 

[Joe Survived]

Sara flashes Joe a quick smile. She stops in front of me and aims the gun at me. 

I gulp and squeeze Joe's hand as tight as he did mine and he reciprocates. 

I close my eyes to brace for the gunshot.

*BANG*

...

Nothing happened.

"Oh my God... Oh, thank fuck...sigh..." I say while leaning back into the doll and start panting from how scared I was. I look at Sara to see her smile and wink.

[(F/n) Survived]

I let go of Joe's hand and clutch at both my heart and my forehead. Sara walks towards the ladder. Joe turns to me with a grin. "See? I told you, you could trust Sara!" I smile. "Yeah, you were right. She's really something, huh?" I say. "Yeah..." Joe sighs while watching Sara climb up. I nudge him in the ribs and he sees my smirk which causes him to blush.

Adorable

I hear Sara walk up to someone or something. 

*BANG*

No response. 

Footsteps again. 

*BANG*

"Whew... Feeling numb." I hear Keiji say.

[Keiji Survived]

Okay that leaves her two humans and one doll to shoot. 

I hear Sara walking again.

*BANG*

"Pant...pant... Now I'll be okay." I hear Q-taro comfort himself.

[Q-taro Survived]

I see Sara coming down the ladder but stopping in the middle so she has a clear shot of the last doll on the first floor. She winks at Joe and I before shooting the doll's head clean off. 

*BANG*

I start clapping with Joe following. Sara blushes and does a mocking bow from the ladder before going back up. 

*BANG*

"Bravo..." I hear Kai say with the faintest trace of relief.

[Kai Survived]

I see Sara come back down the ladder and walk up to her starting point. She looks at the painting. 

"Oh... Ohh... Ohhhh!"

"Nani dafuq..." I mumble out which causes a snort from Joe.

"Fantastic! Now that's a job well done! No complaints here, you win! Seems a puzzle like this was a piece of cake for you! Truly brilliant! You deserve a hand! And so, here's my right hand." 

Suddenly, a fucking arm fell from the ceiling right in front of Sara.

Both Sara and I scream." Ahhhhhhhh!" Meister just laughs at our expense. "You piece of shit!" I shout at the painting. 

"Hahaha! Be glad! And accept it! See ya!" 

With that, Meister shuts up for good this time.

Sara looks very peeved.

Me too, sis. Me too.

I run over to Sara with Joe close behind and hug her. "You did it! You saved us, Sara! Thank you!" She hugs back with a relieved smile. Joe pats her on the back. "Sara! Well done!" He says. "Thanks you two...!" She says. I pull away and Joe gives her a quick hug too. 

"I changed my mind on you! Honestly, I regret makin' light of you!" Q-taro says while walking over, Kai and Keiji following. Sara pulls away from Joe and smiles at them. "Miss Sara, miss (F/n), that arm..." Kai points at the arm on the ground. I grab it and check it out.

This bitch...

"It's a fake arm! What a fucking prick!" I shout. "Find my body...wasnt it?" Keiji asks. "Ah...!" Sara realizes what he means. "Seems relevant to that note with the doll's head." Keiji states. "So...it'd be a good idea to take this along?" Joe asks but clearly hopes we will say no even though we all know that won't happen. "Guess we gotta. I'll carry it in this box." Q-taro offers and Joe looks very much relieved. I hand Q-taro the arm and he stuffs it into the box rather violently. "Don't break it!" I quickly say. "Okay, we've got a clue of sorts. Let's get out." Keiji instructs. "Sou never came back, did he?" Joe notices.

Huh... Now that he mentions it...

That stinky bitch never DID come back!

Add that to the list of reasons for suspecting this guy.

"Dude, you're right!" I say and point at Joe. "Huh... Wonder where he went." Keiji says rather casually but that look in his eyes screams suspicion. "Did we lose 'im?" Q-taro asks. "Tell you what, that guy is fishy as fuck! I don't care what anyone says!" I say.

I'm sure they can agree with me on this!

"Oh well, I guess... Sara, (F/n), you two were with Sou, right? It's dangerous for you two to be alone, so I'll search together with you guys!" Joe offers with a grin. "Well welcome aboard, buddy!" I high five him. "Joe... Thank you." Sara smiles at him. "Heheh! Wow, honest for once!" Joe ruffles Sara's hair. She blushes and pouts. "I'm always honest." I giggle at the two. Keiji coughs. "Well, we'll be heading out." He points towards the door with his thumb. Joe retracts his hand from Sara's hair, puts both of them on his hips and looks at Keiji. "Ah, hold on! You got a second...?" He asks and runs over to Keiji which makes me raise an eyebrow.

I wonder what Joe wants to talk to Keiji about...

I don't have time to theorize on the matter because Kai walks up to Sara and I. He shifts his attention to Sara though. "Miss Sara." He begins. "Hm...?" Sara urges him to continue. "Earlier...I neglected to thank you. Allow me to state my gratitude for taking on such an important role. Thank you very much for saving us amid such great pressure." He bows. "...Don't mention it." Sara says with a smile. "Miss Sara, you are no average high schooler. Keiji noted that you are clear-headed... But what's truly superb is your heart. Indeed, you have a mind of steel. However... Overdoing it brings harm to yourself... You must not shoulder too much."

Wow, he's being really nice!

"...Right." Is all Sara manages to respond with. She then looks serious. "Come to think of it, Kai, why did you..." 

Suddenly, realization is plastered all over her face. 

"...Kai... Ah... " She mumbles out. 

The look in her eyes... 

I grab her shoulder and gently shake her but it does nothing. "Miss Sara...? Is something the matter...?" Kai tries too. 

She's super pale! 

I place both hands on her shoulders and shake her. 

Still nothing. 

"Sara!" I say loudly but not enough for it to be a shout. I shake her again, a bit more roughly. 

Nothing again!

Alright fuck this!

"SARA!!" I scream at her and clap my hands right in front of her face. 

It finally gets her attention back to us. "Jeez Louise, that took a while to get you out of that transe!" I exclaim. "You look unwell..." Kai states. He sounds worried. Sara plays with her bangs a bit. 

I'm recognizing this as her nervous habit. 

"A...Ah, I'm fine..." She says avoiding eye contact with him. "Are you sure?" I ask her. I notice there's definitely something up when she glances at me. Kai looks behind us before speaking up. "...Miss Sara." 

He gets cut off by a certain brunette boy who is next to me in seconds. "Sara! Are you okay!? I heard (F/n) shouting your name and got worried!" Joe says.

She finally seems to be able to focus now that he's here.

"Joe... (F/n)..." She looks at the both of us for a second. She puts on a smile that I can tell is fake. "It's okay... I just felt a little drained..." She tries to assure us. Joe shakes his head, grabs a hold of her arm and puts it around his shoulders. "Don't push it! Lean on my shoulder and we'll rest." Sara turns a shade of pink and pulls away to play with her bangs. "Let's walk... I feel like I'll calm down if we walk..." She mumbles. "Got it...!" Joe tells her. Sara nods at him and crosses her arms before starting to walk out of the room with Joe and me on her heels.

What the hell just happened??

-------------------------
[Author's Note]

First mini game of the bunch, only more to come! Hope I wrote that well.

Anyways, I was scrolling through pinterest and look what I found!

I know I'm over a month late for Valentine's Day, but I just thought that this was super cute and had to bring some attention to it!

Toodles~!

Kaja is finished here ^^

[Word count: 5572]