Tachibana-sensei announced something unbelievable, a night endurance test. What would be the true meaning of this? Motive? This is my first time hearing of such a thing.

 

 

Right after having dinner, we gathered at a nearby forest.

 

I don't feel good about this.

 

 

"One by one, students will pass through this forest and walk through the finish line. It's up ahead of this forest. Don't worry this forest was checked thoroughly by staff so don't expect any dangerous animals crawling behind you."

 

 

I don't think that's such a good explanation sensei, you literally just scared everyone.

 

 

"Each of you will be given a flashlight to light your way. The team that will finishes first will earn more points and win this challenge. I didn't explain the points but those points will be added to your last exams. Remember that results aren't out yet so you still have a chance to raise it."

 

 

I see. Undoubtedly that will keep students motivated. Nonetheless, for others, I wonder who among them has the guts to voluntarily go first.

 

 

Looking at Kurisu, she's grimacing, Her body is trembling in fear.

I could tell she's scared of the dark. She's close to me so I held her hands.

 

 

"Are you Okay Kurisu?"

 

 

"E- eh... I'm o- okay..."

 

 

You don't look like it at all. I'm afraid I can't save you here.

 

 

"In addition, since none of you will volunteer, I will be calling names who's going first."

 

 

Kurisu gripped my hand tightly it hurts. Oy!

 

 

Sensei mentioned something scary. Half of my classmates are ecstatic and some are cowering in fear.

 

 

Takahashi looks fine with a grin on her lips. She's enjoying this I bet.

 

 

Sensei began calling out names, each student holding a flashlight slowly walked through the dark forest and vanished. No matter how you look at it, it looks dreadful. Like people were being offered to a devil.

 

 

Suddenly, Kurisu got called by sensei. She's hesitant to leave.

 

 

"You can do it. I'll find you later." I whispered to her.

 

 

Gazing at me she's about to cry. Then she nods. Let go of my hand and walk through the dark abyss.

 

 

After a few minutes, my name got called. I walked toward sensei, grabbed a flashlight, and started my journey to the darkness.

 

 

Huge trees, thick roots above the ground, I don't think they picked the right place to hold this. If someone suddenly got scared to death and began running, possibly stumbling with these roots could happen. I hope it won't happen.

 

 

As I wandered through, it's too quiet. Insects should be making noises around but I barely hear any.

 

 

The moonlight barely passes through the massive trees so it's really murky here. Till I came accross an open space.

 

 

There's a place where moonlight illuminates its beauty with fireflies fly around, taking you into a fantasy world. Trees are circled like put intentionally, with a huge stone in the middle. Someone has sat on it. I could only see a silhouette so I walked closer.

 

 

That person was a girl, short-haired Takanashi Rui. Fireflies swooped around her like a deity being worshipped by nature.

 

 

Noticing me as I approached her she spoke.

 

 

"Ara~ Asamura you found this place too."

 

 

"If I recall, I left first. You're fast Takanashi."

 

 

"I never expected to see you here. It must be fate."

 

 

"What do you mean? Fate?"

 

 

"Yeah, our meeting here."

 

 

"I don't get you."

 

 

What does she wanna say?

 

 

She began stamping her hand on the stone, motioned for me to sit beside her. I understand and follow.

 

 

"This place is stunning, even the moon is beautifully gleaming, shining  down on us here."

 

 

"Yeah."

 

 

I could only give that as a reply. I was left in awe of this breathtaking scenery.

 

 

"Hey~" she whispered.

 

 

I turn my gaze to her then suddenly-

 

 

A soft sweet like a confection touches my lips. Takanashi's lips are pressing against mine.

 

 

I was left stunned and paralyzed. I wasn't able to comprehend because my brain stopped functioning. I haven't experienced being kissed by someone until now.

 

 

She separated and when I was about to say something to stopped her-

 

 

She firmly gripped my chin with her right hand. Her lips touch mine once more.

 

She even dared to stick her tongue on my mouth, though I just let her. Our tongues pushed against each other like how you would expect from a French kiss. Soft, tickling, and a delicate feeling.

 

 

Her luscious fragrance sweeter than a cotton candy gushing through my nose and mouth. I couldn't resist her and yielded. Her temptation is unbearable.

 

 

She's kissing me with skill and experience I never expected from her.

 

 

When I thought it's over she didn't stop licking my lips.

It feels like I'm being devoured completely. I'm lost in my thoughts.

 

 

Her scent, emotions, soft sensations are all over me. She separated. Unexpectedly, we locked gazes. I'm being drawn into her ruby eyes.

 

 

Blinking, she took a deep breath. Hugged me and spoke.

 

 

 

I Like you Asamura, I don't mind if you wouldn't look at me the same way but-

 

 

Please forgive me, I couldn't help myself.

 

 

 

She whispered along these lines like a farewell. I'm at loss for words. I was caught into whirwind of emotions. But she looks so ecstatic with satisfaction.

 

 

Few moments passed and we heard a scream somewhere far away. I'm completely aware of who that voice belonged to. It was Kurisu.

 

 

I was taken back to reality. And separated to Takanashi. I'm gazing at her like I was trying to communicate using eye contact. She understood and nodded.

 

 

I started running I was told worried until-

 

 

"Wait! Asamura! Aaah-!"

 

 

I suddenly heard something crashing on the ground. Takashi tripped over a root above ground. Her ankle was sprained. She's tearing up, I don't have a choice. I can't leave her.

 

 

So I decided to carry her on my back. She's too light like you'd wonder if she's eating at all.

 

 

"I'm sorry~" she mumbled.

 

 

"It's okay. I'm sorry for hurrying up too."

 

 

She only nods. I couldn't see the fierce Takanashi when she kissed me earlier. Carrying her right now and making it even more awkward. I can still feel her kisses, it's haunting me.

 

 

Guh!

-

 

 

I headed in the direction where I heard Kurisu and she's nowhere to be found. So I decided to just head to the finish line to get Takanashi's sprain aided.

 

 

Walking through this dark forest we didn't say anything. Can't even ask her why she kissed me earlier.

 

 

A light came into view. A bonfire lighting up the place.

 

 

Getting closer I could hear the voices of my classmates and guessed we were the last to arrive. I took a deep breath and headed to Sensei who's in front. Told her what happened to Takanashi and called a nurse.

 

 

I could see Kurisu and Atsushi together. I guess they arrived slightly ahead of us.

 

 

I put Takanashi down on a chair and medical staff came to give her first aid.

 

 

"What happened Aki?"

 

 

Kurisu approached me and asked.

 

 

"She tripped and landed on her knee."

 

 

"I see. Then... How come you were with her?"

 

 

"... Just a coincidence."

 

 

"I see."

 

 

She didn't say a word after that and just stayed close to me.