In the beginning, Hoshimi's purpose in hugging Yukinoshita was really simple: just to see what kind of interesting reaction Yukinoshita would have, and, by the way, to take revenge for Yukinoshita's attitude towards him in real life.
But after holding Yukinoshita in his arms and feeling the girl's breath for a long time, his mind subtly changed.
Coupled with seeing the lovely Yukinoshita with no reservations in reality today, his mind became even more subtle.
Some kind of indescribable emotion, combined with the impact on his adolescent body, caused the wolf imprisoned deep in his heart to begin biting the bars...
Fortunately, after Yukinoshita brought up reality, his reason instantly returned, and the bars of his heart's prison were reinforced multiple times.
It's really strange. When he regarded Yukinoshita as a dreamer before, he had enough patience to play various games with her.
But after discovering Yukinoshita's real existence, some unspeakable excitement in his heart made him a little out of control...
What a subtle change...
Sure enough, after traveling and having no life pressures, his mentality had undergone some changes...
"Kang Dang---Kang Dang----Kang Dang------"
As Hoshimi's thoughts faded, the roller coaster reached its first peak...
"Whoa-"
The next moment, a strong sense of weightlessness suddenly enveloped him, interrupting Hoshimi's thoughts.
Subconsciously, he held his breath, resisting the intense discomfort caused by the weightlessness.
He wasn't afraid of roller coasters, but he didn't like them either.
After all, humans are creatures with their feet on the ground, and the physiological stimulation from weightlessness would make him a little uncomfortable.
If he hadn't wanted to exploit Yukinoshita's fear of heights to advance his plans, he wouldn't have willingly ridden the roller coaster with her.
And how did he know Yukinoshita's fear of heights?
She had revealed it herself. Whenever Yukinoshita sat on the edge of the roof with him, she would subconsciously move closer to him, sometimes even unconsciously grabbing his sleeve.
These small details already showed that Yukinoshita was not good with "high places".
Given that, exciting games like roller coasters, hurricane flying chairs, jumping machines, bungee jumping, skydiving, etc., might work wonders.
"Bang-dang-dang-dang-dang--"
The first drop of the roller coaster ended, while it climbed to its second peak.
Hoshimi glanced sideways at Yukinoshita on his right and noticed her pale face, hands tightly gripping the handrail, and eyes filled with obvious panic and fear.
"Yukinoshita, are you okay? Why not just admit defeat?" Hoshimi smiled kindly, offering advice.
"...I won't lose...it's just a roller coaster..." Yukinoshita didn't even look at Hoshimi, biting her lower lip and stubbornly murmuring.
"Alright then, here comes the second wave. Sit tight and get ready."
Suppressing his smile, Hoshimi took a deep breath, tightly grasped the armrest, and forcefully leaned against the seat's back.
The unending roller coaster posed a considerable challenge for him...
He hoped Yukinoshita wouldn't hold on too long, or he wouldn't feel very well...
"Kangdang---"
"Whoa-"
After the roller coaster paused at the second peak for two seconds, it swiftly plummeted.
During the nearly 90-degree descent, Hoshimi closed his eyes, tensing his body, silently enduring the weightlessness.
On the other hand, Yukinoshita's coping method mirrored Hoshimi's.
But her psychological aversion to roller coasters made her less composed than Hoshimi, evident in her visibly panicked expression.
After an unknown duration, the second descent finally ended, and the roller coaster resumed normal speed.
"Yukinoshita, the next part will be tougher. Are you sure you're okay?"
Seeing Yukinoshita's pallor, Hoshimi advised again.
"..." Yukinoshita opened her eyes, gazing at the upcoming section of the track.
Indeed, as Hoshimi had said, the upcoming challenge was completely different. The first two drops were nearly vertical, but this one was a direct flip, the track stretching at least 200 meters based on visual inspection alone!
This was far beyond her ability!
She might perish!
She could die, right?!
Finally, Yukinoshita, who never admitted defeat, entertained the idea of surrender.
Her pale lips trembled, a word that had never left her mouth... slowly crawled out of her throat.
"Hoshimi, are you really okay? Why not admit defeat? Anyway, it's just hugging me for three minutes in reality; it's not a big deal."
"Don't embarrass yourself due to anger and an inexplicable desire to win. Your complexion really isn't great."
Listening to Hoshimi's concern and persuasion, Yukinoshita's pale lips ceased trembling, swallowing the word that had been lingering in her throat.
I can't lose!
I can lose to anyone, but not to this bastard Hoshimi!
I can still go on! It's just a roller coaster!
It's just a fear that I'll conquer sooner or later! Why not take this chance to confront my fears and conquer them!
Hoshimi! I'll never lose to you!
Yukinoshita tightened her grip on the handrail, closed her eyes tightly, and awaited the next challenge with gritted teeth.
"Kangdang---"
The roller coaster ascended to its third peak, this time facing an extra-long descent followed by an extended flip track.
The sight of the track alone instilled unbearable terror.
As the roller coaster prepared to descend once more, Yukinoshita opened her eyes, looked at Hoshimi beside her, and flashed a faint, more tearful smile.
"Hoshimi, go to hell with me..."
With that, Yukinoshita grabbed Hoshimi's right hand.
"Whoa-"
In an instant, the roller coaster plunged downward with unstoppable force.
Yukinoshita didn't scream; she shut her eyes, clenched her teeth, converting all her fear, resentment, and panic into strength as she gripped Hoshimi's right hand.
Whether it was fear or resentment, they were all caused by this damn Hoshimi, and he deserved this kind of punishment.
Perhaps influenced by the desire for revenge, Yukinoshita, who was squeezing Hoshimi's hand with all her might, wasn't as frightened as before...
However, it was tough for Hoshimi, and he hadn't realized how strong Yukinoshita's grip had become until it bruised his hand.
Oddly, Hoshimi wasn't angry. Instead, he wore a smug smile of success.
After a long while, as the roller coaster slowed down, tears in his eyes, Hoshimi glanced at Yukinoshita and said with a grin,
"Yukinoshita, you're so pitiful. You were so scared you cried."
"I'm not crying! You bastard! It's because of the wind!"
"Are you sure? Wasn't it from fright?"
"I'm positive!"
"Well, that's a shame..."
"You want me to admit defeat after I beat you? I'll never lose to you!"
Tears in her eyes, Yukinoshita tightly held Hoshimi's right hand, declaring she'd never admit defeat.
"Really? Then let the game continue. Let's see who emerges as the ultimate victor between us."
Hoshimi, somewhat pale, smiled unusually brightly, to a slightly unsettling degree.
"Hmph! Bring it on! Who's afraid of whom!"
Under normal circumstances, Yukino would've sensed something amiss.
But Yukinoshita, already ensnared, only had thoughts of victory and revenge, her usual vigilance completely abandoned.
"Whoa-"
The roller coaster dove down once more, plunging unhesitatingly into the abyss...