9:37 PM
We return to the main building.
I must confess that tonight might just be the first good night of sleep I've had in a long time. My body is completely sedentary, and we engaged in so many activities today… It drained all my energy. I'm so exhausted that I believe I'll pass out as soon as I lie down.
"Well… good night, everyone," I say.
"What are you saying, Johann? We have not finished our list of tasks for the day," Mikoto looks at me with disdain.
"If I recall correctly, wasn't you who set the curfew for around this time?"
"Yes, but those were completely different circumstances. Back then, as the student council president, I needed to maintain order among thousands of students. Since it was such a nebulous environment, keeping them safe and monitoring any suspicious activity was essential," she explains.
Winning an argument against Mikoto would require mental energy I don't have right now. I'll just agree and go to bed.
"Alright, you're correct. Even so, I need to rest; finish the activities without me."
"Mistkerl, you're coming with us," Ailiss joins her.
It seems I won't be getting out of this so quickly… Mikoto has gained an ally I never expected to pester me. Now, combining her mischief with the other's physical threats, I'm in a losing game. This is why I hate games; I hate risks.
I sigh and shrug my shoulders.
"So, what are the plans?"
"I will be kind to you. Since you claim to be tired, I think a game that does not require much effort is a good idea. I even have something in mind; it is something I frequently saw my classmates playing during recess," Mikoto says.
"Cards? I thought you were sick of playing cards and board games," Ailiss comments.
"Not at all; this is a different game," she lowers her voice. "Did you forget? I already explained it to you."
Hey, I heard that.
It seems I'll continue to be a victim of their conspiracy.
Thus, we head to one of the classrooms, where I find out what the game in question is...
Sitting in a circle with a single bottle, it really couldn't be worse. Why did she choose this idiotic game? I expected more from you, Mikoto. Resorting to this normie pastime?
"Alright, I believe you know the rules. The bottle's neck determines who asks the question, and the base determines who answers," she explains.
In a game like this, the smartest move is always to choose truth since you can still lie as a last resort. However, with Mikoto as my opponent, this becomes very complicated because she can quickly tell when I'm lying.
Despite everything, always choosing truth remains the best strategy since I can deny my lies to the end if necessary.
"But to make things less boring, since you'll certainly choose only truth, we'll have an extra rule: You cannot choose truth twice in a row," she adds.
Wait, she's changing the rules? Damn it, this will be more complicated than I thought. What was I thinking when I agreed to this mess? My bad omen sensor is blaring at full volume.
"Is there a problem, Johann?" she sees my frightened face and mocks.
Can she really read my thoughts and predict what I'm planning? In that case, she doesn't even need me to answer the questions...
"No, it's fine," I sigh.
Complaining won't do any good. I've already resigned myself to being their prisoner.
"I'm already impatient. It's easier to learn by playing, so let's get started," Ailiss grumbles.
In a bad mood as always, huh? Sorry to inform you, but you're undoubtedly unaware of the mess you've gotten yourself into by agreeing to play such a silly game. You'll regret every word you just said.
Mikoto spins the bottle. The neck points to me while the base lands in Ailiss's direction.
How unusual, luck is on my side at the start of the game. Either way, I'm just delaying my problems; sooner or later, I'll have to face a challenge from one of them.
"Truth or dare?" I ask.
"Truth," she replies disinterestedly.
A logical response; everyone here will choose truth whenever possible.
But what should I ask her? I should have thought of this beforehand.
What would I like to know about her? I think we've already talked about everything that interests me. Besides, what concerns me most is her safety.
"I know it's quite unlikely at this point, but if we manage to escape this loop… do you plan to continue your revenge by working as a professional assassin?"
To be honest, I don't believe that day will ever come, but it's a hypothetical situation that piques my curiosity and concern.
"No. In fact, during the repetitions, I promised Mikoto countless times that I would give up this career."
It's somewhat reassuring to know this. I was already aware that she had given up her revenge against Mikoto, but she could still go after other users of dark magic, putting herself at risk again.
Perhaps it's foolish of me; she's the strongest person I know, yet I still can't help but worry…
We spin the bottle again, and Ailiss will ask Mikoto this round.
I've managed to escape once more.
"Truth or dare?"
"Truth."
"Do you still hold any resentment towards me?"
Do they still feel this kind of insecurity? I thought they had completely resolved things between them.
"Of course not. Why are you still doubtful? I have already said that our disagreements are in the past. I only harbor feelings of affection for you, so do not worry…" she sighs. "But honestly, the point of this game was to relax… so please stop with the dramatic questions."
The bottle spins again, and now the worst combination comes up. Damn it… Mikoto is asking me.
"Truth or dare?"
I don't even need to think… she'll clearly come up with a terrible idea for a dare. I must find a way to dodge her dares while hiding my lies as much as possible.
"I choose truth."
"Let's see… What do you find most attractive about Ailiss and me?" she smiles mockingly.
I already suspected she would try to put me in an embarrassing situation. Unfortunately, Mikoto, you chose a question to which I'm immune because I'm an outlier in this matter.
"Your long hair," I cross my arms, close my eyes, and answer while nodding.
She stares at me for a few seconds, trying to understand my response.
"Are you serious?" she asks, surprised.
She probably tried to read my facial expressions to see if I was lying. But this is the absolute truth. It might be naïve of me, but what I find most beautiful in girls is their well-maintained, gorgeous hair.
"As serious as can be. So never, ever, even under apocalyptic conditions, cut it."
The two exchange glances; Mikoto sighs and concludes.
"Eh? How dull…"
I've definitely started out with an advantage, but there's no reason to celebrate yet. She won't want to stop playing until she manages to put me in a humiliating situation. That's the purpose of this game, after all.
As expected, in this round, the neck of the bottle points to me again. Fortunately, it's Ailiss asking me this time.
"Since I chose truth before, I have to choose dare."
In a way, I'm a bit relieved it's her because I don't see such Machiavellian intentions in her eyes as I do in the being next to her. So, I imagine she hasn't been convinced to propose something weird.
"Do push-ups until you can't anymore," she smiles and rests her face on her hand. "And I'll know if you're slacking."
"What?! What kind of dare is that?"
"Just do it," she furrows her brows.
Did I end up in the military without realizing it?! It seems trying to save truth answers for Mikoto won't be viable. Ailiss's dares are pretty strict.
…
I collapse to the ground, my arms completely numb.
"Weakling. That's all you can do?" Ailiss asks disdainfully.
"What did you expect?!"
Given my condition, the result was obvious...
"I expected you to show some masculinity, at least."
The only upside to this is that the exercise shook off a bit of my sleepiness.
Mikoto spins the bottle, and ironically, I get to propose a dare for Ailiss this round.
I'd like to retaliate for the last dare somehow, but I must think rationally. Trying to get revenge will only make her angry, which will end badly for me. War is always destructive; I should go for diplomacy. That way, I need to find some benefit in all of this.
"You won't hit me for the next loop iteration."
"Huh? Just that? Fine."
At least I've gained a free pass from beatings for a while. In a way, I've profited from this game. Who would've thought I could benefit from this idea? I'm definitely a visionary.
In the next round, Mikoto asks Ailiss, and she chooses truth.
"Let us see…" Mikoto touches her lips pensively. "On a scale of zero to ten, how romantically interested are you in Johann?"
"Ten," Ailiss replies seriously.
After everything the three of us have been through, it's not a particularly unexpected answer for me, but it's still embarrassing to hear.
I guess she doesn't care much about these things in the end...
"Oh my, in the end, you were the one who blushed, Johann," Mikoto laughs.
I see; that was her intention. I had grown confident after my last move, but she's a genius. She doesn't need to wait to question me directly; she can attack indirectly.
Next, Ailiss asks me.
At first, I'd choose dare to protect myself from the possibility of Mikoto questioning me next, but I don't want to do more push-ups or whatever else she might come up with… I'm done, exhausted, obliterated.
So, I choose truth.
"Do you think I'm too masculine?"
Huh? Is she starting with these kinds of questions, too? That's not like her.
But leaving that aside, the truth is, there's no escape for me… If I agree, she'll probably be offended. Mikoto could catch me lying and expose it if I deny it, which would be even worse.
"In appearance, definitely not. On the other hand, in personality… you kind of are. But there's nothing wrong with that; I like you the way you are, and honestly, I'd prefer you not to change. Though, I'd appreciate it if you stopped hitting me whenever I upset you."
It seems I can say some sweet things when I put my mind to it. I should refine this skill more often.
Ailiss smiles faintly.
I then propose a dare for Mikoto.
"I was starting to get bored… Come on, Johann, propose something fun," she looks at me with a mischievous grin.
Of course, I have something in mind for this situation because it's not every day I have such an opportunity. But, once again, it's not what you expect, Mikoto.
"Hug Ailiss in the cutest way possible."
Both of them exchange glances, puzzled by my dare.
"Seriously? That is your dare? Fine, I do not know your intentions, but I will do it," she looks at me suspiciously.
As far as I've considered, I'm an outlier in this matter. Such a scene fills my heart more than any mischief she might have planned. Two beautiful girls like them hugging adorably… what's more attractive than that?
Mikoto approaches Ailiss and looks at me with a particularly mocking expression, making me predict her subsequent actions. We've known each other too long; I know that look. It seems I'm not the only one capable of foreseeing actions…
"I said cute, not sensual," I emphasize.
"Honestly, you are such a buzzkill," she retorts, annoyed but complies with the request.
Alone, they're already of otherworldly beauty, but together like this, there are no words to describe it. They look so sweet, and it's hard to believe they have such toxic personalities.
I'll etch this image into my memory with utmost care. No matter how false it is to see them this way, it's an excellent keepsake.
The next dare comes from Mikoto to Ailiss.
If Mikoto could create an embarrassing atmosphere with Ailiss choosing truth, I don't even want to think about the dare. She'll probably demand something indecent.
"What would be interesting for you to do?" she pauses, crossing her arms. "Oh, I know! Strike a seductive pose in front of Johann."
As I suspected… she's determined to create awkward situations. It's amusing to think this side of the ice queen never came to light during her tenure as student council president. Oh, it would've had terrible repercussions.
"Hey, you didn't mention this when you proposed this game," Ailiss frowns and glares at her disdainfully.
That statement completely exposes the conspiracy I had already noticed. Mikoto is asking Ailiss to cooperate with her malicious plans. Unfortunately, now Ailiss finds herself the victim.
Understand now?! You should be on my side!
"It is just a game. If you think you are incapable of fulfilling a dare like this, you can always back out," Mikoto responds disdainfully.
You're playing with fire… It's a good thing I asked Ailiss for a free pass against beatings.
"I'll do it," she averts her gaze and stands up.
I can't believe she let herself feel diminished by rejecting the dare, so she decided to go through with it. I must applaud you, Mikoto; you've indeed managed to tame a lion and turn it to your advantage.
She kneels slightly, with one hand supporting her between her thighs and the other arm beneath her chest. Her gaze remains as predatory as ever, but since this is my weak point, it doesn't differ much from a seductive look.
Being stared at like this makes the atmosphere between us more tense than when she looked at me with hostility. Come to think of it, she's probably quite hostile internally, forcing herself to fulfill such a dare.
"So, Johann, to conclude the dare. Did she succeed?" Mikoto teases.
You're enjoying this far too much, aren't you?
"Y-yes," I avert my gaze.
Ailiss sighs and returns to her seat.
Honestly, this game is escalating our embarrassment disproportionately. Still, I have the feeling her plans are just beginning.
We spin the bottle, and this time, I ask Mikoto. She chooses truth again.
It's an opportunity to quell my doubts. I don't have much else to ask her, and I believe she could deflect a vengeful question anyway, so again, I choose diplomacy over war.
"What are your real intentions with these provocations?"
"Oh, is not that obvious to you? I have told you countless times that it is to see your cute, embarrassed reactions. However, there is another reason," she pauses. "I want to gauge the reciprocity of my feelings," she narrows her eyes.
With that, I can conclude that I'll be affected in some way every time she participates. Next time, I'll ask her a question about differential equations to see if I can escape this.
"Did I answer your question?"
"Y-yes," I reply hesitantly.
Next, the bottle selects Mikoto again. But now, she has to fulfill Ailiss's dare.
Ailiss glares at her with rancor and issues her challenge.
"I repeat the dare you gave me."
"Oh, now we are speaking the same language."
Mikoto sits sideways, slightly lifting her skirt with one hand while gazing at me with her fingertips on her lips.
Ailiss, you gave her exactly what she wanted. This is hardly a challenge for her. Still, being the same dare, I can end it immediately.
"You can stop; you passed," I reply, lowering my head and rubbing my forehead.
"Already? Has anyone ever told you that you are a huge buzzkill?" she grumbles.
Look who's talking, Miss President of the Council, who enforces the school rules so strictly.
Can I breathe a little now?