[Scene: Classroom 2-B – Morning]
After two intense rounds, Aoi had won both the cooking and academic challenges—though not in the way anyone expected. Miyu, who had been certain of her victory, was now glaring at Aoi like a rival in a heated battle.
And now, the final round was about to begin: Romance.
Ryo, who had been forced to endure everything so far, sighed as he rested his head on his desk. "Can we just skip this one?"
Miyu smiled sweetly. "Of course not, Ryo. This is the most important round."
Aoi stretched. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this over with."
Hina clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up, everyone! The final round of the Fiancée Challenge is simple: Whoever gives Ryo the most heartfelt romantic moment wins!"
Ryo immediately straightened. "W-Wait, what does that mean?!"
Hina grinned. "That's up to Aoi and Miyu to decide~."
Ryo paled. This is going to be bad…
---
[Scene: School Courtyard – The Challenge Begins!]
A huge crowd had gathered in the school courtyard, excited to witness the final event.
Hina stood in the center, holding a stopwatch. "Each contestant gets one minute to create the most romantic moment with Ryo! Afterward, the audience will vote on which one is better!"
Aoi and Miyu stood on opposite sides of Ryo, their eyes locked in a fierce competition.
Miyu smirked. "Since I'm feeling generous, I'll let Aoi go first."
Aoi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You sure about that?"
Miyu folded her arms. "Of course. No matter what you do, I'll still win."
Aoi grinned. "Alright. Then I'll go first."
Ryo gulped. Why do I feel like something terrible is about to happen?
---
[Aoi's Turn]
Hina pressed the timer. "Aoi, your one minute starts now!"
Aoi turned to Ryo, stepping closer. Her usual playful smirk was gone, replaced with a more serious expression.
Ryo blinked. "Uh…?"
Without a word, Aoi grabbed Ryo's tie and pulled him down slightly, bringing their faces dangerously close.
The crowd gasped.
Aoi's voice softened. "Hey, Ryo… You remember when we were kids?"
Ryo swallowed. "Y-Yeah?"
Aoi smiled. "Back then, you told me something. You said that no matter what, you'd always be by my side."
Ryo blinked. Did I… say that?
Aoi's expression softened. "So, just for today, let me return the favor."
Before Ryo could react, Aoi lightly tapped her forehead against his and whispered:
"You're stuck with me forever, got it?"
The crowd exploded with screams.
Ryo felt his entire brain shut down. W-WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!
Aoi smirked and took a step back. "Alright, that's my turn."
Hina checked the timer. "And… TIME! That was exactly one minute!"
The students cheered, some even clapping.
Ryo was still frozen. Did she just… confess?!
Miyu frowned. Tch… she's better at this than I expected.
She took a deep breath. "Fine. It's my turn."
---
[Miyu's Turn]
Hina reset the timer. "Alright, Miyu! Your one minute starts now!"
Miyu stepped toward Ryo with graceful confidence. Unlike Aoi's direct approach, she moved elegantly, like a scene from a romance movie.
Ryo gulped. O-Okay, this is already different…
Miyu smiled softly. "Ryo, you may not realize it, but… you've always been special to me."
Ryo blinked. "H-Huh?"
Miyu gently took Ryo's hand and placed it on her chest, right above her heart.
The crowd gasped again.
Miyu's voice was gentle but firm. "Feel that? That's my heartbeat."
Ryo's entire body froze. "U-Uhh—"
Miyu smiled. "Ever since I met you, it's been like this. Fast. Excited. Like you put a spell on me."
The crowd screamed.
Miyu leaned closer, her lips just inches from Ryo's ear, and whispered:
"So, Ryo… can you take responsibility?"
Ryo's soul left his body.
The entire school erupted into chaos.
Hina checked the timer. "Aaaand… TIME! Miyu's one minute is up!"
Miyu stepped back with a satisfied smirk.
Ryo, on the other hand, was completely red, sweating, and unable to process reality.
---
[Final Results!]
Hina clapped her hands. "Alright, now it's time for the audience to decide the winner!"
The students cheered, discussing amongst themselves.
Hina raised her hand. "Who thinks Aoi had the most romantic moment?!"
A large portion of students raised their hands, cheering loudly.
Hina nodded. "And who thinks Miyu had the most romantic moment?!"
Another large portion raised their hands—just as loud as before.
Hina blinked. "Wait… it's 50/50?!"
Ryo sighed in relief. "Phew. I guess it's a tie, so—"
Hina grinned. "Then let's have Ryo decide!"
Ryo paled. "Wait, what?! Why me?!"
Hina giggled. "Because this whole contest was about who's the better fiancée for you. So, Ryo, who wins?"
Aoi smirked. "Well?"
Miyu smiled. "Choose wisely."
Ryo felt like his entire life was flashing before his eyes.
His classmates were watching.
Aoi and Miyu were waiting.
Hina was grinning like a demon.
Ryo gulped. I… I have to choose?!
---
[To Be Continued…]