Yuta appeared on screen, but people asked to switch to another view since they were doing nothing but staying trapped. The Controllers changed the pulse.

  with an innocent face “Aunty , Ask For Yuta Niisan Pulse”….. with a smirk, she added, “Wait , why am I asking you? Maaaa “

  Hugging the mini screen to her chest, laughing with a smirk: “No, I won’t give it to you. What will you do? Buu!”

  Hina stomped one foot on the ground and lifted the other as if trying to balance on air. Her hands flailed—one up, one down—as she puffed her cheeks in frustration.

  “Maa! Pleaaase ask Aunty!” she whined loudly. “Plz plz, I want it!”....with a Sulky tone “You old lady, why are you being like that?”

  She twisted her body left and right, eyes wide and dramatic, as if the world would end if she didn’t get what she wanted.

  “Hina…” her mother sighed, glancing at her with a mix of helplessness and amusement.

  Hina suddenly jumped forward and wrapped her arms around Esha, her voice high and pleading.

  “Pleeease, maa! Ask Aunty for me! If you ask, she’ll definitely show it!”

  Esha blinked, half amused, half embarrassed, trying not to smile.“Neesan… why are you acting like a spoiled kid? Just give it to her already. I’ll take the pulse myself and show her.”

  Inori folded her arms, puffing her cheeks ever so slightly, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Nope. She called me an old lady.”

  “You are old,” Hina shot back without hesitation. ‘opps’

  Esha’s palm slapped her forehead.

  Inori’s eyes narrowed, her tone playful but stern. “again? So you don’t like me, huh? Fine then. Say you like me, and I’ll give it. Otherwise—no deal.”

  Hina looked away in silence & clamped her lips shut. ‘Why is it so hard to say it? I do like her. But if I say it….What if she acts differently…?’

  “See?” Inori turned to Esha with a victorious smirk. “She won’t say it.”

  Esha let out a slow breath. “Neesan, come on. She’s always liked you. She’s just teasing & playing around. Give her the screen.”

  Inori raised an eyebrow. “Then tell her to say it.”

  Hina stayed quiet again.

  Esha pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly exasperated. “You’re both so stubborn,” Esha muttered. “Neesan, You want her to say it like it’s some obligation, but do you know? if she talks about ten things in a day, one of them is always about you.”

  That made Inori pause. Her eyes softened, mischief fading into something quieter… warmer.

  “Really…?” she whispered.

  Slowly, she stepped forward and crouched to Hina’s level. She gently rubbed her cheek against the little girl’s, voice barely above a murmur. “You never told me that, dumpling. Why didn’t you? Then why don’t you just say it? What’s the problem?”

  Hina looked awkward, fidgeting a little. Then she softly mumbled, “Because… if I say it… you’ll stop playing with me like before…”

  A long silence.

  Then suddenly—she threw her arms around Inori’s neck, squeezing tightly. “Aunty… I like you. After Mom, I like you the most. This year I came with Dad, so I didn’t see you first. But if I’d come with Mom like before… I definitely would’ve seen you first.”

  Inori froze for a moment. Then tears brimmed in her eyes—hot and sudden.

  “You little dumpling…” she whispered, voice shaking. “You never said all this before…”

  She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, then placed the screen into Hina’s hands with a tender smile.

  “Here. Go ahead. See whichever Contestant you want.”

  Hina looked up with hopeful eyes, her voice soft but clear. “Then… you'll play and behave like before with me, right? Same teasing, same playing with me… or will you act all serious now?”

  Inori blinked, then let out a dramatic gasp, placing her hands on her waist like a mock queen. “Huh? I’m also a kid now! I’ll play more with you, dumpling!”

  She suddenly tickled Hina on her sides and under her arms, fingers merciless.

  “Aah! Aunty—stop! I–I can’t breathe!” Hina burst into laughter, squirming and gasping between her giggles. “Stop itt! Aunty plz”

  With a warm chuckle, Inori finally stopped and hugged Her tightly. “You idiot…” she whispered, her voice trembling a little. “Why do you all tell me things so late? Roy also did this. And now you too…”

  For a moment, Hina stayed still—then slowly wrapped her small arms around Inori’s neck, resting her chin on her shoulder.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Watching them from nearby, Miko, Esha, and Haruki smiled faintly, not interrupting the quiet warmth between them.

  After a few peaceful seconds, Esha said softly, “I’ll take the pulse and show Yuta.”

  *********

  Jin and Mei walked toward Yuta, Himari , as suggested by Diya. As they moved forward, they suddenly noticed a large net trap in front of them.

  Jin furrowed his brow, surprised. ‘I didn’t think they were just beside us in this direction.’

  Himari, spotting them at the same moment, frowned. ‘Well, well, Jin and Mei... they’ll definitely help.’ “Hey, Jin! Mei! Come here and release this stupid net!” she called out.

  Yuta, still trapped in the net beside her, let out an exaggerated sigh. “Yes quickly come, I’m suffocating here from the start because of her,” he muttered.

  Himari raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Yuta. “Huh? You’re suffocating? I’m the one suffocating with you here! This is ridiculous!”

  Yuta snapped, his face reddening. “Hey! From the start, you’ve been saying stuff like that! I don’t like your ugly face, and I don’t want to touch you either. Once we’re out, let’s go in different directions, take the crystals, and come. Then I’ll store my Kairo energy.”

  Himari scoffed. “Huh, okay. Who even wants to go with you? I was thinking the same thing.”

  (Himari, 23 , wore a ivory-colored long high collar tunic tucked into high-waisted navy trousers.. She wears a lightweight sand-colored short coat up to thighs above level, with the coat's black collar visible at the neck but not extending below. — it gives her a graceful and timeless look. Her flat shoes are dark tan, sturdy but quiet, sharp almond-shaped black eyes with a confident, piercing gaze, arrogant eyebrows, slender nose, natural lips with a faint smirk, long chestnut black brown hair )

  Jin looked over at the rock near the net, his hands working quickly to untie the knot.Yuta stood in the net as it tilted.

  But the moment the knot loosened—

  *Thud!* As the net loosened, the vines gave way beneath them.

  “Eh—!?”

  Himari, who had been sitting with her arms crossed in frustration, was the first to fall. Her body tilted backward as gravity took hold, and with a soft thump, her back hit the forest floor beneath the net. “Ow—!” she winced.

  Yuta, standing a few steps away from her inside the net, stumbled as the structure shifted.

  “Whoa—!” He flailed, trying to regain his footing.

  But just as he tried to plant his feet, his ankle brushed against Himari’s outstretched leg—already sprawled from her fall. Already off-balance, Yuta tumbled forward.

  “Wha—”

  Before either of them could react, Yuta collapsed down—his hands instinctively catching the ground, but too close. His face hovered just inches above hers.

  Their eyes met. Wide. Shocked. Unblinking. The forest around them went quiet for a moment.

  For a few breathless seconds, time stilled.

  Himari’s face began to flush a soft red.

  “Y-You… idiot,” she mumbled, voice caught somewhere between a yell and a whisper.

  “I-It’s not like I did it on purpose!” Yuta barked back, though his voice wavered, and his cheeks matched hers in color.

  "W-What are you looking at?" Himari muttered, her cheeks turned red.

  "Y-You're the one staring..." Yuta replied, his voice slightly low.

  ‘W-What is this…? Why’s she looking like that?’ Yuta’s thoughts scrambled. ‘Tch… it’s just an accident.’

  Himari’s heart thumped fast. ‘His face… it’s closer than I thought…’ She looked away, suddenly feeling awkward. “G-Get off.”

  “Oh—s-sorry!” Yuta jumped up, brushing off his clothes.

  From the watching screen, Miko, Esha, Inori, Haruki, and little Hina blinked in surprise.

  Inori and Miko, exchanged amused glances. Miko couldn’t help but comment, “Inori, I think your daughter might fall for my son.”

  Inori narrowed her eyes, then smirked. “Well then, I’ll happily send her to your house, Miko-senpai. Maybe you can teach her some manners.”

  Meanwhile, back at the trap, Jin coughed dryly, clearly to break the weird tension. “Well… I can guess how you got stuck in that trap. Judging from your behavior.”

  Yuta and Himari didn’t say anything for a moment.

  Then Himari, trying to act casual, stood and said, “I’ll come with you, Jin and Mei.”

  Yuta scoffed. “Fine. I’ll go another way.”

  Jin raised a brow, his voice serious. “Huh? What are you thinking? Are you mad? We should go together as a group of four, not divide up. Neesan, are you being stubborn? You made Yuta-san angry, didn’t you?”

  Himari shot him an angry look. “Hey, why does everyone blame me? It’s Yuta’s fault we’re trapped in this stupid net.”

  Jin shook his head. “Neesan, I understand. You both made mistakes. But at least Yuta-san will admit his mistakes. You’re the only one denying it. Please don’t make things more complicated than they already are.”

  Himari’s face turned awkward, avoiding eye contact. But she still huffed. “I know, okay, But... Well, I don’t want to collect more crystals. One is enough for me. If you want to collect more, go ahead. I’ll stay somewhere safe in this forest. There’s no need to worry about me.”

  Yuta crossed his arms. “Oi… are you mental?”

  “It’s not mental,” Himari replied coolly. “It’s just a small favor. I don’t need that. And we don’t even know what the next round will be. It might be easy also, Right?”

  Jin paused, considering her words. ‘“Well, if we leave you alone, you’ll probably get into another trouble. Okay, we don't try to collect more”

  “I don’t want your sympathy either,” Himari added with a huff. “I’m older than you.”

  “Okay, Neesan, calm yourself,” Mei said, placing a gentle hand on her sister’s shoulder. “Let’s just go together, alright?”

  Himari turned her head away, sulking. “Huff… fine. Let’s go.”

  **********

  The scene continued on the screen as Inori turned to Hina, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Hina, do you know something? I think you don’t.”

  Hina blinked, confused. “What?”

  Inori leaned in closer, lowering her voice.

  “Esha… and Kaizen were also like this. Back in the past—during their teen days.”

  “Eh?! Maa?!” Hina’s eyes widened in shock. “But now…”

  Esha blushed, her fingers fidgeting. “W-Well… we used to argue a lot, But then… one day he suddenly proposed.”

  Hina's eyes widened. “Wha—really?”

  Esha nodded, her face going a little red. “I was shocked. I didn’t know what was happening. The usually calm, silent boy suddenly asked me, Yeah. Of course he used to argue with me, but he wasn’t much of a talker… he never talked too much, just small words, short replies. But that day… I didn’t see that version of him before.”

  “What’d dad say?” Hina asked, leaning closer like a curious kitten.

  Esha smiled, her voice becoming soft. “He just looked at me and said—‘I’ll make sure you’re happy. Please… can you marry me?’ ”

  “I was so shocked,” she added, chuckling. “He didn’t even look nervous. He just… said it. And then he added, ‘It’s your wish. Say whenever you want. I’ll wait for your response. If you don’t like me, just tell me. I won’t think badly about you.’ ”

  Inori, unable to hold her laughter, said teasingly, “Aha! He said that much?! I didn't know, I didn’t expect such a silent guy to deliver a whole proposal speech!”

  Esha sighed, feeling a little embarrassed. her cheeks burning, She raised her hands to cover her face. “Stop teasing me, Neesan! I just… shared that Conversation…”

  Then Hina, curious again, asked, “Maa… so, you agreed, right?”

  Esha smiled softly, then leaned forward and gently lifted Hina into her arms—holding both of the little girl's hands in hers while Hina's legs dangled in the air—and pulled her close, nuzzled her nose affectionately with hers, and whispered sweetly, “Yes… and then you were born, Bujji.”

  ********

  Ren’s group moves forward into a dense forested area, where thick trees cover the surroundings—and they spot a trap.

  – ‘Hey that guy?!’

  – "Oh, he’s here too."

  – ‘He only comes for payment when you sell sake and take coins from people like a bartender, Right? Is he also an instructor?’

  with a bitter smile – "Yeah, I wanted to do simple work, so I asked him if I could just give sake and take coins. But... Now, if he is near a trap, what rules will he set?”

  The trees loomed thick overhead, casting shadows over the forest ground. In the center of a clearing lay a sink mud trap

  The instructor, Takshiro (35), stood relaxed beside a sign post of Trap, with arms lazily crossed. A calm wind rustled the leaves behind him, eyes closed as if meditating.

  "So... Takshiro-san," Yui asked, tilting her head slightly, "is there any rule in this trap challenge?"

  Takshiro opened one eye and smirked. “No, no. I didn't set any rules. I'm just here for one purpose. If anyone steps in, they don't get to go back unless they either finish... or stay here until the next day’s start.” He tapped the signpost lightly. “By the way, this trap has two crystals.”

  Sakura looked at the trap for only a moment before her voice came, soft and detached.

  “…I don’t want to participate, Ken. You’ll play. I’ll just sit under that tree and watch.”

  She didn’t wait for anyone’s reaction. Her steps were slow and distant, feet moved automatically, slowly, almost like her body wasn’t her own. Her back was straight but tired. She lowered herself to sit beneath the tree—arms loosely wrapped around her knees, lowered her head slightly, hair slipping over her face. gaze unfocused, mouth closed. Her face was calm, but dull—too dull.

  Ren Froze, His playful dumb-smile faded instantly. He stared at her. He sees her expression so... lifeless.

  ‘Since she was little… I’ve never seen her like this. What happened to her bright eyes? That mischievous grin? She's never looked like this before…’

  There was no spark in her eyes, no warmth in her lips, Sakura always had life in her. Whether she was laughing, arguing, annoyed, or excited—she felt. But now? There was Nothing

  “...Is something wrong?” Ren asked, stepping slowly toward her. His voice wasn’t loud, but it trembled just slightly—quiet, protective, and uncertain.

  Sakura didn’t raise her head and shook her head

  “No, no… that’s not the problem,” she replied quickly. “I’m just… exhausted.”

  ‘Exhausted...? That’s it? That’s not like you.’

  Author's Note:

  Hi readers!

  Starting from this chapter, I’m gradually refining my writing style. You may have already noticed a slight change in Chapter 29—I’m leaning a bit more toward a light novel format. Don’t worry, the story, tone, and characters will remain the same. I’ll mostly continue writing as before, with only minor adjustments.

  For clarity, I’ve used italic style for inner thoughts in this chapter. If I make any future formatting changes for better readability, I’ll be sure to mention them.

  Thank you so much for your continued support as I keep improving. I truly appreciate you sticking with me this far!