"If you feel guilty, you should talk to him."

I squared myself, shifting my gaze away from Koyuki and onto Miko beside me. Since we'd returned to school to head on our field trip, neither of us were wearing our school uniform, but even donned in her floral blouse and jeans, her pointed look was still very much intimidating.

Sweatdropping, I scanned my peers, twittering in their respective groups while waiting for the approval from the various homeroom teachers scattered around to enter the buses. I found myself staring at Koyuki yet again. He was nonchalantly conversing with some boys in our class.

I veered my attention to the ground. Seeing my reluctance, she frowned, once again crossing her arms.

"Ignoring him won't change anything."

"But it's awkward," I said.

He'd been avoiding me at school earlier today. I also felt guilty about belittling his detachment to baking despite not knowing his circumstances. Regardless, Miko was adamant.

"Don't care," she said. "On this trip, you're going to set things straight. Tamura's an important friend of yours, right? Do you really want to leave things like this between you two?"

I whipped my head side to side with a vigorous shake. "Of course not! I need Koyuki!"

"Then you have to do your best." A semblance of a smile upturned the corners of her mouth—a consolation, if anything. "I hate to admit it, but he's become a great friend to the both of us. Having him around to retort to your behaviour alongside me is something I never knew I needed until we got properly acquainted. He makes my life a whole lot easier."

I made a face. "I'm not that much trouble."

Miko merely giggled. She was so making fun of me.

Sure our argument had made things awkward between us, but it wasn't as if we couldn't fix it. I just had to find a way to get him alone so we could talk things out. And—if possible—I also had to find a way to sneak some of the snacks Miko brought with her when she wasn't looking.

It was going to be a long night.

The bus ride to the location of the event didn't take long, but by the time we rolled up to a secluded cabin ways off from any means of civilization, the sun had already begun to set. As the plan was to start the Test of Courage as soon as it got dark enough, we had time to kill, which meant having an outdoor barbecue courtesy of Mrs. Isashiki and a couple other second year instructors planning well ahead.

The girls were left in charge of preparing the food while the boys were responsible for the actual grilling. Unsurprisingly, the entire campsite was doused in a cacophony of conversation and laughter, making it hard to believe we'd have that haunted occasion in only a short while.

Considering my knack at burning everything I touched, most of the girls in my class shooed me to help with the drinks as far from the grill as possible. The concern was understandable, but it still hurt being treated like a pest.

More so, because the moment I left Miko's side, a group of boys had taken the initiative to strike a conversation with her. Considering her soft-hearted demeanour, she had no problem chatting them up, smiling as she did. Seeing that left a bad taste in my mouth.

I stared at the bottle of pop in hand and carefully poured some into plastic cups. Then, I returned my gaze to a giggling Miko and widely grinning boys. My lips caved into a bitter frown.

There was no denying the puppy-dog looks in their eyes. But unluckily for them, they were noticing her charms a little too late. As if Miko would ever take an interest in them when she had me by her side. I swear, if I wasn't around, every boy imaginable would seriously try to sweep her off her feet.

Realizing my envious stare wasn't helping in getting them off Miko's back, I let out a heavy sigh and continued filling up the numerous cups. By the time I was done, my arms were aching and the sun had dipped lower in the sky. The others were just about to finish preparing the food, so there was still some time to kill before we ate and started the event. Miko remained at the centre of attention, but this time not only boys but some girls had joined in, laughing sparingly.

Although I wanted to jump in and drag her away, another part of me knew this was the perfect opportunity that I couldn't let slip.

I surveyed the crowd for any sign of his face. Unfortunately, considering the congested masses of my peers, I couldn't locate him.

My shoulders sagged and my stomach let out an audible grumble. I wrapped my arm around it. Maybe I'd see him after eating?

Darn it. I wanted something sweet... Miko said she brought some snacks didn't she?

Without another second to waste, I hastened toward the frontside of the cabin. It was darker there, the nearby forest casting forlorn shadows onto the petite building. I headed inside. Fortunately, aside from the two students loitering inside, no teachers were around to stop me. I manoeuvred my way through the familiar pathways I'd taken when we'd first arrived until I finally located Miko's bag inside one of the back rooms. Mine was planted right next to hers.

I swiftly crouched over and unzipped Miko's backpack. Why didn't I think of sneaking them away sooner? She wouldn't be able to tell they were gone. I'd just take one or two, eat them quickly, then head back to the site.

There was no need to feel guilty about it. Miko knew my mom had cut me off and I therefore hadn't gotten to meet my daily sweet quota for a while now. She'd forgive me.

I parted the flaps to reach inside but nothing except the hollowness of the bag greeted me. Confusion rippled through me. I picked up the bag, but it was as light as a feather. I rummaged through it anyway, but nothing but her sweater and a flashlight grazed my hands.

Everything was gone. It was empty.

A little piece of paper rustled my fingers. I pulled it out at once.

A note.

Dear Kotori,

If you're reading this, that must mean you attempted to steal my snacks behind my back. I'm sorry to disclose that I've already distributed them to our peers for the barbecue. By now, they're most likely eating it, too. If you are in the mood to snack you can eat some of the fruit salad I packed for myself instead. They're better off for you, anyway.

Sincerely,

Your Beloved Goddess of the Underworld

She completely got me.

My mouth met in a purse and I surfaced the little container of fruits she was talking about. She understood me so well it wasn't even funny. She looked out for me better than anyone, too.

Popping open the lip, I tossed a grape into my mouth, chewing furiously. I knew I should've been angry, but it'd actually garnered my utmost respect. I loved my best friend even more now.

I spent the next while filling my stomach with her wide assortment of fruits. When I reached the last couple, I realized how long I'd been here and got up. Container in hand, I zipped up her bag and resettled it to its respective position then headed toward the entrance of the cabin.

The two students were long gone, giving me the notice the barbecue had definitely commenced. Possibly even ended, considering how I took my time consuming Miko's fruits.

I continued to munch on mandarin oranges as my feet guided me along the rocky trail. It was officially dark out, the light from the campfire out back no longer illuminating the path I was on. The moon and stars weren't to be seen either—the towering trees had done their job to shield them from sight.

It was because of that I couldn't help but warily cast glances into the eerie forest around me.

The densely packed branches and bushes were now dark and ominous. Even the paths that were lit just minutes earlier had became lost in a blackness that even the moonlight couldn't help brighten.

We were seriously supposed to do the Test of Courage in this place?

I swallowed hard, unsurprised by the quiver of my limbs.

An almost icy breeze continued to tousle through my bangs and uncharacteristic ponytail I'd decided on for today, summoning goosebumps across my exposed arms. The longer I stared, the more it felt as if the darkness was drawing closer and suffocating me.

I couldn't join them in this event! Although Miko promised to hold my hand, that wasn't enough protection, was it? The power of friendship meant nothing to ghosts, ghouls and killer clowns! If anything, they loved sucking away all hope and replacing it with terror.

I picked up mandarin slices and threw them into my mouth, chewing to distract myself.

The site once abundant with my peers was practically empty. Only a small flickering flame in the area a blazing fire used to be lit. They all already left?

"Whoa, who's she? She's super cute."

"Isn't she in the other class?"

"How come I've never known she existed? I'd date that any day."

The whispers that started up stunned me.

Swivelling around, I glanced up at three tall boys.

I didn't recognize them. They had to be in another class. But somehow, seeing faces, even if unfamiliar, managed to calm me down a bit. I was freaking myself out for no reason, thinking monsters would jump out at me or something.

Did they skip out on the event too?

"Hey," one of the boys said as he sauntered over, the others in suit, "if you're not joining the others, come hang with us."

Picking up more fruit, I stuffed my cheeks. I tilted my head to the side. "Why?" I muffled. "Are you doing something?"

The second chuckled, not that I knew why. "Yeah," he agreed. "We can have lots of fun together."

"Fun?"

"Yep." The third took me by the sleeve. His wide smirk sent chills through me. "Over there."

My mind had begun to draw blanks as he tried to nudge me into a more darker portion of the site. The ruffles of wind through the leaves, cicadas twittering. Should I go with them? But... it was so dark out, and I didn't have any means of light. My cell was back in my bag. And these guys seemed a little... weird. Why did they want to go somewhere so secluded?

Chills darted up my spine. I dug my heels into the dirt, stopping them. "No."

They sent me scornful looks.

"What do you mean 'no'?"

"We won't hurt you."

"It's just a little fun. We won't take too long."

They tugged me forward again. I was jittering uncontrollably but my strength wasn't enough. I was still holding Miko's container as well. Squirming, fumbling, shaking, I moved my quivering mouth but I couldn't even summon my voice. Tears filled my eyes.

"N-no—"

"Don't touch her!"