System: [New Mission: Attend the Class Trip to the Mixed Hot Springs] Reward: +15 Charm, Hidden Item: Towel of Fate Penalty: Spontaneous Towel Drop Event (Randomized)]
"This is a trap," I muttered, staring at the school trip notice.
"It's just a normal hot springs trip," Nari said.
"There's no such thing as a normal hot springs trip when you have you people in your life."
Cynthia leaned in, sparkles in her eyes. "Mixed baths, Ethan~ Mixed. Baths."
We arrived at a remote mountain inn nestled between towering trees and questionable morality.
"Ah, the scent of nature," Akira sighed, stretching. "And soap. Lots of soap."
"Remind me why I agreed to this?"
"Because the system rigged your alarm clock and the teacher thinks you're in charge of towel distribution," Luna replied.
System: [You are also the designated lifeguard. Despite there being no pool.]
The group split off—boys to one side, girls to the other. For all of ten minutes.
Because of course, the walls between the baths were made of thin, creaky wood.
And because Akira decided that boys needed to be ambushed.
"Surprise inspection!" she yelled, sliding the door open and stepping in with full confidence.
"AKIRA—!"
Cue shrieking. Cue a well-aimed shampoo bottle hitting me in the eye. Cue Nari arriving five seconds too late and blaming me anyway.
The night only got worse—or better, depending on your genre preferences.
A mix-up with the room keys left me bunking in the shared suite with all the girls.
"You snore," Luna said, setting up her futon way too close.
"I breathe. Like a normal human."
"Well, your breathing sounds suggest other activities."
Cynthia giggled. "Sounds like he's dreaming about one of us~"
My brain combusted on the spot.
System: [Stress Level: 89%] Auto-Panic Mode Activated]
Later that night, a thunderstorm knocked out the power.
Cue panicked girls in pajamas, clinging to the only guy in the room for safety.
"W-What was that sound?" Akira whispered.
"Thunder. Not ghosts."
"Are you sure?" Luna asked, wrapping both arms around my neck.
I was sandwiched between four girls under one futon.
This wasn't a rom-com. This was rom-com hell.
System: [Mission Update: Survive the Night Without Nosebleed KO] Current Status: 34% Integrity Remaining]
Morning came, and I was the only one who hadn't slept.
The girls stirred one by one, stretched, and yawned in various suggestive ways like they'd been coached by fanservice directors.
Then the teacher opened the door.
And saw me.
Lying in the middle of a futon pile.
With five half-asleep girls draped over me like anime merchandise.
System: [Penalty Activated. Public Shaming Event Engaged. Camera: On. Stream: LIVE.]
"ETHAN CROSS, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!"
I died inside.
System: [Mission Complete! Reward: Towel of Fate Obtained. +15 Charm] Title Gained: 'Survivor of the Steamy Gauntlet']
Me: "I need a cold shower."
System: [You need a therapist.]