“Help! I’m the Chosen One (and I Didn’t Sign Up for This)!”

With the Sacred Towel of Purity safely in Lyria's possession (and Kazuya's dignity in tatters), the trio found themselves back on the road, heading toward the next town.

Kazuya was sulking. "I'm just saying, maybe I should take a break from being the Chosen One. Let someone else wear the cursed towels for a change."

"You can't quit being the Chosen One," Mika said, rolling her eyes. "That's not how it works."

"Yeah! Besides, you're doing great!" Lyria added, patting his shoulder. "You're, like, the best towel-wearer ever!"

"Thanks, Lyria," Kazuya muttered. "That's exactly what I needed to hear."

The Love Guru

As they approached the town, they passed a small, colorful tent with a sign that read: "Madame Amora: Love Guru Extraordinaire! (No Refunds)"

"Oh, let's go in!" Lyria said, clapping her hands.

"Why?" Mika asked suspiciously.

"Because it sounds fun!"

Before anyone could protest, Lyria dragged them into the tent. Inside, a woman in a flowing red dress sat at a table covered in candles and crystals. Her hair was piled high on her head, and her eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Welcome, weary travelers!" Madame Amora said dramatically. "I sense… a tangled web of romance among you."

Kazuya blinked. "Uh, no. You've got the wrong group."

Amora smirked. "Oh, really? Let us consult the Crystal of Truth!"

She produced a large, glowing crystal ball and waved her hands over it. The crystal lit up, revealing… Kazuya.

"YOU!" Amora declared, pointing at him. "Your heart burns with passion, yet you are blind to it!"

Mika snorted. "This is ridiculous."

"Wait," Lyria said, leaning closer. "Who's he in love with?"

Kazuya turned red. "I'm not in love with anyone!"

Amora cackled. "The crystal does not lie! But beware—love is a battlefield, and yours is full of pitfalls!"

"Can we leave now?" Kazuya asked, desperately trying to change the subject.

Dinner Drama

That evening, the group stopped at an inn for dinner. The air was thick with tension—or maybe it was just Kazuya sweating nervously after the Love Guru's prediction.

"I still think that crystal was broken," he muttered, poking at his food.

"Why are you so defensive?" Mika asked, smirking. "Got something to hide?"

"No!" Kazuya snapped, his face turning red.

Lyria giggled. "Kazuya, it's okay if you have a crush. You can tell us!"

"I DON'T HAVE A CRUSH!" he yelled, drawing the attention of every patron in the room.

Mika smirked. "Real subtle."

Kazuya groaned, burying his face in his hands.

The Love Potion Incident

After dinner, Lyria wandered off to explore the town's market and returned with a small bottle of pink liquid.

"Look what I got!" she said, holding it up.

"What is that?" Mika asked.

"A love potion!" Lyria said cheerfully.

Kazuya froze. "Why would you buy that?!"

"For fun!" Lyria said. "We can use it to test Madame Amora's prediction!"

"Absolutely not!" Kazuya said, backing away.

But before he could stop her, Lyria uncorked the bottle. A puff of pink smoke filled the air, and Kazuya accidentally inhaled.

"Uh-oh," Lyria said.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'UH-OH'?!" Kazuya shouted, clutching his throat.

"Side effects may include… temporary infatuation with the nearest person," Lyria admitted sheepishly.

Kazuya turned, his eyes locking onto Mika.

"Oh no," Mika said, backing away. "Don't you dare."

Kazuya's Love-Struck Rampage

For the next hour, Kazuya followed Mika around like a love-struck puppy, spouting the worst pickup lines imaginable.

"Mika, did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"

She glared at him. "Go away."

"Your eyes are like stars—they light up my night."

"Do you want to die?"

Meanwhile, Lyria was doubled over with laughter. "This is the best thing I've ever seen!"

"FIX THIS!" Mika shouted at her.

"I can't! The potion has to wear off on its own!"

A Surprising Confession

Later that night, as they set up camp, Kazuya sat by the fire, still staring dreamily at Mika.

"You know," he said, his voice soft, "you're kind of amazing."

Mika paused, caught off guard. "What?"

"I mean it," he said. "You're strong, smart, and you always know what to do. I really… admire you."

For a moment, Mika didn't know how to respond.

Then Lyria burst out laughing. "This is the best confession ever!"

Mika's face turned red. "It's not real! It's the potion!"

"Still counts!" Lyria said, grinning.

The Morning After

When Kazuya woke up the next morning, the effects of the potion had worn off, and he had no memory of the previous night.

"Why are you two looking at me like that?" he asked, confused.

"No reason," Mika said quickly, avoiding his gaze.

Lyria, however, couldn't resist. "Oh, nothing. You just confessed your undying love for Mika, that's all."

Kazuya turned pale. "I WHAT?!"

Mika groaned. "Forget it. It was the potion. Let's move on."

But as they packed up camp and continued their journey, Mika found herself sneaking glances at Kazuya.

Maybe the potion wasn't entirely to blame after all.