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

The trio continued their journey the next morning, tensions still high after the previous night's heartfelt moment. Mika was unusually quiet, Kazuya kept sneaking glances at her, and Lyria was humming happily, clearly enjoying the awkward energy.

"Why are you so chipper?" Kazuya asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, no reason!" Lyria chirped. "I'm just excited about where we're headed!"

"Which is?" Mika asked warily.

"The Legendary Healing Hot Springs!" Lyria announced dramatically, throwing her arms into the air.

"A hot spring?" Kazuya asked, perking up. "That actually sounds nice."

"Legend has it that its waters not only heal wounds but also restore vitality and enhance… relationships," Lyria said with a wink.

Mika immediately tensed. "Nope. We're not going."

"Why not?" Lyria pouted. "It's on the way!"

"Because it sounds like a trap," Mika said firmly.

But Lyria wasn't having it. "Too late! I already booked us a private spring!"

"How?!" Mika exclaimed.

"Magic," Lyria said, wiggling her fingers mysteriously.

Arrival at the Springs

The hot springs were nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by lush greenery. Steam rose from the water, carrying a faint floral scent. The atmosphere was tranquil—too tranquil.

"See? Nothing dangerous here!" Lyria said, gesturing grandly.

"It's too peaceful," Mika muttered, her hand on the hilt of her sword.

Kazuya, however, was already unbuttoning his shirt. "Danger or not, I'm getting in. My shoulders are killing me after carrying all this Chosen One responsibility."

Lyria grinned and pulled out a frilly swimsuit. "I brought this for you, Mika!"

Mika's eye twitched. "Why do you even have that?"

"No reason," Lyria said innocently.

The Steamy Misunderstanding

The group separated to change, and soon Kazuya was soaking in the hot spring, letting out a contented sigh. "This is the best idea Lyria's ever had."

Mika reluctantly joined him, wearing the swimsuit Lyria had forced on her—a snug, black two-piece that left little to the imagination. Kazuya nearly choked on his own breath when he saw her.

"Uh, nice… outfit," he said awkwardly, his face turning red.

"It's all they had," Mika snapped, crossing her arms.

Lyria, meanwhile, had opted for a brightly colored bikini that somehow sparkled. She cannonballed into the spring, splashing water everywhere.

"This is amazing!" she exclaimed.

As the group settled in, the tranquil atmosphere started to work its magic. Even Mika seemed to relax, leaning against a rock with her eyes closed.

"You know," Kazuya said, trying to keep his gaze from wandering, "this might actually be the first normal thing we've done in weeks."

Lyria smirked. "Don't jinx it."

The Mysterious Glow

As night fell, the hot spring began to glow softly. Kazuya noticed the water was warmer, and his skin tingled pleasantly.

"This is… weird," he said.

"Oh, don't worry," Lyria said. "That's just the spring's magic kicking in!"

"Magic?" Mika opened her eyes, instantly suspicious. "What kind of magic?"

"Uh… bonding magic?" Lyria said sheepishly.

Mika bolted upright. "WHAT?!"

Before Lyria could answer, the water began to swirl, and glowing tendrils of light wrapped around Kazuya and Mika, pulling them closer together.

"WHAT IS HAPPENING?!" Kazuya yelled, flailing.

"It's harmless!" Lyria said, laughing. "The spring just wants you two to be friends—or maybe more than friends!"

"LYRIA!" Mika shouted, trying to break free.

Too Close for Comfort

The magic tendrils tightened, forcing Kazuya and Mika face-to-face.

"This is so awkward," Kazuya muttered, his face burning.

"Don't look at me!" Mika snapped, equally flustered.

"I don't have a choice! The magic's making me look at you!"

"Would it kill you to act like a Chosen One for once and fix this?!"

"How am I supposed to fix magic water?!"

Meanwhile, Lyria was rolling on the ground, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. "This is the best thing ever!"

The Final Twist

Just when it seemed like things couldn't get any worse, the water erupted in a fountain of light, and the tendrils disappeared, dropping Kazuya and Mika unceremoniously into each other's arms.

They froze, staring at each other, their faces inches apart.

"Uh…" Kazuya started.

"Don't. Say. Anything," Mika growled, her face bright red.

"Are you two done being awkward yet?" Lyria called, grinning.

Mika shoved Kazuya away and climbed out of the spring, muttering something about "never trusting Lyria again."

Kazuya, left alone in the water, sighed. "Why does everything in this world have to be so weird?"

Lyria waded over to him, still grinning. "Admit it—you kind of liked it."

He glared at her. "You're banned from planning anything ever again."