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

The trio found themselves at the entrance of the famed Hot Springs of Eternal Relaxation. A weathered wooden sign swung lazily in the breeze, its faded lettering promising "Healing Waters, Rejuvenation, and... Otherworldly Bliss?"

"Otherworldly bliss?" Kazuya read aloud, frowning. "That sounds ominous."

"I think it sounds amazing," Lyria said, practically skipping toward the entrance. "We deserve a break!"

"We don't have time for this," Mika protested, crossing her arms.

But as the aroma of warm mineral water wafted through the air, even she hesitated.

"Come on," Lyria wheedled, linking arms with Mika. "A quick soak. It'll relax those permanently clenched shoulders of yours."

Mika rolled her eyes but didn't resist.

Kazuya, already imagining himself sinking into hot water, followed without further argument.

The Springs of (Unintentional) Intimacy

The hot springs were nestled in a secluded grove, surrounded by towering bamboo and mist that lent the area an ethereal glow. Separate pools spread out like miniature lakes, each bordered by smooth stones.

"Split up," Mika declared. "I'm not sharing a pool with you two idiots."

"No arguments here," Kazuya said quickly, holding up his hands.

Lyria smirked. "You're missing out, Mika. I'm a delightful pool buddy."

"I'll take my chances," Mika shot back, stalking off to the furthest pool.

Lyria winked at Kazuya. "Guess it's just you and me, loverboy."

"Yeah, no," Kazuya said, veering toward his own pool.

A "Magical" Misunderstanding

The hot water was everything they'd hoped for: soothing, fragrant, and utterly relaxing. Kazuya leaned back with a contented sigh, steam rising around him.

"This is nice," he murmured, closing his eyes.

"Don't get too comfortable," Mika's voice called faintly from her pool.

"I'm trying to relax," Kazuya called back.

Lyria's giggle echoed somewhere nearby. "Careful, Kazuya. You might accidentally get too relaxed and start daydreaming about Mika again."

"I don't daydream about Mika!" he protested, sitting up abruptly and splashing water everywhere.

"Oh?" Mika's voice was closer now, her tone sharp. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Before Kazuya could respond, the mist thickened dramatically, swirling like a storm.

"What the—?" Mika's voice was suddenly much closer.

In a flash, Kazuya found himself not alone in his pool. Mika, looking equally startled, had somehow been transported to his side.

"What the hell just happened?!" she demanded, clutching the edge of the pool.

"I don't know!" Kazuya stammered, his face burning.

Lyria's laughter echoed through the mist. "Oh, right! I forgot to mention—the springs have a 'pairing enchantment'! Isn't that cute?"

"PAIRING WHAT?!" Mika shouted.

Kazuya, meanwhile, was trying very hard to focus on the bamboo trees and not on the way the water glistened on Mika's shoulders.

Close Quarters

The pairing enchantment didn't seem to care about personal space. Every time Mika tried to move away, she ended up closer to Kazuya.

"This is ridiculous," she muttered, glaring at the water like it had personally betrayed her.

"I swear, I didn't do this," Kazuya said, holding up his hands in surrender.

She sighed, her glare softening. "I know. It's just… awkward."

"Tell me about it," he said, trying not to notice how the heat had turned her cheeks a soft pink.

For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the bubbling of the water.

"You're staring," Mika said without looking at him.

"No, I'm not!" he said quickly, his voice cracking.

"Yes, you are," she said, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.

He groaned, sinking lower into the water. "This is a nightmare."

"Relax, idiot," she said, surprising him by splashing water in his face. "I'm not going to kill you. Yet."

The Twist

Before the awkward tension could escalate, the mist swirled again, and a figure emerged from the bamboo.

"Ah, new visitors!"

It was an elderly woman in flowing robes, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Who are you?" Mika asked, her hand instinctively moving to where her sword would be if she weren't in a hot spring.

"I am the Keeper of the Springs," the woman said, bowing. "And you have been chosen for a very special bond!"

Kazuya paled. "Chosen for what now?"

"The Pairing Enchantment links those destined to share a deep connection," the Keeper explained. "Through love, trust, and perhaps a little more…"

She trailed off suggestively, winking.

"That's it," Mika said, standing abruptly and sending water splashing everywhere. "We're leaving."

"Not so fast!" the Keeper said, raising her hand. The water around them began to glow, and a strange warmth spread through the pool.

"What's happening?" Kazuya asked, clutching Mika's arm for balance as the pool began to swirl.

"You must pass the test of compatibility," the Keeper said.

"WHAT TEST?!" they shouted in unison.

The (Accidentally Hilarious) Trial

The next thing they knew, Kazuya and Mika were standing in a glowing chamber, still dripping wet. Lyria's laughter echoed faintly in the distance.

"Welcome to the Trial of Truth," the Keeper's voice intoned.

A glowing pedestal appeared, bearing a single question:

"What is your most embarrassing secret?"

Kazuya groaned. "This can't be real."

Mika crossed her arms. "You first, hero."

He hesitated, then muttered, "I used to have a crush on my cousin."

Mika stared at him, then burst out laughing. "That's… wow. Okay."

"Your turn," he said, glaring.

She sighed. "Fine. I once kissed someone to distract them so I could pick their pocket."

Kazuya blinked. "That's… actually kind of impressive."

Before Mika could respond, the chamber glowed brightly, and they were suddenly back in the pool.

Back to Reality

"Well?" Lyria asked, lounging nearby. "Did you pass?"

"Don't talk to me," Mika said, climbing out of the pool and grabbing a towel.

Kazuya followed, his face still red. "I blame you for this."

"You're welcome," Lyria said cheerfully.

As they packed up and prepared to leave, Mika glanced at Kazuya.

"Thanks for… not being a total idiot back there," she said quietly.

He grinned. "Anytime."

Lyria's voice rang out behind them. "Aw, you're blushing again!"

"Shut up, Lyria!" they shouted in unison.