Team Event & Day 5

With partners chosen, the air grew thick with excitement and nervous energy as the instructors revealed the details of the upcoming challenge.

"The next test," the senior organizer announced, "is an endurance-based obstacle course that requires coordination between both partners. You will be tied together at the wrist for the entire course. The key to success is teamwork—both of you must finish together, or your time will not be recorded."

A mix of reactions spread across the crowd. Some students exchanged eager grins, while others groaned at the added difficulty. Kazuki glanced at Miyuki, who remained composed as usual, her gaze fixed ahead.

"Tied together, huh?" Kazuki muttered. "This might be tricky."

Miyuki turned to him, a small smile on her lips. "We'll just have to match our pace."

Kazuki nodded, exhaling to calm his nerves. Being physically close to her was already enough to make him hyper-aware, but now they'd have to move in sync throughout the whole course. He quickly pushed aside his thoughts. Focus on the challenge.

The course ahead was lined with various obstacles: tires to jump through, balance beams, walls to climb, and even a rope swing over a pool of water. It was designed to test both endurance and cooperation.

Daiki, who had somehow convinced a cheerful girl named Ayaka to team up with him, stretched his arms. "Man, I was expecting a relay or something, not a survival test."

Reo, who had barely managed to get a partner in time, groaned. "I should have chosen someone athletic. I have no idea if we'll survive this."

Naoto adjusted his glasses, analyzing the obstacles. "It's a matter of calculated movement. The least efficient teams will struggle the most."

Kyouya, tying his wrist to his partner with a resigned look, sighed. "This is going to be chaotic."

The whistle blew, and the first few pairs dashed forward. Kazuki and Miyuki stepped into position as their wrists were secured together with a soft yet firm band.

"Ready?" Kazuki asked.

Miyuki nodded. "Let's go."

The first challenge was a sprint through a series of tires laid out on the ground. They had to step in sync, or risk getting tangled. They quickly found a rhythm, moving fluidly with minimal missteps. Kazuki stole a glance at Miyuki—her focus was sharp, every movement precise.

The next obstacle was a wooden wall they had to scale. Miyuki gestured towards the footholds. "If we move together, it'll be easier."

"Got it."

Kazuki bent slightly, offering his free hand to give her a boost. Miyuki hesitated only briefly before placing her foot on his linked hand and pushing up, reaching the top with surprising agility. She turned, extending her hand to Kazuki. He grasped it, and with a firm pull, she helped him up. They landed on the other side in perfect sync.

Further along, other teams struggled. Daiki and Ayaka were stuck at the wall, debating the best approach. Reo, much to his frustration, was dragging his hesitant partner forward, while Naoto was directing his partner like a strategic commander.

As they reached the rope swing, Kazuki exhaled. "You good?"

Miyuki glanced at him, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You're worried?"

Kazuki rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, just making sure."

Miyuki's expression softened. "I'll be fine."

The rope swing required perfect timing. They stepped forward together, hands gripping the rope at the same moment. Kazuki felt the subtle warmth of her wrist against his as they swung over the water in perfect unison, landing smoothly on the other side.

By the time they reached the final stretch, both were breathing harder, but neither slowed down. With one last push, they crossed the finish line together, stopping just past the marker as the whistle signaled their completion.

Kazuki turned to Miyuki. "We did it."

She nodded, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "You kept up well."

He chuckled. "Same to you."

As they caught their breath, the rest of their group trickled in, some looking more exhausted than others. Daiki flopped onto the ground dramatically, groaning. "I swear, that was a death course."

Reo shook his head. "Next time, I'm choosing an Olympic-level athlete as a partner."

Naoto, despite his exhaustion, adjusted his glasses with a satisfied look. "It was an interesting test of adaptability."

Kyouya simply sighed. "I'm never doing this again."

Kazuki glanced at Miyuki once more. Despite the exhaustion, there was something undeniably fun about the whole experience.

And for the first time, he realized—working with her had felt natural.

As the event wrapped up, they were one step closer to the final phase of the selection. But for now, the moment lingered, a quiet victory shared between the two of them.

Day 5: Leadership & Social Dynamics

The fifth day of the House Selection Event dawned with a different kind of energy. The previous physical trials had left students exhausted, but today's challenges demanded a different skill set—leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving.

As the students assembled in the large indoor event hall, a senior organizer stepped forward, clipboard in hand. "Welcome to the Leadership & Social Dynamics phase. Today, you will be tested on your ability to lead, collaborate, and think strategically."

The murmurs spread among the participants. This wasn't a straightforward test of intelligence or physical ability. It required social adaptability—something not everyone excelled at.

"The first challenge is called Crisis Simulation. Each team will be given a scenario where they must negotiate, plan, and execute a solution within a time limit. Your decisions will impact how you score."

Kazuki exchanged glances with Miyuki. Their teamwork had worked well in the athletic test, but this was a whole new battlefield. He also noticed Naoto's calculating gaze, Reo's growing excitement, and Kyouya's usual composed expression. Daiki… was already yawning.

The Crisis Simulation Begins

Each group was assigned a different crisis scenario. Kazuki and Miyuki's team had to resolve a dispute between two fictional factions in a resource-limited environment.

Miyuki was the first to take initiative, quickly scanning the details. "We need to approach this logically. If we negotiate properly, we can minimize losses on both sides."

Kazuki nodded. "True, but we need leverage. If we don't establish a strong position first, the other side might refuse to listen."

They split tasks—Miyuki took charge of negotiation and diplomacy, while Kazuki focused on tactical planning and contingency measures. Their combined strategy created a balanced approach, making their team one of the strongest contenders.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Naoto was leading his team with ruthless efficiency. His sharp mind formulated a strategy that seemed unbeatable, but his lack of social grace made negotiations tense.

Reo, ever the talker, took a different approach—diplomacy with a mix of trickery. His group ended up in heated debates, but his natural charisma carried them far.

Kyouya, quiet but observant, played a masterful supporting role, helping his team notice hidden details that others overlooked.

Daiki? Well, his approach involved "winging it" with surprising moments of genius in between.

The Second Test: Team Leadership Challenge

After a short break, the second challenge was introduced. Each team would nominate a leader who had to delegate tasks, manage the team's resources, and guide them through a complex puzzle-solving trial.

Miyuki turned to Kazuki. "You should lead this one. You analyze situations quickly."

Kazuki hesitated. "Wouldn't you be better?"

She shook her head slightly, a small, confident smile forming. "You're good at seeing the bigger picture. I trust your decisions."

He sighed but nodded, stepping forward. "Alright. Let's do this."

Kazuki's leadership style was different from Naoto's strict, methodical approach or Reo's smooth-talking methods. He delegated based on strengths, adjusted tactics mid-way, and kept his team focused. Miyuki, in turn, acted as a calm advisor, ensuring decisions remained balanced.

By the end of the trial, their team had secured one of the top rankings.

As results were posted, whispers spread.

"Looks like we have some serious contenders this year..." a voice remarked.

Kazuki turned to see a third-year student, one of the House seniors, observing him closely. It was clear that they were starting to catch the attention of the more experienced students.

Miyuki, standing beside Kazuki, tucked her hair behind her ear—a small, habitual gesture. "We've been doing well so far. But it feels like things are about to get even tougher."

Kazuki exhaled. "Yeah. And we'll have to be ready for it."

With the final tests approaching, the selection event was far from over.