Scenario:Haaselia - Phony Feelings

Phony Feelings?

On the day of the event, Haaselia and (Captain) compete seriously to win, while the other couples seem more interested in flirting with each other. Bemused by their behavior, Haaselia can't help but steal a glance at (Captain) beside her.

---

At Haaselia's sudden request, (Captain) has paired up with her to join a couples-only contest.

Several other couples have signed up to participate alongside them.

Haaselia: We're going to win this, whatever it takes! I have complete faith in you, (Captain)!

Girlfriend 1: Listen to this, darling! My heart's pounding like crazy!

Boyfriend 1: Mine too. Must be because you're beside me.

Girlfriend 1: Aww, you're too much! Love you!

Boyfriend 2: L-let's have fun out there together, whether we win or lose!

Girlfriend 2: Hehe. I'm counting on you.

While Haaselia is determined to claim first place, the other couples are all lost in their own lovey-dovey worlds.

Emcee: Welcome, couples! Thank you all so much for being here today!

Emcee: Let's jump straight into the rules, shall we?

The emcee explains that participants will compete in various challenges, earning points according to their rankings.

The team with the highest total score at the end will be declared the winner.

Haaselia: Sounds straightforward. Let's aim to get ahead early and establish a clear lead.

Lyria: (Captain), Haaselia! You can do it!

Vyrn: Don't get yourselves hurt out there!

Emcee: Our first event is... the Beachfront Balance Challenge!

Emcee: Couples must balance on one leg by the water's edge, holding hands all the while!

Emcee: If either partner falls, the pair is out! The last couple standing wins!

Haaselia: I see. The rules are simple enough, but my lighter build puts me at a disadvantage.

Haaselia: You'll need to carry us through this one. Hold my hand firmly and keep us steady.

(Captain) takes Haaselia's small, outstretched hand and squeezes it tightly.

Emcee: Please move to your designated positions. The Beachfront Balance Contest starts... now!

The moment the emcee gives the signal, a strong wave rushes over the contestants' feet.

Haaselia: Whoa! Th-that was a close call...

Girlfriend 1: Eek!

Boyfriend 1: Whoops!

Girlfriend 1: Oh no, I'm sorry! You're totally drenched!

Boyfriend 1: Don't worry, honey. I'd never let you be the only one soaked. This way, we're a matching set.

Haaselia: This challenge is more difficult than I expected. Merely staying upright is—

Haaselia: Wah!

As Haaselia starts to wobble, the captain gives her a strong tug, narrowly preventing her from falling.

Haaselia: Th-thank you. You saved me.

Boyfriend 2: I can handle this! Just don't let go of my hand, no matter what!

Girlfriend 2: Of course—

Girlfriend 2: Eep!

Another powerful wave sweeps in, forcing the girl to lean against her boyfriend for support.

Girlfriend 2: I'm so sorry!

Boyfriend 2: N-n-no, it's fine! But your b-b-body is so c-c-close to mine...

Boyfriend 2: Aah!

The flustered boyfriend loses his balance and falls, taking his girlfriend down with him.

Boyfriend 2: S-sorry... That was pretty pathetic...

Girlfriend 2: Not at all. I'll be relying on you for the next challenge too, okay?

One by one, the remaining couples topple over, leaving Haaselia and (Captain) as the last ones standing.

Emcee: And the winners are... Haaselia and (Captain)!

Haaselia: All right, we're off to a great start! Let's make this a winning streak!

Emcee: Now, on to the next event! Our second challenge is... the Sand Tower Showdown!

Emcee: Couples will compete to see who can build the tallest sand tower within the time limit! The shape doesn't matter—only the height!

Emcee: We'll measure the towers once time is called to determine the rankings!

Haaselia: So there's no point in building quickly if that causes it to collapse at the end. What matters most is a strong foundation.

Emcee: Everyone, please spread out and give yourselves some space. And with that, let the Sand Tower Showdown... begin!

Haaselia: I'll gather the sand, so could you fetch some seawater in the meantime, (Captain)?

The captain nods and begins traveling back and forth between the ocean and beach with the provided bucket.

Haaselia: Thank you. Now we just need to sprinkle the seawater onto the sand bit by bit...

Haaselia: Slowly, now! Pack it tightly! And stomp it down!

Following Haaselia's lead, (Captain) begins stepping down hard on the sand to compress it.

Haaselia: There, that should suffice for the foundation. We're past the halfway point, so let's focus on stacking it as high as we can!

Soon, their tower has grown so tall that it surpasses (Captain)'s eyeline.

Haaselia: (At this point, all the couples appear to be neck and neck.)

Haaselia: (But now that I can't reach the top, our pace has decreased. It's only a matter of time before we get overtaken.)

Haaselia: (Perhaps it's time to take a gamble.)

Haaselia: Say, (Captain). Could you crouch down for a moment?

(Captain) bends down as requested, and Haaselia carefully climbs onto the captain's waiting shoulders.

Haaselia: I'll take over the stacking from here! (Captain), make sure to hold me steady!

Girlfriend 1: What! She's riding on her partner's shoulders? Is that even allowed?

Emcee: There's nothing in the rules against it!

Boyfriend 1: Then let's give it a shot too!

Girlfriend 1: No way! I'd die of embarrassment!

Haaselia: (What in the skies are they doing?)

Girlfriend 2: Hey, want to try that shoulder thing too?

Boyfriend 2: N-no, it's too dangerous! And besides, I'm already taller than the two of them put together!

Girlfriend 2: Oh... That's too bad.

Boyfriend 2: Huh? What do you mean—

As the man turns to look at his girlfriend, one of his large horns collides with their sand tower, causing the upper portion to collapse.

Boyfriend 2: Oh no! And we were doing so well!

Haaselia: (This is our chance! Apologies, but we'll be taking this round!)

Haaselia calmly continues stacking the sand, ensuring it maintains its structure as the clock runs down.

Emcee: Time's up! Let's start measuring those sand towers!

Emcee: But I think it's pretty clear who's on top—Haaselia and (Captain)!

Haaselia: That makes two consecutive victories! We've taken a commanding lead!

After that, the other towers are measured in order to decide the rankings.

Girlfriend 1: Sorry. If only I'd put in a little more effort...

Boyfriend 1: Don't worry about it. Just seeing you blush made the whole thing worth it.

Boyfriend 2: I'm sorry! I messed everything up!

Girlfriend 2: No, don't apologize. It's my fault for saying something weird.

Boyfriend 2: Um, so... What did you mean earlier by "that's too bad"?

Girlfriend 2: Hehe. That's my little secret.

However, all the other couples seem far more focused on romance than on winning or losing.

Haaselia: (I've been wondering this for a while now... but am I the only one who's seriously trying to win?)

Haaselia: (Everyone else just seems to be flirting nonstop...)

Haaselia: ...

With an expression of disbelief on her face, Haaselia steals a glance at (Captain) from the corner of her eye.

Phony Feelings?: Scene 2

Haaselia feigns exhaustion during the boat race to play up their couple act, but (Captain) fails to respond as she'd hoped. After her brother Katzelia spots them and assumes they're together, Haaselia loses focus and performs poorly in the remaining events, missing out on victory.

---

For the third challenge, the couples are given a small boat to row around a designated course, with each person holding a single oar.

Having pulled well ahead of their fellow competitors, Haaselia and (Captain) prepare to turn at the midway point.

Haaselia: (The others are quite far behind. Barring any major mishap, we're unlikely to lose our lead.)

Haaselia: ...

Images of the other couples' displays of affection resurface in Haaselia's mind.

Haaselia: (Now that I think about it, we are technically participating as a couple.)

Haaselia: (What does (Captain) make of our current situation, I wonder? Is it not registering as anything? Or maybe...)

Haaselia: (There's no one else around right now. P-perhaps I should test the waters...)

Ignoring the butterflies in her stomach, Haaselia impulsively acts on a plan that springs to mind.

Haaselia: Oh dear... Rowing is far more strenuous than I thought. I'm completely drained.

Haaselia: I need to take a short break...

Feigning exhaustion, Haaselia leans wearily against (Captain).

But while the captain expresses genuine concern for her condition, the response proves less than what she had hoped for.

Haaselia: (No, that's not it! I was expecting... well, you know... something more!)

Haaselia: (Ugh, honestly! All that romantic nonsense earlier must have clouded my thinking! I'm not acting like myself!)

Haaselia: This is hardly the time for such foolishness! I'm going to row nonstop until my arms give out!

With a sudden burst of determination, Haaselia starts paddling at full speed, prompting a bewildered (Captain) to match her pace.

The two end up dominating the competition, taking first place in the event by a wide margin.

The fourth challenge is a watermelon-splitting contest, in which one person is blindfolded while their partner rides on their back and gives directions.

Haaselia: (Based on how many challenges are left, winning this event should guarantee us the overall victory.)

Haaselia: This is where we cement our lead! (Captain), move forward a bit more!

Haaselia: Stop there! A little to your right! Take a half step back! Now, just a touch to the left!

Haaselia: (The angle and distance are perfect! All we need is one clean strike!)

Haaselia: Now, (Captain)—

However, just as Haaselia is about to give the command...

She spots a familiar face out of the corner of her eye, and her voice falters.

Katzelia: H-Haase? But I heard this contest was for couples only...

Katzelia: I see. So you and (Captain) are... Hahaha... Haha...

Face drained of color, Katzelia quickly slips away from the crowd.

Haaselia: B-Brother, wait! This isn't what it looks like!

Startled by Haaselia's sudden outburst, the captain swings and misses completely.

Haaselia: Oh no!

Vyrn: Aw, man! That was so close.

Lyria: Did something happen? Haaselia looks really flustered...

Haaselia: (Brother definitely has the wrong idea! But if I chase after him and leave the venue, we'll be disqualified!)

Haaselia: Arrrgh! What a pain!

Due to this unforeseen development, Haaselia and (Captain) fail to secure the necessary points in the watermelon-splitting contest.

Still shaken by the incident, Haaselia is unable to concentrate on the remaining events, and they fall short of winning the competition.

Phony Feelings?: Scene 3

That night on the beach, a downhearted Haaselia slowly regains her confidence thanks to encouragement from the crew. While wading in the sea afterward, a wave knocks her onto (Captain), leaving them staring into each other's eyes—until Katzelia spots them and faints in shock.

---

Haaselia: Sigh... What a disaster.

Staring out at the dark waves, Haaselia lets out a heavy, drawn-out sigh.

Haaselia: Things were going so well... We were on the verge of securing victory...

Haaselia: And what about my brother? How am I supposed to explain this to him?

Vyrn: Yeah, Katze totally goes off the rails when it comes to you. This is definitely gonna be a headache.

Lyria: Ahaha... As long as you're honest, I'm sure you can clear up the misunderstanding.

Haaselia: Forgive me, (Captain). I was the one who requested your help, yet I ended up holding you back.

Haaselia: You went out of your way to participate in the competition with me, so I wanted to repay you by winning...

1. I had a good time.
2. It was a good experience.

Choose: I had a good time.

Haaselia: I'm glad. Though I'm disappointed we didn't win, I enjoyed myself too.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: It was a good experience.

Haaselia: Your ability to maintain such a positive outlook is truly admirable.

Continue 1

Haaselia: ...

Haaselia: I know it's rather late for second thoughts, but I can't help wondering if I was the right choice to serve as spokesperson for the Evokers.

Haaselia: Someone who can't even win a friendly competition probably has no business being in such an important position.

Vyrn: C'mon, you're bein' too hard on yourself. I don't see how the results of some contest relate to you bein' a good rep or not.

Haaselia: It's not just about today. My entire life has been plagued with setbacks, ever since I can remember.

Haaselia: That's why, at the very least, I wanted to make my first undertaking as spokesperson a success, no matter what.

Haaselia: But look at how things turned out. It's hard not to feel discouraged.

Lyria: Personally, I think it's great that you were picked as spokesperson, Haase!

Haaselia: May I inquire as to your reasoning?

Lyria: Because you have such a strong sense of responsibility! That's probably why you tried so hard and ended up feeling so down.

Haaselia: Yes, you could be right. I always set my standards high, but my actual abilities are nowhere near sufficient.

Haaselia: I suppose there's always the option of stepping down as spokesperson...

Vyrn: Hey now, what's gotten into ya? The Braidy Girl we know isn't the type to throw in the towel over somethin' like this.

Vyrn: You were able to work out that mess back home 'cause ya kept fightin' and wouldn't stay down, right? That's how I see it, anyway.

Lyria: Yeah! We know just how many challenges you've overcome already, Haase!

Haaselia: ...

Haaselia: You're absolutely right. I had almost forgotten that I'm not one to give up so easily.

Haaselia: I can't afford to be disheartened by such a minor bump in the road. My new journey has only just begun!

Vyrn: Yeah! That's the spirit!

Haaselia: Whew! Now that I've cleared my head, I'm feeling parched. I'll go fetch some beverages.

Lyria: Oh! In that case, let me get them for you! You should stay here and take it easy!

Haaselia: Really? Well then, I suppose I'll take you up on that.

Vyrn: I'll tag along! We'll grab somethin' for you too, (Captain)!

Lyria and Vyrn head off to the nearby shop, leaving Haaselia and (Captain) behind.

Haaselia: ...

Haaselia: It's so quiet here. You can hear every crash of the waves.

Haaselia: Say, shall we take a quick dip? There weren't any water events in the competition, so I haven't gotten to swim at all.

1. Swimming at night is dangerous.
2. You can swim?

Choose: Swimming at night is dangerous.

Haaselia: Please, I'm not a child. You can be such a worrywart, (Captain).

Go to "Continue 2"

Choose: You can swim?

Haaselia: My, how rude. I happen to be quite proficient at it, thank you very much.

Continue 2

Haaselia: There's no need to worry. I don't intend to venture out very far—

Haaselia: Whoa!

Caught off guard by a surprisingly powerful wave, Haaselia loses her balance.

But just as she's about to fall, (Captain) swiftly reaches out to steady her.

Haaselia: Th-thank you. You saved—

Before Haaselia can finish her sentence, an even bigger wave hits, taking them both down together.

Haaselia: In the end, we still fell. Hehe, what a sorry pair we make.

Haaselia: Oh...

Looking down, Haaselia suddenly realizes that (Captain) is pinned underneath her.

Haaselia: Well, this is certainly a new perspective. I'm always the one looking up at you, so having the tables turned feels rather nice.

Haaselia: ...

Haaselia: Tell me, (Captain). What would you do if I asked you to close your eyes right now?

For an instant, Haaselia's softly spoken words seem to drown out even the crashing of the waves.

The pair gaze silently into each other's eyes, completely at a loss for words.

At that moment...

Katzelia: H-H-Haase!

Haaselia: B-Brother! Wh-wh-what are you doing here?

Katzelia: I-I just ran into Lyria and Vyrn, and they e-explained what happened earlier...

Katzelia: Th-that you were only pretending to be a couple for the c-c-contest, and it was all a m-m-misunderstanding on my part...

Katzelia: At least, that's what I was t-told... But now I see you k-k-k... k...

Unable to bear the shock of the scene before him, Katzelia's eyes roll back in his head, and he collapses to the ground.

Haaselia: What! Brother, pull yourself together!

Haaselia: That whole couple thing was just a big mix-up! And what you saw just now was... well, it was merely an accident!

Katzelia: ...

Haaselia: Wake up, Brother! Brother!

Haaselia: (Ugh, what is with him! It's been one thing after another with him all day!)

Haaselia: (If he hadn't interrupted, there might have been a chance that...)

Haaselia: ...!
Brother, you idiot!

Filled with a jumble of emotions, Haaselia's shout echoes out across the moonlit sea.

Her new journey is still only just beginning.