The speaker buzzed to life.
"Hello? Testing, testing… ahem."
A loud clap echoed through the static, followed by a high pitched voice.
"Alright, listen up, lovebirds. Happy Valentine's to both of you. Might this special day be your moment to start as lovers—"
Sid cut him off immediately.
"This voice sounds familiar… Right! HEY YOU! You think I won't recognize your voice even if you pitch it like a chipmunk?! I don't care about this stupid Valentine's jail booth game you cooked up. I don't have time for this!"
"I don't know what you're talking about. Ahem, moving forward…I'm your warden, your guide for this little game. Here's the deal: you're both cuffed, and the only way out is to work together. But don't think it's that easy. The key is hidden, and you'll need to earn three clues to find it. If you fail before the bell rings, you're stuck in there all day and only released after class. So make it count!"
Laughter and taunts filled the static. Sid pushed himself up, rage spilling out.
"F*ck you, Big D! I know it's you! Making content again for your stupid prank games, huh? Unlock the door or I'll beat you down, you hear me?!"
Big D chuckled.
"Come on, Sid, my brother. This is my revenge for interrupting me last time and saving that witch from my perfect prank. And now… how about you two become lovebirds, huh?"
Sid's anger shifted. His eyes cut to the girl sitting quietly in the corner. Recognition hit.
"Morgana…"
The warden's voice turned cold.
"Look, Wilder. Even if I open the door, you're still cuffed. And nobody's coming back for the other one. If you leave, that witch stays. She's stuck unless someone else pays or plays. It's your choice."
Sid's jaw tightened. His eyes lingered on the girl. She hugged her knees, trembling, chin lowered, fear all over her face. The sight made his anger burn hotter.
"You sick bastards… You set me up, and now you're acting like you're doing me a favor?"
"Nobody cares about her, Wilder. School's a meat grinder. People pay for a laugh and move on. If you want out, go alone. Otherwise, you play the game… and maybe both of you walk free."
The speaker clicked, savoring the silence that followed.
Sid exhaled hard, eyes softening as he studied Morgana's face. Sarcasm tugged at him like usual, but something heavier… pity, stubborn protectiveness, took root. He swallowed, jaw set, and gave his answer.
"Arghh… tch! Fine. I'll play your stupid game."
"Good! Play and earn your way out. Three clues unlock the key. Each clue requires you to complete a Valentine task. Fail, and the cuffs stay locked until the bell rings."
His tone sharpened, like he was reading off a script.
"First task: The Confession Round. Both of you must confess something to each other, feelings, a secret, or a hidden truth. If I judge it genuine, you earn the first clue."
Sid rubbed the back of his neck, eyes flicking toward Morgana, who still sat curled up in the corner. He could feel how tense she was, like even the air pressing on her was too much. He crouched a little so his voice would sound softer, not something that would crush her more.
"Hey, look… I know this whole Valentine's crap is supposed to be about love and hearts, but don't let it get to you. Big D's idea of romance is twisted because he was never loved by his parents. That's why he's got nothing but hatred in his chest."
The speaker crackled, Big D's laugh sharp and mocking. "Ha! Talk all you want, Wilder, but you're still trapped, and I'm the one holding the key."
Sid ignored him completely, keeping his focus on Morgana. He gave her a small nod, like he was telling her without words: I've got this. You're not alone in this mess.
"Alright, guess I'll go first then." He straightened, taking in a breath. "My confession? Well… I once stole a math test answer key from the teacher's desk back in middle school. Passed with flying colors and pretended I studied my ass off." He smirked, but his tone carried no weight.
There was silence, then Big D's voice boomed, dripping with satisfaction.
"Denied! That's not genuine, Wilder. You're stalling. You think you can half-ass your way through this? I can smell bullshit from a mile away."
"What?! That was a confession! What more do you want?"
Big D's mocking laugh poured from the static.
"Tell her why you saved her yesterday. Come on, Sid—what are you, a hero now? Or maybe it's 'cause you've got a soft spot for her? Let's hear it. Tell her the real shit!"
Sid's head snapped up toward the speaker.
"You— You already planned what you wanted to hear, you asshole! What's the point of this task if you just want your version of the truth? Dumbass!"
Big D sang mockingly.
"Blah blah blah…"
"ARGH!!!"
Sid's voice cracked with frustration. His head felt like it was about to explode, irritation flashing hot in his eyes. But he stopped himself, forced the breath in, then out. For the sake of the key, for the sake of not leaving her stuck, he swallowed his anger.
He turned toward the corner where Morgana sat. His tone shifted. The sarcasm drained away, leaving his voice steadier, something she hadn't heard from him yet.
"Okay… whew. Hey. You wanna know why I saved you yesterday?"
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. Not a shout this time, but firm enough to cut through the silence. Meeting Morgana's eyes pulled the memory straight back, the canteen, the laughter, the way Big D had slipped her on purpose, spilling the tray all over her clothes. Everyone had laughed. Everyone but him.
"Because I couldn't stand watching them mess with you like that. I don't care if they called it a prank, or if everyone else thought it was funny. It wasn't. It was cruel. And I…"
He exhaled, tightening his fists at his sides.
"I couldn't just stand there and let it happen. I hate seeing someone get dragged down when they don't deserve it. You didn't deserve it, Morgana. Not then, not now."