In The Spotlight

Leafy- Educated Guess

Right before the start of round 3, I wondered if maybe 4 would explain what it was. They said they would do it a long time ago, and they didn't.

So why would they do it now?

Maybe because I had a weird sense of hope instilled in me by this whole ordeal? Maybe because I needed something good to happen so that I didn't have a meltdown?

But those were all things that I was feeling. And if I've learned anything in this life, it's that sometimes- most of the time, really- things are bigger than me. I had to accept that a long time ago. People don't always care about what I want.

4 didn't either, apparently. They simply strutted toward the camera, smiling. It was a little disarming when they smiled like that. It was a true smile. Most of the time 4 didn't look happy, making those times when they did sort of scary.

"Time for round three of QNA! Will the team Managers, Petitioners, and Wise-People step forward please?" I did so. "You probably have been wondering what your purpose is. You haven't done much so far."

This was an accurate statement. The whole game was nerve racking, simply because I didn't know what I was supposed to be doing. I had to just sit there, watching others do the important things.

"Petitioners, you will have to continue taking a backseat role until we get into the later stages of the game. Other than in elimination. That's a different story. You may return to your team!" Pin and a woman named Ruby looked relieved to hear this news, while Other Guy from the party- whose name I now knew to be Gelatin- and ours, Cake, were a bit disappointed.

"Now, managers, your role is more off-camera, but today, your personality surveys will be the ones we use. Please remain standing where you are." Firey shifted his weight skittishly, so I tapped my shoe softly against his in a failed effort to calm him down. He gave me a smile, but it didn't go all the way to his eyes.

"You Wise-Folks are very important in this next round. You'll see why. Please return to your teams." That got me pissed. All of that, and I still don't know what I'm doing.

"Firey, stand in front of the board if you will." 4 gestures toward the screen that was used as a display for questions. Firey looked spooked. I had a good feeling why. 4 hadn't referred to any of us by name yet.

The screen powered on, showing something that felt way too invasive. It wasn't personal, per se, but it was wrong.

"Am I a good cook?" Firey read aloud. It was creepy. I could tell he wasn't comfortable.

"Champions, go ahead and answer, do you think Firey is a good cook?" I knew the answer.

"Can I- Should I say it? I know." I asked my team, at a hushed volume. They nodded.

I didn't want to look 4 in the eyes. This was too perverted for me to have any respect left for the host. Instead, I addressed my friend directly. "Yes, you are a good cook." I tried to be comforting, but I think my own discomfort was showing through my words.

He nodded, and 4 confirmed. "Correct. Your turn, Lollipop." Her mouth twitched ever so slightly. Firey turned toward me and smiled.

"When did I even tell you that?" He whisper-yelled.

I recalled a text conversation about his annoyance with the school board. They had apparently banned homemade food from schools because of household allergens. He had in years prior brought in snacks he made from scratch for the kids. They had loved them too.

"Wow, Lawyer Leafy. You have quite the memory." I stifled a laugh.

"Did you just give me a nickname?" He looked embarrassed.