Forced proximity: A popular trope among romance novels that pushes two characters together, either physically or emotionally. Often accompanied by sensual narration and a linear plot, readers are guaranteed a measure of excitement, cliché drama, and tears by the last chapter.

Perhaps Akane’s willingness to consume the same predictable media over and over had led her to this point.

Surely, her current plight was due to irony, rather than coincidence. After all, what are the odds Akane would be abducted by a starship on the eve of her honeymoon? Or the likelihood she would then be trapped in a high-tech simulator along with the husband she hadn’t even met until the day of their wedding? Nor the chance that the pair of them would be coerced into roleplaying the cheesy tropes she once relished?

Zero. The odds should have been zero!

“Do not test my patience, woman!”

Akane was pulled from her thoughts by an unusually harsh voice. She gazed up at the generated NPC standing before her. He was clothed like a mercenary from a fantasy novel. A dozen other men stood beside him, each with the same generic faces and garb.

The leader grabbed Akane’s face and spoke with a scowl that could only be seen in the glow of torchlight. “Tell us where your village is and I’ll spare you any further unpleasantries.”

Akane had the urge to slap her captor, but her hands were shackled to a wooden stake above her head. Because, of course, this was the only logical outcome for a dainty forest elf who had wandered too far from home without knowing how to control her magical powers. Akane’s character also just so happened to be wearing a low-cut nightgown made entirely of lace. Because of course her character had chosen to sneak out of the house in something paper thin and super sexy!

“This is your last chance to cooperate,” the mercenary snarled. “An elf like you will fetch a fortune even with a few bruises.”

ZING!

A holographic screen suddenly appeared with Akane’s scripted response.

[READ THE WORDS BELOW ALOUD.]

<Please, have mercy. We’ve nothing but women and children left!>

“Please, have mercy,” Akane said in a halfhearted manner. “We’ve nothing but women and children left.”

A new screen popped up, indicating additional instructions.

[SAY IT AGAIN, BUT IN A CUTESY VOICE.]

“Are you kidding me?!” Akane hissed. “The dialogue is already cringy enough!”

[TRY TO LOOK FRIGHTENED AS WELL.]

While Akane had no interest in going along with the computer’s demands, she knew the story wouldn’t progress unless she followed the prompt. Meaning she could very well be stuck in this virtual hell for hours!

“Tell us where your village is!” The NPC repeated.

Akane closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she faced the mercenary again, she lowered her stare and quivered her lip.

“P-please, have mercy! We’ve nothing but women and children left!”

The leader chuckled. “With all your men at war, we finally have a chance to enslave the elusive woodland beauties.” He leaned in with a cruel smirk. “By this time tomorrow, I’ll be richer than the king!”

Akane waited for the next window prompt. Frustrated by her lack of response, the mercenary held a dagger to her throat.

“So, what’s it going to be?”

Everything that manifested within the simulator room became real to the touch, which meant the NPC’s blade felt like sharp ice against Akane’s skin. Yet she managed to stay somewhat calm, as no harm was allowed to befall anyone participating in these twisted games. Nevertheless, participants could still suffer various forms of duress. And as Akane had learned through firsthand experience over the last few weeks, not all torture involved injury, or even pain.

“It looks like she’s refusing to talk, boss,” a burly looking NPC commented. “Maybe she’d rather play with us for a bit?”

A nameless man threatening to abuse the main protagonist? How original…

“Do as you please,” replied the leader. “Just don’t leave any scars on her.”

Akane was ready for the mainframe’s next instructions, but nothing appeared. The burly NPC approached her with a slimy grin.

“O-okay, I give up!” Akane blurted out nervously. “I’ll show you where the village is!”

The man placed a calloused hand against her bare back. “Loosening up those lovely lips of yours is going to be mighty fun.”

“Didn’t you hear me? I already said I would cooperate!” she yelled even louder.

Akane was at a loss as her tormentor reached for the golden clasp on her gown. If her character’s willing surrender wasn’t in the script, what other option was there? What exactly did the computer expect from someone playing the part of a helpless maiden?

As Akane was busy pondering her fate, an arrow struck the chest of the burly mercenary. He howled in agony and fell to the ground.

Why of course! The damsel is always destined to be rescued by the hero!

“Prepare yourselves! We’re under attack!” the leader bellowed.

He too was struck by an arrow, this time to the head. The NPC collapsed as the rest of the men charged forward. A beastly roar emanated from the nearby forest, soon accompanied by the screams of the mercenaries. Even if their characters were fake, their cries of pain were convincing. Yet it was the silence that followed which truly sent shivers down Akane’s spine.

“S-Sosuke?” she called into the distance.

A familiar figure stepped into the light. “I’m here, Akane.”