Episode 11

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As the sun rose over the island, the air was filled with the cheerful sounds of birds and the gentle rustling of palm trees. However, inside his cabin, Leo sat at his desk, deep in thought. He pondered over Magnur’s choice to betray them again despite the camaraderie they had shared the previous day.

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Leo's Cabin

Leo: (muttering to himself) Why would Magnur betray us after everything? He seemed like he was starting to enjoy himself with us.

Ray, Yua, and Kisho entered the cabin, noticing Leo's contemplative state.

Ray: Hey, Leo. Why so serious?

Yua: Yeah, it's a beautiful day outside!

Kisho: Are you still thinking about Magnur?

Leo: (sighing) Yeah. I just don't get why he would betray us again.

Yua: Maybe he’s just confused. Or maybe he doesn’t know how to have fun!

Kisho: Speaking of fun, we’ve got an idea to lighten the mood!

Ninamarie: We’re putting on a slapstick show! It'll be hilarious, and we want you to join us!

Leo: (perking up) A slapstick show? You know what, that does sound fun.

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Main Square

The contestants gathered in the main square, buzzing with excitement as they prepared for the slapstick show. Leo, Ray, Yua, and Ninamarie took center stage, each dressed in weird costumes. The audience, a mix of other contestants and island locals, sat in anticipation.

Leo: (grinning) Alright, everyone! Welcome to our slapstick extravaganza!

The show kicked off with Yua trying to balance on a comically oversized beach ball. As expected, she wobbled and flailed her arms, causing the crowd to burst into laughter.

Yua: (dramatically) Whoa, whoa, whoaaa!

Just as Yua was about to regain her balance, Ray sneakily placed a banana peel in her path. Yua stepped on it and hilariously slipped, landing with an exaggerated thud.

Ninamarie: (giggling) Yua, you really know how to make an entrance!

Next up was Kisho's turn. He attempted to juggle water balloons, but Leo “accidentally” bumped into him, sending the balloons flying everywhere. One splashed directly on Ray, soaking him head to toe.

Ray: (indignant) Hey! I didn’t sign up for a shower!

Leo: (with a mock-innocent look) Oops, my bad!

The climax of the show featured a boring pie-throwing scene. Leo, Ray, Yua, and Ninamarie stood in a line, each holding a cream pie. On the count of three, they all threw their pies simultaneously. However, in the chaos, the pies went in unexpected directions, hitting each other in the face instead.

Leo: (wiping pie from his face) Looks like we all got a taste of our own medicine!

The audience laughed and applauded, thoroughly entertained by the slapstick antics. Even Magnur, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't help but crack a small smile, though he quickly turned away to conceal it.

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After the Show

As the contestants cleaned up, the main characters gathered around, still laughing and sharing stories about the performance.

Kisho: That was awesome! Did you see the look on Ray's face when he got hit by the water balloon?

Ninamarie: (laughing) And Ray slipping Yua with the banana peel was priceless!

Yua: Are you saying that to mock me? I know you're actually disappointed by my act.

Ninamarie: Don't get too happy. Still, I have to admit you did a good job in there.

Yua: (cheering) Thanks, and I'll keep doing even better on stage with you!

Ninamarie: Hey, don't get so sure you'll have the role. I will.

Leo: Hey, guys! Take a picture with me.

The main cast didn't hesitate to follow his request.

Just then, they noticed Magnur lurking nearby. Despite his stoic expression, there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

Leo: (approaching Magnur) Hey, Magnur. Did you catch the show?

Magnur: (suppressing a smile) I might have seen some of it. You all seemed to have fun.

Leo: (nodding) We did. You know, you're welcome to join us if you want.

Magnur: (looking away) We'll see. But tch, I don't have time to play the clown. If anything, I liked watching you suffer.

Leo: (uncharacteristically cold) You really are an awful person.

Magnur was slightly taken aback, but he quickly composed himself and resumed his haughty expression.

Magnur: Everyone would move on eventually, only because they pretend not to care about whatever I do. Maybe all of you, too...

Yua: Oh, come on, Magnur! You're so gloomy! Be positive for once!

Magnur: Pff, no. Unless I have to kill the happiness in the way, I won't.

Kisho: Maybe you should at least consider the possibility that someone might be enjoying his grumpiness, Yua.

Ray: I don't think anyone would like being told that a person enjoyed seeing them suffer.

Leo: Then don't force Magnur into anything. (he shrugs) How's that? (he turns to Magnur) See you at the next match. If you can win against us, I'll forgive you for everything. So let's face it.

Magnur: Don't hold it against me, because I have my eyes on a price, and there won't be a fake answer.

Leo was hesitant to turn around, but with a hand on his shoulder, he decided.

The wind picked up, and Magnur's spiky black hair began to whip around. A hint of red suddenly appeared in his brown eyes.

Magnur: Too late. Consider this a challenge from yourself to the others.

For the first time, Leo noticed his left eyebrow. It wasn't badly bruised anymore, but rather, it was rather light; he could say it was barely noticeable.

As a deep silence settled over the area, it was quite obvious. Something was amiss, and the main group just knew it.

Ninamarie: Go and explain to Leo why your left eyebrow was so lightly bruised... as if you just had a tattoo there. (thinking) Nobody would have a tattoo on their left eye's eyebrow, that would just be stupid. It sounds like the worst idea to do it.

Leo: Look. Not everyone likes to put any makeup on. For him, it's proof that he was mocked before. But what people forget, especially me, is that, for you all, it's proof that he put a barrier between himself and the rest of the world. His mask has helped me realize that even a crazy-looking and grumpy person like him can make friends. Because of his attitude, maybe the world saw him as a monster. Don't be the same mistake.

Magnur: Please stop focusing on that detail. Right now, you're thinking that my eyebrow isn't actually bruised because of a tattoo or something. Don't act like you see right through me.

And by then, all the others had no choice but to agree.
Perhaps everything can change from now on.
Although, sadly, not for the best...

End of episode 11.

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