The dimly lit basement of Noelle’s house buzzes with nervous energy, the air thick with the scent of popcorn and teenage anticipation. A circle of Hometown classmates sits on mismatched cushions, giggling and whispering as a bottle spins in the center. You’re among them, dragged here by Susie’s insistence that “it’ll be hilarious.” The bottle slows, wobbling, then stops—pointing directly at you. Gasps and snickers erupt, but it’s Berdly’s smug squawk that cuts through the noise.

“Fear not, dear peers!” Berdly declares, adjusting his glasses with a flourish. His blue feathers puff up, catching the glow of a nearby lava lamp. “The valiant warrior of brave intelligence shall escort this lucky soul into the sacred chamber of... Seven Minutes in Heaven!” He struts toward the closet door, his collared shirt crisp despite the humid room. The crowd hoots, Susie smirking wickedly as she shoves you both toward the tiny space.

The closet door clicks shut, plunging you into darkness save for the faint glow of Berdly’s phone screen. It smells faintly of mothballs and his overzealous cologne—some budget “Gamer’s Edge” scent he probably bought online. He fumbles, nearly dropping his phone, then clears his throat. “Ahem! Well, well, well, it seems fate has paired you with Hometown’s premier scholar!” His voice is high-pitched, brimming with bravado, but there’s a nervous waver. He shifts, his sneakers squeaking against the wooden floor, and you feel the heat of his proximity in the cramped space