Magic is everything I see when I look at you.

[ You are now a BETA TESTER ]

The intro video began with the game’s title in large letters—expected but effective. It was designed to introduce the characters and display random images that looked like mild story spoilers meant to pique curiosity. Words like “Golden Moon,” “Epiome,” “PTSD,” and various quotes from different characters flashed across the screen one after another.

Leon: “I don’t need to be a genius to make a difference—just someone who won’t stop trying.”

Edmund: “Maybe I don’t deserve this place, but I won’t betray who I am.”

Sophia: “I’m not enough yet, but maybe tomorrow the sun will shine brighter.”

Victor: “I’m not trying to meet expectations. I just want to be the one who kept a promise when it mattered most.”

Elliot: “It may not be the brightest path, but if it makes them smile, the show will be worth it.”

Serena: “Sometimes I wonder if the image they expect from me matters more than the person I am.”

Vergil: “I listen to understand… and to help something new grow from what hurts.”

Silhouettes of three more characters appeared in the background. Rian figured there must be at least three secret routes.

After the cinematic ended, the melody remained in their heads. Still, one line—and one particular smile—amid the flood of images completely caught their attention.

Rian briefly exited the game while Hannah paid for the medical appointment. They’d reluctantly accepted her help, but they used the time to dig up more information. The official website looked a little rough but well-designed—no overwhelming animations.

[ Welcome to BETA TESTER. Congratulations! You’ve been selected to participate in the testing phase of Project Epione, a revolutionary virtual reality technology created to improve quality of life and provide support against daily stress. Designed as an aid for people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Epiome offers a unique experience: immersing yourself in a virtual world meant to help you face your emotions and heal your wounds in a safe, controlled environment. ]

The premise didn’t sound bad at all. In fact, it was pretty original. If it were real, it could definitely help a lot of people.

—Like me —Rian thought and kept reading.

[ However, when you enter the program, you realize something’s wrong. Epione is too real… too deep… and too unstable. The simulations begin to behave strangely. Safe environments shift without warning. Users’ memories start to distort. And the people behind the project—developers, researchers, and specialists—aren’t telling you everything they know. ]

“Well, that’s a strong hook,” they murmured, smiling to the side and resting their cheek on a fist.

[ They created Epiome… but now they’re part of the problem. ]

“So? What do you think so far?” asked Hannah, watching Rian with an inquisitive look and a sly smile.

“Okay, okay. You win. Looks like a whodunit game,” Rian guessed.

“You could say that… but in the end, that’s not really the game’s goal. I’ve never figured out who the culprit is,” Hannah admitted, setting her phone aside.

“What? Isn’t that the whole point?” Rian exclaimed, surprised.

“Oh, please! With characters like these, do you really think it’s just some spy game? You seriously need to get out more,” she teased, tapping Rian gently on the forehead—carefully avoiding the bandages.

“Well… if they give you a story like that, it has to mean something,” Rian muttered. Abandoning a well-written story felt like wasting the writing team’s efforts.

“The truth is, there are multiple endings. You can finish the game without finding the culprit by building a relationship with the characters. That’s what the fan pages say. As far as I know, each route has at least two endings: good and bad. You can choose whether to focus on solving the mystery or developing the romance.”

Rian listened attentively and finally understood why Hannah knew so little about the plot—even after playing for a year. Given how lazy she could be, she’d probably just unlocked the romantic endings without digging much more profoundly. Loving your best friend meant accepting even the things about her that drove you a little crazy… and for Rian, that meant putting up with Hannah jumping on every trend without ever fully committing to it.

[ Meet the people behind Project Epione. Inside the facility where testing takes place, you’ll encounter seven characters—engineers, corporate figures, psychologists, and programmers—who have dedicated their lives to this project. Each has a reason to be here… but hides secrets about Epiome, its development, and its unexpected effects. Who can you trust? Who is genuinely on the patients’ side? They designed Epione, but now they’re trapped by their own mistakes. ]

“I think I’m starting to get it,” Rian said as Hannah tugged on their sleeve to get them moving.

It was almost time to meet Mario. The game had wholly absorbed Rian’s attention, and Hannah—defeated—stopped trying to bring them back, simply dragging them down the street.

[ As you grow closer to them, you realize that Epione isn’t just a therapeutic experiment. Something more profound—and dangerous—is hidden in the system’s code. Uncover the truth. Build connections. Find answers… before it’s too late. ]

“So I guess that’s what leads to the bad endings. Hey, Hannah, have you ever gotten an ending where the player loses interest in their route character?”

“What? Who would want that?” Hannah asked, frowning like the idea itself was offensive.

The question made Rian feel more uncomfortable than expected. They were familiar with the darker corners of fandoms. In fact, they were part of several. How do you explain to someone so radiant that there are people who can’t imagine a world without pain anymore? And yet, that was precisely why Rian adored her. Hannah had always been their light.

[ Game Features: Seven romantic routes and three secret characters. Gameplay includes calls, emails, chats, and dates. Mini-games to increase affinity. Choices that affect your fate—and theirs. Hidden secrets waiting to be discovered. Multiple endings: their destiny is in your hands. ]

“Ugh, too many activities. This game demands way too much time,” Rian muttered aloud.

“Oh, definitely,” Hannah agreed, sounding a little guilty. “You even have to give up sleep for certain routes. One girl in my class complained that key messages appear in the middle of the night.”

“Sounds like you’ve missed a few opportunities,” Rian commented with a smirk.

“I don’t lose sleep for anyone—and you know it.”

“You did for Mario. And for me.”

“Past mistakes don’t count… but I’d do it all over again for you,” she said, voice full of warmth that nearly brought a tear to Rian’s eye.

[ Content Warning: This game contains scenes of suspense and psychological horror. Not recommended for individuals under 18. Simulations are based on personalized choices and may include content related to anxiety, trauma, and emotional distress. Discretion is advised. This game is fictional. Any resemblance to actual people or events is purely coincidental. ]

“Hey, Hannah… it says here the game simulates trauma. How does that work?” Rian asked, finally beginning to walk again.

“I’m not exactly sure, but I got some images that made me feel sick. I think it’s based on the psychological test at the start.”

“Makes sense. But at the end of the day, everyone is responsible for their own choices.”

“Exactly. But still, it’s just a game. If you get too absorbed in it, you lose touch with reality,” Hannah added firmly.

“Well… there are pro players who make a living from this,” Rian shrugged.

“Yeah, but I doubt anyone’s living off Otome games.”

Even as Hannah dismissed the possibility, Rian kept reading with growing curiosity.

[ This game is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you experience anxiety or PTSD, please seek out qualified professionals. If you don’t know where to start, visit the links provided. Supporting someone in a vulnerable state can make a world of difference. Sometimes, just being there is enough. ]

“Well, someone’s living the dream… the beta testers,” they said, sticking out their tongue.

After that, Hannah’s words faded away. The world seemed to slow down when Rian accepted the game’s terms and swiped the screen. There were no more sounds—just that same voice from the cinematic that had captivated them. That goofy smile, those golden eyes shining behind reddish hair, probably exaggerated by the glasses—but they didn’t hide the spark.

It was a tiny eternity of perpetual bliss, broken only when Hannah returned them to reality. Time rushed back, pressing on Rian’s chest like a soft ache… then vanishing in a sigh.

Mario was waiting out front, leaning against his truck. He smiled wide when he saw Rian, but when he noticed the bandages, his joy instantly turned into rage.

“Was it your brother or that other bastard?” he asked, cracking his knuckles.

Hannah raised her phone, blocking the alpha male performance.

“Can we focus on what matters and skip the silverback chest-pounding for once?” she snapped, with sarcasm rare even for her.

“Knew this was gonna happen,” Rian muttered, resigned. “You two have not made up yet.”

Both fell silent. It wasn’t just because of a breakup that lingered—now there was something heavier, something unspoken.

“Sorry,” Mario said, scratching the back of his neck like a scolded kid.

“Me too,” Hannah replied, flicking her bangs out of her eyes with practiced grace. “Come on. Let’s get Rian’s stuff out of here and move it to the apartment.”

“You sure you can handle it with those nails? Bet it hurts if one breaks,” Mario teased, waiting for Rian to unlock the guest house door.

“I feel like I missed something,” Rian remarked, standing between a giant and a girl who could probably win a sprint in platform sandals.

“That’s a story I’ll tell you later,” Hannah said mischievously.

“Please don’t,” Mario begged as they walked inside.