Refuse Junpei's help.

(chapter originally by williwall on writing.com)

Yukari glared at Mitsuru. She was lined up on stage, alongside all of the other candidates. Somehow, the tall, red-haired girl managed to make everything she did seem graceful. The crowd seemed transfixed as she answered her questions.

Yukari sighed. She wanted to win, but she also wanted it to be on her own terms. There was no point if Junpei helped her to win. She had to do it on her own.

"...candidate 9? Are you okay?"

Yukari snapped out of her reverie. "Y-yes?" The crowd giggled.

Junpei looked across from backstage. This was not a good start. He knew that Yukari had specifically instructed him not to help, but she looked like she needed something to help her get over her stage fright.

What should Junpei do? Should he try to help out, or let Yukari recover the situation herself?