Chapter 11: Choosing the Path

That night, Ryo stayed up late. The wind outside blew gently, as if accompanying his confusion. The books scattered on his study desk served as a reminder that the big exam was approaching, yet in his heart, a feeling stronger than mere anxiety about the test was beginning to take over his thoughts. Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka—each of them had been in his life for a long time, and they had different ways of reaching out to him. The feelings were becoming more overwhelming. Could he continue striving for his dream, or would he prioritize the relationships that were starting to grow with one of them?

Ryo knew that time was running out. The decision he had to make would determine his future, but he felt increasingly trapped in his own uncertainty. What was more important to him? The academic success he had fought for all these years, or the emotions that had recently started to bloom?

Finally, after hours of wrestling with his thoughts, Ryo began to understand one thing—he couldn't keep living in this uncertainty. He had to make a choice, and he couldn't postpone it any longer.

The next morning, Ryo decided to go to school early. The air was colder than usual, and each step he took felt heavier. But he knew that today was the day he had to make a big decision. Would he stay focused on his dream of getting into the top university, or would he open his heart to the relationships forming around him?

When he arrived at school, Ryo immediately went to his usual place for reflection—the school's back garden. Away from the noise, he could calm his mind and figure out what he truly wanted. Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka surely knew he was feeling conflicted, and he didn't want to keep dragging this out any longer.

A few minutes after he sat on the bench, Mika suddenly appeared. A gentle smile graced her face, bringing a sense of calm, even though Ryo knew he needed to talk to her about these feelings.

"Ryo," Mika said softly, "I know you must be feeling pressured. I just want you to know that I'm here if you need someone to talk to. You don't have to carry everything alone."

Ryo looked at Mika, his eyes filled with uncertainty. Mika was always so caring, but was he ready to accept this relationship? If he let these feelings grow, would they interfere with his goal? It was hard to put his thoughts into words, but he knew he had to say something.

"Mika," Ryo spoke quietly, "I feel more and more confused about all of this. I have to chase my dream of getting into university, but at the same time… I feel connected to you. I just don't know how to handle everything."

Mika only smiled, as if she understood. "Ryo, I know how dedicated you are to your goal, and I respect that. But I also want you to know that I'm here to support you. You don't have to choose between me and your dreams. I just want you to be happy with whatever decision you make."

Ryo fell silent for a moment, feeling slightly relieved by Mika's words. However, doubt still lingered in his heart. Maybe Haruka, with her wise perspective, would have a clearer answer.

Not long after, Ayumi arrived with her usual bright smile. "Ryo, you have to come to that event I mentioned! Life isn't just about exams, you know! Come on, join us! You need to relax a little."

Ryo felt pressured by Ayumi's invitation. On one hand, she was full of energy and always encouraged him to have fun. But on the other hand, he knew that his limited time should be used for studying. "Ayumi, I… I really need to study," Ryo replied, feeling bad for rejecting her. "But thanks, I'll make time after the exam."

Ayumi pouted slightly but kept her bright smile. "Yeah, I get it, Ryo. But don't be too hard on yourself, okay?"

With his mind growing even more restless, Ryo turned around and finally met Haruka, who was approaching with a calm expression. Unlike the others, she simply stared at him in silence.

Ryo knew that Haruka wasn't one to waste words. "Ryo," she finally said, her voice both soft and firm, "This decision has to come from within you. You have to choose the path that aligns with what you truly want. Only you can know what's best for yourself."

Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka… all of them cared about him, but they each led him toward a different direction. At this moment, Ryo knew that the choice was his alone. What did he truly want? Would he stay focused on his dream or open himself up to the relationships that were forming?

That day, as Ryo walked home, he felt a bit lighter. The decision he had to make was starting to become clearer. No one could give him the answer, but he knew that this choice would change his life. He had to choose his own path—the path leading to the top university or the path toward a newfound relationship.