Chapter 14: Facing Choices

The days following Ryo's decision felt lighter. With the big exam approaching, he found his heart calmer than before. Though his feelings for Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka remained, Ryo now felt more certain about his path. He knew he could pursue both—chasing his dreams while maintaining his relationships with them—without feeling trapped.

That morning, Ryo walked to school with a firmer step. He had decided not to let social tensions trouble him anymore. Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka had accepted his decision, and now, Ryo was more focused on the upcoming exam.

However, as soon as he arrived at school, Mika approached him with her usual gentle smile. "Ryo, how do you feel after making that decision? I'm glad you were able to choose what's best for you."

Ryo smiled back. "Yeah, I feel calmer now. My focus is on the exams, but I also don't want to shut myself off from these relationships."

Mika nodded, her smile widening. "I understand, Ryo. Don't worry about anything—I know you'll do great. We can continue supporting each other, right?"

Ryo felt a bit more relieved hearing Mika's words. Every time he talked to her, his doubts and anxieties seemed to fade. However, he also knew that Mika was an important person to him, and their relationship needed time and space to grow.

When the lunch bell rang, Ayumi arrived with her usual boundless energy. "Ryo, come with me! There are so many fun events happening. We have to enjoy ourselves before the exams start, right?"

Ryo felt a little torn. Ayumi was always so full of life, and her invitations were always tempting. But he knew that his time for studying was running out. "Ayumi, I... I think I need to study more. But after the exams, I promise I'll make time for us to have fun."

Ayumi pouted slightly but laughed cheerfully. "Alright, if that's what you want. But don't keep me waiting too long, okay? I want you to enjoy life too."

Ryo felt a little guilty turning Ayumi down, but he knew he had to stick to his priorities. Ayumi might not fully understand, but Ryo was sure that focusing on his exams was the right decision.

A little later, Haruka arrived with a serious yet gentle expression. "Ryo, you've decided to stay focused, haven't you?" she asked softly, as if wanting to confirm his resolve.

Ryo met her gaze and nodded. "Yes, Haruka. I'll keep my focus on the exams, but I also don't want to ignore the relationships growing around me."

Haruka gave a small, knowing smile, offering the support he needed. "That decision came from your heart, Ryo. There's nothing wrong with chasing your dreams while keeping yourself open to the relationships that grow. The most important thing is that you feel happy with your choice."

Ryo felt even more at ease after speaking with Haruka. Her words always gave him a clearer perspective. There was nothing wrong with balancing personal goals and social relationships.

For the next few days, Ryo devoted himself entirely to studying. Even so, he never forgot Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka. Whenever he felt anxious or overwhelmed, they were there in their own ways, giving him the support he needed.

Finally, exam day arrived. Ryo felt a little nervous, but with all the preparation he had done, he knew he had given his best. As he stepped into the exam hall, he felt reassured that his decision to stay focused was the right one. However, he also knew that his relationships with Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka had added a new layer of meaning to his life. No matter what happened, he wouldn't lose them.

When the exams were finally over, Ryo felt relieved. He had managed to stay focused and give his best for his future. Afterward, he decided to spend time with Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka to celebrate the end of a long exam journey. Each of them had supported him in their own way, and now, Ryo felt that his dreams and social relationships could coexist harmoniously.