Chapter 17: A New Beginning

The days passed quickly after the exams, and Ryo felt increasingly comfortable with his decision. Although his main focus remained on his dream of getting into the best university, he now began to feel that his relationships with Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka were growing stronger. They had become an inseparable part of his life, and Ryo realized that he could pursue both—his dreams and meaningful relationships.

That morning, Ryo decided to return to the park that had long been his place of reflection. The cool morning air, combined with the peaceful scenery, always brought him a sense of calm. He knew that even though life was full of challenges and choices, he was now more prepared to face whatever came his way.

As he sat on a bench in the park, he felt his phone vibrate with a message. It was from Mika."Ryo, how are you? I want to meet you for a bit. I feel like we need to talk."

Ryo was slightly surprised but also curious."What do you want to talk about, Mika?" he quickly replied.

Not long after, Mika arrived, smiling as usual. She sat beside Ryo and, to his surprise, leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Ryo, we've talked about many things before, but there's something I want to tell you," Mika said softly. "I want you to know that I care about you—deeply. No matter what happens, I want to be there for you."

Ryo felt warmth spread through him at Mika's words. He knew that this feeling wasn't one-sided—Mika clearly saw him as more than just a friend. However, doubts crept into his mind. Should he focus entirely on his goal and set aside any developing relationships, or was there room for both?

"Mika," Ryo said quietly, "I want you to know that I care about you too. But I also know that our journey to university is important. I don't want to let you down, but I have to fight for my dream as well."

Mika gave him a gentle smile. "I know, Ryo. I don't want you to feel pressured. I just want you to know that you're not alone. I'll always support whatever you choose. What matters most is that you feel confident in your decision."

Ryo felt a weight lift off his shoulders after talking to Mika. She always understood his thoughts and feelings, and that made him feel stronger moving forward. "Thank you, Mika. I promise to always do my best—not just for my dream, but for our relationship too."

After his conversation with Mika, Ryo felt that his decision to open his heart little by little was leading him in the right direction. There was nothing wrong with chasing his dreams, and there was nothing wrong with embracing the relationships that were growing around him. He could move forward alongside Mika, Ayumi, and Haruka while still holding on to his goals. Balance wasn't impossible.

Later that day, Ryo went to meet Ayumi at the café near their school. Ayumi always had a way of making him feel lighter with her boundless energy.

"Ryo! I heard you finished your exams! Let's celebrate!" Ayumi said cheerfully, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Yeah, I should have some fun too, right?" Ryo laughed, feeling more at ease. "But maybe we should start with something simple."

"Yes!" Ayumi cheered, practically bouncing in excitement. "We can start with coffee and cake! Then we can plan something even more fun later!"

With Ayumi, Ryo could forget the stress of exams and just enjoy the moment. Every time he spent time with her, he was reminded that happiness could come from the simplest things—it didn't always have to be about grand achievements.

That night, after spending time with Ayumi, Mika, and Haruka, Ryo felt reassured that his choice to embrace both his dream and his relationships was the right one. He no longer felt pressured by his decisions. He could pursue his goals and still enjoy his social life freely, without having to sacrifice one for the other.

When Ryo returned home, he sat at his study desk, gazing out the open window. The future now felt clearer to him. Exams were important, but life didn't stop there. There were opportunities to grow, to connect, and to achieve more than just academic success.

Ryo looked out the window with newfound confidence. Life wasn't just about reaching a destination—it was about how we embraced the journey, filled with choices and experiences. And Ryo knew, he was ready to take each step forward with a heart full of determination.