The War for Ryo’s Partner!

The classroom buzzed with excitement as the teacher clapped her hands for attention.

Teacher: "Alright, everyone! The annual School Festival is coming up!"

The students cheered.

Teacher: "This year's theme is 'Duo Events'! You must pair up with a partner for the activities!"

Ryo's stomach dropped.

Ryo (muttering): "Oh no."

He already knew what was coming.

And he was right.

As soon as the teacher finished, three girls simultaneously turned toward Ryo.

Haruka (blushing, fidgeting): "U-Um… Ryo… we should pair up! We work well together, right?"Misaki (flipping her hair): "Hah! As if! Takahashi, you should partner with me. I'll fund everything."Ayane (leaning on his desk, smirking): "Actually, Ryo-kun, I think it's best if I keep an eye on you."

Ryo started sweating.

Ryo: "Uh… c-can't we talk about this?"Haruka, Misaki, & Ayane (in sync): "NO."

Ryo gulped.

But before he could escape, a new voice cut in.

Reika (gracefully approaching): "Oh my~ I was hoping to be Takahashi-kun's partner."

The room fell silent.

Ryo (blinking): "Wait, WHAT?"Haruka (outraged): "Why would you partner with him?!"Misaki (narrowing her eyes): "Yeah, what's your angle, rich girl?"

Reika just smiled softly.

Reika: "Oh? Do I need a reason? I simply find Ryo… charming."

Ryo choked on his own breath.

Ryo (coughing): "W-WHAT?!"

Haruka and Misaki turned feral.

Haruka (red-faced): "NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT."Misaki: "Takahashi is MINE— I mean, I refuse to let you manipulate him!"

Ayane, meanwhile, was eerily silent.

Ayane (dangerous smirk): "Oh, Reika… I see what you're doing."Reika (innocently): "Ara~? I don't know what you mean."

The tension was suffocating.

Ryo (hands up): "L-Let's calm down and—"

Haruka & Misaki: "QUIET, TAKAHASHI."

Finally, the teacher sighed and intervened.

Teacher: "Since multiple people want Ryo as their partner… why don't we settle it with a competition?"

Ryo felt his soul leave his body.

Ryo: "WAIT, I DIDN'T AGREE TO THI—"

Haruka, Misaki, & Ayane: "LET'S DO IT."

Reika just smiled, adjusting her sleeves.

Reika: "This will be… fun."

And so, the Festival Partner Competition was set.

The winner would get Ryo.

And Ryo had no say in it.