By the time Friday rolled around, Ryo was feeling the pressure.
It wasn't just the constant attention from Hana, Saki, and Mei—though that was more than enough to make him want to crawl into a hole and disappear—it was also the rumors.
Apparently, word had gotten out that Ryo was the "luckiest guy in school," surrounded by not one, not two, but three popular girls. The gossip spread like wildfire, and now everyone seemed to have an opinion on his "situation."
"So, Ryo," Yuto said with a grin as they sat in the cafeteria, "how does it feel to be the school's most eligible bachelor?"
Ryo groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I'm not. I didn't ask for any of this."
"Well, whether you like it or not, you've become the center of attention," Yuto said, still laughing. "I mean, you've got Hana practically glued to your side, Saki teasing you every chance she gets, and Mei—well, she's a bit harder to read, but even she's got an eye on you."
Ryo sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I just want things to go back to normal."
"Good luck with that," Yuto chuckled. "Normal's long gone, my friend."
As if on cue, Hana appeared at their table, her usual cheerful smile lighting up her face. "Hey, Ryo! Wanna walk home together today?"
Before Ryo could answer, Saki sauntered over, leaning on the back of his chair with her trademark smirk. "Not so fast, Hana. I think Ryo and I had plans, didn't we?"
"Actually—" Ryo started, but he was cut off by the sound of Mei's soft voice.
"He said he was busy," Mei said, appearing behind them like a quiet shadow. Her expression was calm, but her presence was enough to make Hana and Saki hesitate for just a second.
Ryo's head was spinning. How had his life turned into this?
Yuto, meanwhile, was having the time of his life, barely able to contain his laughter as he watched his best friend squirm under the attention of the three girls.
"Well, Ryo," Yuto said, patting him on the back, "looks like you've got your hands full."
Ryo groaned again, wishing for the hundredth time that week that he could just disappear.