I was sitting on the school bus, staring out the window as I often did during our daily commute. My mind was elsewhere, thinking about my video game progress and how I was going to beat the next level. The bus stopped in front of a new building, and a group of students got off, chatting and laughing. That's when I saw her - Erika Matsumoto, the most popular girl in school.

Erika was a beauty, with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She was also one of the smartest students in our school, and her charm and wit made her a magnet for attention. I had always kept my distance from her, thinking that she was out of my league.

But today, as our eyes met, Erika gave me a bright smile and started walking towards me. I felt my heart skip a beat as she slid into the seat next to me.

"Ryota-kun," she said, using the polite honorific "kun" that Japanese students use when addressing their friends. "I'm glad I found you."

I turned to face her, a bit taken aback by her sudden interest. "Erika-chan," I replied, using the more casual "chan" that we used with our friends.

Erika glanced at the students around us, then leaned in closer. "I need a favor," she whispered. "I want you to pretend to be my boyfriend."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her request. "Why me?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Well," Erika said, "my parents are going to attend a school event next week, and they're expecting me to have a boyfriend. But I don't want to take a real boyfriend, so... I thought maybe you could pretend to be one?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. On one hand, the opportunity to hang out with Erika was tempting. On the other hand, pretending to be her boyfriend? That seemed like a lot of work.

"I'll do it," I said finally, shrugging. "But just for a week, okay?"

Erika's face lit up with a bright smile. "Thank you, Ryota-kun! I owe you one."

And just like that, my simple life was turned upside down.

As we got off the bus, I couldn't help but think about the implications of my decision. Pretending to be Erika's boyfriend was going to be a challenge, but it was also an opportunity to get closer to her and her inner circle.

Little did I know, I was about to get tangled up in a web of romance with four of the most beautiful and intriguing girls in school.