4 x Love

As the last song faded, the energy in the gym began to shift. Students were gathering their things, chatting about the fun they had, and the laughter continued to echo in the air. My heart raced, not just from the excitement of the night but from the prospect of having a real conversation with Natsumi. 

"Hey, Natsumi," I said as the crowd thinned out, "do you want to step outside for a bit? I feel like there's something we should talk about."

Her eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, but she nodded. "Sure, that sounds good."

We made our way toward the exit, where a cool breeze greeted us as we stepped outside. The night sky was clear, and stars twinkled above us, giving the moment a sense of calm that contrasted with the chaos we had just left.

"So, what did you want to talk about?" Natsumi asked, leaning against the wall with a casual grace.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I wanted to apologize if I've been sending mixed signals. You probably saw me with Erika earlier, and I know that might have looked confusing."

Natsumi's expression turned thoughtful. "I won't lie; it did catch me off guard. I didn't realize you and Erika were so close."

I scratched the back of my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "It's all part of a plan we hatched. I'm helping her out with something, but it's not what you think. We're not actually dating."

A small smile tugged at her lips. "So you're saying you're not interested in her?"

"Not in that way," I replied quickly, thankful for the opportunity to clarify. "I mean, she's great, don't get me wrong, but my feelings are—well, they're more complicated."

Natsumi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Complicated how?"

I hesitated for a moment, the weight of my honesty hanging in the air. "I guess I've been drawn to someone else... to you, actually. When we were talking earlier, I felt like we clicked."

Her smile widened, and I felt a rush of relief as she leaned in slightly. "I thought I was imagining things. I was hoping you'd say that."

Before I could respond, the gym doors swung open, and a group of students spilled out, chattering animatedly about the highlights of the night. I instinctively stepped back, feeling exposed under the bright lights of the entrance.

"Well, I guess it's good to know where we stand," Natsumi said, her tone teasing. But she looked serious, too.

"Right," I managed, trying to keep the moment alive despite the interruption. "It just feels... complicated with everything going on."

Natsumi nodded, a look of understanding in her eyes. "I get that. Maybe we could take things slow? Just hang out more and see what develops?"

"Definitely!" I said, matching her enthusiasm. "I'd really like that."

Just as we were both feeling optimistic, Erika burst through the doors, her expression bright yet slightly chaotic. "There you are! I was looking for you!"

I glanced at Natsumi, who tightened her grip on her phone, her expression shifting subtly. "Hey, Erika," I said, trying to mask the tension. "We were just talking."

"About what?" Erika asked, her tone curious.

"Just... the event," I said, fumbling for a response. "It was fun, right?"

"Sure was! But I want to make sure you're still committed to our plan, Ryota-kun," Erika said, her smile unwavering but with a hint of seriousness. "We have to keep up the act until this thing is over, you know? We can't let anyone think it's not real."

The atmosphere shifted again, the weight of expectations settling around us. I could feel Natsumi's gaze on me, assessing everything that had just been said. 

"Right," I replied slowly, my mind racing. "The act."

"And don't forget," Erika continued, "everyone is counting on us to pull this off, especially with the next big event coming up next month. It's important for both our social standings!"

As her words sunk in, I felt the pressure of the moment. My commitment to Erika loomed large, but so did my growing connection with Natsumi. The two didn't easily fit together, and now I had to figure out how to balance them both. 

Natsumi cleared her throat, breaking the building tension. "Well, I guess we'll talk more later, Ryota. I hope you have fun with your... plan." She gave me a small, uncertain smile before stepping back toward the gym doors. 

"Yeah, I—" I started, but before I could finish, she turned and walked inside.

"Ryota? You still there?" Erika interrupted, waving her hand in front of my face.

"Uh, yeah, I'm here," I replied, trying to shake off the lingering confusion.

"I hope you know I'm counting on you," Erika said, leaning in closer, her voice low and serious. "This isn't just a game for me. I need this to work."

I nodded, feeling the weight of her expectations blend with the heaviness of my situation. "I know, and I'll do my best." But deep down, I couldn't shake the uncertainty of it all.

As I stood there, caught between two worlds, I realized that every decision I made from here on out would shape not just the outcome of Erika's plan but the potential for something real with Natsumi. The night stretched ahead of me, full of options and consequences, and I knew I'd have to tread carefully.

This was the beginning of a path that could lead in any direction, and as I headed back into the gym, I felt the weight of choice firmly resting on my shoulders. The night was still young, and what would happen next remained to be seen.