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.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    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.