My name is Haruto Takahashi, a normal high school student living in Tokyo.
I wasn't popular. I wasn't special. I was just someone who sat by the window and watched cherry blossoms fall while dreaming about a peaceful school life.
My only close friend was Kenji Yamamoto.
He was loud, funny, and always believed he was an expert in romance.
That morning, Kenji slapped my back excitedly.
"Haruto! I feel it — today your life is going to change!"
"You say that every day," I sighed.
"No, today is different. My love radar is screaming!"
Before I could reply, the school bell rang.
Our homeroom teacher, Sayuri Takano-sensei, entered the classroom.
"Open your books. We'll have a small test today."
The whole class groaned.
I thought it would be another boring day.
I was wrong.
As soon as I opened my notebook, a warm breath touched my ear.
"Haaaarutooo~"
I jumped in shock.
It was Airi Mizuhara — playful, bright, and always teasing.
"You look cute today," she giggled.
"Stop it! The teacher is watching!" I whispered.
"So what? You're my future boyfriend anyway!"
She stole my pen and twirled it.
"Give it back!"
"Nope. Boyfriends deserve teasing!"
Then she poked my cheek.
My face burned red.
From behind, a loud voice shouted.
"Haruto! Your lunch belongs to me today!"
It was Mio Takeshita, full of energy and mischief.
"You steal it every day!"
"Because you're my favorite person!"
"That makes no sense!"
"In love, nothing needs to make sense!" she laughed.
The class exploded in laughter.
The class exploded in laughter.
After school, a quiet girl stood in front of me.
Yuki Hanazono.
She handed me a small folded paper with trembling hands.
"This is for you…"
Inside was a poem:
The boy who smiles in spring light
Is the morning of my heart.
"I… I like you," she whispered.
My heart nearly stopped.
Later, my vision suddenly blurred.
I almost fell — but someone caught me.
It was Rina Kurosawa.
"You didn't eat breakfast, did you?" she scolded softly.
"You need to take better care of yourself."
Then in a quiet voice:
"When you get hurt… it hurts me too."
My chest tightened.
Four girls.
Four kinds of love.
And me in the middle.
Kenji leaned close and whispered,
"You've become the hero of a light novel."
I sighed.
"I only wanted a normal school life…"
But spring had other plans.
As we left school, cherry blossoms drifted around us.
Airi waved brightly.
Mio laughed loudly.
Yuki smiled shyly.
Rina watched quietly.
And I realized—
Y
This spring wasn't just about flowers.
It was the beginning of love.