It began with a whisper.
And like all whispers in a high school, it didn't stay quiet for long.
By Wednesday morning, everyone in Qingchen High's sophomore year knew that Leo Shen had spoken to all three of the most sought-after girls on campus in private. Recently. Emotionally.
The rumors didn't need details. They just needed fuel.
"So who's he dating?" "It's gotta be Rin. She's the quiet type, perfect for the brooding new guy." "No way—it's obviously Yuki. They basically flirt in public." "You all are blind. Hana's the one who's known him longest."
Leo walked into homeroom and felt it instantly—eyes on his back, whispers behind hands.
Kai gave him a slow, pitying pat on the shoulder. "Congrats, buddy. You've officially become the human version of a season finale."
---
The real problem began during lunch.
Not the crowding or the stares.
But the silence between the girls.
For the first time in weeks, Rin, Yuki, and Hana all showed up at the same time. Not coordinated. Not planned. Just—fate, maybe. Or bad timing.
Rin sat near the end of the table, unwrapping her thermos with practiced grace.
Yuki flopped into a seat with a soda in one hand and a bento box in the other, talking louder than usual.
Hana arrived last, sweat still clinging to her forehead from practice, her tray balanced on one hand.
They sat.
A moment of silence stretched across the table.
Kai mouthed, "Run," at Leo.
Leo didn't.
He sat down.
And waited for something to happen.
It didn't take long.
"Nice weather today," Yuki said brightly.
Rin nodded. "Yes. A good day for clarity."
Hana raised an eyebrow. "Clarity, huh."
Leo took a sip of water.
Yuki leaned forward. "So, since everyone's here, maybe it's time we talk."
"About what?" Rin asked, though her tone said she already knew.
"About the fact that we're all circling the same person," Yuki said. "And it's getting exhausting."
Hana snorted. "You could just back off."
Yuki smiled sweetly. "You first."
"Enough," Rin said quietly, but her voice carried weight. "This isn't helping."
"Then what would help?" Yuki asked. "Because pretending nothing's happening clearly isn't working either."
Leo opened his mouth.
Rin held up a hand. "Let us speak first."
Leo shut his mouth.
Rin turned to Hana. "You like him. I understand. So do I."
Hana didn't deny it.
Rin looked at Yuki. "And so do you."
Yuki gave a small nod. "Obviously."
Rin drew in a breath. "We're not going to fight over him like children. That's not who we are. But we do need to stop acting like we're not affected. This is hurting all of us."
"Then what?" Hana said. "We flip a coin?"
"No," Rin said. "We let him choose. And we agree to accept it."
Yuki blinked. "You serious?"
"If we care about him," Rin said, "we don't turn this into a game. We give him space. And we trust that whatever he decides… he's being honest."
They all turned to look at Leo.
He almost choked on his rice.
"I—"
"You don't have to say it now," Rin said softly. "But soon. We deserve that."
Yuki stood up, brushing crumbs from her skirt. "Fine. I'll wait. But not forever."
Hana followed. "Better make it worth it."
They left together, not speaking to each other.
Rin lingered for a moment. "Take your time. But don't disappear again."
She left too.
Leo sat there.
Kai whistled. "That was either the most mature declaration of war I've ever seen… or the beginning of the apocalypse."
Leo buried his face in his hands. "I need a time machine."
Kai patted his shoulder. "Or a therapist. But hey, progress, right?"
Leo didn't respond.
Outside, the clouds broke. Sunlight spilled across the schoolyard.
But Leo didn't feel warm.
He felt like he was standing at the edge of something huge.
And this time, he'd have to jump.