Chapter 35: Between Two Paths

That morning, I sat in the apartment, staring at a book I hadn't read in a long time. My life, which used to be quiet, now felt like a battlefield. The brave Seulbi, the surprising Mika, the caring Ayaka, the unique Reina, and the otherworldly Sayo... they all made my life feel alive.

The apartment door opened, and Kazuki-nii walked in, carrying two cups of coffee. He sat down next to me.

"Akira," he said, his voice soft. "There's something I want to talk to you about."

I sighed. I knew what he was going to say.

"I've heard everything," he said. "About Mika, about Yui, about Ayaka, and... about Seulbi." He sipped his coffee. "I know you're a different man now."

"You don't have to respond to that," I said. "I know I embarrassed you with what I did at the studio."

"That's not it," he cut in. "I just want to ask you something. Do you still want to live a quiet life? Do you still want to focus on your work and forget about everything?"

I was silent. I looked at the book on my lap, the book that used to be my only escape.

"I... I don't know," I replied.

Kazuki-nii looked at me with a serious expression. "Akira. This isn't just about you. It's about them. They all care about you. They all want to be a part of your life. You can't run from your destiny."

I looked at him. His blue eyes radiated sincerity. "I know, Nii-chan."

"In that case," he said, "answer my question. Among all the girls in your life, is there one you want to choose?"

I fell silent. My mind drifted back to the past. I remembered Ayaka hugging me when I was crying. Reina, who made me smile. Mika, who kissed me so bravely. And Seulbi, who sincerely proposed to me.

"The answer is in your heart, Akira," Kazuki-nii whispered. "You've changed. You're no longer a person who's afraid of love."

I smiled. A sincere smile, a smile I learned from Reina. "I understand, Nii-chan," I said.

"So, what's your answer?"

I looked at him, my eyes filled with determination. I was no longer afraid. I was no longer running.

"I will choose," I replied. "I won't run from my destiny anymore. I'll find out who my life partner will be. But, it might take some time."

Kazuki-nii smiled. He patted my shoulder. "That's a good answer. I won't force you. But, I'll always be by your side."

Suddenly, the apartment door opened, and Yui ran to me. "Nii-chan! Let's play! I'm going to win every game today!"

I laughed. I looked at Yui, who was so happy, and my heart felt at peace.

I knew I was no longer alone. I had Yui, Kazuki-nii, and I had them. And I was ready to face my destiny.

This is the end of my story, but also the beginning of my new life.

However, Akira's story doesn't end here.

Now, the choice is in your hands.

If you want to see him with Ayaka...

If you want to see him with Reina...

If you want to see him with Mika...

If you want to see him with Sayo...

If you want to see him with Haruka...

Choose your path, and write your own destiny.