Right now, I'm facing a predicament.
"Everyone, since Sakurazai Academy is the most prestigious co-ed high school and university in the country, we expect our students to be able to plan, observe, and choose the best course of action to solve a problem..."
Then, the teacher began writing on the board.
"Today, we're going to discuss the topic of polygamous relationships."
Everyone started glancing at each other.
"I'll assign the groups. Afterward, I want each group to submit your final thoughts and share them with the class."
Our group of four was formed:
"I'll be in your care... Tomoki, are you okay?" - Satou Ryuichi.
"He... hello everyone! I hope we get along. Are you okay, Tomoki-san?" - Tachibana Himari.
"I think this is the first time we're talking to each other. I'll be in your care. Did something happen, Tomoki-kun?" - Edomae Ayame.
"...Hey guys, why are you so concerned about me? I'm totally fine, hahaha. Anyway, I'll be in your care." - That was me.
I started wondering if all the tension from earlier was just my imagination.
"Polygamy, huh? To be honest, I'm not too comfortable with this topic. What do you think, Tomoki?" - Satou Ryuichi
"In a world where the gender ratio is so skewed, I think it's a good solution to make sure every woman can experience romance. Do you agree, Tomoki-san?" - Tachibana Himari.
"I agree with Tachibana-san, but... if I had a lover, I wouldn't like the idea of sharing him with others. What's your opinion, Tomoki-kun?" - Edomae Ayame.
Okay, what's happening here? Why are all of them directing the conversation to me? Is it because I'm on a scholarship? Or is this some kind of weird joke?
Either way, I need to respond.
"Well, logically speaking, polygamy could help ensure more people enter relationships, especially in a society with such an imbalanced gender ratio. But... that kind of relationship only works if everyone involved agrees and is comfortable."
"That makes sense. I've got a few acquaintances who are dating more than one girl, but they often fight if the guy doesn't treat them equally. What about you, Tomoki?" - Satou Ryuichi.
"Well, honestly, I'd be upset if I had a boyfriend who cared about other girls more than me. What kind of relationship do you want, Tomoki-san?" - Tachibana Himari.
"...Do you intend to have a harem, Tomoki-kun?" - Edomae Ayame.
Is this an interrogation? Why are they doing this all of a sudden? And why is Ayame-san being so direct today?
"It's kind of hard to answer. If, by some chance, I fell in love with more than one girl—and if those girls had the same feelings for me—then maybe?"
I said it as calmly as I could. After all, this is just a class discussion. Nothing more.
Suddenly, the entire classroom went silent, staring at me like predators eyeing their prey.
"Tomoki... you really are something else." - Satou Ryuichi
"So... if I con—confessed, would you accept me as your girlfriend, Tomoki-san?" - Tachibana Himari.
"...Tomoki-kun... is this what you want?" - Edomae Ayame.
Everyone in the class had stopped discussing the actual topic. They were only watching our group now. If you could even call this a discussion anymore.
I needed to redirect the topic—fast.
"Weren't we supposed to be discussing whether polygamy could solve our current social issues? In my opinion, legalizing polygamy could make it possible for every woman to experience a romantic relationship with a man. But we all know it's not that simple."
Everyone listened quietly, and I noticed the teacher smiling slightly. Maybe she realized I was dodging the awkwardness.
"That means most women would still struggle to find a partner. Unfortunately, I don't think this will change anytime soon."
The classroom atmosphere became gloomy and awkward. Even the teacher stopped smiling.
"That's why I don't know if I'd personally engage in a polygamous relationship. Honestly, I think it's unfair that only men have the right to have multiple partners. I know I wouldn't like it if the girl I loved had other boyfriends."
...Great. I think I nailed it.
"I don't want to admit it, but men do have certain privileges. I'll reflect on that." - Satou Ryuichi.
"You know, Tomoki-san... if I had a boyfriend who thought like you, I think I could accept that." - Tachibana Himari.
"I see... Maybe I should try to change too. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable." - Edomae Ayame.
The whole class started applauding. I just wanted to change the subject, but if everyone thinks I gave a brilliant answer, maybe the teacher will give me extra credit.
After that, each group presented their views on polygamy. I got to learn a lot about how people in this world think.
[Men can easily be overwhelmed by the number of women seeking a relationship. That's why it's important not to rush things and to respect men's privacy.]
[We think polygamy is necessary so that all women can at least have the chance to give birth naturally. But women must understand how difficult it is for one man to give everyone equal attention.]
[I don't think polygamy will bring positive results. While it might give more women a chance at romance, reality is different. There's often conflict between the people involved. Because of that, men might start to fear women and avoid relationships altogether.]
I realized that, in this society, men are seen as needing protection, while women are viewed as more emotionally volatile. It's strange to hear it expressed like that—but I think I'm starting to understand the consequences of a skewed gender ratio.
And it honestly gives me chills to imagine if the ratio were reversed.
...
Ding dong, ding dong
Finally, class was over for the day. I am exhausted. I just wanted to go straight to bed. I don´t think I'd be able to read Ayame-san's book tonight.
"Tomoki-kun... is it okay if we talk now?" - Ayame-san approached me.
"Of... of course" - I answered groggily, already half-asleep.
"Oh... sorry. Actually, it's nothing urgent. You should rest now."
"Haha... Thanks, Ayame-san. I'll definitely listen to you tomorrow."
"Okay. See you tomorrow!"
...
Now I'm finally in bed. I shut my eyes and sank into the warm comfort of my blanket.
Good night!
♦♦♦Present day♦♦♦
Now that I think back on it... I ignored her. Again.
How many times have I made the same mistake?
Why didn't I ask her what was wrong? Why did I give such a lazy reply? Why didn't I show more interest in her concern?
Didn't I promise myself that I'd build a genuine relationship with her?
That day, she seemed upset—maybe even sad—and I noticed. If I had just listened to her back then, maybe things wouldn't have turned out like this.
Sigh... I couldn't believe I kept repeating the same mistakes without even realizing it.
If I told her how I really feel... would that be enough? Would everything be settle?
I don´t know.
I'm starting to lose confidence. Confidence that I can actually make her happy.
"Ayame... when I found out that you loved light novels, you told me that your dream was to find someone who would give you attention... someone who would really listen to your problems. Are you sure that person... is me?"