Cheat Million Love

After the match ended, Nic stood alone outside the tournament building. The cool evening breeze brushed against his face as the crowd began to thin. Vivi and Leona were off buying drinks elsewhere, leaving Nic to enjoy a rare moment of solitude.

Suddenly, a girl approached him. It was Yui—Rio's girlfriend who had been part of the bet. Her face looked nervous, but there was determination in her eyes.

"You're Nic, right?" Yui asked softly.

Nic turned to her. "Yeah. What's up?"

Yui took a deep breath before speaking. "I know about the bet... that I'd become your girlfriend if Rio lost. My name's Yui."

Nic let out a small chuckle. "Don't take it seriously. I'm not gonna force you. That was just Rio being dramatic. Nice to meet you, Yui."

Yui nodded slowly, but her eyes began to glisten. "I don't mind, Nic. Actually, I feel relieved. Rio just broke up with me. Turns out, he never really liked me in the first place."

Nic frowned. "What do you mean?"

"He suddenly asked me out with no reason, and stupidly, I said yes. I thought he was serious... but he just played with me. Every time I tried to break up, he'd say sweet things to keep me around. But it was all lies. I was just a toy to him. Now that it's over, I actually feel free."

Nic was quiet for a moment, then said with sincerity, "You don't have to keep letting people treat you like that, Yui. Don't repeat the same mistake. Be more careful."

Yui gave a faint smile, though sadness still lingered. "I know. I'm sorry, too, about what happened with Vivi. I didn't know anything and ended up hurting her."

Nic nodded. "What matters is you realize it now. So, what are you planning to do next?"

Yui looked down, fidgeting with her shirt. "I don't know\... I'm just a shy and plain girl. I'm not good at anything... maybe drawing? I always get dragged into things I never wanted to be part of."

Nic stared at her, trying to understand her situation. He wondered whether he truly wanted to accept Yui as his next girlfriend.

"Do you really want to be my girlfriend?" Nic finally asked.

Yui nodded slowly. "It was part of the bet, wasn't it?"

Nic gave a small smile. "Okay, Yui. But I have one condition."

Yui blinked. "Condition?"

"We'll only start dating if tomorrow\... you feel happier and more confident," Nic said casually.

"Why tomorrow?" Yui asked, confused.

Nic laughed softly. "So I'll know you're truly ready to be happy again."

Her smile widened for the first time since they spoke. "Alright. I'll try. Oh, by the way, I'm transferring to Solis Academy starting tomorrow. So, we'll see each other more."

Nic nodded. "That's great news. See you tomorrow, then."

They parted ways. Yui walked off with a small smile, leaving Nic alone once again.

Before long, Vivi and Leona returned with drinks in hand. They walked over, curiosity written all over their faces.

"So, what about that girl?" Vivi asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Same old," Nic replied nonchalantly.

Leona gently pinched Nic's cheek. "You already have enough girlfriends. Trying to collect more?"

Nic just chuckled and rubbed his cheek. "I didn't force them. They came to me."

Both girls shook their heads but smiled regardless. They knew Nic always had a way of making people feel seen.

That day ended with a deep sense of satisfaction for Nic. The victory in the tournament and his meeting with Yui marked the start of a new chapter in his life. Tomorrow would be even more interesting.

Before getting on the bus, Nic decided to give his girlfriends a little surprise. From the order he made earlier, three beautiful flower buckets were now in his hands. He walked up to Vivi, Nia, and Leona who were chatting nearby.

"These are for you," Nic said casually as he handed each of them a bouquet.

The girls were surprised but instantly beamed.

"Nic, you're the sweetest!" Vivi exclaimed as she hugged him tightly.

Leona admired her flowers. "I didn't expect you to be this romantic."

Nia, usually calm, stepped forward and kissed Nic on the cheek. "Thank you, Nic."

Nic smiled gently, touching his now lipstick-marked cheek. "You all deserve it."

---

The next day

Yui's first day at Solis Academy began a bit awkwardly. She was placed in a different class from Nic, but that didn't stop them from meeting during break time. Nic brought her up to the rooftop along with Vivi, Nia, and Leona.

"Welcome, my fourth girlfriend," Nic said playfully.

Yui blinked. "Fourth girlfriend? So you all...?"

Vivi smiled warmly and introduced herself. "I'm Vivi, the first girlfriend. Nice to finally meet you properly."

"I'm Leona," said Leona, shaking Yui's hand. "Don't worry, I don't bite."

Nia added softly, "I'm Nia, the student council president. I hope we can get along."

Yui nodded, still confused. "You're really... all his girlfriends?"

Nic just laughed. "Yup, and now you are too. So, don't be shy."

As the atmosphere grew lighter, Nic asked, "By the way, Yui, what club do you want to join?"

Yui shook her head. "I don't know\..."

Nic excused himself, pretending to take a call. He quickly opened his app to check Yui's talent. His eyes widened.

"Painting? Seriously?" he muttered. "Ah, she did mention it yesterday."

He returned to the group, a plan forming in his mind. "Yui, you should join the art club."

Yui looked startled. "A-Art club? But I haven't painted in ages. No one even knows I can."

"That's exactly why. You should start again. I believe in your talent."

Hearing that, Leona jumped up. "Perfect! Wait a sec." She called her bodyguard. "Bring a full painting set here. Now."

Within minutes, Leona's bodyguard arrived with top-tier art supplies. Yui stared at them in awe—and pressure.

"Draw me, Yui," Nic said with a big smile.

Yui hesitated but gave in. With trembling hands, she began painting. Vivi, Nia, and Leona cheered her on.

After a few intense minutes, she finished her first piece quickly. When Nic saw it, he was stunned.

Yui had drawn him holding her in his arms, with a sunset backdrop. The detail was so vivid that everyone was left speechless.

"Yui, this is amazing!" Nic praised.

Vivi, Nia, and Leona instantly asked for their portraits too, but Nic declined. "Yui must be tired. Let's do it later."

But Yui stood up, voice full of determination. "I'm not tired! This is fun!"

Without pause, she started painting the three of them with Nic. Soon, she finished a beautiful group portrait filled with warmth and joy. Everyone was in awe.

Nic gently patted Yui's head. "You're truly gifted, Yui. Never say you're useless again."

Yui blushed. "I just didn't have the confidence..."

"From now on, believe in yourself. We'll always support you."

Tears welled up in Yui's eyes. She hugged Nic tightly, and Vivi, Nia, and Leona joined in.

That day, Yui felt like she had found a new family—and she vowed to never doubt herself again.

To be continued...