…
Itsuki:"No way…"
Ichika:"Even with him training for the race…"
Nino:"Even though he still had his part-time job…"
Yotsuba:"Even with all of his duties as class representative…"
...
Miku's Scores:
Japanese:71
Math:77
Science:68
Social Studies:84
English:65
Total:365
...
Fuutarou's Scores:
Japanese:100
Math:100
Science:100
Social Studies:100
English:100
Total:500
...
Miku:"...Damn it."
Nino:"I knew Fuu-kun would win, but for him to get perfect scores…"
Itsuki:"Even his national test scores weren't perfect."
Ichika:"...That's what our tutor is capable of."
Yotsuba:"Miku, it's alright. You still did great, just because you didn't beat Uesugi-san, it doesn't make your efforts any less amazing."
Miku:"...Thank you...But the gap between us is too big."
As Miku was sulking, she didn't have time to prepare when Fuutarou then put his hand on her head.
Fuutarou:"You shouldn't think like that, you still have the rest of the year."
Miku:"..."
Fuutarou:"Honestly, I didn't know if I could do it. With everything I've been doing, I really thought I would fall asleep mid-test again...But…"
Miku lifts her head up. Fuutarou retracts his hand and moves it towards his bangs.
Fuutarou:"Knowing I was in a direct competition against you, and that you really were trying to surpass me...I knew I really didn't want to lose. I had to give it my all, even if it meant pushing myself even more. But hey! Look at your scores!"
Fuutarou grabbed Miku's scores.
Fuutarou:"Improvements across the board! And look! Your first score above 80! There's no doubt that all of your studying paid off. Even on a basic view, your score is over 100 points more than the last one. At this pace, you could seriously get some high scores when final exams come."
Miku:"Finals...I wonder about…"
As she said this, Miku began to collapse.
Itsuki:"W-What's wrong?"
Miku:"It's...fine, I just feel a big wave of relief washing over me. I know I still have the race, but my legs don't want to move."
Yotsuba:"It's fine, it's still a couple days away, you should take the time to rest."
Fuutarou:"I agree, you need to know when to res-"
Fuutarou's legs buckle and he faceplants.
Fuutarou:"Ow..."
Nino:"Speaking of…"
Miku:"He's been pushing himself even more than I have."
Ichika:"Fuutarou-kun, maybe you should rest too…"
Fuutarou:"Yeah, yeah, I know when I'm beat. I'm sure the owner won't let me work like this anymore and Yotsuba said our duties are off for today. But, before I do, I want to see your test scores."
"Right!"
Fuutarou:"We'll start with you, Yotsuba. You've been very astute these past weeks, even with your inherent troubles."
...
Yotsuba's Scores:
Japanese:72
Math:50
Science:60
Social Studies:55
English:62
Total:299
...
Fuutarou:"That's some fantastic progress. You were so close to 300. You've come so far from the girl who could barely take tests."
Yotsuba:"hm. Well, I just want to make Uesugi-san proud!"
Fuutarou:"You should be more proud of yourself, you're really pulling through."
Yotsuba:"Hm...I'll make sure my own efforts are rewarded!"
Fuutarou gives her a smile and a thumbs up before moving on to Nino.
...
Nino's Scores:
Japanese:63
Math:51
Science:65
Social Studies:62
English:79
Total:320
...
Fuutarou:"Your English almost got to 80, your progress is also incredible. I'm glad you've been serious about your studying."
Nino:"It wasn't that I couldn't, I just didn't like you."
Fuutarou:"It's a good thing that changed."
Nino blushes a bit.
Nino:"I'm not like some idiot that thinks she can honestly beat you, but you better watch out, cause I'll get damn close!"
Fuutarou:"Looking forward to it."
Fuutarou moves towards Itsuki, who's really anxious.
Fuutarou:"No need to feel pressured. As long as you did your best, i'm sure you improved."
Itsuki:"Right!"
...
Itsuki's Scores:
Japanese:74
Math:62
Science:82
Social Studies:52
English:70
Total:340
...
Fuutarou:"Another score higher than 80! Your efforts are really paying off."
Itsuki:"I'm a little sad my Social Studies score is so down, but the others are the best I've had!"
Fuutarou:"I know you've been pushing yourself really hard. It's good that you have that mentality. Your dream of becoming a teacher looks more plausible by the day."
Itsuki:"I'll keep working hard!"
Finally, Fuutarou goes to Ichika, who's looking down.
Fuutarou:"No need to be anxious, Ichika. Last time, you got the best score. Even if you didn't this time, I trust that you'll have improved even more."
Ichika:"..."
...
Ichika's Scores:
Japanese:37
Math:61
Science:49
Social Studies:38
English:44
Total:229
…
Nino:"Isn't that...lower than last time?"
Ichika looks down and clenches her fists. Fuutarou walks towards her and puts his hand on her head.
Fuutarou:"Don't feel so down, this was just a bad test for you. Maybe I was just too focused on the others to notice your failings. You've already shown you can do it, so I'll make sure you're up to speed for the next test, alright?"
Ichika tries giving a smile.
Ichika:"...When did you become so nice? The old you would have yelled at me…"
Fuutarou:"Why would I yell at someone who's giving it their all?"
Ichika clenches her fists even more.
Ichika:[But I…]
Miku:"Hm?"
Fuutarou:"*Cough* In any case, good job, everyone. Once we get out for summer, I'll make sure to teach all sorts of new lessons during it to make sure you don't forget anything. For now though...I feel like I'm going to die."
Itsuki:"You should ask the owner for a ride back, I doubt you're in any shape to walk back."
Fuutarou:"Good idea…"
As Itsuki helped Fuutarou to go ask, Nino approached Ichika.
Nino:"Ichika, are you sure that-"
Ichika:"It's fine, Nino. Fuutarou-kun said it himself, it was just a bad one for me. Don't worry, I'll make sure to do better when it counts. Come on, let's get Miku home."
Ichika quickly moved away, leaving Nino behind.
Nino:"...Ichika…"
The quints went back home after saying goodbye to Fuutarou. Yotsuba helped Miku by carrying her. Once the quints finally got home. Miku asked Ichika to help her go to her room. Ichika opens the door to Miku's room, and as she's about to lay Miku down…
Miku:"Was it because of me?"
Ichika:"...Miku, is this why you asked me to bring you up here?"
Ichika looked at Miku only to receive a worried stare back. Ichika sighs.
Ichika:"Everyone has a bad day. I know you're worried about me, but I'm fine, really. There were no hard feelings with what happened. So, don't keep thinking that it's about you, you'll become self-centered that way and you'll start acting like Fuutarou-kun. You offered to be part of the race in my place for the same reason, didn't you? Honestly, you're too careless. But, that's one of your charms, huh?"
Miku simply extended her pinky finger.
Miku:"Promise you'll do better. I'll help you if you need it! I just, I don't want you to fail…"
Ichika hesitates for a bit, but she eventually gives in and makes a pinky promise with Miku.
Ichika:"Fine, how can I say no to my little sister when she's making such a face?"
Miku:"Ichika…"
Ichika finally lays down Miku so she can rest, and closes the door behind her as she leaves. Ichika then leans on the door and looks at the pinky that made the promise. Soon, she has it go back into the fist as she moves her hand towards her chest.
Ichika:[I'm sorry, Miku. It's just…]
…
…
Raiha:"It's time for the festival!"
Isanari:"Can't wait to eat all the good stall food."
Fuutarou:"Just remember to mind the budget. As for you, Raiha, we'll make sure we have lots of fun. My servant for the day is ready and you can have a ton of food and souvenirs thanks to...Ichika's money!"
Raiha:"Hurray! I'll be cheering for you in the race too, big brother!"
Fuutarou:"Thanks. I at least feel a lot better now."
Isanari:"I didn't know that it was possible to sleep for 18 hours."
Fuutarou:"I guess I was more tired than i thought."
Raiha:"Let's go!"
…
…
Nino:"Everyone ready? We're not running back if we forgot something."
Itsuki:"Ready!"
Ichika:"I'll only be able to be there for an hour before I have to go."
Yotsuba:"Then let's have as much fun as possible in that hour!"
Itsuki:"We're just missing Miku."
Miku went down the stairs with a bag holding the clothes she'll wear for the race. She takes a deep breath.
Miku:"I'm ready."
It was time for the sports festival.
End of Chapter 11