The Days in Between

by Bluehorse14

After Graduation comes college, careers, and new adventures with new and old friends alike. There are many things that can happen in five years being in a long distance relationship with a woman you already proposed too, but you just have to take it one step at a time and remember, the truth can be found with love. Note: Follows manga after CH.119, contains spoilers

Chapter 1: A New Beginning

Fuutarou Uesugi sighed deeply at the countless inconveniences of the day. Tokyo was too large and sprawling to deal with even compared to his hometown. Getting into Tokyo University had been easy enough with his grades, and paid for by scholarships and a few small loans but housing? For skin flint like himself it meant getting a low-quality apartment on the edge of the city, then taking a train and several different routes just to find the university, and then finding his classroom… only to realize it was in fact Monday meaning he was in the wrong building and wrong classroom. And he knew exactly why he was so off focus. It had orange hair, a ribbon, and could probably run two marathons in the time it took him to get to his class toady. His girlfriend, or rather his fiancée technically speaking, Yotsuba Nakano. It was one of their first days entirely separated since graduation and perhaps more importantly since they started dating, so naturally the overly energetic woman had spent a great deal of time texting him late into the night. Mostly simply statements of affection, things like "I miss you so much already" or "When do you think you'll visit" but also more inane things like "Tokyo is SO far away" and "Don't become a total city slicker" like he was some country bumpkin.

He sighed again as he settled into his seat. On the other hand, it was not like it was entirely her fault. He had been replying the entire night. This love and relationship stuff was very new to him, as he'd spent such a huge chunk of his high school life avoiding such things to focus on his studies. In fact, Fuutarou had to be told by no less than 3 of Yotsuba's sisters that a proper boyfriend should talk to his girlfriend with steadfast regularity, especially when it was long distance. If he focused, he could recall how they had put it down to the letter.

*Earlier*

"Ara ara Fuutarou," Ichika seemed to declare more than say, "You're not really so callous as to leave a girl on 'read' like that are you?"

"What? She's just out on an errand," Fuutarou had responded not looking up from the various college related papers he was going over with the Nakano Quintuplets at their upscale apartment. On top of their usual dumbness the three who planned to attend university were struggling to make sure they were filling out the proper forms. In this case though he couldn't really blame them, between himself, Itsuki, Yotsuba, and Nino, it was a mountain of documents and paperwork that had sent his girlfriend running to their father's office to see if he had any of the necessary documents they seemingly required. "Besides she's the only one with enough energy at this time of night to get go out hunting for birth certificates or whatever."

"Yeah, ok but, she's your girlfriend now," Itsuki chided, taking a break from the cake she was enjoying. "That means you have to communicate with her, like an adult… in a relationship."

"Ugh… it's a pointless message anyway," Fuutarou protested pulling it up on his phone to verify," She says, 'Dad is busy as always' sighing emoji 'But I'll hurry back as soon as I get the stuff' thumbs up emoji."

"You don't have to tell us about the emojis Fuutarou, you just need to respond to her," Nino stated matter-of-factly," I mean I assume you like talking to her… on the other hand if you don't I happen to know a young woman with excellent communication skills."

"Nino you have the subtly of a brick," Miku remarked over the oven as she pulled out a fresh batch of croquettes. "At least pretend to want them to work together."

"… well at least I'm more subtle than the smell of that tragedy you've managed to bake," Nino bit back. "You make a few decent fluffy pancakes and then lose all those precious skills your manager and I had to teach you."

The two quintuplets, Miku and Nino in this instance in case you lost track, stared daggers at each other from across the room. Sparks began to fly as Miku got a proper whiff. She'd botched something in the execution, perhaps too much salt, but they were still perfectly fine. Fixing things like that were why she was going to culinary school in the first place. No reason for Nino to be cruel with her, outside Nino being Nino. Nino, meanwhile, while aware her flirting was likely not welcomed, still didn't appreciate being called out by her little sister. The stare down was intense… until interrupted by a pair of erasers striking both sisters in the forehead.

"Oh!" Ichika began to praise," Excellent shot Itsuki!"

"Hmm," Itsuki smirked at her handiwork," Shimoda sensei taught me that. Said it might just come in handy if I did end up pursing education as a career choice."

"Wish I'd learned that while dealing with your tutoring sessions," Fuutarou remarked. "Now about form 86- "

"Oh no, you still need to respond," Ichika said, bring the conversation to its origin, "That's our sister your dating mister. And you need to take that seriously or you'll feel the wrath of five women scorned at once."

"Then… what the hell do I say?" Fuutarou asked mostly just wanting to bring this conversation to what it ought to be about. The pile of papers that were shrinking at a rate that was starting to frustrate him.

"Man, your hopeless," Nino critiqued, tending to the minor wound on her forehead," Just tell her that you appreciate her help, and be genuine, and maybe be sweet or affectionate for once in your natural life."

"Fine." Fuutarou pulled out his phone and began to type, but soon felt several judging sky-blue eyes upon him. "… I'm typing, just so you'll get off my back, 'Thank you for doing this for us, I appreciate it'… and I don't know… a smile emoji."

A short silence followed. The sisters looked between each other. They slowly nodded in agreement. "It's fine," Itsuki declared," but you'll have to keep improving. After all you plan to marry her one day. Plus trying to make the long-distance thing actually work."

"Fine! But can we please just- "

His phone buzzed again. Yotsuba had responded quickly it seemed. Four pairs of eyes fell upon him once more. Judging him.

"UUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!"

*presently*

Luckily at this point he was starting to understand the basics of being a good long-distance boyfriend. Just text back promptly and have decent length phone calls on your free time. Of course, that had been in the week or so leading up to school starting, now that things were getting more serious it would get trickier for certain. But that would hardly stop him. He wasn't the kind of man to give up just because something was a challenge… at least not anymore. Thanks in no small part to her. The girl who happened to be texting him at this very moment.

Was last night really not enough? He thought to himself pulling out his phone fully intent on reprimanding her for distracting him before class started. But the message made him rethink that, and instead a soft smile come to his lips. It was a selfie, of her in her first class at university just like he was, smiling that way that always warmed his heart and had since that day on the swing set. It had a single sentence caption that made him cover his mouth as he usually did when he felt a blush coming on.

'I made it here, thanks to you'

Even to a stubborn, stone hearted, type like Fuutarou Uesugi could not help but be moved by that. He always did have a soft spot for students saying that they improved because of his work. It made him feel like even a selfish man like himself was helping. And so, he gave what he hoped was an appropriate response, one that selfless woman like Yotsuba deserved to hear.

'You got there on your own. I just gave you the help you needed.'

He smiled and quickly pocketed his phone, as he noticed the professor taking roll. He would face all the challenges it took on every front. He almost thought in the name of love but that was too much right now.

*elsewhere*

Yotsuba Nakano had her biggest, goofiest smile on her face as she read Fuutarou's response. To say that he was a super sweet or emotional guy was obviously wrong on basically every level. He was stubborn, blunt, and not a little mean. And for the most part he was consistent in his responses to her. But every now and again he would let down his guard and say something so cute she could squee. And this certainly fell into that category. She held the phone close to her chest and smiled bit wider somehow. "Uesugi- san…"

"Miss Nakano," A voice from in front of a large white board called out causing her ribbon to perk up. She turned her head slowly to the voice in question hoping she'd turned down her smile to something more acceptable. "Class has started thank you. Eyes on me."

"Oh! Yes of course!" Yotsuba responded in earnest to Mrs. Itagaki, the source of the voice and her new Biology professor.

"Thank you. Phones on silent going forward," Mrs. Itagaki continued," I know for most of you this is merely part of your general studies courses, but you still need to pay attention or you will not make it to your focused lessons. Alright? Good. Now let us begin with a few introductions. I'll go by the seating chart." That did explain how she knew her name already, or maybe her dad had made some calls. As she waited to confirm that she was in fact still here, and not sneaking out to text her boyfriend more, she inspected her new teacher. She seemed youngish, probably no older than 34 or 35, and had a large mass of blonde hair pulled into a bun almost the size of her whole head. It fit well with her overall semi-professional aesthetic, a powder blue blouse that hugged her curves just the right amount, and khaki pants rolled up a bit at the hem with rubber sole shoes. Of course, being a biology professor that was all wrapped up in white lab coat. She was super pretty to be honest but had a stern voice, although that might have been from dealing with students like herself. "Eba Nibutani."

Her ribbon perked up again. Eba? From the track team? She looked across the crowded hall and sure enough the dark-skinned star runner stood up to declare her presence. "Present!" she said with confidence. As Yotsuba considered it for a moment and realized she probably got the same sort of scholarship she had used herself, so going to the same university wasn't too outrageous.

"… Yotsuba Nakano?"

"Here!" Yotsuba reassured her teacher that she in fact did not leave the room with her typical enthusiasm.

"Thank you, clover," Mrs. Itagaki replied with a sweet smile before moving on to the next student on her chart. Yotsuba decided it was a decent enough moment to respond quickly to boyfriend. Boyfriend. The thought alone made her smile again. All those years holding back in the name of others, pushing others ahead like a love proof vest, and lying not only to her family but to herself… all of that could be behind her with him around. Even if "around" had to be put in quotation marks. That made her smile fade a tad. When your around someone nearly every day for two years you kind of get used to the feeling of them being close to you. Their look, their smell… their smile. To suddenly have that stripped away in seemingly only a matter of days, was a bit like going from sixth gear to first on a major highway in about 2 seconds. But they would make it work, she thought, plus he must come visit. If nothing else his younger sister is still here.

'Thank you Uesegi san. I'll keep doing my best!' she quickly typed out and hit send. He wouldn't try to read it during class obviously but still she was eager for his response. Then she set about texting her sisters. After all, if two years were enough to make her lonely, try eighteen. Ichika, Nino, Miku, and Itsuki… she really wished she could share this class with all of them. But then again even when they were apart, they were together in their hearts. And so, she sent a group text to all four of them. 'Let's all do our best! I'll see you at the apartment!' Thus, she tucked her phone away into her bag, pulled out the appropriate writing tools, and brought all her focus to her new teacher. She was going to do her absolute best today, and everyday going forward. Fuutarou believed she could be special and succeed, and she'd do anything to prove him right.

"Alright students," Mrs. Itagaki said," How about we get started?" Yotsuba put on her most determined face.

*elsewhere*

'Let's all do our best! I'll see you at the apartment' read Yotsuba's text. Miku smiled very slightly as she read it. She might have liked to respond, but her first official day in culinary school was set to begin any second. She pocketed her phone, tightened her apron, and secured her hair in her hair net. She wasn't used to that feeling to be honest, but she supposed that was part of being a professional.

"Go ahead and introduce yourselves to the person next you," the Teacher, Mrs. Amano, instructed," They'll be your stove mates and cooking partner for the rest of our class, so it'll be good to get to know each other."

Miku turned to her right and took in exactly who had taken the spot. It was a tall woman, just under six feet, with muscular arms, long brown hair pulled into a ponytail, or at least would be if not rolled up into her hair net as well. The woman turned to her to reveal a bright pair of blueish grey eyes and a roundish cheerful face. "Hello!" she said, excitedly," I'm Hitomi Nagatashi! I'm extremely excited to work with you!" She clearly was one of those overly enthusiastic types, kind of like Yotsuba, with energy to spare. Kind of the opposite of Miku herself of course but still she wanted to try to get along.

"I'm Miku Nakano," she responded in kind," Let's do our best."

"Right!"

"Now, for our first exercise, you'll each be working on your own," Mrs. Amano explained," To make what you think is your 'specialty' so I can gauge where you are as a chef."

If we were working on our own, why are we introducing ourselves? Miku couldn't help but consider. Not that she had anything against her new classmate or anything, but still. Then again if she could do her specialty-

"What are you thinking?" Hitomi inquired putting her face shockingly close in a matter of seconds. Miku was shocked and felt herself almost blushing at the proximity. "Maybe something you make for your boyfriend?"

Miku paused at that. She hadn't thought about that in while. In truth, she tried desperately not to think about it. She didn't hold Fuutarou's choice against him or anything or hate Yotsuba for that matter. In many ways both of them and their choices had helped Miku become the woman she was now… but it still hurt to think about. Had she not been good enough? Not strong enough? Not love him-

No. That wouldn't help. She couldn't be anyone else. She smiled and softly responded. "I'm gonna make fluffy pancakes. I have a lot of experience making them recently, so it fits… and no actually I don't have a boyfriend… but I know my dad likes them."

"Oh cool!" Hitomi said pulling her face away crossing her arms over her chest and closing her eyes. She nodded twice before opening her eyes and realizing she'd made a mistake. "I mean not 'cool' that you don't have a boyfriend, just 'cool' that your so confident in your choice!" she flailed her arms around like a tight rope walker badly trying to regain balance," Anyway I'll probably do an egg dish! Eggs are easy and I want to make a good first impression!"

"That makes sense," Miku replied, not entirely sure how to respond to the sheer over the top nature of the well-built girl nearly having a fit," I'm sure you'll do great"

"30 minutes young chefs," the teacher announced," Feel free to start gathering ingredients and start cooking."

Thank God, Miku help but think. While she was hardly the wallflower she had been in high school, some people could be a bit much. And Hitomi was definitely in that category. Not a bad person, she speculated as she grabbed sugar, eggs, flour, and butter, but honestly, she almost puts Yotsuba to shame… and that is saying something. But if she could just focus on cooking, she could overcome this mole hill, and stride forward… Like Yukimura Sanada facing off with Tadakastu Honda. Though to be honest she wasn't sure who she was in this scenario. For now, it was time to cook. She set up everything in front of her, careful not to spill into Hitomi's area, and continues her prep. The pancakes themselves would be quick, so for extra points she would prepare her own batch of blueberry syrup. It was sure to be delicious if she could stay focused.

Hitomi was going for Onion and Green pepper Omurice with ketchup. A classic dish but one that was hard to mess up. It did occur to her that they were both making breakfast food, so she hoped that Mrs. Amano liked that stuff. It was time to get things done. Suddenly the person next to them didn't matter anymore. They were going to put everything into this first dish and become warriors and fighters of the culinary world! Or at least that was the plan, until the actual grading happened.

"Hmmm," Mrs. Amano scrunched up her face as she took a bite of the pancakes Miku had plated rather simply," The consistency is good, and making your own syrup was bold… but it lacks punch. If you're going to make pancakes and syrup you should be more generous with the sugar." Miku quietly grunted at that. She had eased up on the sugar on purpose to give the pancakes a lighter air. Guess that backfired. She grabbed a new fork and took a bite out of the omurice next. "Oh my… "

"Wait hold on! I can explain- "

"This is quite good." Mrs. Amano clarified. Hitomi sighed at that result. "However, it's not great. To many clashing flavors. There is definitely too much passion on display. Next time real it back."

"Um… yes ma'am."

The teacher moved on. Well… that sucks.

"Ok!" Hitomi softly declared," Let's do better next time!" Hitomi beamed at her stove mate. Miku couldn't help but be impressed by the tenacity it took to keep smiling in the face of failure. It was a skill she had been working on for a while, but this woman had clearly mastered it. It gave Miku a sort of strength too and gave a small smile back.

"Definitely," Miku responded.

"Right," Mrs. Amano said, bring the attention back to herself, having done her rounds and sampled everything," You've all got plenty of potential, you just need to be properly sharpened into the knives of the next generation of chefs! So… let's get sharpening!"

"Yes ma'am!"

An hour and half later, all the students were packing and getting ready to leave. Miku wiped away the sweat from all the time over the stove and hung her apron on the hook by the door when she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Hitomi but now with her hair down and a white floral pattern head band on top of it. And without her apron it was easier to notice how broad her chest was, yet simultaneously round and bouncy. Normally Miku wouldn't really care about another woman's bust, but Hitomi happened to be wearing a white tank top that she was starting to sweat through. It was almost harder not to notice. "Hey um… Listen," Hitomi began, Miku's eyes bring their attention back to her classmates face," I just wanted to say sorry about earlier. I've been told I can be a little intense and… well a handful. I get nervous when I meet people and try to hard to make a good impression… but I guess- "

"There's to much passion on display," Miku quoted their teacher back to her

"Yeah! Exactly! I mean… yes."

"It's ok," Miku reassured the tall woman," I get it. I have trouble meeting new people too, so I understand."

"Then… can we be friends?" Hitomi asked. The question seemed so innocent, like it was being asked by a grade schooler, and not a grown college age student. But it also felt so genuine, and to be honest Miku was flattered. Outside of her sisters and Fuutarou she didn't really have anyone she would call a friend. She smiled a little.

"That sounds nice," She responded.

"Then… you wanna exchange info?" Hitomi already had her phone out, the look of a child who had been promised ice cream. Miku nodded and pulled out her phone. "Awesome! Ok! I'll see you next class!" With out any further ceremony the young, tall, busty, muscular, chef in training ran like a bat out of hell to god knows where. Miku smiled again. She really was growing. She was Miku after all.

*elsewhere*

'Let's all do our best! I'll see you at the apartment,' Ichika read her younger sister's message with a small smile. Ichika new Yotsuba meant well, but honestly in her line of work she could not afford to be at anything less than her best, especially on a day like today. This could be her big break. Her chance to get out of commercials and bit rolls in horror movies where she died off 20 minutes in. This was something real. A historical drama taking place in World War 2, working title: Impossible Love. It stars a captured American officer in Japanese custody, being held for interrogation, who slowly forms a bond with the nurse who tends to his wounds after he manages to escape. It probably wasn't historically accurate to be entirely honest, but the drama practically oozed off the script. And if she could get the roll of the leading woman… it would be a dream come true. Her manager had to work tirelessly to get her this audition, and she was as ready as she could possibly be. She basically memorized the whole script and could do any given scene with all the emotion she could need. And when it came to scenes with the officer, she knew exactly to bring it across. After all, a love she could not have… she understood that better than most.

'I'll bring my A game today; you better believe it!' Ichika texted back as she entered the waiting room. There was only one other person there at the moment, she had arrived early in the hopes of making a good impression, but the stranger stood out in a myriad of ways. For starters he was in fact a man. Ichika was certain today was only a casting call for the leading lady, so his presence seemed inherently wrong. Then was his appearance. He had blonde hair in slick back style that suited the face of a foreigner, which she was certain he was, given his American features: A larger nose than most people she saw on the streets, wider eyes, and squarer head all together. He wasn't unhandsome, and his fashion sense didn't portray someone who was on vacation… but it was a look she wasn't used too. Still the truly strangest thing about him was that he seemed to be singing Gilbert and Sullivan's seminal work The Pirates of Penzance, more specifically the song 'I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General'… entirely in Japanese. So not a lost tourist.

Ichika decided discretion was the better part of valor and took a seat across from him so to get some distance. After all, he could still be a killer who enjoys musical theater before a kill. But as she sat down, he spoke up. "Are you on the list for today?"

Definitely American, the accent was unmistakable. Also, despite his singing being on point, he seems to over enunciate each part as if struggling with his words. I suppose he's still learning after all… better keep it simple she thought to herself. "Yes." She in turn over emphasized," I am, Nakano Ichika. You. May. Call me. Ichika. I am, actress."

The young man smirked. "I had you fooled then?" he inquired. Ichika blinked. "Sorry to pull the wool over your eyes my new friend, but I actually speak quite well. But I thought it might be a good idea to get into character before I start my reading. An American who can barely speak Japanese. I executed it so well I even had you fooled. Right Ichika Nakano?" as he spoke her name at the end of his explanation, he revealed the list of names of all the actresses scheduled for audition and pointed right to her name… or at least it would have been, but he'd spelt her name wrong via incorrect hiragana.

"Oh, you almost had it. But you used to many dashes. You've written 'Ichiga' instead of Ichika," She corrected before her brain made the connection," No wait, you got me again! You must have messed up on purpose to stay in character. Very clever sir."

The stranger across from her grabbed a pencil and started to erase his mistake, tactically hiding his face behind the paper. "Actually," He admitted," I just messed that up. Speaking and singing are one thing, but I have difficulty with the writing. So, thanks for the assistance."

"No big deal," Ichika responded sincerely," I used to have to help my sisters learn math. My best subject by some margin. Although I must ask, if you made the list yourself, how'd you know who I was?"

"Oh, that one's easy," The American responded," I took the liberty of going over the work of all the actress coming to audition. You've been very productive these past two years, and starting while still attending high school, being sixteen… you're an impressive woman"

"Ara ara. Flattery is appreciated but not needed. I simply had a dream and went for it with all my heart. I've always done things that way to be honest… sometimes I've even gone too far," She looked away as she admitted that last part. "Besides, if you really went through that whole list, I'm probably the least interesting person on it!"

"I wouldn't go that far," He said," Lot's of people want this job… but not all have the drive. And that is why I found your name interesting. Probably the youngest person going for the leading roll."

"I figured as much to be honest," Ichika nodded," Well how about yourself? Why are you here today? Not to be rude, but you don't exactly look like a Hinoa- chan."

"Isn't it obvious? I'm your dashing American officer, Captain Allen Waters." He explained," In fact I was cast yesterday. But since I'm in town and frankly don't have anything else to do, I thought I could help with the casting call and maybe get an insight into my future costars."

So, if I get this roll, I'll be working with him. In that case she thought

"I'm sorry, what did you say your name was?" Ichika asked hoping, the question came off as nonchalant.

"Ian Pierce Smith," Ian introduced himself," Not to sound pretentious I just like my middle name."

"Well, it's nice to meet you Ian Pierce Smith. I hope you didn't hate my past performances, because I am getting this part," Ichika stated with confidence.

"Hmm… best of luck then."

"Oh, and if I may give some advice, we in Japan love Les Misérables. Maybe sing that instead."

"I remember hearing something like that once," He leaned back in his chair," I almost got the roll of Gavroche in the movie a few years back, but I was just a little to old for their tastes. I would have loved to work next to Hedwig." Ichika chortled a bit at that one. "Wait you actually got that joke?"

"I told you I'm dedicated to my dream," Ichika said through her soft giggles," And that means knowing my stuff. Ahem, Eddie Redmayne, who was of course Marius, also played the first Broadway production of 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'… I dragged my sister Nino to see that."

"You do know your stuff. Obviously, I'm not involved in the casting process, but I'm rooting for you," Ian admitted. "So anyway- "

As he continued the door opened to reveal at least two young women. "We're here for the audition… it hasn't started yet, has it?"

"No ma'am. Go ahead and put a check next to your name… and ugh fix any spelling errors. It should be starting in about 30 minutes."

"Thank you, sir!" The second woman said picking up the list and scanning for her name.

Ichika decided that now that things had gotten crowded it probably wasn't a great idea to keep the conversation afloat. It might look like she was trying to get on the casting departments good side. So, despite more or less having the script down to every awkward pause and elongated statement, it could never hurt to go over it one more time to really get it down to the letter. She pulled the script out of her bag and diligently read through the lines, as more and more hopefuls entered. Most were older, but a few younger which was surprising but then again, they probably all had a dream as strong as her. It was a shame, but she wanted this more than anything, and she would have to put them down to get this roll. Maybe that was why she'd acted that way in Kyoto. She knew she shouldn't think about that anymore. Her sisters and Fuutarou had forgiven her… but it was the fact she was still doing it to get ahead meant she couldn't just forget. That was the nature of the business, and to a certain extent the nature of the world… but it still made her-

"Do you hear the people sing, singing the song of angry men," Ian softly sang, not to loud as to distract anybody reading their scripts, but enough that Ichika could hear. He'd taken her advice. She smiled. This was no time to be stuck in her head. She dutifully read the script once again. She'd win this part, no matter what.

*elsewhere*

'Let's all do our best! I'll see you at the apartment,' read the text from her younger sister. Well Nino was certainly trying her best, but that did little to assuage the boredom. You see, while culinary school seemed smart, after all she wasn't an expert chef yet, Fuu-kun had made a smart call. If she was going to actually run a bakery, let alone the best shop in all of Japan, she needed to know how to run a business. Hence, she would take business classes, to learn such skills, making her one of only two sisters to decide on her major, since Yotsuba was doing general studies at this point. Unfortunately, despite doing her best, taking notes, paying attention, and doing everything her power to absorb the information being steadily spewed out of the teacher's mouth, she found herself bored out of her mind. Running a business as it turns out, is the least interesting part of a business. But if she could manage it, then maybe she really could-

"Miss Nakano," The teacher, Mr. Mashima, called on her, "What would be a simply but effective way to advertise your business in particular?"

Nino held back a sigh of relief. She'd be caught off guard by suddenly being called on and suddenly feeling the eyes of her classmates on her. But advertisements for a bakery or cakeshop? A literal piece of cake. "Well, I'm planning to open up my own cake shop here in this city, so I'd probably advertise with some kind of free sample. Cookies are easy to make but if I really wanted to get the word out, I'd doing something like fruit tarts."

"A classic tactic," Mr. Mishima remarked," And certainly one suited to that type of business." The class nodded in agreement and took some notes, "However… it is a bit over done though. Not to mention it limits your range to only those who can get the samples, which means that unless you can get a good spot in the middle of a lot of pedestrian traffic, you might be losing a lot of potential customers. Not to mention it limits the range to basically those already in the mood for sweets. So yes, a good idea, but not all the way there."

Nino slumped in her chair at the defeat laid at her feet. It was day one, he couldn't just give her the compliment? She wrote down the useful parts, as did the rest of the class did as well. Because as bored as she was, she did want to be good at this. So she could be a proper wife for Fuu-kun. Ah… Fuutarou Uesugi. So easily did her thoughts wander to that man. The first man she had fallen in love with, and as far as she was concerned the only man she would fall in love with. She knew it was kind of twist on destiny. Of course, every fairy tale romance had its rough patch. Cinderella lost her glass slipper when she had to flee, Snow White was poisoned, sleeping beauty was… well asleep. By comparison Nino Nakano's only obstacle was the paltry fact that Fuutarou Uesugi, was in fact not in love with her but instead with her younger sister Yotsuba. I mean he said he loved her as well, but deep-down Nino knew he meant it differently then what he meant when he said it to her sister. She occasionally wondered if she hated Yotsuba. She certainly had at first and gone on one of her childish rants towards her. But after she'd calmed down and even had a chance to tell Yotsuba how she felt, and Yotsuba had retaliated with her own emotions, she knew deep down that she didn't.

Did she hate herself? No. Probably not. She regretted how terrible she had been toward Fuutarou when they first met. She wished she'd realized her feelings sooner so she could start acting on them. She'd always been the aggressive with her feeling type, if it was her problem, it might as well be everyone's. She knew it didn't really help to linger on such things, but she couldn't help it. Her mind kept circling back to the same questions: What if?

"What about you Miss Hideyoshi?" Mr. Mashima called out another girl in class, thankfully pulling Nino out of the trap that was her own mind. Miss Hideyoshi stood up to answer, and what a unique woman she was. About half a foot shorter than Nino, with long platinum blond hair tied up in a ponytail that still reached down to the small of her back, with bangs framing her face, both sides streaked midnight blue. Her face was small yet fierce with angry red eyes, and mouth that looked like it had frozen in the shape of a scowl. On top of all that she was dressed in Bosozoku fashion, with a forest green color emblazoned with pink symbology. She looked so out of place in a business class it was a wonder Nino hadn't noticed her sooner.

"Kasumi Hideyoshi! I'm gonna open an auto shop, for bikes, cars, and everything else with wheels!" She declared with a voice that surprised everyone with it's loudness," And I'll advertise by focusing on core demographics that get repair work done! Maybe post a few fliers near car and motorcycle dealerships and find cities and locals where people get regular modifications done. That's how I'd get it done!"

There was a silence following that. She said it with such confidence it was hard to argue with her. Slowly heads turned to the professor for validation. "Well… yes actually that's quite good," Mr. Mashima eventually found the words," But you'll want to find ways to get new customers in. After all if you only get the crowds already interested in coming to your shop, it will only remain steady instead of thriving."

"Oh man!" Kasumi yelled," You're so right! I'll work on that next!" She sat down and began fervently writing in her journal. The rest of the class, including Nino, couldn't help but also write down a few notes. Nino changed her mind. She was not bored any more. If only because now she was not sure how much concentrated crazy was in the room.

Still, that woman clearly had a goal and was going at it full force. That was something to be admired. She found her thoughts coming back to Kasumi, as she packed her things up for the end of class. It was strange because once upon a time, the blonde bad boy was totally her type. Kind of like "Kintaro." Boy that had been a bit embarrassing in retrospect… or maybe it was just the beginning of her falling for Fuutarou. Oh damn. She was back onto him. She sighed as she left the classroom… only to be confronted by the first person she had thought of.

"Hey," Kasumi said. Nino was pretty sure it was the first time she'd said something in a normal tone of voice since she was made aware of her presence.

"Hey," Nino responded," Need something?"

"You're planning to open up a bakery, right? That must mean you're a pretty awesome cook… you have a job?"

"Are you hiring?"

"No… just curious."

Nino sighed again. "Actually yeah, I work at shop not to far from here. We make good stuff. It's called Revivals."

"Cool," Kasumi responded," I'll come by sometime. And just in case…" Kasumi reached into a messenger bag on her side which matched her jacket in both color and accents and produced a small, printed rectangle. A business card. Overly decorated and tacky but definitely had all the information one could ask such a card to have, including more or less every feasible way to get in touch with her." In case you need any work done… I'll throw in a discount."

Nino could hardly say Kasumi wasn't really all in on this, when she was already printing business cards. So out of politeness she accepted, taking the card and pocketing it. "Thanks, I guess… well… bye." With that, Nino departed. What a strange woman she thought to herself as she made her way to her next class though admittedly… seeing her at Revival would be pretty funny. She giggled a little at that. Better than thinking of him again.

*elsewhere*

'Let's all do our best! I'll see you at the apartment,' that's what Yotsuba had messaged them. Well, Itsuki had done her best and now she was exhausted. College was just as intense as she had predicted, and it still knocked her on her ass. On top of that cram school, had basically doubled in order to be up to university standards. She wondered if she really had the strength for this sort of thing for 4 whole years. When it was only the first day.

"I'm home," She wearily stated as she crossed the threshold into her, and her sisters shared apartment. The energy in the room was mixed to be honest. Ichika smiled softly, but Itsuki recognized it as one that she'd forced on to not bring down the room even further. Nino was slumped back into the couch scrolling through social media with the interest of someone who'd forgotten they even logged on, a look of abstract boredom. Miku looked frustrated and tired, standing over what appeared to a bucket of home-made syrup, its sugary essence wafting through the air like forget chocolate on a summer day. And Yotsuba was… absent. So much for see you at the apartment.

"So," Itsuki decided it would be better to at least try to see what was eating everyone than try to simply avoid it," I'm guessing nobody had a great day… who wants to talk about it?" Itsuki fancied herself the mother of the group, and while with rambunctious sisters like themselves a stern hand was often required, that also involved helping when she could. "Ichika, maybe you would like to start?"

Ichika sighed, but ultimately decided to answer her sister's plea for some kind of conversation. Probably better than keeping it to herself anyway. "I had that big audition today, I'm sure I mentioned that. Well… I went in, gave it everything I had, left my heart on the cutting room floor, etcetera etcetera and so forth… and I got nothing basically. They gave the traditional, 'Thanks, we'll call you, send the next girl in' and rushed me out like I was garbage ten minutes before the truck arrives." The eldest sister looked away as she continued "I really thought this was my shot. I am trying to be optimistic but… I can't remember a less ceremonious casting call."

"I see," Itsuki responded trying to sound sympathetic, although to be honest she was about as familiar with the acting world and its intricacies as a capybara with dental hygiene." Well for what it's worth, I think they'd be idiots not to pick you! You always put your best on, and they couldn't do better!"

Ichika smiled at her sister's sweet words. Itsuki was clearly trying her best but her words weren't what she really wanted right now. "Thanks, Itsuki… I'll just keep trying even if it doesn't work out this time."

"Yeah," Itsuki decided she had better try to keep the energy going," Nino how about your day?"

"I mean… I guess I can't complain to much," Nino admitted," I just… I wasn't feeling it. I mean Fuu-kun was the one who suggested I learn this stuff and I don't want to say he's an idiot, but I don't get it. I was bored beyond words. Then again maybe it was just because I was on my own… not used to that."

"Maybe… you just need some kind of friend," Itsuki remarked," I mean we're all going through this separated. We need someone to lean on, not just each other you know?"

"You always had a few friends hanging around during high school," Miku interjected," You always were one of the popular sisters. So, it shouldn't be too hard to find a new group"

"Yeah, I guess," Nino responded not looking up from her phone, casually grabbing a cookie off the table," But college is different you know? Everyone there is striving towards their goals, working jobs, dealing with their own stuff… it's harder to just start talking to someone in the middle of a giant lecture hall." She mulled over the idea as she took a bite of Miku's cookies which she had baked earlier to get in the right mood for syrup practice. "These are good by the way… maybe if you'd made these instead you wouldn't be getting ready to cover the apartment in blueberries. Besides, I did kind of meet someone. She even gave me a business card."

Miku was to busy pouting at her syrup remark to catch the last bit. "I just want to get it right. I want to make the best pancakes I can, and that requires the right kind of syrup."

"I'm guessing your day didn't go entirely as planned either Miku," Itsuki responded to the adamant outburst.

Miku now sighed "I didn't do well at today to be honest. The teacher said my food liked 'punch'… whatever that means. I sometimes I feel like I'm not actually making progress. I've been trying so hard to be better at cooking, and everyone really liked my pancakes at the festival but now…"

"Well," Itsuki said, trying to choose her words carefully," You're probably just in a slump from the environmental change. A new school with an oven in front of you at all times, and a teacher whose sole purpose is to help you cook, you're just out of whack is all." Itsuki decided to ride her momentum and try to rouse the whole room in one go." Listen, we're in the middle of a transitional phase of our lives. New schools, new lessons, and new needs. We don't have each other to lean on as much but, we're still all in this together, so we just have to count on- "

At that moment, her phone rang. She fumbled for it out of her bag hoping it was some wrong number so she could continue her speech about togetherness. Unfortunately, it was not. It was someone she had been talking to for a while. That she hadn't told her sisters about and was not ready to do so. She felt a blush rise and tried to hide it with her phone. "Ugh," She hunted desperately for an excuse," This is Miss Shimoda! She must need my help with something! I gotta take this!" Her excuse feebly delivered she speedily, but hopefully not enough to arouse suspicion, up to her room and take her call. And with the close of a door, she was gone.

There was a silence in the living room as the three older sisters watched the youngest sister escape the melancholy that had settled over the room. She had been right up until she had bolted off though, so they mulled over her words. Before swiftly moving onto to the much more tantalizing question of what that had been about. Blackmail? Secret second family? Estranged daughter? Unfortunately, there was an overpowering smell that suddenly derailed the chain of thought.

"Your newest batch is almost ready," Nino informed her little sister.

"This I'll be the one then. I'll get this right," Miku said determined.

"I wonder where Yotsuba is?" Ichika asked to no one in particular, even though they probably should have asked sooner.

*elsewhere*

Yotsuba Nakano was in her favorite spot to unwind after a long day, the playground that her and Fuutarou had gone to on there first date, both before they were official and as a couple. It was basically her favorite place to relax and take in the sites. But tonight, it couldn't help but feel empty.

Why? She'd been her dozens of times. Without him… oh. Yeah, that made sense. It really wasn't "her" spot anymore. It was theirs. It was a spot that meant a lot to both of them now. He had proposed here actually, after jumping off the swing set for goodness's sake. It had been the happiest day of her life to some extent. Hearing that his love was so absolute that he was ready to go that big on their very first date. If it had been anybody other than Fuutarou she would have laughed at their face. Well strictly speaking she'd laughed in his face too, but she had also basically said yes so that made them both a little crazy.

Thinking about him hurt a little. He was all the way in Tokyo now. She would always support Fuutarou no matter what he decided to do. But she missed him so much. His smile. His laugh. His… lips. She blushed at that. She didn't like to talk about it but since she had started dating him, she had started to think about him… differently. She shook her head. It was inappropriate! Besides it wouldn't help to think about him right now. Like she'd already reminded herself, he was-

Her phone rang. She was for some reason taken aback by that. She moved from a standing position to sitting on the swing so she could answer. It was Fuutarou. She smiled as she answered.

"Hi Hi!" Yotsuba yelled into the receiver," Uesugi san!"

"You don't have to yell over the phone you know… and you can call me Fuutarou when it's just us," He sounded pretty insistent on that point.

"Right, sorry, Fuutarou kun," She corrected," So how was your day?"

"It was fine… kind of peaceful without you and your sisters yelling all the time," He elaborated," But to be honest I kind of missed it. Well, I missed you."

"What? No way. You would hate having to deal with all my questions and stupidity."

"I guess I kind of got used to it. I like helping you."

Yotsuba paused at that. Had he really enjoyed dealing with her dumbness? No wait… he probably meant… She smiled again. She loved his voice." I like when you help me. It makes me feel like I'm special."

"This again," She heard him move away from the phone to moan," You are special. Or if nothing else you're special to me. And a lot of other people, but mostly me"

"Right. Sorry." It was a genuine apology. Yotsuba spent so much time believing there was really nothing special about herself, and that her sisters were naturally better than her at basically anything they tried. But Fuutarou, well he had been treating her like she was special and could learn since the day he started teaching her, and even before that, not that he needed to know that part. "Thank you for helping me realize that."

"Hmpf. You'd have known it from the start if you weren't so dumb."

"Gaaaah! Fuutarou don't be mean! I had a long day!"

"Oh yeah?"

"Uh Huh!" She declared," I had to go through all my classes, which were WAY harder than the high school one's, and then I had to go and do all my sports, with very little time in between for rest! Then I had to double back to the school because I forgot my phone- "

"That one's your fault!" Fuutarou interjected causing Yotsuba to make a sound somewhere between a sigh and an apologetic whimper. "Still, it sounds like you're at least taking college seriously."

"I sure am! I don't exactly know what I want to be yet, besides your bride, but I'm gonna get there!"

"Hmm," Fuutarou made some clicking type sounds," I know you will. If anyone has the determination to pull off the sports, education, working part time, and having a long-distance boyfriend, it'd be you." Yotsuba nodded while making sounds of affirmation loud enough for him to hear, but when she didn't have a vocal response besides that he decided he could continue." So listen, I know it's probably a little early to start making plans like this but, I'd really like you to come down to Tokyo."

"Oh, I'd love too!" Yotsuba could not help but yell. The thought of seeing him again made her heartbeat so fast. "When?!"

"Well, we both usually have Sundays off, but I want to make sure we have at least kind of gotten used to our new way of life… So how about the first Sunday of next month?"

"We have to wait that long?" She couldn't help but object.

"Don't complain. We need to keep up our grades too. Besides, it gives me time to plan."

Her ribbon perked up, and she felt a smirk come to her face. "Oh? Got something special planned Fuutarou kun?"

"Well you'll have to wait and see won't you?" Yotsuba could almost hear his evil grin through the phone, the kind he got when he was plotting something, or taking on a challenge.

"Ok," She acquiesced," But first Sunday of next month! Come rain or shine!"

"Definitely," He responded in earnest," Anyway it's getting late, and we both have classes in the morning, and I better not find out you're skipping!"

"No way!"

"Good," He paused," Then I'll talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight Yotsuba… I love you."

Yotsuba felt lighter than air. It wasn't the first time he'd said it or anything, but still, every time she heard it was like a message delivered from the heavens. He loved her. And she…

"I love you too Fuutarou kun," She took a moment to let the words hang before concluding," and I always have."

"Heh," He tied to sound cool, but Yotsuba could practically hear him blushing through the phone, covering his mouth to try and hide it, even though she couldn't have seen it." Well I'll love you always. Goodnight."

And with that he hung up, leaving the fourth sister alone in the night on a park swing set. And yet she couldn't be happier. With a smile as wide as a mile, she delightfully skipped home to be with her sisters. She'd promised to see them at the apartment after all.