Thank you all for the support and encouragement, this has definitely been rewarding to publish just to see people discuss aspects of Fuutarou's actions as he constantly resets. I absolutely encourage discussion and theories about how the story will develop or how the power works. Anyway, time to see if Fuutarou's proclamation about this loop being the final exam was foolish confidence or a sign that he's slowly reclaiming control of his life.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Quintessential Quintuplets, they are owned by Negi Haruba, please support the official manga and the anime
Chapter 3:
Fuutarou knew that the study session needed to break this cycle would require extensive planning, so seeing as he had heard all of these morning lectures four times already, he ignored them this time, only pretending to pay attention. Instead, he would map out everything necessary for helping Itsuki Nakano receive a passing grade tomorrow.
He was confident this time he would not falter in teaching her more than enough to guarantee a score above 30. What he was less confident about was convincing her that he should tutor her in the first place. After all, her actions have been quite volatile, as they have changed drastically based on what the young man did through his resets.
As lunch came around, Fuutarou tested out his hypothesis from the last loop that the small empty table was the initial bait for luring the girl, not him. As expected, she went right for the table and so the young man timed his movements to arrive there at the exact same moment as her.
"Oh sorry, I thought this table was open," Itsuki apologized upon seeing the boy.
"That's alright, you can sit here too if you want," he replied nonchalantly back, making sure to add that last part so as not to sound as desperate as the previous loop.
"Oh, uh sure, thank you so much!" the redhead answered in turn as she tried to hide the blush that was appearing on her face. She thought it was kind and selfless of him to let her share the table, especially after seeing that the young man had intended to study during his lunch as he immediately started going over what looked like a recent test.
Fuutarou had indeed pulled out the test he got back today, though he wasn't actually looking it over but rather making it seem like he was doing so. His reasoning for this little charade was that during every previous loop where he studied at lunch, this action always led Itsuki to bring up the subject of studying.
This time was no exception.
"My, you're a very diligent student studying during lunchtime, would you mind telling me what score you got?"
Without hesitation, Fuutarou handed the test directly to her, exactly like he did in the second loop. When she saw the perfect 100 she let out a small gasp.
"You're studying even though you got a perfect score?! Wow I really admire your work ethic," she then looked up at the top of the test, "...Uesugi-kun, oh by the way my name is Nakano Itsuki."
"You can just call me Fuutarou, anyway nice to meet you Itsuki," he responded as he took his test back. However, when he looked up at her again he saw her entire face had turned the color of her hair. The young man quickly realized this slipup and went about trying to correct it.
"My apologies Nakano-san, I just come from a background…" Fuutarou tried to concoct a story to explain why he called her by her first name but before he could finish he was waved off by the girl as she slowly started to regain control over her embarrassment.
"No it's fine, I'd prefer you continue calling me Itsuki."
Though she was calmer, the redness in her cheeks was going nowhere. This concerned Fuutarou as he went back to eating lunch, waiting for her to bring up the social studies test. Yet every time he looked her way it was the same scene: her eyes staring at him for a split second before darting away when she realized he was looking at her.
Fuutarou may have found romance and relationships to be a waste of time, but that didn't mean he didn't know about the topic in general. He could tell by the way she kept sneaking glances at him and the fact she hadn't brought up any new topics since they exchanged names, that she was developing a crush on him but was trying to suppress it. He cursed himself, he must have done too good of a job trying to appeal to her. He briefly considered blowing this all up and restarting the loop to avoid future conflict, but with how volatile her actions have been through all these loops, he couldn't throw away the progress he had made. He would have to suck it up and deal with any potential problem later; right now he wanted to end his personal groundhog day.
Taking the initiative but making sure to be more on guard this time, he casted his proverbial fishing line.
"Itsuki, if you don't mind me asking since you asked about my grades, how are yours?"
"Well… truth is that while I know the amount of studying I do should be enough, I don't think I'm studying efficiently enough to get the best results."
He was genuinely moved by her answer, making what he was about to say next become even more sincere than he originally meant.
"Well if you ever need help with studying, I'd be happy to help."
Her heart melted into putty at his words. He had gotten a bite on his fishing rod and was about to reel her in when suddenly the bell rang, signalling the end of their break. While Fuutarou was upset that he was unable to seal the deal before starting the second half of his day, he knew he'd have another chance, especially after such a good first impression.
Fuutarou readied himself for the second half of his school day, as he awaited the class introduction for Itsuki. Almost immediately, she noticed Fuutarou on her way to the podium at the front of the class and proceeded to smile and wave at the boy. This caused quite a stir in the classroom as everyone started speculating the meaning of her actions. He almost didn't want to wave back and save the girl from any further rumors but decided he was too invested at this point so he steeled himself and waved back. It was both a little embarrassing and a little annoying to draw in even more unwanted attention from on-lookers but he still needed her to agree to him tutoring her for the social studies test so it was a necessary evil.
Somehow his wave made Itsuki's smile grow even brighter as she gave her introduction so enthusiastically, the only comparison he had was when his family took Raiha to a candy store for her ninth birthday and their dad told her she could have whatever she wanted as long as it totalled less than 1500 yen. As soon as Itsuki finished, she made a beeline for the seat right next to Fuutarou and caused an audible gasp among the class as it became extremely apparent that she was fond of the man who many shied away from due to his abrasive attitude and know-it-all demeanor.
The teacher quickly quieted the class and started his lecture. Fuutarou already knew that would only be a momentary silence so he was unabashed with answering every question the teacher posed. This wasn't too different from how classes usually went, though usually the young man would wait a few seconds before raising his hand to allow those who applied themselves to feel rewarded when they got to answer.
Not this time, Fuutarou's hand shot up just as the teacher's tone changed, which was his tell that he was about to ask a question. Still it was only a very minor change in the young man's approach, one that nobody would really notice unless they assumed he was putting on a show to impress the new student, which was absolutely what he was doing. By showcasing his vast intelligence in action, he was baiting Itsuki to want his help for studying.
Things took an unexpected turn for the young man as she instead took to challenging him in being the first to raise their hand once science class began. Not only that, she actually got most of the questions right even though she often had to raise her hand before the teacher even finished her question. This impressed Fuutarou and gave him hope in her ability to learn and that if he tried hard enough, he could get her to succeed in social studies.
As soon as science class ended, Itsuki leaned over from her desk towards the young man with a hint of blush on her face as she whispered the words he was desperately waiting for:
"That was a lot of fun! You really are just as smart as you claimed, besting me at my top subject. You said earlier you would be willing to help me with studying. I'd actually really appreciate it if you can help me study for my social studies test tomorrow."
Fuutarou discovered that afternoon in the library after school that he had a lot more patience than he would have ever given himself credit for. Or, maybe it was the result of how their relationship had been built this time around that led her to tolerate his strict teaching way better than in the second loop. While that time his rough-around-the-edges personality blindsided her, this time he already ready revealed his arrogant side in the classroom and received an accepting response from her when she challenged him instead of distancing herself. As a result, the two stayed in the library for over three hours before the librarian kicked them out because she wanted to go home.
As the two packed their things to leave, Itsuki bowed in front of the young man, catching him off guard.
"Thank you so much for spending so much time helping me understand all these historical events, I feel kind of ashamed I was so ignorant before. The subject always seemed tricky with all the different names and events but you really made it easy to differentiate between them and understand them. Please, if there is anything I can do to repay you, don't hesitate."
Fuutarou thought about it and wondered if this revolving cycle with Itsuki was a one time occurrence or the new norm for him, but either way he admitted that this turned out to be a lot more enjoyable with a student that was willing to put up with his personality.
"Like I said at lunch, if you ever need help studying, feel free to ask. After all it also doubles as studying for me since I have to know the subject inside and out to teach it to you."
"Then would you mind if we keep studying somewhere else?" she asked with pleading eyes.
"I wouldn't be against it usually but I also have a science test to study for so I need to focus on that too. Luckily for you, our science teacher has a heart, unlike our social studies teacher, and isn't making you have to take it. So I'd say you should just go home and skim over what we couldn't get to in social studies. Even if you don't, I'm sure you'll do well enough to pass easily."
They had walked out the front entrance at this point and were about to head in separate directions. Yet, instead of parting, Itsuki grabbed ahold of Fuutarou's sleeve and gave a proposal that definitely qualified as the strangest event to happen in any of these loops.
"Then why don't I help you study for your science test? While I know you probably know quite a bit more than me, I feel that I showed you in class that I can hold my own when it comes to the subject. So I can at least quiz you and know what I'm asking. Plus, like you said, teaching is a great way of learning and while I won't be taking the test this time, I'll need to know this stuff for future exams. What do you say?"
Fuutarou was honestly perplexed. He knew for a fact he didn't need her help yet it sounded enticing, like a curveball to his daily routine. It wouldn't necessarily harm him to have her around, as long as she didn't ultimately distract him, and if there was one thing he knew for sure that stayed constant through every loop, it was that she was very serious when it came to school.
"Okay sure, you can come to my place if you like, my little sister is making her signature curry and she always makes too much."
He swore he saw her eyes grow three sizes at the mention of curry but it was probably his imagination. It looked like they would be studying a little while longer.
Raiha did in fact make too much curry, yet ultimately not enough as Itsuki's appetite for food was just as large as her appetite for knowledge. Fuutarou honestly found the girl more and more fascinating the more he hung out with her.
They quickly went through the material for what would be on his science test, as Fuutarou took at most three seconds to answer any question Itsuki could even attempt to give him. In the end, they returned to studying social studies as they finally covered everything that should be on the test.
As the redhead finished off the extra serving Fuutarou's sister had made for her, she took a look at the clock and realized how late it had gotten. Yet, she made no attempt to get up from her seat at the table.
"Hey Fuutarou, do you think we can read ahead to the next chapter?" This question completely caught the young man off guard and she could tell by his bewildered expression.
"Yeah, that's probably going too far, I need to make sure I retain all this knowledge first before adding more." She continued as she nervously chuckled at her request. "I don't know, I never found history that engaging before but now I can see why my sister Miku loves it so much."
This was some new information for Fuutarou, and it quickly piqued his interest.
"You have a sister that loves history, did you ever ask her to help teach you?" He didn't really spend time wondering if this sister was an older or a younger sister, but it didn't really matter to him because until today, Raiha probably knew more about history than his new friend, as sad as that sounded.
"I've asked a few times and she's helped me in a pinch, but I never really understood what she taught me, it was more like memorizing facts. The way you explain things and relate them to previous events, it just makes it much more fascinating and easier to comprehend." She then momentarily paused as she handed her empty plate to Raiha for her to wash before continuing.
"It's like history is the same events playing out over and over again but with differing results. In a lot of ways, it reminds me of why I started liking science experiments from an early age and why I always love trying people's cooking because almost anyone can make curry, but only Raiha can make her specific curry."
Fuutarou was absolutely floored by Itsuki's speech. He'd always known cooking was a type of science experiment, but to imagine that history was too? He would have thought that was a stretch but for awhile now he was literally reliving history and treating it like a science experiment in order to advance to a new day. It was an epiphany that explained why he was stuck in this cycle.
He was jolted from his thoughts as he heard Itsuki's phone ring. She picked it up and immediately her demeanor changed as she saw who was calling.
"Crap, I have to go, thank you for everything Fuutarou, I'm absolutely confident I'll pass that test tomorrow, and it was all thanks to you!" She then got up and hugged him, catching him off guard. It was a feeling that should have been familiar since his sister hugged him all the time. Yet this felt different, as he felt a tingly numbness that immediately became very warm and soothing. Needless to say, he enjoyed it.
Sadly it was over way quicker than he would have liked. The redhead quickly thanked Raiha and gave her a small hug before answering her phone just as she quietly shut the front door.
Fuutarou couldn't focus anymore on studying for the rest of the night. His thoughts just kept coming back to Itsuki's words:
["It's like history is the same events playing out over and over again but with differing results."]
If this was true, then this cycle of loops should be natural, yet it felt paranormal at the same time. He just couldn't wrap his mind around it and eventually he passed out from exhaustion.
He awoke to the light of day as he looked at his phone. The time was 6:45am. This caused a sudden panic in the boy until he opened up his phone and it said it was Thursday.
He had finally done it. After six attempts he had finally made it to Thursday.