Nino woke up, as usual, before all her sisters. As she got up from her bed, she stopped to look at the bracelet Fuutaro had given her. It was worn and ruined, but it made her incredibly happy. It's hard to believe how much that bracelet had been through. Looking at it made her want to hurry up and see him, as if she hadn't just spent half a day with him. She safely tucked it under her sleeves, and went on to make breakfast as quickly as she could, as if time would pass faster if she completed her tasks earlier.

She got it done, and soon after Itsuki appeared from her room.

"Good morning."

"Morning, Itsuki! Breakfast's ready, but we can start our yoga session while we wait for the others."

"How are you so pumped this early in the morning?" Itsuki yawned. "Hah… I'll skip for today, sorry."

"That's unusual. Well, then I'll go ahead."

"Okay."

"By the way, it doesn't bother you if I talk about him, right?"

"Him? Oh. I… I guess not."

"Ok, good. Is it weird that I wanna hurry up and go to school just so I can meet him?"

"Eh… no? I mean, you are, like, in love."

"I get that, but… I don't know. I wonder if he feels the same."

"You'll be happy to know that last time we hanged out you were all he was talking about."

"What, really?"

"Yeah. It was all Nino this, Nino that, and so on." Itsuki seemed a bit annoyed.

"Sorry if I'm boring you. I can't really talk with anyone else about this stuff."

"Sure."

"Actually, it's been harder to talk with everyone lately. Like, It's not that he's all that's on my mind, but they all feel more distant, and more than that, I have to constantly keep in mind that I have to avoid any mention of him. It would be presumptuous of me to say I understand what they're going through, and my sympathy would probably only hurt them more. Still, I just want things to go back to normal. Or, well, as normal as they can be." Nino shook her head. "No, I'm just being egotistical again. Sorry."

"No, I get what you mean, but it was obvious this was going to happen. I was… no, never mind. I'm sorry, can we talk about something else?"

"Oh, sure. Sorry if I suddenly threw this on you. Let's change topic."

After a bit, Miku came down, and this time, Yotsuba too. As they sat down to eat, Nino wanted to tell her she was glad she was with them, but was unsure if it was fine to say. She decided she wanted to tell her, so she would, but before she could open her mouth, Itsuki spoke up.

"Yotsuba, we're glad you're having breakfast with us again."

Nino was surprised. It was as if she had read her mind. "That's right!"

Miku spoke up, too. "I feel the same."

Yotsuba blushed. "Jeez, it's not that big a deal… I was still having lunch with you, after all…"

So, they finished breakfast, and they set out for school together. Until…

"I'm hungry again…"

"What? We just had breakfast!"

"I know! It's not my fault!"

"You haven't even… never mind. So, do you want to stop by a shop?"

"Sorry… I'll make it quick!"

Nino sighed. "I'll come with you. You two can just go on ahead."

"Oh, no, I'll be fine by myself!"

"We don't mind coming with!" Chimed in Yotsuba.

"It's fine!" Interrupted Nino. "We took our sweet time getting ready, so we're already running late. I might've cooked a bit less for breakfast, so I'll accompany her. You just go ahead."

"If you say so…" Yotsuba and Miku started making distance. "Make sure you hurry up, though!"

"Yeah, of course. She's still keeping up with that cheerful act, huh? I hope she's not straining herself too much."

"Nino… I told you I could go by myself! You completely ignored me! Weren't you in a rush to go to school?"

"Come on, it's fine! Let's just grab something, quickly!" Nino pushed her into the store.

As Itsuki was picking out what to buy, Nino wondered if there was something Fuutaro would enjoy. He has a poor palate, but he has to have a favorite food, right? She signed it down in her head, as something to ask him later on.

"Since I'm here, I might as well get something too." She extended her arm, and it revealed her bracelet. Itsuki noticed, and as they got out of the store, she asked her about it.

"Oh, that? Fuu-kun gave it to me. Raiha made it for him last year, when we went on the school trip."

"Of course. Wait, Raiha made it for him?"

"Yeah, but…"

"She's definitely going to get mad!" Itsuki interrupted her.

"As I was saying, he told me it would be fine."

"Then he's an idiot! Why did he give it to you, anyway?"

"It's kinda hard to explain."

"I don't care, I want to know!"

"You… sound kind of mad about it. Is something wrong?"

Itsuki covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh! I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off that way. I-it's just weird he'd give that to you. No, wait, I just mean I don't understand the reason."

Nino was a bit confused. "Well… It must be somewhat weird, from your perspective. I don't mind telling you the story."

"No, it's fine. I was just overreacting."

"You're acting strange. Are you sure you're all right?"

"You're worrying over nothing. Let's speed up our pace!"

"All right. If something's bothering you, you can tell me, though."

"If there happens to be a problem, I have no reason to hide it from you."

"I'll trust you on that."

So, they hurried on to school.

Fuutaro

Fuutaro was really looking forward to seeing Nino again that morning. As he got his phone, he saw the keychain she had gifted him, and it made him want to see her. He couldn't explain why he was feeling like that. He had just spent half a day with her, after all. There was no logical reason as to why he missed her so much, but he still did.

When he got to school, Nino was late, so he didn't get to chat with her a bit. She quietly smiled at him as she got in the class, and that was it. But, He had to make do with it, for the time being. He safely stored that smile in his memory, and focused on the lessons, until the break started.

He felt his shoulders being pushed. "Yo, Uesugi!"

"Excuse me, who are you again?"

"Come on, that's not funny anymore!"

"All right, All right. Sorry, Maeda."

"Thank you very much." Maeda sighed. "You know, it'll be Halloween soon."

"Is it? I hadn't noticed."

"Dude, you're way too unenthusiastic. I wonder if some of the girls are going to dress up…"

"Not a chance."

"I'm not saying they'd do it in school, you idiot. Does it really not interest you in the slightest? Maybe, one of the quints…"

"Don't you have someone else to think about?"

"Of course I do, man! I've been thinking about her the whole time! I was talking about you!"

"I haven't really thought about it."

"I don't buy it. C'mon, I wanna know what you're fantasizing about!"

"Is that really-"

"I'd be interested in that, too." Takeda butted in, as sparkly as ever.

"You too, Takeda?"

"I want to know every one of my rival's weaknesses."

"That doesn't sound like you. What would you do, anyway? Dress up yourself?"

Takeda laughed. "If you wish me to…"

"I'd seriously rather not, thanks."

"C'mon dude" Maeda continued, "Now two people wanna know. You're a hot ticket."

"As I told you, I haven't thought about it."

"You're really no fun. All right, if costumes are too much for your pure, innocent mind, then tell us a normal dress you'd like to see on a girl."

"A normal dress?"

"If you're too embarrassed to talk about Halloween costumes, I'll take whatever I can get. Come on, we'll tell you ours too! Right, Takeda?"

"If I am satisfied with his answer."

"I'll tell you for him. I already know what he likes."

"Hey!"

"All right, I get it." Fuutaro sighed. "Let's see… she's always wearing girly, stylish dresses, so maybe something like a sweater, or a sweatshirt. Maybe even a suit…"

"What? Man, you're so weird."

"Hey, you're the one who wanted to know!" He noticed Takeda was looking at him suspiciously. "Takeda, what's the—"

"Maeda, you're focusing on the wrong thing." Takeda interrupted Fuutaro. "He was clearly talking about someone in particular."

"Wait a second, you're right!" They both glared right through Fuutaro's eyes. "Do you have something to tell us?"

Fuutaro laughed nervously. "I don't get what you're talking about."

He suddenly felt a weight resting on his head. "What's the idiot trio talking about?"

"Ah, Nino-chan!" Takeda sparkled.

"Hey, stop calling us idiot trio!" Maeda scoffed.

"When you're all together, it becomes really hard to believe that two of you have some of the highest scores in the exams."

"Nino…" Fuutaro spoke up. "Why are you hanging onto my head?"

"Fuu-kun! Won't you let me join the conversation?"

"Nino-chan! Why don't you give me a nickname too?" Takeda interrupted.

Nino had a disgusted look on her face. "Why would I?"

"Oh, so harsh!"

"This is why you're still single, despite being so popular, Takeda." Maeda commented.

"I already told you, I'm not interested in that kind of thing. I need to focus on my studies."

"Sure, Sure. That's a nice excuse you've got."

"Can you please move?" Fuutaro continued his previous statement. "You're—"

"Don't you dare say it." Nino interrupted him.

Takeda pointed towards Fuutaro. "Look at him! At least I'm not as bad as he is!"

"I don't know, man. He seems better off."

"Don't talk about me like that." Fuutaro intervened.

Nino giggled. "You three always put up a show. Well, I guess I'll leave you to it." She pecked Fuutaro's cheek. "Bye bye!"

Fuutaro put his hand where Nino kissed him and blushed. Meanwhile, Takeda and Maeda were so shocked all the colour washed away from their faces. They looked at each other in the eyes.

"Did I see that right?"

"I saw the same thing."

They leaned in closer to Fuutaro.

"Don't look at me like that! You're creepy!" They ignored him. "All right, all right, I get it. It's exactly what you're imagining. There's no point denying it."

Takeda put a hand on his heart, and another on his forehead, in an all too dramatic gesture. "Oh, my sweet Nino-chan! Tarnished by this vile brute!"

"I'm still here."

Meanwhile, Maeda had a tear in his eye. "I'm so proud of you…"

"What? Why?"

Suddenly, the bell rang, and they all got back to their seats. The teacher entered the room.

"Class representatives! You need to go to the teacher's room. Post-haste."

Yotsuba stood up. "Yes, sir!" She marched out of the classroom.

Fuutaro bowed and followed behind her.

"Yotsuba, wait up!"

"Sure! I'll be in front of the door!"

"No, let me catch up!"

Fuutaro was running behind her, while Yotsuba made distance just by walking. They reached the room, and grabbed the documents they were asked to get.

"Yotsuba, slow down a bit!"

"I'm not running."

"I know, but…"

"I don't get the problem."

"Will you hear me out?"

"There's no need to. I already talked to Nino yesterday."

He reached out his hand and placed it on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry. I don't want you to keep avoiding me. I owe you a lot. You've always supported me, and without you I don't think I would've gotten anywhere… I don't want our friendship to be ruined."

"I don't wanna hear any of it! You don't owe me anything! I told you I'd always support you, right? I will! Just leave me alone!"

"Yotsuba… I'm sorry I couldn't reciprocate your feelings. I wanted to tell you…"

"Shut up! I wouldn't want to hear it, even if you were to say you loved me!"

"I just—"

"Don't say anymore, please. It's my own fault I'm feeling this way. I even stepped out of my room of my own will. I'll handle this myself."

"You always do… You keep trying to give your all to everyone else, while ignoring what you want. I want to help you."

"What you're saying is that I should accept my feelings. If it's really this easy, then you surely can help me."

She turned around, and leaned in for a kiss. Fuutaro covered his mouth with his hand before she went all the way in.

"…Yeah. Don't act so surprised. I've already done this twice."

"T-twice?"

She turned around, and returned to the classroom. She already did it twice? Once at the school festival, and then… so it was her. Why tell him now? What was she hoping to accomplish with this?

The only thing that was obvious is that she didn't want his help. Maybe he was wrong for even thinking he could help her in any way. It was his fault, after all. He returned to class, with a defeated look on his face.

After the lessons were over, he stopped next to the main gate. Everyone slowly trickled out of the school.

"Nino. Itsuki."

"Uesugi-kun. Are you waiting for someone in particular?"

"I was just thinking about something."

"Hmm. Ok. Well, I'll go on ahead."

"Where are you going?" Asked Nino.

"I already had plans for today. I'll see you later."

"Oh. Okay then. See you."

Itsuki left, and Nino and Fuutaro found themselves alone.

"Nino. There's something I need to tell you."

"What is it?"

"I… I have screwed things up with Yotsuba." They moved to a place a bit more isolated, and Fuutaro explained what happened while they were out of the classroom. He avoided mentioning that she tried to kiss him.

"Ugh… no wonder she reacted like that. If it were me, I'd have either slapped you, or kissed you. No in-betweens."

"Kiss me? Why?"

"If you were certain of your choice, there's no way you would've let me. That's why."

"Oh… I'm sorry."

"I'm not mad. I know what you wanted to do. You always do your best to fix our problems, after all. However, I really don't think there's anything we can do to help her, right now…"

Fuutaro couldn't hide his troubled look. He felt guilty for talking to Yotsuba like that. He really wanted to find some way to help her.

Nino suddenly hugged him. "Nino?"

"I was thinking about you turning me down, and I suddenly felt the need to hug you." Fuutaro wrapped his arms around her. "Do you remember what you told me yesterday? It's not your fault. I think you need to hear that too."

"I really don't understand what you all saw in a guy like me."

"You know, I couldn't believe it myself. That you, of all people, would be my prince charming. Someone so tactless and selfish, it made my blood boil."

"I see."

"But," She continued. "That's also something I love about you. You never mince your words, and you pushed me along with you, despite all the trouble I was causing. I think it had to be you, after all. It couldn't be anyone else. You're the one who makes me happy. You make everything shine. It's thanks to you that I made it this far. I'm sorry I was so mean to you. I'm glad you're part of my life."

"Nino…" Fuutaro was almost tearing up. Those sincere words shook him to his very core. "Thank you. I feel the same."

They remained like that for a bit. Some students noticed them, and snickered between themselves. However, they were completely unaware, or at least they did not care.

"You know, this seems like the perfect moment."

"For what?"

"You said we should make up for yesterday."

Fuutaro blushed. "O-oh. Right."

"So?"

"I-I don't know what to do."

"What makes you think I would know any more than you?"

"Sorry…"

"Stop that. Let's not ruin the mood. Just get closer to me and close your eyes."

Fuutaro was still embarrassed, but he really wanted to kiss her, too. Therefore, he just did as she asked. She got on her tips, and locked her lips with his.

This was not the first time, but Fuutaro was as shocked as ever to see how good it felt. This girl had completely opened herself up to him. She trusted him. She really needed him. Not just as a tutor, or a helper, or anything like that, but as a person. That was all he really wanted, after all. Someone who considered him necessary, just for who he really is. He felt the need to get closer, and closer, and closer. He wanted to nullify any distance between them. He wanted to give her everything he had to offer.

Neither of them wanted to move. They kept at it for so long, but it still felt like it was not enough.

Eventually, they untangled themselves.

"We have some time before work, but I've got to head back home. I still have the bike there."

"Ok."

Fuutaro scratched his head. "Are you…busy?"

"Not really."

He reached his hand out. "Do you want to come with me?"

"Like… to your house?"

"My dad should be at work right now."

Nino quietly grabbed his hand and nodded. While Fuutaro held her hand, he couldn't help but notice how soft and small it was. Nino seemed to be even more embarrassed than before. She was clenching his hand tightly. This was the first time they walked hand in hand. They went further than that, in other ways, but they never held hands. It weirdly felt even more intimate than a hug.

"Raiha, I'm home."

"Oh, big bro, you're back!" Raiha answered from the kitchen.

"Yeah. I'll need to head to work soon, though."

"Do you want something in the meanwhile?" She walked out of the kitchen and in front of them. "Oh…"

"Hi, Raiha-chan. Sorry for intruding."

Raiha pouted. "Whatever."

"Raiha, that's not nice. At least welcome her."

"You always try to kick Itsuki out. Why should I?"

Fuutaro had forgotten Raiha was not on very good terms with Nino. "T-that's different. Why are you…"

"It's fine, Fuu-kun" Nino interrupted him.

"…All right, then. Make yourself at home. I'll go grab something."

Raiha was standing around, and Nino tried to get her to sit down with her, failing.

"Raiha-chan, what were you doing back there?"

"Nothing interesting."

"You know, I heard you do all the cooking around here. I happen to be a pretty good cook myself, so I could help you out."

"I don't need it."

"Oh. I see."

Fuutaro came back and dropped some books on the table.

"That's what you were getting?"

"We have some free time. This is the best way we can use it."

"I should've expected this."

Raiha sighed. "Well, then I'll go back to what I was doing."

"Wait, Raiha, are you sure you don't need help?"

"I am."

"Are you sure…" Nino tried signalling the books, to ask raiha for help. But she refused to answer her call, and turned around.

"… Sorry, Nino. I don't know what's up with her."

"Well, now I know why Itsuki reacted like that."

"What do you mean?"

"I'll tell you later. This might not be the right place."

"All right. Anyway… did you really expect I'd let you get out of this so easily?"

Nino shrunk in fear, as she was forced to study together with Fuutaro. They did not have much time, so they barely got anything done, but Fuutaro still managed to drain all of her energy. "How am I going to be able to work, now…"

"You're being melodramatic. Raiha, we're off."

"Okay. Bye."

They got on the bike, and Fuutaro drove to the shop, where the manager greeted them.

"There you are! I trust my bike is still in one piece."

"Of course it is, boss."

"Well then. Try to keep your focus today, you two lovebirds."

Nino blushed, and Fuutaro shook him off. "Just what do you think we're going to do at work?"

"Hehe, sure, sure…" He went back to the kitchen.

They got ready, and the shop opened up. The day went on as if nothing had changed between the two of them.

"Of course it did, just what does the manager think of us?" Thought Fuutaro.

But then, his conversation with Maeda and Takeda came back on his mind. Nino in a costume. As he was coming back to the kitchen to relay the customer's orders, he stopped by the door and looked at her. She was totally focused on her work. She was still a bit clumsy in her movements, but she was trying her best, and was visibly getting better. However, he had already noticed that other times. This time he focused more on something else. The ponytail really fit her. And her outfit… looked really good. If that looked so good, how would she look like in a costume?

Suddenly, the manager brought him back to reality with a flick to the back of his head. "Ow!"

"What did I tell you earlier? Focus on your work."

"S-sorry…"

He left him the customer's orders, and went back. He noticed a wild ahoge sprouting from a customer's head.

"Itsuki?"

"Oh, Uesugi-kun. You're working here again?"

"Yeah. So what's your order?"

"That's it?"

"What? I'm working."

"Humph. Anyway, why did you give Nino Raiha's bracelet?"

"How do you know? Wait, why do you care? I'm working!"

"Don't you remember how mad she was?"

"Listen, she'll grow out of it. Just tell me your order."

Itsuki scoffed. "Sure, okay."

He brought the orders back again, and the manager jumped. "Isn't this… the exact same order MAY placed?"

"Oh… I'm sure that's just a coincidence."

"There's no way a single table will order that much food, and I remember precisely what was ordered last time. It has to be MAY!"

"Wouldn't you know it in advance if it was?"

"Maybe it's a surprise visit. To make sure that time it wasn't specially prepared… We need to brace ourselves!" The manager brought the news to the kitchen.

Fuutaro sighed. "Did she do it on purpose?"

Nino

This time, Nino wasn't as stressed after hearing the manager announce MAY's sudden arrival. She already knew who it was, after all. But the pressure was still high, Since the manager demanded perfection anyway. After they got everything done, she went on break. Fuutaro was there too.

"Ah, Nino. Can you believe Itsuki managed to throw the whole kitchen into panic?"

Nino giggled. "Yeah. That was really unexpected."

"Well, I sure hope she's happy with what she got."

"Of course she is. I helped, after all!"

"Haha, sure. Last time you weren't so proud of yourself. You're getting better."

"Obviously. Last time… That's when you confronted me on the confession for the first time."

"…Yeah."

"You were going to turn me down. I could tell. I got really scared."

"I was still unsure, but I wanted to give you an answer. I thought it would be safer to keep things as they were. You really saved me from making a big mistake. Thank you."

Nino blushed. "I'm glad…" She took a deep breath. "A-anyway, let's change topic. Did Itsuki seem a bit on edge to you, too?"

"Eh? What? I mean… not really. She seemed a bit mad, but that's not unusual. She did ask me about the bracelet. I imagine that's what you were referring to, back at home."

"Yeah…"

"Well, don't worry about it. I'm sure Raiha will come around."

"I sure hope so. There's still the problem of Itsuki acting weird, though…"

"Don't beat yourself up over it. If she had a problem, you'd be the first to know." Fuutaro sighed. "Doesn't she realize she's making you worry?"

"Don't be mad at her. If there's something wrong that'd be the worst thing you could do."

"I'm not really mad… I do care about her, too. Maybe try talking to her again once you get home. Right now, we should focus on work. Speaking of that, I'll head back now. You take all the time you need."

"Sure."

Soon after, the manager came in.

"Is everything all right? He's not being mean to you, right?"

"O-of course not."

"I was just joking, don't worry. He's dense, but he's a good guy. Make sure to keep him in check, though."

"Of course… wait, what do you mean?"

He winked. "I don't have time to chat, sorry. I'll head back."

What was that about? Keep him in check? Whatever, she thought. Probably just idle chatter. She headed back, too.

After a while, it was closing time. She overheard the manager talking to Fuutaro.

"Sorry to throw this on you. Could you close up shop? I have some errands to run."

"Sure. Leave it to me."

Nino butted in. "I'll help out too."

"Oh, you really don't need to. It's not much, he can handle it by himself."

"I really don't mind."

The manager sighed. "If you want to that much, I won't stop you…" He then pushed Fuutaro aside and muttered something to him. She couldn't make out what they were saying.

"Well then, I'll leave this to you. You're alone, but don't do anything weird while at the shop, please."

Fuutaro blushed. "Just—Never mind. We won't."

So, he left.

"Well then. Since you're here, let's split our work. You're more familiar with the kitchen, so you can finish up there. I'll clean up the tables."

"All right." He was always assertive and sure of himself when it came to work, studying, and things like that. Completely different from the clumsy and fidgety side he had shown her. The side that would let a girl take the lead in a kiss. The side that lets himself be pushed around wherever she wants. She was proud of being able to witness that side of him. But It was also great seeing him try his best to overcome this. He invited her to his home, and guided her there while holding hands. This was the first time she went to his home, and he invited her himself. They didn't do much, and she found out Raiha hated her, but he had still invited her over. That was more than enough, coming from him.

While she was looking at him, he turned around and their eyes met. She blushed and quickly went back to what she was supposed to do.

They were done in record time. The manager was right, he could've handled it alone without a problem. But she didn't want to part ways yet.

"Nino… want me to walk home with you?"

"You don't need to, if you're busy."

Fuutaro blushed. "I don't mind."

"All right, then. Let's go."

They started walking side by side. This time he did not take her hand. Of course, she could not just leave it hanging, so she grabbed his herself. Fuutaro slightly jumped when he felt it.

"So, Fuu-kun, what did the manager tell you?"

"That was nothing important."

"Really? You know, earlier he told me to keep you in check."

"O-oh. I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Wait, so he didn't tell you?"

"He just told me what I said. Is there something I should know?"

"N-no, not at all. I was just imagining things."

"Is that so? Fuu-kun… now you can't hide it."

"I-I mean, there's nothing to hide."

"You're not getting out of this that easily. Tell me."

"But-"

"Fuu-kun…"

"Please, it's way too embarrassing."

"Fuu-kun! Tell me!"

"You really like calling my name."

"Do you not like it? Wait, you're not going to change topic so easily."

"I mean-"

"No way! I want to know!"

"Fine, Fine, I give up. I was staring at you."

"Seriously?"

Fuutaro blushed. "I'm not saying it again."

Nino giggled. "Well, I had already caught you staring once. What's the big deal?"

"You're not mad?"

"Why would I be? As long as it's you, I don't mind it…"

Fuutaro's face turned red.

Nino's face did the same. It took a lot of courage to actually say that aloud. She got so embarrassed she could not think straight anymore. They walked the rest of the way in an awkward silence.

"Well, here we are. Thanks, Fuu-kun."

"No problem." He looked like he wanted to say something else, but didn't. They turned around and started walking opposite ways.

"Nino!" Fuutaro suddenly called out to her. She turned around, and he stared right into her eyes. "You looked really good in that outfit."

Nino's face turned bright red, and contorted itself into an embarrassing expression. Why did he come out with that only now? He could have said it earlier! Now was not the right time! She turned around and hid her face. "…Thanks." She ran inside of the building.

She calmed down a bit, and turned around again to see Fuutaro once more. He was already walking away. She was tempted to run after him, to spend a little bit more time together. While she was thinking about it, something caught her eye. She headed towards it to confirm if it really was what it seemed.

"…Itsuki?"

"N-nino. Hi. I-I wasn't hiding. I just happened to pass by."

Nino covered her face. "D-did you hear that?"

Itsuki blushed. "I don't know what you're talking about." She giggled awkwardly. She definitely heard.

"Were you following us?"

"O-of course not!" Itsuki's eyes were spinning around, avoiding Nino's gaze. "Ok-ok! I give up! I was! I'm sorry!"

"Why?"

"I wanted to see what you acted like when you were alone together. I'm sorry!"

"O-ok. But… how long have you followed us for?"

Itsuki's face turned red. "J-just now! Not long at all… I didn't see you until after you left—I mean, until I went to the shop!"

"You saw everything, didn't you?"

"I'm sorry!"

"Itsuki… listen to me. You've been acting weird all day. I've got to ask you… did you like Fuutaro too?"

"No! There's no way! How could I fall for that guy? You're totally wrong!"

"All right. I get it. I'm sorry. I've been insensitive."

"I told you, I don't like him! I totally support you!"

Nino hugged her. "All right. Thank you."

"Nino… I'm sorry… I…"

"It's fine. Let's just go inside, and I'll make diner, as usual."

"Yeah. Okay. I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"O-oh. Nothing."

"Good. Let's go."

When they got into their apartment, Nino was shocked to see Ichika was there too.

"Ichika! You're stopping here for diner? You've got to tell me when you do!"

"I did. I messaged you."

"Oh. Sorry. W-well, anyway, it's not a problem. There's obviously enough for all of us."

"Thanks. Anyway, now that you're back here, I can tell you two too."

"What's up?"

"I'm starring in an horror movie. If you're not busy, we can all see it together on Halloween."

"That sounds great!"

Itsuki nodded. "Yeah. That would be nice."

"Well then, it's settled! So, Nino, can you invite Fuutaro too?"

"You want him in too?"

"Yeah. I want him to see I'm really going all in. Besides, he's pretty much part of the family, now, right?"

Nino blushed. "Y-yeah, I guess so… Wait a second, I almost forgot! Papa told me he wanted to be called if we did something together! What should we do?"

"Don't worry, I remembered. He said he's busy, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"Oh. Of course he is."

Ichika giggled. "Yeah. By the way, there's something I have to tell you in particular." She got up, and walked right next to Nino. "Don't worry. I can't speak for the others, but I'm over it, now. This may sound redundant, but I couldn't say it before. I fully support you."

"That's great to hear. Thank you, Ichika."

"We made a promise, after all. I can fully honour it now."

"I'm glad."

"By the way, Itsuki!" Itsuki was stopped in her tracks while she was trying to retreat. "Since you came up with her, she must have found out! Tell me all about what you saw!"

"Ichikaa! It was so embarrassing! You stood me up at the last minute again!"

"It's not my fault! They just kept calling me for work!"

Nino interrupted them. "Wait, wait, wait, so you were in on it too? And what do you mean again?"

Itsuki covered her mouth. "Oops."

Ichika giggled. "I'm sorry I just needed to know how you two would act while alone! If Itsuki hadn't proposed it, I would've done it myself as soon as I had the time!"

Nino pouted. "Whatever! Don't do that again!" She stormed off to the kitchen, and started cooking.

Meanwhile, Ichika pried Itsuki for information. Nino's interventions were useless, as Itsuki caved in and told everything. Well, at least that meant Itsuki was not too bothered. Maybe she assumed wrong, and she actually did not like him? That would be much better, even if it meant what she did earlier was a bit more embarrassing.

As they sat down to eat, Yotsuba instead stood up.

"There's something I have to tell all of you. Well, Ichika already knew, but I still wanted her to be here. I've been contacted by a sports university outside of town, and I have decided to accept."

Nino was shocked to hear that. "What? Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Nino tried to say something, but could not find the words. "I guess I can't really say anything then… Still, I can't say I'm not a bit sad about it… that already makes at least two of us who are leaving."

Ichika chimed in. "Come now, Nino. We've got to support her if that's what she wants to do."

"O-of course I support her! I'm not saying it's a bad thing! It's just that, it makes me sad thinking about us not sticking together."

Itsuki intervened, too. "I get what you mean. However, we have to move on. We all have different goals, after all."

"Yeah, I get that…" Nino took a deep breath. "Well, don't worry. I'm happy you found something you want to do."

Miku spoke up. "We all are."

Yotsuba sat down. "Thank you. I also feel bad about it… but I think it's for the best, in the end. I've thought about it a lot these past few days."

Itsuki turned towards Nino. "So, that makes four out of five who have decided their paths."

Nino sighed. "Don't remind me…"

A/N

This chapter came out to be much longer than expected. I also introduced the san-baka trio. I am pretty sure they were shown interacting only once in the manga, so I took a bit more liberty while writing. It was pretty fun.

This chapter, Yotsuba revealed she was the bell kisser. Of course, if you are reading this, you already knew, so I did not make it out to be too big of a reveal. It just left Fuutaro really confused. If you really think about it, that kiss was a pretty selfish action, from such a selfless person. That also ties in to when Nino said she would kiss him or slap him if Fuutaro talked to her as he did to Yotsuba, since, as you know Nino can be selfish if she wants to. Still, do not think that I hate Yotsuba. I do not dislike any of the sisters; it's just that Nino is my favorite.

I also did not really confirm whether Itsuki actually has feelings for Fuutaro or not. Of course, you know how it played out in the manga. I plan on coming back to that, but the details are still pretty hazy in my mind. I will figure it out as I go.

As always, thanks for reading.