"See you on Monday, Ichika-chan!"

Ichika:"See you."

A week after the festival ended, Ichika was able to get used to school once again. The first couple days were extremely confusing, but thanks to Fuutarou and the teachers, she was given a good review of everything she had missed. As she was walking, someone caught her eye.

Ichika:"Oh, itsuki. Where-"

Suddenly, her phone vibrated.

Ichika:[...Fuutarou wants me to go to the library today. I'm probably gonna get more homework than the rest, huh?]

…

…

{Fuutarou:"Thank you for understanding."}

{Oda:"Don't worry about it, boy. I could tell Ichika-chan had her own doubts. But...how can you tell that her dream of becoming a singer will stay forever?"}

{Fuutarou:"I don't. Back when she was acting, it was clear that she loved it. In a way, I'm to blame for what happened to her mental health. All I can hope for is that it doesn't happen again."}

{Oda:"Tch, tch. Don't 'I hope' me. A real man should make sure it happens, no matter what! If you make Ichika-chan cry again, that's when you'll suffer."}

{Fuutarou:"Yeah, yeah."}

{Oda:"On that note, do you truly believe her going to school is the correct thing to do, especially at this stage?"}

{Fuutarou:"I ho-...When Ichika becomes world famous, she'll need to know English for when she travels."}

{Oda:"There you go. I'm looking forward to hear Ichika's voice once again."}

{Fuutarou:"You're staying as her manager?"}

{Oda:"I'm very flexible."}

{Fuutarou:"Huh. Well, say hi to Kiku for me."}

{Oda:"Of course. Say hi to Ichika-chan for me and please tell her to clean her room once in a...ever."}

{Fuutarou:"Y-Yeah, I-"}

{Ichika:"Don't snitch on me like that!"}

{Fuutarou:"Ah! Where the hell did you-!?"}

…

…

Ichika:[Haha, he's already telling others I'll be famous. I'll have to give it my all."]

She was now in front of the library.

Ichika:"I wonder where Fuutarou-kun is-"

Fuutarou:"Right here."

Ichika:"Ah! Where did you come from!?"

Fuutarou:"The deepest depths of hell."

Ichika:"But Social Studies ended 3 hours ago."

Fuutarou:"Funny, come on, we need to study."

Ichika:"Right, right."

As the two entered and put down their stuff, Fuutarou was frantically looking at his schedule.

Fuutarou:"After this, I have to meet up with Nino, then Yotsuba. But Yotsuba was falling behind yesterday, so I might need more time for her. Maybe Miku can help."

Ichika:"A-Are you okay?"

Fuutarou:"How could I? We're having finals in a little over a month. I have to get you in good shape for that."

Ichika:"Even so, I would expect you to enjoy your last year a little more."

Fuutarou:"Your smiles when you pass will be more than enough."

Ichika looked away, hoping for Fuutarou to not notice her blush.

Ichika:[You're not supposed to say that when you have a girlfriend, you dork.] "No, I mean. I would think you'd spend more time with Miku."

Fuutarou:"...She already got an A in her college application exams. She doesn't need to take them."

Ichika:[So she hasn't told him…] "Hmmm, are you sure you're not thinking of taking her out on a date?"

Fuutarou:"..."

Ichika:"Maybe talk about your past, then you push each other down and then kiss?"

Fuutarou:"Geh! You…"

Ichika:"Oh, Fuutarou-kun. You underestimate the power of big sisters. Control a conversation enough and you can get your little sister to spill everything."

Fuutarou then put a flash card close to her face.

Fuutarou:"Then control this subject."

Ichika:"Don't ignore me!"

Before Ichika could continue, someone came in with a sassy walk.

?:"Fu fu~, perhaps you need my help?"

Wearing a suit and glasses, both Fuutarou and Ichika turned to see Itsuki.

Itsuki:"Itsuki-sensei would be more than happy to help."

Ichika put her hand on her chin.

Ichika:"...I didn't know you were into cosplay."

Itsuki:"This suit is normal!"

Fuutarou:"So why are you here?"

Itsuki:"Your schedule is rough, isn't it? So I've taken it upon myself to help out."

Fuutarou:"...You know what, fine. Should be a good review for you too."

Ichika:"Will you be helping tomorrow as well?"

Itsuki:"Ah, no...I still have cram school."

Fuutarou:"Having another tutor, huh? Is that how much of a failure I am?"

Itsuki:"T-That's not it!"

Fuutarou:"...Is that teacher still there?"

Itsuki:"Shimoda-san? Probably...But even if she is, I can't just not go."

Fuutarou:"Will you be alright by yourself?"

Itsuki:"Yes. I've made my intentions very clear."

Fuutarou smiled.

Fuutarou:"Then I'll trust you. Come on, while you're here, I can teach you as well."

Itsuki:"Of course."

The three then began their lessons. A few hours would pass with them slowly understanding the concepts more and more. Once they finished the lesson, they all fell back in exhaust.

Fuutarou:"Good luck, Itsuki. This crap is what you'll be doing for years."

Itsuki:"Y-Yes."

Ichika:"Speaking of, what about you, Fuutarou-kun? I got Miku to tell me that you had something planned, but she didn't elaborate."

Fuutarou:"It's nothing that grand, you'll probably be disappointed more than anything."

Itsuki:"Eh?"

Ichika:"Just tell us!"

Fuutarou:"It's...Actually, I'll tell you once you pass your exams!"

Ichika:"You damn tease!"

Fuutarou:"Not so great being on the other side, is it!?"

Ichika:'Honestly…Oh, I got a text."

Fuutarou:"No meeting with your friends until you finish your homework."

Ichika:"Yes, sensei. I'll have to see Yae-chan tomorrow."

Itsuki:"In any case, we'll keep doing this on Sunday?"

Fuutarou:"Nah, you girls take the day off."

Ichika:"A date!?"

Fuutarou:"No!...It's just, even though we don't have a ton of time left, I shouldn't overwork you."

Itsuki:"I see. Yes, overworking oneself can have negative effects in the long run."

Ichika:"Okay...So anyway, a date!?"

Fuutarou:"Why you-I don't know how to ask someone out! There, is that the answer you wanted!?"

Ichika:"Yes! Thank you very much!"

Fuutarou:"Huh!?"

Ichika:"That just means we have to help you out with asking her out. Right, Itsuki?"

Itsuki:"Why are you including me?"

Fuutarou:"Tch...I tried to look at how to do something similar in a magazine, before it met a watery fate."

Ichika:"Dirty magazines aren't usually a great source."

Fuutarou:"It wasn't that! Just a guide for high schoolers…"

Fuutarou looked up to see a massive smile and blush combo on Ichika's face.

Ichika:"Oh, you are just adorable!"

Fuutarou:"...Whatever, I just have to follow what's natural. I shouldn't try to push it."

Itsuki:"What's natural…"

Fuutarou looked at the clock.

Fuutarou:"Ah, Nino will yell at me if I'm late. I'll see you two later. Good work."

With that, Fuutarou left the two remaining sisters alone. Ichika saw as Itsuki was putting away her materials. With time, Itsuki noticed the stare burning a hole in her.

Itsuki:"Um, Ichika?"

Ichika:"Oh, sorry. Was just looking at my cute sister."

Itsuki:"...You don't have to force yourself."

Ichika:"Hm?"

Itsuki:"You've been teasing more than usual, Uesugi-kun won't judge you if that's what you're worried about. Just do what's natural, okay?"

Ichika:"...I know that, but I can't help feeling a little guilty."

Itsuki went closer and hugged Ichika.

Ichika:"Huh?"

Itsuki:"Let your little sister confort you once in a while."

Ichika:"Right…"

Ichika returned the gesture.

Ichika:"I'm sorry...for forcing my secret on you back then."

Itsuki:"I know. I'm sorry for not stopping you."

Outside the library was Fuutarou, looking in.

Fuutarou:[Good for them...But how am I supposed to walk in and say I forgot my ID?]

Ichika:" Is this Fuutarou-kun's…?"

Fuutarou:"Ah, dammit."

End of Chapter 126