Hey, I know this took a while. Hope you enjoy it.
P.S I do not own QQ or any of the characters.
Chapter 5
Crap, I have less than 15 minutes to find her. Ugh I'm so tired too. Fuutaro thought to himself while searching for Ichika. At this point Fuutaro was sprinting around the festival looking for the last quint. Each stride wearing him out more. After running for what felt like forever, Fuutaro had some luck. By herself in the middle of the street was Ichika Nakano.
"ICHIKA-CHAN! ICHIKA-CHAN!" Fuutaro yelled, getting her attention.
Hearing her name, Ichika looked back. She panicked once she saw Fuutaro. It was the one person she didn't want to see right now. Once she saw Fuutaro walking towards her she immediately ran away.
"What the." Fuutaro said to himself while chasing after Ichika. The chase went for about a minute. Fuutaro was able to get close to her and even grabbed her hand so she wouldn't escape.
"No. Fuutaro-kun please let go." Ichika immediately asked him.
"Why are you running? What about the fireworks show with your sister?" Fuutaro told Ichika.
"I'm not going to see the fireworks." Ichika answered him.
"What, why?" He asked her.
"Fuutaro-kun please just leave." Ichika asked him
"Not without you. I told Nino I would find you." He told her.
"And you did now Fuutaro-kun please just lea-"There you are Ichika-chan, hurry we can still make the audition." A man interrupted Ichika.
Fuutaro looked at where the voice came from. He saw a middle aged man approaching them.
"Umm did you just say, audition? Are you a model or something, Ichika-chan?" Fuutaro asked her.
The unknown man answered for her. "Please don't compare a simple model to the future #1 actress." The man said in a confident tone.
Fuutaro faced Ichika and was surprised at what he saw. Her whole face was a deep red, with smoke coming off her head.
"Um, could you give us a minute sir?" He told the man.
"Alright but please make it quick. Ichika once I bring the car around we're leaving. Also the name is Agent ." Agent said as he left to go get his car.
"..."
"..."
"So an actress, huh." Fuutaro asked her.
"Before you say anything. It's been my dream since I was a little girl to become an actress." Ichika answered him.
"Could this dream not wait till after high school?" Fuutaro asked Ichika.
"Fuutaro-kun many actresses and actors start from an early age. Some even drop school." She told him.
"And there's my problem. Ichika-chan, I know you do have what it takes to become an actress. The only thing you lack is experience. Ichika-chan, would you please wait till after highschool to start this career?" He asked her
"Sorry Fuutaro-kun, nothing you say will change my mind." Ichika answered him
"And is it worth ditching you sisters tonight?" He asked her another question.
"Yes." Ichika immediately answered him.
Fuutaro was quite surprised at how quickly she answered him. "Alright let me see it. Your acting. You said you were headed to an audition. Well, let me see what role you're trying to get." He asked her
Ichika immediately began blushing. "Oh there's no need for that. Trust me Fuutaro-kun." Ichika answered him.
"Getting embarrassed in front of your childhood friend. How are you going to be able to act in front of a camera with millions of people watching." He told her
Ichika thought for a moment. He is right. I do need to act no matter who is watching. Dammit Fuutaro-kun, why did you have to be so smart. "Alright Fuutaro-kun. You win. The role is a student who is appreciative of her teacher who helped her." Ichika answered
"Please don't tell me you only joined my lessons to help your roll?" Fuutaro asked.
"No no. It's not like that. I actually joined your sessions for another reason." She answered while blushing. Ichika handed Fuutaro a few index cards of what he would be saying.
"All you need to do is read what is written okay Fuutaro-kun." Ichika told him
Fuutaro was able to read his part. The problem was Ichika. Everytime she was about to speak nothing came out.
"Give me a second. This is my first time in front of someone and not a mirror." Ichika explained to Fuutaro.
"I'm g glad you were my t tea teache. Ugh maybe I can't after all!" Ichika again failed to speak her line.
"Easy Ichika-chan, it's just you and me. No one else." He told her.
You idiot Fuutaro-kun! That's the problem. I can't do this in front of you. Ichika thought to herself. She took a few deep breath and once again failed at her part. "UGH maybe I can't do this after all. I guess I don't have what it takes to be an actress. Sorry Fuutaro-kun." Ichika said with disappointment in her voice.
Fuutaro, seeing enough, goes right up to Ichika's face.
SLAP.
Fuutaro proceeds to playfully slap Ichika's face with both of his hands. He also started to lean in closer to Ichika's face.
Ichika, who was already flustered, almost lost composure when he did that. What's he gonna do? OMG is he gonna. Right now. Why right now, Fuutaro. Ahh. Ichika thought to herself waiting for Fuutaro to finish.
"Ichika-chan, you need to RELAX. You're not acting like your usual self. Right now you're acting like a nervous wreck. The Ichika I'm used to seeing is a confident, gorgeous, woman who takes pride in being the oldest quint." He finished.
Ichika stayed quiet. For the first time she was speechless. She did not know Fuutaro thought that way about her.
"Ichika-chan, don't let this little setback stop you from your dream. I understand acting in front of a crowd can be hard but, I have no doubt in my mind you can do this." He told her.
When Ichika heard Fuutaro say those words, she remembered something she didn't.
Flashback
A red headed woman was seen reading a magazine by herself relaxing on a sofa. She was shortly interrupted by a little girl with long red hair who jumped on her lap.
"Ichika, I told you not to do that anymore." The grown woman told the little girl.
"But mom, I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up." Ichika happily told her mom.
"Oh really, and what does my oldest want to be when she grows up." She told Ichika as she put away her magazine.
"I'm gonna become an actor." Ichika answered
"Ooh an actress huh. Well I have no doubt in my mind you can become the most famous actress alive." She told Ichika, making her smile.
"Just wait mom, as soon as I'm an adult, I'll start my acting." Ichika happily told her mom.
However when her mom heard this, her expression changed a little. She also immediately started hugging Ichika, surprising the little girl. "Ichika, don't wait till you're an adult to start your dreams. If you see an opportunity, take it. Even if everyone is telling you not to. I want to hear all the wonderful stories and movies you made when we see each other again." She told Ichika
"Are you going somewhere mom?" Ichika asked, confused.
"No. I'm not going anywhere." She told Ichika, as she continued to hug her daughter.
"Hey no fair, I also want to hug mommy." Another identical little girl with red hair came out of nowhere and hugged the woman.
"And mommy also wants to hug you Nino." The mother said as hugged both girls.
"What about me?" Don't leave me out." I also want a hug mom." 3 more identical looking girls came and hugged them.
"We love you mom." All five girls said in the group hug.
"And mom loves each and every single one of you. And that will never change." She said as a few tears escaped her eyes.
Flashback End
"Ichika-chan. Ichika-chan. ICHIKA-CHAN!" Fuutaro yelled, getting her back to reality.
Immediately Ichika hugged Fuutaro, surprising the boy. " Um Ichika-chan, what are you doing?" He asked her.
"You said I need to relax. This is helping." She told Fuutaro.
However she wasn't hugging to relax. She was hugging him because she was crying. She didn't want Fuutaro to see the tears in her eyes. She also couldn't believe she forgot such a precious memory.
The next thing Ichika knew was feeling Fuutaro's arms hug her. She never expected him to hug back. She also never expected to feel so safe in his arms. She was enjoying their hug as long as she could. Not only was she calming down, she also had new motivation. Finally being able to look up at Fuutaro she spoke. "Was that your first time hugging a girl Fuutaro-kun?" Asked Ichika with a new bright smile.
"No it was not. Also I'm glad to see you back to your regular self Ichika-chan." Fuutaro answered.
"OH, what other females have you hugged?" Asked Ichika who started thinking.
"I'll give you a hint. She looks just like you. Also how about now you try acting?" He asked her.
Hmm he hugged one of my sisters but which one. Hmm. It could have been Yotsuba, she is my rival. But lately Miku has taken an interest in Fuutaro. And I can't forget the date with Itsuki he had. Hmm who was it? Ichika thought before speaking. "Alright give me a second." She said as she was getting into character.
"Congratulations on graduation." Fuutaro said.
"Fuutaro sensei, thanks for everything. I'm glad you were my teacher. I'm glad I was your student." Ichika said with all her emotions and a happy smile.
Fuutaro couldn't explain it but when he saw Ichika smile it was as if he was seeing her smile for the first time. He was struck with how beautiful she can be. He was speechless.
Ichika noticed this and smiled." Did I make your heart skip a beat, Sensei?" She asked him.
"Maybe a little." He said with a very slight blush.
This answer shocked Ichika. She didn't expect him to answer. Even if it was only a little. I did manage to do it. Ichika happily thought to herself.
"ICHIKA, we have to go. Come on." As agent, yelled from his car as he pulled up next to them.
"I have to go Fuutaro-kun. Wish me luck." She said,
"You got this." Was all he said to her.
Ichika then closed the door of the car and left for the audition.
Attention people The fireworks will only be on for 5 more minutes. 5 more minutes and the fireworks are over. Thank you for coming out for this year's festival.
"Great, now I need to tell Nino I couldn't find her. I just hope she isn't too mad." Fuutaro said as he began making his way back to the building. On his way there he noticed a stall selling fireworks. What got his attention though was the 70% off all items. He then came up with an idea and began buying fireworks.
"Wow, the fireworks were really pretty. Thank you all for inviting me." Rahia said as the show came to an end.
"It was fun. We'll invite you next year too." Yotsuba told her.
"Really, thank you so much. By then which one of you will be dating me brother?" Rahia asked all 4 quints present and Immediately all 4 quints began blushing; Rahia also noticed this. "All 4 of your blushing. Do all of you have a crush on my brother?" She asked them with a smile.
"NOOOOOO." Miku, Yotsuba, and Itsuki yelled from embarrassment while their entire faces were red.
"What about you Nino?" Rahia asked.
Hmm, do I have a crush on him? I really am grateful for what he did. But it's not the L word, right. And I can't forget what he said. I judged him without knowing anything. I won't do it again. Nino thought before speaking." Let's just say I want to know more about your brother." She answered.
"Eh, but Nino, I thought you disliked Fuutaro?" Yotsuba asked Nino, a little concerned.
"People change." She replied with a smile, and a light blush due to her thinking about Fuutaro and him saving her.
"Enough talking about crushes. We need to find Ichika and Uesugi-san." Itsuki said wanting to change the conversation.
All 5 girls made their way down the building. They thanked the owner for letting them use their roof and were on their way. On the now empty streets they began their search.
"Who should we look for first?" Miku said.
"Who are you looking for?" Ichika herself asked behind the group of sisters.
"Ichika where were you?" Almost immediately Nino asked her.
"I was busy." She replied.
"Oh really. And what's more important than us." Nino again questioned her sister.
"I'll explain everything at the house, I promise." She told them.
"You better." Nino replied.
"Now we just need to find my brother." Rahia said out loud.
The group looked around but couldn't find him. At this point Rahia started to get nervous. Everything was quiet until BANG followed by a POP. A firework went off near them. And then another and another. 5 fireworks were fired. Followed by a soft high pitch whistle.
"It's onii-chan. He's calling for us." Rahia said and started running to where the fireworks went off.
All 5 quints immediately followed.
"Are you sure it's him?" Yotsuba asked Rahia.
"Of course it's him. He set off 5 fireworks, one for each of you and then whistled for me." Rahia answered.
When they finally reached the small park where the fireworks went off, they saw a man getting ready to shoot another 5 fireworks into the sky.
"Onii-chan!" Rahia yelled, making Fuutaro turn around.
"You guys got my message thank God." Fuutaro said as he saw all 6 girls. "I also bought some fireworks, if you girls want to set them off. And sorry Nino, I couldn't find Ichika." He told them
"Since you brought some fireworks, I'll forgive you this time." Nino told him.
"Thanks. Now I brought some Fountains, some sparkles, some roman candles, and the launching ones." He told the girls all the types of fireworks he brought.
Each girl grabbed some and fired some. They all had fun trying out different fireworks. There was even a Roman candle war at one point. All the girls were having fun until they realized there was only one firework left. Rahia, who had a pack of sparkling sticks, decided to stay out.
"What should we do? There's only one left." Ichika told her sisters.
"I want it." Miku was the first one to speak up.
"Me too." Yotsuba spoke.
"Me three." Itsuki spoke up.
"Same." Nino said.
"For the first time in our lives we ALL want the same thing. Wow." Ichika said, amazed. "I'll make it easier." Ichika said as she got up and left her bickering sisters. As she noticed all her sisters continue to argue she also noticed Fuutaro all by himself at a bench. She couldn't help herself and went to him.
"I never thanked you for covering for me." She told him as she sat down next to him.
No response.
"Either way thank you Fuutaro-kun. Oh and guess what, I got that part." She told him hoping he would praise her.
No response.
"Eh, I was hoping for a better response Fuutaro-kun." She said a little annoyed. The very next second Fuutaro put his head on her shoulder causing her to blush. Ichika began to panic. She tried to move but in doing so she made Fuutaro's head move from her shoulder to her lap.
"Um Fuutaro-kun what's going on." She said as he didn't say anything or move from her lap pillow. The next sound she heard was Fuutaro's soft snores. She looked directly at his face to see him sleeping.
Hahaha. She couldn't help but laugh.
"My sisters told me what you did.(minus Ninos abduction) You were running all over the place, looking for us. Thank you. Take a nice long rest, you deserve it." She whispered into his ear as she continued to watch him sleep.
When Fuutaro got up from his bed to get ready for school, he was a little grouchy. He couldn't explain it but after the festival his pillows haven't been feeling the same. Either way he got up and made his way to school. His walk was normal until he noticed Ichika in front of a coffee shop on his way to school.
"Good morning Ichika-chan. How did the audition go.?" He asked her.
"Good Morning Fuutaro-kun. It went great. I got the part. Thank you again for helping me get ready." She answered.
"No problem. Can't wait to see your movie on the big screens. Also, have you told your sisters?" Fuutaro asked.
"Well it's only a small part in a not so popular movie. And about my sisters, they're happy for me. Miku even asked for my autograph." She answered him.
"Glad to hear it, see you at school." Fuutaro said as he began walking towards school alone.
"Eh." Ichika said as she watched Fuutaro leave her behind. " Wait Fuutaro-kun, I'll join you." She said as she caught up to him and the two made their way to school talking the whole way.
RING RING RING
The bell went off meaning lunch had started. Fuutaro and Itsuki made their way to the cafeteria. They were at the entrance when they noticed Nino at the doors with a purple bento.
"There you are. Here!" A blushing Nino told Fuutaro while offering the bento.
"Um. It's not poisoned is it? He asked Nino honestly.
"What! Of course not. This is a thank you for, well you know." Nino told him, still blushing.
"Oh well if that's the case I'll accept it." He answered and took the bento from her and almost immediately she darted into the cafeteria.
Itsuki got her school lunch and then along with Fuutaro, they joined the rest of the quints. Almost instantly did the other 3 quints noticed Fuutaro with a bento.
"Fuutaro-kun, where did you get that bento?" A concerned Ichika asked.
"I made it for him." Nino answered Ichika. " And before you ask why, it's a thank you for the festival." She told everyone.
Fuutaro was curious as to why Nino didn't mention everything that happened. Nino on the other hand wanted to leave that part out. First Ichika would become too overprotective if she told her. And more importantly she wanted to have a secret with Fuutaro over her sisters.
"WOW!" Fuutaro said as he opened the box. "Nino, this looks delicious and there's so much. Thank you." He told Nino, making her blush slightly.
"Thank me after you taste it, Fuutaro." Nino said, causing her 4 sisters to bat an eye.
"Umm Nino you just said his name. Why?" Miku asked her.
"Huh, cause it's his name duh." She answered her.
"Nino, did something happen at the festival?" Yotsuba asked her.
"Nothing really happened." She said smiling, thinking back to him carrying her bridal style.
All 4 sisters could tell she wasn't telling the whole truth. But 3 out 4 wanted to know if she developed feelings for him.
"SO GOOD! Nino, this food is amazing. I never knew you were a master chef. Thank you again for the meal." Fuutaro expressed his gratitude as he attacked the bento.
Hearing this made Nino blush a deep red. "I knew you'd like it. I put the best seasoning we had." Nino said proudly.
As the table began eating. Fuutaro noticed Itsuki staring at his bento. " Um Itsuki, is something wrong?" He asked her.
"Huh. Oh nothings wrong." She said and immediately stopped looking at his food feeling embarrassed.
Ichika who saw this whispered to Fuutaro on the side. "Fuutaro-kun, Ituskis favorite food in the world is Nino's friend shrimp. I'm guessing she saw you had some." She told him.
With this new information Fuutaro wanted to share with her. He already knows Itsuki loves food. He then notices that on her plate she has the school fried shrimp. He then came up with an idea. "Hey Itsuki wanna trade one shrimp. I want to compare them?" He asked her.
Immediately her eyes grew big. "YES. Here you go." She quickly put one of her shrimps in his bento.
Fuutaro was in the process of exchanging, when Itsuki, who couldn't wait, just bit the shrimp while Fuutaro was still holding it with his chopsticks. This indirect kiss surprised everyone. It appeared that everyone except Ituski knew what she did.
"DELICIOUS. Thank you Uesugi-san." Ituski told him with a big smile.
The table was quiet. Fuutaro didn't think too much about it and continued to use the same chopsticks.
"Hey Fuutaro, I made that bento for you, not Itsuki." Nino said in a rather pissed off tone.
The new change of voice surprised Fuutaro. "Sorry." Was all he could say.
Eventually Ituski noticed all her sisters staring at her. Confused as to why she spoke up. "Um, did I do something?" She asked them.
Miku, who sat right next to her, told her what she did. Instantly Itsuki's face became the same color as her hair. She then looked at Fuutaro to notice him still using the same chopsticks. At this point Itsuki was about to pass out.
Ring
The warning bell for lunch is almost over, went off.
"Lunch is over. Gotta go." Ituski said as she got up and sprinted out of the cafeteria.
"What's she talking about? We still have 5 minutes." Miku said out loud.
"I think someone finally realized what they did." Ichika said to the table.
Ring Ring Ring
With school now over Itsuki and Fuutaro made their way to the rendezvous point for the girls. All 4 girls show up around the same time.
"Great, we're all here." Fuutaro said out loud.
"Sorry Fuutaro-kun but your big sister can't make today's session. She has work at 3. And before I leave let's exchange numbers. I realized I have no way to talk to you outside of school." Ichika told him.
"That's fine." Fuutaro answered while taking out his phone and handed it to Ichika.
"Um Fuutaro, I also can't make it today. There are tryouts for the basketball team today. And could I also have your number?" Yotsuba asked him.
"Sure. Here." He handed her his phone.
"Good luck to both of you." He told them as he and the other 3 quints made their way to the Pentagon.
