Ep 4: A day off
*We're back in Fuutarou's home folks. And he's… exhilarated about that? That's… uh… something?*
Fuutarou (Thoughts): I've got a whole day to myself! That means I can forget the brats and study to my heart's content!
"Excuse me? You- Did you call all five of us brats?!" Itsuki exclaims.
"In my thoughts you kind of all were back then…" Fuutarou admits, causing her to slap his face with her pillow. "Seriously what with you girls launching pillows at my face like it's some kind of a big deal? Relax!"
"Even more seriously, one of these days I may as well come over to your house to drag you away from your stupid desk so we do something fun together!" Ichika growls. "Like I said before us teens have to enjoy our youth as much as we can! Don't you have anything else to do besides revising everything over and over again?"
"Makes you wonder what else he does for fun…" Itsuki mutters.
Fuutarou: Wait a second! I should teach them this formula here! They can all solve this problem! Even Yotsuba. Oh! One for Miku- *Contemplates what he's doing* Uh? WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING? GAH! WHY DO I CARE ABOUT THAT STUFF?!
"Aww how sweet of you! You were still trying to think of stuff to better aid us? That's so thoughtful!" Ichika coos.
"I mean, what else can I do with my family besides studying my heart out and thinking of how to help you girls?" Fuutarou rhetorically asks.
"Play with Raiha-chan?" Yotsuba suggests. "Look at her! She must be so bored reading that book whilst you were messing up your own school notes!"
"Nah she's used to it. Besides we don't have anything to entertain ourselves back home anyways." Yotsuba meanwhile found it hard to believe that.
*The doorbell rings, prompting Fuutarou to open the door*
Fuutarou: Must be a loan shark. Sorry we can't pay it right… now…?
*Fuutarou slams the door shut on Itsuki, causing her to pout and bang on the door*
Pout-tsuki: Don't shut the door on me! Open up!
A dejected Fuutarou: Hello?
Itsuki: I'll be quick. I just have something for you.
"Why did you shut the door on Itsuki-chan?" Ichika asks with an annoyed look on her face.
"To be honest I wasn't expecting her to show up and I lost my own words. I only shut the door to regain my composure." Fuutarou replies.
Itsuki: My father left your pay so I came to drop it off. *Fuutarou and Raiha stare at the money like they've just won the lottery, all the while crumpling the notes*
Raiha: Stop shaking you're crumpling Yukichi's face!
"Oh Raiha-chan!" Ichika giggles.
Itsuki: You get five thousand yen a day from each of us. For two days that's fifty thousand yen.
*Raiha goes over to her mother's picture and clasps her hands*
Raiha: Look mama he's not useless after all!
"OH MY- RAIHA-!" Ichika and Yotsuba exclaim as they cover their mouths and try their best to not burst out laughing, knowing that Fuutarou is watching next to them. Fuutarou groans at her sister's funny statement over him, but she does have a point. Sure he was useless like his father back then. In fact if he never met that special girl he wouldn't have changed for the better for sure.
"That aside though, I forgot to mention your mother looked beautiful too. It's been a while since I've seen that photo of her." Itsuki compliments.
"Oh uh… thanks." Fuutarou replies. Knowing that his mother would have loved to hear that too, his expression immediately changes to a grief-stricken one as he sinks in his seat. All three of them immediately took note of that.
"Wait, Uesugi-san…" Yotsuba asks nervously upon seeing that pained look on his face. "Where's umm… where's your mother? How come we didn't see her up to this day?"
Fuutarou's face then slowly turns towards her with a frown before he sinks his head sorrowfully. Just at the mentioning of his mother as well as her untimely death was devastating for him and his family; in fact her death alongside the girl he met at Kyoto were the main reasons why he decided to carry this heavy weight under his shoulders. Thankfully the three quints were able to sympathize with him; They lost their mother too so they know exactly how he feels.
"Oh… uh… you too? I see." Yotsuba realises as she pats him on the shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss, Uesugi-san."
"No wonder why you took up the offer to tutor us." Ichika notes with a gentle tone as she shuffles close to her sister and Fuutarou. "The loss of your mother must have been super hard on all three of you right?" Fuutarou silently nods at Ichika's comment as he struggles to hold in his tears.
"I'm not sure if I told you previously, but we lost our mother too, when we were young." Itsuki says as she strokes his head. "We've gone through the same tragedy as you Uesugi-kun. And we can understand how much you loved her until she passed away. I'm uhh… yeah. We're all sorry."
"Was the sorry bit necessary." Fuutarou sarcastically murmurs as he wipes a tear away. "But in retrospect, uh, I thank you three for… sharing your pain with me. It's tragic that neither of us could control things like this. In fact, I think your mother would be extremely proud of you too, seeing how much effort you five put in to get this far. Really. She would have loved to see that."
"Same goes for yours, Fuutarou-kun." Ichika tearfully replies as she hugs him too. "She'll always be watching you and us from above."
"Anyways, before we drown in our tears, shall we keep moving on?" Yotsuba says as she stops petting Fuutarou and wipes away her own tears. The other three agree to resume.
Fuutarou (Thoughts): At this rate. We'll be debt free in no time! Uh! *Instant realisation*
Itsuki: Well, that's all I came here for… *But Fuutarou rejects the money*
Fuutarou: I can't take this.
Itsuki: Huh?
"WHAT?! WHY?!" Ichika and Yotsuba exclaim in unison.
Fuutarou: It's true that I went there twice with the intent to tutor you girls, but I didn't do anything.
"I'd still take it, Fuutarou-kun. Even if we quintuplets messed up your day, it's better than receiving none at all." Ichika remarks over that.
"I'm with Ichika over the money. And um, sorry for what we did to mess you up… I suppose." Yotsuba adds on.
"It's fine. As long as you five don't pull this off again of course." Fuutarou replies.
Itsuki: Oh I wouldn't say that. You did make a move on my sister.
Raiha: WAIT YOU DID WHAT?!
Fuutarou: I thought we adjudicated that!
"Raiha-chan's reactions are so priceless and adorable!" Yotsuba says as she tries not to laugh again. Ichika and Itsuki meanwhile, couldn't agree more than that.
Itsuki: Either way you haven't done nothing.
Fuutarou: Huh?
Itsuki: Having you at our house, it's beginning to change something within the five of us!
"Well you got that right for sure, Itsuki." Fuutarou notes, causing her to blush a little.
Fuutarou: Five?
Itsuki: NGH?! *Cue a sweat drop too*
"What were you so scared about, Itsuki-chan?" Ichika inquisitively asks.
"What I feared would happen today with you four and Uesugi-kun." Itsuki replies. Fuutarou meanwhile, doesn't understand what Itsuki's talking about.
Itsuki: Uh… No I meant those four. Anyway I'm not going to accept this money back so you might as well keep it and do whatever you please with.
*Fuutarou stares at the money he's been given before he contemplates his own life choices over it. He then stares at Raiha.*
Fuutarou: Hey Raiha. Is there anything you've been wanting?
*The next shows Raiha winning the jackpot over at the arcade. And my, my she's thrilled*
Raiha: AHHHHHH! Hey big brother! Check it out I won the jackpot!
"Wow your sister got lucky there!" Ichika gawks as her jaw drops in amazement.
"You went to the arcade with Raiha-chan you two?! No fair!" Yotsuba furiously pouts at her younger sister and tutor on her left. "I wanted to see her win the mega prize! No wonder why we were wondering where you were that day!"
Fuutarou: Hahaha! Yeah that's cool! Still don't see why you're here though-
Itsuki: Look I didn't have a choice. *Flashback to when Raiha charmed her again*
Raiha: I know! You can take me out to the arcade! *Cue the cute face that says it all* But I want you to come too Itsuki will you?
"I WANNA COME WITH YOU TOO RAIHA-CHAN!" Yotsuba screams with jealousy and joy… which also happens to alert Miku and Nino.
"Geez Yotsuba-chan calm down!" Ichika retorts with her ears plugged.
"You'll get your chance later at some point ok?!" Fuutarou follows up annoyed and ditto like Ichika with his ears.
"What's all the shouting about?" Miku says from the balcony before staring at the TV to see what's going on. "Oh. Raiha-chan? Well that explains it."
"How's thing with Nino? Did you two manage to resolve it in private?" Itsuki asks as she takes her fingers out of her ears from earlier.
"Sort of. Nino's still steaming from what I can tell." She glances back into Nino's room to see her head comically let off steam. "But other than that I managed to talk it out with her, after reminding her that I had to endure something similar two episodes before. She'll get it over with I'm sure."
"Do you want to come down and see Raiha-chan on TV?" Yotsuba asks Miku.
"Well, now that Nino's cooled off a little, sure." Miku replies as she heads down the stairs. "You coming, Nino?" She didn't get a reply, but the second quint still followed her sluggishly, clutching her phone as she sourly makes her way down behind the third. "But please Yotsuba, no more shouting." As the two sit down, the seating order doesn't change, but Nino has the same hostile intent towards Fuutarou like when she had it since the third episode.
"Well uhh… isn't the movie going to start? Hey! Don't keep me up all night for this! Just so you know Fuu-kun… I still hate you for you did a few years back!" Nino impatiently growls at Fuutarou as he presses the resume button.
"Geez be a little more patient will you?" Fuutarou retorts with annoyance.
*Flashbacks to the present*
Fuutarou: You could've said no!
Itsuki: No I couldn't! She's way too cute!
Fuutarou: Yeah I know! *Even Fuutarou admits he couldn't refuse XD*
*The next few scenes show Fuutarou and Itsuki playing with Raiha; First scene shows Fuutarou vs the two girls in air hockey and the former says "Bring it on"… BEFORE GETTING HIS BUTT KICKED LADIES AND GENTS! VOILA! Anyways Second is Fuutarou screaming "IT'S RIGGED" over a claw machine. Yes Fuutarou, claw machines are rigged I'm telling ya! And the third is Fuutarou banging the drums Donkey Kong style folks! But at least he's making Raiha laugh with complete joy and happiness. Cute to watch don't you all think? I think even my heart is being melted by this too!*
"I wished I… no… All four of us… got to play with Raiha too!" Yotsuba pouts as her ears droop. "You three looked like you had the time of your lives there! And I can't believe I missed the moment!" At that point, Fuutarou's phone buzzes. It was from Raiha.
"Yotsuba… look." Fuutarou shows her a text which caused her ribbons to perk back up. "Raiha's asking when could she go back to the arcade again during the summer break. And this time, she wants me to bring all five of you."
"Yes please!" Miku pipes up. "I want to see Raiha-chan too!"
Even Nino cheers up at that thought and gives off a smug grin. "If we ever go there, the first thing I'm gonna do is team up with her and kick your ass in a game of air hockey, Fuu-kun!"
"It's settled then." Fuutarou says as he replies to Raiha's message. "We'll go there next Saturday. Just the seven of us. Alright you five? Just please, don't spoil her that much though."
"Thanks Uesugi-san!" Yotsuba shrieks as she gleefully hugs him. "I'm going to make Raiha happy for sure!"
"Just wait till we win the jackpot together!" Ichika laughs.
"And actually… though this may be embarrassing to watch now," Itsuki says as she points to the TV. "I wouldn't mind something like this next time. If it's the seven of us together."
Itsuki: Raiha-chan's really enjoying herself.
Fuutarou: It's tough for her you know, because of our family's debt situation. I assume, there's a whole list of things she'd like to do. That' why I want to make all of her wishes come true.
"Especially with you sisters." Fuutarou adds on, to which everyone beams.
"We'll make them come true too. We promise!" Miku pumps her fists.
Raiha: Big brother, Itsuki look! *She points to a photo booth* Can the three of us do that before we go home?
"Ooh was that what you're embarrassed of, Itsuki-chan?" Ichika teases. The latter blushes, instantly confirming her sister's answer.
Fuutarou: Uh I don't know that game over there looks way better-! *Itsuki put a hand on his shoulder, albeit she uh… has the same thought too lol*
Itsuki: You said all of her wishes. Come on.
At this point all the quints minus Itsuki began to snicker.
Fuutarou: On second thought… I'll pass.
Raiha: Nice try bro! You ready Itsuki?
Itsuki: Uh yeah?
The quints are trying their best to hold in their laughter at what's about to happen. Itsuki meanwhile covers her face, wishing that her sisters showed up too. Fuutarou blushes as well, but at least it's nice for him to see his sister dazzled and excited.
Raiha: Isn't this awesome? It's just like a family photo!
Fuutarou and Itsuki: Is it?
*And Voila! The picture has been marvellously captured and… oh my god I'm also trying my best to hold in my laughter XD!*
At this point the other quints just couldn't hold it and cackle like maniacs over the ridiculous faces that Fuutarou and Itsuki made. Even Nino's aggressive nature was suppressed over this hilarious moment as she cries tears of laughter.
"You look absolutely ridiculous you two!" Yotsuba shrieks as she nearly dies laughing.
"Family photo my ass…" Itsuki complains as she and Fuutarou turn redder than before.
Fuutarou (embarrassed as hell): What is going on with your expression?
Itsuki (ditto as hell): You look worse!
Raiha: Ahh! I love it! Thanks a lot both of you! I'll cherish this thing forever!
"Aww!" By this point the quints have calmed down and are gushing over this heart-warming moment. Even Itsuki who stops blushing and takes a moment to admire Raiha's cheerful nature.
*Cuts to sunset where the trio are just about to part ways… or so I thought…*
Fuutarou: So much for spending my precious Sunday on studying. Well I still have the evening… You quintuplets had better hit the books tonight too. *Cue Itsuki panic attack*
Itsuki: Wow would you look at the time!
*Fuutarou's now starting looks like his stalker self from episode 3*
Fuutarou: Ok I'm suspicious. I know you had homework don't tell me you haven't done it!
Itsuki: Go away! Stop following me!
"For a second I thought you were going to make a move on Itsuki this time!" Nino gasps as she is reminded of the previous episode.
"I wasn't! Don't get the wrong idea!" Fuutarou groans.
This is when I… no… we all first met Raiha right? But only I was the one interested in interacting with her…Yotsuba thinks as she stares intensely at Raiha pointing to the quints on TV.
Raiha: Hey big brother? I see four Itsukis.
Fuutarou: Eh… HUH?!
Itsuki: HUH?!
"Four Itsu-!" Ichika couldn't finish what she wanted to say as she supresses her laughter again. "Oh my bad. I forgot that she hadn't met us back then so she wouldn't know who's who."
"Your sister sure is funny." Miku smiles.
*Quints in a kimono time!*
Yotsuba: Hey look it's Uesugi-san!
Nino: What's Itsuki doing with that waste of space?!
Ichika: Ooh were you two out on a date? Our bad!
Itsuki: OF COURSE WE'RE NOT!
Miku just had to giggle at Itsuki's reaction, causing the latter to unknowingly give her a dirty look.
*Yotsuba approaches Raiha and kneels down*
Yotsuba: Aww! Hi! You must be Uesugi-san's little sister!
Raiha: Huh?
Yotsuba: You know what? You should come see the fireworks show with us!
Raiha: Wow really?!
And there goes my night too… Fuutarou thinks. Sorry about that me.
Fuutarou: Wait a second. I already made plans to study today. And you guys have homework! *Cue all five quintuplets having a panic attack in unison*
Raiha: Pretty please? *Cue her face again* Can we?
"She's so hard to say no to!" Everyone minus Fuutarou lightly squeal at her charming face again.
Fuutarou: *Well thanks a lot Raiha you freaking derailed me stare* Well of course we can!
*Cuts to the apartment where the quints frantically finish their homework and Fuutarou watches them like a hawk*
Fuutarou: But only… after… ALL OF YOU… ARE DONE WITH… YOUR WORK!
Nino: NOOOOOO! We'll never finish in time for the fireworks show! Wah!
"Way to ruin the mood again, Fuu-kun. That night was supposed to be a special celebration for all of us!" Nino berates. "Including you, since you had the nerve to tag along!"
"Look I only tagged along back then to make sure my sister was ok. I wasn't interested in the fireworks or anything." Fuutarou says. "In fact, not only all of you had homework I made sure you finish by the night…" he begins raising his voice. "…guess who had to round you girls up to make sure you were all together to see the event?!"
"Yikes calm down Fuutarou! The five of us getting separated wasn't your fault ok?" Miku tries to appease him.
"On the plus side, we all got to hang out with Raiha-chan!" Yotsuba brings up excitedly.
"That doesn't avoid the fact that I had to try and resolve this problem for you girls!" Fuutarou complains.
*Cuts to the night when the annual festival has started*
Nino: We made it! Haha!
Raiha: Great work everybody! Ahahaha!
Yotsuba: When are the fireworks supposed to start?
Miku: They're from seven to eight.
Ichika: I'm gonna check out the stalls!
*And here's poor, dejected, overworked, slumped and uhh… yeah. Fuutarou, really.*
Fuutarou: What are they so enthusiastic about?
"Well now you know." Nino says.
Yotsuba: Ooh! Wanna try and catch a goldfish?
Raiha: Sure! (Alongside Yotsuba: Yay!)
*Meanwhile Fuutarou decides to stay out of this.*
Fuutarou (Thoughts): Well, either way at least they actually did their homework for once in their lives… I must've really wanted to see the fireworks.
Eatsuki: Why the long face? Lighten up you're at a festival!
"Yeah you need to lighten up more, Uesugi-san!" Yotsuba chirps.
"Seriously now that we're so close to the finish line, you should dump that bland attitude of yours and enjoy all the things out in life as Ichika once said. Even if means forgetting about your debt." Nino adds on. And focusing on us five heheh… She concludes in her thoughts.
*Fuutarou glances at Itsuki's new hairstyle, who also happens to be munching on some takoyaki*
Eatsuki: Would you please stop staring at me?
Fuutarou: Oh great. The five of you are hard to tell apart as it is. Don't go changing your hairstyle.
Eatsuki: Ugh I'm Itsuki! And I'll do it the way I want. It's on my head!
"I was too frustrated to say it back then Itsuki but…" Fuutarou begins.
"Yeah, what about that hairstyle?" Itsuki asks.
"You actually… look kinda cute, the way you made your hair like that." Fuutarou says as his ears turns red.
Itsuki stares at Fuutarou for three seconds before she turns beet red at Fuutarou's compliment and hides her face underneath her hands. "T-t-t-hanks I guess U-u-u-Uesugi-kun..?!" She whimpers, not knowing whether to smile, scream or yell at Fuutarou.
Ichika: Come on now. That just won't do. When a girl changes her hair… you should compliment her.
"Like now!" Yotsuba blurted out as Itsuki continued to juggle her emotions.
Ichika: I know. Wanna find out if girls really do wear yukata with no undies?
Fuutarou: That's not the norm anymore. Don't bother.
Ichika: Well there's only one way to be sure! *She pulls off her yukata a little*
Everyone just facepalms at Ichika's teasing, minus herself who gives off a forced laugh and Itsuki.
*Thankfully Itsuki and Miku notice*
Itsuki: Ichika Woah!
Ichika: I'm just messing with you!
"I wasn't planning on going too far guys, relax. I just wanted to see his cute reaction!" Ichika assures.
Thankfully she wasn't serious on doing so… Fuutarou thinks.
Ichika: Admit it: I had you going there! *Her phone then buzzes and she leaves as Nino approaches*
Nino: Hey why are you all standing around wasting time? Ichika, time to go!
Ichika: Uh, sorry! Phone call! Yes? Tonight? Really?
"What was that call about?" Yotsuba asks.
"Work-related calls. I get a lot of those lately as an actress." Ichika lies a little. But she and Fuutarou knew what exactly happened that day… and how it almost entangled them in chaos.
*Meanwhile Fuutarou just stares at the quint with an uninterested expression.*
Nino: And you! It should've only been the five of us. So why are you tagging along?
Fuutarou: Look I just came here for my little sister.
Raiha: Big brother! Look what I got! Yotsuba caught some fish for me!
*Cue Fuutarou's eye twitching as if a fly struck him in the cornea* Don't you think that many fish is overkill?
Yotsuba: Eheheh… well I saw her looking up at me with that adorable and I just couldn't resist!
"I almost forgot we did that!" Yotsuba exclaims as her ribbons pointed up. "Speaking of which… Uesugi-san. What did you do with the fish me and Raiha-chan caught?"
"We were initially going to take care of all of them, but Raiha asked me to place them back in a nearby pond, where they can roam freely." Fuutarou says. "Besides we never had enough money to buy a large aquarium tank anyways."
"Aww…" Yotsuba groans. "Well at least the fish will be happy in that lake, right?"
"I'm sure." Fuutarou replies.
Raiha: And look what else she bought me! *Shows a fireworks box*
Fuutarou: That's the last thing we need!
Raiha: Sorry I couldn't wait for the show.
Fuutarou: Well that was nice of her I guess. Did you say thank you?
*Raiha turns to Yotsuba and hugs her* Thanks a lot Yotsuba! I love you!
"I love you too as well Raiha-chan! Please be my little sister one day!" Yotsuba squeals.
"Hey what about us?!" Nino pouts. "You're acting like we all minus Fuu-kun just ghosted!"
*Yotsuba whimpers and cries comical tears before hugging back* Oh my goodness you're so precious you don't even know! I wish you could be my younger sister too! *She turns to face the other way* Hang on I just realised… All I have to do is get hitched with Uesugi-san one day, then we really would become sisters!
"Ain't gonna happen, Yotsuba!" Nino huffs as her competitive spirit fires up again. "Fuu-kun's mine you got me? Unless you have any hidden tricks up your sleeve, there's no way you'll beat me in this race! No way!"
"Umm… uh…" Yotsuba stutters as she struggles to make a comeback.
"I could say the same for you, Itsuki and Ichika." Miku says as hers is fired up too. "I also made a promise I myself won't lose. Remember that well."
"Bring it on!" Ichika replies fiercely. The two youngest quints meanwhile, didn't have anything to say about this…
Why did I get dragged into this useless mess… Fuutarou groans internally in the meanwhile.
Nino: Do you have any idea how stupid you sound right now? *She aggressively turns to Fuutarou* And don't you get any ideas about Yotsuba mister!
Fuutaoru: I won't! *He bumps into Miku*
"If anything, you should be getting ideas about me!" Ichika smugly grins.
"There's no way he'd still be thinking about you and Yotsuba after what happened back then. It has to me he's getting ideas about!" Nino confidently asserts.
"Please think of me too Fuutarou!" Miku replies determined, causing the three of them to lock their sky blue eyes onto each other.
Why me? And why now? Fuutarou thinks pessimistically. Again the two younger quints have no idea what to say about this…
Fuutarou: Uh… Sorry!
Miku: It's… fine...
*At this point Ichika returns*
Ichika: I'm back! Well? Shall we?
Fuutarou: Hmm? Are you going somewhere?
Miku: Nino rented out the roof of one of the shops for us.
Fuutarou: A whole roof?! Rich people!
"No we're not. Well… we were until we moved back to our old apartment where we first lived when our mother was still alive." Itsuki remarks.
Nino: Hold on we can't go yet! Did we really come to a festival and forgot to buy that one thing?
*Instant realisation from all the quints and Raiha*
Oh wait… Fuutarou annoyingly realises. Not this part…
Miku: She's right we haven't bought it!
Ichika: We almost forgot!
Itsuki: Do they have it at one of the stalls?!
Yotsuba: Oh I can't wait to get it!
Fuutarou: Do I… want to know?
All five: All together! Shavediceningyoyakiyakisobachocolcatebananascandyapples!
Fuutarou as he sweats: Wha…?
Ichika and Miku snickered at how Fuutarou couldn't recognise what all five said in unison.
All five: Let's go buy it all!
Fuutarou: For a set of identical quintuplets, you sure are different.
"And even through the TV I still don't know what you girls even wanted buy… Um… could you all… uh, repeat what the things you wanted to buy please?" Fuutarou asks under his breath. At this point the quints decided to repeat what they said back then but… "One at a time, please!" Fuutarou irrtatingly demands as they all breathed at the same time again.
"Alright fine." Ichika replies. "Back then I was the one who wanted shaved ice."
"I ordered chocolate bananas!" Yotsuba pipes up.
"Mine were the candy apples." Nino recalls.
"Ningyoyaki" Miku says.
"And of course, you already know mine, now that you've seen me eat it: Yakisoba!" Itsuki smiles.
"Well that made it a lot clearer on what you wanted to get. Thanks you all." Fuutarou says satisfied.
*Cuts to a later part of the festival… Fuutarou is with Nino, Yotsuba and Raiha at the front.*
Fuutarou: Stay close. I don't want you getting lost ok? Hold my sleeve.
Raiha: Kay! *She holds his sleeve tightly whilst Nino looks on*
*Meanwhile at the back… Itsuki looks pretty pissed off…*
Pout-tsuki: Ugh that salesman was the worst! Man what a jerk!
*Flashback to when Ichika got more than Itsuki*
Salesman: How about a freebie for the pretty young lady?
*Cuts back to the present*
Pout-tsuki: So why didn't he give me any?! I look just like you!
Miku: Being quints is so complicated…
"So much for changing your hairstyle Itsuki." Miku murmurs which causes the latter to growl even more.
Yotsuba: Hey Raiha!
Raiha: Huh?
Yotsuba: You wanna go try out the ring toss?
Raiha: Yeah let's try it!
Fuutarou: Don't go too far ok?
Itsuki: Found the yakisoba!
Nino: Hey put some spring in your step!
Fuutarou: What's the rush? And why is she so peppy? All of you are actually… What's the big deal about the fireworks?"
*Cuts to the past, where the quints spent time with their mother and then the five of them together when she passed pass away*
Miku: Well it's just… Our mom really loved seeing them. We always watched the fireworks together every year. Even now that she's not here. It's one of the most important memories we have of her. That's why we keep up the tradition. It's special.
"Must be that special for all of you girls to remember huh?" Fuutarou says as all five of them nod.
"You should watch the next fireworks with your family too, Fuutarou-kun." Ichika says. "I'm pretty sure they would love it. Even if your mother isn't here either. At least enjoy it with us."
"Rather, we should all watch the fireworks together again, including both of our families this time." Miku says as then moves to pat Fuutarou's left shoulder. "Though, I did hear a bit of your hardships upstairs before Yotsuba screamed out loud. My condolences."
"Same here. I wished I could've met your mother whilst she was alive, and vice-versa for you." Nino frowns.
"Thanks you two." Fuutarou smiles as he headpats both, causing them to smile.
Fuutarou: I understand that. No wonder she's so fixated on it.
Announcer: Thank you for your patience ladies and gentlemen! The fireworks display is about to begin!
"…and this was when we all literally got separated isn't it?" Fuutarou murmurs.
Nino: Come one hurry… Wait a sec… Hmm? *The crowd eventually separates Nino from Fuutarou and Miku* Where is everyone? *Someone steps on Nino as the crowd sandwiches her constantly* Ow! Who stepped on my foot?! Yotsuba? Ichika? Itsuki? Miku?
*Thankfully Fuutarou grabs her on time*
Fuutarou: Here. Grab on.
Nino blushes as soon as she sees her prince reaching out to rescue her from being pummelled by the crowd, albeit in a shy manner this time, since back then she was so stubborn and acted like she didn't need his help.
Nino: Why should I?
Fuutarou: You won't make it like this. Now which way is it to the spot you rented out?
Nino: Just so you know you aren't invited!
Fuutarou: Yeah you said that before.
"I take it back." Nino mutters. "You are most definitely invited to this from now on, Fuu-kun."
Fuutarou: You all need to watch together. *Nino meanwhile just blushes and grabs onto his sleeve just like what Raiha did earlier*
"Aww it's cute how you were imitating Raiha-chan for that moment there!" Yotsuba giggles, causing Nino to blush even more at that.
"I almost forgot how selfless you are about making sure that the five of us are together, even if it costed you your own time and effort." Itsuki pipes up. "Thank you as always, Uesugi-kun." Fuutarou just grins at that.
Fuutarou: This way?
Nino: Yes uh it's the roof of that building. I'm sure they're already here… *They run up to the stairs only to find no-one on top. As they do, the fireworks display begins*
Nino: Funny story… I just realised… I'm the only one who knows which rooftop we're meeting on…
"And we didn't know where to go, sadly. So we didn't get to go on top." Yotsuba remarks about that day.
"We should've listened to Uesugi-kun and stuck together…" Itsuki groans as she realises her mistake back then.
*The fireworks show keeps going. Nino and Fuutarou watch over the rooftop together in the meanwhile*
Fuutarou: They say Tokugawa Ieyasu was the first to see fireworks in Japan. They first started in China, then spread to Europe, then they made it to Tanagashima…
Nino: This is so boring! Why do I have to share this great moment with you and your stupid fireworks trivia?
Nino gasps at the scenery that she and Fuutarou were staring at. And then thinks about how selfish she was in the past. Now looking back, the thought of seeing the fireworks with him alone just made her blood stir. No way…I was so stupid back then… This would've been a perfect date moment! Me… and Fuu-kun… alone with the fireworks… Gyah! No! I ruined the moment! Again! She thinks as she sourly pouts at her past self for not enjoying this moment with her proposed boyfriend.
"Lucky you, Nino. Can't believe you actually got to enjoy it with Fuutarou-kun back then. You just made Onee-san jealous. At least… until you tried to push him away again in favour of us five…" Ichika grumbles, wishing that she could take her sister's spot alone.
"Same. If only we didn't get lost… No fair!" Miku grumbles as she stares at the two admiring the view.
Good thing I was with Raiha-chan back then… Yotsuba thinks.
Fuutarou: Hey it was your own fault!
Nino: None of them are answering their cell phones either. I can't believe I finished all that homework for nothing! It just isn't fair!
"I mean we still all saw it. Just not from the designated place." Itsuki assures.
"I get it. I get it. Shut up." Nino growls even more as she wishes to retcon this event in her dreams.
*Nino's phone vibrates. Yotsuba is calling her.*
Nino: Hey Yotsuba. Where are you right now? At the clock tower? Right. Understood. Stay there I'll come and get you. *She hangs up and proceed to growl at Fuutarou* Okay… Listen. Your little sister's totally fine. She's playing with Yotsuba.
Fuutarou: Cool-
Nino: Well don't just stand there start dialling!
*Fuutarou umm… you don't… minus your family… have any of the quints…in your call logs…*
Fuutarou: Crap I don't have anybody's phone number!
Nino: How completely useless can you be?!
Everyone including Fuutarou himself facepalms at that stupid moment.
Fuutarou: Huh? *He looks down to find a yellow yukata* Hey! There's Ichika!
How did she not notice you from down there? She was looking up! Yotsuba wonders.
Nino: You're right that's her! *She tries to call her but the signal is down.* Not working. Is this signal bad?
*Flashback to Miku saying It's one of the most important memories that we have of her before cutting back*
Fuutarou: Stay right there. I'll go find everyone. It's better than being stuck here alone with you.
"Hey! I've changed you know! I'm not like my past self anymore!" Nino pouts at the TV causing everyone to roll their eyes. I want to spend time alone with Fuu-kun the next time this happens again! Sorry you all but… I'm not letting you take him from me!
Nino: Hmph. That's for sure. Don't let me down. Make sure they get up here in time ok?
*Fuutarou set off to find the others downstairs. He then runs into Ichika*
Fuutarou: Ichika! Come with me! Nino's waiting for you guys on the rooftop. *He extends his hand to lead Ichika to Nino… but then someone else intercepts* Let's go- Uh?
Oda: Hey punk. Get lost.
Fuutarou: Who the heck is this guy?!
"That's what we wanted to ask!" Nino, Miku, Yotsuba and Itsuki ask Ichika, who just sighs at this.
"It's umm… he's the director of the place where I shoot my movies. His… His name is Oda." Ichika says slowly.
Oda: What's your relationship to Ichika?
Fuutarou: My what?!
Just say that you're her teacher or boyfriend for crying out loud! Nino screams in her head, wishing that she could step in and settle this herself.
Fuutarou: I guess I'm… her… friend? Teacher? Colleague? Not sure… We're uhh… acquaintances! *They vanished*
Nino and Itsuki facepalm at that. Yotsuba just stares in utter confusion. Miku sips another matcha can she picked up before she sat down and regrouped alongside Nino.
"Smooth." Ichika says as she gives off a noticeable grimace. I wished he'd call me his boyfriend or Onee-san though…
Fuutarou: He's gone? WE'RE ACQUAINTANCES!
"Yeah that ain't going to do you good-" Yotsuba begins…
"I already knew that gimme a break!" Fuutarou interrupts.
Fuutarou (thoughts): Is Ichika, in some kind of trouble?
"Well if I didn't show up to that audition yeah I would've been." Ichika replies back.
"You had an audition?" The other quints screamed before their big sis raised a hand to silence them.
*As Fuutarou stares into the distance, Miku shows up*
Miku: Fuutarou!
Fuutarou: Ichi- Oh! Miku! Thank goodness. I'm surprised you could find me.
Miku: Hmm… You did make a scene…
Fuutarou: True… come with me I have to stop Ichika.
Miku: Wait up. *Show her foot bruised from an earlier event* Umm, I got stepped on. You go ahead Fuutarou.
Even Miku too huh? Looks the crowd is too focused on the fireworks to care about this matter… Nino thinks.
Fuutarou: Hop on my back.
Miku: Uh? *She climbs on top of Fuutarou's back, causing her to blush*
Miku blushes over that moment. Being carried by her crush was a nice feeling, even if that moment didn't even las t for a whole minute.
"What were you trying to pull off?" Itsuki suspiciously asks Fuutarou.
"Just wanted to see if Miku could spot Ichika from being lifted." Fuutarou replies nonchalantly.
Fuutarou: Ok… Can you see Ichika from up here?
Miku: Ichika? I don't think so… You can't run though. I'll slow you down…
*Almost instantly, Fuutarou puts down Miku, causing a question mark to appear above her head.*
Miku: Uh?
Fuutarou: This isn't working you're way to heavy.
Miku: Ah?!
Nino and Yotsuba snickered under their hands as they realized that Fuutarou was too weak to carry even her sister.
*Meanwhile Fuutarou did his best to bandage Miku's injury*
Fuutarou: There. Does that feel any better?
Miku pout: Sure I guess?
Fuutarou (Thoughts): Huh? Is she mad at me?!
"For calling me heavy, yeah." Miku assures. The two quints who snickered meanwhile covered their mouths as they suppressed their laughter.
Yotsuba meanwhile: Hey Raiha! Do you want me to go buy you some Takoyaki? Oh and they got yakisoba! And okonomiyaki back there!
*Raiha grabs onto Yotsuba's yukata*
Raiha: Yotsuba. We have to stay put remember?
*Yotsuba's stomach growls as Raiha hands her a candy apple*
Raiha: Here! You can have this to hold you over.
Yotsuba: Eheheh… I owe you one.
"Raiha-chan so brave isn't she?" Miku notes. "Even as she's separated from us she doesn't break under pressure."
"Probably because Yotsuba was with her. If she wasn't I'm pretty sure she would've been scared for her life." Fuutarou assures. "I owe you one too, for sticking with her till the end, Yotsuba."
"No problem! Raiha-chan took care of me too!" Yotsuba cheers.
*Cuts back to Miku and Fuutarou*
Miku: So… Did you say you ran into Ichika?
Fuutarou: Yeah… She definitely knew I was there… But then she took off with some moustache dude… Anybody you know?
*Miku shakes her head, but then flashbacks to the day she saw her getting out of a car that belonged to the edxact same person*
Miku: I think I've seen her getting out of a moustache guy's car before though. *Cuts back to the present*
"Wait what you did? When?" Ichika asks. Miku just shrugs as she barely knows the exact date she saw her.
Fuutarou: Seriously? Ok that sounds really suspect… Well who cares? *His phone shows 19:20/7:20pm* Forty minutes left… What's that girl up to?! At this rate, the fireworks will be done before I round you guys up!
Miku: You're being nice and it doesn't involve studying. I can't believe it!
"We can't believe it too. It just shows how much you changed over the years, Uesugi-kun." Itsuki remarks.
Fuutarou: Don't be rude… I'm fully invested in this now. *Flashbacks to the homework scene* Besides I saw how hard you worked to be here. *Cuts back again* Think you can walk?
Miku: Yeah. *She smiles and reaches out to hold Fuutarou's hand, but then a pair of surveyors approach them.*
Surveyor: Got a minute? We're taking a survey of people who came to see the fireworks display.
"Ugh, way to ruin the moment! We both had it just now!" Miku pouts.
"Isn't that a good thing? I mean-" Nino smirks before being whacked with a pillow by the former. "Hey! Can't you take a light joke for once?!"
"Enough!" Ichika interrupts with a firm tone. "I thought you two already resolved the past matter yourselves!"
Surveyor: What's the relationship between you two?
*Fuutarou has a literal heart attack before flashing back to Oda's words about him and Ichika*
Surveyor: Oops. There's no need to ask that question… You two are obviously a couple, duh! *And now Miku joins Fuutarou in the panic attack state*
Miku instantly blushes after recalling the lady say that she and Fuutarou were considered a couple. "Umm… I-I-I wished t-t-that was…" She stammers.
Miku: Umm, we're actually not in a relationship. ("Yet" Miku says at that nervously)
Surveyor: Really? You sure look like you are! *Zooms in onto the pair holding hands*
"It's not what you think back then! He was trying to help me up!" Miku yells in embarrassment as she and Fuutarou turn redder at that close up. Though uh… I wished it could be like that… to this day…
Ichika and Yotsuba clasps their hands over their mouths over that. Nino and Itsuki meanwhile couldn't figure out whether to do the same or give the pair a piece of their mind.
*Fuutarou and Miku instantly let go over the misunderstanding as they tried to defend themselves*
Fuutarou: Nope. We're not.
*Miku blushes over the thought* It isn't what you think… the two of us are just friends-
Fuutarou: Yeah acquaintances at most… Maybe, schoolmates is more fitting… Hmm… on second thought that doesn't quite cover it…*Miku gasps and appears to be contemplating her own life choices over Fuutarou's words…* She's still like my client? I guess?
"Smooth… again." Ichika grumbles.
"What were you exactly thinking at that time Miku?" Itsuki asks, though the latter declined to answer.
Surveyor: You know what? Never mind. We're so sorry for bothering you… *The two of them leave in peace and as they do…*
Miku: Fuutarou!
Fuutarou: Yeah? *Turns to see Miku pouting*
Miku just hides her face under her hands over that one moment.
Can't believe you two shot down your own opportunity! Nino thinks as she rolls her eyes in disgust.
Fuutarou: Huh? Woah! What'd I do now?
Miku: Everything's fine! *Her pout then turns into a smile* Never mind.
"Ok I'm getting suspicious." Itsuki murmurs over that 180 degrees change in Miku's expression. "What are you so happy about right now?"
"Does it matter right now? I mean this moment was long gone already." Miku hastily replies, thought she does have her own thoughts over this. Nino gives her a brief growl before looking away.
"What?" Miku says.
"Nothing." Nino replies.
Miku: Fuutarou! *She points to the youngest quint* Look!
Fuutarou: Don't move ok? I'll go get her! Itsuki!
*Itsuki turns around in joy but then her mood shifts to a deflated one*
Yotsuba snickered a little as she witness a literal 180 degrees in both Itsuki's mood and the way she turned around.
Itsuki: Oh great. It's just you again…
Fuutarou: At least try to conceal you disappointment please. Miku's resting over there. Let's meet up with her.
Itsuki: Huh? Sure.
Fuutarou (Thoughts): Great now we're just missing Ichika.
Ichika hangs her head low as she braces for the time where she kept Fuutarou and her sisters hanging.
*As the two of them trudged to where Miku was standing, Fuutarou asks a question out of nowhere*
Fuutarou: Can I ask you something? How would you describe out relationship?
Itsuki: That sure is a creepy question to ask me out of the blue.
"Itsuki he was just trying to confirm after-" Yotsuba begins before Ichika raises her hand again.
"They both didn't know back then ok Yotsuba-chan?" Ichika affirms with a gentle voice.
Itsuki: Hmm, I would say that you and I are basically strangers… Yeah we're strangers at best.
Fuutarou: Did you say at best?!
Itsuki: Besides, you shouldn't need to ask… If you think very hard about this, you should already know the answer.
And look at us now where we got ourselves into in turns of relationships… Fuutarou thinks pessimistically again.
Itsuki: Anyway we need to find Ichika. Where could she have gone?
*Ichika then appears from behind*
Ichika: Hey nice job! I knw you'd find a way to track Itsuki down.
"Wait so you were just standing behind me and Uesugi-kun all this while?!" Itsuki exclaims. "What were you-"
Fuutarou: Ichi- *But Ichika silences him with her finger before grabbing onto his arm*
Ichika: This way!
Fuutarou: Uh?
Ichika: The fireworks are great huh?
Fuutarou: What gives? Aren't you going to watch with your sisters?!
*Ichika chuckles a little and leads him into a dark alley* Stop breaking out and follow me!
Fuutarou: Ah… Uh?!
"Alright, what were you planning, Ichika?" Itsuki suspiciously asks as she and Miku gave off hostile glares at their big sis. "First you snuck behind me and Uesugi-kun, now you're taking him somewhere besides the spot where me and Miku stood. Seriously. What's going on inside your Onee-san head right now? Answer us!"
Ichika meanwhile, shivers slightly and braces for the mess that she and Fuutarou got into before the festival ended, all the while ignoring the two sisters' infuriated stares.
*Itsuki notices that Fuutarou was gone in the meanwhile*
Itsuki: Huh?! Ah?! Uesugi-kun?! Argh!
*Ichika then pins Fuutarou against a wall*
Ichika: Do me a favour: Don't tell the others what happened earlier. I'm sorry but… I can't watch the fireworks with you this year.
*It then cuts to the other four quints, who were able watch the scene from different locations as the episode ends*
"And why's that?" Miku presses for an answer from Ichika, who completely stays silent.
"That's it?" Yotsuba asks as Ichika raises her head in relief in the meanwhile. "But it didn't show us how we got together again!"
"Besides what even was that turn of events, Ichika?" Nino growls over that thought.
"Guess that explains why we couldn't make it together in time… Did you really have to schedule something like this during a special occasion?" Miku asks Ichika.
"I mean it technically wasn't really my fault…" Ichika begins to defend herself. As she does so she instantly misses the TV moving straight to the next episode without any of the others pressing the play button on the remote.