Ep 5: Five Fifths
"… and also, you know the phone call I got previously after teasing Fuutarou-kun? That was from Oda. And the audition had to be held around the same time the fireworks, which was something I couldn't control myself."
"Ok Ichika, pipe down! Episode 5 is about to start!" Nino hisses as the next episode begins to play.
"Wait what? Who pressed the button?" Ichika asks suddenly.
"It just automatically played Ichika." Miku says as she still gives off that glare from earlier.
"Besides I'm pretty sure the movie will help you explain this ok?" Fuutarou assures.
"Oh great, just what I needed…" Ichika grumbles in response.
*The episode starts off with the quints watching the fireworks display from their locations; Itsuki first as she attempts to search for Fuutarou, Nino on the balcony, Yotsuba watching with Raiha as they sat down and Miku… she's staring at a window, waiting for Fuutarou.*
Yotsuba: It's pretty, huh?
Raiha: Yeah!
Miku: What's taking him so long?
*Flashbacks to Fuutarou calling her and himself acquaintances… as well as the holding hands bit. And then she looks at her own reflection in the mirror*
Miku: Uh?
Ichika (flashback): When a girl changes her hair… you should compliment her.
*Ichika's words were enough to convince Miku to take off her headphones and tie her hair into a neat bun, topped with a navy blue ribbon holding it in place.*
"Alright what's going on in your mind, Miku?" Fuutarou asks as he attempts to break the silence.
"I wanted to take advantage of what Ichika said earlier. You know, about you complimenting me for changing my hair? That was all I wanted to hear from you." Miku grins.
*Meanwhile… over to Ichika and Fuutarou*
Ichika: I got a work call last minute. Sorry. No fireworks for me… *She lets go of the wall*
"We need more detail than that if it's super important to you…" Itsuki mutters inaudibly.
Ichika: But hey! We're quints! If they miss me, they can just look at each other!
Fuutarou: I don't think that's how it works…
"Neither do we." Nino agrees with Fuutarou. "If even one of us breaks away from the five of us… then… special events like this…" She stares at Yotsuba for a brief moment before turning back to her own thoughts. "…I- uh- I mean we can still enjoy them but… there will always be that missing piece, waiting for us to grasp back. These moments… they just… won't be the same. Without one of us."
"Just like now… when you told us you'll be dropping out of school soon, Ichika." Miku adds on.
"Four fifths always sounds incomplete… even when one of us part, we don't even consider ourselves quarters." Itsuki mutters again but with a louder volume this time.
Ichika: Gotta go. My ride's waiting for me…
Fuutarou: Not yet! I need to know what's up! *Ichika still attempts to leave but nonetheless comes to a standstill*
Ichika: What for?
Fuutarou: Huh?
Ichika: You sure care a lot. What's that about? Do you fuss over us because you're our tutor?
*Almost immediately, Fuutarou receives a moment of realisation*
All the quints minus Yotsuba inquisitively gazed at him over Ichika's question. Yotsuba meanwhile, kind of knew why he fussed over her and her sisters but doesn't have a complete theory yet.
"So answer us, Fuu-kun." Nino grins a little. "You're definitely worried about all of us, even if it means keeping our grades consistently high is that right?" No response.
Fuutarou: Good question…
Ichika: Well?
Fuutarou: Ugh? You've got a point! To be honest with you I don't even know why I've been poking around in your business so much!
Fuutarou meanwhile gets lost in thought as he puts his hand over his mouth at what Ichika said that night. I mean sure, Ichika wasn't wrong here. As a tutor, I made sure that they needed to graduate with a smile on their faces. That was the bare minimum that I set for myself. But… even so, all the time that I sacrificed to assist them… was that really the case? Or is it because… I was trying to pursue… something else… far more important than I can remember…? His mind then flashbacks to that one day when he and the young girl decided to set expectations for themselves before parting ways…
"Fuutarou? You still there?" Miku asks as she caught whiff of him contemplating life choices.
"Hello? Earth to Uesugi-kun?" Itsuki waves her hands in front of him as he maintains his problem-solving expression. "Please don't let that thought overwhelm you. We all get why you're doing what you do so please!"
"That isn't working either Itsuki…" Yotsuba says as she shakes him like a ragdoll in vain.
Ichika: Anyway it was nice talking to you… Oh no! This is bad! Someone from my workplace is here!
Fuutarou: Your work?
Ichika: Yeah I snuck away without telling him anything!
*Shows Oda looking for Ichika before he heads near the alley where Fuutarou and Ichika were standing*
Fuutarou: Wait, he was the one with you before right?
Ichika: Oh crap he's heading over here!
*Ichika pulls Fuutarou back into the alley and hugs him in a desperate attempt to hide from Oda, who just catches a glimpse into the alley.*
"Oh yeah… I forgot we did that…" Ichika grimaces as she turns red at that awkward scene. The other quints stopped trying to bring Fuutarou back as their jaws drop in shock… even though they knew the pair were trying to hide from Oda. As Fuutarou was still lost in thought, he been totally unaware of what might unfold the tense atmosphere began to redevelop.
Oda: Time for a break… *Just sits next to the alley*
Fuutarou (Thoughts): RIGHT THERE REALLY?!
"Ichika…" Yotsuba gasps, wishing that she could've been the one to distract Oda for a few seconds if she wasn't with Raiha-chan.
"Wow. I can't believe Fuu-kun isn't ashamed of this moment for once…" Nino growls as she and Miku develop their hostile intent towards Ichika this time, though it was the latter who activated her aura instead of the former.
"No he's just lost in thought… not sure what's on his mind right now…" Miku replies in her lowest voice yet. I can't believe whilst we're watching the fireworks, Ichika had to pull this off behind our backs, even if it means hiding from the guy who mistook me for her…
Fuutarou: Geez, how long are we supposed to keep this up?!
Ichika: Sorry. Don't move yet… If somebody saw us like this, I wonder if they'd think they were a couple.
Fuutarou: Well probably. It's hard to read the situation any other way!
"It's not what you think! It's not what you think!" Ichika blushes as she attempts to defend herself whilst Nino and Miku prepare to close on her for this. "Please don't tell F-Fuutarou-kun anyone if he ever wakes up! I-I-I was only trying to-"
"Take Fuu-kun from me? You nearly took him from Miku before. Like hell I'll let that happen again…" Nino growls as she raises her fist.
"Nino-chan! Please!" Ichika begs. Unknowingly, as the former raised her fist, she accidentally punches Fuutarou and snaps him out of his trance.
"Ow! Take me from who?!" Fuutarou yelps as he is sent back into reality and glares towards his right. All he could see was Ichika's face turning crimson red from the hugging scene and Nino getting ready to hammer her… at least, until she looks behind in shock. "What's… everyone so mad about?"
"Huh?! Fuu-kun?" Nino exclaims in shock as she relaxes her arm. "Did I hit you by accident?! Oh crap I'm sorry!"
"Fuutarou!" Miku cries out as her aura fades, causing Ichika to relax a little. "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, at least that hit was less painful than Yotsuba's… but anyways what were you three so umm…" He gazes at Ichika again. "…embarrassed about?"
"Ichika was hugging you on TV." Itsuki replies nonchalantly. "Whilst we were separated that night."
"ITSUKI-CHAN?!" Ichika yells out loud in embarrassment.
"Wait what?! She hugged me?" Fuutarou yells as he shifts his gaze over the TV to try and contemplate what the quints were so tense over.
Ichika: Well now I feel a little guilty. I mean we're just friends…
"Yeah like now on tv?" Itsuki bites at her eldest sis as she gives her own dirty look.
"Oh. I see." Fuutarou mutters before he gave a silent chuckle. "You can all relax, girls. She actually didn't mean to be that close. Besides, all she wanted to do was hide from that Oda guy. We're just friends aren't we? No feelings of that kind, right, Onee-san?"
As the quints relaxed but kept their hostile thoughts of their Onee-san to themselves, Ichika still retains her blushed status as she pouts at Fuutarou, who winks at her. "Stop it Fuutarou-kun you're just making it more embarrassing! Don't say it like that you hear me?!"
But deep down, she feels very relieved to hear Fuutarou's defence of her actions… and begins to sob a little as she sank in her seat and continues to watch the movie. I owe you one, teach… Ichika cries in her heart.
Fuutarou: Wait a second… *Fuutarou lets go of Ichika* …Did you say friends?
Ichika: Huh? Yeah I don't know… we can't say we're a couple just because we hugged that's a bit over the top right?
"Of uh, uh, o-o-of course not, Ichika." Fuutarou affirms nervously. "It would take more than that to actually become a proper one… right girls?" Fuutarou stares at all five quints, causing all of them to make their own blushes of their own (Ichika adds on her own muffled squeals at that thought).
"Woah what was this 180 degree turn in his mood?" Yotsuba asks no one in particular.
Fuutarou: Uh, no that's not what I meant! At the end of the day I'm only a tutor! If your father hadn't hired me we probably wouldn't have talked to each other. So it doesn't feel right to call ourselves friends…
*Ichika exe has crashed*
"Uhh, what?" Itsuki questions over that confusing statement. "I don't get it."
"Neither do I…" an equally confused Nino says,. "What do you mean that you can't be friends with us if you decided not to become our tutor?"
"I wasn't thinking straight back then ok? Even as of now I don't even know why I said what I said." Fuutarou confesses over his words."
"Maybe we should pause so you can explain that to us clearly." Yotsuba suggests, but Fuutarou shakes his head.
Ichika: Do you even hear yourself?
Fuutarou: Huh?
Ichika: I seriously did consider us two to be friends. But if you don't feel the same way then I guess it's not so. It hurts though…
And I know exactly why. Miku thinks in her own head. It was obvious in his own words. Friends and acquaintances… they just don't sound the same. Acquaintance sounds a lot more stern… It's almost as if he has no feelings for us… He never felt the same way as he did right now. All he cared about back then was his academics… and his family. And it was why he develop this cold nature.
Fuutarou: No, I was- Uh? Hang on… *Flashbacks to when he called Miku an acquaintance and actually hurt her in a way*What about Miku? Did I… hurt her feelings?
"Get it now, teach?" Ichika grumbles as she relaxes a little. "The words you chose, affected not just Miku, but me… no wait, all of us back then…"
"Acquaintance, wasn't it?" Miku follows up with a grimace. "It sounded… really cold. And heartless too. It's almost as if you don't see us as potential friends back then."
"So much for caring only about only your family debt and your studies…" Yotsuba frowns as she finds it hard to believe that this was the same boy she met in Kyoto. "All of this has caused you to withdraw from a social life. That has warped your perceptions on other people too. You don't even care about one's thoughts just like with Itsuki! Don't you know that?"
Fuutarou then realises what his mistake was back then. The choice of his own words. It felt cold hearing himself call Miku and Ichika that way… "Yeah I admit, I never even cared about anything else until I met you girls. And even then I was starting to get use to being out of my comfort zone. Sorry… you five…"
"No wonder why Miku was so pouty…" Nino mutters.
"I get it now. Or at least I think I do…" Itsuki affirms as she shifts her glasses before going deep into her thoughts. So all this time when you dedicated to yourself studying, you locked away your emotions and friendships, leaving only your family and your studies in your grasp huh? Well, that explains why you were so tense towards me and everyone Uesugi-kun… If I weren't considered a friend back then, would you even still accept me for who I am?
Oda: Hello?
Fuutarou: Uh? *Cue a sweat drop on the pair as they hear Oda calling someone*
Oda: Ah yes! I'm terribly sorry! We've run into a bit of trouble! Won't happen again! Not during filming!
"Wait what?" everyone minus the two on TV exclaimed as they paid closer attention to what's going on. Even Itsuki who was in the middle of her thoughts earlier snapped out of it quickly as soon as she heard that.
Oh yeah. I nearly forgot that as an actress, Ichika had to go through these things. Fuutarou smirks.
Fuutarou: Filming? Where do you work anyway?
Ichika: Well he does work in photography…
Oda: I understand!
"Ok… now we're curious." The four inquisitive quints remark in unison. "What were you hiding from us Ichika? And you as well Fuu-kun (Nino)/Fuutarou (Miku)/Uesugi-san (Yotsuba)/Uesugi-kun (Itsuki)?"
"What are you girls talking about? I wasn't hiding anything." Fuutarou straight up replies.
Ichika meanwhile blushes the thought over one of her early secrets being potentially revealed to her sisters.
*Ichika hugs Fuutarou again to hide.* And I assist him with it.
Fuutarou: You mean like, you're his helper?
Ichika: Yeah. I make the shots better. Or I try to. And it's my favourite thing in the whole world to do.
"Wow really? Is this what you really do when you're filming a show?! And you like it as well?! Tell us more please!" The quints gasps as they are thrilled to hear this exciting news from her: the fact that she enjoys the stuff she's doing right now as a true actress. Meanwhile the actress herself continues to glow red.
I don't get though. Hasn't Ichika's secret had been spilt for quite a while now? Fuutarou thinks in head. Why is still continuing to act like she wants to hide it?
Fuutarou: Do you have time for that stuff though? I mean if the five of you don't get serious about academics there's no way you're gonna get into college.
*Ichika lets go of Fuutarou again.*
Ichika: Tell me Fuutarou-kun. What's the real reason you study?
Fuutarou: The real… reason?
*At this point Fuutarou gets a flashback of the young girl he met five years ago*
"Woah who was that girl?!" Miku exclaims. "Do you know her, Fuutarou?"
"Hmm, that dress and that long red hair! It looks familiar to me…" Nino ponders out loud. "Do you still remember her, Fuu-kun? How long has it been since you met her?"
Meanwhile Ichika and Itsuki quizzically raised their eyes over Fuutarou flashback. The latter and Yotsuba meanwhile had a heart attack when that beautiful flashback plays. And both of them become lost in thought as they suffer from an existential crisis.
No way… Yotsuba thinks in her mind as her ribbons quivered. Could it be… Does he… No… It can't be him… There's no way for sure…
No! Not this early please… Fuutarou thinks in his mind. What if the quints find out about her? How would they react to me meeting that girl? And what if I actually meet her again?! How would she feel if that secret was spilt?!
Little did all of them know, was that the special two, who met five years ago, were sitting right near each other…
Fuutarou: Well, I-
Oda: Ichika!
Fuutarou and Ichika: Huh?
Oda: There you are!
Ichika: Huh?
Oda: What are you doing over here? Quick we have to go! *He drags Miku along with him*
Miku: Umm, I don't know what's happening so could you let go of me please?!
"Ichika?!" Nino growls as she, plus an equally shocked Yotsuba and Itsuki watch Miku being helplessly dragged away by Oda. "How did you let this happen?!"
"Oh uh yeah… My fault here… sorry Miku… for dragging you into this mess." Ichika guilty apologizes as she fidgets uncomfortably. "Onee-san really screwed up there."
"It's fine." Miku replied, though there still a hint of bitterness in her voice. "Thankfully you and Fuutarou saved me."
Ichika: Miku! He must've gotten the two of us mixed up!
*Cuts over to Nino who was… staring at the five of them watching the fireworks when they were young… before she got a call from Itsuki*
Fuutarou jumps in his seat as he sees what Nino was looking at and has another heart attack as he freezes solid in his position. His body angled 180 degrees flat towards the ceiling and his head 90 degrees towards the TV in absolute horror over this tiny detail. No, no, it can't be… the girl I met, Rena I think… she isn't one of them, right?!
Yotsuba meanwhile, fidgeted even more, thinking that her secret will also be spilt to Fuutarou upon seeing his reaction. Uesugi-san… he still knows about me! He remembers me still! Even before us five transferred! But he just doesn't fully know that it was me… yet…
"Wait… that photo that Nino's looking at…" Itsuki whispers to herself. "It looks similar to the girl that Uesugi-kun was dreaming about. Could it be… no… it can't be. That wasn't the girl Uesugi-kun told me about when he was at the hospital was it? She sure does look familiar to me though…"
"Do you know who she was back then Fuu-kun? I'm really curious." Nino passively asks him, though she was a whole lot different in her thoughts. Seriously, she looks so familiar… but at the same time, something feels off. If she really is in love with Fuu-kun after all of these years, I won't hesitate to steal him away from her if that's the case.
"It was uh, an old friend of mine. I didn't really get her name but…" Fuutarou breathes and sighs out loud as he chooses his words carefully. "She uh, was the reason why I started studying for my family."
"Ooh do you know what she was like? Where you were with her? And more importantly… did you have fun with her?" Yotsuba curiously asks so that she doesn't stand out from her sisters in anyway possible.
"Woah really? I guess she must be that special for you to remember huh?" Ichika smirks as she stops blushing for a while, though she definitely knew who it was back then too… She then gazes at the restless quint with the bunny ribbons with a smile before looking back. "Could you tell us more teach? Why was she-"
"Anyways this is getting nowhere right now. Back to the video." Fuutarou interrupts causing Ichika to reel back a little in annoyance, though is it super obvious towards most of the quints right now… that there is something that he is personally hiding from them.
Well, we all tried our best to stall him… Ichika thinks pessimistically as she braces for her own embarrassments to been displayed on TV.
Nino: Huh? Itsuki where are you right now?
Itsuki: I don't know… I think I'm lost. I probably won't get to you before the fireworks are over.
Nino: Oh don't be ridiculous. Don't worry I'll make sure you can see the- uh?! *Signal cuts out again*
Nino (Thoughts): I'm not giving up yet! We are going to see the fireworks display together!
"Well, I tried anyways…" Nino privately grumbles to herself.
Fuutarou: There! I see them! Any luck?
Ichika: I can't get through!
Fuutarou: Nice going! Why did you sneak out of work like that?!
Ichika: Not telling! I mean why should I according to you we're not friends anyway!
*Insert Triggered Meme on Fuutarou's sunken face*
Fuutarou: I know and I said! But- *Switches to his thoughts*Ugh again! Why would I want to know?! It's not like I care with this hair-brain's quintet dose! Not one bit! *Flashbacks to Oda then Miku then Itsuki about his relationship to not only Ichika, but the rest of the quints.*
Oda (Flashback): What's your relationship to Ichika?
Miku (Flashback): Never mind.
Itsuki (Flashback): Besides, you shouldn't need to ask!
Ichika: Hey Fuutarou?
*As she looks back, Fuutarou has a moment of realisation about his own actions and words*
Itsuki (flashback): If you think very hard about this, you should already know the answer.
*Meanwhile ahead, Miku is still getting dragged along…*
Miku: Umm… you've got the wrong girl!
*Fuutarou out of nowhere pulls Miku to his side, like he's her special person… of some sort uwu*
Oda: You're the guy from before! Why are you trying to pull here?
"My words exactly…" Itsuki mutters to herself.
"So persistent as always. What you exactly want from Ichika? What was so important between you two, besides trying to get back to us?" Nino impatiently asks him.
*Ichika shows up from behind*
Oda: Who are you to her anyway?
Fuutarou: Well I'm… (Thoughts): I can't say what we have as friendship… but the word I blurted out that day seems like the most accurate descriptor.
"You're what? What did you just blurt out now?" Itsuki asks suspiciously. That also piqued the curiosity of the other quints minus the two there were present.
Fuutarou: Truth is to Ichika… to all of them…
The quints meanwhile (minus Ichika and Miku) brace for what Fuutarou is about to call their relationship to them.
Fuutarou: I'm their partner! And I want them back!
*Ichika has her first moment of realisation herself*
Nino, Yotsuba and Itsuki stare wide eyed at Fuutarou's boldness as they struggle to speak for a whole minute.
"Woah!" Itsuki gasps as she clasps her hands over mouth and struggled to find her words… and her snack. "That… w-was so… b-bold of you! Uesugi-kun… S-s-s-since when did you-"
"Kintarou-kun… Is that you?!" Nino gulps as she pinches herself after saying that. "I mean… sorry, Fuu-kun…"
"That was a crazy 180 degree turn in Uesugi-san's mood here!" Yotsuba remarks bewildered.
And this right here… is why I love Fuutarou even more! Miku thinks optimistically as she cracks a cute smile again. What a way to redeem himself after earlier!
Meanwhile Fuutarou just stares at himself on TV in a blank state.
Oda: I don't know what that means but mind you own business-
Fuutarou: If you look at this one a little closer you'd see she's not Ichika!
Ichika: Hi there!
Oda: I could never mistake somebody else for her.
"Really?" Miku smirked.
"You just did, mister!" Nino adds with a smug.
"Imagine if all five of us were here! Oh how confused he would be!" Yotsuba chuckled.
Oda: Ichika's a talented young actress and she's very important to me! *Awkward silence*
Ichika meanwhile blushes even more and goes to make a series of muffled noises.
Oda: Wait this doesn't make sense how could there be another Ichika?!
Fuutarou: Did you say actress? *Cue Ichika blushing* So when you said you make the shots look good… Oh! Wow!
Ichika's crimson face darkens and her squeals became as high as a mouse as a result of seeing herself embarrassed.
*Cuts to Yotsuba and Raiha sitting in front of a brick pillar*
Never mind thank goodness… Ichika thinks as she relaxes a little.
"Huh? Why the cut to me and Raiha-chan?" Yotsuba asks.
Raiha: Yotsuba, the fireworks show is almost over…
Yotsuba: It'll be fine.
Raiha: Huh?
Yotsuba: My four sisters and I may have totally different preferences, like when it comes to food and stuff… but no matter what we've always been one at heart. That's why: I know we'll be able to find each other in time!
Raiha: Yeah!
"Aww. I wished we could spend more time together!" Yotsuba coos in a high-pitched tone.
*Cuts back to a blushing Ichika*
Ack! No! I called it too early! Ichika squeals in her thoughts as she blushes and conceals her face again. The other quints immediately took note of her change in mood as that happened.
Fuutarou: No way!
Oda: Ichika…!
Fuutarou: You're an actress?!
Oda: You're a quintuplet?!
Both of them in unison: WHAT?!
"No! Please! Why me now?!" She muffles underneath her hands.
"Huh?" The other quints looked on in confusion upon seeing their big sis' reaction.
"Wait… Ichika? What wrong?" Itsuki asks. "Why are you so embarrassed?"
Oda: Well anyway… you're already running late! Let's go Ichika!
*The two of them prepare to leave but…*
Fuutarou: Not so fast, buddy!
Oda: Ugh, listen kid I'm sorry about the mix up but what else do you want from me? Ichika's got an important audtion and she can't miss it!
Fuutarou: Audition? But you can't! The fireworks-!
Ichika: Tell the girls I'm sorry…
"Sorry? What for?" Itsuki further pushes her big sis. "If that's so then we need better-"
"Itsuki. Enough. Let the movie explain it." Miku says.
Oda: We should hurry.
Fuutarou: Come on!
Miku: Hey Fuutarou, you should go with her.
Fuutarou: What? But I can't just leave you here by yourself!
*Miku's mood turns 180 degrees after what Fuutarou called her earlier and smiles bashfully.*
Miku: Don't worry I feel a lot better now!
"Yeah you were saying?" Itsuki growls at Miku.
"Not that, but still." Miku says as her smile widens a little at Fuutarou's earlier assumption of her. That was what I wanted to hear back then. Partners.
Fuutarou (Thoughts): Mmm… Now what?
*A pair of silhouettes showed up in the nick of time. One with a noticeable bunny ribbon and the other with a large ahoge that hangs above her head.*
Yotsuba: Uh oh! Look's like you're in a pickle!
Raiha: Sure does!
Fuutarou: It's you guys!
"How did you and Raiha-chan find the two anyways?" Nino asks Yotsuba.
"Well, Raiha-chan wanted to walk with me to somewhere quiet. She said she was feeling sleepy." Yotsuba says as she scratches her head. "She also just happened to have a keen eye and spot Uesugi-san and Miku standing around."
*Meanwhile, as the fireworks show began to conclude, Ichika was waiting for her ride near a pickup point.*
Fuutarou: Ichika!
*Ichika turns around much to her surprise, to see an exhausted Fuutarou on top of the steps.*
Ichika: Fuutarou-kun!
Fuutarou: Where'd moustache man go?
Ichika: He's going to pick up the car!
*Fuutarou, still persistent as ever, slowly trots to Ichika with a grimace on his face*
Fuutarou: So you're really planning to take off then?
Ichika: Yeah but first, I'll ask you again: If you're just here to be our part time tutor, why would you bother to go out of your way for us?
Fuutarou: Because we're partners. It's a mutually beneficial relationship.
"Mutually… beneficial… relationship?" Yotsuba cluelessly ponders though saying the third word out loud did give an internal panic attack for a bit. "What do you mean by that Uesugi-san?"
"It mean that…" he takes a gigantic breath before he spits out what he needs to say. "…Both sides of the relationship get something they need. For example, I, as your tutor, am paid to teach you five so that you can all pass. The benefits coming out of this is that all of you girls get better grades whilst I earn money from it so I can cover my debts. Also, I'm making you sisters reunite and strength your bonds between each other at the same time. That's what a mutually beneficial relationship is. It's when both sides earn something positive from a certain cause of some sort. Understood that, Yotsuba?"
"Oh uh… yeah. Sure." Yotsuba barely recovers as she hears Fuutarou calling her. "I get it now. Thanks Uesugi-san." Though what he said was too much for me to stomach…
*Ichika then unlocks her tablet/Ipad and hands it over to Fuutarou.*
Fuutarou: Huh? A script?
Ichika: My boss scouted me about six months ago. *Shows a faint image of the notes that's on the device* Ever since then I've been playing some minor roles here and there. I recently got the news that there was a major part available in this big time movie. Who knows? This film could be my official debut!
"Her official debut? In a major movie?!" The other four quints shriek in excitement. "Tell us more! How did it go?"
Ichika meanwhile became too bashful to speak for herself...
Fuutarou: And you're sure you want to pursue this?
Ichika: Yep! Hey since you're here can you run some lines with me? You just read for the male character.
*Cue Fuutarou's sweat drop.*
Fuutarou: Ugh why me-
Ichika: You said mutually beneficial!
*It was at this point Fuutarou gave up on his sanity*
Fuutarou knew what was coming and decided to pull off a serious, no-nonsense face.
Fuutarou: I'll read it. No acting.
Ichika: Great!
Fuutarou: Here goes. You ready?
*Ichika takes a deep breath before she composes herself like it's the real thing.*
Ichika: Yeah. Let's do this.
Fuutarou still maintains a stern look as he attempts to suppress his emotions… though Ichika knew at first glance he's struggling to control them.
Fuutarou: *AHEM* 'Well, congrats on your graduation!'
Ichika: 'Professor… Thank you for everything you've done… They day you and I first met in the classroom… I have to admit that I…'
*The scene then switches to a fantasy image of Ichika being the student, as Fuutarou meanwhile stares in shock. It feels like almost as if… those delicate lines… seem like… they struck him in the face.*
Ichika: 'I mean… I'm just really happy that I had you for your teacher. And I'm lucky I got to be your student.'
At this line Fuutarou gave up holding his stern look and blushes uncontrollably over Ichika's line. Even if it was just her line in the audition she successfully passed, it felt like, someone finally recognises his abilities, other than his supportive family, in a really long time. The other quints gleefully brighten at this heartwarming act that Ichika pulled off. It almost seems like… Fuutarou was the one who guided her to success... No wait… he did.
"That line you spoke for your audition…" Nino says gently as she struggles to contain her enormous grin. "That was also for Fuu-kun right? I mean that in an indirect way since you know… You dazzle us as always!"
"The way you executed it smoothly as if it was perfectly normal… I can't describe earlier. You deserve to enjoy what you do, Ichika!" Miku supports her big sis with a smile.
"I agree. And I also believe that deep down, even though you didn't mean it back then, Uesugi-kun would have greatly appreciated it deep inside his heart. Right Uesugi-kun?" Itsuki affirms, though Fuutarou just hold his head downs whilst maintaining an upright seating posture. "Come on. Please don't hurt yourself over this ok?"
*Meanwhile Fuutarou is taking Ichika's rehearsal veeeeerrry personally and covers his face with his left hand*
Ichika: Oh wow! I knew my performance was good but I didn't expect you to be that moved!
Fuutarou: It's not bad I just didn't think I'd ever hear you say that you were glad to have me as your teacher…
Ichika: That was it?!
"Even if it was all an act, you really felt it within your heart didn't you?" Yotsuba adds on. "You both made each other… and the five of us, really happy with our lives. And yes. We're all lucky to have Uesugi-san as our teacher if you mean it!"
"Well, truth be told…" Ichika sheepishly says as her attempts to hide her shy expressions failed. "I was only concentrating on my role since I wanted it so badly. But… now that this is over…" She scooches past Yotsuba towards Fuutarou and embraces him tightly, with Nino, Itsuki and Miku watching on with rare, passive moods this time. "…Of course… I will say it again. No matter what circumstances I had to overcome, either by myself or with my sisters… All I can say is…" Her voice is then rid of all of her nervousness from before as she repeats her golden lines. "…I'm very happy that you're my teacher, Fuutarou-kun. And I'm also lucky that… with the five of us… I get to be your student."
Fuutarou, meanwhile, suffers from a system exe crash as he mimics himself on TV.
"Don't hurt yourself please, Fuutarou" Miku notices as she goes to pat him on his left shoulder.
*Oda meanwhile finally arrives to pick Ichika up*
Ichika: Oh. I guess the car is here. Well see ya! I'm getting that role. Hope you guys have fun!
"Yeah! Go for it Ichika! We'll support you with everything we've got!" Yotsuba cheers at the TV, thought everyone chuckles at the fact that they already know that she had a massive success.
*Fuutarou meanwhile… Ugh when will he ever give up?! Seriously… Wait-"
Fuutarou: Hey!
*He puts his hands on Ichika's face before stretching her lightly*
Ichika gives off a blushing grimace over that moment. The other quints minus Yotsuba meanwhile, who turn wide-eyed for no reason…
"Woah! Uesugi-kun?!" Itsuki shrieked.
"You didn't kiss her behind our backs did you?!" Nino screams after that as her and Miku's hostile intents blazed infuriately yet again.
"What are you going on about? Why on earth would I do that?" Fuutarou asks annoyed as he ignores the hostile stares aimed at him.
Ichika: Umm…
Fuutarou: I wish you would dispense with the fake smile…
"Never mind. Thank goodness he didn't…" Miku relaxes as Nino, Yotsuba and Itsuki also return back to normal.
Ichika: What?!
Fuutarou: Why are you always doing that? Back in that alleyway, when you were about to leave. I know you'd put that face on because you were hiding your feelings. It's infuriating!
"So, you weren't exactly… happy?" Yotsuba puzzledly asks when Fuutarou mentions her fake smile.
"I told you there would eventually be someone who could catch your fake expressions at first glance am I right?" Itsuki scoffs as she glares at her eldest sis.
"Did she always do that before I even met you five?" Fuutarou asks the quints. They nod in response.
Fuutarou: I said you were my partner, didn't I? My family's in debt. And I'm tutoring you girls so I can pay it off. Of course you've all been giving me constant trouble…
"Sorry… for our past actions. Especially mine." Ichika speaks up before Fuutarou could do so first.
Fuutarou: In the end, I was given a paycheck despite the fact I hadn't succeeded. If I'm getting paid then I at least want to earn it! It's a matter of principle!
"Aha! So that's why you've been so focused on getting our acts together!" Yotsuba gawks as her ribbons give off an Eureka like reaction.
Fuutarou: Now you! You answer my question! You act cool! So why were you trembling back there? *Cuts back to the alley where Ichika hugged Fuutarou and showed her hand quivering before cutting back to the present*
"Oh wait… crap… no…!" Ichika realises as her secret as to why she wanted to be an actress is finally about to be spilt. The other quints paid closer attention to the TV in the meanwhile, wondering what Ichika was so nervous about all this time since the episode started.
Ichika: When I started this new job as an actress I thought I might finally be able to stand tall as the eldest sister. *Fireworks shoot off in the distance before showing an image of the younger quints* I promised myself I'd keep it a secret from them until I actually made it big. That's why I didn't mention to anybody else that I had this audition. And that's why I bailed on the fireworks. So if I bomb, well, I don't if I can face them.
The four younger quints gasp with over this, despite the fact that it was clear that their big sis decided to hide it from them. But still, they understood the fact that Ichika herself was taking responsibility to succeed first as the eldest. And it was clear she did. Though the four of them wished that they could've known this earlier to prevent past misunderstandings from occurring.
Ichika meanwhile, was preparing to hear the criticism from her younger sisters. She already had her dose of Fuutarou's but her own siblings? "So… uh… yeah… that was why… I was so…" Before she could even finish though, Yotsuba just straight up hugged her, with Nino following too.
"Was that why you were so focused on your role as an Onee-san and an actress so seriously at the same time?" Yotsuba asks, to which Ichika shyly nods. "Well you did it nonetheless! You successfully achieved it in the end!"
"Don't… ever… make fun of yourself… over something like this again… you hear me?!" Nino harshly replies as she wipes away her tears of joy. "I wished we all could have resolved this misunderstanding together for sure. Even if you're the Onee-san you enjoy being today!"
"Well, that's one matter resolved. And yeah." Itsuki warmly agrees. "All we needed was a good reason why you missed out on the festival. If your career as an actress is something you prefer to prioritise then yeah! Go for it! We'll have your backs on this too! We promise!"
"Though my past self wouldn't have like it for sure. All she was worried about was the five of us separating and going our separate ways. Guess something like this though, an early bird occurrence, couldn't be prevented." Nino jokingly adds on as she removes herself from Ichika, though there is a hint of envy of her big sis' success.
"I mean, now that you're the first succeed out of all of us…" Miku adds on. "…I guess we'll have to do our part as well. As for the festival… well, there will always be another time where we can watch the fireworks and keep up mom's wishes again later!"
Ichika: The show's almost over now. Oh! I gotta say! I'm surprised that you noticed such a subtle change in my behaviour and knew something was up. Talk about impressive.
"I agree with you Ichika. That is something even I can't comprehend on doing myself." Itsuki amazingly notes.
"Well, I'm not that great in identifying expressions either. Gotta give kudos to Fuu-kun on that too." Nino agrees.
Fuutarou: Thank you. It's nice to know that you think I'm that perceptive! *Cue a flash in Fuutarou's left eye*
Ichika: So you didn't notice?
Fuutarou: I don't know you well enough to pick up on those miniscule details. It's just… I noticed that your smile wasn't the same as all the others.
*Ichika blushes a little as she smiles a little better*
Ichika: Yeah you got me. So I can't even pretend well enough to fool you? That's kind of upsetting.
"Upsetting alright." Miku smirks since for some reason, she's better at her big sis for impersonating her sisters.
"Miku-chan!" Ichika bites back annoyed.
Fuutarou: Maybe acting's not for you.
Ichika: Woah! Don't be so blunt!
*Fuutarou's mood turns 180 again…*
Fuutarou: Just so you know it would work out better for me if you did blow it! That way there'd be nothing to distract you from studying!
"Oh don't be so rude Uesugi-kun! Of course it suits her well!" Itsuki mutters to the TV.
"And besides, I'm sure she's balancing that alongside her studies right? Or previously? Now that you're dropping out?" Miku adds on.
"I mean just because I'm not in school doesn't mean I do some studying along the way. Besides, the school exams are important too, should I wish to continue on my joyful path. Besides, being an actress doesn't distract me from it that's all." Ichika confidently says.
"Yeah, yeah I think we all get that I'm stupid here…" Fuutarou groans.
Ichika: It's not a distraction! This is the future that I want to chase after!
"See?" Ichika says. "In fact I'm sure you have ones you want to chase after too!"
"You bet! And also…" Nino says as she gives off a teasy stare towards Fuutarou who gulps nervously.
"Actually, just look at how much you've grown since you pursued this! We're so proud of you Ichika!" Yotsuba squeals out loud.
"Right back at all of you, including you Fuutarou-kun!" Ichika winks.
*Fuutarou and Ichika stare at each other before Oda honks twice*
Oda: There you are! Hurry up! Let's go!
Ichika: Uh… yes sir!
Fuutarou: Well, when you apologize to them, I'll be right there with you. We're partners after all.
*Something changes inside Ichika in the meanwhile as she leaves for the audition. Fuutarou meanwhile watches as he stays back to wait for her. He calls Raiha in the meanwhile.*
Fuutarou: Hello? Raiha? Put Yotsuba on the phone please.
"Wait did you actually tell them back then?!" Ichika yelps in horror.
"I didn't. I just told them to gather the others and meet at the bench near the park." Fuutarou says.
*Meanwhile, over at the audition room*
Audition professor: Well, thank you all for coming tonight. I think we've seen everything we need to see. We'll be in touch soon.
*Ichika then shows up and bows*
Ichika: I'm Ichika Nakano! *Pant* Sorry I'm late!
"NO! ICHIKA!" Nino screamed as she sees her running late for the audition. "Fuu-kun?!"
"What?! She made it didn't she?!" Fuutarou retorts.
*Cuts to Nino searching for the others as her phone rings again. It was (presumably) from Yotsuba*
"Eh? Why the cut?" Itsuki asks, though no one had a clear answer to that.
"Suspense, maybe?" Yotsuba blurts out of nowhere.
Nino: Well it took you long enough where are you now?! Huh?! He said what?
*Cuts to Itsuki who receives the same phone call from Yotsuba*
Itsuki: Hello? Yotsuba? What? Are you kidding me?
"Fuutarou-kun?!" Ichika growls at him even more. "I thought I trusted you-" But Fuutarou raises his hand and smiles.
*Cuts back to the audition room*
Audition professor: Ok. Are you ready?
"Oh phew I thought you didn't make it!" Nino relaxes. "Here we go! You can do it Ichika!"
"Yeah! We'll have your back!" Miku adds on before Ichika raises her hand to silence them.
Ichika: Yes thank you so much! *She composes herself*
This is it! The moment of truth! The other four quints think as they glue themselves in their seats and pay extra attention to how Ichika's audition went whilst they were separated.
Audition professor: Well, congrats on your graduation.
*It was at this point that Ichika developed her first, natural smile in a long time*
Ichika: Professor… Thank you for everything. When you and I first met in the classroom… I was worried that I…
Thoughts: I hope I'm smiling right…
The four quints wanted to say she was but were too afraid they would miss out on how Ichika would perform if they did… so they kept silent.
Ichika: …how'd my sister do it if they were here.
Thoughts: Yotsuba-chan would. And Miku-chan. Itsuki-chan. Then Nino-chan.
*Shows an imagination of Ichika standing in front of Fuutarou, ready to praise him as if he was there.*
I'm just really happy that I have you for a teacher. *Her smile becomes the best one she's given yet* And I'm lucky I got to be your student!
All four quints squealed in delight over Ichika's beautiful performance alongside her natural smile complimenting her all the way. Their blue eyes sparkled as they glance over to their big sis, who was blushing, albeit she did her best to pull of another smile like she did on TV.
"OH MY GOD ICHIKA YOU! WERE! AMAZING! CONGRATS ON THE SUCCESS" Yotsuba squealed even more as she embraced her blushing sis. Though…
"Owowow Yotsuba-chan! You're killing me!" Ichika shrieks as some of her bones could be heard cracking.
"Gyah! I'm sorry!" Yotsuba gasps as she abruptly lets go of her.
"That… was… astounding!" Nino says as she herself weeps tears of joy and excitement. "I don't have anything to say other than one word: Congratulations!"
"I knew you could do it! Congrats again for the achievement!" Itsuki applauds.
"Congratulations Ichika. You deserve it!" Miku teases. "But next time, I'll be the one to win. Let that be known ok?"
"Of course, Miku. And to all of you; everyone else who assisted and supported me. Thank you!" Ichika warmly coos as she gives of another natural smile of her own.
*As all of the judges look on in amazement, the scene cuts to last firework going off as the festival ends*
Announcer: And that concludes the 14th annual fall fireworks festival.
*Meanwhile Fuutarou is… asleep, judging by the enormous snot bubble he has out of his nose coupled with his eyes wide open for some creepy reason*
"What the… How can Fuu-kun sleep with his eyes wide open?! That's just creepy as hell!" Nino exclaims.
Ichika: He's really sleeping with his eyes open? Creepy!
"My point exactly!" Nino yells at that.
*Fuutarou's snot bubble then pops as he instantly wakes up*
Fuutarou: UH?! Oh hey! Is the audition over?
Ichika: Yeah. Thank you for coming.
Oda: Well now, I never knew Ichika was capable of all that… *Fuutarou leads off quietly as the two of them sneak off to the park* Guess she must've done something to inspire her.
The four quints snickered silently as they witness the stealth act.
Oda: Truthfully, I think I'm starting to take interest in you too! Mwah- Huh? Ichika? Where'd you go?
The quints then laughed as Fuutarou successfully snuck Ichika away from Oda.
"Bet he didn't see that coming!" Itsuki gleefully chuckles.
*Meanwhile, the two of them walk slowly around the neighbourhood*
Ichika: Where are we going? The festival's closed.
Fuutarou: To the park nearby. They're all waiting for you there.
Ichika: They must be pretty angry… You know, since I blew off the fireworks show…
"No we're not. I mean sure, we were a little bit angry since you left us. But, if it was for something more important than that, we're totally alright with you leaving us for the time being!" Yotsuba affirms.
Fuutarou: Maybe so… But hey. Kinda early to give up, right?
*As Ichika looks on bewildered, she finds her sisters playing with the sparklers that Yotsuba and Raiha bought. Yotsuba was the first quint to notice*
Yotsuba: Oh! You guys did make it! Good to see ya!
Fuutarou: It's not quite as good as the real deal, but you still get to do it together.
"Well at least the sparklers me and Raiha-chan bought were put to good use!" Yotsuba remarks. "And you two came after all! That's even better!"
"Of course." Ichika beams. "That's what matters the most ain't it?"
Yotsuba: Look Uesugi-san we're all good to go! We were just too excited to wait!
Fuutarou: Good thing you brought those sparklers huh? Thank you. Oh and… for babysitting.
Yotsuba: Don't mention it. If anything Raiha-chan was looking after me most of the time!
"She's very mature for her age ain't she? Even though she's still little…" Miku notes, to which Yotsuba nods. "Guess this debt must've been that hard on her alongside Fuutarou."
*Nino then stands up and face to Fuutarou*
Nino: And you! I heard you wandered off and left poor Itsuki to fend for herself! She was practically in tears.
Itsuki: Nino! I told you not to tell him!
Fuutarou: Uh… Sorry…
"Yeah to be honest, I still felt that grudge inside me, even though I now know you had another important matter to take care of…" Itsuki mutters, oblivious of the fact that something happened to Fuutarou…
*As Itsuki stands up, Nino takes the initiative and marches to Fuutarou*
Nino: I've waited all night to give you a piece of my mind! Good! Job! To! Day!
Fuutarou sweating: Don't hurt yourself.
The quints minus Nino herself snickered a little over her bashful expression on TV.
"What? What's so funny?" Nino agitatedly asks.
"Your cute face is telling us that you didn't know if you wanted to hug him or slap him!" Miku chuckles as she deflects an oncoming pillow that Nino hurled at her for the first time.
Ichika: Itsuki-chan…
Itsuki: Hey. Why not come over here and join us? Miku, could you hand me some over from the bucket?
Miku: Uh-huh. Here.
*As Miku hands Ichika a sparkler, the clock shows 9:25pm*
Fuutarou: Thanks.
Itsuki: You seem spaced out!
Nino: Ok we're finally ready to get started!
Ichika: You guys…
*All of them turn towards Ichika who bows*
Ichika: Sorry… It's my fault we messed up our tradition. Please forgive me.
"Apologies accepted, Ichika. And congrats. Again." Miku replies as she winks at her big sis who smiles warmly.
"Just make sure that if you need to go somewhere more important than this, tell us ok?" Itsuki follows up.
Itsuki: There's no reason to beat yourself up!
"And yeah, like I said, don't beat yourself over it even now! Even if it's something you desperately want to hide, none of us in this house… we won't judge you no matter what." Itsuki adds on.
"Thank you, Itsuki-chan." Ichika lovingly replies.
Fuutarou: Look! She really is sorry-
Nino: She should be! (Fuutarou: Nino-) Why didn't she keep us in the no? *She turns towards Ichika* What happened was mostly your fault Ichika. But then, I was the one who didn't tell where the place was so…
Itsuki: And there's me. I'm embarrassed at how bad my sense of direction can be…
Miku: And my foot. That slowed things down quite a bit too.
Yotsuba: I'm not to sure what's going on here… but I'm guessing it was part of it was my fault somehow. I kinda got distracted by the food.
"Well, that cancels everything." Ichika teases. "I guess you all did something similar to what I did too."
"You see, Ichika? You're not alone!" Yotsuba points out. "All of us made one mistake that day. So we each share the guilt together. Same with joy and sorrow! As our mother said!" The other quints nod in agreement.
"However many times we may stumble, we will overcome it together." Miku repeats.
"You girls…" Ichika stares wide eyed before her smile becomes permanent for the rest of the episode.
Ichika: So you're…?
Nino: Here. This is yours. *She hands her big sis a sparkler, who giggles as the others crowd with her*
Itsuki: Do you remember what mom used to tell us?
"Absolutely. Even to this day I sure do!" Ichika says with confidence.
*The scene then flashbacks to the young quints with their mother, before showing their pinkies locked together in a circle to symbolize their bond*
Itsuki: If one of us stumbles, we'll overcome it together. And if one of us finds happiness, then we should all share it. *The quints then use a candle to light up their own sparklers.*
Yotsuba: Through joy,
Miku: Sorrow,
Nino: Anger,
Ichika: And through love…
Itsuki: We're five fifths! And together, we are one!
*The quints play with the fireworks as Fuutarou looks on.*
"Yeah! The five of us! Together as always!" All five exclaim. As the scene unfolds, the quints link their pinkies together and giggle for a bit before going back to their seats.
Fuutarou (Thoughts): Hang on, they're having a good time, and Raiha-chan's fast asleep. That means I can go home now right?! It's late, but I can still squeeze some studying in!
"You never change do you, Uesugi-kun?" Itsuki lightly teases as she giggles before looking up at him. "Uesugi-kun? No reaction? Huh. Ok then…"
Yotsuba: Ready?
*A self-lit firework then goes off with a tiny bang.*
Fuutarou (Thoughts): Not much of a finale… I'll guess I'll hang out for a bit.
"Aww how sweet of you!" Nino purrs.
Nino: We've got five more!
Itsuki: Alright let's grab our favourite!
All five: And… GO!
Yotsuba: Aww yeah!
Nino: Eheheh!
Itsuki: Let's do it!
*Meanwhile Ichika and Miku pick the same sparkler*
Ichika: Eheh same one huh? That doesn't happen much. I'll just take the other one. Seems like you're pretty attached. *Ichika stands up whilst Miku flashes back to what Fuutarou said that they are partners*
"Ohhhhhh… I get it now." Nino ponders at what Miku was thinking. Bring it on then! I won't lose either!
Hang on… this was what sparked the rivalry between me and Ichika wasn't it? Miku realises. We both picked the same thing… yeah. It's kind of like… that sparkler… is Fuutarou himself… She then glances to Ichika who gives off a competitive smile. Yeah. Ichika knows what that means for sure. And so do I.
Yotsuba: Miku! These flashy ones are more fun than the sparklers!
Miku: No, I prefer this one.
Yotsuba: Huh? That's the one you like?
Miku: Yeah. It is.
*Meanwhile Ichika trots to where Fuutarou is sitting*
Ichika: I haven't had a chance to thank you yet. You really helped me out there. So I'll cooperate with you from now one. We are partners aren't we? I should warn you though I'm not an easy study. So be ready for that!
*Fuutarou… is asleep… again*
Ichika: Ahaha… (Nervous laughter)
"I honestly don't know how he manages to do something disturbing like that…" Miku mutters.
"Neither do I. I'm probably going to get nightmares from this if he keeps it up…" Itsuki says.
"Welp, there's goes all of his studying." Yotsuba smirks.
"Never mind. So much for hanging back a little longer." Nino grumbles. "Besides how on earth did the two of them get back home safely?"
"Beats me." Ichika adds on. "Were we the ones who sent him and Raiha-chan back? I don't remember."
Ichika (thoughts): Sheesh. *She places Fuutarou's head on her lap*
Nino stares wide eyed at Ichika over this. Ichika hastily responds by sending her the photo she threatened Fuutarou with a few months ago to appeal to her, though the younger one still had some jealousy...
Ichika: Good job today. And thank you. Goodnight, Fuutarou-kun.
*The Episode ends with Ichika happily peering down at a snoozing Fuutarou, though offscreen, she did something a little too far for his taste…*
All five out of nowhere: Quintuplet Trivia!
*Shows Miku sleeping and then sleepwalking in her apartment.*
"Oh! The preview's back." Itsuki gasps. "Wait… Miku? Again?"
"Ugh… I don't like where this is going…" Miku says after being reminded of the first preview.
Miku: Ichika's the most popular one of the five of us.
*The scene then switches to the quints and Fuutarou studying closely for the exams*
"Oh yeah. Exam period. I guess that's what the next episode is about." Ichika says.
"But… why did it focus on me first?" Miku asks puzzled.
"I honestly don't even want to know…" Nino grumbles.
Yotsuba: Yeah! It's cause of that cool girl vibe!
"Did I really say that?" Yotsuba asks no one in particular.
Itsuki: That's not true! I'm sure people like you too Yotsuba! I mean if I were ranking all of us in order of popularity I say you're at least in the top five!
Yotsuba: Yay!
*Episode 6 preview ends*
"And what about the rest, Itsuki? Does that mean we're ranked in the bottom five?" Miku teases.
"What?! That's not what I would've meant! Excuse me!" Itsuki replies blushingly.
"What was that all about? Putting Fuu-kun's head on your lap?" Nino sourly asks Ichika as she glances at her phone. It was also at this point Miku, Yotsuba and Itsuki's phones vibrate too. As they looked at their messages, they gave off a slight giggle each.
"Would you like to do it then, Nino-chan?" Ichika teases.
"What do you mean would I? If anything, he should be sleeping on my laps alone! And no one else!" Nino screams out loud. Though oddly, much to her disturbance, she didn't get a reaction from a certain someone…
"That aside though, it's a shame we all missed out on the fireworks show together." Ichika concludes. "But at least we still managed to get together again right? That's the most important thing?"
"I mean we all did see the fireworks. Just not while were close together." Itsuki says. "And as always Ichika, congrats on the audition."
"Aww, thanks Itsuki-chan!" Ichika beams. "And everyone too. Thanks for supporting me till the end. And yeah. I'll admit the fireworks were great too!"
"It sure was spectacular wasn't it?" Yotsuba beams. "Especially with Raiha-chan!"
It was also at this point that all five quints noticed that their tutor had been unnaturally silent for quite a while…
"Of course. The five of us being together is what counts, especially if it means sticking true our mother's wishes. And it's all thanks to you, Fuutarou." Miku also says, hoping to get her tutor's attention. No response. "Fuutarou?"
"Alongside that, me and a certain someone got to see the spectacular view together, though I wished I wasn't as stubborn as I was to not listen to you back then… Isn't that right Fuu-kun?" Nino follows up as she and Miku happily turn towards their tutor… who just happened to have his lifeless eyes wide open and a similar snot-bubble coming out of his nose as he snores.
"GAAAHH!" Nino screeches. Miku and Yotsuba also gave off shocked expressions in the process.
"He fell asleep?! With his eyes open?! AGAIN?!" Yotsuba exclaims. Ichika gave off the same laugh as she did on TV alongside that.
"No wonder why he was so quiet towards the end of the episode…" Itsuki meanwhile just sighed and shook her head. Picking up a toothpick from the table, she intentionally popped Fuutarou's snot bubble, causing a resounding burst that startled him awake.
"AHHH ICHIKA?! RAIHA-CHAN?! WHERE ARE YOU?! IS EVERYONE BACK TOGETHER-" Fuutarou wakes up with a start before freezing in place. Swivelling his head 180 degrees, all he finds with his golden, drowsy eyes are five quints staring at him. They were shaking as it happened. Quivering. "What… happened?" He asks slowly.
"You fell asleep as the video came to an end, dummy!" Yotsuba berates as she finally breaks out of her trance.
"Seriously, was watching us reuniting together that boring?!" Nino growls as she gets up to stretch her legs. "Did you even see Ichika successfully pass the audition?!"
"What else did I miss out?" Fuutarou asks, causing Nino, Miku, Yotsuba and Itsuki to pull out their phones and show him the awkward picture that Ichika sent them. "ICHIKA!" Fuutarou screams as he turns bright red and makes everyone die from laughter.
"Relax, teach. I only sent it to my sisters." Ichika laughs along. "That prank aside though, you really do have a creepy way of sleeping."
"I mean I'll admit, I've never gazed at the TV for so long in my life before…" Fuutarou scratches his head as he blinks rapidly. "My poor eyes couldn't take in all of this and I ended up dozing off unknowingly. I did Ichika's success though before I passed out. So congrats, Onee-san." He pats her on the head, causing her to blush.
"But seriously, if you ever fall asleep again, I'll make sure my laps are the next ones you'll sleep on ok? And I won't take no for an answer!" Nino affirms boldly as she points at Fuutarou, causing him to look away in embarrassment. Yeah. That's the sort of reaction I wanted to see from him! Heheh!
"Well, if that's the case…" Itsuki replies after she munches on her last onigiri and removes her glasses. "We should take a 20 minute break before we continue, if that's ok with everyone." The others agreed to relax for the next few minutes or so to recharge after watching their pasts unfold before their eyes.
"What's the time anyways?" Fuutarou asks no-one in particular as he stares at the clock, which displays 6:25pm in the afternoon. Hmm, Raiha-chan and dad are desperate for me to come back to have dinner. I guess once this show is done I can just call it a day and head back home.
"Yeah, my eyes are starting to wear out too." Yotsuba groans as she cracks her knuckles whilst she stands up. The others do the same in the meanwhile.
Fuutarou silently gets up and glances out at the balcony, which was layered with a translucent puddle filled by an endless splatter of raindrops pouring from the gloomy sky, before sending a text to his family saying that he might be late for dinner. Miku stands beside him after washing the dishes to chat with him inaudibly, possibly about the future that lay ahead of them and the thought of finishing school for once. On the other side, Nino heads to the laundry to dry the towels that carries the damp towels towards her room to dry before standing next to Fuutarou to talk with him and Miku.
Meanwhile Itsuki, Yotsuba and Ichika head upstairs; the youngest gathering new clothes as she waits for Yotsuba to come out of the toilet whilst the eldest texts on her charging phone in her room. After coming out of the toilet to let Itsuki take a shower, Yotsuba came into Ichika's room, which appeared to be a little cleaner but still messy as always, to chat about something private.
"Ichika…" Yotsuba begins as she closes the door behind her.
"Is everything ok, Yotsuba-chan? You look really restless after the show." Ichika asks as she looks up from her phone on her bed. Yotsuba's ribbons drooped a little as she opened her cute, little mouth.
"Do you think… Uesugi-san… still knows?"
A/N: This episode was a tough one to write (Not the actual episode the reactions themselves). That was the main reason why I took longer to upload this than it took for the previous four; Usually I take about up to a week to complete one chapter, but this one took me at least two weeks and a bit due to some IRL stuff as well as coming up with those tricky reactions.. Anyways I hope you all still enjoy reading it. Thanks for being patient as always.