Ep 17: Good Work Today

A/N: As promised after being away for an abnormally long period of time, I've uploaded the reactions for Episode 17 and 18 together. Enjoy reading both of them.

P.S: LightHorsey/CringeHorse Sorry I couldn't reply in advance but I saw your most recent suggestions and took them into account, though for the latter (Itsuki as Rena), I will make this revelation come to life at some point in the later episodes after the buildup gets really intense. Thanks for the ideas as always.


"What's next after the Seven Goodbyes? Does anyone know?" Ichika curiously asks.

"I'm pretty sure this is when we're preparing for the actual exams. Are we ok to continue?" Itsuki asks everyone as they all nod. "Alright then. Here we go. Let's focus on how we prepped and aced them."

"Plus some behind the scenes moments for all of us, as this video seems to be about." Miku reminds her.

"Yeah like the time where you drugged Uesugi-san a second time?" Yotsuba reminds Nino, who panics.

"Can we not?!" Nino shudders as she feels weak at the knees again.

"Ok enough, please. The show is about to continue." Fuutarou hushes everyone as Episode 5 of Season 2 plays... but then he looks at Ichika with a smug.

"What? What is it, teach? What are you staring at me for?!" Ichika nervously gulps.


*The episode begins with Maruo being shown for real whilst Ebata is driving him*

Maruo: Ebata. You're late today.

Ebata: I apologize, sir.

Maruo: It's fine, but what concerns me... is the way that you're dressed.

Ebata: Ha ha ha!

"Honestly I've never actually seen him dress so casually before. As a matter of fact he just looks like the photo on the resume I ripped up the last episode." Fuutarou murmurs.

"Well to be fair, neither of us have seen him like this in a while either. Being dad's personal secretary, he's also busy with other things like the former so we don't really get to interact with him much even as of today." Ichika replies, though she still quivers slightly at Fuutarou's unusual smirk.

Maruo: Well no matter...

Fuutarou: Yes sir. They're all working hard.

Maruo: I see. Then I'm expecting good results from their finals.

Fuutarou: May I say something? *Over to Fuutarou* It's a bit of a selfish request...

Maruo: Go on.

Whatever grin that Fuutarou wore previously instantly fades to dust as soon as he hears his voice on TV again and arches his head down. NEVER MIND... DAMN IT NOT THIS SCENE YOU IDIOTS!

"Uh... Fuu-kun?" Nino asks slowly, wondering why has he suddenly reverted back to his fearful self.

"That was a little... sudden?" Ichika also notes as she stops shuddering just this once.

Fuutarou: As of today, I would like to resign as my tutor. Also, did you know that Nino and Itsuki got into a fight right? And ran away?

Maruo: This is the first I've heard of it. Did it get resolved?

Fuutarou: Yes.

"Ok so you called our dad instead of Raiha-chan to let him know you quit, but what exactly did you say to him that made you revert back to your fearful self? What are you hiding from us as usual?" Itsuki suspiciously asks, only to get nothing but whimpers.

Maruo: Excellent. Take care then-

Fuutarou: Wait that's not all. Don't you care to know what they were fighting over? Aren't you the least bit curious about what your daughters feel or what's been bothering them? I mean you're their father!

Fuutarou plugs in his ears and shamefully looks away, waiting for the inevitable to approach.

"Uh... hello? You still here?" Yotsuba follows up as it's her turn to tremble.

"What's… wrong?" Miku slowly asks as she and her sisters helplessly peer at him.

Fuutarou: Oops my apologies! I shouldn't talk like that to my boss should I? Oh that's right I'm quitting! *And then his latest explosion becomes comparable to a nuke* SO GET IT TOGETHER AND BE A DAD ALREADY! ASSHOLE!

Almost instantly, all five quints felt their jaws drop in absolute horror as if they had witnessed their worst nightmares came to life again, despite the fact that they know that their father has actually taken a liking to the tutor he hired.

Maruo: Well, you've done it now Uesugi-kun. Still... I'd never entrusted my daughters' future to a man like you.

"WHY?!" Yotsuba cries as she covers her cute little mouth.

"I… I-I… Fuu-Fuutarou-kun?! I thought you were talking to Raiha-chan! Why did you lie to us and let it all out on our dad?!" Ichika yells as her tears run loose. "I know he didn't sound like it but he did care about that conflict in a way! He even texted me and... just... What the hell?!"

"I-I... that fight between Nino and Itsuki that I mentioned? That... that was... one of my reasons... for doing so…" Fuutarou mutters before Nino and Itsuki smash a pillow each into his face.

"Was that why you wanted to be left alone for a while?!" Itsuki exclaims as she weeps as well. "I… I shouldn't have let you borrow my phone then!"

"You J-j-j- Aah! Fuu-kun you jerk!" Nino stutters as she raises her fist to pummel some sense into his collapsing brain but holds herself back last minute. "I-I-I'll I admit... I know I said I wanted you out of our apartment in season 1 and especially during the Seven Goodbyes arc but… T-that… THAT WASN'T WHAT I MEANT IN THE END! WHAT THE HELL'S GOTTEN INTO YOU BACK THEN?! WHY DID YOU-"

"EVERYONE SHUT UP!" Miku finally screams, which surprises just about everyone, though her eyes were watery and reddened too. "I thought we all agreed not to keep up this negativity, let alone all of the screaming at Fuutarou! Leave him alone over the mess we've gotten him into please! For crying out loud!" And was enough to as they withdrew into their seats rather uncomfortably over Miku's sudden outburst.

This is the first time we've her scream in so long! Ichika, Nino, Yotsuba and Itsuki shudder as they wipe off the last of their tears.

"Miku..." Fuutarou gasps as he reaches out to try and thank her for assisting him a little, only to get brushed away instantly as her mood abruptly swings.

"What?!" Miku sourly bites back as she averts her gaze to the TV. "I didn't do it for your sake ok? I'm also mad about what you said too by the way. Now beat it!"

"Uh..."

*The scene then cuts to Raiha and Fuutarou at the shrine, though the former got something extra...*

Raiha: Aww thank you for the cash, grandpa! Ahaha!

"Hello Raiha-chan!" Yotsuba yells as she waves at the first sightings of cute, little Raiha and snaps out of her grief almost instantly unlike the others.

"Seriously? For crying out loud!" Nino groans in response to her ridiculous behaviour.

"What?! Aren't you excited to see her, Nino?" Yotsuba asks confused. No response.

*Unlike Fuutarou who gets none lol*

Fuutarou: I guess I'm too old to get any this year. I might as well have just stayed at home to study!

*Raiha opens her fortune*

Raiha: Good fortune! Alright! What does yours say?

*Fuutarou reluctantly opens his and...*

Fuutarou: Uh... I don't need my fortune told to know how my year is going to be. Ever since I met them, I've had... *Fortune: 'Worst luck'* ...the worst luck.

"Oof! Poor Uesugi-san!" Yotsuba giggles out loud, though none of her sisters follow suit this time.

*And five beautiful kimonos appear as the Uesugi siblings take notice*

Fuutarou: Uh?

Raiha: HAAAAH!

"OH MY GOD RAIHA-CHAN!" The five quintuplets squeal excitedly as the hostile moods have finally been supressed thanks to her excited look.

"Geez!" Fuutarou yells after getting jumpscared by their sudden energetic outbursts.

Yotsuba: Hey look! Uesugi-san and Raiha-chan!

Nino: Do you have to show up everywhere?!

Yotsuba: Do you wanna come over and hang out at our new apartment?

Fuutarou: Nah I wouldn't it's too busy-

Raiha: Let's gooooooo!

*Over to the quintuplet's home, where four of them are watching a romance movie*

The man on TV: And I love you too.

*They kiss as the quints react*

Itsuki: AAaahhaahaaHHHHH! *Her ahoge spins like a radar* He actually kissed her!

Nino: Isn't it romantic?

Fuutarou: Why'd you even invite us?

Ichika: Oh come on! It's the new year. So we're taking it easy!

*And then Miku shows up from behind*

Miku: Speaking of... I made a present for you.

Fuutarou: Hm?

*Cue her awful cooking again, only worse this time*

Miku: It's a special new year's meal.

Fuutarou suddenly gags upon seeing Miku's appalling dish on TV and briefly covers his mouth, despite the fact he can't smell it this time.

"You know Miku's cooking looks super bad on TV when even Fuutarou-kun reacts to it..." Ichika grimaces.

"STOP IT!" Miku roars as she hurls a pillow into Ichika's face in response.

"Alright enough you two! Cut it out!" Itsuki hushes her two sisters.

*Fuutarou's stomach growls in response; Raiha meanwhile feels a little concerned*

Raiha: Mmmm...

Yotsuba: Huh? Is something bothering you, Raiha-chan?

Raiha: Um, no. It's just that, I'm a little confused is all. I thought your family was supposed to be super rich.

Yotsuba: Ahahaha! Yeah stuff happened.

Ichika: Sorry the place is kind of sparse.

Nino: The landlord lent us those kimono.

*The scene shows the front of the house, before it fades to the kitchen and then the bedroom with the folded mattresses, before it cuts back to Ichika chatting to Raiha on a rare occasion*

Ichika: Anyway you guys are welcome to make yourselves comfortable ok?

Raiha: Mhm!

"See, teach? I did actually interact with Raiha-chan after all! Not just Yotsuba and Itsuki-chan!" Ichika notes.

*Fuutarou meanwhile sits in a corner*

Fuutarou: I hope you can adjust to the place...

Nino: Hang on. Why are you sitting way over there?

Fuutarou: Hm?

Nino: Aren't you chilly? *She lifts up the kotatsu a little* Come get under this!

Fuutarou: Hmm? *He kindly pushes innocent Raiha over* Here, Raiha.

"Alright what was your reasons for letting Raiha sit in your place, now that we're at this stage?" Miku asks.

"Well you know, after what happened with me and Nino in the Seven Goodbyes arc..." Fuutarou replies as he lets off a skeptical look at her.

"WHAT?! I-I-I swear I never put anything suspicious underneath that time! H-h-honest!" Nino panics. "And you also preferred to sell out your sister for that?! Seriously?!"

Ichika: Aww there's no need to be all shy! I know! How about a massage? I bet you're tired!

Fuutarou: Uh...? Uh... I feel fine, really.

The other four: UGH?!

Miku: Ichika no fair!

*Raiha blinks twice in shock*

Ichika: Be faster (Raiha: Ahhhhh!) next time.

Yotsuba: I'll rub his arms!

Nino: Fine I'll help!

*x4 actually*

Itsuki: Alright then I'll call dibs on his legs!

*No wait x6 argh*

The quintuplets couldn't help but laugh at Raiha's confused but cute little face.

"I bet she wasn't expecting that was she?" Yotsuba exclaims as she struggles to contain her giggles.

"I wonder what she was thinking back then when all decided to treat Fuutarou!" Miku adds on.

*And just like that, Fuutarou gets pampered by five, identical sisters. Raiha meanwhile as she gawks...*

Raiha: WHEN DID HE GET SO POPULAR?! *She turns to the skies and prays to her mom* Guess what mom? My Onii-chan is finally becoming a man!

And that was enough to make the quintuplets laugh even harder whilst Fuutarou wears a cringing smile of his own.

Fuutarou: Whatever this is leave mom out of it!

Yotsuba as her ribbons jolt: URP! Um... it's not like that though!

Miku: Yeah we just want to show our gratitude!

Sus Fuutarou: I doubt that!

Nino: You always worked so hard!

Sus Fuutarou: Something's wrong...

Eatsuki: I'll even share some of my food with you *But her eyebrows are visibly twitching as she holds out her doughnut* if you wanted!

Sus Fuutarou: Yep, very wrong!

"Oh come on lighten up! What's wrong with all five of us pampering you for all that you've done to us?" Miku teases.

"Seriously, Nino and Itsuki being nice to me? I found that hard to believe back then. Especially when I can see the latter's eyebrows twitching when she held her food up to my face! I bet she... *Ahem* she wanted to eat it herself am I right?" Fuutarou scoffs. "As for Nino, well..."

"I'm not always about the food you know? And you were gonna call me fat again weren't you, seeing that you cleared your throat?!" Itsuki pouts.

"Geez, Fuu-kun didn't you hear what Miku said? Relax a little! And besides, I felt really guilty for what I did to you the days before ok? No need to get so worked up about us showing our thanks." Nino assures.

*And over to the table with cardboard cut outs of the quints*

Yotsuba: Let's play this face matching game to get into the party mood! It's the quintuplet version!

Sus Fuutarou: Sounds impossible!

Miku: Ok fine. There's something that we've been meaning to discuss with you.

Yotsuba as she jolts: Woah! Don't just go blurting it out loud!

Ichika: Hang on. We're gonna have a quick sidebar.

*And then all five quints retreat into their bedroom as they slam the door shut on Fuutarou and Raiha; The former meanwhile decides to take a bite out of Itsuki's doughnut*

Raiha: Uhhhhhh...

Fuutarou: What are those idiots up to now?

"I guess I'll eventually find out right?" Fuutarou says as the five of them give out forced laughs each. But then... something inside of him causes his stomach to throb as he relives a particular line during his interaction with Rena...


Rena: 'You've faced your problems head on now. Like in adulthood!'

Fuutarou: 'That's interesting. Itsuki said the same thing to me...'

Nino: 'You should have never barged into our lives!'


Wait a second... The part where I mentioned that Rena said exactly what Itsuki told me... could it really be...?


Itsuki and Rena at the same time: 'You're the kind of person people need.'

Young Nakano: 'I really need you ok?'


Fuutarou takes a moment to glance over on his right, where a particular quint with an expressive ahoge began to display some unseen concern about this...

Crap... if that one line I accidentally let out after the five dummies dilemma is enough to concern Uesugi-kun, does he... does he know that... I masked myself as the girl in his photo? Itsuki nervously thinks as she glances at Fuutarou before she rapidly averts eye contact the moment the latter shifts his head towards her. Did I really blow my cover in the end? Not to mention, does he know... that Yotsuba was a part of it too? I honestly can't tell...

"Is something wrong, teach?" Ichika asks, thinking that he was staring at her. "You're not staring at me for no reason again are you...?"

"No, of course not." Fuutarou instantly responds as he looks back to the TV... and remembers another crucial detail about the mysterious girl he met. Specifically, from their grandfather.


Nakano grandfather: 'My granddaughters are all I have to live for these days. Ever since I lost Rena that's how I felt. They should stay true to themselves. Make sure to tell them that.'

Rena: 'Don't open that until you learn how to accept yourself'


I don't know if that one line, let alone the fact that their mother was also named Rena, was enough to prove that the Rena I met was Itsuki but, well, it wouldn't hurt just to keep that in mind for now right? Besides, with what Miku said to me, surely Itsuki doesn't want me out either... I hope.

Though this memory has diluted in his thoughts, Fuutarou's suspicions still roused from this point onwards but nothing serious has built up in him so far, much to his own relief. Itsuki though, she continued to glue her eyes onto him over this one meeting that she and her sister were responsible for...

Does he... does he really know that... I told Itsuki about setting up this meeting? Should I even tell him...? Maybe I should but... I don't know. Yotsuba thinks in silence on the other side meanwhile.

*Over inside as they huddle up in a corner...*

Nino: What should we do? I don't think we're bothering him at all!

Yotsuba: Yeah but I still feel bad! I mean we're asking him to keep tutoring us without any money.

*Flashbacks to the last episode's ending where Fuutarou decides to continue helping them*

Miku: I want to repay him.

Ichika: Yeah and I rather not depend on father anymore if possible.

Itsuki: I agree. There's gotta be something we can do to show him our thanks. But what would that be?

The others: Huh...?

*Chibi quints time; Ichika, Nino, Miku and Itsuki were all thinking of the kissing scene that leaves them embarrassed on the outside. Yotsuba meanwhile... M E D A L*

Chibi Itsuki: Mmm! No! Off the table!

Chibi Nino: Itsuki you were thinking the exact same thing!

Chibi Ichika: Eheheh.

Ichika, Nino, Miku and Itsuki turn to face Yotsuba with utterly puzzled expressions of their own, and vice-versa.

"Wait you were thinking of that kissing scene?!" Yotsuba asks bewildered.

"Wait you were thinking of something else?!" The others reply instantly.

"Wait you girls weren't sharing a single brain cell for once?" Fuutarou says confused.

"WHAT WAS THAT YOU JERK?!" Nino snarls as Fuutarou backs off a little.

Ichika: Actually I don't know whether that would make Fuutarou-kun happy or not.

Nino: Well, try giving him a little peck on the cheek then! I mean you are the actress around here aren't you?

And almost instantly, Fuutarou reverts to his usual smirk and unnerves Ichika for a second time with his stare.

Ichika: Hey what are you trying to say about actresses? Plus I don't think it should be me. *She deflects it to Miku* How about Miku?

Miku: Wait really...? *She gets sent to the astral realm* Me... and Fuutarou?!

"EEK! NO!" Miku shrieks as she ducks underneath her thighs in panic.

"Huh?" The others wonder as they notice a squeaking Miku upon seeing her float in space on TV.

"Alright what were you dreaming of about me... and why?" Fuutarou questions as he awkwardly turns to her muffled face.

Dreamy Miku: Fuutarou... Smooch.

Dreamy Fuutarou: Miku... now that you've shown how you feel... I want us to do more!

Dreamy Miku: AAAAHHH?!

"Uh..." Everyone turns to Miku with puzzled faces as the former lets off a series of muffled squeals whilst she hides her crimson red face on her thighs and fidgets.

"Uh..." Was all that Fuutarou also managed to let out as he too, blushes uncontrollably.

Miku: Um... Let's take it slow... *She fidgets in her dreams* Stop, wait... I mean... don't stop...

Nino: How about you stop?!

Yotsuba: Hey uh, I feel like we're not all on the same page.

Itsuki: Why not do something normal like cooking?! You're good at that, Nino. You should make him some snacks.

Nino: Uh? *Flashbacks to her time with 'Kintarou'* I can't. I was just starting to get over it.

Itsuki: Uh?

Nino quivers upon noticing that a memory of Kintarou returns to full view as braces for Fuutarou... letting off a deep sigh unlike before. Phew. I'm so glad he didn't overreact again like before... I was expecting a volcanic eruption! she thinks silently.

Ichika: You know what... we might as well tell him what's up.

*Ichika stands up, opens the door and comes closer to...*

Fuutarou: Hey Ichika.

Ichika: Uh? MMM?!

Fuutarou and Ichika turn deep red over this close call as everyone else glares at the duo with hostile intent. It was also at this point that all of their hearts began to thunder loud and clear as of this.

Fuutarou: Just hold still.

Ichika: HUH?! *Her heart thumps* Wow... are you... *Flashbacks to the kissing scene* NO WAIT! Mmm...

"Was that why you were staring at me at the start?!" Ichika finally realises, sort of.

"What no! That wasn't the reason!" Fuutarou meekly defends as their embarrassed expressions turn fifty shades darker than before, whilst everyone else looms menacingly over this. "Ugh, the camera angles focusing on Ichika's lips too... they're-"

"Making you and our Onee-san sparkle even more?! Like hell we'll allow that!" Itsuki growls as her red aura activates over this one tiny moment, though funny enough, her sisters didn't follow suit. Not even Nino activated hers despite the fact that she's gritting her teeth like a rabid dog.

*Fuutarou whips back to the table*

Fuutarou: I KNEW IT!

Ichika: HUH?!

Fuutarou: This is totally Ichika's mouth! It's gotta be!

Raiha: Uh... pretty sure it's this one.

Ichika: Uh... Uh...

Yotsuba: Ahhh! I'm so glad you're playing it!

*Ichika partially faints as Itsuki and Miku catch her*

Ichika, Miku and Itsuki: Gaahhh!

"See?! I told you I never had those thoughts in mind!" Fuutarou reasons with Ichika as everyone but Itsuki cool down, much to the latter's notice.

"Uh... Itsuki-chan?" Ichika shivers as her youngest sister refuses to revert back to normal. At least...

"Let me guess, you're mad because you actually wanted to kiss Uesugi-san first right?" Yotsuba says, which finally snaps Itsuki out of her hostile mood and extinguishes her red aura for good.

"Y-Y-YOTSUBA?! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!" Itsuki screams as she panics and flails her arms; Her ahoge also flaps in accordance with the wind that's being created by her rapid arm movements.

Well, at least she's back to normal that's for sure. The others think, including Fuutarou.

Drama aside I uh... Ichika thinks as she breathes. I actually... I wanted that kiss to happen. Just me and Fuutarou-kun before the Kyoto trip. I just... And that was enough to reactivate her beating heart again as she slowly shuts her eyes. At least, until she hears this...

Raiha: We changed the rules a little though.

Fuutarou: Yotsuba. What about this?

*Yotsuba bends down...*

Yotsuba: Huh? Let me see it... Uh! Uesugi-san, there's cream on your face! Nom!

*She eats the cream and does something a little... bold...*

Fuutarou: URGH?!

The four witnesses: AAAAAAAAAHHH!

"Oh. So that's why you were thinking of the medal huh?" Nino silently growls as she and everyone else feel an aura of dread spawning in Yotsuba's direction. Even Itsuki stops panicking as she notices that awful feeling spreading towards her from the other side of the couch...

"'Try giving me a little peck on the cheek.' Nice advice, Nino. Shame it wasn't Ichika who took it." Fuutarou jokes, though his tone was nowhere close to being humorous. And then he notices the wide eyed faces of four of the quintuplets as he too realizes... "Uh... Miku-?!"

Raiha: *Blushes too* O-Onii-chan?! Yotsuba-san?!

Yotsuba: Ugh-! Why don't we call that little peck on the cheek your payment for being our tutor ok?

*Uh Yotsuba? BEHIND YOU!*

Yandere Miku: I can't believe Yotsuba caught me off guard!

Yotsuba: AH! I'M DEAD!

Fuutarou: What?! Payment?!

"Eheheh... well at least Uesugi-san's puzzled face was really funny right guys?" Yotsuba forcefully laughs, only to realise that Miku was forever edging closer to her like on TV...

"I can't believe that camera angle made it worse than I thought!" Miku growls as the same aura she previously made on TV darkens drastically.

"AH! I'M REALLY DEAD!" Yotsuba screams as she ducks onto her own thighs whilst Nino instantly cuffs Miku's clenched fists and restrains her in terror.

"Miku... please..." Fuutarou whispers as he tries to hush the third. So much for being on a different page though...

Itsuki: The truth is... Now that we're independent, we can't really afford to pay you for your services.

*Fuutarou stands up*

Fuutarou: Oh come on. You could have said that you know.

The five: Hm?

Fuutarou: I'm teaching you (Itsuki: Uh?) because I want to. Don't worry about paying me.

Itsuki: Wow Uesugi-kun.

*And then his demeanour rapidly changes to a rather cunning one*

Fuutarou: Just give me a cut when you make it big.

All five as they comically get shrunk: Uh...

*And then Fuutarou rants his heart out whilst the quints gave off awkward looks of their own and felt all of their hair getting blown*

Fuutarou: But I want it writing you hear?! Five thousand per person per day and I WILL collect every bit!

Nino: Right, there's the guy we know.

Fuutarou: *Big Gong sfx* What matters is that all of you are here right now! I say we get cracking on some of that winter homework!

Fuutarou had no choice but to snicker at how he suddenly changed the mood on screen, which causes all of them, except Miku who still hasn't snapped out of her envy, to give off the same looks as they did before, before they converted that into silent giggles.

"He never changes does he?" Nino comments with a smirk... and suddenly notices that Miku has all of a sudden cooled off as her head releases a puff of steam; Yotsuba finally perks her head up at this time too.

Itsuki: You want us to do winter homework?

*All five of them giggle*

Miku: Silly.

Nino: Here's a fun surprise! *And all five of them confidently lay their exercise books on the table* Believe it or not we finished it ahead of time!

Fuutarou: Uh... ok? Well why don't we just make it a regular study session then?

Raiha: Onii-chan? (Fuutarou: Uh?) I'm going home so I won't be in the way.

Fuutarou: Uh... cool. *Raiha leaves* I'll see you later.

*Later during the study session*

Miku: Hey Fuutarou? Can you help me with this problem here?

*Fuutarou edges his face close to Miku's*

Fuutarou: Let's see...

Miku: Huh?

Fuutarou: You have to provide samples of adjectives *Miku's heart thumps as the camera zooms closer to their faces* ending with like. It's a suffix, and in this case it denotes resemblance. You know like 'lifelike', 'ladylike'. Oh but 'I like you', that one's *Miku breathes* a bit different.

Fuutarou and Miku's hearts thumped like gongs alongside theirs on TV after witnessing how that intimate scene was exactly being shot, not to mention that their puffy cheeks reddened as little as they shot bashful gazes at each other. The rest of them meanwhile, well, they weren't too satisfied by what they had to stomach...

"Fuu-kun!" Nino grits with hostility.

"Well now that we've all seen Miku's dream, you were both waiting for that stupid kiss from the other weren't you?" Itsuki scowls.

"Honestly whoever thought of these camera angles must be a genius. Because that's kind of in a way my film crew would shoot me and my fellow actresses." Ichika sarcastically jokes, though her tone remains bitter.

"Should we count this 'I like you' bit as a minor confession or a coincidence?" Yotsuba randomly questions as her ribbons twitch with envy.

"I'm sorry what did you just say about a confession, Yotsuba?!" Nino fumes as the former gulps.

"Uh... don't get any ideas... girls... I actually didn't notice it, especially you Miku, sorry..." Fuutarou trembles.

"Um... it's fine... I guess?" Miku shudders in reply. But seriously, if my sisters weren't around, I would have gone for it, no hesitation! I bet you wanted to do it to me too, right Fuutarou?

*And Nino's not amused as she stares*

Miku: What's wrong?

Nino: Nothing. Nothing at all.

*Fuutarou notices that Ichika has fallen asleep*

Fuutarou: Ah?! Hey (Miku: Ah?) are you falling asleep?!

Ichika: Uh? Who me? Oh no! I'm wide awake!

*But she dozes off anyways*

Fuutarou: Real convincing.

*And then Fuutarou moves closer to Nino*

Nino: Let's let her sleep for a while ok.

Fuutarou: Huh?

And then everyone including Miku this time glare at Fuutarou over this close-up shot of him sitting really close to Nino as the latter drops her sour mood for a grin instead.

"Alright can we drop the jealous stares and focus on the video please?" Fuutarou pleads as Nino's grin instantly turns into a smug whilst the rest withdraw slightly.

Nino: The poor girl's been working harder than ever lately.

Itsuki: She's paying all our bills and expenses.

Miku: And if Ichika wasn't paying for us to live in this place, then you couldn't tutor us.

Fuutarou: But if she can't stay awake long enough to get her schoolwork finished then what's the point? *He gets up* Ichika! Hey-

Itsuki: Wait! Um, maybe the rest of us should get jobs too.

The other three: Uh?

Fuutarou: *Instant confusion* Uhhhhh...

"Well, awkward camera shoots aside, the idea of taking responsibility to support the whole family on your five pairs of knees is not easy at all. Even if the other five are also playing their part to keep each other afloat, that still is impressive willpower I can give you that." Fuutarou warmly smiles as he lightly pats Ichika on the head... and causes her cute eyes to widen considerably as she looks up to her left. "But still, you really are the big sister huh?"

"Uh... what was that um, headpat for?" Ichika replies embarrassed.

"OH uh... I was just taking a page out of your book, that's all! Like in Episode 6!" Fuutarou exclaims.

"Yeesh. You don't have to be so surprised ok? I didn't mean no harm!" Ichika giggles as Fuutarou cools down.

"Sorry. I mean your shocked face kinda caught me off guard for a bit. But even so, even if our friendship was a rocky one during those hard times, I'm still amazed and proud of you for living up to your sake as the true big sister." Fuutarou continues to compliment her.

"Oh. Uh, well... thank you. But seriously, teach. Don't say it like that you're embarrassing us both!" Ichika replies back as her blush becomes more noticeable whilst she laughs alongside him.

As they continue to beam at each other though, it was also enough to ignite a spark of jealousy in two of the quints on Fuutarou's left...

"Fuu-kun... again!" Nino threatens with a low pitched voice.

"What about us? Don't tell me we've all ghosted to you!" Miku adds on as Fuutarou suddenly releases his hand off Ichika's head in desperation.

*Show Fuutarou's imagination of a mock interview with Itsuki being interviewed*

Fuutarou: Uh... do you have any work experience?

Itsuki: Um... no.

"Ok, that mock interview looked kind of hilarious from my point of view." Miku giggles.

"Same here." Yotsuba chuckles.

Fuutarou: All of you are struggling to pass your exams. How would you balance school and a job?

Itsuki: NGH?! I-I don't know. I could.. be a tutor! The same as you! *And here's Itsuki dressed up as a tutor like Fuutarou is* It'll be perfect! They say the best way to learn is teaching right? Two birds with one stone!

Fuutarou: Please don't Itsuki. You'd be doing your students a huge disservice!

"Well now that I know what your motivations to be are, I'd like to eat my words there and support on this. Honestly you have a lot of potential to be one than I thought. And honestly, I'd encourage you to pursue your dreams too, Itsuki." Fuutarou says as Itsuki cracks a beautiful smile over his words of encouragement.

"Heh. Don't think for certain I will let your words on TV overflow my brain! I've made up my mind to become a teacher like you and my mom! And I will fully commit the rest of my studies to it for sure!" Itsuki confidently grins as she pumps her fists.

"We'll have your backs on this too Itsuki, don't forget." Nino assures.

"Great minds think alike eh?" Ichika teases her youngest sis. And this time, Itsuki lets that joke slide as she laughs alongside the former.

"Of course!" Itsuki replies.

*Yotsuba meanwhile is dressed as a cashier*

Yotsuba: I know! I can get a job at a supermarket!

Fuutarou: They'd fire you.

"They didn't! I'm working perfectly fine even as of today!" Yotsuba boasts.

"Like that one time you spilt a gallon of water on the floor in when me and Itsuki-chan came to visit you as a surprise?" Ichika reminds her.

"WHA! ICHIKA?!" Yotsuba panics as the rest facepalm.

Miku: Maybe... *Miku dresses up as an elegant maid* I'll work in a maid café.

Yotsuba: Ooh they'd love you!

Nino: Bad idea!

"I've got nothing to say, other than the fact that you kind of look cute in that maid outfit." Fuutarou replies nonchalantly, causing Miku's blush to suddenly darken.

"STOP! I-I-I mean..." Miku whimpers as she averts her gaze and fidgets. "Thank you... I guess... maybe... um, I mean... don't stop..."

"How about you stop?!" Nino bluntly deadpans.

*And lastly: Dominatrix Nino*

Miku: Nino could be a dominatrix!

Nino: What makes you say that?!

"YEAH WHAT GIVES?!" Nino suddenly yells in disbelief as everyone else minus a blushing Miku laugh over this hilarious imagination. "What idiot thought that I would dress up like what Miku imagined on TV?!"

"It unironically fits you in a way though!" Ichika teases as Nino randomly smacks a pillow in her face.

Yotsuba: You would do well in food service, Nino!

*She looks away*

Nino: Sure if I had to.

Yotsuba: It's always been your dream to open a little place of your own right?

Nino: Hm?

Fuutarou: Really? You've never mentioned that!

Nino: It's something I've thought about as a kid. N-no big deal ok?

"But you still dream of making it happen as of today right?" Fuutarou asks her.

"Yeah. Sort of. I-I-I mean not that I still haven't left it out of sight right eheheh?" Nino replies bashfully as she recalls a memory of herself receiving her favourite cookbook from her father when she was little, just like that time when she met Fuutarou when they both visited the Revival manager in the hospital.

Itsuki: Well hey. We know of a great cake shop remember?

Nino: Mm?!

And this was enough to pique the curiosities of her sisters, including Miku as she stops blushing for real, whilst Nino herself flinches.

*Switches to Nino's dream as she and Fuutarou speak in French*

Fuutarou: Mille-Feuille! Éclair! Mont Blanc!

Nino: Merci Beaucoup... GROSS!

*The dream shatters like glass as Nino goes into a gagging fit*

Everyone else couldn't hold it and burst out laughing over this, including Fuutarou himself. Nino meanwhile doesn't know whether to laugh along or slap the latter in the face just for invading her imaginative lines of sight...

"Ara ara~! I swear that French accent you two just made was so spot on though!" Ichika wheezes.

"Shut it Ichika... you know this dream of mine isn't going to happen anytime soon right?" Nino grimaces as she grits her teeth in embarrassment. But then they all froze to a complete stop and stopped laughing all of a sudden, Ichika especially, over something that they just remembered after that.

Fuutarou: I've worked at a lot of different jobs. The thing is they all took some level of commitment. *Instant realization* FORGET WORKING! I want you to focus on your grades! *Ichika sleepy noises* Hm?

*Ichika begins to take her clothes off in her sleep*

"You gotta be kidding me..." Fuutarou groans as everyone minus a panic squealing Ichika facepalm over yet another innocent scene appearing out of the blue.

Miku: FUUTAROU!

*She panic shuts Fuutarou's eyes and forces him to look away*

Itsuki: Ichika! You're taking your clothes off in your sleep!

Nino: DON'T LOOK WEIRDO!

Fuutarou: I DIDN'T MEAN TO!

*And just like that, Fuutarou gets kicked out of their new, old house, though his face still wears a smug grin*

Fuutarou: Hmph. Like I said, jobs are hard.

"And just like that, the 'no-naked scenes' streak ends with this episode." Yotsuba cringes.

"Please tell me that wasn't your film crew who shot this..." Miku rhetorically grumbles, which only makes Ichika return the favour for earlier when the former presented her atrocious new year's gift.

"SHUT UP!" Ichika yells as she slams a pillow into her sister's face and remains a dark shade of red.

"Didn't I just said to stop you idiots?!" Itsuki harshly lashes out again, which causes the two of them to withdraw sourly in their seats.

"Honestly I really wish those creeps back there decide, or at least get told not to, add in these stupid moments right in front of our poor eyes!" Nino snarls.

"At least they had the decency to cut out most of it this time that's for sure." Fuutarou tries to reason.

*The next day, Itsuki was searching through the jobs list on her phone when she receives a call from her father*

Itsuki: Uh... hello?

Maruo: It's been quite some time, Itsuki.

Itsuki: Yeah it has.

"Huh? Why did dad call you all of a sudden?" Miku asks her, though all she responded with was a sigh. But Fuutarou, Nino and Yotsuba know why though.

*Over at the Revival cake shop...*

Fuutarou: Success! *Shows two different batches of pie* The pie I baked is exactly like yours! I'll be taking my pay raise now, thank you very much.

*The manager holds out a slice*

Revival Manager: Give it a taste.

Fuutarou: Hm? *Fuutarou eats it and...* URP! Bleh! It's grossly underdone! I guess this is what I get for dissing Miku's cooking skills!

And the quint he mentioned on TV didn't hesitate to burst into hysterics after hearing that he got a taste of her own medicine for real.

"Never judge a book by its cover! You taught me that before." Itsuki grins as the others follow her suit.

Revival manager: Yeah I'm not letting you into the kitchen just yet. *He leaves but abruptly stops* Oh by the way, Uesugi, why don't you head on home?

Fuutarou: Huh?! You mean... I'm fired?!

Revival Manager: No dummy. We're closing at twelve today. *Thumbs up* A film crew wanted to rent the place out to do a shoot this afternoon.

*Cue Fuutarou getting gloomier*

Fuutarou: Could've told me before...

"Huh really?! Doing a shoot at the cake shop?! Tell us more, Ichika!" The others enthusiastically squeal as they wonder why Fuutarou and Ichika are currently like this. At the mention of a film crew meanwhile, Fuutarou's haughty smirk returns as he turns to the eldest quint and unnerves her on the spot again.

"Wait a minute... ACK! W-w-was this... was this why you were staring at me like a creep at the start?!" Ichika again panics as she sweats bullets.

Director: We're here, sir! Looking forward to working with you guys!

Revival Manager: I figure if the movie's popular, our little shop will be swarmed with its fans in no time. *As the actresses come in, he puts the store's sign on the pie and lets off a confident smirk as the background is comically set on fire originating from the nine hells* That's why I'll be putting a pick in all of the desserts with our name on it so it'll be featured prominently on camera!

Fuutarou: I admire this guy's hustle!

"No... no if it's what I think it is... Fuutarou-kun y-y-you jerk..." Ichika trembles as her cute face morphs into a sour, embarrassed expression. The other quints meanwhile giggled silently over this minor scene as they rubbed their heated knuckles impatiently...

Actress 1: Wow! Looks yummy!

Actress 2: Thanks for having us! Really!

Fuutarou: Yeah. No problem. Guess I'll head out. Huh?

*Fuutarou takes his leave but then one more actress shows up...*

Tamako: Hi. I'm here for the movie shoot.

Fuutarou: AUGH?!

Tamako: AAAH?!

"YAAAAAAAAHHHHH!" The other four quints squeal delightfully; Ichika screams alongside them too... except hers is more like one in terror than excitement as she suddenly adopts panic mode. Fuutarou meanwhile couldn't hold back his laughter anymore and laughs silently under his cuffed mouth.

"NO! WHY?! TURN THE TV OFF PLEASE!" Ichika yells as she lunges for the remote... only to force Nino to snatch it away from her arm's reach. "NINO?!"

"Hey you weren't too embarrassed to reveal your job as an actress to us previously! In fact we've all seen you in the cinemas dressed up like this Tamako person a thousand times already! Why have you reverted back to this attitude now?!" Miku replies.

"Ok pipe down you all! I wanna see what our big sister is doing behind the scenes for real this time!" Yotsuba hisses as everyone suddenly quietens... minus the squealing actress herself. "You too Ichika!"

"Sigh... here we go again. Then again, at least your sisters are finally getting to see you shine on stage as I wished they had, Tamako-chan." Fuutarou finally lets out as Ichika slams a pillow into his face to shut him up.

"Oh. Is that why you called her Tamako previously?" Itsuki suddenly realises as she flashbacks to a certain point where they first started watching this...


'Ok, if you wanna tease me, do it once you've actually changed, Tamako-' Fuutarou says as Ichika slams a pillow in his face to shut him up.


*And here's a scene of Tamako-chan in action*

Director: Scene 37-4: Action!

Tamako: I've been wanting to come here! This dessert shop is like 'totes' cool!

Actress 1: Tamako! Now's not the time for that!

Tamako: Huh? Wait what do you mean, girlfriend?

The other quints couldn't help but make a series of high-pitched squeals whilst Fuutarou's grin widens even more in response to this. Ichika meanwhile, steadily raises her right arm so that she can hurl a second pillow at her tutor in case the teasing continues...

Actress 2: She means you got the cursed reply remember?

Actress 3: They say if you receive one, you die!

Tamako: What? You'll have to dumb it down I'm like too stupid to understand this stuff! Oh whatever. *The scene cuts to Fuutarou and the manager who watches it too* Let's just have some pie ok?

Fuutarou: Uh...

*Ichika smiles briefly... but then morphs into a rather crappy mood as she glares at Fuutarou*

"Oh. My. Gosh. Ichika you're amazing I wish I could have visited the cake shop to see you like this!" Yotsuba squeals as her signature ribbons twitch in accordance with her excitement.

"You literally enjoyed playing this goofy character from the bottom of your heart didn't you?" Nino then speaks as her butterfly ribbons flutter too. "I bet you did huh? Is that why Fuu-kun felt so entitled to stay and watch you on the sidelines wishing that he could kiss you for your efforts?" She teases as she redirects her attention to Fuutarou and grins at him.

"WHAT?!" Fuutarou and Ichika yell suddenly as they both get caught off guard by what Nino said.

"You literally sparkled like a true star even though this was just a regular shoot of yours! Why are you still desperate to hide something like this even though we all know it already?" Itsuki asks her cringing eldest sis as her bright smile suddenly fades.

*Cuts to offstage as 'Tamako-chan' makes another kabedon on her witness to confront him*

Fuutarou: What's wrong, Tamako-chan?

Ichika: Ugh listen... can you not watch me it's too embarrassing!

Fuutarou: Why would you do a job that you're ashamed of?

The other quints followed Itsuki and gave out confused expressions over what their big sis just said.

"Ok yeah, minus that Episode 5 flashback of you two against a wall, what was that sudden reversion?" Nino says confused as she peeks at Ichika's cute but sour pout.

"Yeah why? We were all looking forward to seeing you being a star on TV! Why would you hide something you enjoy doing the most again?" Miku asks her.

"Just shut up! I'll explain it on TV ok?!" Ichika snaps as she arches her head down slightly, but then glares at Fuutarou again. "And listen teach. You clearly know what else I threatened you with that day too right? So don't push it!" She continues as she whips out her phone and threatens to send that silly image of Fuutarou's face on her laps.

"Geez what's the big deal?! No need to be ashamed of it we're all not gonna... you know, judge you that harshly." Fuutarou replies as her menacing look gives him the obvious hint that she will do it if her boundaries are broken.

Ichika: I'm not telling the girls this but, our savings are running out quick. *She lets go of the wall* I mean, I had no idea food and power and stuff were so expensive. So I've been accepting acting jobs that I would normally say no to. I have to keep it together for my sisters. And don't try to stop me.

Fuutarou: I'm not gonna dismiss your hard work.

Ichika: Huh?

Fuutarou: Besides, you were the one who made it possible for me to keep tutoring the five of you. But if you ask me, you can do a lot better. Isn't this gig kind of unprofitable for how much it requires of you?

Director: Miss Nakano! (Ichika: Uh?) We're ready to start rolling!

Ichika: I'll be right there sir!

"So yeah... That was why I preferred not to let you four, let alone Fuutarou-kun, know about what I did back then as an actress." Ichika grimaces. "The struggle of trying to feed us five, let alone managing all the maintenance bills and whatever costs there is in the house had previously... huh?" But then she perks her heads up only to notice... Itsuki clutching tightly onto her eldest sis, Miku, Nino and Yotsuba emitting expression of pure delight as they gush.

"Ahh! I'm so happy to have a big sister like you!" Itsuki comically wails as she latches onto her eldest sister.

"Was that why you wanted to hide all of this from us? That we would eventually find out we needed to step up and be on the same, if not higher, level as you?" Miku asks her, to which she nods shyly. "Aww! You're amazing as always, Ichika! If only we found out sooner about your acting!"

"Thing is Ichika, we've already started to look for jobs too! We also wanted to support each other and stay on our five pairs of feet!" Yotsuba brings up enthusiastically.

"Yeah but that was after I told you all that you needed to start working. I still wasn't cool with the acting bit back then either." Ichika reminds her.

"Either way, we all felt worried and thrilled for you at the same time." Nino speaks next. "Even Fuu-kun said it himself right? The idea of carrying us isn't walk in the park. You deserve to receive our thanks for all of this, even if we decided we had to play our parts too. You're the big sister everyone needs, right Fuu-kun?"

"Nino-kun... Miku... Yotsuba... Itsuki-chan...!" Ichika gushes.

"Sure did. In fact, as for your journey to become an actress, know that we will all be here to support you with everything we've got as usual." Fuutarou repeats as he lets off a wide smile.

"Aww, you guys... stop it!" Ichika grins as he comically covers her mouth as if she was replicating a scene of her own as she goes into a goofy mood. "Oh my gosh! Don't embarrass me like that!" And everyone else laughs at her acting.

"Aww! That was another part of your acting am I right?" Nino giggles as her sister nods with a blush.

"Anyways, where were we?" Fuutarou then says as the sisters finally decide to calm down.

*She leaves to get back to work... where her next scene involves her eating some cake*

Tamako: Wow! Like this pie is so good!

Director: And cut! Great job girls that take was beautiful! One more for safety alright?

Tamako: Sure!

Fuutarou meanwhile as he ducks: She's acting so ditzy! I wish the others could see her like this.

"Wish granted, Uesugi-san!" Yotsuba laughs.

"Again everyone shush!" Nino instantly hisses as soon as another Tamako scene pops up out of the blue, which prompts the others to quieten again. Though this time, Ichika's embarrassed scowl softens considerably after receiving the praise from her four younger sisters plus Fuutarou himself.

"You're the one to talk..." Ichika mutters.

Director: We're doing one more! I hope we don't mind if we use this slice of pie.

Fuutarou: That's fine. *But as the pie is set Fuutarou notices something wrong...* Huh? Wait, where'd the pick go? GASP! *Flashbacks to his awful pie* That's the dud I made!

"PFFT! OH MY-!" Itsuki and Miku were about to burst out laughing if it wasn't for Nino cuffing their mouths last minute, though she also wanted to laugh too over this tiny mistake; Fuutarou meanwhile couldn't do anything but let off a cringing smile as Ichika shoots a dirty look at him.

"So how did the pie taste, Ichika? Was Uesugi-san's cooking up to your own beauty standards perhaps?" Yotsuba teases her big sister, causing her to reply with the same look she gave to the one who served it unintentionally.

"Ok Yotsuba be quiet! I wanna hear what Ichika thought about Fuu-kun's pie!" Nino hisses.

Director: Ready? (Fuutarou: GASP!) Action!

*Ichika eats Fuutarou's pie and...*

Tamako: MHM! Like this pie is SO GOOOD!

*Fuutarou is left astounded*

Director: Perfect! I love it!

Every single quint that wasn't present that day had their mouths drop in complete astonishment as they wear the same look as their tutor on TV, with Yotsuba and Itsuki emitting high-pitched, but near inaudible squeals.

"Oh. My. God. That was superb!" Miku coos. "Let me guess: Fuutarou's pie tasted so delicious didn't it? That's why you shined like a superstar when filming am I right?"

"Yes... and uh... no. Not exactly. It was uh really on your level um, back then you know that?" Ichika stutters as she mimics her tutor's cringing mood whilst everyone else giggles softly. Well now that I know who really cooked up that pie uh... I guess I could relate that to Miku in a way eheheh...

*Later backstage, Ichika is studying by her own when Fuutarou appears*

Fuutarou: You missed problem five you know.

Ichika: Uh? Ahaha! Oops I guess you got me.

Fuutarou: It's not like you have to hide it.

Ichika: Yeah I know but it's a lot cooler if it's a secret!

"I'm actually impressed as Uesugi-kun is too. It's not like you to take advantage of your downtime to focus on something like this." Itsuki remarks.

"Yeah well, that's what happened when your schedule tightens by the minute, so I don't have much room to do these kind of things." Ichika reasons.

*Fuutarou looks at Ichika's script*

Fuutarou: Done with your script?

Ichika: Yeah! I memorized the entire thing already!

Fuutarou: Why don't you apply your excellent memory to studying then?

Ichika: Eheheh. *Shows a point where Ichika dies* I get killed off by the curse at the beginning so I don't have that many lines.

Fuutarou: You sure die a lot.

"It's like a running gag of hers basically." Miku chuckles.

Ichika: Oh by the way, what's the deal with the pie here? I could be nice and say it's unique, but if I'm being honest it tastes like something Miku cooked up.

Fuutarou: That was my fault. But at least you made it look tasty! Really saved my neck. You're a good liar.

*Ichika pouts furiously*

Ichika: Um... it's called acting!

The other four quints couldn't help but laugh even harder at what their pouty big sis spat out.

"Oh come on Ichika! At least you made yourself sparkle even more on TV right?" Nino cackles.

"Ugh shut up... you heard me on TV right? I wasn't even close to liking his dish even though I barely managed to mask it!" Ichika grimaces.

Fuutarou: Gotta say you threw me for a loop. But what I mean is... I'm impressed. You're... really growing as an actress... *Ichika feigns sleeping* DID SHE FALL ASLEEP?! Well I guess that's for the best if she heard me complimenting her then she might have *Fuutarou straightens her back* let it go to her head or something. But yeah. *And rests her head on his shoulder* It can't be easy to keep it together in front of all of those people. Like I said, I wish your sisters could see it. Good work... Ichika.

"Aww please..." Ichika coos though her blush returns.

"Were you actually sleeping though?" Fuutarou asks her, to which she shakes her head seeing that she's got nothing to hide anymore. Though he is, as of now, oblivious about the fact that her sisters have widened their eyes in shock upon seeing the duo come in close contact on TV...

Ichika as she opens her eyes slightly: I'm even acting right now. *Her heart thumps softly* Maybe I am a liar. I just... couldn't let him see the face I was making.

"So that's why you pretended to fall asleep, huh?" Fuutarou deduces. "You were too shy to let me see your face huh? That all this time you were still performing you little act without me noticing?"

"What are you kidding me? Of course not I wouldn't dare fake my sleep right in front of you this is all an act!" Ichika tries to lie (and fails miserably due to her reddened face). "I mean will you look at that huh? See my face on TV? There's absolutely no way that-"

"I am glad to see you as the mature big sister that you've always longed to be? Yeah. That would be my response. Especially considering you pulling your own weight out on stage." Fuutarou finishes as he pats Ichika on the head again... and does something extra this time: He hugs her. A full embrace rather than a meek wrap around the arms sort-of act. Something that even catches the blossoming actress off guard as her blush darkens drastically.

"Uh...?" Ichika stammers.

"You heard what I said when you faked your sleep right?" Fuutarou continues as Ichika keeps her thoughts snapped tight and stares into his golden eyes. "Not only you're growing as an actress but... I'm jealous of you. These days, well... I wished I had a big sis that's as mature and trustworthy as you are." And that was enough for Ichika to redden even more. "Keeping everything together by yourself, stepping out your comfort zones and being the role model all in one... That's what I like about you. And as always..." Fuutarou's smile widens naturally; He doesn't force it this time, because he feels it too. "...Great job, Ichika. I'm... very happy for you too. For everything."

"Oh please, you... y-y-you didn't have to go this far you know. And besides... Thank you. For... for what you said that day too. I'm always thankful that... that you know, you got be my tutor. And... I'm... I'm lucky to be your student as always." Ichika replies nervously as her face suddenly emits the same smile she made during her audition in Episode 5 whilst the two embrace soundly.

"You know, you can always stop being dishonest with yourself too. Especially now. No one's here to dishonour you for the rest of eternity I'll give you that." Fuutarou adds on, though this time, he received no reply for five seconds. At least, until Ichika's boldness took ahold of her internal reigns and gently blows into his right ear.

"Let it be known, teach." Ichika whispers into his ear as she embraces back. "My feelings for you... like my sisters... they will never change."

"Ulp... uh...Yeah. You too." Fuutarou replies as their bodies tighten against each other for probably the first time since the fireworks festival, only for real this time; The resonating thumps generated vibrations that channelled through every single nerve cells throughout the pair, with even the most intense ones being transferred from the palms of their hands all the way to their lower halves. But even so, for a moment, it seemed like, both Ichika and Fuutarou, it felt like the warmest aura had engulfed them whole. An aura complete with warmth, comfort and happiness. That's all there is resonating deep within both of their own minds. And they, like all human beings that have encountered before, know it well enough to understand and receive it.


This was kind of what I wanted to do to Fuutarou-kun back in Kyoto. Ichika thinks silently as she gets lost in thought during her disastrous Kyoto act. I mean, if it wasn't for myself shooting down Miku, would I have been able to tell him back then? Would I have done more than to kiss him if it's just for this? Moreover, the day with met as elementary students... would I have told him beneath my own mask, that I was the girl in his photo? I mean I tried to that day but... She adjusts herself on Fuutarou's shoulder a little as her memories shift to the boy she played cars with. ...That... did that give him a subtle hint? One of my own visual cues sort of?


Unbeknownst to the two of them though, three of the quintuplets have reactivated their heated red, pink and blue auras out of sheer jealousy towards the somber hug, with the second being restrained by Yotsuba upon the latter noticing her raised fists and gritting mouth complete with a mouthful of sharp teeth. At least... until Miku looms over her crush and prepares to give him the boot.

"So I was right about us four being ghosted!" Miku again growls as her fiery aura engulfs Fuutarou on his left as he finally catches whiff of it. "How dare you Fuutarou!"

"Um... Guys?" Fuutarou gulps. "What's with... why are you all like this?"

"I could ask the same thing to you and Ichika right now!" Yotsuba trembles as she maintains her ground in suppressing her sister's supposed rampage.

"Um... Ichika... maybe we should stop..." Fuutarou then whispers into the actress' ear as she opens her sleepy blue eyes... and feels ten super sharp fingers penetrating the exposed sides of her neck.

"AGH! ITSUKI-CHAN?! THAT HURTS!" Ichika yells in pain as she hurls a pillow into her face and shoves her back in retaliation. "What was that sudden change from your hug previously?!"

"Are you nuts?! I can't believe you two were way too focused on consoling your dear hearts right now to know why!" Itsuki fumes as her red aura envelopes her sister before her fingers painfully withdraw from the latter once her senses were finally brought back.

"Geez what's wrong with you three?! I mean thank you Yotsuba for keeping your cool over this but can we not start another feud over something peaceful like this? Even though it's only for ten minutes like yours previously, Nino?" Fuutarou quivers as he leans a bit to his right and onto Ichika to avoid Miku latching her own trembling fingers from crushing his poorly built shoulders.

"Um... teach..." Ichika blushes as her heart begins to race again.

"Maybe I will... if you ask Yotsuba to LET GO OF ME!" Nino bellows as she struggles to loosen her sister's grasp on her poor wrists whilst Fuutarou and Ichika stop hugging each other.

"There we've let go for now! Happy?!" Ichika retaliates as Miku, Itsuki and Yotsuba finally relax and extinguish their own auras for the former two. Nino though, continues to squirm as the latter refuses to let go...

*Later at the supermarket with two quintuplets... plus a super heavy rice bag...*

Fuutarou: GURGH! AW JEEZ! So heavy... WAIT THINK PHYSICS! The most efficient method... IS TO... never mind it's impossiblllllllll-

Yotsuba: I can carry it (Fuutarou: -llllllllllleeee) for you.

*Cuts to Nino with a shopping trolley, though the camera angle looked sus for the first few frames*

Nino: Get it together grunts! We're not done yet!

Fuutarou: Man this sucks. Why'd you make me come here at this hour?!

Nino: They're having a good sale today. And you should be able to carry that!

"I'm not gonna comment about the camera angle on Nino's back for sure." Fuutarou mutters under his breath.

"You better not or I will literally revert for real!" Nino fumes as she understands what Fuutarou was talking about; Yotsuba meanwhile took a gamble to let go of her sister, but is able to relax as soon as Nino decides to settle down rather than to pounce on her crush.

Fuutarou: Fine why don't you try it?

Nino: Oh. That's right! *Show some stacks of piled up chocolate* Miku wanted some of these.

Fuutarou: Is she gonna eat all that?

Nino: You're pretty stupid for being so smart you know that?

Yotsuba: Miku's ahead of the game though it's only January!

"Oh yeah. The tasty valetines chocolates you made for me, is that why?" Fuutarou asks Miku, causing her smile to widen.

"Mhm!" Miku replies.

Nino: Whatever let's go...

*But then Yotsuba spots her untied shoelaces...*

Yotsuba: Ah! Wait Nino!

Nino: Huh?

Yotsuba: Can you hold this?

*She forces the rice bag onto Nino and causes her to collapse...*

Nino: AAAAAH! AH-! UGH!

*Until Fuutarou dives in to help her hold it*

Fuutarou: UGH! What did I tell you?! Hold on tight ok?!

Nino: Uh?!

*Her heart then beats wildly as she stares*

Yotsuba: There! Sorry about that!

Nino: Um... sure.

*Her heart continues to thump*

"Oh. Right. Now I see why your attitude changed as of now." Fuutarou realises as Ichika, Itsuki and Miku give off dirty looks over the pair plus Yotsuba.

"Next Yotsuba... put the stupid rice bag in the trolley rather than onto me for goodness sake!" Nino pouts... at least, until she grins instantly. Aww... I wished we had been a lot closer to each other back then though! Hehehe!

"Fuutarou...!" Miku scowls, though this time she gets completely ignored.

*Outside the supermarket at night...*

Tsundere Nino: Something's off lately. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I'm not over Kintarou-kun yet. But it doesn't make sense. I mean... This guy?! *Cue Nino's imagination of Fuutarou being her prince charming* There's no way he's really my prince charming he's the worst!

Nino lets off a high-pitched delighted squeal over this one tiny imagination of hers whilst Fuutarou looks on in confusion. The others, well...

"And what makes you think that I would be like what you dreamed of huh?" Fuutarou replies awkwardly, only to face a mischievous grin from Nino herself.

"Oh come on stop being so dense and accept the facts already. Or should I keep calling you Mr Prince Charming for the time being huh, Fuu-kun?" Nino teases as she flutters her eyes... and gets whacked by a furious Itsuki with a pillow. "ITSUKI?! WHAT THE HELL!"

"Let's face it: Stop getting Uesugi-kun unnerved over something irrelevant like this!" Itsuki snaps as her red aura ignites again. "Didn't he say that it was a waste of time for highschoolers to date especially with this student-tutor relationship of ours?!"

"That was a while ago, Itsuki but I'm sure he's gotten over it by now! Why don't you stop getting so worked up over it and get back into the race for Fuu-kun's love huh?!" Nino bites back.

"Like hell I would do that!" Itsuki retaliates before Fuutarou holds up his hands in front of the two.

"Ok please! Enough you two and cut it out!" Fuutarou deadpans sternly, which thankfully makes the two of them back off from each other and cool down, but not before another jealous quint arises.

"Why don't I get my own downtime with you, Fuutarou?!" Miku fumes even more as her aura blazes yet again.

"Miku please! I'm sure that ours will come up soon in the later episodes I mean it!" Fuutarou replies.

"So much for having mine taken away from me too..." Ichika grumbles, though her yellow aura doesn't burn up alongside Yotsuba's green aura somehow.

"UGH! Can you all please be quiet or should I choose to dump all of you?!" Fuutarou breaks; At the mention of being dumped, everyone literally panics and chose to withdraw soundly into their seats as Miku's aura also vanishes in the process. "Thank you, for crying out loud! And for the record, I'm not even close to choosing anyone yet ok? Relax!"

Fuutarou: Hm? What's with you?

Tsundere Nino: I'm fine!

Yotsuba: Hm? Hey look. In there.

Fuutarou and Nino: Hm?

*Yotsuba notices Itsuki with her father in the café*

Fuutarou at this point, took the chance to peek a little at Yotsuba on the other side of the couch, who did not produce any words nor a jealous reaction of her own. That's weird. Yotsuba's been unusually calm since the start of this episode, let alone this minor feud. I wonder what's keeping her from acting like her sisters? Or rather... what could she be hiding?

Deep inside, the fourth sister felt proud of herself for remaining serene amidst the chaos of emotions. But even so she was still, at times, a little fidgety. Other than making others happy, there was a clear reason on why she didn't become jealous like the other four; Something she holds dear in her somewhat fragile head told her that it was ok for her sisters to have Fuutarou and not her, and she knows what it truly is. But even so, Yotsuba decides not to think about them too hard for the time being as the TV resumes.

"Alright, I'm still curious as to why did you answer dad's call, Itsuki. What did you two talk about when neither of us were around?" Miku asks her.

"You mean neither you nor Ichika were around?" Itsuki tries to correct her.

"Wait you three were there too?" Ichika says confused to Fuutarou, Nino and Yotsuba.

"I mean if it wasn't for Yotsuba's keen eye..." Nino replies, though she would rather take the chance to let the TV finish it for her.

*Inside the café, Maruo and Itsuki are sitting down together*

Maruo: Excuse me. We'll take one of each sandwich you have, please.

Waitress: Sure.

Eatsuki: GAH! *Her ahoge spins in panic* YOU DON'T HAVE TO!

Maruo: You're not hungry?

Eatsuki: Mmm... I am thanks.

Since Ichika and Miku were absent that night they paid super close attention to what their father really wanted to discuss with Itsuki.

Maruo: Good girl. You're cooperative and quick to catch on. I believe that's what makes a person intelligent, Itsuki. You're a smart girl.

*Eatsuki sips on her coffee; Hiding in a corner though...*

Nino: I knew it that is dad!

Yotsuba: Why is he with Itsuki?

Fuutarou: Wait a sec... I think that's... the guy from the hospital! *Flashbacks to his sickness* Don't tell me... that guy is their father?!

"And what does he think about us?" Miku pouts, feeling rather isolated from this.

"I mean neither of us were around other than her. Maybe he would say the same thing to us? Besides how did you three manage to avoid getting spotted?" Ichika asks, though she got no immediate reply.

*Back to the two of them as Itsuki neatly cleans her mouth*

Maruo: Now then Itsuki... I'm prepared to overlook the mistake you girls have made. (Itsuki: Uh?) But you all must return home right away. And please make the others aware if you don't mind.

Itsuki: The others? Does that include him or not?

Maruo: Uesugi-kun? Of course not this is a family matter. And that boy's an outsider in every sense of the world. Besides, to be frank, I profoundly despise him.

*Both Fuutarou and Nino cringe over what Maruo said. As for Itsuki well...*

Nino: Ngh!

Itsuki: WOAH THAT'S CHILDISH!

Nino: Good grief what did you do to him?

Fuutarou: Uhh... I-I-I don't know. Nothing really rings a bell...

"Well now you girls heard it at the start..." Fuutarou grimaces as four out of five quintuplets gave off dirty looks now that they know what he actually said to him and the like.

"Yikes. I really did not expect to hear that from dad for sure. But then again now that WE know..." Miku notes. Nino on the other hand winces instead, because those were the same, if not similar, words she said when Fuutarou first started to become their tutor...


'This place is for us sisters. He doesn't belong here with the five of us.'


NO SHUT UP! YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER BARGED INTO OUR LIVES NOT YOU THIS TIME FUU-KUN! Nino screams unconsciously as she hits herself on the head, shocking Miku and Yotsuba in the process.

"You better be thankful dad isn't home to see this got it?!" Ichika growls.

Itsuki: The truth is... we can't go home yet. And you shouldn't call him an outsider. Not when he's so involved in all this.

Maruo: In that case, (Itsuki: Huh?) I can allow Uesugi-kun back into my household, and have him resume his teaching duties...

Fuutarou: Huh?!

Maruo: But... I'll pair him with a professional tutor. He'll be hired in a support position and nothing more.

Itsuki: But sir! We've all been working so hard and-

Maruo: Come now. Do you honestly believe that with Uesugi-kun as your primary tutor Yotsuba would have *Yotsuba flinches* any hope of passing exams?

*Itsuki flashbacks to Yotsuba's disastrous failure back in Kurobara*

Yotsuba immediately trembles as the brief tragedy she wound up in is brought up. In a way, it reminds her of something way more important that she had been masking behind even her sisters' backs. Something far greater than her cataclysmic failure itself...

"Yotsuba, calm down please." Miku tries to comfort as Fuutarou pats the former quintuplet's shoulder.

"You passed, Yotsuba. You passed. This isn't real anymore. And besides, what you said to your father about you girls having high hopes for me, thank you. Again." Fuutarou tries to assure, with Miku and Nino following suit with the shoulder pats.

"But even so! H-having to relive that again through Itsuki's eyes is..." She replies with a shuddering breath. No rather, my flashback with me and Uesugi-san... That's what it also reminds me of. My special secret that not even you guys except for Ichika know. I hope it doesn't show that right now...

"Huh? High hopes? What did she say to him?" Ichika asks, but Fuutarou points at the TV.

Maruo: I saw the scores she got in her second term. And based on that I don't have high hopes for her.

*Fuutarou wanted to lash out at Maruo, only for Nino to persuade him to cool down at the last second*

Nino: Relax. You'll only make matters worse if you get yourself involved.

Fuutarou: I know but...! *He looks to Yotsuba's chair which is empty* Huh?!

"Honestly after hearing what he said about you Fuutarou, I would have reacted the same way as you did if he wasn't my dad." Miku scowls.

"Thing is though, Yotsuba. What did you say to father that changed his mind?" Ichika asks again. But Yotsuba mimics Fuutarou and points at the screen.

Itsuki: Um... I guess... you are right... We'd probably stand a better chance with two people...

Yotsuba: We'll pass!

Itsuki: Uh?! Yotsuba?!

Yotsuba: With Uesugi-san's help we can make it happen! I want the six of us to do this together! Please trust us! We won't make the same mistakes as before!

Maruo: And what happens if you do?

Yotsuba: Hm?!

"We didn't. I put everything, my heart and soul, into Uesugi-san. And you guys did too didn't you? We should all thank him for making it happen!" Yotsuba proudly asserts as all five couldn't help but smile.

"Heh. I see. You never change do you, Yotsuba?" Ichika smirks.

"Déjà vu in a sense." Fuutarou chuckles, seeing that this was usually referred to him.

Maruo: I hate to discuss this out loud, but I do know a board member at another high school. We've made an arrangement that would allow all of you to enrol there as third years. If you fail your next exam, Then I'm going to have you transferred. Since you insist on doing things your own way, you'll have to bear responsibility. Am I clear?

*Yotsuba nods nervously*

Itsuki out of nowhere: That's fine with us.

*She shocks Fuutarou, Nino and Yotsuba*

Even Ichika and Miku imitate their sisters and tutor's stunned faces on screen over Itsuki's massive character development. One moment their youngest sister preferred to study out of the face of their tutor, the next moment they witness her wanting to continue her support for him, even though she knows herself that the grudges she bear would continue to remain in her heart. That sudden change of heart to the two of them, they were astounded just as the others were.

"Woah. Itsuki-chan. No wonder why... you were so energetic... the next day when... Fuutarou-kun...!" Ichika gasps as her words slowly faded into thin air.

"Were there any spurred thoughts as to why you wanted Fuutarou back, Itsuki? I-I mean I'm aware you knew that we all needed him too but what was you own reasons? Just curious." Miku asks her as the latter smiles warmly.

"Oh uh, you can partially thank Ichika for that. I mean, well, what she said during the ski trip, plus the time where Uesugi-kun stayed over as well as he um, yeah, helped resolve the conflict between me and Nino. Other than that..." She replies as Miku and Yotsuba curiously look on whilst she recalls the real reasons on why she wanted to stand her ground that night.

"Heh?" Ichika grins as Itsuki couldn't help but smile unconsciously with her eyes shut for a few seconds.


Ichika: 'Try being honest with yourself.'

Itsuki: 'We butted heads again the other day. I can't help it I get hung up on the smallest of all things!

*The memories switch to the school camp where Ichika fell sick*

Ichika 'Are you sure Fuutarou-kun isn't as bad a guy you normally think he is?'

Itsuki: 'That's not what I'm talking about!'

*And then to her conversation with Fuutarou in the night*

Itsuki: 'You're the kind of person people need.'


Yeah. I owe you quite a bit actually. Thank you. Itsuki thinks as her memories exit her conscience.

Maruo: I knew you'd be able to understand my position, Itsuki. But I'll have them prepare the transfer.

Itsuki: No. We'll switch schools if we fail but we still intend to succeed! I'm standing my ground on this one, father! Sorry I'm not the intelligent daughter you want.

Maruo: Hmph. That's alright. Parents should hear their children's selfish demands... *He stands up and prepares to exit* ...but it's also my job to punish your selfishness. This is your last chance.

*Episode ends with their father walking out of the café*


Phew... it didn't. I'm safe for now. Yotsuba thinks as she takes a breather.

"Heh. And just look how far we've come thanks to Fuu-kun!" Nino grins.

"That's it? Was there nothing else you guys did after father walked off?" Ichika says confused.

"My words exactly..." Miku mumbles.

"I'm pretty sure we did. It just didn't show up in this episode. Maybe we need to keep watching." Fuutarou reasons.

"Well unless if there are any objections, let's move on right away!" Yotsuba proclaims as she fast forwards the ending credits to the next episode... literally. For the next two minutes or so.

"You know you could have just pressed the button for the next episode rather than waste time fast forwarding..." Itsuki groans a little as Episode 18 flickers to life.


A/N: LoliConnoisseur, I saw your most recent reply too. Apologies accepted my friend and I respect that. And nevertheless, thanks for your concerns as always. Really appreciate it.