Ep 18: The Last Exam
Maruo: This is your last chance.
*The episode picks up from where the previous one left off. Maruo walks out of the café as he leaves Itsuki, Yotsuba, Fuutarou and Nino behind; The latter two finally decided to reveal themselves to the youngest ones after that.*
Fuutarou: He's gone.
Yotsuba and Itsuki: Uh?
"See? I told you there was stuff we did after that." Fuutarou says to Ichika and Miku.
Itsuki: Uesugi-kun! Did you hear all of that?
Fuutarou: Yeah that guy is every bit as awful as I was imagining.
Nino: That's dad. To be fair though he's kind of in the right. Thing is, right isn't always what matters.
Fuutarou: This sucks. I didn't think he'd threaten a transfer. Now I really can't fail.
"You didn't though! You made us pass with five smiles on our faces! That's what matters the most!" Yotsuba proudly reminds him as she pats his shoulder.
Itsuki: I apologize for forcing you to be part of our family problems, Uesugi-kun.
Yotsuba: I don't... want to transfer.
Fuutarou: Who cares? There's no difference.
The three of them: Uh?
Fuutarou: Whether it's a family thing, *He clenches his fist and raises* a personal thing, an academic thing, whatever! It doesn't change the facts! *Cue his determination aura activating* Like I said before I'm gonna do what I want! And that's helping you guys pass! You'll graduate from high school with your heads held high! That's all I care about!
The three of them after staring for a few seconds: Eheheh...
Itsuki: Well that's encouraging!
"Heh. You can say that again, Itsuki-chan now that we're close to the finish line!" Ichika grins.
"Yeah like I said last episode: Just look how far we've come already! Thank you so much as usual for getting us there, Fuu-kun!" Nino repeats.
"Don't thank me. Thank each other for keeping it together to make it this far. Seriously, you girls should be proud of yourselves." Fuutarou smiles back.
*The scene fades to the day of the last exam, with each of them having thoughts spurring within them*
Itsuki: It's not only the deal I made with father. If I don't score well on this exam and move on to the next grade, then that means my dreams are at stake too.
Miku: I won't be satisfied with just passing this exam. I made up my mind that day, that I was going to get a better score than any of my sisters.
"Really?" Ichika says as she lets off a smug grin at Miku whilst reliving the actual results, though that also reminded her of something horrid too as she cringes internally. No... get lost Kyoto! GET OUT!
"Next time on the third year exams for sure! Next time!" Miku huffs as she pumps her fists.
Ichika: Don't think about anything else! You have to concentrate on passing this thing!
*Nino though...*
Nino: No way... Uh- This isn't happening! Me with... him of all people?!
"Please don't tell me you didn't finish your exams because you were thinking of me..." Fuutarou groans.
"Oh come on of course I did finish! Though you were still lingering in my head after that." Nino dryly replies... only to let off a grin at what she mentioned. And yeah. I had something a little more after that for you. Hehe!
Yotsuba: Up until now I've messed up left and right! If there's some god of studying out there, please help me do well on this test!*Her eyes water slightly* Come on! We've worked so hard to get this far!
Though Yotsuba's thoughts didn't really mean much to everyone just yet, the quintuplet herself immediately suffered from what she thought was the most painful throb she has ever felt; Feeling more than compelled to lurch forward because of this, Yotsuba couldn't fathom herself hearing her biggest mistakes being partially voiced out on TV. The part where she said she messed up left and right in particular, no, it wasn't when she failed every single test or assignment given to her that rung a bell, but rather, another fatal mess that goes back all the way to first year, after failing to meet her previous strived expectations...
Rena Nakano: 'Nothing in the whole world would make me happier than for the five of you to grow up healthy and taken care of.'
'I'm different from you guys now! Don't group me together with you!'
'The five of us being together is impossible.'
'I... failed?'
'Why do I even study? Why is the five of us being together so important? I don't get it...'
"Uh... Yotsuba?" Miku shudders as her sister's sudden lurch happens to catch pretty much everyone's attention. "What's wrong?"
"ULP! N-n-nothing! Everything's fine! Just didn't realise that uh... they would... ring out my thoughts on TV of course! Eheheheh! And the study god thing well..." She honestly counters in desperation as she rights herself back up again... alongside with her deflated ribbons perking up in panic of course.
"If you wanna talk about your special study god, look to your right. He's literally sitting next to us right now, Yotsuba." Nino dryly jokes.
"Always remember this too: You've passed. You've succeeded. That's all you need to be aware of. And we're all proud of you." Fuutarou reassures her.
"I have a feeling that's not the case though." Ichika murmurs as her head became well immersed in thoughts. No rather... You lurched because you messed up left and right; It was the day in Kurobara where you failed wasn't it, Yotsuba? That's why you loathed remembering that dreadful spiral that's coming back to bite you? Onee-san still knows that day really well. Believe me. Because I feel your pain too...
*And then scene fades... to the next day after Fuutarou, Nino, Yotsuba and Itsuki met up the night before, aka, the first day of exam preparations*
Fuutarou: Two months left until the finals! Everyone! Let's get started on today's lesson!
*And then Itsuki rises up feeling super motivated than usual*
Itsuki: YES LET US BEGIN! Please tell us what we need to do! We're fully devoted to passing the exams!
Fuutarou: Uh... right! I like your enthusiasm?
"Eh? Why did they show us taking the exam but then flashback to the days before that?" Nino puzzledly asks.
"Who knows. Maybe they're doing something like a buildup of some sort before they display our results? I honestly have no clue." Fuutarou replies. "Ichika? Do you know this?"
"Not in full detail but you're kind of on the right track there." Ichika replies.
"Well on the bright side, at least we now know why Itsuki has suddenly been spurred to learn from our hero, right?" Yotsuba mentions as the youngest quint grins.
"Well, now that you all saw it, yeah." Itsuki beams.
Fuutarou: Anyway here goes! Try to get a thirty- Uh-!
*And then his unexpected nosebleed appears whilst Yotsuba holds a tissue box*
Yotsuba and Itsuki: AH!
Nino: What's wrong with you?
Ichika: Have you been reading dirty magazines?
Fuutarou: Haha. It's Miku's fault. Chocolates give me nosebleeds but she keeps on making me eat it.
Miku: *Holds up some more* I brought some more today.
Nino: Chocolate? That sounds good I've been craving something sweet.
Miku: It isn't for you!
Nino: What?! Stop being so greedy! *And Nino notices something else as Miku lets off a smug* Uh?
Smug Miku: Oh I'm not. Not yet! *Turns back to Fuutarou* Eat these and tell me what you think!
Fuutarou: What is this even for?!
Ichika: Uh...
"Well uh... thanks for the chocolates I guess? I should have known that it was for valentine's day though." Fuutarou puzzledly says as he struggles to actually find a decent response again. Miku meanwhile imitates herself on TV whilst Nino scowls jealously.
"That's alright. Just remember Fuutarou, you're the main reason for why I chose to bake those valentine's day treats for you. All because of you giving my terrible omurice your seal of approval." Miku pleasantly reminds him before turning to Ichika too about that deal they made, causing her to shudder. You too, Ichika. You were the other one who made me initiate this!
"Can we not relive this tactless challenge again, please?" Nino sulks.
"Since when did I say your opinion matters in our small talk huh?" Miku lashes back.
"Excuse me?! What are you getting so defensive for you jerk?!" Nino retaliates as yet another Nino-Miku argument unfolds again... until Itsuki smashes two separate pillows at her sisters to shut them up.
"Seriously!" Itsuki and Fuutarou fume together as the two that got smacked withdrew with hostile glares.
"That aside though, Uesugi-san, what did you want to say to the five of us before your nose gave way?" Yotsuba asks him curiously.
"I wanted to say try to get a... get a thirty... um... I... I don't actually know now. Its been so long since the second year finals flew by, not to mention with all of the valentine's chocolates I ate..." Fuutarou admits.
"It's fine. Just curious to know that's all, no big deal." Yotsuba reassures.
*Later in the night as Ichika wakes up and finds Miku trying to make more valentines chocolates...*
Miku: Uh?
Ichika: I'm surprised you're still at it.
Miku: Ichika. Did I wake you up?
So glad I chose to actually put something on this time... Ichika thinks after grimacing over those multiple innuendos she had to recap.
Ichika: You must have a pretty good idea Fuutarou-kun's tastes by now.
Miku: You figured me out. It's just that I don't like sweets so I'm not sure how to do it. *Cue a skull in the centre of her latest batch, plus a small jojo reference* I'm making test batches.
Ichika: Umm… Should I be seeing a skull in it?!
Miku: It's fine. That's the kind of skull that means it's safe to eat.
Ichika: I'm not sure if that's a real thing…
Nino and Itsuki didn't hesitate to stick out their tongues in disgust whilst Yotsuba gags alongside them too.
"What? I didn't find them disgusting. They tasted perfect." Fuutarou nonchalantly says, causing Miku's smile to widen even more.
"Your stupid taste buds are busted! Don't bother!" Nino snaps.
"I'm actually kinda amazed by how you didn't get poisoned like when you ate those croquettes too." Itsuki notes as Miku hurls a pillow in her face for that criticism.
"Stop!" Ichika groans.
Ichika: there are plenty of easier recipes out there too! Some of them are just melted mould! *Miku whimpers a little* Sigh... Yeah, cooking's not really my forte either. Hang on a sec! I just remembered! I happened to know a great cook!
Miku: Huh?
*Ichika leans on the bench with a teasy smug*
Ichika: Maybe you should ask for a quick lesson.
"No surprise on who got called." Nino mutters, already knowing that she was the one being referred.
"How long did you stay up to make these though?" Fuutarou asks her.
"Um... I mean... until Ichika told me to get some rest. Like half an hour later after that small talk. Yeah that's it. I think. It was worth the effort though I can tell you that!" Miku replies.
*The scene fades day 2 of the exam preparations, but with one quint missing*
Fuutarou: We're a week into the third term. With one Sunday left to work with. This is the time to buckle down. SO WHERE'S ITSUKI?! *He mimics Itsuki's squeaky voice with stars in his eyes* Yes let us begin! Tell us what we should do! *Back to normal* So much for that huh?!
Itsuki suddenly loses control of herself and bursts out laughing over Fuutarou mimicking her voice, which happens to jumpscare everyone else too.
"Itsuki-chan?!" Ichika yelps.
"Sorry! The way Uesugi-kun tried to imitate me with stars in his eyes... it just caught me off guard!" Itsuki admits as she continues to laugh.
"That's so not like you at all." Fuutarou notes.
Ichika: Easy there!
Miku: Please calm down.
Yotsuba: For real though it's kinda weird that she isn't around!
Nino: You guys... did you all forget? Itsuki has that thing today.
*The other three suffer a stroke after Nino reminds them*
Fuutarou: Wait what thing?! Where is she going?!
Miku: Wow he's asking us point blank.
Ichika: You should be more sensitive when you ask about personal stuff like this.
Yotsuba: She's right. It's sort of uncomfortable for us to talk about so uh...
*Fuutarou's jojo stare*
Fuutarou: What is it?! It'd better be something more important than your exams! Because if it's not then Itsuki's a dead woman!
"I swear whoever added these random effects to Fuutarou's stare is a genius." Miku smirks as Yotsuba gives off a forced laugh for being in that situation on TV. Itsuki meanwhile shudders a little after almost taking Fuutarou's response as an actual threat to her.
"I wasn't threatening you Itsuki don't worry." Fuutarou replies to her shiver.
Panicking Yots: UGH! Well you see... GIRLS HAVE TO STAY-
Nino: Wrong. It's the day our mother died ok?
*And Fuutarou's like what the heck*
"Oh my gosh what is this transition?! He looks so goofy now!" Nino cackles over Fuutarou's confused face.
Fuutarou: Mmm? W-w-wait, but she was your mother too so...
Yotsuba: Eheheh. Just to be clear today isn't the day. She actually passed away on August 14th.
Fuutarou: So it's the month of her anniversary?
Nino: Yeah. Itsuki's super devoted to visiting the grave every month on the 14th.
Fuutarou: Devoted huh? *The scene gently fades to Itsuki at her mother's grave when...* I wonder if that's the only reason though...
"That aside, I understand that your desires to meet your mother is really important to you. And I respect that too." Fuutarou says before he gently strokes Itsuki's hair, causing her to blush in surprise. Thing is though, the way Itsuki wanted to visit her mother's grave, in a way, it somehow reactivated Fuutarou's pained appearance as he flashbacks to the day of his mother's accident and how he, his dad and his sister had to take care of the entire family by themselves. Squinting his eyes with his head arched down slightly, he suffers from a minor reset inside. And due to this, everyone notices that mood swing of his instantly.
"Aww. Don't hurt yourself, teach. Your mother would also be smiling upon you too, now that we've all seen it. You'll be fine ok? We're all by your side" Ichika reassures as she headpats her tutor's head in return.
"Yeah don't beat yourself over something you can't change ok?" Nino adds on as she embraces him.
"Everything will be ok as long as you don't leave us. Please." Miku smiles after she rudely shoves past Nino to embrace him too.
"Miku- OW! What the heck!" Nino snaps.
"You respected the loss of our mother. So I think it's time we reciprocate that to you as thanks for being by our side huh?" Yotsuba softly speaks as she holds a tissue box in front of Fuutarou's face, though he doesn't take the chance to move a muscle. "We'll be here to share your pain with you too."
Itsuki meanwhile smiles upon noticing her sister comforting their tutor, who forcefully cracks a smile, but then her eyes widen in surprise.
"Oh wait...!" Itsuki realises. Although she was indeed sticking true to her word, there was another person she met that day too. Someone her mother had taught her before she died.
"Huh? What is it?" Her big sisters and Fuutarou ask.
"If that wasn't your only reason that day what else happened?" Miku follows up.
Itsuki: Will I ever be like you mom? I've been working so hard... Uh?
*...Itsuki hears someone approaching her*
Shimoda: Hey I rarely see other people here.
Itsuki: Oh hi there. It's a pleasure to meet you.
*Cue Shimoda's shocked face*
Shimoda: You're alive?!
"Whaaaaaat? Who was that lady thinking that you just reanimated from the dead?!" Fuutarou suspiciously asks Itsuki over her rather confusing behaviour, only for the latter to smirk.
"Yeah who is that? We don't recall seeing her before either!" Yotsuba exclaims.
"Oh don't worry. She only just mistook me for mother that's all. You'll see later in the show." Itsuki replies.
"She mistook you for...?" Fuutarou says baffled as the other four look on curiously after wondering why the youngest was absent for the entire day.
*Cuts to the Revival café*
Shimoda: Ahaha! Sorry for that! But you look so much like Miss Nakano I actually thought you were her for a second! Ah but she's been dead for so long! That kinda be horrific! *Itsuki stares at her confused* Oops I shouldn't say that in front of her daughter huh? My bad. I think that you and I met each other for a reason. Go ahead. Order as much as you want. It's an honour of my late teacher.
Eatsuki as her ahoge perks: HUH?! As much as I want?! *A few seconds later she's happily eating some cake. But then she resumes talking to Shimoda* Wait... Shimoda-san did you say my mom was your teacher?
Shimoda: Yep. Miss Nakano. She smacked me in the head so many times that I ended up losing count!
"She did that?! And she was her teacher?!" Fuutarou and the other four quints gasped.
"Apparently." Itsuki replies. "I was shocked too to be honest. I never thought that I would have met a former student of mom's!"
"Was that why you were absent the entire day?" Fuutarou realises as Itsuki nods in response.
Eatsuki: That's the thing. Could please tell me as much as you can about what kind of person she was?
Shimoda: Do you really not remember? It was five years ago. So you weren't that little.
Eatsuki: Yeah that's true. But all I really know is how she acted with us at home. So I thought maybe you could tell me. When my mother was your teacher, what was she like.
And that seemed to silence everyone else that wasn't present as they paid super close attention to what Shimoda was about to say.
Shimoda: Hmm... A little bit cold. She didn't try to be friendly to her students. In fact, I'm pretty sure I never saw her smile at school even once.
Eatsuki: Eheheh! If that's how she was then the students must have been terrified of her!
That kinda sounds like Fuutarou when we first met him! The quintuplets that were absent thought.
Shimoda: No believe it or not (Eatsuki: Uh?) we weren't!
Eatsuki: Huh?
Shimoda: She could be as fierce and unsympathetic as she wanted. In fact, we loved her for it. Because... *And Rena's face is clearly shown for the first time ever* ...Miss Nakano was just that stunningly beautiful.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHH! MOOOOOM!" The four eldest quints suddenly scream in joy after seeing their mother's face again in like, more than five years actually.
"Mom... AHH! MOM IT'S YOU AGAIN! OH MY GOSH!" Ichika yells out as she cries uncontrollably.
"What are you... *Sniff* What the hell are you talking about?! She's... *Sniff* Stop crying...!" Nino tries to scold her only big sis, only to be choked by her own tears.
"You're crying too you know that?! *Hic*" Miku sniffles as Yotsuba hands out the tissue box for everyone to use. Itsuki clasps her hands together whilst saying a variety silent prayers in her head whilst this commotion unfolds. Fuutarou meanwhile...
"That's... your mother?!" Fuutarou gasps in awe as his golden eyes widen substantially. In a way, seeing the beautiful essence of her face is like thinking that his mother had returned to his fizzled thoughts.
"Please don't tell me you're also falling for our mom." Itsuki groans as Fuutarou suddenly covers his blushing face with an iron grip.
"No that's not it. I mean... seeing how stunningly beautiful your mom looks I..." Fuutarou muffles softly under his blush. "...You know, I was only reminded of my own mother... before she passed away too..."
"That was it?!" Ichika speaks up before she sobs again.
"RUDE!" Yotsuba pouts at her big sis whilst her ribbons twitch twice.
Eatsuki: That pretty huh?
*She wears a stunned look just like Fuutarou right now as she takes another piece of cake*
Shimoda: Ahaha! She even had a fanclub! The boys were all smitten with her.
Eatsuki: Wow seriously?!
Shimoda: But I bet you're popular too. Given the resemblance and all.
*Itsuki panics*
Eatsuki: AAHH! No I'm definitely not!
"Oh don't be... *Hic* don't be ridiculous, Itsuki! Of course... *Sniff* you are! Unlike Fuu-kun!" Nino harshly scolds her, though it's pretty clear that, like her sisters, she's unable to speak due to the massive tears she's releasing upon seeing her mother for real this time. Itsuki just rolls her eyes over what Nino said. Fuutarou meanwhile doesn't take the chance to react to Nino's minor insult, though the mention of a fanclub did pique his interests a little.
Shimoda: Anyway, Miss Nakano was so beautiful that I fell for her myself. *Flashback to a time where she and two other delinquents got into a fight and got whacked by their teacher* When she'd walloped me and the other delinquents, she was always completely expressionless. But there was an air of righteousness to it. It was part of her charm.
"Wait... Dad? IS THAT REALLY YOU?" Fuutarou yells in shock upon noticing a spiky, blonde-haired boy that resembles exactly like his father. The other quints meanwhile marvelled at what Shimoda was talking about in the meanwhile.
"OH MY GOSH YOUR DAD WAS THE ONE OF THOSE STUDENTS THAT OUR MOTHER BEAT UP?!" Nino squeals delightfully which further agonizes Fuutarou.
"Why on earth are you so excited to hear my dad getting punished by her?!" Fuutarou finally backlashes, causing the former and Yotsuba to laugh hysterically.
"But who's the third one though with Shimoda and Fuutarou's dad?" Miku asks as she wipes off her tears and pants continuously from seeing her mother's face again.
"Could that be our stepfather? No... It can't be, he doesn't look that rough..." Itsuki mutters.
Shimoda: In the end, we'd fallen in love with more than her looks. For that entire school year, she scolded me non-stop. But still, I'm glad that I met your mom. She inspired me. And today I'm an instructor at a cram school.
*Itsuki looks on amazed before she opens a paper containing her preferences for university*
Itsuki: And I'm happy I met you, Shimoda-san. You've helped me come to a very important decision. I think I'm going to do the same thing you did! I'll follow in my mother's footsteps!
"So let me get this straight... your mother had a fanclub... my dad was a student of your mother's... he presumably was in that fanclub I mentioned and liked her in a way... he was a delinquent like me in the past... and he got... he got beaten up by her for causing trouble too?! All the while inspiring him and Shimoda... was it?" Fuutarou lets out as he suffers from a Windows exe crash from trying to process everything that he just saw. "Uh..."
"Aww." Ichika coos upon noticing Fuutarou's brain suffering from an implosion; she can literally see steam vaporizing from his poor head as he stares in silence.
"Silly." Miku smirks after she finally puts her sadness in check like the others.
"But still, the fact that I'm learning so much more about mom after hearing this really says a lot don't you all think?" Nino says as everyone including Fuutarou nods.
"I guess sometimes the movie itself can show some interesting things in a good way after all." Itsuki agrees.
*Shimoda stops Itsuki from writing with her spoon though*
Shimoda: Not so fast.
Itsuki: Uh?
Shimoda: It's a good thing that you admire your mother, and emulating someone you have respect for, that's totally ok too. I mean, that is what I did. But you're not just doing it so you can be like your mom are you?
Itsuki: Uh?
Shimoda: There are lots of ways to do that. But hey. Nobody has the right to decide your dreams for you. Ou want to be a teacher? Great! As long as you understand what your reasons are.
Itsuki: My reasons...
"So that's why you're standing firm on being a teacher huh? We're all so proud of you for your persistence you know that?" Yotsuba admires as she smiles at Itsuki.
'She's still here. Mom is within all of us... From now on, I'll... I'll be mom.'
"Heh. Don't mention it. After all..." Itsuki replies "Other than my mother, there is another influence that I am most proud of for inspiring... uh... huh?" she turns to Fuutarou as his face was suddenly covered by his tightly cupped hands in agony. "Um... you ok?"
As the five sister peer to Fuutarou, it was pretty clear that judging by his pained stature, he was heavily affected by what he just saw.
"Huh? Fuutarou?" Miku asks. "What's wrong?"
"Sorry... I mean... your mother... again..." Fuutarou muffles before he was forced to hold his breath under his hands. "I'm just glad that you five were able to brighten up after seeing her smile and her entire fanclub again haha... *Deep breath* don't mind me just letting you have your time... *Sniff* and mine..." At this point flashbacks of his mother and Rena inundate his thoughts yet again as he whispers to his god of self-control in order to not burst into tears and humiliate himself in front of his, or who he calls, his students. "Sorry um, I need some time to process this... as Yotsuba once said: 'My poor noggin's about to explode'." Fuutarou groans as his pained expression is kept shut from the other sisters.
"Please don't fall out of the world over something like this..." Nino begs as she sort wraps her arms around Fuutarou, but ends up patting him instead after noticing Miku's jealous scowl.
"Yeah really. Even if it's just for a brief moment like relieving your own mother, we're all here to stand by your side too. Don't worry about it too much please." Yotsuba tells him as she holds the tissue box again just in case whilst the TV rolls on.
*Back at the Nakano household whilst this occasion happened, Miku fails yet another test batch when someone returns home*
Miku: Uh?
Nino: Miku? Why are you in here by yourself?
Miku: Nino? I thought you had a study group at school this afternoon?
Nino: I did, but Ichika made me come home.
*Miku disgusted face*
Miku: Ugh?! Wait you're the cook she was talking about?!
*Peeking from the window though*
Ichika: Go get 'em Miku! Now she'll feel better about her chocolates!
"Wait so you were just watching us from outside?!" Miku says puzzled as she and Nino give off a disgusted look each at the eldest quint.
*She ducks down and giggles*
Ichika: And Fuutarou-kun's always so oblivious! He'll never see it coming! Sigh... Why did I end up liking him...
*And then Fuutarou shows up suddenly*
Fuutarou: Ichika? What are you doing?
Ichika: WHAT?! FUUTAROU-KUN?!
*She smacks her hand so hard on the windowpane and scares her two younger sisters*
Both: Gah!
Nino: What the-? Who's out there?!
"So that was you two who startled us!" Nino gasps.
"Why are you including me I just wanted to check on where you three were at! And what was that small talk about liking me, Ichika?" Fuutarou retorts as he finally removes his hands from his face.
"Uh eheheheh..." Ichika laughs forcefully as she struggles to defend herself for the time being.
Ichika: Ughhh...
Fuutarou: Are you ok?
Ichika: Crap. *She stands up* Yeah! What's up?
Fuutarou: Yotsuba said she forgot her reference book at your apartment. I came to get it-
Ichika: Oh that? I think I threw it away the other day.
Fuutarou: WHAT?!
Ichika: You know what? (Fuutarou: Uh?!) Let's go buy (Fuutarou: Huh?) another one (Fuutarou: HEY!) right now!
"Did you actually throw my reference book away?!" Yotsuba fumes. "Because even when I came back I couldn't-"
"What no?! I didn't ok it was hidden on the bookshelf relax!" Ichika replies in desperation now that her entire act had been unveiled much to the likes of everyone else. All because she had to keep her sister's surprise a secret just for her. "But now you see why I had to push you away Fuutarou-kun eheheh." Miku at least was a little thankful that her big sis was there to make a divergence.
"Sigh..." Was all that Fuutarou manage to breathe as he wears a mildly irritated face.
*Back inside after Ichika drags Fuutarou away though...*
Nino: What is this?! It looks absolutely disgusting! And I'm willing to bet it tastes even worse! Maybe if you didn't screw up the looks and the taste you'd be okay! But you'd be better off buying chocolates from the store...
*And Miku's response to that is...*
Miku pout: THAT'S ENOUGH!
Nino: Uh?
*She starts to weep*
Miku: …Shut up!
*Nino panic face*
Nino: GAH?!
"Wow way to ruin her mood Nino..." Itsuki mutters as Nino hurls a pillow in her face to silence her. "OW!"
Nino: Oh what am I saying the most important thing is that you made it by yourself right? Besides it's kinda endearing if it's not perfect I mean look at this one it's like a cute, little insect.
Miku: Lately, Fuutarou won't even eat the food I make anymore. I think I get why. I understand that I'm not good at cooking anything. But I'd like to be. I wanna make chocolates he can't resist! *She bows her head down* So please teach me... if you would.
Nino: The heat was too high. You cooked all the moisture out. And let me guess you used heavy cream without warming it up first didn't you? *Miku's low self-esteem is shown* That ruins the texture. Good grief you're a disaster... *But then Nino looks at her sister with a wink* Ok set up.
Miku: Uh? *She smiles so bright that she lights up the entire TV by herself and nods* Haha! Hmph!
Nino: Heh... You know... you're a real pain sometimes...
*Cuts to the bookstore*
"Honestly that smile of your was so bright that you pretty much lit the entire TV all by yourself." Fuutarou notes as he pats her head, causing Nino's jealousy to increase even more whilst Miku beams in excitement. "And now, just look at where all your hard has gone off to! You could be making world-famous treats if you keep up this effort!"
"I agree with Uesugi-kun. Now I really want to eat more of the stuff you plan to make too! Before my hunger gets the better of me!" Itsuki proclaims; Miku gave a smile of appreciation to her before she quickly sours alongside Nino and turns to face Ichika.
"Alright you've already caught a glimpse of me and Nino baking chocolates, so what on earth did you do with Fuutarou after you disappeared with him?" Miku questions as she and Nino paid closer attention to what happened after their big sister left the duo, though she did turn to Fuutarou one last time to convey her thanks. "That aside, thank you again, Fuutarou. And Itsuki. I appreciate it!"
"No prob." Fuutarou casually replies.
*Over at the bookstore...*
Fuutarou: Uh... this should be it...
*Pulls out a 'Mathematics Simplified' textbook. Ichika meanwhile as Fuutarou whispers into her ear...*
Ichika: Oh man. This is so not fair... Huh?
Fuutarou: It's kinda pricey is that ok?
Ichika: Uh... of course! Don't worry about the cost! (Fuutarou: Uh?) I'll go checkout then. Oh wait. *She glances down at another book Fuutarou is holding* What are you buying?
Fuutarou: I-I-it's... nothing.
*Ichika activates yandere mode again as her nose releases puffs of steam and Fuutarou hides the book*
Yandere Ichika: I knew it you like reading dirty magazines!
Fuutarou: What?! No! *The book: How to become a good teacher* I'm not sure if I'll buy it!
Yandere Ichika: Aww! So you wanna become a good teacher huh?
Fuutarou: It... Shut up!
"Ichika!" Nino grits after witnessing that awkward closeup of the duo. "I swear if you two kissed then I would jump out of my seat for real!"
"She didn't. Relax." Fuutarou deadpans.
"That's something that Itsuki might want to read at some point though." Yotsuba comically points out. "I mean, you're still aiming to be a teacher right?"
"Yeah but, I mean... that doesn't mean I would always need to rely on guides like this though." Itsuki responds.
Ichika: Don't be bashful! Hand it to me I'll buy it along with Yotsuba's book!
*Fuutarou looks away*
Fuutarou: I can buy it myself!
Ichika: Come on let me! We're in danger of failing and I wouldn't want to let that happen this time.
Fuutarou: Huh? Hang on this time?
Ichika: Really?! Did nobody tell you?!
"I love how the moment Ichika activates 'Onee-san' mode Fuutarou straight up becomes as dense as a rock." Miku pouts in jealousy.
"What was that?" Fuutarou growls.
"Nothing." Miku replies with a neutral expression.
"Also if there's one thing I've learnt to take in mind after all of this, it's budgeting." Ichika says out of nowhere.
"Yet you're disregarding the fact that you had Fuu-kun all to yourself as well?!" Nino fumes.
"What was that? Speak up for Onee-san please she can't hear you." Ichika nonchalantly responds, causing Nino's anger to bubble even more if it wasn't for Yotsuba's selfless act of restraining her arms again...
"Nino, enough!" Fuutarou sternly tells her as she sourly drops the act.
*Outside the bookstore as Ichika finishes paying*
Ichika: Yikes. That was expensive! And I don't have much left in my savings! *Switches to her head* But hey, if it makes Fuutarou-kun happy it's worth it.*Realizes something wrong* Wait don't say that! That wouldn't be a healthy relationship! I mean, if he and I were dating...*Ichika imagines herself going on a date with adult Fuutarou and she is the one spoiling him* I could totally see myself spoiling him and spending my money all the time! I would go broke!
"I mean I'm happy that you're covering my finances but what else makes you think that I'll be like that in the future?!" Fuutarou replies with a disgusted tone as everyone shifts their puzzled stares and pressures her slightly.
"Eh?! OhIdon'knowbutthenagainthisisfrommyperspectivesoI'mtotallyunsureofwhatyou'rethinkingatthispointintimeeither, Fuutarou-kun! Imeanit'snotlikewecanreadeachother'smindslikewewouldactuallybeanewlywedcoupleamIright?!" Ichika hastily responds in a manner that makes her speech incomprehensible to the others.
"I'm sorry what did you say?!" The others ask her.
"I mean I... Ugh never mind. The point is though, teach..." Ichika continues as she clears her throat and points her finger up like she's the tutor. "This is a lesson to be learnt as well especially in the future when we date: Sometimes a healthy relationship doesn't always involve rewarding your loved ones in excess. You don't want your partner to become lazy and reliant on you all the time do you?" Though she did sound awkward for a few lines, her sisters and Fuutarou couldn't agree more with her to an extent.
Ironically that's what I learnt in that romance book I bought too. The latter thinks.
*Fuutarou waits for her near a pillar whilst he glances at his cue cards*
Ichika: I better give up on him. Yep. That's the mature choice.
Fuutarou: Uh? Did you buy the book?
Ichika: Course I did! I'm all shopped out. Let's head back.
*Fuutarou notices a bruise on Ichika's hand*
Fuutarou: What happened to your hand?
Ichika: Uh... I hit it on something. It doesn't really hurt that bad though I'm fine.
"Well you frightened us that's for sure." Miku mutters.
"Ok I get it!" Ichika grits in embarrassment.
*Fuutarou begins to leave but then he teases Ichika*
Fuutarou: Man you're so clumsy.
Ichika: Mm?!
Fuutarou: You should be more careful.
Ichika: Yeah... *As they leave, Ichika flashbacks to the time where she pretended to sleep on Fuutarou's arm* That's right. It's this side of him that I like. He makes it so hard not to fall for him!
Fuutarou solemnly shuts his eyes after hearing Ichika's thoughts about why she's in love. And yet, her sisters could not agree more with her either as they smile (or let off a smug, for the even-numbered quints) accordingly. She was right in every way. That side of their grumpy, plain and insensitive tutor, plus other adjectives that they wish they could bring up about him, it was what everyone in this room loves him for.
*Day three of the exam preparations and...*
Fuutarou: Listen carefully ladies. Don't answer this question with what the author is thinking. Respond with what you feel as the person who is reading it. Uh... *...The quints have apparently collapsed from mental exhaustion* Damn it... we're hitting a wall.
Miku: Let's see... how did I feel about the reading again?
Fuutarou: I figured we'd come to this point eventually. At the end of the day I'm not a professional teacher.*Shuts himself in his thoughts* If only I knew what it is they don't know! *Raises his fist in anger and desperation* Without that how can I teach them?! How cruel is it that our IQs must differ as so!
Nino: I can't read his mind, but he's thinking of something condescending...
"Well guess what? Now we have this disturbing video which enables us to better read each other's thoughts." Fuutarou sarcastically jokes.
"Haha very funny." Nino dryly replies, having to recap all of the private stuff she and her sisters had to listen to in the long run inside her head.
Ichika: Sorry, teach. I don't think we can hold our heads up, let alone answer these reading questions.
Itsuki: Yeah we've been studying non-stop for days!
Yotsuba: Um... I can keep going in your place!
*Fuutarou turns to the book Ichika bought for him the day before*
Fuutarou: Huh? "Cramming too much is counterproductive." I guess they need rewards sometimes. *He points to the five sisters* We're going to take the afternoon off!
*And the place they decide to head towards is Nagaoka theme park; First up are the eldest and youngest quintuplets on a rollercoaster*
Ichika: WOOOOO HAHAAAAAAA!
So glad they didn't show me throwing up after that... That ride left me in shambles! Itsuki pessimistically thinks a her expressive ahoge droops.
*Next up, Fuutarou and Nino entering the 'terrors of the netherworld' haunted house and then the former plus Miku and Yotsuba on the carousel. Also shortly after, with an exhausted Ichika...*
Itsuki: Now let's go ride that one!
*She drags her exhausted big sis whilst Fuutarou, Miku and Nino notice someone was missing*
Ichika: Itsuki-chan please slow down!
So glad they cut me on that stupid ride that Itsuki-chan dragged me into... Ichika thinks this time.
"Damn it. I wanted to see Nino's horrified face in the haunted house and hear her screams of terror!" Fuutarou giggles as the latter reactivates blushing tsundere mode and hurls a pillow at point blank range for this.
"HELL NO!" Nino yells back in embarrassment as everyone else laughs.
Nino: Hang on a second. Where'd Yotsuba go?
*Miku brings up her phone*
Miku: She says she's in the bathroom with a stomachache.
Fuutarou: Wow too much information... *He looks up to his right* Uh? I-I-I gotta go too.
Nino: Ok then. Catch up with us later I guess.
Fuutarou: Sure.
*She stares at him leaving... only to notice Miku staring back*
Nino: Mmph! Yeah what?!
Miku: Nothing.
"Was those stares at me for?" Fuutarou suspiciously asks Nino and Miku, though he got no response.
*Over on the ferris wheel...*
Ferris wheel operator: Huh? How many times are you planning to ride this?
Fuutarou: Pardon me.
*He barges into the carousel*
Ferris wheel operator: Uh... I'm sorry sir! But that one's occupied?
Fuutarou: Can I join you? Seat's empty.
Shocked Yotsuba: Uh... feel free!
"Alright what did you want to discuss with Yotsuba?" Nino pushes Fuutarou as everyone else feel their ocean blue eyes home in on the TV screen like searchlights.
Yotsuba: Shoot... I thought this was a good hiding spot! How did you see me up here?!
Fuutarou: I didn't see you. *Points to her ribbon* Just that.
*Text: Dead giveaway*
Yotsuba: GAH! So my trusty green ribbon betrayed me!
The other four couldn't help but laugh at this silly failure.
*Fuutarou notices her exercise book labelled Japanese*
Fuutarou: You've been studying in here?
Yotsuba: Yep. I've got more stamina than the others so I thought I could keep working. Fun fact: Out of all five sisters I'm actually the biggest idiot too.
Fuutarou: Everyone knows that. You should have some fun. Otherwise the money we have spent to come here was a total waste.
Yotsuba: Sorry. But I just can't do that. You have no idea how dumb I am. Do you not know why we were transferred to this school?
Fuutarou: Yeah Ichika told me already. You were about to flunk out weren't you?
Yotsuba: Eheheh. *Flashbacks to her mistake in Kurobara* The truth is... The high school we used to go to was super prestigious. People would get held back a year all the time just for failing one exam. *The quints in their former uniforms were displayed briefly* Naturally we all bombed pretty hard.
Fuutarou: Didn't see that coming.
Yotsuba: They gave us a chance to retake them, so we gave it our best shot but...
Fuutarou: Yotsuba... Everyone passed but you?
Yotsuba: That's our Uesugi-san for you. You always get the right answer.
"You can say that again..." Miku suddenly cringes as she and Yotsuba instantly develop pained expressions just from witnessing themselves in their former school uniforms. It was an excruciating experience that neither of them, including the other sullen three, wouldn't dare to recall again. Thankfully, Fuutarou does take the moment to gently rub Miku and Yotsuba's heads in hopes that they could cool down just a little.
When one experiences anger, or sadness, or even joy, you all share it equally huh? Was that why you all decided to go together? Fuutarou thinks silently. Also...
Fuutarou: So only Yotsuba failed the exam... But all five of them transferred to a new school.
Yotsuba: Obviously my sisters came with me. And they never complained one bit.
Fuutarou: Is that because you were taught to stick together? *Back to his thoughts* That gets through some tough times. But it's been known to hinder them too.
Yotsuba: Now that you know the truth, please let me study as much as I can. *She bows down* I don't want to drag everyone down anymore!
Fuutarou: I told you we're off for the day. Then again we're stuck for now. I guess we might as well. Let's have a study session. Man-to-man.
*She rises up with her eyes beginning to water*
Yotsuba: Huh? Ah! Right!
"Grrr..." Nino sulks, wishing that she could teleport right into her sister's seat and have Fuutarou all to herself in her place. Ichika felt the same too, after listen to that heart-to-heart conversation with him on TV.
Fuutarou: This is perfect actually. now I can make sure you can understand that Japanese passage we were looking at earlier.
*Yotsuba holds up her hand, causing Fuutarou to turn white*
Yotsuba: Oh. Don't worry about that one. *She reveals the work she had completed* I managed to figure that one out all by myself!
"Pfft! What was that blank Uesugi-kun for?!" Itsuki laughs out of the blue as she startles Fuutarou and Ichika.
"Geez!" Ichika pouts.
*Fuutarou leans in*
Fuutarou: Oh yeah? Wow you did! The other girls had so much trouble! *Instant realisation as he suddenly grips onto Yotsuba's shoulders* Ah! Yotsuba!
Panicking Yotsuba: AAAAAH HEY I THOUGHT YOU SAID THIS WAS MAN-TO-MAN NOT MOUTH-TO-MOUTH! IF THIS IS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED ON NEW YEAR'S I DIDN'T MEAN TOO I PROMISE!
Fuutarou: I'm starting to see the light.
Yotsuba: What?!
Fuutarou: I think your father had a good point. If I have someone helping me we can do this!
Yotsuba: Sorry but I'm gonna need you to dumb that down a little for me.
Fuutarou: You're gonna help me teach Japanese.
Yotsuba: Uh-? You mean it...? *She rapidly shakes her head in denial* Muri muri muri muri (Fuutarou: You can do it!) muri muri muri muri!
Everyone except a jealous tsundere couldn't help but laugh at Yotsuba's rather cute reaction to Fuutarou asking her to teach Japanese.
"Aww! Maybe that means I should teach you more Sengoku trivia then!" Miku teases Fuutarou. Nino though...
"Nino? Seriously? What's with you?" Fuutarou asks her as he drops his smile.
"What? Just to be clear I'm only holding myself from lunging at you because you two didn't kiss on screen ok?! Now beat it!" the tsundere pouts.
"Ugh..." Fuutarou groans as everyone else finally ceases laughing and pays attention to the TV again.
Fuutarou: I know from your test scores! Each one of you is strongest in a different area! Itsuki's science. Miku's history. And you, Yotsuba. You're the Japanese expert.
Yotsuba: Is that true?
"So you're just going to ignore my English and Ichika's Math? Well thanks..." Nino grumbles as her mood worsens.
"Geez, Nino. This stuff has already happened no need to be so harsh on Fuutarou-kun and yourself you know!" Ichika criticizes her.
"You're the one to talk!" Nino counters.
Fuutarou: You don't have to do anything special. Just say whatever's on your mind! If you can do it, then I know the other four can too! *Yotsuba's eyes water again as a reflection of her tutor is shown in their sparkles* Cause you're quintuplets!
Yotsuba: ...So I can be useful? Even though I'm such an idiot?
Fuutarou: I can't do everything right. Now we'll all be students and teacher together.
Yotsuba: Be honest with me please! Do you really think I can help?
Suddenly, Yotsuba felt herself losing control of her sadness and latches onto Fuutarou softly. She is doing her absolute best to hold it but, seeing that her sniffles are increasing in volume, it's almost clear that she's losing her own battle.
Fuutarou: That's right. It's a job that only you can do!
Yotsuba: So... You sure I won't be dragging everyone else down?
Fuutarou: Course not! Cause this time, you'll be pulling everyone forward!
*A few seconds of silence before Yotsuba's determination is sparked*
Yotsuba: Kay! I can handle this! I'll make sure my sisters succeed!
Fuutarou: Woah there. Don't forget you're the biggest project.
*The scene fades to black as the sunset is shown from the ferris wheel itself*
"Thank you... *Sniff* Uesugi-san... *Hic* you're... you've always... you helped me..." Yotsuba weeps as she finally gives way and buries her face into Fuutarou's left arm.
"No, thank you, Yotsuba, for giving me faith that you and your sisters would have succeeded. You should be proud of yourself as I have always told you." Fuutarou compliments her as he gently embraces her, but to the extent where he might trigger Miku and Nino who are also on his left.
"Sigh... I'm thankful too, that we're all in this final leg together too." Ichika adds on. Itsuki and Miku nods in response and Nino, well, her mood hasn't improved but her sisters are right. This is something that they can all relieve as one. And it was enough to soften her scowl to a mere frown as her tense body relaxes.
*Day 4 of exam preparations: Fuutarou decides to visit Itsuki at her mother's grave*
Fuutarou: You do (Itsuki: Uh?) come here every month.
Itsuki: Why are you here?
As usual, like the other conversations that had been kept from them until now, the quintuplets that weren't present paid closer attention to Fuutarou's conversation with Itsuki at their mother's grave.
*Cuts to Itsuki and Fuutarou standing together in front of the grave*
Itsuki: Having all six of us tutor, seems like it might work? *Flashbacks to Itsuki helping Yotsuba with her own strengths* I begun to realise that teaching someone is a great way to learn things yourself.
Fuutarou: Wait... are you trying to tell me you don't need me anymore?
*She laughs softly and looks at Fuutarou with a smug*
Smug Itsuki: I'm just letting you know I appreciate what you've taught us!
Fuutarou: Uh?
Itsuki: Thanks a lot. So, how does it feel to thanked by one of your students? You must be proud of yourself!
Fuutarou: Don't say that! It's so patronizing!
Itsuki: Really though?
*The sun begins to shine on the duo as Itsuki's flashback is shown*
Yotsuba (Flashback): Woah! That makes perfect sense now! Awesome! Thanks Itsuki!
Itsuki (Flashback): Huh? *She blushes* AH!
*Back to the present*
Itsuki: I want to hold onto that feeling forever. *She prays to her mother one last time* I'll work hard, mother! And one day, I'll be a teacher!
"That was honestly the cutest blush I've ever seen from you, Itsuki." Fuutarou lets out, causing Itsuki herself to squeal softly.
"Aww~! Fuutarou-kun acting too shy in front of Itsuki-chan after being thanked? How cute!" Ichika teases, with Nino, Miku and Yotsuba developing rare smugs alongside her too.
"Stop I wasn't used to it back then ok?" Fuutarou groans as his cheeks redden a little.
*It cuts to the Nakano household after that; Miku wakes up in the morning with a messy appearance when she spots someone unexpected... because he suffered from a nosebleed too*
Miku: Took me all night to make those chocolates...
Miku reddens a little after seeing herself in a rather messy state on TV, though in hindsight, she's still totally ok with Fuutarou seeing her like this. The others were quick to catch on Miku's embarrassed reaction but chose not to say a word this time.
Itsuki: Oh hey Miku. Good to see you're awake!
Fuutarou (Muffled): You and Nino always sleep for half the day.
Miku: Ah! Oh you're here too! I didn't know! *She walks over to the kitchen bench* I wasn't expecting you, but this is good... *And notices the chocolates she made have been eaten* Huh?! What happened to the chocolates?!
Fuutarou: What do you mean? I ate them!
Miku: Uh?
Fuutarou: They tasted good!
*And Miku shines onscreen after hearing that her hard work has finally paid off*
Miku: Huh! Um... thanks a lot! They were meant to be special!
"Valentine's day gifts for me right? No wonder why you poured your heart and soul into them. Thank you." Fuutarou smiles at that; Miku giggles a little after hearing Fuutarou's neat compliment both on TV and in-person, though her cheeks still remain a light shade of red for the time being. "Sorry for um..."
"It's fine." Miku beams, already knowing what he needed to apologize for.
"How did you not notice Fuu-kun's nosebleed though?" Nino wonders.
"I was still drowsy so I couldn't really look at Fuutarou clearly." Miku replies.
Miku: I have something I wanna say to you. It turns out you're number one.
*And that pique's Miku's interest*
Miku: Huh? I'm number one?! What are you trying to say Fuutarou?
*Holds up her mock exam*
Fuutarou: I mean the mock exam we did the other day obviously! You scored higher than anybody!
Dejected Miku: Oh. Cool.
Everyone else couldn't help but laugh over Miku's sort of deflated response.
"You were really expecting a confession from me weren't you?" Fuutarou chuckles.
"Urgh... stop it!" Miku groans as her blush visibly darkens.
Fuutarou: You know, I'm starting to feel some hope!
*But Miku still feels motivated as ever*
Miku: I'm going to keep trying hard! Watch me, Fuutarou!
"Yeah! Watch me and our sisters excel in the final year exams!" Miku proclaims as she and Yotsuba pump their fists.
"Woah there. One at a time first. You girls do know that we still have the summer festival coming up right? And that's before the exams too." Fuutarou reminds them, though his smile remains. "But yes, I would love to watch you girls pass with flying colours before we separate. Please make it happen for me."
"What are you blabbering nonsense about?! Of course we will make it happen trust us, Fuu-kun!" Nino bluntly replies as she grins slightly.
"Just wait till we destroy the festival AND the exams!" Yotsuba adds on proudly.
"Um, you didn't really mean it literally did you?" Itsuki quivers a little, though she and her sisters glance at Ichika who is unfortunately dropping out of this.
"Don't worry about me too much. Worry about yourselves first ok? I believe you all can still do it if you five put your heart like Miku did with her chocolates." Ichika smirks.
*Later as the sun sets, Ichika meets with Miku in private as she ascends the stairs*
Ichika: Sigh... so cold... Huh?
Miku: Ichika. Long day at work huh?
Ichika: Why are you out here? Oh and uh... how did it go?
"Alright... I was wondering what was taking you guys so long to come inside. So spill! What did you discuss in private?" Nino pushes the duo.
"Geez don't be so pushy, Nino!" Yotsuba pouts. As she says that though, Miku and Ichika's gave out polar opposite responses. The former pumps her fists in determination whilst her stare towards her tutor morphs into the most competitive smile her face has ever worn. The latter's though, wasn't as pleasant; as she looks away towards a confused Itsuki, hers is more of one in mental pain rather than one of determination. The visible grimace she's directly making is also due to the horrific memory she hopes would never be brought at some point.
Miku: I mean to ask: Are you planning to give him some chocolates?
Ichika: MM?! Me?! Where'd that come from?! I mean... I did think about doing that... I'd feel bad if none of us gave him anything! But then you did so it was all good!
*Miku jumpscare as she closes in on her big sis*
Miku: What do you mean by all good?
Ichika: Uh?
Miku: The thing about him is, he doesn't think of us as girls. From the start, I've always known that in his eyes. We're just his students.
I mean, she's got a point. Up until now I've only thought of the girls as my students, rather than... well... Fuutarou thinks after contemplating the current state of their five-way battle in his head.
Ichika: Miku...
Miku: So I decided, that come would may, I pass this exam... in fact, I'll get the highest score out of all of us! After that, I'll be confident. I'll graduate from being Fuutarou's student and that's when... I'll tell him my true feelings!
"AAHHHHH?!" Nino, Yotsuba and Itsuki couldn't control themselves from releasing that high-pitched jealous squeals of theirs. All because of that conversation they were absolutely oblivious about. Fuutarou meanwhile blushes a little in embarrassment just from hearing Miku's confidence onscreen. The latter though felt a little crushed, having known the results of the exams that day. Ichika though, her mind was still blocked by her own, selfish decisions and thus couldn't produce a reaction for this as she arches her head into her shivering hands.
Ichika: Oh! Sounds like a plan! If that's your way of helping yourself to stay motivated, then you can do it!
Miku: I'm sorry but I'm not going to wait for you. It's a race to the finish.
Ichika: Mhm. But I should warn you: I'm not planning on slacking off either. Do your best!
*Ichika clenches her fists as the scene fades to the night before the big day itself*
"So you two were responsible for kicking off the sister's war huh?" Itsuki deduces. "I've always been wondering why Miku has been so competitive since the end of the second year!"
"Well, now you all know, I guess." Miku bashfully says as she pumps her fists once again and turns to her crush. "Just remember Fuutarou: At the end of the summer festival, I'm not going to lose again! Just you wait!"
"Tch. You're welcome to try and compete with me." Nino competitively scoffs before turning to Fuutarou too. "Fuu-kun! Remember this well: I ain't going to lose sight of you until the day I win over your heart you understand me?"
"Umm... w-w-well I guess... I guess I'll play along for the time being? I won't... I won't lose to... you either?" Itsuki shudders as she makes her worst fake smile ever; like the time where she dragged her tutor into taking a photo with her and Raiha at the arcade. This however, only makes her elder sisters minus Ichika burst into laughter. "What?! What did I-?!"
"The face you made in front of us oh my gosh!" Yotsuba cackles.
"Excuse me?!" Itsuki yells in embarrassment as even Fuutarou snickers. "Uesugi-kun?!"
Ichika though, still continued to writhe in anguish amidst all of this as she groans a little.
"Huh? Ichika? What's wrong?" Fuutarou asks her as his smile fades alongside everyone else's. No response.
Ichika: Miku's changing a lot. *Ichika yawns as she continues to study all by herself* Sigh... I'm beat... I should quit for the day... *flashbacks to the conversation she and her sister had at the school camp...* These days aren't going to last forever right? *...and smacks herself on her sides of her cheeks to stay awake* Ugh! Keep going! *Before the scene fades to black* Just... a little more...
"Is everything ok?" Itsuki asks her eldest sis as she shakes her. "Hello? Earth to Ichika?"
"Uh... what?! W-w-what happened? Did I miss something?" Ichika panics after finally snapping out of her distress.
"The conversation saying that you won't to Miku. Did you see it?" Fuutarou asks her.
"Uh yeah. Sort of. Eheheh." Ichika replies with a forced laugh as she bashfully looks to the side. "I'm totally ok guys don't be too nervous!" But the others, especially Miku herself, knew something wasn't right.
I'm not ok actually. The part where I said I wouldn't lose to Miku, it reactivated my worst fears again. First, the love confession I couldn't make that night... because of Nino... and then... I... in Kyoto... when I went too far by myself... I don't know if Fuutarou-kun would understand why I did so, but the others... Ichika thinks to herself as she arches her head down slightly.
*The scene fades to the big day itself, before it shows Yotsuba quietly walking when...*
Fuutarou: Yotsuba! How the exams go?!
*Yotsuba is shown to be crying as she bows down. And in a good way this time.*
Yotsuba: Uesugi-san... Thank you for you help... This time… I finally get to feel victorious!
*Yotsuba Nakano: Well done, 184 points, Pass. Let's gooooo!*
"WOOOOHOOOO!" Everyone including Fuutarou cheers at Yotsuba's first ever success in her exams.
"YOTSUBAAAAAAA!" Ichika and Nino scream delightfully as they embrace their sister.
*Over at the cake shop, Yotsuba is embraced by Miku and Itsuki*
Itsuki: Yotsuba! I'm so proud of you!
Miku: You succeeded!
Yotsuba: Ahahaha! These are the best scores I've ever gotten! Even though 184 is barely passing.
Itsuki: I ended up with 224 total but... I did almost fail a few subjects. I should work harder.
*Itsuki Nakano: Well done, 224 points, Pass*
"224 is still a good score, Itsuki. Well done." Fuutarou remarks.
"Thanks, Uesugi-kun." Itsuki beams.
Miku: My total score was 238.
Yotsuba: Woah! That's awesome!
*Miku Nakano: Well done, 238 points, Pass*
"Really?" Ichika grins as Miku sours a little.
Itsuki: I knew you could pull it off!
*Ichika appears as Fuutarou approaches Miku to congratulate her*
Yotsuba: Uh? Ichika's here too!
Fuutarou: Miku, (Ichika: Hey!) I'm proud of you! I knew you were the one with the most potential.
Miku: Fuutarou... I-
*She prepares to confess as she clutches her chest but...*
"Wait for it..." Ichika smirks.
Yotsuba: So... what score did you get, Ichika?
Ichika: Um... Two hundred forty?
*Miku panics in shock as she and Fuutarou glance at her big sis*
Yotsuba: So that means...
Itsuki: You scored the highest out of all of us!
Ichika: Oh. Did I? *Smug Ichika* Nailed it!
*Ichika Nakano: Well done, 240 points, Pass*
"Dang that was close. Only by two points." Nino comically groans as she grins alongside Fuutarou, though Miku didn't follow suit.
"You really wanted to give that look towards me didn't you?" Miku scowls at Ichika, only for her to retain the same look as she did on TV for that marginal victory. "Ugh... I was so close... no wonder why you stayed up all night!"
Revival Manager: Congratulations on passing your exams. Time to celebrate. Order as much as you like and I'll deduct it from Uesugi's paycheck!
Fuutarou: Haha! I sincerely hope that was a joke!
"Heh?" Nino grins upon seeing a sudden, disgusted grimace on Fuutarou.
"It wasn't. You girls really drained my paycheck for sure." Fuutarou mumbles inaudibly.
Yotsuba: That's really nice of you, sir!
Itsuki: Yes but we're still missing one person.
Revival Manager: Oh that's right. Your older sister (All four: Uh?) left me with this earlier.
*He takes out a slip containing exam results before whispering into Fuutarou's ear*
Itsuki: Huh?
Revival manager: And she gave me a message for you too, Uesugi.
Nino's message: Lucky you. You're useless to me now.
*Nino Nakano: Well done, 209 points, Pass*
"I would like to eat my words onscreen please." Nino grins mischievously.
"Did you perhaps say something? We couldn't hear you." Miku pouts.
"Good for you Miku because I don't remember mentioning you this time!" Nino backlashes as she turns to a sweating Fuutarou and grins again.
"That was low, Nino." Yotsuba grimaces.
"But why didn't you come with us initially?" Ichika asks her.
"Dad wanted to talk to me at the old apartment. That's all." Nino replies, though, after hearing what she said on TV indirectly, she knows that wasn't true. In fact, inside, she was reminded of something... that she did herself. but she just wasn't clear on what it is for the moment.
Yotsuba: WOOHOO!
Itsuki: So happy! We survived our exams after all hahaha!
Yotsuba: Hey! Where are you off to?
Fuutarou: This party's meant for everybody. I'll get Nino.
*Episode Ends as Fuutarou leaves to fetch her.*
Ichika: Begin the offensive!
"Alright, I reckon we should take a short break first before we continue. My poor eyes are really starting to give way. Congrats as usual though, Yotsuba!" Itsuki says as she rubs her eyes before stretching her legs so hard that she almost cramped herself.
"Aww thanks, Itsuki. And yeah I agree with you on the break too!" Yotsuba beams.
"Can't agree with you there." Ichika replies as she gets up before stretching her arms towards the sky with a loud yawn. The others follow suit too, with Miku and Yotsuba heading off to the bathroom and kitchen table respectively and Nino heading upstairs.
As for Fuutarou, he takes a moment to gaze outside the shiny windows and watch over the night sky. The rain has ceased a while ago, but outside, the largest pools of water continue to soak the balcony itself, so he decides that it would be best to remain in the comforts of the Nakano household for the time being. Though... once again, his nerves stood on the edges of his shoulders as a dreadful feeling multiplies into a coalescent load of flashbacks depicting that special someone. Or at least, who he thought, was special to him. Either way, it wasn't something that could ease the tension building inside him right now...
Young Nakano: 'He's innocent. I saw the whole thing'
Young Fuutarou: 'Why are you still bugging me?! Just go away!'
Young Nakano: You looking for someone? That makes two of us!
Young Fuutarou: Leave me alone! Get someone else's help!
Young Nakano: But it has to be you! We're both lonely all by ourselves right? So let's stick together!
You again, Rena? What is it that you actually want from me? Fuutarou contemplates silently. I mean, sorry for, losing that charm of your but... I mean, you promised... after all this time, that were weren't going to meet with each other again. So why... why are you still here, huh?
Young Fuutarou: Why are you buying so many?
Young Nakano: Cause maybe they'll make me try five times harder! *She turns to Fuutarou* I want to be a good example for everyone else!
*It suddenly morphs to the meeting before the final exams*
Rena: Call me Rena. Wow it's been five years!
Fuutarou: Rena... why are you here?
Rena: So I could check out the new you!
Rena: Because... we won't see each other again. Do
Fuutarou: Uh?
Rena: Let's catch up! I heard that you've been studying hard since we met and now you're at the top of your class!
Yeah I get ok? I appreciate you, um, at least, I hope you're happy that we survived second year and all but... Fuutarou continues to think as he stares at the clear night sky.
Rena: Don't open that until you learn how to accept yourself.
Fuutarou: W-w-wait!
*He trips and falls into the water as Rena turns back one last time*
Rena: Bye for good.
Unbeknownst to him however, there were four sparkling blue eyes that were staring at him apprehensively.
"Uesugi-san..." Yotsuba whispers to herself, seeing that she was mostly accountable for this spiral he got caught in.
"You think he's ok?" Miku asks her sister, who avoids eye contact with the former. "If it really is Rena disturbing him, I hope... I hope he can bypass this hurdle. I'd really wish we are able to help him though..."
Gathering what is left of his functional thoughts, he notices a quintuplet that just rose from her seat after neatly placing her red glasses on the table and decides to extract some thing from her if he can.
"Itsuki..." Fuutarou asks as he startles the only quintuplet who hasn't moved anywhere other than near the edge of the couch.
"UGH! Uh... y-y-yes? U-U-Uesugi-kun?! What do you n-n-need from me?" Itsuki stammers in surprise as she rapidly whips her head to face him. Crap... he knows doesn't he?! That I was... the girl he met?!
"I'm just curious, Itsuki." Fuutarou calmly continues as she trembles. "About this Rena situation... is there perhaps, anything you or the others might know?"
"Uh..."
Meanwhile inside her bedroom, Nino takes a moment to clean her head of wracked up thoughts that had been building inside her since Episode 2. They don't know it for sure but the movie has kind of taken its toll on her in a way. And so she needs to find something to help her reset. For ten minutes she lays on her bed motionless in hopes to erase the awful things she had done in the past.
'Lucky you. You're useless to me now.'
*Poof*
Urgh... don't even think about it anymore. Nino winces as she grips on one of her pillows. That version of me... she's gone. Fuu-kun is all mine to take!
'This place is for us sisters. He doesn't belong here with the five of us'
'You should have never barged into our-'
*Poof*
No! That's gone too! I mean uh... yeah. At least, I hope it is.
But then, the thing that has been bugging her when she said she ate her words onscreen at her message returned. And it was enough to make her butterfly ribbons flutter as a result.
Nino: 'Hey what happened to flooring it?!'
Fuutarou: 'What do you expect? A bike can only carry so much weight'
Nino: 'EXCUSE ME DID YOU JUST CALL ME HEAVY?!'
*Poof*
Just like Ichika said, he's insensitive, stubborn and mean! But that what's we all like about him too! But even so... um... After the exams, what happened? My brain is a little hazy but, he went to pick me up, I chose to go back to here instead... *Awkward silence* GASP! Wait! If... if I'm right... She shifts herself on her right side as her cute smile appears. Does that... does that mean... I...?!
'You're the worst, you know that? You're the biggest jerk I've ever met... and yet, somehow…'
OH YEAH! YEEEEE! I REMEMBER NOW! Nino squeals delightfully in her thoughts as she suffocates her pillow with her increased strength and rocks herself side-to-side. AFTER THE EXAMS I... OH MY GOSH! If what I think is true then I... Fuu-kun... I-
Her moment of excitement was then interrupted by five rapid knocks on her bedroom door in succession as she suddenly jumps up in shock. "YEEK! U-u-uh, who's there?!"
"Nino? What are you doing inside? And besides, we're starting episode 19 soon. Are you going to join us?" Ichika says.
"Uh... yeah! Coming! Tell the others I'll be there shortly!" Nino replies.
"Ok. I'll tell them we'll be waiting for you." Ichika says back as she quietly heads downstairs. Nino waits for a few seconds before she peeks her head out of her bedroom door to make sure the coast is clear. Once confirmed, she exits her room and glances on top where everyone is about to assemble.
Heh! I can't wait for this moment to be live on TV! Nino happily thinks as she skips across the balcony before treading down the stairs to join everyone back on the couch.
A/N: Alright. I did it. I managed to pull off two episodes at the same time after barging through my limited free time as well as combat my sudden mental trauma that developed in me a week ago (I mean I'm still battling it; I'm not 100% ok yet and there were times were felt like I wanted to burst like the cast themselves but I'm still here). Once again I hoped the long wait was worth combatting my troubles, though if I missed or did something (which I'm pretty sure I did considering how unfocused I got with my trauma) please let me know because I know deep down I have made some errors, and I'll edit them in when I get the chance to.
That aside, up next when I can is Episode 19, where one of the quintuplets skyrockets to popularity after saying something to Fuutarou that none of her sisters have ever said before... Directly. And twice.
