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Chapter 30

Reflections And Regrets

The next morning Isanari came by to give Yusuke his haircut, having borrowed Maruo's clippers. It was Monday and the group decided it was time for them to return to school.

"How's Raiha doing?" Fuutarou asked his dad.

"She's doing very well," he grinned, "Much more cheerful now that she got to know more about her mother."

Fuutarou nodded, "And Uncle Maruo?"

"He's doing fine too, much happier than I'd ever seen him be," he then grinned, "We were talking about you last night after Raiha went to bed. I got a real kick on how you told him off that one time."

The quints all looked at Fuutarou in surprise.

"Told him off?" Nino raised a brow.

"Oh, yeah," Fuutarou remembered, "It was when I decided to quit being your tutor. I told him that he needed to start taking better care of you."

"By essentially saying, and I quote," Isanari intimated his son's voice, "Quit being an asshole and start being a father you jerk!"

A second of stunned silence passed before everyone burst out laughing.

"Did you seriously tell him that?" Ichika, like everyone else, gasped for breath.

"Yeah," Fuutarou laughed nervously, "Although it was over the phone. I could never be brave enough to say it to his face."

"What did he say after you did?" Itsuki wiped tears from her eyes.

"Nothing. I hung up right after that. He was probably pretty pissed."

"Actually, he was amused," Isanari grinned again, "He even said that he was proud of you. Just for a minute though."

"Did he?" Fuutarou chuckled, "Well, I guess I did something right."

A few minutes later Isanari finished with Yusuke's haircut.

"How does that look?" he asked, brushing of strands of hair from the boy's shoulder.

Miku held up a mirror for Yusuke to see. He reached and brought it closer.

"Looks pretty good," he looked up at Miku, "What do you think?"

She smiled and nodded in approval.

"It makes you look older," she said, "More mature."

Behind her the other quints giggled and elbowed each other. Even Fuutarou smiled a bit, but Miku just ignored them.

Yusuke turned to Isanari and held out his hand.

"Thank you very much, Sir."

"Anytime," he shook it, "Next time you go to a barber shop just tell them that you want a crew cut."

"I will. Thanks again," Yusuke took the towel off and stood, brushing any remaining hair off his shoulders, "Okay, I'm gonna take a quick bath now. Anyone need to use the bathroom?"

"We're all good," said Yotsuba.

"Breakfast should be ready when you're finished," said Nino.

Yusuke gave them a thumbs up and went to the bathroom while Isanari put the clippers away.

"Whelp, I'll see you kids later. Be good at school, okay."

"I'll see you out," Fuutarou followed him to the elevator.

"How are you doing, son?" he asked as they went down.

"I'm doing fine," he smiled at him, "A lot has really happened though."

"Yeah," Isanari chuckled, "Finding out that the quints' stepfather was also your uncle must've knocked you out of gear."

"Yeah, it did," he agreed, "but I'm glad he finally told us. Like I said, I don't blame him for how he felt. It must have been painful for him to see how much I was becoming like his father. It scared the hell of me how close I was to becoming just like him. After we went to bed last night, I spent several hours thinking."

"I figured you would after hearing that story," Isanari had noticed how tired his son looked, "So what were you thinking about?"

"My life, and what I was going to do with it."

"Have you figured it out?"

They reached the ground floor and exited the elevator.

"Last night I heard a motorcycle go by and it reminded me of something," Fuutarou grinned, "Do you remember when we had that little coffee stall Mom ran?"

"Oh, yeah," Isanari's eyes glinted, "Those were fun times."

"Remember that scooter you used to run errands and pick up supplies? The one that..."

His dad snorted, "Kept having engine problems?"

"Yeah, that one."

Fuutarou smiled as the memories came back to him while his dad groaned in agony.

"That thing was such a piece of crap," Isanari muttered, "I had to take it completely apart twice in order to figure out what was wrong with it."

"I remember," Fuutarou chuckled, "The first time it happened you were cursing so much the whole neighborhood thought were murdering someone."

"Yeah," Isanari chuckled in return, "It pissed me off so much I nearly threw the damn thing in the trash. I'm amazed I was actually able to get it fixed. The second time it happened you actually came down and offered to help. I remember you saying that you wanted to know how an engine works."

Fuutarou nodded, "You showed me everything. What every piece was, what it did, how it worked, how it should be maintained, and then you let me put it all back together."

"Your hands, face, and even your hair were all covered in grease and oil by the time we were done," Isanari started laughing, "Your mother actually screamed when she saw you."

"I remember, Fuutarou chuckled, "She was mad at you the whole time she was giving me a bath, trying to get it all off."

"Yeah."

His dad sighed, as did Fuutarou. It was the first time in a long time that they had openly talked Tomoko Uesugi, Isanri's wife and Fuutarou's mother. Both of them missed her terribly.

"We had to shut down the stall after she became pregnant with Raiha, but it was fun while it lasted," Isanari slapped Fuutarou's shoulder, "So is that what you want to do? Become a mechanic?"

"That's what I'm thinking about, although I think I would like to be an engineer. You know, mechanical or automotive. I haven't really decided yet. Maybe if I got to do that again, you know, taking an engine apart and all that, then maybe I'll for sure i that's what I want to do."

"In that case, why don't you ask you boss?"

"My boss?" Fuutarou was confused.

"You said you were interested in getting your own cruiser bike. He said he would teach you all he knows. Why not ask if he can show you the engine? Learn how it works and all that?"

Fuutarou thought for a moment, "Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll ask him tomorrow."

"Why not today?"

He shook his head, "He won't be in. Nino and I got a text from him this morning saying that he'll out of town today and the restaurant would be closed."

"Ah. Well, if you do get involved with the automotive industry what would you like to do? Build engines? Create new technology? Or maybe you would like to get involved with race cars?"

"That's something that did occur to me. I would like to do something fun and exciting. I mean, I got all this knowledge so I might as well put it to good use. If nothing else I can work for one of the major car companies here in Japan."

"In that case maybe you'll work for Toyota someday."

Fuutarou frowned, "Why Toyota?"

"You don't know? Their headquarters is just east of here, about a forty-minute drive."

"Oh, really? I didn't know that."

His dad slapped his shoulder again, "Don't think about it too much, okay? Take as much time as you need," he glanced at his watch, "I better get going. Your uncle and I are going to see that new apartment he found for us."

"Oh, really? I hope it's better than the one we had."

"It should be. From the pictures I saw it's much bigger, much nicer, and it's in a good neighborhood. Your Uncle already said that he'll pay the rent until I can get a good paying job. He's going to help me with that too."

"That's good. At least Raiha will finally have her own room," Fuutarou paused for a long while before saying, "Dad..."

"Hmm? What is it, Fuutarou?"

"Thanks. Thanks for everything you've done for us. I know it couldn't have been easy for you after mom died, having to keep a roof on our heads and putting food on the table. I know it must have been even harder for Raiha, having to look after us both at the cost of living her childhood. And then there's me," he sighed, "I virtually did nothing to help. It must have been frustrating for you, watching me stumble over again and again."

"Hey," his dad reached over and rubbed his head as though he was a little kid again, "Don't worry about it. What's done is done. It's in the past now. You learned your lesson and you're finally taking responsibility in your life. You've come a long way in such a short time. I couldn't be any prouder as your dad than I am right now."

Fuutarou smiled proudly, "Thanks, Dad. Thanks for putting up with me for so long."

Isanari hugged him, "You're going to be just fine, Fuutarou. I've got total faith in you. Just remember what's important in life. Don't be consumed with ambitions and selfish desires. You'll only be setting yourself up for disaster."

"Yeah," Fuutarou agreed, "I won't make that mistake again."

Isanari smiled and turned to leave.

"I'll see you later, Fuutarou. Have a good day at school."

He waved, "Have a good day, Dad. Let me know how the new apartment turns out."

Fuutarou and the Quints went to school together for the first time in two weeks, only this time it included Yusuke.

Their classmates were stunned for several reasons. The first was because they hadn't expected to see them all together again. The second was when they Fuutarou's and Yusuke's haircuts and for a moment they thought they had gotten some last minute transfers. Then came the third when they learned they both Fuutarou and Yusuke were now living with the quints. Even after the guys explained everything to them they still couldn't believe it.

What stunned them the most, however, was how different Fuutarou was. They were so used to his serious and no nonsense attitude they had a hard time believing this was the same person.

Even his clothes were different. Since he had lost both his clothes and his school uniform in the fire Fuutarou had just decided to just wear the uniform jacket and tie instead of the sweater he usually wore when it was cold. He wasn't even wearing his usual sneakers either. Fuutarou had bought a pair but had decided against wearing them since it felt like he would be going to his old habits again if he did so instead he wore the standard shoes the school supplied for their students.

His new appearance really had a impact on everyone in the classroom, and the quints were quite amused by it. Fuutarou no longer looked like the anti-social studious person they had know since the day he became their tutor. Now he was much friendlier, more professional, still serious about his academic progress but no longer prioritizing it above all else. He looked like a guy who simply wanted to enjoy his time at school.

At Fuutarou's insistence he and Yotsuba resumed their duties as class representative, saying that it was their responsibility and they should see it through to the end of high school. During breaks, and even at lunch, groups of their classmates would come by and ask just what the heck happened in the time Fuutarou and Nino were absent, for they were still very confused.

Smiling the group took turns explaining everything, starting with Itsuki revealing how they forced Fuutarou to make a choice between the quints and ending with Yusuke explaining his fallout with his dad. The story became an sensation and it quickly spread throughout the school.

The group didn't mind. They all had learned a hard lesson in the past two weeks and they hoped it would motivate others not to do the same.

When classes were over Fuutarou was about to tell everyone to meet up at the school library for their usual study session. Then suddenly he realized... it wasn't necessary.

The though surprised him but as he though about it he saw that it really wasn't necessary. Before then the quints had used his tutoring sessions as an excuse to keep him with them, but since moving in with them he had noticed that the quints were taking their studies a lot more seriously, especially Yotsuba, and with Yusuke now being a part of their group he was able to go lot more done that he had been before.

Therefore... there really wasn't a need to study. They could just do it tonight. After dinner. Like they had done over the weekend.

With all that in mind Fuutarou announced to the group that there wouldn't be a study session today and allowed everyone to do as they wished after school was over. Naturally the quints were all surprised.

"Why so generous?" Nino had asked him.

"You guys have massively improved on your studies," he had told them, "And since we'll be graduating soon I think it might be best if you guys spent the remaining school days with your friends or on any activities you like to do. Think of it as my gift for all your hard work."

His pupils needed no further instructions and they all went their separate ways. As for him, Fuutarou took his time to explore the school he'd been attending for the last three years. Specifically, all the different clubs. Sports, crafts, and otherwise.

With each club he visited he took his time observing all the activity that was going on, watched all of the club members interact and enjoying themselves. Each time he did he was wracked with guilt. All those years of endless studying had caused him to miss out on so much in his life. While studying was important, he never took the time to have fun in school. He could've joined any one of these clubs, made plenty of friends, and maybe even found a passion in something he liked. Instead he had just locked himself away from everything, not wanting to associate with anyone.

While he was glad that he had finally come out of his cold dark prison, he was ashamed of himself for being so selfish. How he wished he could go back in time and start over. He could have joined a sports club, such as basketball, soccer, or maybe even swimming. Or perhaps he could have joined one of the more scientific clubs, gaining a deeper understanding of things and sharing his own knowledge.

He might have finally found his passion through these clubs, but now... it was too late. He had missed out on all these things and he only had himself to blame. Had he not been so focused on himself he could've enjoyed his time at high school. Well, at least there was still college. All he could would try to make up for it there.

He made his way over to the outside courts and found Ichika sitting on a bench near the tennis courts. He looked over at the courts themselves and saw Yotsuba practicing with the team.

Ichika saw him as he approached and smiled.

"Hey," she waved.

"Hey," he smiled back, "Mind if I join you?"

Ichika scooted over and gestured for him to sit. Fuutarou sat down and together they watched as Yotsuba listened to the tennis coach giving her some kind of lesson regarding her swing. Then she practicing again with another player.

"She's really in her element," Fuutarou noted.

"Yeah," Ichika agreed.

"Do you really think she can go all the way?"

"I do. We were talking to her about it this morning while you were walking your dad out and she already knows that she has a very slim chance of making it to the pros, but she still wants to try. That's enough to convince me, but have you noticed the change in her attitude? I've watched her in all the sports she's been in over the years and I've never seen her this happy before. The closest I can remember was when she was the badminton team back in Middle School, but it's nothing compared to now. I mean, do you see the smile on her face?"

Yotsuba turned at the very moment and Fuutarou saw it.

"Yeah," he nodded, "I do see it."

Yotsuba saw them and waved.

"I'm glad," Ichika sighed, "In fact, I'm very relieved. I was really starting to worry about her."

Fuutarou looked at her, "You were?"

"If you hadn't chosen Yotsuba what would she do? Where would she go from here?" she pressed her lips, "That's what I was thinking that night when you made your choice."

He sat there for a while, thinking.

"How did you feel that night?" he asked her, "After I made my choice?"

"Well..." Ichika paused for a moment, "I knew I didn't have much of a chance after what happened in Kyoto. I was surprised that it was Yotsuba. I felt fairly certain that it would be Nino, or maybe even Itsuki."

He blinked, "I can understand Nino, but why Itsuki?"

She grinned, "For the same reasons you told her."

He blinked again, "She told you about that?"

"She did. Funny thing is, Yotsuba thought the same thing."

"She did?"

Ichika nodded, "She said if you were a much nicer person you would've chosen Itsuki. That's why she was really surprised. She did go out of her way to help you when you needed it. I think even Nino would've understood and accepted that outcome."

A few minutes passed as they continued to watch Yotsuba.

Then Fuutarou asked, "Do you think... it could've worked out between us? Had you not done what you did in Kyoto?"

Ichika chuckled, "I had a feeling you were going to ask me that, and you're the third person to do so. First Nino, then Yotsuba, and now you."

"Yotsuba?" he could see Nino asking her that, but Yotsuba?

"When you went to speak with Miku last night Yotsuba came to see me," she explained, "We had a long talk and she asked me that question."

"What did say to her?"

"The same thing I told Nino. Had our lives been different it could've worked it out between, but now..." she shrugged, "Our lives are going in completely different directions. I'm pursuing an acting career whereas you are going to be doing something else entirely. I just don't know how it could've worked between us, not without one of us having to give up our dream in order to stay with the other, and I know you would've never accepted that."

"Yeah, you're right," he agreed, "If you had given up your dream of becoming an actress I would've been extremely upset. It would've felt like I wasted all that time helping you achieve your goal."

"It would've been more or less the same for me. If you had dropped everything just to be by my side I would've felt guilty because it would've felt like I had pushed you into it. I wouldn't help but feel sorry for you too, because you would've been nothing more than a background character, overshadowed by my life as a celebrity."

"I'm sure I would've been able to put up with it."

She smiled, "Yeah, I imagine you could have, but... things are different now."

As Fuutarou watched Yotsuba he said, "You know, I'm rather surprised you were able to forgive her so easily. I don't think I would've been as forgiving."

"Well, that's because you're not me. And you haven't known Yotsuba a for s long as I have."

Yes, that was true. Yotsuba was the one quint he had spent the least amount of time with since becoming their tutor, but he hadn't grown up with them either.

"That was the main reason why Yotsuba came to see me last night," Ichika continued on, "As I listened I came to realize something. Yotsuba and I... we're very much alike."

Fuutarou was surprised to hear this. How could two very different people be so much alike?

As though she had read his mind she explained.

"When we were little I was very full of myself. Pompous, arrogant, I prided myself at being the oldest in the family. I thought I could do whatever I wanted without a care in the world. However, looking back, I think it was actually because I didn't want to appear weak to my sisters. In my mind I had to be the dominant figure, but then Mama died and everything changed. I had to stop being selfish and start being a leader. I wasn't ready, and sometimes I hated it, but I had to do it because my sisters needed me. I had to be capable of looking out for them. But as you see, I completely failed. I didn't look after my sisters the way I should have. I didn't notice things that I should have noticed," she paused for a while before saying, "The one thing the five of us have in common is that we don't like losing, and let's face it. Nobody likes losing, even you."

Yes, that was also true. Fuutarou had always hated it when things didn't go his way. In the beginning he believed that it insulted his intelligence, but now he knew it was just him being ignorant.

"Nino, Miku, and even Itsuki can handle losing, and so can I to a certain degree. But Yotsuba..." she sighed, "She could never stand losing. Deep down we always knew she wasn't as strong willed as we were, but I never realized just how weak she really was as a person. Not until she spoke to me that night."

From there she explained to him what Yotsuba had told her. He soon found himself nodding. It all made sense on how Yotsuba had always felt when it came to Ichika.

"You were a better version of her, and she didn't like that," he said, "You and I have always gotten along well, and she didn't like that."

"No matter how hard she tried she would never be on the same level as me. Anything I accomplished she automatically hated. It's true that she didn't want to admit that she was weak, especially to me. In our previous school Yotsuba kept trying to outshine us, and she continued acting like that once we transferred here. At first I thought she was just trying to impress you, but after having thought it all over I think there was a deeper reason. I remember that every time we were in the bathroom, getting ready for school or for bed, Yotsuba was always the first one finished. It was like she couldn't wait to get out of there. I thought it was because she was always in a hurry because she was so energetic, then I realized that it was actually because she didn't want to look in the mirror any more than she had to. Ever heard of that old saying?"

"Yeah," he nodded, "When you look in the mirror you see who you truly are."

"I believe that was the case with Yotsuba. She looked in the mirror once, didn't like what she saw, and avoided looking at it ever since. I believe that was the whole reason why Yotsuba kept throwing herself into everything without restraint. She was simply in denial of who she was."

Yeah. That did make sense. It was just like how he had been in denial over his mother's death. He simply didn't want to accept it.

"She was your average teenage girl who wanted the prestige and popularity of her big sister," he said.

Ichika nodded, "I think deep down she secretly idolized me, but would never admit it. Like me she also had a big ego, thought the world to herself, and prided herself on being someone who was really special, but she was just so... well..."

"Average."

"Yeah."

It wasn't the nicest thing to say, but it was the truth. Yotsuba herself had always known it.

"I also think that what really bothered her the most was my... well, sex appeal. You yourself have seen just how popular I am with the boys since the day we transferred here."

Fuutarou did remember. There was always some guy who kept trying to ask Ichika to be his girlfriend. Every time she turned down one another would appear almost instantly on the same day. He recalled that Maeda had been one of them until he had met his girlfriend during the winter camping trip and had been dating her ever since.

"It was more or less the same with Nino, wasn't it?" he said, remember her previous relationships at her old school.

Ichika bobbed her head, "Nino and I have always been the more attractive ones while the rest were pretty much ignored. It never really bothered Miku or Itsuki, for they weren't really interested, and I don't think Yotsuba was either. She just saw it as a way to become more popular. She so hard wanted to believe she was some high school idol, a teenage superstar, but in reality she was just your typical teenager who happened to be really good at sports. Not a bad thing by any means, but certainly nothing to brag about because anyone could be like that. It was pretty obvious to everyone, including ourselves, who Yotsuba was except herself. She hated it more than anything and did everything she could to try and convince herself otherwise."

"But eventually her greed got the better of her, not once but twice."

"She, you, and I have all said ourselves. Yotsuba was just never satisfied. She always wanted more. Not just in school, in sports, or even you, but she also wanted everything we had. She wanted to be the big sister of the family, the best cook like Nino, kind to a fault like Miku, and to be smart like Itsuki. The real problem was that Yotsuba just doesn't have the appeal like the rest of us do. I mean, she's pleasant to look at, seeing how we all have the same figure, and her cheerful personality made her easy to get along with, but when it comes to most teenage guys whose hormones are kicking in at full speed having a cheerful personality and a good figure just isn't enough."

"They're looking for something more. Something that makes them truly attractive. Something they can instantly connect with."

"And Yotsuba just didn't have that. No matter how hard she tried she would just never reach my level, or the others for that matter. Thankfully she understands that now and has come to accept who she is, mostly due to Izumi-san's help," she sighed irritably, "That's what I'm so upset about. Izumi-san was right in that Yotsuba needed guidance, not protection, and none of us stepped up to do that because we were too focused on ourselves. Then of course, there was you."

"Yeah," Fuutarou let out a little laugh, "It seems that I did more harm than good for your family. I failed in both of my responsibilities as a tutor and as a friend. I didn't look out for you guys the way I should have. I didn't even help you in any significant way, except for you and Itsuki."

"Well, that was because we already knew what we wanted to do before we even met you, or in my case met you again."

"Well, That was easy. The point is I never bothered to ask Nino, Miku, or even Yotsuba what they wanted to do with their lives. I mean, that was the thing I promised your stepdad-my uncle-and I never did it."

"You did help us in other ways though," Ichika reminded him, "You convinced me not to give up school because of my career, you helped Nino finally put the past behind her, brought Miku out her shell, and you helped Itsuki gain more confidence in herself."

Fuutarou shook his head, "That wasn't my intention though. I just wanted to make sure the five of you could study and graduated high school so I wouldn't have to deal with you anymore. That was the whole reason why I tried to drop out at being your tutor, so I could have more time to study," he suddenly spat at himself, "Studying. That was my whole life summed up in one word. I was walking around school after classes were over and observing all the different clubs and its members. It made me realize just how much I had missed out in life."

"Well, better late than never."

"Yeah," he agreed, then asked "You said that I helped you and the others, but what did I do for Yotsuba?"

"Well, if you hadn't revealed your true personality when you went on your date Yotsuba wouldn't be where she's at now."

"That was more of my friend's doing though."

"True, but Yotsuba could've easily ignored everything she told her. She didn't because she had to find out for herself. That alone took courage, and it began her journey of becoming a more mature and responsible individual."

Fuutarou thought it over and found that he had to agree.

"Yeah, I see your point," he looked at Yotsuba and his lips lifted a little, "Yotsuba's a lot smarter than any of us ever gave her credit for. She's more observant, noticing things nobody else does. More importantly, she's got real spark. Lots of spirit. Throws herself heart and soul into everything she does. That's really worth something when you think about it. She just needed to be pointed in the right direction."

"And that's what we failed to do," Ichika smiled as she watched her sister, "Thankfully Izumi-san did, and I'm eternally grateful for her. If she hadn't... God only knows where Yotsuba may have ended up. If you and her had stayed together as you were, it would've likely ended in some kind of tragedy. If something had happened to you or if you had divorced her, I just don't think she would've taken it well. She might have gone insane and had taken her own life, given how obsessed she was with you."

Yeah, Fuutarou could see it happening.

After a while Ichika said, "You know, you were asking me how I was able to forgive Yotsuba so easily. Izumi-san asks us what we saw when we looked at Yotsuba. Itsuki said that she saw a lost little girl who was lucky to have four sisters who knew what was best for her. That was true, only we didn't really know her at all. We just kept making assumptions about her. But when I look at her now, I see myself. I see the person I could've become had it just been me and Mama."

Fuutarou looked at her, stunned to hear this.

"We never realized until now just how lucky we were when Mama was alive. If she hadn't become a teacher she never would've met our stepdad. If she had been forced to take desperate measures in order to raise the five of us our lives would've been so much different. Can you imagine what it would've been like if Mama had been bringing strange men home? Us having to stay in a separate room while she and him conducted their... business? Can you imagine not understanding what was going on until we got older? And then having to live with the shame of it?"

Fuutarou felt himself shiver. He had never actually thought of that.

"I don't think I would've been to handle it if it had just been me and her," Ichika went on, "I think I would've ended as someone like Yotsuba, terrified of the outside world, constantly reminded of who I was every time I look in the mirror, afraid of becoming a failure, and fearful that I could fall under the same fate. No matter what school I went to the past would always follow. And if someone had found out... I just don't think I could've handled it. Unless I made friends who were just like my sisters."

"Or if you met someone like Yusuke," said Fuutarou, "Remember what he said about Miku? That she's her own person regardless of her birth?"

Ichika thought back to that moment and smiled cheerfully.

"Yeah, I suppose I would be very fortunate if I had met someone like him, but life isn't always that kind. If it had just been me and Mama had died and if it had just been me I would've been all alone. I don't think I would've made it. That's why I was so shocked when Itsuki said that Mama may have hated Nino. I mean, I understand why, but I always felt that she was eternally grateful that she had more than one child. That way, if something did happen to her, we wouldn't be alone because we would have each other. I just can't imagine what my life would've been without my sisters, and yet I let them all down."

"You're now starting to sound like Itsuki," Fuutarou laughed, surprisingly her, "When we talked yesterday at the mall she virtually said the same thing."

"What did you say to her?"

"That she was being too hard on herself, that she shouldn't feel guilty about what she tried to do, and that her mother would've been proud of her regardless. I think the same applies to you, Ichika," he glanced at her to see that she was stunned, "You both did the best you could in trying to take care of your sisters. Both of you screwed up but it wasn't entirely your fault. You had the right intentions, just not a good sense of direction. You kept trying to keep things together but were blind to what was going on within. What happened between you could've happened to any family. It more or less happened in mine. My point is, you shouldn't feel ashamed of yourself, Ichika. I think you did a good job for what it was worth. You were there for them when your mom died. You put aside you own desires and did what was needed, being a leader to your sisters."

She was now gaping at him. He smiled and continued on.

"On top of that you're pursuing an acting career, and you've shown that you have the ability to become a great actress. It wasn't easy for you, trying to balance your school life, your career, and your home, but you managed to do it, and I've been with you for much of the way. To be honest, I think you're one of the bravest people I've ever met," he chuckled, "I told Itsuki that if I had a chance to do it all over again I would've chosen her in a heartbeat because she had done so much for me and my family. With you, if I had a chance to be your agent I would have done so without hesitation, because you're the kind of person I would admire. I would want to see you succeed, to help you get through all your troubles, and to always be by your side, even if I had to be in the background."

Ichika was speechless, then she started laughing. Fuutarou as she continued to laugh. Eventually she raised a hand and wiped her eyes.

"You really are something, Fuutarou-kun," sniffing she smiled at him, "What you just said is the very reason why I fell in love with you. I wish I had another chance to win you."

He smiled back, "I'm sure you'll find someone special one day."

After a few moments she said, "Thank you. Everything you just said meant a great deal to me," she looked back at Yotsuba and gestured, "Has Yotsuba spoken to you yet?"

"Not yet, but I suspect she wants to. Has she been speaking with you lately? About what she wants to do after graduation?"

"She has. She already knows that she will have a very difficult hill to climb if she decides to pursue a professional tennis career, but she still wants to try. Itsuki also told me that she wants to be able to stand on her own two feet."

"Itsuki said that to me too," he looked at Ichika, "What do you think?"

"She wants to go," she answered right away, "I can tell. She hasn't said anything yet but I can tell. I believe that's the whole reason why she's taking her studies more seriously now. She wants to prove that she can still be a good student and not just be good at sports. And to be honest, I want her to go. Izumi-san said to us that because she's been so dependant on us we've become something of a bad influence, and I have to agree. I want her to be able to take care of herself, and this is the only way to do it then I'll fully support her. I believe it's the same with you."

"Yeah, I want the same for her too. The only thing I'm worried about is that she'll be going all by herself."

"Actually she won't," Ichika grinned, "Your friend Takebayashi will be going with her."

"She is?" Fuutarou was surprised.

"She and her boyfriend are going to the same school after they graduate. She also happens to be a tennis player herself. Therefore she'll be Yotsuba's teammate, and roommate if they allow it. If you don't believe me ask her the next time you see her. Izumi-san will also be her, so I don't think we really have to worry as long as she's in good hands."

"Huh," Fuutarou was still surprised, "Yeah, I guess you're right. However..."

"Yeah," Ichika grimaced, "The two of you still need to speak with each other first before she makes a decision, although I'm certain she's already decided," she paused for moment before saying, "Have you figured what your feelings are towards Nino?"

"Yeah," he said without hesitation, "I have."

"Then you know what you need to do. Don't take forever to get to it."

"I won't. I intend to speak with Yotsuba as soon as the time is right. Itsuki suspects that she already knows."

"I think so too. I think Yotsuba's all but accepted that her relationship with you is over, but she still wants to know what your own feelings are. If she can put you behind her then she'll be able to live her life and make her own decisions, and that's all we really want for her."

"As do I. I think she's going to be okay. As long as she stays focused I believe she'll go far."

"I hope so too," Ichika agreed.

At that moment the tennis coach called for a break and Yotsuba came over to them.

"Hey, guys!" she took a drink from her water bottle, "What are you two talking about?"

"Ah, a bit of everything," Fuutarou came over to her and gestured to the courts, "You looked you were having fun out there."

"It's tough, I'll give you that," she wiped sweat from her brow, "But you're right. I'm having a ton of fun!"

Just then Ichika started giggling. They looked over to see that she had her cell phone out and was smiling proudly, like a mother proud of her own kid.

"What's up?" asked Fuutarou.

Ichika came over and lifted her phone for them to see.

It was a text message from Miku saying, Everything went well. Thank you so much, Ichika. :)

Fuutarou frowned, "What's that about?"

"Oooh," Yotsuba grinned, "Did Miku just..."

Her own grin broadening Ichika nodded.

"Haha!" Yotsuba cheered and pumped her fist, "Good for her!"

Fuutarou was still confused, "What did Miku do?"

Giggling again, Ichika explained.