Ep 20: Scrambled Eggs


*The episode picks up from where the previous one left off; Fuutarou got out of the bath after agreeing to solve this issue with Itsuki*

Fuutarou: So fine. Let's sort this out. *Silence* Uh... did she not hear me?

*And just as he says that, Itsuki opens the mixed bath's door and... well...*

Itsuki: That's awesome thank you!

"Enough with this drama my ass!" Ichika deadpans as Itsuki instantly hides her crimson face in terror with her free hand alongside Fuutarou; Everyone else except a muffled Nino could not do anything besides feel their jaws hang loose in mid-air.

Fuutarou: HEY! YOU CAN'T COME ON THIS SIDE!

Itsuki: It's a mixed bath right who cares?

Fuutarou: I DO OK?!

Itsuki: What's your problem? Come on, we're friends it doesn't have to be weird... AH! Mmm... *And her senses snap her back to reality as she realises what she was doing and holds her towel tight...* No you're right this is weird! *Looks away shamefully* I'm sorry! Can we just forget this ever happened?!

Fuutarou: I still have something important that I need you to do... Focus on that!

"Mithsumki?! MHAT MHE MECK MYU MHERK! (Itsuki?! What the heck you jerk!)" Nino muffles as she furiously glares at the sister who continues to cuff her mouth; Yotsuba didn't hesitate to restrain the second's arms yet again either as soon as her keen eyes spot them raised.

"Be glad neither you or Nino actually got into contact with Fuutarou or I would have gone on overdrive!" Miku fumes at Itsuki as her body begins to shudder in absolute anger.

"I'm glad neither of you did you-know-what either if you know what I was referring to!" Ichika also snarls.

"Like I said I rather not ask about some pointless event that already happened... stop crying over spilt milk as I had previously said!" Fuutarou groans with a facepalm; Itsuki also finally lets her mouth off Nino's face as soon as both of them felt the urge to cool down.

*Back in the inn, Itsuki was tasked in distracting her father so that Fuutarou can sneak into their side*

Itsuki: Father? (Maruo: Hm?) Mind if I talk to you for a few minutes?

*Fuutarou takes this golden opportunity to sneak in as this happens*

Maruo: What about?

Itsuki: Well... the thing is...

Fuutarou: Good. Once I get past here it's smooth sailing. All I need to do is confront them one at a time. That should be enough to help me identify which one is the Fake Itsuki. I'm sure they're not busy anyway... *He opens the first door quietly* Ichika, Nino, Miku, Yotsuba... ready or not... *He shuts the first door, opens the second door and...* here I come! UGH?!

Suddenly, every single quint except the youngest one covered their cheeks and puffed. Fuutarou meanwhile braced again for... well...

Itsuki quartet: Ah? Uh? Mm? Uh?

*Fuutarou sees four Fake-tsukis standing there and...*

Fuutarou: ITSUKI ARMY?!

Once again the quints except Itsuki are sent into hysterics whilst Fuutarou could only helplessly stare at his past self's utterly oblivious behaviour.

"Oh come on!" Fuutarou groans. "Can you all not make it sound so mean?!"

"Sorry we couldn't help it! Your reaction was so priceless!" Ichika laughs.

"But that aside, surely if you love us, you should be able to tell which one of us is which by now right?" Nino presses him with a smug.

"Yeah Fuutarou. How much has grandpa taught you actually? Now we all want to find out!" Miku asks him. Yotsuba meanwhile remains silent since she remembers being the first to be found out.

Fuutarou: Why are all five of you dressed as Itsuki?!

Fake-tsuki: Well, Fuutarou-kun! You ever heard of knocking?

"Aha! Ichika!" Fuutarou yells as he points to her on TV. "You always address me as 'Fuutarou-kun'! That's how I know this time!"

"Smooth. You got me eheh. I couldn't believe you didn't notice it back then though." Ichika remarks.

Another Fake-tsuki: I think we scared him.

Third Fake-tsuki: We're trying to-

*The last one holds up her hand*

Last Fake-tsuki: Perfect timing (The previous one: Uh?) I wanted to run this experiment again anyway. I'm sure you remember the quintuplet's game right? Try to figure out which of us is which. Bet you can't do it!

"Yeah! What Nino said! I bet you can't- UGH!" Yotsuba spits out, only to realise she made another fatal mistake as she covers her mouth.

"OH MY- SERIOUSLY?!" The rest of her sisters yell in anger as Fuutarou facepalms.

"You had one job, Yotsuba! One freaking job!" Nino complains alongside them.

"Well thanks to Yotsuba uh..." Fuutarou speaks as he takes a moment to calm down. "I guess the last one that spoke is Nino? Then again..." He points to the TV. "Even if Yotsuba didn't give it away though, I could already tell it was her because of her manner of speaking. The way you addressed the quintuplet game was pretty direct, if not blunt as well. And also, you knew that that Yotsuba cannot lie. That's why you put your hand up, right? To stop her from exposing you like right now I assume? If that's so, then that leaves Miku, the quiet one on Yotsuba's left."

"It was my right, Uesugi-san." Yotsuba interjects.

"As in, your left shoulder not my right vision. You got your orientation mixed up there." Fuutarou clarifies which immediately sends Yotsuba reeling back in embarrassment.

"All correct. Wow, Grandpa really must have really taught you well, huh!" Nino affirms as the others look on in amazement. "Either that or... you must be so madly in love with us that you want to let any of us out of your weak grasp, am I right?"

"Or that yeah. I guess- HEY!" Fuutarou says as he tries to play along before he gets caught off guard by Nino calling him weak and inadvertently ignores the teasy stares. "Sigh... whatever. Alright, where were we? Before any of you can target me with your love-dovey stares?"

Itsuki meanwhile, remained stoic throughout the entire quintuplet game intro as she maintains her detective persona. "Alright, what happened?" She presses him again since whilst she rests her right hand on her chin.

"Just keep watching." Fuutarou deadpans as he scratches his head apprehensively.

*The first one*

Fake-tsuki #1: Just an introduction, I'm Itsuki. Born on May 5th. 17, blood type A.

*The second one*

Fake-tsuki #2: What are my favourite things? Well I'm usually at my happiest when I'm eating some delicious food.

*The third one*

Fake-tsuki #3: Ah! Uesugi-kun! It's rude to ask a girl such personal questions!

*The fourth one; She just smiles*

"Soooo... can you recognise the four of us disguised as Itsuki-chan properly, hmm?" Ichika teases as she gives off a dreamy stare at a sweating Fuutarou.

"I know the last one is Yotsuba for sure back then. That I could already tell just because of her cute, yet stupid smile." Fuutarou notes, but that was all he could say.

"Hey!" Yotsuba pouts.

Fuutarou: Damn it! They're not making this easy at all!

Fake-tsuki #4: So uh, if you're done asking me stuff-

Fuutarou: Just one more thing, what's with the Itsuki disguises?

Fake-tsuki #4: *Panic jolt* Listen I can explain. I should warn you it's kind of a long story. But uh...

Fuutarou: I think this one might be...

"The worst liar out of you five." Fuutarou deadpans as Yotsuba sweats bullets.

Fake-tsuki #4: The five of us grew up looking identical. Everyone could that we were tight-necked siblings. And us being so alike made our grandpa happy too. But then one day... I decided to change up and dress a little differently.

Fuutarou: Yeah? How did you change your look?

Fake-tsuki number… Oh wait: Oh! That's when I started wearing that green ribbon- UH!

Fuutarou: AHA YOTSUBA!

Exposed-tsuba: What?! No way I'm totally Itsuki!

Everyone didn't hesitate to facepalm at this… minus Yotsuba who cringes internally over her inability to lie.

Fuutarou: She's the worst liar so I'd figured it would be easy. But not that easy...

Itsu-ba: Um! Can I finish the story as her though?

Fuutarou: Yeah. That's fine. Pick up where you left off.

Itsu-ba: Sigh... When he saw that we were becoming more different, it was a little upsetting for our grandfather. You thought that we might have had a falling out. *Flashback of their bedridden grandfather* He collapsed one day and gave us a scare. When that happened, we decided we'd always be identical sisters around him. Then after talking it over... *She adjusted the star pin on her wig* We agreed that we would all be Itsuki. Ever since we found out we were coming out here for spring break, I've been nervous about whether or not I could pull it off.

"That must have hurt a lot. I mean, I couldn't picture what Yotsuba described to me, but after seeing that flashback of your grandfather, I feel a lot sorrier for him right now." Fuutarou solemnly says as the quints all nod in silence with their hearts aching to no end. But then... Fuutarou notes a tiny detail in the flashback that stood out like a sore thumb; A detail that made the obvious one on TV jump in her seat. "Wait, uh... Yotsuba... you were wearing your ribbon and... no one else...?"

"Ulp?! Eheheh... I mean yeah I was the first to be mistaken amongst our sisters out in public so what else?! Itsuki was the second one to do and uh..." Yotsuba panics as that tiny visual cue of her wearing her ribbon nearly sends her into her own tunnel vision. She deliberately doesn't mention who she was mistaken by, but even so, that one flashback would have been enough to derail her major secret. "Yeah uh... I mean... w-w-we were all looking identical a-a-and..." She arches her head down with her ribbons wilting again like dead plants whilst she tries to find more ways to deceive her tutor. But every now and then, her clouded mind trails off at the thought of the biggest lie she has ever maintained to be finally unravelled in front of the boy she loves...

Fuutarou: Hm? Is that what's been bothering you...?

Itsu-ba: Eheheh... Everyone was having a good time so I was trying not to bring it up.

Fuutarou: You do all that for him, huh? He's so cranky though...

Itsu-ba: No. (Fuutarou: Hm?) Our grandpa's a nice, old man. And I love him a lot!

Fuutarou: It may seem silly to me, but it's a big deal for them.

"Look it's no big deal, ok? I just noticed how cute you looked back then even when the five you looked so identical just like during the spring break. Nothing serious or anything. I'm not here to confront you on this ok?" Fuutarou responds as soon as he and the others notice Yotsuba re-entering her frightened state; He doesn't even hesitate to reassure her soundly with a head pat. Unbeknownst to him though, this gentle act of kindness of his did not help to calm her nerves this time...

It's not what you think though... That ribbon... you were the one... who... who made me... Yotsuba trembles as her repeated breaths become increasingly raspy underneath her urge to keep this hidden, not to mention that her ribbons have stayed wilted as per usual. Out of all her sisters in the meanwhile, the only one who understood why Yotsuba panicked in response to Fuutarou's observation was the eldest: the one responsible for her change of appearance. She too, was trembling softly against her will as her mouth slowly wrings into a pained grimace.

*The other three Fake-tsukis return to the room once Fuutarou is done with Yotsuba*

Fake-tsuki #2: Well? You think you can tell us apart now that you've talked to us?

Fuutarou: Yeah. *Points to...* Uh-oh... W-which one did I talk to last?! I had it a second ago!

I should have known that they were seating in order... Then again, not that my dense self was able to know in the first place. Fuutarou thinks as he shakes his head in disappointment.

Fake-tsuki #2: Sigh... I figured. You really still can't hit it-

Fuutarou: Hold on! Give me one more try! *Some footsteps can be heard* Uh?!

*The door opens to reveal the Nakano grandfather*

Itsu-ba: Oh hey grandpa!

Fake-tsuki #1: Morning!

Nakano grandfather: smsmfmsfmfsf...

Itsu-ba: Uh what?

Fake-tsuki #3: He seems kinda concerned.

Fake-tsuki #1: Aw don't worry! We're still five identical best buddies!

"You mean four identical meatheads?" Itsuki smirks which prompts a snicker from Fuutarou.

"Wha... Itsuki-chan?!" Ichika gasps, seeing that she never heard her youngest sister talk like her tutor beforehand.

"Oh shut it, Itsuki. Not like you were any better back then!" Nino pouts.

"Ironic..." Miku mutters.

*Under the kotatsu though...*

Fuutarou: Thank goodness! (All four: Eheheheh!) I'd be in real trouble if that had been their dad! Wait if the Fake Itsuki is here then she probably has a bruise right? *Flashbacks to the incident last night* I shoved her by accident.

Itsuki actually wanted to ask why Fuutarou was hiding underneath the slender legs of her sisters, but then she deduces that there wasn't any other place for him to hide out of sight in that room anyways, so she ends up staying silent. But then she notices her sisters becoming flushed...

"Uh... what's wrong? Why are you all so red? Nothing bad has happened so far!" Itsuki asks confused. At least, until Nino hesitantly points at the TV...

"Yet." Ichika suddenly grimaces.

*Fuutarou slowly peeks under the kimonos of each of the fakes which...*

Itsu-ba: MMM?!

Fake-tsuki #1: Woah... What the?!

Fake-tsuki #3: Um... please don't!

Fake-tsuki #2: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

"Oh. Right." Itsuki says deflated as she stares suspiciously at Fuutarou.

"I mean I had to do something to know who it was right?" Fuutarou replies with his arms crossed since he technically was not wrong, though he too felt that this was a little too forward even for his standards.

Fuutarou: Huh?! *Notices a bruise from Fake-tsuki #3 as he peeks his head out of the kotatsu* Bingo! This is the one from last night!

*Fake-tsuki #3 stands up comic style*

Fake-tsuki #3: Guys let's go to the main hall!

*And one by one, the four imposters leave with their grandfather. However, two of them want to go somewhere else for now*

Nino: Hey Ichika!

Ichika: Huh?

Nino: You feel like a morning bath?

Ichika: Ok sure!

Ichika and Nino huh? I should have known... Fuutarou thinks as the two sisters featured were suddenly struck with expressions of dread. "Hm? What are you so...?"

"Please... don't tell me... this is going to repeat..." Ichika mutters as her blush becomes more intense. Nino's blush follow suit as she squirms constantly in her seat whilst she waits for the inevitable to happen...

"Oh right. Bracing for another 'appropriate' bath scene huh? So much for that..." Itsuki cringes as her ahoge sags.

*Fuutarou finally unveils himself from the kotatsu*

Fuutarou: Was that was slightly helpful. *He puts on his sandals* But still. They passed their term finals. So why cut me off like that? *He opens the door and notices around the corner...* UH?!

Fake-tsuki: May I speak with you?

Fuutarou: Uhh... Yot…suba?

Fake-tsuki: Mmm! *She hold the bottom of her hair up* Here's a hint!

Fuutarou: Nino!

*Leans to the side*

Fake-tsuki: How about now?

Fuutarou: Oh Ichika!

*Is absolutely pissed off*

Fake-tsuki: mmMMMMmmMMM!

Fuutarou: Oh right! You must be the real Itsuki-

Fake-tsuki pout: Don't play with me!

Fuutarou: I swear I'm not!

The other four quints couldn't help but giggle over Fuutarou's repeated failed attempts.

"Well I obviously couldn't that it was you... um... Miku? Was it?" Fuutarou guesses, which brightens up the quint he mentioned as her smile widens. "So it was you, Miku! But... why did you hold the bottom of your hair up like that?"

"I'll give you another hint." Miku says as she holds her headphones the same way as she did on TV.

"Ah. I see." Fuutarou realises. "Speaking of which though, I also noticed your current headphones have a different design. When did you-?"

"After we all fell in the water on Christmas day, obviously. These things aren't exactly waterproof." Miku pipes up.

*Over in the woman's baths, Nino was busy bathing Ichika's back*

Nino: Uh let me know if you're itchy anywhere!

Ichika: Sheesh. That's really not necessary... Oh Tish. Why are you sucking up to me so much?

"GAAAH! DON'T LOOK!" Ichika yells before she immediately covers her face with one hand and Fuutarou's with another before she squeals. Nino doesn't follow suit oddly enough, though it's obvious that her grimace is getting wider and wider... with a twist.

"Well at least on the bright side, whoever made this had some decency to cover most of it, albeit with thin wisps of mist..." Miku grimaces before she and her younger sisters inadvertently look away.

"Well you all saw me and Itsuki naked, so I think it's only fair if you get a taste of our medicine." Fuutarou huffs with a smug as Ichika and Nino's faces remain a dark shade of red.

"Pervert..." Ichika muffles under her hands... Though Nino was grinning slightly, much to everyone's confusion.

"Uh... wait... Nino?" Yotsuba asks her as she peeks her right eye open only for this. "You ok?"

Nino: Well... I figured you would be the best person to ask... about... dating.

Ichika: Uh?!

Nino: I can't talk to the others about it... but I kinda like someone.

"No surprise who..." Fuutarou mutters as the sisters still continue to avert their gazes at the TV; Nino's gaze is still superglued to the giant screen though.

"I was wondering where everyone snuck off too..." Yotsuba replies as the next scene features her alone.

*Over at the main hall though...*

Itsu-ba: Where is everyone else? Man I could eat a horse! *Her stomach growls* Uh?!

"Ok girls it's over. Now Yotsuba's turn." Fuutarou deadpans as the quints minus Nino slowly rotate their heads towards the screens with their eyes (still) shut tight. "I said it's over! It's your sister Yotsuba in your typical kimono!" Fuutarou snaps as they all finally open their sparkling blue spheres again. Nino meanwhile doesn't react but her twisted smile does fade upon seeing this.

"Is it really, Fuutarou?" Miku asks him pessimistically.

"I'm almost certain that it is. No more naked scenes from this point onwards!" Fuutarou declares with a haughty smile-that-doesn't-feel-like-a-smile.

"I doubt it." Itsuki deadpans as she keeps an eye on Nino in case her really weird smile returns.

Itsu-ba: Hmm... I require sustenance! Would she say that?

"Nah. Try harder!" Itsuki smirks.

*Deep breath*

Itsu-ba: IF I DON'T EAT I'LL DIE! Mhm! I nailed it that time!

"There I did it! You happy?" Yotsuba pouts.

"Haha! Much better." Itsuki smirks before she has a moment of thought. "Wait a minute... wasn't that..?"

*Over to the real Itsuki though*

Itsuki: So anyway the five of us went to buy some curtains... But since all of us have such- *Inside her thoughts* Come on Uesugi-kun! How long do you need me to keep his attention?! I-I haven't even had any breakfast yet! IF I DON'T EAT I'LL DIE!

Everyone including Fuutarou couldn't help but burst into laughter over this sheer coincidence.

"Wooooow. How appropriate!" Itsuki dryly coughs as she is forced to absorb the barrel of laughs emitted by her sisters and tutor. "So much for keeping him distracted!"

"Well now you know why." Fuutarou replies as he and everyone else finally calm down with raspy wheezes. Guess that leaves me... and the one who tried to sabotage my vacation...

*Over in one of the hallways, Fuutarou chats with the Fake-tsuki*

Fake-tsuki: You must have been surprised to see our dad.

Fuutarou: Yeah.

*Flashbacks to contest prizes*

Fake-tsuki: I accidentally wrote his place to the entry form for the contest. *Back to the present* But at least it means we all get to be here together!

Fuutarou: So it's Miku. I wouldn't have guessed by looking.

Itsuki (Flashback): Love is the key!

Fuutarou: GASP! But what if I'm wrong?! Love is the answer! I just have to try harder! *The camera shows Fake-tsuki' back* Itsuki says there must be something bothering Miku too! I have a pretty good guess to what it is. And it's something that happened last month. *The camera shifts between Fake-tsuki's lower body and Fuutarou's eyes* I have to solve this puzzle! Ugh what's with me since when did I let myself worry about crap like this?!

*Fuutarou creepy stare as Fake-tsuki notices*

Fake-tsuki: Why do I feel like he's giving me a creeper stare?!

Fuutarou was slow to realise it but as he shifts his gaze slightly, he notices that the quint he guessed right gave him a rather suspicious stare upon noticing that the camera panned downed on her bottom.

"Pervert." Itsuki, Nino and Ichika repeat as their brows furl into jagged lines whilst moods hastily sour.

"What?! I was right the first time wasn't I?" Fuutarou densely snaps as Miku points to the TV. "It is Miku. I shouldn't have second-guessed-"

"You were staring at me like a stalker weren't you? I was the one right!" Miku pouts.

"Huh? No. Why on earth would I?" Fuutarou asks, absolutely oblivious to what the quints are so disgusted about.

"Uh... hello? Have you perhaps dropped out of an alternate Japan or something? Your thoughts and that first-person camera shows that you're staring at Miku's butt, dummy!" Yotsuba points out as her ribbons finally perk up and twitch with her annoyance.

"What? I wasn't staring!" Fuutarou tries to counter, but to no avail since that made the girls even more sour as they all point to the TV.

"Have you really become that dense or what?!" Miku again fumes as she deliberately scooches away from her crush just for the time being.

Fuutarou: Sigh... I give up. Stop being stubborn and tell me.

Fake-tsuki: That's against the rules! You can figure it out for yourself! *She turns her head back towards him with a blush* I would like you to get it right. Please, Fuutarou?

Fuutarou: Well could you at least show me your legs?

*Fake-tsuki panic*

Fake-tsuki: WHERE'D THAT COME FROM?! *Looks behind her to see...* Uh? Grandpa?

*Fuutarou turns around*

Fuutarou: Uh?

"Oooh now you've done it, Fuu-kun!" Nino cheekily grins as she rubs her knuckles, already envisioning another shoulder throw from him.

Nakano Grandfather: Msnfanefdsmsfmsf...

Fuutarou: Sorry?

Nakano Grandfather: I heard you! This is the second time that you tried to touch her!

*Fuutarou panic attack*

Fuutarou: Eheheheh! I-I didn't this time I swear!

Nakano Grandfather: Miku, are you alright, my dear?

Mi-tsuki: *She nods* Mhm!

*Cue their grandfather edging closer towards the panicking tutor before he slowly walks off; Fuutarou hunches down in defeat in the meanwhile*

Aww I was expecting another shoulder throw! That should have taught this pervert! Nino thinks as she pouts.

Fuutarou: GAH... Hm? Wait a minute! He knew she was Miku at first glance! Hey! Let's catch up later!

*He zooms off leaving Miku behind before he bows down in front their grandfather*

Mi-tsuki: Uh...

Fuutarou: WAIT! OLD MAN! I MEAN SIR! TEACH ME YOUR WAYS!

"Wow you really called grandpa old man, huh? Be thankful father wasn't watching." Itsuki disgustedly notes.

"I'd rather watch myself than relive Ichika and Nino in the bath again though that's for sure." Fuutarou counters with a snide look and his arms folded again.

"That's true..." Yotsuba agrees with Fuutarou for once as she nods.

*And then back to the women's baths again with the two quints as everyone's worst nightmares are confirmed*

Nino: I wanted to ask for your advice. Thanks for rocking up first. But as I got to know him... I slowly fell in love.

Ichika: Please Nino... Don't tell me anymore...

"Ok I take it back." Fuutarou cringes as Ichika and Miku hurl a pillow each into his face at full strength for that karma.

"I'm almost certain my ass!" Miku scowls with the biggest pout she has ever made possible.

"Idiot!" Ichika curses alongside this.

I wonder what with all of us attacking each other for something that neither of us are responsible for making? Yotsuba wonders as her ribbons curl without wilting. No... that was an idiot question, of course she wouldn't want to let Fuutarou see her naked and the gist with the other embarrassing scenes. But... then again, as her heart beats wildly at the thought of the boy she met flaring to life, maybe... just this once... she would tolerate it?

Nino: He's so...

Ichika: Uh...

Chibi Nino: Oh gosh! It's hard to say it out loud!

Ichika: I can guess...

Once again though, Nino started to act weird as she forces a smile off her face.

"Again Nino?!" Itsuki asks her bewildered. "Why are you trying to force a smile on your face? Are you actually ok with this scene or-"

"No I'm totally not!" Nino snaps before her twisted tsundere smile returns. "Seriously Fuu-kun stop staring at our naked bodies on TV for crying out loud you pervert! I mean, no wait... Actually let me rephrase that! If you wanna stare at our naked bodies, stare at mine instead!" She yells out, which only makes everyone stare at her back with a dirty look each.

"What the-?! Nino-?!" Ichika and Itsuki gasp as their lower jaws sink to no extent.

"Wha- Nino...?! S-seriously?!" Fuutarou groans before he averts his sore, golden eyes away from the TV again.

"We get that you're madly in love with Uesugi-san but that was way too far!" Yotsuba pouts.

"Try and have a little decency as Fuutarou once said please?!" Miku sweats as she facepalms.

"Ok, ok, fine I kid! I just wanted to see your silly reactions that's all heheh!" Nino withdraws with a couple of waving hands to convey her seriousness, though none of the others felt convinced; Not even the slightest.

Nino: The other day I confessed my feelings to him. Sigh... but I still can't say for sure whether that was the right move. You're good with this stuff! When guys confess... do you end up liking them more?

Ichika: Well in my experience, let's see... *Her face blackens in defeat* Sorry. It's never gone that way for me... I have feelings for him too. I just want things to stay the same the way they are for a bit longer.

Nino: Oh. So confessing isn't enough, huh?

Ichika: Huh? No! that's not it! You said that it was rocky at first, right? So are you sure... you're actually in love with him?

"My question aged horribly as of right now..." Ichika complains.

"You better pay attention to this if you want to ramp up your chances of winning Fuu-kun, Miku! Well, not like you'll improves your understanding on dating anyways!" Nino provokes her with a tease as she reflexively ducks under yet another pillow hurled by the third.

"ENOUGH!" Miku furiously yells with a blush as she keeps her distance further from everyone else.

Nino: I just meant... he first came into my life as a threat to something that was precious to me. *Flashbacks to the near disaster on the ski trip* Then one night... I mistook him for my prince charming on a white horse. And I fell in love with him. *And then when she was riding the bike with him whilst she confesses* Later on... I figured out what I was rejecting was the role he'd been playing in my life that entire time. And not him as a person. *Back to the present* Once I realised he really was my prince, w-well I just couldn't control myself.

Ichika: Uh... uh-huh. So you fell in love just like that? Don't you think that's a little much?

Cue Nino swooning over her life being saved by her prince as the flashback is brought up.

Nino: It probably is... *She stretches her arms before leaning back onto the rocks behind her* Trust me I'm just as creeped out by it as you. But I'm not planning on giving up on him either.

Ichika: Uh?

Nino: I mean... They're my feelings after all. And what's the point of love if it doesn't make me happy?

"I hope you're all taking notes-" Nino wanted to point out, only to be cut off by an equally embarrassed Fuutarou.

"Ok we all get that you're happy about being the star in this pointless episode! No need to brag it out any longer!" Fuutarou snaps.

"You don't get a second opinion now that you're my main target on my love list!" Nino retaliates with a tsundere tone as she straight up points towards him and almost pokes his eyes in the process.

Ichika: Um.. yeah but, what if someone else likes the same guy? For all you know that person could care about him a lot more than you do, couldn't they?

Nino: In that case... I guess... I'd feel bad... But if I had to step over them, well then I would!

Ichika: Wow she's serious! She's an unstoppable freak train of love! *Nino express train* Why'd she me for advice if she's just gonna do whatever she wants?!

And that was enough to make Nino cackle in her loudest volume ever whilst everyone plugs their ears.

"Oh my- they had to show that?!" Ichika groans yet again as Nino once again pulls the reigns.

"An express train with me being featured on the front?! Wow you're hilarious Ichika! AHAHA!" Nino bawls whilst everyone else keeps silent with either visible confusion (Yotsuba) or embarrassment (Miku and Itsuki) running deep within their veins... or, for Ichika and Fuutarou, both.

Nino: I'm glad I talked to you, sis. *She gets up from the bath* Guess I need to do more than confess.

Ichika: UH?! *She gets up too but stays in the water* WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO?!

"UESUGI-KUN!" Itsuki screams as she forces his head away upon seeing Ichika and Nino's full naked bodies... despite the fact he's already doing so.

"OW! ITSUKI WHAT THE HELL- I-I-I'M LOOKING AWAY!" Fuutarou yells as the full brunt of the youngest nearly twists a muscle connecting his dense skull to his frail lower body.

Nino: I think I'll take him by the hand... Uh no... I'll hug him! And if he still doesn't take the hint… *Pumps her fists* Then I'll kiss him!

Ichika: *Instant shock* AH?!

As now of now, the only two people residing in this tightened atmosphere whose faces remain a darkened shade of red are Ichika and Fuutarou; Everyone else's blushes had toned down in intensity as they couldn't bear to watch this any longer, including Nino's who fears bears a smirk that clearly signifies her absolute dominance.

Ichika: Wait! That's a bad idea! He might not like it!

Nino: Yeah, good point. I shouldn't spring that on him. (Ichika: Sigh) If I'm bad at it he'll be turned off!

Ichika: Uh?

*Nino activates yandere mode as her eye flashes with her evil grin before she flings herself at Ichika*

Yandere Nino: Hey have you done any kissing scenes yet?!

Ichika: Uh… what are you suggesting?!

Yandere Nino: Come on it's ok we're sisters!

Ichika: IT'S EXACTLY WHAT MAKES IT NOT OKAY!

"Should I even dare to comment about this anymore?" Yotsuba rhetorically asks.

"Why is this even a question?" Miku groans as she flashes a grimace at her sister.

"Ugh, so much for everything... Then again, maybe Fuutarou-kun does have a point. I guess I know how he feels. Sort of..." Ichika complains as her blush overlaps even her neck and her hands. Thankfully, much to everyone's relief, Nino lets out one last laugh over her yandere graphics before she let out a deep a sigh as she finally realises where she went wrong with her reactions.

"Ok fine I hear you all. I'll relax and drop this altogether. I'm sorry. I guess I did get ahead of myself there. But... that doesn't mean I'll stop trying to the very end, right?" Nino calmly says, before turning her eyes to a shivering Fuutarou once again.

"Don't even think about it." Itsuki sternly tells her as the scene switches. "Alright Uesugi-kun. It's finally over. But don't you dare mention anything about this again you hear us?!"

"I won't. Give me a break!" Fuutarou snaps back with annoyance.

"What are you getting angry at me for?!" Itsuki lashes back before she rapidly withdraws whilst she adjusted her red glasses as well.

"You nearly broke my neck whilst to forced me to turn away!" Fuutarou rudely points out as he painfully snaps his half-twisted neck back to the TV with all the strength he has left in his weak neck muscles. "Owww..."

*The next scene takes place at 11:05pm in the night; Ichika is sitting down in a corner as she laments Nino's plan*

Nino (Flashback): I'm gonna sneak out at night to see him. I can't stay away.

Ichika (Flashback): Uh?

Nino (Flashback): And I know dad will be a problem.

Ichika (Flashback): That's why I need you to keep an eye on me for him, Ichika.

*End of flashback*

Wait... isn't this? Ichika ponders as her heart unnoticeably slows down coupled with an awful moment of silence. The coalescence of both pain and fear slowly fills her to the extent that she's unable to force her bulging blue eyes from narrowing back to normal again.

"Right so Nino wanted to see me so bad during the night huh? It's a shame I was somewhere else and didn't notice the note..." Fuutarou mutters as he turns to Ichika, only to notices instantly... "Hm? Ichika? Uh... Is everything ok?"

Ichika: Nino's going to meet up with Fuutarou-kun tonight. And it sounds like she might even kiss him. *She grips on her kimono* I can't stop her... She's not a coward like me... She doesn't care what anyone thinks. *The scene switches to Fuutarou's backpack, with a note saying: To Fuutarou* She loves him with everything she has... I don't stand a chance. And I don't deserve to...

Miku didn't hesitate to hug her big sis despite noticing the panicked state she's suffering under. And neither did Fuutarou with his own, comforting head pat.

But so do I... and Miku... and Itsuki too... If anything, I'm the person who doesn't deserve to be Uesugi-san's love. Not Ichika... Yotsuba thinks as she too, mimics Ichika's half-dead, wide-eyed expression upon remembering that night...

"Even you, Yotsuba?" Itsuki gasps as she hears her sister panting.

*Back to the present as Yotsuba trots down the stairs*

Yotsuba: Gotta hit the little girl's room... Uh? Ichika? You ok? Uh? *Yotsuba notices Ichika as she weeps and approaches to console her* Oh hey. Please don't cry. Oh I know! Let's go to our secret place!

Once again, a wave of dread slams like a truck into not just Ichika but Yotsuba too as they flinch unnoticeably in their seats; It only took one simple glance towards their aggrieved expressions to make the rest immediately deduce that there was something that might be best hidden coming up...

First my conversation with Nino and now Yotsuba... ARGH NO! I FORGOT THIS WOULD BE A REALITY! WHY'D YOU DRAG ME INTO THIS MESS WHOEVER MADE THIS?! Ichika screams in her thoughts.

No... I know what we were talking about that day! And judging... seeing the numerous flashbacks about... no... no way... is it... is this over?! What would Uesugi-san think about this?! And... what's going to happen... what will happen to our special friendship?! Yotsuba also panics as her tunnel vision kicks in out of the blue.

"Alright you betrayed me that night, so I want to know why you did so! Why?!" Nino asks her sister whilst she defiantly ignores her startled expression. She briefly waves her hand in front of her. "Hello? Ichika?" No response as she whispers into Fuutarou's ear. "Uh... Fuu-kun! Help!"

"I uh... I don't know... what happened..." Fuutarou stutters to Nino as he's left equally helpless.

"Uh-?! Wow I thought you were less useless than this..." Nino pouts as she sags back into her seat and braces for the unmasked truth about Ichika's supposed betrayal.

"I have my own limits too ok? Give me a break!" Fuutarou complains.

*Over on the rooftop... Yotsuba and Ichika notice their dad trying to find Nino*

Yotsuba: Uh? There's dad! Hehehe! He'd never expect us to be up here not in a million years!

Ichika: What do I do?! I was supposed to distract him so Nino could sneak out!

Miku currently doesn't understand Ichika's true motives in the episode just yet, but as she adjusts her headphones, it was clear by the dawn of day, that this simple thought of her big sister's struck a lightbulb; Either this or the previous episode may have been the red flags for her supposed betrayal during the Kyoto trip, and now, she wants to know the entire backstory. So I wasn't the first one to have been stabbed in the back by her huh? Nino was the first. I was the second. But why, Ichika? I need to know what other shenanigans you are hiding from me up until now! Miku thinks.

Ichika meanwhile, did not relax as her repeated pants became slightly louder than usual. Yotsuba's ribbons meanwhile, quivered.

Yotsuba: Um... Ichika?

Ichika: Uh?

Yotsuba: I don't know what's going on. But I... ACHOOOO! Ugh...

Ichika: Eheh! You knew it would be cold out! *She quickly wraps Yotsuba up with her jacket* You should've bundled up a little more!

Yotsuba: Huh?

Ichika: Oh! *She tries to give Yotsuba a tissue* Let's blow your nose-

*Only for the latter to snatch it away*

Yotsuba: Thanks but I think I can handle that myself!

*She blows on her nose*

"Like your little kiddy underpants incident a few episodes back?" Fuutarou rouses, already expecting a panic reaction from Yotsuba... but she didn't respond, oddly enough. "Huh? Yotsuba?"

Yotsuba couldn't even respond to Fuutarou's kiddy underwear remark right now as her exasperated pants increase in volume like Ichika's... because there was a heavier weight on her shoulder that she's hoping she does not drop.

"Weird. I was expecting a full-blown panic reaction from her. I wonder what's up?" Itsuki questions, though she does have her own suspicions.

"How should I know?" Miku asks.

"No one cares about your questions, Miku." Nino passive-aggressively bites.

"Who even asked you?!" Miku backlashes before the two of them repeat history with their constant bickering.

"AGAIN?!" Fuutarou and Itsuki groan before they forcefully separate the duo with their bare hands.

Ichika: Eheheh. You act like a little kid, sometimes. But thank you. I understand that you're trying to cheer me up. I'm ok, really! I need to go get dad's attention.

Yotsuba: Wait! *She holds Ichika's hand* You're acting tough! It worries me.

Ichika: Huh?

"Oh so Yotsuba also played a factor in derailing my plans huh? Is that why she and Ichika so nervous right now?" Nino ponders, but again, no response. She waves her hands in front of the two to no avail. "Yes? No? Hello?"

"I don't think they're gonna respond anytime soon, Nino." Fuutarou pessimistically assumes.

Yotsuba: Sorry if I'm way off base.

*Cuts back inside where the final two quints remain; One of them is seen peeking out of the window*

Mi-tsuki: Where did everyone run off to? He better not be with Fuutarou right now!

"Eh? Why the cut?!" Ichika finally responds as she and Yotsuba stop panting all of a sudden.

"Oh! You two are back! Thank goodness!" Miku breathes with a sigh of relief.

"What happened to you two? We were all worried sick when you didn't respond to us!" Itsuki says as her ahoge spins again like a sonar.

"Huh? Wait... so while me and Ichika were staring one of you actually fell sick?! Who is it?! I need to get some medicine-" Yotsuba panics gullibly. She rises onto her feet but ends up paralysed in her spot as Nino and Miku reflexively snatches her arm and restrains her. "What?!"

"No, dummy! We were 'worried' sick not literal sick! I would also be concerned if one of you girls actually started to become ill too!" Fuutarou responds annoyed.

"Oh. Right. Oopsie..." Yotsuba realises her mistake and sinks back in humiliation, with her ribbons wilting of course.

"Well, at least we didn't see you kiddy underpants on TV for the second time am I right or not?" Itsuki huffs.

"GYAH! ITSUKI?! DID YOU ALL SEE IT?!" Yotsuba again panics as she flails her arms to no end whilst her ribbons perk up and twitch rapidly.

"Relax we didn't. Kinda odd that you panic earlier when I said it though. Sigh... well at least you're back to normal, thank goodness." Fuutarou nonchalantly says. "Now where were we?"

Itsuki: Ahaha! There's no reason to see him at this hour. *Flashbacks to her message and then the note that she wrote* Then again... it happened before!

"Wait so you're the one who saw my note, Itsuki?! Is that why-?!" Nino exclaims much to her extreme disbelief.

"What no?! That was the 'Midnight, Courtyard' note I wrote for Uesugi-kun not your stupid love letter! Are your contact lenses failing you or something?!" Itsuki replies with absolute disgust.

"Wha-?! Oops! Sorry. My mistake." Nino responds as she blushes with embarrassment. "I-I-I didn't see it clearly though. The note only appeared for like a few frames before it vanished out of sight! I couldn't really pick up the details that well! Geez!"

Mi-tsuki: Mmm...

Itsuki: Miku? (Mi-tsuki: Uh?) There's no use in sitting around waiting. Do you want to go to the bath for a while?

"Oh my- Not again..." Miku groans as it's now her and Itsuki's turns to wear grimaces of despair.

"Well, I guess you know how we feel..." Ichika mutters.

"At least this is sort of over for now... right?" Yotsuba says with a nervous laugh.

"Too much information!" Miku pouts.

*Back to Ichika and Yotsuba on the rooftops*

Yotsuba: Ever since we got here, I've been thinking of the old days a lot. You know about how scary grandpa used to be? Or how mom would always scold whenever we stirred up some kind of trouble?

And once again, Ichika and Yotsuba have reverted to their half-dead selves as their eyes bulge wide in all corners once again. And unlike previously, instead of some uncontrollable pants, this time they began to shiver instead like they just got dunked in cold water.

"Aaaand they're gone. Again." Nino groans.

"'And at least it's sort of over' huh? So much for that." Itsuki grumbles.

Ichika: Eheh. You've been a troublemaker since Day 1.

*She sits back down on the rooftop*

Yotsuba: Nah who are you kidding? You used to get into more trouble than any of us!

Ichika: Uh? Oh? You think so?

Yotsuba: Don't say that! You remember! Even though we were so similar back then, you were the biggest bully of the family for sure. *Flashbacks to Young Ichika stealing Young Yotsuba's lollipop* You took away my candy so many times I lost count!

Ichika: Oh! Sorry...

"Did she actually do that?" Fuutarou asks the others as Ichika and Yotsuba's shivers increased in intensity. "Woah uh... you two ok?"

"Not just Yotsuba but every single one of our precious candies too." Nino points out as she holds down Ichika. "Uh... please don't..."

*Shows Young Yotsuba's stickers on Ichika's bag*

Yotsuba: The stickers you had on your schoolbag were stolen from my collection!

Ichika: Oops!

The two sister's trembles became incredibly intense now, to the point where they even shook entire couch despite the combined weight of the others holding it down.

"Uh... Seriously can you two please stop? You're gonna creep all of us out like this!" Fuutarou panics as he does his best to hold onto Yotsuba whilst Nino does so for Ichika. And then...

*And finally... Young Yotsuba helplessly watching Young Ichika talking... to...*

Yotsuba: And every time I made a new friend I would see them talking to you later instead!

Ichika: I seriously used to do that?!

YES YOU DID! Nino, Miku and Itsuki scream in their thoughts now that it becomes clear to them.

"Oh never mind... phew..." Yotsuba gasps as she and Ichika breathe a massive sigh of relief and finally stop shuddering like they've been struck by earthquakes. Thank goodness the video didn't show who the person actually was but rather a mere, roundish silhouette of him.

"What was that massive sigh about?" Miku asks in confusion.

"Who knows. Maybe you girls fell in love with someone else before we met. Just like me with Takebayashi, right?" Fuutarou guesses, though he's absolutely unaware that this was false.

"Uh... y-y-yeah that's it! There were so many hot guys back then neither of us couldn't even decide who to pick! Ehehe!" Ichika swiftly replies with an obvious forced laugh coupled with a forehead scratch.

"Oh. I see." Fuutarou just replies unamused. Well, at least I got to see another side of the Onee-san that I thought I knew. I never thought Ichika was once a massive bully instead of the responsible figure she is now. It's remarkable to see how much she has developed over these years. And at least the two of them have stopped too. That's a plus.

It's not what you think though, Fuutarou/Uesugi-san. Both of them think.

Because... the person who Ichika stole from me... Yotsuba's thoughts emerge on one side.

Because the person I talked to five years ago... Ichika thinks hesitantly on the other.

...Was you! The two of them conclude in unison as they gave a nervous peer towards him.

Ichika: Well I mean... we've all grown up a lot since then, Yotsuba.

Yotsuba: I don't know it's weird. I still feel like I'm a kid after all these years. Why did you grow up so much faster than us?

Ichika: Uh? Because... *Flashbacks to the day of Rena's funeral, plus all five quints (including a particular one with ribbons) mourning for her* After mom passed away, I noticed how much pain Itsuki-chan was in. *Zooms in on Young Itsuki who is at the front before it cuts back to the present* There was no choice. I had to be the big sister.

Yotsuba: I know. And I'm so glad we have you.

Ichika: Uh?

This flashback struck all five quints like a massive dump truck, but Itsuki's impact felt worse than the other four, especially when considering how much she loved her mother so much that she wants to follow in her footsteps up to this day forward. All of their stomachs lurched painfully and several streams of tears ran loose from their poor, regretful eyes; Everyone including Nino, who was arguably the least emotional of the five. Their pained reactions were so great that Fuutarou didn't even have to turn his head to figure out something wasn't right with them after relieving this tragic memory.

"And I'm so glad... I got to meet all five of you... all together... in five equal parts..." Fuutarou whispers despite knowing that's he too inexperienced to give out some support for this kind of damage. Nevertheless, despite most of them knowing that they are unable to let anything out of their choking throats right now, they all understood what he meant.

"Thank you... U... Uesugi-kun." Itsuki sniffles.

"Thanks... F... F... Fuu... tarou." Miku whispers with a smile as she continues to sob.

Yotsuba: I've been meaning to say this to you: When we were kids you were kind of a meanie. Always wanting to take things from other people. *Another flashback, this time with all five together as young identical girls* But on the other hand, you were the leader. *Fades to the present again* We may be quintuplets, but you've always been my big sister.

Ichika: Uh?

"Correction: Our big sister. Not just her. We all owe you Ichika for your leadership and kindness." Fuutarou clarifies, causing Ichika to hide her face underneath a pillow.

"S... shut up teach..." Ichika bashfully cries as she too, lets her sorrow run loose; Fuutarou just responds with a shoulder pat to console her. And yet... this conversation with Yotsuba, apparently sparks a sense of anxiety too within the big sister as she cries. She doesn't know what's causing it yet, but she can definitely feel it.

Yotsuba: So uh... oh whoops! Forgot what I was gonna say! Uh... Mhm! Anyways stop holding back! Just do what you want to! Alright?

Ichika: But what is that I wonder? *Flashbacks to herself 'sleeping' on Fuutarou's lap* I thought I wanted these days to last forever... *And then when they walked home from the mall* ...because it felt better to stay in my comfort zone for as long as I could. *And then to her private conversation with Miku as they both glance across the horizon* But what I really hoped... *Back to the present* Was that nobody would ever take him away from me.

And that turned out to be the biggest red flag for not only for Fuutarou, but for Ichika and the sister she sabotaged too as the two girls wear expressions of shock and stop crying altogether; Fuutarou just squints his eyes at that as he attempts to piece the puzzles bit by bit, seeing that he now has more than enough evidence to try and understand on why the girls are getting increasingly paranoid with every episode watched.

Gasp... No wonder... I get it now. Miku realises as reality whacks her, and Ichika square in the face. It started even before we had our tiny pep talk... before I lost against Ichika and... ugh! I... I didn't even know that 'Tamako-chan' drama was another turning point for her behaviour in Kyoto! Even when Yotsuba told her not to hold back... I... I...

Nino and Itsuki meanwhile felt utterly helpless as they stared at the troubled looks of their three sisters.

*Ichika takes her jacket back from her little sis*

Yotsuba: Hm? Uh? Wait... what?!

Ichika: Sigh... Sorry but I'm pretty cold myself!

Yotsuba: AAAAH?! After you let me borrow it?!

Ichika: Heheheh! *She stands up again* Let's go back inside, shall we?

Yotsuba: Yeah I guess we should. Ah?! *She springs up a lot faster than Ichika* You had to talk to dad about something didn't you?

Ichika: Nah... I'm good now...

"I'm amazed at how you two were able to keep your balance on the roof." Fuutarou murmurs, not expecting a reply.

*Over at the bell of vows, Nino was waiting alone when she hears someone approaching*

Nino: Ah? *She turns around and... notices her father...* Uh?!

"Ichika...! What the heck you jerk... I trusted you!" Nino grumbles as she summons all of her self-control to not beat up her paralysed sister into oblivion for these unexpected turn of events.

*Out in the hallway though, Fuutarou was still talking to the Nakano grandfather despite being so late in the night when they run into the two Itsuki clones*

The real Itsuki: Uh?

Mi-tsuki: What are you doing here?

"Itsuki on the right, Miku on the left?" Fuutarou mutters as he points.

"Goodness! You actually got it right this time! I'm impressed!" Itsuki gasps as her pretty blue eyes alongside Miku's widen in amazement.

"How did you know that it was them despite the lack of visual cues?" Yotsuba asks as she temporarily exits her tunnel vision just for this.

"Love is the key, as Itsuki and your grandfather once said." Fuutarou smirks, causing Itsuki to blush in an instant. And also, I just barely remembered because of where they stood, plus I remember who spoke first too.

"I'm not part of this ok?! Bugger off- wait... he did?" Itsuki replies stunned as Nino and Miku laugh; Ichika's still stuck in her trance so she doesn't really notice.

"How did you not notice it, Itsuki? Even mother told us that when we were so young!" Yotsuba pouts.

"I wasn't expecting that to come ok?! Give me a break!" Itsuki bashfully replies as she looks away.

Fuutarou: Uhhhhhhh...

*He points hesitantly as he tries to guess who's who before-*

Nakano Grandfather: Itsuki. Miku.

Fuutarou: GOD... DAMN IT I WAS GONNA SAY THAT! *He jumps up and down in frustration* You barely beat me through it I had it in the bag this time I swear!

The real Itsuki: Hold on... what's this about

Fuutarou: I'm so close give me a little more time! I talked to your grandfather. He's gonna let me in on his secret! *Notices him leaving and rushes towards him* Uh? Uh-u-u-uh WAIT SIR! WHERE ARE YOU GOING-

The real Itsuki: The nerve of this guy... I don't know why he's so against figuring it out for himself.

Mi-tsuki: How can he? (Itsuki: Huh?) He can't be expected to tell us all apart after only six months. It's too much to ask.

*Back to Fuutarou with the Nakano Grandfather*

Fuutarou: Listen, this is really important, sir! If there's some kind of trick to it please tell me!

Nakano Grandfather: Nssfrmermem...

Fuutarou: Hmm?!

*Fuutarou leans in*

Nakano Grandfather: Love.

Fuutarou: UH?!

Nakano Grandfather: If you have love, you can do it.

*Flowchart: Grandpa, Mother, Children*

Fuutarou: SO HE'S THE ONE WHO STARTED THAT!

Nakano Grandfather: You pick up on things overtime, like their mannerisms, voices, the small habits that set them apart. Seeing those details, that's the same as love. You wanted to know the trick? There it is. Were you expecting an easy answer?

"What did I tell you, Itsuki?" Fuutarou reminds her.

"Ok, ok I get it! No need to remind me anymore!" Itsuki whimpers as her ahoge quivers like a loose feather. Ichika meanwhile, finally snaps out of her trance as she gazes back to the TV without uttering a single word.

*The grandfather turns and approaches him*

Nakano Grandfather: What I'd like to know is why you want to know how. What is it you hope to accomplish by telling one girl from another? *Fuutarou just grunts without saying anything before it fades to the next day* Well young man, do you have the commitment to face them in good faith?

"Huh? Why the fade to the next day sort of thingy?" Yotsuba asks.

"I don't know, honestly. I would like to ask Ichika about this but..." Fuutarou replies as he takes a deep breath before continuing, though he does feel some concern for Ichika who's eyes look like she's seen a demonic monster. "...Anyways, remember how I said I wouldn't reveal who tried to ruin my vacation up until the end of the next episode? Well... it's starting, so let me give you girls a surprise, if you're willing."

Well, since everyone except the duo about to be featured were absent for the next scene, they remain utterly silent and kept their sparkling eyes glued to the TV to see who tried to throw Fuutarou off guard.

*In an empty main hall, two doors slid open, revealing Fuutarou on the right and a Fake-tsuki on the left*

Fuutarou: Let's get one thing straight: Are you the same Itsuki that I met on the first night here?

Fake-tsuki: I am. I just wanted to say-

Fuutarou: Hold it. *He raises his hand up* I never did crack the code to that stupid quintuplets game. You guys win. *He approaches her though* That being said I happen to be a sore loser. One more try. I'll pick you out even if I still mess up on the rest. *Switches to his thoughts* The old man said to face them in good faith and this is the best way I can think of... Itsuki told you all the details, right?

Fake-tsuki: Yeah.

Fuutarou: Yotsuba's problem has to do with the vacation itself... so when the trip is over she won't be worried anymore. Besides you can't be Yotsuba. *He glances away* She doesn't have nearly this much talent for impersonating people.

Fake-tsuki: Correct so far.

Fuutarou: And as for Nino, she wasn't perfect either. She forgot to take off her nail polish.

Fake-tsuki: Please stop it Fuutarou... there's no point to this...

*Fades to... Itsuki clutching Miku's hand which also reveals her bruise*

Itsuki (Flashback): Your leg is bruised! It was you wasn't it?!

"Ohhhh. So Miku was the one who tried to derail you huh?" Nino ponders.

"WHAT?! OH COME ON!" Fuutarou yells out as the flashback instantly catches him off guard.

"You forgot that spoilers exist in this show, teach?" Ichika grimaces as her stomach lurches yet again upon repeating her entire question inside her head. Spoilers; What everyone including herself fears in this show.

"Well thanks a lot I guess? Can't believe the movie actually spoiled a little surprise I wanted to show!" Fuutarou complains as he facepalms with some gritted teeth.

"Well to be fair, it was kind of already spoilt when, you know, grandpa approached us from behind whilst you wanted to see my bruise?" Miku points out.

"At least neither of us were filmed in the baths this time round though, I'll take ourselves half-dressed in robes rather than that by a mile." Itsuki wheezes as she breathes a massive sigh of relief.

Miku (Flashback): Oh. I guess it hasn't healed all the way.

Itsuki (Flashback): Miku... you were always the most co operable out of all of us. Why are you trying to injure our relationship with Uesugi-kun?!

Miku (Flashback): Well first off... I should tell you sorry. I kind of panicked because grandpa was around. No... it's just an excuse. I couldn't face him as myself... until I meant I'm in love with him. I was scared.

Itsuki (Flashback): Oh? *Instant realization... albeit a bit too late for her sister's taste* Wait a minute so you have a crush on Uesugi-kun?! *She sways about unconsciously* Woah! This is big news! The other three are gonna be so freaked out when they HEAR THAT!

Miku (Flashback): Pretty sure everyone knows...

"How on earth were you the last one to deduce that Miku was in love with me?!" Fuutarou says equally baffled after an uncomfortable duration of silence. "I thought being the most reasonable of the five you would be able to solve the puzzle first!"

"Uh... u-u-um..." Itsuki tries to voice whilst she tries to find a decent explanation... only to keep on stuttering against her will as the TV keeps spooling the flashback. The other quints meanwhile remain indifferent.

Itsuki (Flashback): Are you sure that's ok though? What I mean is... because he is our teacher and everything...

Miku (Flashback): Exactly.

Itsuki (Flashback): Uh?!

Miku (Flashback): Right now we're teacher and student. And if our relationship stays that way forever, then nothing will change.

Itsuki (Flashback): Uh... Alright I understand how you feel... so can you do me a favour? *Flashes to the present* Go and meet with Uesugi-kun one last time...

"So uh... if that wasn't the surprise you wanted us to see um, Uesugi-san..." Yotsuba finally speaks up as she darts her eyes to his sour face. "...Uh... what was it... that you-"

"Sigh... just keep watching. It will eventually show." Fuutarou says deflated as he points to the TV.

Fuutarou: So that means, you're not Nino either.

Mi-tsuki: Right again. What's been bothering Nino though?

Fuutarou: Hmm.. it's probably... Well... i-i-it's not my place to say.

Mi-tsuki: That's fair enough. I'll leave it alone then.

Fuutarou: You've gotta be Ichika or Miku. Hmph... If I think of Ichika she looks like's Ichika. But then... The same goes for Miku. *They both stare at each other intensely until...* Huh?! *He pretends that convince her that he concedes* Forget it! I'm done! I'll never know!

Mi-tsuki: UH?! Really?!

"UH?!" The other quints (minus the one featured) gasp alongside her as their pretty eyes bulged like hers on TV for absolutely no reason.

"Just keep watching. I'm not done yet." Fuutarou insists.

Mi-tsuki: Well that's alright. I don't know what I was expecting...

*She tightens her clenched fist*

Fuutarou: Hey! Could you call her in here?

Mi-tsuki: Call who?

Fuutarou: Oh come on you know? What's her name again? Itsu...? Itsu...?

Mi-tsuki: Oh. Now I get it... Itsuki-chan-?

Fuutarou: HAHA! YOU FELL FOR IT! (He points at her with an evil victory grin) Ichika's the only one who calls her Itsuki-chan! Which means... you're definitely Ichika!

The actual Ichika sceptically raises an eyebrow over this but doesn't make any further comments. Unlike...

"Surely you didn't actually guess her wrong, right?" Nino puzzledly asks Fuutarou.

"Just watch. The surprise I wanted to show is coming up soon." Fuutarou again repeats.

"I don't get it..." Yotsuba murmurs, but Miku knows what exactly Fuutarou was talking about and grins.

*Miku's lips twitched when Fuutarou guesses her wrong again; She then forces an obvious fake smile*

Mi-tsuki: Aha! Ahahaha! You figured me out after all!

"That was the worst forced laugh I've ever released in my life." Miku admits.

Fuutarou: Sigh... this was a huge waste of time. Well, I kind of already suspected it was you. Since I didn't know what was wrong with you...

Mi-tsuki with a hint of sarcasm: Wow. Nice job.

Fuutarou: Is it a work thing? I hear you've been really busy lately.

Mi-tsuki: Yeah. Pretty much. *She turns to leave* I should pack for the trip home. See ya.

*Fuutarou sighs but then he recalls the Nakano grandfather's words*

Nakano Grandfather (Flashback): You pick up on things overtime, like their mannerisms, voices, the small habits that set them apart.

Fuutarou: Huh? Ok... so this is the only way I can tell the difference. *He glances at Miku again* But hey that's alright. It still gets me to the answer. Fake Itsuki... your true identity is... *He notices Miku's clenched fists* HUH?!

Nakano Grandfather: Seeing those details, that's the same as love.

"How did you actually recognise that it was Miku though, teach?" Ichika asks him.

"Notice that the camera zooms in on her fists? That was my final hint." Fuutarou points out. "I've never seen either of you girls except her clench them so hard before, especially when you're expecting me to get something about you right. Miku's always the type to get frustrated on things I get wrong especially when it's about her. Not even Nino, who I thought bore the biggest hatred until now, does this."

"Smooth. I guess you really have learnt well from grandpa huh? We're all impressed actually." Nino smirks. "Though... maybe I should..." She clenches her fists as tightly as she could just like her sister, but Fuutarou wasn't convinced this time.

"Don't bother, Nino. Even if you were disguised again, I can tell at first glance your clenches have a subtle hint of hesitation, and they're much softer and less firm. It shows how much you have softened over the years too; from the aggressive person you once were when we first met." Fuutarou tells her as he head pats her and makes her blush.

"Wha-?! I... I-I-I never asked for a head pat you jerk!" Nino exclaims bashfully, though her blush coupled with an uncontrollable grimace says it all.

"So when's the surprise gonna happen? We've been waiting forever for it!" Yotsuba impatiently reprimands her tutor as her ribbons twitch.

"It's coming. Wait for it." Fuutarou says as his smile plus Miku's widen.

Fuutarou: Miku?!

*Miku stops; tears are flowing out of her eyes when she does so, and the sun slowly begins to rise on the outside*

Mi-tsuki: Wait what? I just told you I'm Ichika.

Fuutarou: Uh, sorry, I might be imagining it, but for a second... you look like Miku.

*And the climax of this entire episode: Miku instantly turns back towards Fuutarou before she dashes towards him. As she does so, her Itsuki wig falls off and she jumps into his arms, the camera displaying a slow motion of her graceful leap plus tears flying out of her eyes as she wears the largest smile on her face for the entire episode, and possibly, throughout all of the episodes they've watched so far.*

Fuutarou: Huh? (Miku: AH!) ULP!

Miku: BINGO!

*The two of them fall onto the floor as a result of how forceful Miku's jump was*

"AAAAAHHHHH?!" The four other quints squeal with absolute jealousy as Miku's slow motion leap shines upon them as if the moon's rays lit them from the sky. As four pairs of navy blue eyes expanded like balloons once again, none of them were able to find a decent comeback after witnessing the surprise that Fuutarou was so keen on holding up until now.

"Ue.. s-s-su... Uesugi-k-k-k..." Itsuki stutters as she fails to convey the position the two of them on TV are in.

"I did say it was a surprise, right? There you have it, girls!" Fuutarou laughs as he looks towards Miku who wear the brightest smile on her face like on TV and shares his laughter too.

"As of now I'm so thankful that you manage to get me right! In fact, I don't even care about the position we're in on TV right now too! Love is definitely the way to go, Fuutarou!" Miku beams as she embraces him yet again.

"Aww. You don't actually have to thank me you know...?" Fuutarou replies embarrassed, not knowing what to say after being hit by a humongous amount of warmth in so long.

Fuutarou: I got it?!

Miku: Can I ask you a question?

Fuutarou: Huh?

Miku: It seems like you had a hunch about what's bothering me. If I hadn't turned out to be Fake Itsuki, then what would you have said it was?

Fuutarou: It's kind of an embarrassing thing to say now that I know I had everything mixed up, don't laugh when I tell you... Valentine's... I never uh... gave anything back...

*Miku looks up at Fuutarou and smiles again*

Miku: Mmm... *She lets out another laugh, only this time, it's natural* ...ahahahahaha!

Fuutarou: Hey! I told you not to laugh!

"That was the most precious laugh I've ever heard from Miku in so long! Gyaaah!" Yotsuba swoons.

Fuutarou: Anyway... why did you want me to quit my job?!

Miku: Oh. Forget about that.

Fuutarou: Wha?!

Miku: Fuutarou's a teacher. *Another smile from Miku to be treasured* I'm his student. And that won't change. I'm just happy you finally got it correct!

"Well, I guess it's pretty obvious that Miku's the one who stole this episode and not me..." Nino pouts in defeat.

"You stole Episode 7 with that stupid confession of yours though! What about me, Ichika or Yotsuba?!" Itsuki fumes. Unbeknownst to her though, that sets off a red flag in her eldest sister once again as she turns wide-eyed for five seconds.

"To this day though I still wonder what would have happened if I kept assuming that Miku was Ichika." Fuutarou wonders, only to receive a light slap to the shoulder by Miku. "What?"

"Don't say these negative things, Fuutarou! Be happy that you got me right for once!" Miku pouts, but then her treasured smile returns as she shines with a blue aura around her, more of the sparkling, holy type and not the one that flares like fire when she's angry.

"Ugh... I guess after all this time, despite my victory in the exams, Miku really was the winner in the end huh?" Ichika unconsciously whines out loud.

*Fades to the last day where everyone is about to leave; All five quints are dressed as Itsuki again as they leave with Isanari and Raiha whilst Fuutarou hangs back with the Nakano grandfather*

Everyone: Goodbye!

Nakano Grandfather: My granddaughters are all I have to live for these days. Ever since I lost Rena that's how I felt.

Fuutarou: Uh?!

Nakano Grandfather: They should stay true to themselves. Make sure to tell them that.

"Wait a second...?! Rena?!" Fuutarou gasps inaudibly over yet another hidden red flag that immediately sends him back into his tunnel vision of the 'Rena' he met. How could he forget such an important detail like this too? It was the one thing he wanted to mention yet, he couldn't remember what it was until now. Unsurprisingly, whilst less obvious, Itsuki follows Fuutarou stunned expression too.

Oh crap... if grandpa's mentioning of our mother, who is also named Rena, rings a dangerous bell in Fuutarou-kun... Ichika shudders as she notices Itsuki's pained expression. Thankfully Fuutarou calms down as he doesn't see the point of blowing up over something trivial like this for now. But he will definitely have to go through this again when he gets the chance...

*Fades to Fuutarou standing in front of the bell of vows as he flashbacks again*

"Aww! But they didn't add in our group photo at the bell of vows though!" Yotsuba whines.

Nakano Grandfather (Flashback): You pick up on things overtime, like their mannerisms, voices, the small habits that set them apart. Seeing those details. That's the same as love.

*Back to the present*

Fuutarou: That's true! Then today, when I guessed Miku right... Well regardless, I still made a brilliant deduction! *He chuckles when he hears some footsteps rushing towards him; An Itsuki* Uh? *He turns around and...* UH?!

*Episode ends with Fuutarou being kissed by someone as he accidentally rings the bell of vows*

Miku: Welcome to Class 3-1.


As the episode ends, however, everyone else was intrigued by one particular detail that they all saw at the very end of the episode, including Fuutarou who finally snaps out of his Rena trance permanently as the ending is shown... In fact, the only sound that all six of them could hear at this point forward were the massive heartbeats echoing throughout the solid walls of the entire living room, even as Nino was the first to break the ice.

"You... Fuu-kun...! HOW-?!" Nino stutters as she and Itsuki widen their ocean blue eyes in shock.

"YOU... YOU KISSED ONE OF US?! UNDER THE- I... I RECOGNISE THOSE SLIPPERS!" Miku exclaims baffled.

"ARA ARA!" Ichika exclaims with joy for the first time since Episode 5 of Season 2 and the start of the entire show.

"Uh... I..." Fuutarou tries to let out as his head suddenly releases steam, only to be interrupted by Ichika as she activates a yandere mode smile.

"I knew it you are a huge pervert aren't you?!" Ichika teases once again as she blows steam from her nostrils. "You kissed one of us under the bell of vows which means you have to tell us who you'll be with for the rest of our six lives! Who is it teach?! We all want to know!" .

"ICHIKA!" Fuutarou screams in embarrassment, Whilst he has gotten better at identifying the quintuplets one-by-one, this one was still a major puzzle for him to solve as he raises his hands in absolute denial and baltantly shuts his eyes. "Um...Look... I-I-I don't know from this point forwards ok?! Unlike before I couldn't exactly figure out who she was because she quickly scampered off after she did kiss me! Not that I was able to pick up on her small habits anyway!"

The one responsible for this kiss meanwhile, didn't know whether if she should react or not as she does her best to wear a neutral expression. To her, that kiss meant a lot, second to the huge weight she currently bears on her shoulders. Then again... he doesn't know... he's uncomfortable with talking out. Maybe it's best to let this slide. She thinks as she sinks into her seat and let the entire commotion unfold.

"Ok... um... can we like um... I-I mean not like this would mean anything in the future-" Fuutarou interrupts, only to receive a plethora of mixed stares that worsen his paranoia by a mile. "Uh... hello?! Girls?! Uh... I mean..." He tries to come up with a valid excuse for he time being. "Y-y-you know what? Maybe we should take a break before we continue the next episode. How about that?"

"Aww you party pooper! I wanted to see if you could identify which one of us kissed you!" Ichika pouts as she defeatedly rises to drink some water. Fuutaour takes a moment to stares at Nino, who wears a deflated expression in response.

"It's not me, Fuu-kun. I definitely wasn't there." Nino says irritated as she gets up to stretch her arms and legs. "What?! I already said it wasn't me right? Now beat it!"

"Geez! You don't have to be so mean!" Fuutarou scold her as he rises too. The mushed barrel of thoughts began swirling in his poor brain as he puts a hand to his chin, from Rena to all of the hidden scene he watched and now the girls who kissed at the bell. Fuutarou is already wondering how has he managed to keep himself calm and composed despite everything he has watched so far. And speaking of the disguised Itsuki that kissed him...

Hmm... If what Ichika and Nino said that doesn't makes them my only suspects, well, not that I could figure out who the Fake-tsuki was this time, then that leaves... Fuutarou sceptically thinks as he waits for Ichika to finish drinking her glass of water before he gets his own.

Miku at this point, decided to revert back from her cheerful self to the dormant, inactive volcano she has always been since the show started whilst she briefly heads to the bathroom. She was looking for this massive window of opportunity to let it all out on her sister, a window for her to scold her despite knowing that she technically is in the race for Fuutarou's love, but it never came. She rises from her seat and trots up the stairs with a rather irritated look should Ichika take a chance to glance at her face.

Yotsuba and Itsuki moved too, but... there was this uneasiness enveloping the two of them as they exchanged nervous glances. How long would they be able to keep up the biggest lie ever told in the family? How long... how long wold they be able to preserve this friendship so that it would last until the end of the third year exams? And more importantly, if things get spilt, how would their bond between each other and Fuutarou be repaired, if they can even do so at all? There are so many question burning inside the two of them as they firmly grip each other's hands to signify that they haven't lost each other...


But, after five minutes of short breaks, everyone eventually returns back to the couch to continue the show. And a t this point, it's pretty obvious that they want to get this out of the way rather than this thought hang loose during tomorrow's planning session for the festival. Neither of them want this the be a burden on each other anymore, that's for sure. (New seating order: Yotsuba, Itsuki, Fuutarou, Ichika, Miku, Nino)

"To this day I still wonder why this episode is called 'Scrambled Eggs' though. As a matter of fact I'm already starting to become very hungry over this!" Itsuki complains as her mouth comically drools again.

"At this point so late in the evening?" Ichika huffs as she points to the clock that reads 9:15pm. "Yeah no. Not a chance I'll let you, Itsuki-chan."

"Geez that late already? How many more episodes until this finally ends?" Yotsuba asks as she yawns VERY loudly, not bothered by the fact that her sisters are still adjacent to her as she does so.

"Yotsuba? Seriously?!" Itsuki yelps as she narrowly dodges a fist to the face whilst she ducks to her left. Fuutarou meanwhile, wasn't so lucky...

"OW! AGAIN!" Fuutarou groans as the fourth's force dents his right cheek and actually bruises him for once.

"ULP! S-s-sorry! I-I-I'll get you an ice pack!" Yotsuba squeaks in embarrassment as she rushes to the fridge.

"Well, judging by the fact that this is only Episode 8," Nino rouses as her sister rapidly returns with an ice pack wrapped in a small towel for Fuutarou to hold. "There should be four more left starting from the next one. I hope everyone is ok with that?"

"I guess yeah. Hopefully something like this massive pile of embarrassment doesn't strike us again as usual." Miku says as she hits the play button to let the next episode begin. Everyone else began to settle down too as they advertently directed their sore eyes back to the TV. Everyone but...

No... wait... if it's true that... that it might be on TV... Ichika meanwhile, felt the linings of her blood vessels thin again at the thoughts of Episode 9 of Season 2 playing. A thought that she had successfully avoided up until this episode.


Ichika: 'Ichika is in love with you. I think you'd make a cute couple.'

Fuutarou: 'Is she kidding?!'

Ichika: 'Nope! Not one bit!'

*Flashes to the conversation with Yotsuba on the roof*

Yotsuba: 'Anyways stop holding back! Just do what you want to, alright?'

*And then her awful act during the Kyoto Trip*

Ichika: 'I have to do it again. If I can't take back the lie that I've already told, all I can do to continue the lie is to stop Miku!'

Yotsuba: 'Uesugi-san... did you just hear that?!'

*Miku runs off the stairs in tears after what Ichika did*


She had forgotten most of the details ever since she watched the previous episodes, but now that awful feeling has orbited around and back into her head; After conceptualizing that it might end up as a harsh reality, her pupils suddenly dilate by a factor of five and turn completely blank like crystal clear glass; There is this slightest aura of trepidation that tells her that this special friendship will be severed because of her dreaded actions. And all because of this reminder; All because of her conversation with Yotsuba on the roof...

"Uh... Ichika?" Fuutarou asks nervously as the others gaze at her utterly paranoid expression. "You ok?"


A/N: As I said in the previous chapter, that was another tough episode to finish, especially Miku's revelation. Just trying to write raw reactions for this episode without overcomplicating myself is no walk in the park for sure. In fact, whilst I promise that I would upload two chapters if I was away for more than 1-2 months like now, I may only have time to upload only one at a time in the future, especially seeing that the six of them are getting closer and closer to unveiling the entire truth; Reactions will be super difficult to think off by this point in time.

Another thing I want to ask: I've also been reading other watch the show fanfics out of sheer curiosity and it came to mind that I may have done something wrong when trying to write these episodes: There were some stories that noticeably raised a concern called 'Character Shilling' where one character has more expressive reactions than the others and I'm thinking that I might have gone down that path with this fanfic despite trying to avoid it as much as possible especially when editing my work. I'm trying my best to prevent this as much as possible but there might be stuff I might have missed out in the process. (I'll admit my favs are Yotsuba, Miku and Ichika in this order). In fact have I actually gone too far or too little with one or more of them? Because if so, please let me know so I can fix them because I intend on treating all six characters the same as per the entire show's motives, no matter if I like or dislike them.

Worries aside though, I hope Episodes 7 and 8 were worth the super long wait again as usual. Otherwise, I'll see you all later with Episode 9 of Season 2, where… uh… what was it all about? Oh wait... This is the episode where Ichika turns into the most hated of the five as the end is shown… right?

P.S: Does anyone notice that after all this time, Yotsuba still hasn't hurled a pillow in anyone's direction at all?