Chapter Three: Changing Seasons
~Futaro~
"Alright! That's the last of it," Futaro's dad loaded up the last box onto the shipping truck. "Don't worry about your stuff. We'll get there a few hours after you do." He stretched and popped his back in a way that made Futaro wince.
"All this was entirely unnecessary," Futaro complained. "You didn't need to rent a whole truck just for my things. I could have left them here. And dad, you could be doing so much more with the money you spent on all of this. I don't even have much room in my apartment, to begin with."
"Stop it, Big Brother," Raiha scolded him. "We weren't going to let you go to Tokyo without a bed or a desk. The apartment was going to be entirely empty." she padded his pants and coat, "do you have everything? Wallet, phone, key money for the apartment?"
"Yes, now stop it. You're acting like a mom." Futaro gently pushed her away.
"Thank you for the compliment," Raiha teased.
From the moment that Futaro had received his acceptance letter to Tokyo University, his dad had been working ridiculous hours of overtime. He also refused any money that Futaro tried to give him, insisting that he save it. Futaro complained; he would never have agreed to it if he had known that the reason why his dad was exhausting himself nightly at work was to afford to buy him an entirely new furniture set for him to take with him to Tokyo.
Futaro saw his father's tired-looking eyes and his sluggish movements. The past few months of saving have been hell on him. And Raiha has taken up the slack on house duties— more than she already had been.
His dad cleared his throat, "Have you said goodbye to the Nakanos yet?"
Futaro frowned, "I was thinking of going right before leaving for the station."
"You know, it's not good to leave ladies waiting until the last moment. How about you go now? You don't want to keep Itsuki-chan waiting," his dad clasped his shoulder.
"Wrong sister, dad."
"Oh? Then which one is it? I can never tell."
"Yotsuba—the one with the ribbon?" Futaro puts his hands upright on top of his head so that his palms face towards his dad. "They kind of look like rabbit ears?"
"Ah, her," his dad nodded. "She plays well with Raiha, but I don't know. I guess I always thought it would be Itsuki-chan because I met her first. Then there was that whole episode where she stayed at our house for a few days, and I was really hoping you wouldn't do anything inappropriate with her with Raiha around. But then again," His dad tapped his chin, "you are are that age—"
"Don't you think I should stay here until we finish packing?" Futaro groaned.
"Nonsense," His dad snickered, apparently satisfied with getting under his son's skin. "Raiha is plenty strong on her own, and we've been dying to get you out of the apartment since December," He slapped his son's back, knocking Futaro forward. "I'm not supposed to say anything, but you're going to need extra time at the Nakano's today, so you might as well make the most of it."
Futaro cleared his throat, "okay," he hesitated, glancing at all his belonging packed tightly in the back of the truck. "I guess this is it, then."
His dad nodded, acknowledging his son's awkward attempt at goodbye. Futaro understood that his dad was often bad with words and nodded back, quickly turning his back uttering something about finally having more space in the apartment. I guess maybe now I see where my awkwardness comes from.
"Take care, Big Brother. It's going to feel lonelier without you," Raiha hugged Futaro. "Behave yourself."
"I thought I asked you to stop teasing me," Futaro blushed, "I'm off to see Yotsuba and the others."
"I'll do my best to take care of dad. Leave it to me," Raiha wiped tears off her face.
Futaro rustled the top of her head, "Mom would be proud. Besides, I know you'll be going with dad to drive all this stuff up to Tokyo, so it isn't even really goodbye."
Raiha and his dad waved goodbye as he walked down the street to visit the quintuplets.
I'm going to miss you so damn much, Raiha. And Dad, thank you.
He stared at his feet one step after another, swallowing down the tennis ball-sized knot that kept getting stuck in his throat.
Every year around this time, this walkway would be littered with cherry blossom petals already.
But the floor was spotless, the pedals were still young, tender, and bright pale pink on the tree canopy shading the sidewalk.
They're late this year.
Before he knew it, he was already at the steps of their apartment building.
His heart was beating unusually fast. He tapped the password into the keypad and entered the building without much thought.
Hmm. I should really remind them to change their password. I've known it for years now.
Futaro made a mental note to mention it to Nino later.
Reaching the quintuplets apartment door, he pressed the doorbell. He waited a few seconds. Nothing.
He rang the bell again, this time being more intentional about pressing the button—maybe they didn't hear it the first time. Again, nothing.
Didn't they specifically tell my dad to send me over?
He knocked on the door a little more forcefully. Once more, nothing.
Just like them to want to plan something but mess up the execution entirely. He gripped the doorknob, hesitating for a short moment then swinging the door open. Their living room was pitch black, and the heavy winter blinds had been drawn to cover the large window panels.
"Excuse my intrusion!" He called out and entered the dark room.
"Congratulations!" several voices shouted. All the lights turned on at once, and the blinds were pulled back, blinding Futaro.
The loud burst of streamers made his ears ring, and the smiling faces of five girls greeted him.
"What is all this?" Futaro said, picking up a piece of streamer paper off his shoulder and twisting it around Yotsuba's head.
"It was Itsuki's idea," Nino said, taking him by the hand and leading him to the dining room.
"Nope. It was Nino and Ichika's idea," Itsuki replied, pushing him down on the table seat.
A pair of soft hands covered his eyes, "It was actually Miku's idea," He could hear Ichika say just behind him.
"It was mostly Yotsuba," Miku whispered; he felt her presence brush against his shoulder. He heard the soft rattle of a large plate being placed on the table.
Ichika took her hands off Futaro's eyes, revealing a wonderfully intricate two-layer chocolate cake, complete with frosting flowers and a tiny Futaro figure on top with the words Congratulations Written in white icing.
Yotsuba softly rested her hands on his shoulders, "to be perfectly honest, it was all of us." she smiled at him, "Congratulations on your graduation to the Big City, Mr. Tutor."
Futaro stumbled over his words of appreciation. His heart was nearly overwhelmed by their gesture of kindness.
"This is way too much," he uttered. "You didn't have to do this at all."
"Of course we did!" Nino scoffed, "we wanted to show off our skills before you went big time in Tokyo and went to all those famous cafés."
"I don't think I'll have time or money to go to cafés," Futaro grunted.
"Nino and I made the cake," Miku said. "Don't worry. I kept a close eye on her so she wouldn't put anything weird in the mix."
"What is that supposed to mean!" Nino protested, pouting at her sister.
Itsuki gestured towards the kitchen, "Raiha taught me how to make your favorite curry. I can boil some udon noodles for you whenever you're ready to eat too."
"I-I mean, don't get me wrong. I just really wanted to have her recipe," she corrected herself. "But being able to make it for you on this special occasion is nice too. And it gives Nino a break from cooking."
Futaro scratched the back of his head, feeling the heat rush to his face.
He found it difficult to maintain eye contact with any of the sisters for too long.
I'm just like my dad. He chuckled awkwardly.
"You didn't have to go out of your way to learn how to make it for my sake?"
Itsuki cleared her throat and excused herself to prepare the noodles, ignoring his question.
"Though I think my two baby sisters worked even harder trying to get that cake to be perfect," Ichika teased them, "in fact, they both worked a bit too hard."
Miku and Nino turned to Ichika and pouted in protest.
Futaro's lips quivered. It was taking up all his strength to keep him from saying something embarrassing.
Yotsuba caught his eye, and without communicating a word, she smiled warmly at him, understanding just how deep his appreciation for her and her sisters went.
"Hey, everyone! Let's eat!" Yotsuba said, changing the subject. "I want to play a few card games after dessert!"
Futaro and the quintuplets enjoyed Itsuki's curry udon, celebrating Futaro's acceptance to the University of Tokyo. He occasionally caught Itsuki stealing glances in his direction, perhaps gauging his reaction.
"You worked hard to learn how to make this, huh?" Futaro smiled at her. "Thank you."
Itsuki's eyes opened wide in shock, and her cheeks turned a soft rose. She playfully punched his arm, "make sure you eat plenty. So that my work doesn't go to waste."
Futaro, Yotsuba, and Itsuki helped themselves to another helping, eating until their stomach hurt.
And just before they were about call it quits, Miku came to Futaro to present him with a large slice of cake.
He glanced at her, apprehensive about whether he could even fit one more bite, let alone a whole slice of cake.
"Did you know that humans have something called 'separate stomachs' for sweets?" She said with a wry grin.
"I don't think that's how anatomy works, Miku." He grimaced.
"Well, I guess you'll just have to tutor me on that too," she offered him a forkful of cake.
Without thinking, he accepted it into his mouth. The chocolate was rich, and the cake itself was moist and flavorful. It melted in his mouth.
"Wow, you two, it's amazing! I wish I could eat this every day! I think that—"
Futaro was interrupted by a hostile energy that materialized behind them. It was Nino, with fury in their eyes.
"I knew it. You are a total creep up to the very end," Nino's unblinking stare bore into his soul.
"Come on, Nino, It was innocent," Yotsuba said.
"I—wait, Nino," He held his hands out in innocence. "The cake you and Miku made was delicious!"
Nino glared at him for a moment before her expression softened, "I was mostly joking anyways. And you," she turns to Yotsuba, "you're the one who should be feeding Fuu-kun!"
"I think the smell of the delicious cake just entranced Futaro. I can't blame him," Miku flashed a mischievous grin.
"That's almost as rich as the cake! Great save from the homewrecker!" Ichika chimed in from across the living room.
Yotsuba pouted fiercely at Futaro.
There's no way I'm getting out of here alive.
"I know that you'll have your work cut out for you in culinary school, but you both will be amazing," Futaro said, changing the subject. "There's no doubt in my mind that you'll be great!" He spoke from the heart.
Miku blushed, hiding her face behind her hair, "I'll keep on practicing. So that when you come back to visit, I'll bake you even more delicious breads."
"I can't wait," he said gently.
Nino leaned over the table, sliced herself a piece of cake, and joined them, "Fun-kun, when you visit will you test the new recipes that I make, right? I need someone who can give me an honest opinion."
Futaro touched his chin, "I have a poor man's palate and probably wouldn't be able to give you an objective assessment of your food."
"Even so, I want you to try my food," she said, refusing to break eye contact. If her passion had a voice, it would be deafening.
"Okay," he nodded simply.
"And don't forget that Ichika is going to be in Tokyo a few months after you arrive too!" Yotsuba added.
"Really? You didn't tell me it was going to be in Tokyo," He said to Ichika, who was already on her second slice.
"Oop. I slipped my mind," she winked. "no stalking, okay?"
As usual, Ichika's teasing made it hard to get a sincere reaction out of her.
"Is it a drama?"
"No, it's the same movie we were working on. We'll just be doing the final parts of the climax in Tokyo. Can you believe it? I'll finally have a character make it to the end credits—alive!"
Futaro rolled his eyes. "You're definitely moving on up."
He turned his attention to Yotsuba, "And you? do you feel okay with your choice?"
"Of course! I'll be the fastest runner on the team. I'm ready to show them what a Yotsuba can do!" she flexed her arm.
"Still, it's surprising how many university sports programs wanted you, huh?" Itsuki sat upright, trying to hide that she had loosened her belt around her waist. "How did you end up choosing Osaka?"
"Oh! Well, they have a nice program," Yotsuba hummed and hawed. "And they're paying."
"You know that dad would have helped you wherever you went. You should have applied to a Tokyo school."
Yotsuba shrugged her shoulders, "none of them took me. I guess the competition is stiffer than I thought."
Itsuki sighed, "Well, now I feel bad."
"Why?" Futaro prodded.
"Ichika is out of the house soon, Nino and Miku are going to be busy with culinary school, and Yotsuba is leaving too," her eyes glistened. "What am I even doing?"
Futaro frowned, "you're working on your dream. Right?"
"Well yeah, but-"
"But nothing," he interrupted. "You're working at the cram school with your mentor, and you're going to a local uni, too? There's nothing wrong with what you're doing."
Futaro noticed Yotsuba pout slightly.
"Is something the matter?"
"No, it's just," she paused, "we're all growing up."
The room fell silent for several seconds.
"It doesn't matter," Yotsuba shook her head. "It doesn't matter where we go or where we are," she gripped Futaro and Itsuki's hand, "all that matters is that we're together, even when we aren't actually together."
"That doesn't make any sense, Yotsuba," he frowned.
"It does make sense. It'll always make sense as long as there's love."
"Ah, she said it," Ichika laughed. "I knew she was going to say it."
"Of course, she's going to say it," Nino scoffed.
Futaro sensed everyone's eyes on him. He cleared his throat, and his eyes shifted around the room.
"Enough of all this sappy nonsense!" Ichika shouted, pulling Futaro out of his head. "Let's play some Uno before Yotsuba and Futaro-kun have to go to the station."
After several rounds of cards, of which Futaro was often the victim of vicious targeted attacks by Yotsuba, the sun slowly descended, hiding just behind the building, bathing their living room in soft golden light.
After several hours and several long, drawn-out, teary goodbyes, Futaro and Yotsuba were finally alone. Walking the quiet streets towards the station.
"Did you like your party?" She asked, wiping the streaks of dried tears from her cheeks. Her nose was red, and her eyes were puffy red, making her electric blue eyes pop even more.
"It was way over the top. But that's always how you've done things," Futaro squeezed her hand.
Her irritated, red eyes glittered in the moonlight, "I just wanted you to see how great you are. We all did." She gripped his hand even tighter, "you've done so so much for us, Futaro. And we are all incredibly grateful. And I'm going to miss you so—"
"Don't say it yet," he touched her lips with his finger, "wait until the absolute last second before you start missing me, okay? That way, you don't have to wait any longer than necessary."
She raised her tippy toes and kissed his cheek, "You're pretty cool, Futaro."
He flushed red, avoiding her eyes. He pulled her along to the station. Hand in hand, this quiet moment was one that he wanted to savor.
"Will you come and visit me?" Yotsuba asked, her face flushed a gentle pink, "in Osaka, I mean."
"Of course, I'll visit. Whenever I can," he said.
"That's not very convincing," her cheeks puffed up.
"Well, I have to get a job, and then get money, and make a budget and plan out my studies, and—"
He stopped in his tracks, realizing that right now was not the time to think of logistics, money, or time.
"Ah, never mind all that. I promise I'll visit you."
She tilted her head on his shoulder, "Thank you. Just hearing you say that is enough."
She stopped in her tracks and jabbed her finger at his chest.
"But that's still no excuse to ignore the people you meet in Tokyo. Got it?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't revert back to old Futaro. Make many friends."
"what does—"
"No way! We're here already!" Yotsuba whined. "That was the shortest walk ever!"
"Come on," Futaro pulled her forward.
Futaro rushed into the station and spoke briefly with the receptionist, returning with a singular stiff blue ticket. A one-way ride to Tokyo.
"Then, this is it, Futaro. Well, see ya!" She smiled and spun away from him.
He reached out and grabbed her by the hand.
"What kind of goodbye is that! Don't treat me like a stranger!" He protested.
She was holding back. If that's the case, then I won't.
"I'm going to miss you so much," he said plainly. "I'm going to miss all your sisters. But I'm going to miss you most of all. I'm going to miss the park with you. I'm going to miss going shopping with you and having you over with my family— even if dad confuses you with Itsuki— but that's not the point. I'm going to miss the way you play with Raiha. I—"
"Wait, Futaro, stop!"
But he refused to stop. "I'm going to miss the way you hold my cheeks right before you come in for a kiss. I'm going to miss how warm your hands are and how slightly calloused they are from all the sports you do," he paused to catch his breath. It felt like tennis balls had gotten stuck in his throat again, "but most of all, I'm simply going to miss you."
He clutched her hands and pulled her close into a tight embrace. He took in the subtle smell of citrus in her hair and the firm shape of the muscles in her back.
"Futaro," she whimpered. "We're in public."
"That doesn't matter to me," he said.
She rested her head on his chest, "I don't dislike it when you're forceful."
She tilted her head up, and with her hand, she gently pulled Futaro's chin down. Their lips pressed into each other. Futaro felt their softness and took in her taste. He was close enough to feel her heart racing— or was that his own? His mind had grown fuzzy, and his body felt like it was about to combust into flames. He pressed the small of her back, inching her even close to him. Yotsuba let out a small giggle, clearly enjoying herself just as much as he was. She pulled back to take a deep breath and kissed him again.
He sensed the warmth in his cheeks, "I think you're supposed to breathe through your nose," he whispered.
"How would you know," she teased, "have you done this kind of thing before?"
"Don't say stupid things."
His mind flashed back once again to Rena in the outdoor balcony in Hawaii.
Are you in love with Yotsuba? Or are you in love with me?
"Futaro, are you okay?" Yotsuba asked. Her expression became slightly worried.
He shook his head, "I—yeah. Sorry, I got nervous."
"You're lucky I like the shy side of you too." She chirped,
disarming him with a smile.
"Oh, I almost forgot, here," Yotsuba reached up and untied her bright green bow and tied it around Futaro's wrist.
"No more help, Futaro." She waggled her finger at him. "You're going to have to remember this face," she pointed at herself. "And I am going to want that back at some point. But I have faith in you. "
"Why do you say that?"
She jumped on him, knocking them both to the ground. Neither could contain their laughter.
"Because there is love!" Her eyes glistened. "Don't worry about me. I have to go home soon and finish packing. I leave tomorrow too." She croaked out her words quickly as if she were going to lose her voice at any moment. Letting go of all barriers that she was desperately holding onto. Yotsuba trembled silently, sucking in the chilled spring air. Futaro and Yotsuba stood up and embraced one another as tightly as physical space would allow them to, silently agreeing to let their beating, aching, thumping hearts do the talking for them. Their hearts matched beat for beat. Ignoring the crowd's complaints having to go around them in the walkway. Futaro crossed the gate and peaked back several times to get one last look. Yotsuba would jump and cheer every time he looked back, shouting goodbye at him, scaring off a small crowd of elderly onlookers.
So much for not making a scene. Futaro grinned at the irony.
Futaro shuffled and pushed his way through the crowd that had gathered in the narrow walkway of the bullet train. Excusing himself repeatedly, he shoved his way past a group of giggling high school girls. Futaro's dad had gotten him a reserved seat ticket, so there was no need to hurry, but rushing was about the only thing that he could do to distract him from the flood of feelings that he was barely keeping held back. When he finally arrived, he tossed his luggage overhead and let his body collapse to his assigned seat. He gripped Yotsuba's ribbon in his hand.
"Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!" He banged his fist with Yotsuba's ribbon against his forehead. "Dammit, why did she have to come to my mind then of all times?" He groaned.
A pang of deep guilt bubbled inside him, festering and treating to suffocate him from the inside. There's no way Yotsuba could know about the Rena from his past. He racked his brains, thinking back to the balcony in Hawaii. What frustrated him most was that Futaro— first the first time in a long time— was unsure which Nakano sister was the culprit.
It couldn't have been Yotsuba. She has no issues confronting me… Or does she? Rena asked if I still loved her. Ridiculous! Futaro felt the urge to scream. Maybe I should just ask her?
No, that's stupid. "Hey Yotsuba, was it you or one of your sisters that kissed me back in Hawaii?"
It'd crush her.
Futaro pressed his head against the cold glass of the bullet train, "Maybe I should keep this to myself." He sighed in defeat.
~Ichika~
The moon had hidden behind a thick pillow of clouds giving the night a dull grey glow. A chilly night spring breeze tousled her short hair.
I know Yotsuba is around here somewhere.
She peaked her head over the tall hedges, looking for her unmistakable tacky ribbon. She scanned her surroundings when the sharp squeak of rusted metal made her ears twitch.
Ah! Of course!
She turned the corner and found her younger sister swinging lamely on her favorite ancient swing set. She looked smaller from this angle, Ichika thought. Her head drooped, unaware of her approach.
"I thought I might find you here," Ichika crossed the dirt pathway and took a seat on the swing next to her. "Did you say a proper goodbye?"
Yotsuba nodded with a slight sniffle.
This is going to be harder than I thought. Ichika gulped.
"Hey! No ribbon, huh? I think I like it—though you look a little more like Nino. Or maybe you look more like me?" Ichika forced a laugh. "I get it—you're trying to model yourself after your amazing, sweet, successful older sister, aren't you." Ichika knew she was laying it on thick, but right now, all she cared about was being there for her baby sister.
Yotsuba finally raised her head. Her lips quivered, and the chilly wind picked up.
"I wish I'd brought a scarf," Ichika said. "It's still pretty cold, and your nose is all red."
Yotsuba shook her head, "It's not from the cold." Her eyes shimmered with moisture, and her skin was stained with old tears, "I gave Futaro my ribbon."
"That'll be a nice way to remember you by!" Ichika said, "come to think of it, I probably should have given him something too, a memento."
Yotsuba frowned with a pout.
"I'm kidding! I'm kidding!" Ichika raised her hands in surrender. "But I can't lie, I miss him already."
She felt both of their shoulders sink simultaneously. The creaking of the swings pierced what would otherwise still silence.
Now or never. Ichika steeled her heart.
"Come to think of it, I may not have given something to Futaro-kun, but I have something for you." Ichika started.
"what is it?"
Ichika dug into her pocket and carefully withdrew a worn photo, frayed at the ends. Unfolding it slowly, as if it'd disintegrate into dust if she weren't careful enough, it revealed the picture of Yotsuba when she was younger and a cruel-looking boy with dyed blonde hair. The crease in the middle formed from years of wear, and the color had long since turned faint, but there was no mistaking who this photo belonged to.
Yotsuba wiped the tear stains from her cheeks before getting a good look at the photo. "Ichika—where did you?" She said, eyes wide. Yotsuba reached out gingerly and took the picture into her hands. Ichika watched her scan the photo intently as if trying to burn the image into her memory.
"I'm sorry I stole your memory from you," Ichika's words got stuck in her throat, "I wanted you to have it back… before I leave."
Ichika carefully surveyed Yotsuba's face. Usually, this was simple. Yotsuba was, after all, the worst liar and usually wore her heart on her sleeve.
But not this time. Yotsuba's stony expression meant to shut the door to Ichika, preventing her from witnessing the fire that was likely raging inside of Yotsuba's heart.
Ichika didn't like it. She wanted her sister to shout at her—this would be much simpler with Nino or Itsuki—they would let her have it. They'd tell her how awful she was. But not Yotsuba. Never Yotsuba.
"Yotsuba I—"
"Thank you for this," Yotsuba interrupted.
"Huh?"
"I mean it, thank you for this," she waved the photo in the air. "I want to give this photo back to Futaro one day—when I can confront him that I was the girl he admired," she inhaled sharply, "I'm not the girl that I was in this photo anymore. But this gives me the resolve I need."
"Resolve to do what?"
"The resolve to be me," Yotsuba said simply. "I gave Futaro my ribbons so that he could remember me, that's true. But I also gave them to him because I want to become my own person through my own strengths. I guess I want to be like you,"
Ichika sat on the swing, stunned at the words she was hearing. It's like she was an old computer, and she was lagging behind in processing reality.
"So you're not mad?" she asked.
"No, I'm not mad. I'm determined. I will make Futaro see me as Yotsuba and not as a quintuplet. And that begins with making sure this girl," She waved the photo again, "stays where she belongs. In the past."
Ichika laughed, "Futaro is really rubbing off on you, isn't he? Well, I suppose it took him a few years to tell us apart. Maybe it'll take him a few years to notice you. But you're on the right path." She grabbed her sister's hands and pulled her up from the swing.
"Come on, let's go enjoy the last few moments we have together. I bet you haven't finished packing yet."
"Don't say it so loudly!" Yotsuba hushed. "People will realize I'm dumber than I look." Yotsuba skipped away, with Ichika following closely behind. A howling gust of wind rushed through the narrow alleyway flipping their hair in every direction.
"Are you excited for Osaka?!" Ichika called out to her.
"I'm excited about my new adventure!" she called out over the sharp whistle of the wind.
Ichika smiled as her sister walked ahead, admiring her courage to take that first step towards her future.
It's better this way.
Authors Note: Thank you so much for taking the time to read another installment of my debut project. This chapter was a bit difficult to write, not because of the content necessarily,(though that was quite emotional for me) but because I was working hard to consolidate several separate goodbyes, keep it mostly lighthearted, and as organically as possible. Honestly, since this was chapter two, I was a bit worried about laying on the "sad" a bit thick, and I personally didn't want to linger too long on the goodbyes since it's not a goodbye for all the characters involved. But now I have the chance to finally get to the part of the story I wanted to tell. College life!
Special thank you to Chloetuco, Demontsu, Bobalon, TheMist33, Bazzo, and KanzakiHaruki for leaving reviews on my last chapter. That kind of feedback is super important because it helps me build confidence as a writer. So thank you!