Chapter 2: Quintuplets
Hey everyone I'm back with a new chapter. I'm glad to see quite a few people are interested in this story. This will be my last update of 2023. What a year, but hopefully next year I'll have more chapters and stories for you guys. I'd also like to thank my buddy kival737101 for helping me figure out how to balance both stories and the harem. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
It had been a week since Riku had learned about Nekoya's big secret and while he was still getting used to the concept he had decided to go back again.
Little did he know on the other side of the door someone else would be new to this experience as well.
In a small rundown mining village, we see a woman reading entries from a journal. She had sun-kissed brown hair that was tied in a braid and hung off her right shoulder with a ribbon tied in it, orange eyes and was wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt with a collar that was upturned, a dark green skirt, brown boots as well as a bronze breastplate on her chest. This was Sarah Gold.
"Today's the Day of Satur, going to the abandoned mines." She read aloud scanning the pages of a journal. "Here it is again. And here. Wasted a day. It turns out the Day of Satur comes around once every 7 days." Sarah said before narrowing her eyes. "That's today."
Making her way out, she stops at the main desk.
"Leaving so soon Ms. Sarah Gold?" The man at the desk asks.
"I'm afraid so. Thanks for everything." Sarah said paying him.
"I guess there wasn't any treasure to be found in this rundown town, huh?" The man assumes.
"I wouldn't be so sure," Sarah smirks making him chuckle.
"Right, a treasure hunter can never reveal the location of her treasure." He said as Sarah left.
Going to the abandoned mine, Sarah made her way down to the lowest parts.
Descending down a rope she notices a trio of goblins glaring at her with weapons at the ready much to her surprise. One held an axe, one held a spear and the third had a bow and arrow.
'I thought I took care of them all.' Sarah thought as the Axe Goblin attacked her.
Acting quickly, Sarah draws a dagger and dodges the strike.
The Spear Goblin thrusts its spear at her but Sarah dodges and slashes its throat killing it instantly.
As the Bow Goblin drew its arrow about to fire, Sarah threw her dagger at it killing it before it could shoot.
Turning around the Axe Goblin attempted to avenge its fallen comrades but Sarah stabs it with the spear from the Goblin she killed earlier.
Looking around Sarah saw that was the last of them allowing her to breathe relieved.
Picking herself up, she approached the wall.
"This should be the location." Looking at the book she touches a part of the wall that has two slash marks and when she does a hidden switch activates and the wall moves revealing a secret room with a door in the middle of it.
Approaching it, Sarah saw the sign for Nekoya on the door.
"Fascinating. This wasn't here yesterday. Looks like a door, but I guess I don't have much choice. I'm not going to get any further until I go inside. Well if I die on the battlefield it'll just show my dedication to treasure hunting." Sarah said reaching for the handle.
As she opens it she's startled by the sound of the bell.
"An alarm?" Jumping back Sarah drew her dagger in defense.
"Uh welcome to..." Aletta greets but when she sees Sarah holding a weapon she sweats nervously.
'A demon?' Sarah thought as Riku stepped in and pulled Aletta back allowing Tenma to step forward.
"Why hello there," Tenma said getting her attention. "Welcome. I intend no offense ma'am but please put away your blade."
Confused Sarah slowly puts it away.
"What is this?" Sarah asks.
"Welcome to Nekoya, we're just a restaurant." Tenma introduces.
"What's a restaurant doing in the middle of an abandoned mine?" Sarah asks.
"Wait what?" Riku pauses hearing that.
That didn't make sense, the last time he was here quite a few different people and species showed up, they couldn't all come through an abandoned mine that would raise too much attention.
"Mine?" Temna pauses before realizing what she meant. "Oh. Tell me ma'am did you come through William's Door?"
"If by that you mean the door I just walked through. Is this some kind of magic?" Sarah asks looking around.
"Something like that," Riku said getting her attention. "Believe me it's a lot to take in at first and to be honest I'm still wrapping my head around it."
"I see. So what is it you do?" Sarah asks.
"We're just like any other restaurant. Would you like to order something?" Tenma asks.
"Oh you should, the food here is to die for." Aletta smiles.
"We just opened so we have plenty of time." Tenma offers.
Curious about what this place had to offer, Sarah nodded her head.
"Good please have a seat," Tenma said.
"Uncle, may I have a word with you?" Riku asked as they made their way to the kitchen while Aletta got Sarah a menu. "What did you mean by William's Door?"
"Riku, you're still thinking that it acts like a normal restaurant but the truth is it's way more than that," Tenma said.
"What do you mean? You told me once a week a door appears in this world and we the customers that come in." Riku asks.
"And you're right about that. But you see the door doesn't just appear in one place. It appears in many different locations all over this world. There's a magic around that door that distorts space-time allowing it to do so." Tenma said.
Putting a hand to his head, Riku tried to process.
"You know why don't you go help Aletta with our new customer," Tenma suggests. "I mean she seems just as confused about this as you are. You should try helping her."
Grabbing a pitcher of water, Riku walks over to Sarah's table.
'Food from another world? What's that even like? I hope it's not anything weird.' Sarah thought looking around.
"Can I offer you a drink?" Riku asks snapping her out of her thoughts.
"I didn't order anything yet," Sarah said.
"Lemon water is always on the house along with free refills of it," Riku said handing her a glass.
"This restaurant is so strange," Sarah said.
"Trust me, you're handling it a lot better than I did when I first came here," Riku said.
"Really?" Sarah asks curious.
"If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me or Aletta," Riku said trying to make her feel more at ease.
"So the demon, you two work together?" Sarah asks intrigued.
"Yeah, but don't let the horns scare you, Aletta's really nice," Riku assures.
Smiling softly, Aletta was happy to hear Riku help her with that.
"I have your menu. You can read Eastern Continent right?" Aletta asks walking over.
"Yes, I can." Sarah nodded as Aletta handed it to her.
"One of us be back in a bit to check on you," Riku said as they walked away.
Taking a sip of water, Sarah enjoyed the nice cool taste before looking at the menu.
'Hmm I think I know what to expect from stew or cow's meat but I don't know what the rest of this stuff is.' Sarah thought when she noticed a board on the wall that had a daily special. 'The specials are even cheaper than what's on the menu.'
"Have you decided what you want to order?" Aletta asks coming back.
"Yes, I'll have the Daily Special please." Sarah declares.
"Coming right up," Aletta said.
"Wait," Sarah calls out causing Aletta to stumble.
"What? Did you change your mind?" Aletta asks.
"No, it's just, what is the daily special?" Sarah asks.
"Oh hang on let me ask," Aletta said walking over to get Tenma. "Master, what's the special for today?"
"The special huh? Hmph must be fate." Tenma chuckles before looking at Sarah. "The special today is Minced Meat Cutlet."
"Ooh good call," Riku said liking the sound of that.
"Minced Meat Cutlet? What's that?" Sarah asks never hearing of such a thing.
"It's really good. It's one of the first things I learned to cook. I'd recommend it." Riku said.
"It also happened to be William's favorite." Tenma points out.
"Oh," Sarah said interested.
"I'll have it for you shortly," Tenma said going to the kitchen.
Inside, Riku was prepping the soup for the meal while Tenma was chopping cabbage for the side.
"Riku can you hand me a bowl?" Tenma calls out.
"Sure." Grabbing it, Riku walks over to allow him to pour it in.
"Nice and slow, every part of the dish even the small stuff should be considered hard work and hard work—" Tenma starts.
"Should never be rushed." Riku finished. "Mom used to say that about everything. Not just cooking."
"We had the same teacher." Tenma chuckles. "How's the soup looking?"
Handing him a spoon, Riku lets him taste it.
"Hmm add a little pepper and it's perfect," Tenma said as Riku nodded in understanding.
"First time giving someone other than family my cooking," Riku admits.
"Well you're handling yourself back here well but let's see how well you do when we have more customers," Tenma said as they put everything together and handed it to Aletta.
Bringing it to Sarah she couldn't help but smile at the present aroma.
"One Minced Meat Cutlet meal." Riku declares.
'Amazing, this is definitely a meal from another world.' Sarah looked in awe when suddenly her stomach grumbled making her blush while Riku chuckles watching from nearby.
"We also offer free bread and soup with all orders so feel free to ask. And I would recommend trying it with the sauce and lemon juice. It's really good." Aletta gestures.
"Thank you." Sarah nods as Aletta walks away.
Glancing from the kitchen, Tenma noticed a journal on her table and narrowed his eyes curious.
Examining the food, Sarah tastes the bread and soup and instantly she sighs amazed by the taste and in no time finishing them. "So good. Excuse me, can I get seconds on the soup and bread?"
"Right away." Aletta nods.
Smirking Tenma nudged Riku showing he had a fan of his food already.
"Uncle." Riku blushes.
As she waited on more of the soup, Sarah decided to try the cutlet.
Taking a knife, she cuts it open revealing the juicy meat inside.
'The meat has been cut into tiny bits.' Taking a bite, Sarah is amazed by what she is tasting. 'What is this? The generous and delicious juices from the meat blend perfectly with the textured coating that's clearly been saturated with the finest oil. Not to mention the way the meat is seasoned with salt and pepper and the subtle sweetness mixed in. It's comparable.' Sarah thought with a big smile on her face.
Watching her react to the food, Riku couldn't help but be fascinated by this.
"Here you are. More soup and bread." Aletta said walking over.
"Thank you. And you said it goes well with the sauce?" Sarah asks recalling what she pointed out.
"Yep, it'll make it taste even better," Aletta assures.
Curious if she was right, Sarah took her lemon wedge and squeezed a little onto it before adding the sauce.
When she took another bite, Sarah was blown away instantly.
'Adding the sauce condiment and lemon juice. The fruit with practically no sweetness adds a sourness to the taste and the aftertaste is so refreshing it almost made my hands stop moving. I am left completely and utterly satisfied. I could eat this forever. Surely, I am consuming nothing less than the food of the gods.'
'Amazing, to us this food is normal but to people like her our food is next level.' Riku thought watching her when the old wizard and warrior walked in and sat down near the kitchen.
"Welcome, the usual?" Tenma assumes greeting them.
"Of course." The Wizard nods before the warrior notices Riku in the back.
"So you came back huh?" He asks noticing him.
"Uh yeah, what can I say this place is interesting," Riku said.
"Riku will come by to help me whenever he can but I want to make sure all his other priorities are taken care of." Tenma points out.
"A wise move." The Wizard agrees.
"Another Minced Meat Cutlet!" Sarah calls out.
Looking over they saw she had already cleared her plate.
"Coming right up!" Aletta said.
After finishing another meal, Sarah leaned back in her seat satisfied. "That was exquisite."
"Glad you liked it," Tenma said before presenting her with a bag. "Here for you."
"What is this?" Sarah asks curious.
"Take out. Minced Meat Sandwiches to go. William always asked for these to go when he finished his meals. You seemed to enjoy it so much I made them out of habit." Tenma explains.
"Uhm I'm not sure I brought enough…" Sarah starts.
"Don't worry about it, they're on the house today. Say it's on William's tab." Tenma offers.
"Oh well in that case. Thank you." Sarah smiles.
"Here." Walking over Riku handed her a small container.
"What's this?" Sarah asks.
"It's a sauce for the sandwiches. It's a little different but I put it on mine all the time and it's amazing." Riku assures.
"Perhaps I will." Sarah smiles taking it. "Oh and by the way. Thank you. I was nervous about this place at first but you helped me feel welcome. I appreciate it."
"Anytime." Riku smiled as she got up to leave.
"Thank you, come again." Riku, Tenma, and Aletta said together.
"Oh and before you go," Tenma said getting her attention. "About William, do you know how he…"
"I heard he went peacefully," Sarah said and Tenma was sad to learn while the other two men listened in. "According to his journal, he was irritated that he couldn't come here anymore."
"Is that so?" Tenma chuckles happy to know that part.
"I'll see you again," Sarah said leaving.
"She seemed nice," Riku said.
"Yeah, I hope we see her soon." Aletta nods.
As they got back to work, he looked at the other side of the door briefly to see Sarah put a little of the sauce Riku recommended for her on her sandwich and when she bit into it she let out a big moan of delight.
"Amazing. It's so savory with just a hint of spice. I never knew these things could be even more delicious. I'll have to ask that cook if he knows any other ways." Sarah smiles.
A few days later, we find ourselves back in the current world.
At school, Riku was in class as tests were being handed back. As some students groaned at how badly they did, some were content with their scores. When Riku's name was called out he made his way to the teacher.
"Quite impressive Riku. Just over a month since you joined and you're already one of the best in class." The teacher said.
"I'm a fast learner," Riku said.
"Oh, I know. This is proof enough." The teacher said handing him back his test.
Looking at it, Riku smiles at his score.
"You're gonna be just fine." The teacher smiles.
Soon it was time for lunch, as Riku got a curry rice meal with veggies he looked around for a place to sit.
As he walked by, he noticed all the students chatting with their friends. Unsure where to go, Riku spotted a small table in the corner.
Sighing he made his way over, but as he put his tray down someone else put theirs down at the same time.
Surprised Riku looks up to see a pretty girl with medium-length orange-red hair, a star-shaped hairpin on both sides of her head, and a black school uniform. This was Itsuki Nakano.
"I found this spot before you did. The next table is wide open. I think you should move." Itsuki insists and instantly Riku narrows his eyes.
"I can eat wherever I want. And I like this spot. If you don't want company then you should move." Riku said not in the mood to fight with some girl who thought she could just order him around.
Since neither wanted to budge they ended up sharing a table.
'Who is this girl?' Riku thought looking at her. 'That uniform isn't from our school.'
"Hey look at that. Kanbara is actually having lunch with someone." A girl said passing by.
"I thought that dude was all work no fun." A guy chuckles.
Sighing Riku tried to ignore it but noticed that Itsuki was blushing red.
Trying to change his focus Riku noticed that Itsuki had an udon bowl for lunch but to his surprise paid for a lot of extras and a dessert.
'Man, she must either be hungry or have a lot of money. Or maybe both.' Riku thought thinking about how much one of those might cost at Nekoya. "Listen how about a truce? I won't borrow you if you do the same." Riku offers.
Seeing that this was her best option, Itsuki grabbed her chopsticks. "Itadakimasu," Itsuku said before digging in.
As Riku reached into his bag to pull out a water bottle, a piece of paper fell out.
Curious Itsuki picks it up. "Ooh, what's this?" She asks
"Hey that's my test," Riku said wanting it back.
"Ooh getting defensive. I bet you got a pretty rotten grade." Itsuki assumes flipping it open. "Let's see Mr. Riku Kanbara you got…" Eyes widening she saw Riku got a perfect score. "100?! Is this real?"
"As real as you and me," Riku smirks eating his food. "Can I have my test back now?"
"I bet you wanted me to see it." Itsuki assumes with puffy cheeks.
"You were the one who took it. I told you to give it back." Riku counters.
Frowning Itsuki puts her hands on her lap. "I hate to admit it but I'm not good at school stuff. I envy you." Itsuki said before getting an idea. "It must have been fate that brought us together. Do you want to help me study?"
Hearing this Riku coughs slightly before taking a big gulp of water.
"Are you okay?" Itsuki asks as Riku fixes himself.
"Fate? I think you're overreacting a bit." Riku said.
"I'm serious. I could really use some help." Itsuki said.
"Look I understand—" Before Riku could give an excuse his phone vibrated meaning he got a text. Looking at it, he saw it was from his uncle.
"Call me when you get the chance, the lunch rush just ended." It read.
"Sorry but I gotta run," Riku said finishing his meal.
"What? Already? But I was just about to ask you something." Itsuki said.
"Maybe another time. I got something I need to deal with first." Riku said getting up to leave. "Enjoy your lunch."
As he walked out Itsuki was annoyed that he was like this.
"Hey Uncle Tenma, what's up?" Riku asks standing in the hallway leaning against the wall.
"Good news kiddo. I found something that could really help you out." Tenma said on the other line.
"What do you mean?" Riku asks confused.
"A rich family just moved into the city and they need a tutor. What do you say?" Tenma offers.
"I've never tutored before. I mean taught Hina and Aichi study tricks but that's about it." Riku said.
"Come on. You're a smart kid I bet you could figure it out. Think about it, you'd get to work in a fancy house and he's offering you 5 times the going rate." Tenma said.
"This sounds a little too good to be true." Riku raises an eyebrow suspiciously.
"Riku, sometimes you gotta learn to take the things that are too good to be true and just roll with it. Besides, you know what it's like to be a new student in this city. You could use some more people in your life. I mean have you made any friends since you moved here?" Tenma asks in a concerned tone.
"Yeah. Aletta." Riku said instantly.
"On our side of the portal." Tenma counters just as quickly.
"I mean…not yet," Riku said admitting with less enthusiasm.
"Come on Riku give it a chance. Besides I bet there are a few things you could use that money for." Tenma suggests.
Pausing Riku remembered that his parent's funeral and burial definitely cost a lot, not to mention they had to sell their old house which required paying a real estate agent, moving costs, etc. Even with Nekoya's profits most of it went back to the restaurant. As much as Riku hated to admit it, they could really use that money.
"Well…I guess it wouldn't hurt. Does this person I'm tutoring have a name?" Riku asks.
"I think she's in your class. Her last name is Nakano." Tenma declares.
Soon it was time for class to Riku's shock he saw the girl he met at lunch standing in front of the class.
"My name is Itsuki Nakano. It's nice to meet you." She introduces.
'You've got to be kidding me.' Riku thought.
The next day at lunch, Riku had to figure out how to talk to her.
Walking through the cafeteria, Itsuki was wearing the school uniform and Riku was following behind her.
'Okay, I did end up walking out the first time but maybe if I asked her." Riku thought when he noticed her sitting with others.
"Sorry, I'm late." She said.
'She's made friends already? Impressive.' Riku thought a little jealous. "Uh excuse me, can I talk to you for a second?"
Looking at him, Itsuki narrows her eyes.
"Sorry, I'm a little busy. Why don't you go bother someone else?" Itsuki suggests with a smug expression making him roll his eyes.
'Yep, she's still mad I walked away in the middle of her conversation.' Riku assumed as he made his way to another seat but one of the girls at the table looked at him with interest.
"Hey wait. Don't just leave." Turning around Riku saw a girl with short pink hair with one long strand on the right side of her face, blue eyes, and a white jacket wrapped around her waist. "You're after Itsuki aren't you?" This was Ichika.
"You've got the wrong idea," Riku said but Ichika wasn't convinced.
"Oh, so she is the one. So what about her are you attracted to? Let me guess it's her serious side?" She asks acting like a reporter.
"Once again, you're wrong. I just wanted to ask her something." Riku said.
"Oh okay. I'll tell her to come over." Ichika offers.
"I appreciate it but you don't have to drag yourself into this. I'll deal with this later." Riku assures.
Looking at him, Ichika chuckles and pats him on the back. "Wow, that was surprisingly sweet for a nerd. But if you ever do need a hand you can just ask your Big Sis Ichika." She declares before walking away. "This is gonna be fun."
"Big Sis? Isn't she in the same year as me?" Riku pauses confused.
Ordering his lunch, Riku got a bowl of Miso Udon before sitting down at a table by himself.
'They gave me the address to meet Itsuki after school. I wanted to try telling her before that happens but she is not making it easy.' Riku thought before slurping his bowl.
"Oh Kanbara. Kanbara?" A female voice said snapping him out of his thoughts.
Looking up he saw a girl with light orange hair, blue eyes, and a green bow tied on top of her head to mimic bunny ears inches from his face. This was Yotsuba.
"You finally looked up." She smiles startling him.
"Who are you? Wait how do you know my name?" Riku asks.
"Those are both excellent questions." She said sitting down in the chair. "Did you lose an exam with a perfect score or one with a zero?"
As she held up two exams Riku knew instantly. "Wait where did you get that?"
"You dropped when you stopped at our table. So which one is yours?" Yotsuba asks.
"Duh, the one with my name on it. The perfect score." Riku points. "Try covering the names next time."
"Wow, you're so honest. You can have both as a reward." She said giving them to him.
"Who got a zero on their exam?" Riku asks curious.
"You're looking at her." Yotsuba declares with a smile.
"You're proud of that?" Riku sweatdrops.
As he continued to eat, Yotsuba kept talking. "You know I thought you were just a loner or a nervous boy but it turns out you're really smart."
When he finished his lunch he saw she was still looking at him.
"Can I help you with something?" Riku asks.
"You haven't said thank you yet." She said with a pouty face.
"Thank you?" Riku pauses.
"When someone picks something up for you you're supposed to thank them." Yotsuba points out.
"Oh. Well then thank you." Riku said making her smile.
"You're very welcome," Yotsuba said happy to hear it.
After school, we see Itsuki with two girls on her way home with Riku nearby.
One had long pink hair with two ribbons that resembled butterflies, blue eyes, and a purple jacket over her uniform. The other was a girl with medium-length red hair, with some strands covering the right side of her face, a blue shirt over her uniform, and blue eyes. These were Nino and Miku.
"Itsuki aren't you eating a lot?" Miku asks as Itsuki eats a whole Melon Bread.
"It's only my second one," Itsuki said when Nino grabbed her from behind and squeezed her stomach.
"You keep this up and your big belly is gonna scare all the boys away." Nino teases.
"Leave me alone! Get off my case!" Itsuki said as Riku chuckled.
"Well, at least I'm not the only one who thinks. Man, she is not making it easy." Riku sighs when Miku approaches him.
"Is it fun being alone?" Miku asks.
"Alright before you get any ideas I'm just waiting to talk to someone," Riku said worried she might get the wrong idea. "I don't want to borrow you or your friends. I just need to ask Itsuki something."
"Fine, but just so you know she is not my friend," Miku said walking away to join up with them.
Curious Riku couldn't help but wonder, if they weren't friends why was she hanging out with them? Unfortunately, he ran out of chances and it was time to meet Itsuki as her new tutor.
Making his way to the address, Riku saw he was in front of a giant condo complex.
"How rich is she?" Riku pauses amazed. Double checking the address he saw this was indeed the place.
As he made his way forward that girl Nino appeared out of nowhere and stood in front of him.
"What are you some kind of stalker? State your name and business or get lost." Nino said as Miku joined her.
"Do you mind? I need to meet someone inside." Riku points.
"I'll be the judge of that," Nino said walking up to him and glaring daggers at him with a cold expression. "No one likes you so go home already."
"You're being rude to someone you just met. Did you ever stop to think I might have family that lives here?" Riku counters making her pause.
"Oh I'm sorry I didn't," Nino admits.
"Then would you mind telling us what room this family member is in?" Miku asks.
"I don't trust you two enough to tell you such information," Riku said but they wouldn't budge.
Seeing that he needed to outwit them, Riku glances past them.
"Hey, what's that guy doing trying to peek through the window?" Riku points.
"Huh?" Turning around Nino and Miku looked where he was pointing and Riku immediately ran past them.
"Sorry but I really need to talk to someone," Riku said running inside.
"Hey! Stop right there!" Nino yells.
As Itsuki entered the elevator Riku saw the floor she was going up to.
"Well Riku time for all those track meets to pay off," Riku said as he ran up to the staircase to floor 30 just as Itsuki exited the elevator. "Phew. Still got it." Riku said impressed with himself.
"You're that guy from school," Itsuki said spotting him. "What could be so important that you needed to follow me here?"
"I told you, I wanted to talk to you about something important," Riku said.
"I don't have time for this, I'm supposed to meet my tutor in a few minutes so if you could please leave." Itsuki gestures.
"I can't. Because I'm your tutor." Riku declares confusing her.
"Wait what?" Itsuki asks hoping he is kidding.
"Yeah, you know yesterday when I had to leave? That was when I got the call asking if I could do the job. And while I get that you might think it was rude, I'm sorry. But hopefully, we can make this work." Riku said.
"No way! I refuse!" Itsuki snaps.
"I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot, but if you'd be willing to give me a chance, I'll make up for it. I promise." Riku assures.
"I can't believe it…why does our tutor have to be a classmate?" Itsuki asks in horror.
"Wait our?" Riku asks when the elevator opens revealing Ichika, Nino, Miku, and Yotsuba from earlier.
As the 5 of them locked eyes, they didn't know what to say.
"Hey, it's you again." Ichika smiles.
"Wait that's the stalker boy from earlier." Nino points.
"Riku's a stalker?" Yotsuba asks.
"Don't assume things," Miku said.
"Wait why are you all here?" Riku asks.
"Because this is where we live," Itsuki said.
Looking at the name on the door read NAKANO. "Wait are all of you?" Riku starts.
"We're sisters. In fact, we're Quintuplets." Itsuki declares surprising Riku.
Being led, inside Riku set his bag down to introduce himself but saw they were all gone.
"Seriously? Where did everyone go?" Riku asks looking around the nice condo.
"Hey! Hey! Sorry, I'm late!" Yotsuba said sliding in on her socks with a glass of water for him.
"Oh hey, it's uh Yotsuba right?" Riku recalls.
"Yep, that's me." She nods.
Narrowing his eyes, Riku could tell even with the smile that her face bared a strong resemblance to Itsuki.
"Well thank you for at least showing up to the tutoring session. I appreciate it." Riku said grateful.
"Let's go round up the others, shall we?" Yotsuba suggests.
Leading him upstairs he saw that all their rooms were lined up along the hall.
"I'm not gonna lie, I thought I was only going to be tutoring one person not five," Riku admits.
"Don't worry about it. Itsuki's a real serious student, she'll cooperate as long as you don't make her too mad." Yotsuba said.
However, when they reached her room.
"Not a chance!" Itsuki said almost immediately. "What's the point of having a tutor who's in the same class as I am? There has to be someone in this city that's better qualified for the position than you are."
"What happened? Weren't eager to ask for my help yesterday?" Riku recalls.
"Well, that was before. I changed my mind." Itsuki said slamming the door in his face. "It's not happening!"
"Uh with five of us, there's bound to be at least one disagreement," Yotsuba said leading him down the hall. "Miku's the smartest one here, she'll come down. I'm sure you'll get along fine with her."
However, once they walked in Riku was met with a similar response.
"No," Miku said almost immediately. "Why does it have to be you? There has to be—" Miku starts.
"Someone better than me, yeah I've heard that already." Riku rolls his eyes. "I'll leave."
"Uh, maybe we should try someone else. Yotsuba suggests leading him to the next room. "Nino can get along with anyone. She's like a social butterfly."
Riku knocked on the door but got no answer.
"But uh…I guess she stepped out." Yotsuba sweatdrops.
Finally, they arrived at Ichika's room.
"We still have Ichika. She's really…" Pausing Yotsuba had no idea what to say.
"Why the pause?" Riku asks.
"Just don't freak out," Yotsuba said as they opened the door but Riku cringed in horror to see the room was a total mess with clothes and various other objects scattered all over the floor.
"Who lives like this?" Riku asks when he hears a groaning.
Looking at the bed, he saw Ichika lying in bed covered by a blanket.
"Stop talking about my room like it's some kind of dump." Ichika groans waking up.
As Yotsuba turned on the light Riku saw it was even messier with the lights on.
"This place is a wreck." Yotsuba sighs.
"I wasn't expecting you to be our new tutor. That's why you were trying to talk to Itsuki." Ichika realized.
"Yep, now come on let's get started," Riku suggests to help her out of bed.
"Whoa! Bad idea!" Icika said as Riku was about to grab the blanket forcing him to pull back. "I'm uh…kinda naked under here." She admits.
Blushing Riku immediately turns in the opposite direction.
"Why? Just why?" Riku asks.
"Yotsuba there should be some clothes near your feet," Ichika said as she looked around.
Looking at her desk, Riku saw it was filled with junk.
"When was the last time you used that desk for studying?" Riku asks.
"Oh study this, study that. You're in a room with a naked girl and that's the only thing on your mind?" Ichika teases laying back down.
"I don't know what kind of guy you think I am, but I like to get to know the girls in my life before I go that far," Riku said looking away.
"Found them," Yotsuba said holding up her clothes.
"Just get dressed and meet us downstairs," Riku said walking out, but when he did, he saw Miku waiting outside.
"What was your name again? Riku? I have a question. It seems I'm missing part of my PE uniform. A red track jacket." Miku said.
"Sorry to hear that, what does that have to do with me?" Riku asks.
"It was here before. Right up until you came in." Miku accuses. "Did you?"
"Why would you even think that?" Riku asks defensively.
"Hey!" Looking down they saw Nino wearing Miku's sports jacket and holding a tray of cookies. "I made way too many cookies. Want some?"
"Found it." Riku points.
With 4 out of 5 sisters, Riku thought it was better than nothing.
However, when they started the session, he saw Nino and Miku were too busy fighting over Miku's jacket to pay attention, Ichika was reading a magazine, and Yotsuba was doodling.
It was at this moment, that Riku realized why the price was so high to tutor them.
"You don't like cookies?" Nino asks snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Huh? No, I'm just not hungry." Riku said.
"You don't have to be so nervous. It's not like I poisoned them. Have some and I'll study with you. Okay?" Nino offers with a smile.
Taking one Riku tries them. "Hmm, these are pretty good." Riku smiles.
"That's great. Oh by the way I should tell you. None of us need a tutor so you should just go away." Nino said in a dark tone making Riku pause.
As the atmosphere in the room seemed to change, Riku noticed that none of them seemed to object to it.
"I was just kidding. Here have some water." Nino said offering him a glass.
"Yeah, thanks." Taking a gulp, Riku hoped it would help calm him down.
'Geez how am I supposed to get them to study if they do stuff like this to get themselves distracted.' Riku thought.
Once he put his glass down, Nino stood up with a devilish look on her face.
"Well, goodbye." Nino waves goodbye confusing him.
"Huh?" Confused everything suddenly went black.
As he regained consciousness, Riku heard a voice.
"Sir. Sir pardon me. We're here." A male voice said.
Slowly waking up Riku saw he was in the backseat of a taxi.
"Huh? What?" Riku said looking around to see they were in front of his house and it was night time.
"This is your home, right?" The driver asks.
"It is but how did I…" Pausing Riku growls in anger realizing it was Nino.
"4800 yen please." The driver said.
"Wait what?" Riku said looking at the price. "Aw man, sorry I don't have that much."
"Here you go." A familiar voice said handing him a card.
Looking to the passenger front seat, Riku saw Itsuki was in the taxi too.
Getting out of the taxi, Riku walked out to look her in the eye.
"I got your address from your student handbook," Itsuki said handing it back to him. "You can't win against us."
Narrowing his eyes, Riku had enough of this.
"Okay but first I have a question," Riku said as she glared at him. "What the hell is your problem?! Are you and your sisters mental?!"
"Excuse me. You can't talk to me like that!" Itsuki snaps.
"Oh really? I haven't had one chance to sit down and talk with you or any of your other sisters and you do this to me?! Look I'm sorry if you and your sisters don't like the idea of a classmate tutoring you. But you didn't have to pull a stunt like that!" Riku snaps.
"We don't need a tutor! If you're smart then you should turn around and walk away right now." Itsuki insists.
Tightening his fists Riku would have loved nothing more.
"Believe me, nothing would make me happier, but I can't." Riku cringed.
"Don't be stubborn," Itsuki said when he heard a familiar laughter.
"Riku!" Turning around Riku saw Aichi and Hina running to them.
"Hina. Aichi? What are you two doing here?" Riku asks.
"We wanted to hear about how your first day went," Aichi said when Hina noticed Itsuki.
"Oh wow is she who you're helping?" Hina asks.
"Don't worry about her." Riku insists.
"Would you like to join us?" Aichi offers.
"Will you two go inside? She was just leaving." Riku said.
"Really?" Both pouted and immediately Itsuki was overwhelmed by the two younger sibling's cuteness.
Soon she was inside the house, and Tenma came in with dinner.
"Here you all go, Minced Meat Cutlets," Tenma said serving the same dish they made for Sarah a few days ago.
"Hope you like it," Hina said.
"It looks great." Itsuki nods.
"You know Itsuki you're the first girl Riku's ever brought home." Aichi teases.
"Aichi." Riku glares.
"So Riku, tell us how did your first tutoring session go?" Tenma asks.
"Well actually—" Itsuki starts.
"It went great." Riku interrupts.
"What are you doing?" Itsuki whispers.
"If you're going to listen to me just once. Do it now. Just say it was okay for them." Riku glares.
"That's good, maybe now we can get some of the money back that we lost paying all those bills," Hina said.
"Not in front of the guest, Hina," Riku said.
Narrowing his eyes, Tenma could tell he was hiding something.
As Itsuki ate her food, she felt like she understood Riku a little.
After eating, Riku walked Itsuki to the door.
"Thanks for the meal," Itsuki said.
"Hey Itsuki, will come back sometime?" Aichi asks.
"Yeah, it was nice having you over. And don't be too mad, Riku can be nice." Hina smiles.
Hearing this, Itsuki smiles. "Of course I will, using my brain makes me super hungry."
"Ooh then you should come to Nekoya sometime. The food there is really yummy." Aichi suggests.
"Maybe I will." Itsuki smiles.
Leading Itsuki, to the bus stop it was just her and Riku.
"Don't get the wrong idea, I may know what you're about but I still can't help you," Itsuki said acting cold again.
"You haven't even scratched the surface of what I'm all about." Riku counters.
"I'll study hard with or without you. I can accomplish my goals on my own. It's your choice. If you want to be our tutor then go right ahead." Itsuki said as the cab pulls up for her.
"You're letting me keep this job? Thanks, Itsuki." Riku said surprised to hear that coming from her. "Tell your sisters I'll be there tomorrow so be prepared."
As she got into the car and drove away, Riku smirked. 'I may be their tutor but I am gonna find a way to get them back for that stunt they pulled today.'
"Well, that was quite the show." Turning around Riku saw Tenma waiting for him. "So anything you want to say for real now?"
"Uncle? How much did you hear?" Riku asks.
"Not much, but it was a lot more than your siblings know," Tenma said crossing his arms.
"Fine, they're the worst Uncle. I wasn't even able to tutor them for 5 minutes and they sent me home in a cab. Believe me, if it wasn't for Aichi and Hina I would quit right now." Riku said deciding to leave out that they drugged him.
"Come on Riku aren't you exaggerating a little bit?" Tenma asks.
"Did you not hear what I said?" Riku asks.
"I did, and like you said you only spent 5 minutes with them. Why don't you try to get to know them better before you think about doing anything crazy? Maybe you can grow and them and they'll like you and you them." Tenma suggests.
"Those girls? No thanks. The less time I spend with them the better. They don't care to know about me so why should I care about them?" Riku asks lifting up his hand to see the compass symbol on his bracelet pointing in the opposite direction. But what Riku didn't realize was that it was pointing in the direction of the Nakano residence.
"Life has a way of surprising you Riku. It's just the first day, the second day is never as bad as the first. Just try it for a while longer." Tenma insists making Riku sigh.
"Fine. I'll try again but uh can we keep this between us, Uncle? I don't need them knowing we had this talk." Riku said concerned for his younger siblings.
"I guess this can be our little secret." Tenma nods.
"Thanks," Riku said as they walked home. 'Uncle said I had to deal with them and I will…but I'm gonna find a way to get back at those girls for that stunt today.' Riku thought determined.
Meanwhile, back at the condo, the 4 Quintuplets were sitting around the living room.
"Do you think Riku knows?" Miku asks.
"I highly doubt he does. It's not like anyone would have told him that the only reason we transferred was because the 5 of us almost flunked out." Ichika said.
While Riku may be getting used to the Nekoya elements he was going to have his work cut out for him dealing with these girls.
Riku's Harem: Itsuki, Miku, Nino, Ichika, Yotsuba, Aletta, Victoria Samanark, Renner, Sarah Gold, and Hilda
