Disclaimer: The Quintessential Quintuplets (Goutoubun no Hanayome) and all its characters are the intellectual property of Mr. Negi Haruba. All rights reserved.
Tokai, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. October 10th, 2017. Asahiyama High School.
It is currently lunch break. Even though it has been previously discussed by Inejiro and Fuutarou that the study sessions would have to be ramped up in duration and intensity until the midterms roll around, it would seem nothing was arranged to be done during lunch breaks. For now, at least. Fuutarou is probably preparing for the study sessions (and studying himself), Itsuki is indeed studying by herself in the classroom. And the other three…well…maybe Miku could potentially be studying. Regardless, Inejiro isn't either. As he had a good night's sleep, he's feeling much better and able to enjoy a good lunch. He's having some yakisoba which he's devouring quite happily. Apparently they're quite good.
"Nakamura-sa…erm…Inejiro? Hi?", a brown-haired girl asked as she approached him. Inejiro looked up and saw it was Yamada, Nino's friend, who he had spoken with a couple of days ago right here in the cafeteria.
"Oh, Yamada, hi. No need to ask, join me if you want", Inejiro said, mouth half full.
"Thank you!", the girl said with a smile as she sat down. "I already ate though", she said as she sucked at a straw popping out of an orange juice box. "Want some?"
"Oh, sure, if you don't mind", Inejiro said as he took the box from her and drank some of the juice. The girl looked at him incredulously…she was just being polite, after all.
"N-No, I don't mind…", she said before Inejiro gave it back to her. She put it neatly on the table and didn't seem interested in drinking from it for the moment. "Anyways, you didn't text me at all!"
"Well, sorry, I told you, I'm a busy guy. Busier than usual now as luck would have it".
"Hmph, sounds like excuses to me", she said as she pouted. "Nah don't worry about it, I'm joking. We're all busy with the midterms and all".
"Oh shit the midterms, yeah".
"So…it wasn't the midterms you were busy with then?"
"Oh I will be. Oh…I will be", Inejiro said as he remembered his current predicament, which he was able to happily ignore throughout the morning.
"In fact, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. See, according to Nino, you're a bit of a know-it-all kinda guy".
"Her words? That might be the nicest thing she's ever…well, that she's said to me in some time".
"Eh…let's leave it at that. She says you're always going on and on about things she doesn't care about or understand. So…I say, you must be quite smart".
"I like to believe I know a couple of things, yes".
"So…maybe you can help me with my midterms? I'm not doing that badly but…you know…can't hurt to get a little help".
"Eh…", Inejiro said as he started chuckling nervously, "...what has Nino told you about our relationship?"
"Not much. As I said the other day, she hardly ever tells us anything".
"Oh but she finds time to complain about my use of metaphor and historical references. Travesty".
"Well…so what do you say?"
"I say that not only do I have to pass the midterms myself, which would be fine. I have to make absolutely certain that five other individuals pass theirs or otherwise a young man will join the ranks of the unemployed".
"Five…oh, it's Nino and her sisters! You're helping them! But…don't they have a tutor?"
"Yeah. That's who's job is on the line".
"Ugh why do you care…he seems like an ass".
"He's an ass in some ways but he works hard".
"I…look I'm not needing that much help. Just…no, forget it, you're busy".
"Look, Yamada…if you're one of Nino's friends, you're a friend of mine as well. As long as you understand that I am 100% unavailable outside of school…"
"Oh oh, that's fine! There's just some things I don't quite get from social studies and that stuff, but I do well enough. Is it really not a problem?"
"As you can see I'm quite free during lunch. For now at least. It's kinda late for today but if you wanna join me tomorrow…I guess I can help you out".
"Oh! Thank you! Thank you! I knew you were a cool guy!", Yamada said with a beaming smile. "Erm…", Yamada started to say as she checked her pocket and pulled out a 1000 yen note, "...I can't pay you more than this, but I hope it's alright".
"Pay me? What? No, ain't no way".
"But you're a teacher and stuff, aren't you?"
"Do I look like a teacher?"
"N-No, but…I don't understand".
Inejiro laughed. "Don't even try to understand. Really, Yamada, keep it", Inejiro said as he closed her hand with the note inside it, gesturing to her to keep it. She blushed wildly at the gesture.
"O-O-Okay…", she said as she put it back in her pocket. "Are you really okay with this?"
"I told you, you're one of Nino's friends, it's fine".
"Again, thank you so much Naka…ugh, Inejiro. And speaking of which…Nino is studying with Otori right now and…she's gonna blow a fuse if she finds out I skipped on her for having lunch with you. So I should go".
"What are you gonna do tomorrow? Want me to talk to her?"
"Oh no no no no", Yamada said as she shook her head wildly. "No way. I'll think of something", she went on as she stood up from her chair.
"Wait, don't forget your juice", Inejiro said as he grabbed the box and held it towards her.
"Ehehe…I guess you can keep it! I-It probably got a bit warm by now a-and you seemed to like it so…", she said with a light blush.
"Really? Well, thank you. I'll buy you something some other time to make up for it then".
"Oh? Well I WILL hold you to that! Okay gotta run bye!", Yamada said as she scurried off.
With that, Inejiro went back to eating what little remained of his lunch, before being very quickly interrupted again. This time by a male student who he didn't yet know. Tanned skin, long brown hair, and wearing a purple jacket over his uniform.
"Hey, you. You're Nakamura-san, right?", the boy said, standing in front of Inejiro.
"Well I'm requested today. So I hear, yeah".
Upon hearing that, the student sat in front of Inejiro, not even bothering to introduce himself, while Inejiro stared at him.
"Alright, I need your help".
"Mind telling me who you are first?"
"Oh, right. Maeda, you can call me Maeda, from Class 2-4".
"Oh, Ichika's class".
"S-So it's true then. Good…h-has she mentioned me at all?"
"I don't think she even knows any of her classmates' names, sorry".
"Figures…well, as I said, I need your help, Nakamura-san".
"Just 'Inejiro' is fine. And sorry, but if you need help with your midterms, my schedule is completely booked".
"C-Can you do that? But, NO, that's not it. I need help with Nakano-san. I see it's true that you're friends".
"You could say that…"
"You are FRIENDS though, right?"
"No, we're engaged, actually".
"O-Oh…w-well…s-sorry to bother you!", Maeda said as he began to stand up.
"Sit down man! I was joking", Inejiro said while laughing. "But I can't help you".
"But why?", Maeda said as he sat back down. "We have other cute girls in our class, I could introduce you".
"I'm sure you do, but I'll pass on that".
"Good, 'cause…well I don't get along that much with them actually".
"Ah. Have you ever tried talking with girls before?"
"But how do you just do that? Talk with girls. I saw you talking with some other girl right now".
"You just talk…like you talk with guys. Not exactly the same way you talk with guys, but you get the point. They're people, you just talk".
"It's not that easy for most of us, you know…you can't 'just talk'"
"But why? I mean…I get some guys are shy and that's fine, but you just gotta have the will or something, I don't know".
"Not all of us are like you, Nakamura! Some of us have to, you know, try".
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Not all of us are fit enough to star in an action movie, man!"
"Uesugi ain't that fit and yet…eh, scratch that, I shouldn't talk about that. But, Maeda, there's now easy way around it. You like Ichika? Gotta find a way to talk to her, that's all".
"But she…c'mon how could she ever even give me the time of day? She's WAY out of my league. Hell of ANYONE'S league".
"How the hell do you know? As I said, try to approach her somehow. The only heads up I'll give you: she's a busy gal. And since you're a bit shy…you'll have to find a way to talk to her alone somehow".
"And how do I do that?"
"Beats me, man, just think of a way".
"Fine then. A-Also…shit if you're not gonna help me at all please at least don't tell her anything! Or…she has sisters, right? Don't tell them either!"
"Secret's safe".
"Okay. Well…see you, then", Maeda said as he got up and left. And as soon as Maeda left, ANOTHER youngster went to sit in front of Inejiro. This time a much more familiar female student: Miku Nakano.
"Spying on me again, eh?", Inejiro said, not even surprised anymore.
"I was actually studying nearby with Yotsuba, but she left for whatever reason, and…I couldn't help but overhear".
"Suuuure. Anyways, quick question: is it really that hard for some guys to talk to girls?"
"Inejiro, I am a girl…but yes, it is for some. A lot of guys".
"I mean…it's never been an issue for me".
"Girls are nice to you. They're not that nice to other guys. Or…girls", Miku said as she looked down.
"Uesugi doesn't mind talking to girls".
"Fuutarou is…special. Still, you don't have many male friends, do you?"
"Not since I've been hanging out with you lot, no. And even less since I stopped playing ball. So…yeah now that you mention it, no. I mostly hang out around girls".
"Mostly us".
"Yeah…that's true. But…how am I so popular all of a sudden?"
"I imagine you always were. But you have a social life now".
"I have only added one Uesugi to my friends list. If he'd even call me a 'friend'".
"Yeah, but…", Miku sighed before continuing. "When you were in school last time, did you hang out with many people other than Natsumi?"
"Some, but…well, her friends mostly, not mine. And when I got held back, mostly her, and then…yeah, I get it".
"You were the big sports star, with the cute girlfriend, not very approachable. Now you're just…another guy. You stand out, but you're just…a guy…a g-good-looking guy", Miku said, whispering the last part very quietly while blushing.
"I didn't catch that last part", Inejiro said, seemingly oblivious.
"N-Nothing. Still, you get it".
"Wait, Miku…how do you know all of this? You're no social butterfly yourself".
"I…read things, I told you. And not just THOSE things, don't ask again", Miku said, blushing again. "And I'm observant…as you know".
"Oh that I do know. Still, no further comments on my earlier conversation?"
"Conversations, Inejiro. I heard them both".
"Yeah. By accident. Right".
"I will just say that Nino is right to be worried about you hitting on her friends".
"Hitting on her? I was just being nice".
"You can be nice without indirectly kissing her and holding her hand. And also promising to buy her lunch".
"...Okay, when you put it like that…"
"Jeez, honestly…I don't know how you do it either…"
"I don't know, Miku, it's not some sort of superpower. If people are nice, be nice to them back. Just the way I was raised to behave".
"Yes, I get it just…", Miku was saying before she started blushing again. "Never mind, Inejiro, you're fine as you are", she finished with a smile.
"Thank you, Miku. I appreciate it. You should smile more".
"I-Idiot…maybe do tone it down a little", she said while blushing, again. "Still…I don't know about Ichika and that guy, but you ARE NOT allowed to hook me up with any guys. If they ask, just say no".
"Noted. Well, we should really be heading back to class", Inejiro said as he stood up and picked up his tray, with Miku standing up as well, and walking beside him. "Busy lunch break today".
"Not from studying…", Miku responded.
"Sorry about that. Well, we'll have a LOT of tutoring sessions now so…I can take a break".
"I imagined with the midterms coming up, that might happen".
"Happy?"
"A l-little".
"Cool. So…try your hardest. I don't wanna pressure you, but…it's really important that you all do well".
"I understand. I don't want to disappoint Fuutarou".
"That's…good", Inejiro said with a worried expression.
"Is something wrong?", Miku asked, sensing that Inejiro wasn't being completely forthright.
"N-No…I know you've been working hard, just keep at it".
"Okay", said Miku, although she wasn't completely convinced by Inejiro's answer.
"By the way…you'll have to explain to me how I 'indirectly kissed' Yamada earlier some other time".
"The juice box, dummy".
"Eh?"
"She sucked from it and then…never mind. You're like Fuutarou sometimes. That's why I…", before she could continue, Inejiro softly patted her in the head.
"I know. Don't try too hard to hide it. You'll figure this stuff out eventually", he said softly.
"I-I-I-Inejiro t-there's a lot of people here!", Miku said as she jumped back quickly, blushing even harder than before.
"Well…look at the bright side: no guys will go after you!", Inejiro laughed. It didn't help Miku's embarrassment at ALL. "Oh, by the way. Tutoring session in your place after class. We'll get a lot done, hopefully. See you later", Inejiro said as he walked off towards Class 2-1.
Miku just stood there, wildly embarrassed, kicking herself mentally. She got her share of weird looks, but mostly ignored them. Soon, she remembered that she'll probably have a long tutoring session coming later in the day, so she smiled softly, happiness now welling up inside her, and headed back to her class.
When Inejiro got back inside his own class he noticed Itsuki studying by herself, with Fuutarou still being absent from the class.
"Hey Itsuki. Everything going well?", Inejiro asked as he sat down next to her.
"I-Inejiro-kun…eh…p-pretty well actually!", she responded, clearly lying.
"You sure about that?"
"Yes I'm sure! I-I'll do just fine!"
"Alright. Not even gonna ask what happened with Uesugi yesterday".
"Don't. I imagine you already know. You probably think I am being stupid too".
"Either both of you are being stupid, or neither of you are. I can't quite figure out the right option".
"W-Well it's surely not me!"
"Yeah, yeah. Listen, we REALLY need to talk about this. At length. Away from prying eyes".
"You will NOT convince me. I am DONE with him".
"Itsuki, there's just stuff you DON'T KNOW. If you wanna decide against the tutoring, fine, whatever. But you, yourself, deserve to do so, knowing everything that's at stake here. On what day of the week are you free?"
"W-Well…I'm never really free…but if you insist that much…any day's the same, really".
"Okay. Come to my place after school today. We're supposed to have tutoring at your place but Uesugi will just have to understand. I assume he will".
"M-Maybe you can help me out with some stuff while we're at it…"
"Sure. So it's set. We'll go home together after school", Inejiro said before noticing that Fuutarou entered the classroom and sat down on his desk. "Okay Itsuki I'll talk to him now, be right back".
Inejiro got up and stood next to Fuutarou's desk.
"Yo, Uesugi. Quick update", Inejiro said.
"What do you want? Class is about to start…", Fuutarou said, with an annoyed tone and expression.
"I'll have to skip the session today. Itsuki is coming over to my place and…well, we have things to talk about. You know".
Fuutarou turned around to look straight at Itsuki, who just frowned at him and averted his gaze.
"...Fine. Hopefully I can keep the girls' interest by myself".
"I doubt that will be a problem. Those three won't give you any issues. I leave it in your hands", Inejiro said, heading back to his own desk as the bell rang and the teacher entered the classroom soon after.
"It's set. Tell your sisters, I don't want any confusion", Inejiro whispered to Itsuki, who just nodded.
After classes ended, Inejiro and Itsuki headed out together towards his apartment, without any of the other Nakanos or Fuutarou.
"So, did you tell the other girls?", Inejiro asked as he walked alongside her.
"I did write them. They haven't responded yet…do you think it will be a problem? We can always cancel".
"No Itsuki, it's fine. They'll be fine with Uesugi".
"Inejiro-kun. Do you not think you trust him too much?"
"What do you mean? Why?"
"It worries me. He is a man".
"I'm a man".
"Don't be obtuse, Inejiro-kun. You know what I mean. I fear my sisters trust him too much. What do we know about him? Why do you defend him so much? Do you have a reason?"
"I just don't want a guy that I know works his ass off, getting the sack".
"'Getting the sack'? What do you mean?"
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I was gonna wait till we got there but whatever. Your father intends to fire him unless every single one of you passes their midterms".
"Eh? So…that's why he was like that. But why did he not tell me anything!?"
"For all his faults, Uesugi is not truly an asshole. He probably didn't want to pressure you".
"But…why would he care? If he told me, maybe I wouldn't have said…"
"I just told you. He's a good guy. He doesn't want to share his burdens with you lot. That's really it".
"He…told you that?"
"No. You'll just have to trust me I guess. But I can tell".
"He is…somewhat like you then".
"In more ways than one, I've been told. Maybe that's why I get it. I don't know. But that's really it. If you all don't pass, it's over for him. It is already an almost impossible task without you two fighting, but like this, there's no chance at all. As I said today in class, decide what you like, but you should decide with full knowledge".
"I…understand. I…could talk to Father about it. It seems like an impossible condition to meet. He has…a family to look after, this is not right. No matter what I think of him. Raiha-chan counts on him".
"That's not the answer I was hoping for…there's higher odds of each one of you passing the midterms without any tutoring than of you convincing Maruo of anything".
"That is…not entirely wrong. But still, I'm the only one who he listens to at all".
"You're also the only one who cares to talk to him. Other than to ask him for money".
"I do not agree with how some of my sisters treat him, but he also earned it a little".
"I'm not gonna open that can of worms, some other day maybe. I'll just say that for all his flaws, Maruo is a man I respect greatly. And that's unlikely to change. Still, I agree that he's being a bit unfair with Uesugi. It seems he shares your mistrust of him, somewhat".
"I just…don't think we should take lightly the idea of a man getting close to our family without a thorough vetting process".
"Look, Uesugi, he's…he's not your father. I mean, not Maruo. The other one".
"And what about you? You are the closest thing to a male authority figure we have. I can't say I agree with it completely…but it is still the case. Shouldn't you be more…defensive?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Well, what if…U-Uesugi-kun, and o-one of my sisters…I don't feel comfortable discussing it!", Itsuki said, blushing.
"If that were the case…it would be up to that sister…and Uesugi himself…to decide", Inejiro said, looking down as he walked.
"You are way too accepting of it. If I don't watch out…no one will".
"Your father sure will. But enough of that…matter of fact, I have something to ask you. But let's wait till we get home".
"O-Okay…you're scaring me".
"Nothing major. I doubt it will be an issue with you particularly. But I have to ask, still".
"...There is food in your apartment right?"
"There is more than enough, even for you".
"'Even for me!? What is that supposed to mean!?", Itsuki asked angrily while pouting. Inejiro laughed at her.
"My lips are sealed", he said, with her still pouting at him.
They went on with their small talk until they made it to the entrance to Inejiro's apartment just a couple of minutes later.
"Hey, Itsuki", Inejiro said as he handed her the keys. "There's bread in the kitchen and some cheese in the fridge. Make yourself some sandwiches. I'll stay outside and have a smoke for a minute".
"Smoke? Hmph. Alright".
"Hey be thankful I'm not making you breathe it all in".
"Don't push it", Itsuki said as she headed inside and upstairs. Inejiro just lit himself a cigarette, while staring at the few cars and people that passed him by.
"Yo, neighbor!", Suzuki-san greeted him as he left his own building.
"Oh hey Suzuki-san. Want a smoke?"
"No thanks it's good…I've been trying to cut back on it a little".
"Oh, that's good. So, what are you up to? Strange seeing you around at this time".
"My son's in town. I took the night off today so I could meet up with him. In fact, I just came back from work".
"Cool! You must be happy to see him".
"Yeah, damn right I am. But enough about that. Was that star pins?"
"Itsuki. Yes. And don't say anything".
"Oh no, far be it for me to speculate on anything".
"Yeah, right…", Inejiro said sarcastically.
"Still, say, Nakamura-san…there were some, erm, noises coming out of your place the other night. Nothing against it, just saying…"
"Completely different girl, Suzuki-san".
"Not…one of them five?"
"Nope".
"Man…to be young again. My ass is too old for that stuff, sadly".
"Nonsense. I'm sure you've still got some game in you".
"Eh…it's been hard for me since the divorce. It's not that easy".
"No, I get it. Believe me, I get it. Still, you never know".
"Well I'm heading back in. Don't wanna keep my boy waiting. Good luck up there", Suzuki-san said, ending with a little wink.
"Get outta here!", Inejiro yelled as his neighbor laughed to himself and headed back inside. Inejiro did the same a few seconds later, and when he entered his apartment he saw Itsuki already happily digging in.
"I see you're already well-served", Inejiro said as he dropped his backpack and went to wash his hands.
"Well you said I should help myself", Itsuki said with her mouth half full.
"That I did", Inejiro said as he sat in front of her. "So, Itsuki, I apologize in advance if I'm about to be too blunt but frankly…if I wasn't blunt you probably won't get it".
"You're calling me stupid too?", Itsuki asked angrily.
"No, no…just a bit…naive, let's say. Anyways. So. Do you like me?"
"...Like you? Like…what?", Itsuki asked, trying to process what Inejiro asked her.
"Like…liking someone, Itsuki. Do you like me as something other than a friend? And don't say 'brother' or anything like that, please get what I'm trying to say".
Itsuki slowly started to understand the question, and got incredibly embarrassed.
"W-W-W-W-What even got into you!?", she yelled, jumping straight into her feet with her face redder even than the surface of the Sun.
"Nothing! Well, many things! See, the thing is…some of your sisters do like me. Or did like me. And I was none the wiser for way too long. I want that to end. So…"
"Inejiro-kun…I…I'm shocked. My sisters like you? But like…like a man? Like that?"
"Not all. But…yeah".
"I-I'm sorry, but…as I said before you're like…an older brother, or whatever you are, but not…I never thought of you like that!"
"Oh…so that's settled then".
"I don't know how I feel about you…being so satisfied with my answer, however".
"I'm just satisfied that I got a clear answer, that's all. I'm not even gonna discuss my feelings cause I don't know what I feel. Take that for what you will".
"Oh don't tell me you…one of us? Many of us?"
"I don't know. It will be some time before I know what I feel. Sorry if I can't be more clear-cut. It's just the way it is".
"But…", Itsuki started to say before she let out a loud sigh. "I guess if it was you…that wouldn't be much of a problem".
"Thank you for your seal of approval, then".
"Well don't take it in stride too much! There's still the smoking…and the drinking…and your studies. But I trust that you would not hurt any of the girls. So…don't hold yourself back for my sake, if you ever…you know…AH I DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT INDECENT THINGS", Itsuki said, hiding her face with her hands in shame.
"Jeez Itsuki, chill. I just want to know that nothing's gonna be weird between us now".
"Well it's not like you confessed to me or anything so…it's fine. But…I won't call you an older brother ever again".
"Yeah. That's weird…considering".
"Yes. But how could I not realize anything? How much of a fool…"
"Itsuki, I myself had my head stuck up my own ass, so you can forgive yourself".
"That is an…unnecessarily graphic way to put it, but thank you. Still…oh", Itsuki suddenly opened her eyes wide, as if she came to a wild realization. "That's why! Nino! And…Yotsuba…and…Miku…wait…I get it now! They liked you! It explains EVERYTHING!"
"Wanna share?", Inejiro asked, with a very curious expression.
"N-No…some things are secret. Some you might already know anyhow…but it makes sense. I understand so much now. Thank you Inejiro-kun, really…for being honest with me. It would have been easier for you not to".
"Oh, believe me…it wouldn't have, not at all".
"And like with everything else, if you ever need to talk…as long as it's…", Itsuki gulped before continuing, "...appropriate, I'm here".
"Of course. I should be less obtuse too. Can't promise anything though".
"You know what else you should start doing? Studying".
"Aaaaand here it comes. The nagging".
"'Nagging'? You call me being concerned about your future 'nagging'"?
"Yes. I call it that. And I thought it was YOU that needed help from ME…"
"W-Well, that is true…but still".
"Wanna bet? If I score an average below 60 across the board…I'll treat you to lunch or dinner or whatever you fancy. Anywhere you like. However expensive it may be".
"Gambling too? Inejiro-kun!"
"So? Will you take the bet or not?"
"No! Of course I won't! Sure, I understand, you are confident. I will trust you. And don't spend money on me! It's completely unfair".
"Well…no more nagging then".
"It's not…fine! You better do well!"
"I will!", Inejiro said with a smile. "Anyways, what was it you needed help with?"
"History, again. But Japanese History this time. I…don't understand anything. The Sengoku Period, the Meiji Restoration…so many names…it's so SO confusing!"
"Hehe, yeah, I get that. But don't kill yourself remembering every little thing. Just as long as you understand the periods overall, big picture. It's just high school".
"Hmph, so you say and yet…you're 20".
"Fine! I get it! But on these topics hear me out, okay?"
"Yes, I will".
"Good. So, get your glasses, your notebook and something to write with".
"Sure thing!", Itsuki said happily as she went towards her backpack.
A couple of hours went by, with Inejiro explaining to Itsuki what he can remember from those periods, while she diligently paid attention, took notes and asked questions. The late afternoon soon turned into night time, which now that it's fall, comes by much earlier. Eventually, both of them were satisfied with the progress they had made, and decided to call it a night.
"See, Itsuki, how much better everything is when you have someone to help", Inejiro asked.
"Yes. But…I know what you are trying to do, and it is not going to work. I will speak with Father, and…I will consider…him, tutoring me. For Raiha-chan's sake…if anything else".
"Thank you. It means a lot to me that you're at least gonna try".
"Try not to get your hopes up too much, however…it's not just up to me".
"Yeah, I get that. So, you wanna spend the night?"
Itsuki blushed very heavily once again.
"WHAT!?"
"What the hell is it with that reaction? Since we've established there ain't anything weird between us, I figured…"
"Inejiro-kun! With everything we've discussed…what kind of question is that!?"
"With everything we've discussed you should have no issue with it! It's fine if you don't wanna but don't bring that stuff up!"
"I mean…you're right. Eh…I don't think I've ever stayed here".
"None of you have. Hell…I'm gonna start thinking that Uesugi is right, and you have put on airs…"
Itsuki got red with anger at that suggestion.
"OKAY, YOU KNOW WHAT? NOW I AM STAYING".
"Cool! Please do let your sisters know".
"I…I will do that. I will never let you get away with saying that…HE is right".
"Okay, let me try this then…he is right in being angry at you for refusing to let him tutor you…?"
"Your heart isn't in it, I can tell", Itsuki said while she tapped on her phone. "Alright, I've told them. I hope it isn't a problem for them…given everything".
"They'll surely bust my balls about it. It's whatever".
"And it's Ichika I'm the most afraid of in the first place", Inejiro said to himself, realizing that, funnily enough, the one quint (other than Itsuki) that doesn't have any feelings for him is probably the most troublesome.
"Very well…oh it seems they are all already typing on the group…"
"That's all fine and dandy but if you don't mind I have to call Uesugi now. Work stuff. So just…make yourself at home, alright?"
"Hmph", Itsuki huffed dismissively.
"Don't be such a baby", Inejiro said as he picked up his phone to call Fuutarou, while Itsuki, however much feigned indifference she might have shown, listens very attentively.
"Hello? Nakamura?", Fuutarou said when he picked up.
"Hey, Uesugi. So, how did it go?"
"Could have been worse…they did get worried about you not being there at first and their spirits weren't high at all, but I could get them to work, mostly".
"Oh, that's good. I have to admit I was pretty scared".
"I was too. But…you know, apparently they're willing to work with me for now. Those three, at least. Speaking of which…"
"She's right here with me", Inejiro said, looking at Itsuki who turned her head away immediately. "Can't promise anything".
"Oh well. And Nino?"
"Nothing from her. I'm meeting with a friend of hers tomorrow for lunch…MAYBE I can rope her in to at least let me teach her. But nothing right now".
"I hope that goes well. So, what do we do tomorrow?"
"Depends on how everything goes. We'll talk at school".
"Very well. See you then", Fuutarou said as he hung up the phone.
"What did he want to know about me?", Itsuki asked.
"What else? Whether you will join the tutoring sessions or not".
"You did not have to hold yourself back just because I am here".
"I didn't hold myself back because you're here. It's a wholly bad idea to let him know you'll be talking to your father. Just…do it by yourself".
"W-Well you shouldn't lie".
"I didn't lie. I said 'can't promise anything', which is absolutely true".
"If you say so…Inejiro-kun, do you even have any pajamas I can wear?"
"Eh…sorry about that, no pajamas…but there is a wide variety of loose fitting shirts that you can use".
"I-Inejiro-kun! How is that appropriate?"
"If you wanna go and buy some pajamas you can".
"Hmph. I will accept it…but I will ask you for something to cover my legs as well".
"Suit yourself. Any pants that you pick are yours to wear".
"Alright…now…dinner?"
"Sorry I can't offer anything more to your level, but there's all kinds of cup noodles in that drawer over there", Inejiro said pointing towards said drawer in the kitchen.
"Cup noodles…", Itsuki sighed. "Oh well…I know how you are".
"By the way, also: there's no bath here, but the shower is all yours too".
"Alright. But I doubt you have any…feminine hygiene products, do you?"
"Oh. Are you…? I'll go buy some".
"NO! That is not it! I meant…hair lotions and…that sort of thing".
"Well…no, I just use soap and water, that's it! Unless…Natsumi left something behind?", Inejiro said as he hurried inside the bathroom. "Well…she left a female deodorant, if you wanna use it", Inejiro said as he showed said deodorant to Itsuki.
"Right…she stayed here".
"She did. She sends her regards, by the way".
"Likewise. She was always nice to us, even though the way you broke up was…regrettable".
"Don't have to tell me about it. But we made amends so…everything's cool".
"Are you back together, then?"
"Not quite, no".
"And…she stayed here".
"Yes".
"This is…too confusing!"
"Don't have to tell me about that either".
"Oh well…I will have to trust your judgment. Even though I would be better advised not to, what can I do?"
"Nothing, really. Good call".
"And…wait. I should tell you about my sisters' reactions…"
"No, no. Don't do that".
"But…why?"
"I think it is important that you all keep some conversations to yourselves".
"...You are right".
"They'll tell me all about it either way, so…but if there's any little thing that should stay between you sisters…then it should remain so".
"I agree completely. I am glad you are dealing with this in such a grown-up manner".
"Well…I messed up enough shit already. No need to mess up this one. And it's a very important one at that".
"Good for you, Inejiro-kun. I was completely right in trusting you. Now…I suppose I should eat some of that…stuff you feed yourself".
"Hey! Respect the cup noodle!"
"I don't know how you keep in shape like this, to be honest".
"Lots of exercise. Though to be honest this crap with the tutoring has had me busy. Can't work out as much as I like".
"You know…we already discussed something related to this…but if you ever feel you shouldn't be acting as second tutor or however your job is called…you should discuss it".
"I…it's not something I haven't thought about. After midterms are over…we'll see".
"Oh. So you have already decided. When you say you are thinking about something, it usually means…you have decided".
"Yeah, yeah. Indulge my vague answers for now",
"Alright, I won't bother you with it. Only…I am sorry if I gave you any trouble with any of this".
"You shouldn't accept help just so I have an easier job. You should do so for your sake. So you can do better, which you clearly want. Either way, don't concern yourself with it".
"It's just…Uesugi-kun does not see it that way. You care, but him…he just cares about the money. Not about me. Not about us".
"I wouldn't be so quick to pass judgment on that. Besides, you know his family situation, their debts, all that. His dad's working all day, his sister has to take care of the house when she's not in school…"
"But I am not a money making machine! I am not! I understand what he goes through perfectly well, but it does not justify him!"
"No one knows better than me, other than you five and Maruo, what you all went through, what your mom went through. But it's been a while. You're used to another kind of lifestyle now. Uesugi's not. He has to struggle to survive. I'm not here to argue whether he's right, or wrong, but it's to be expected that he'd put that over any other considerations. You must understand that".
"And what is that supposed to mean? You think I don't remember what it was like to be poor? That I don't sympathize? Just because we're doing well now?"
"It was different, just…you were little, he's 17, an older brother. It's not the same".
"You mean…we weren't responsible for anything. For sustaining the family".
"Yes, that's it. So I'm not asking you to be friends with Uesugi, but try to understand him at least".
"I suppose I can do that…if he shows understanding towards me as well".
"He'll have to".
Following that, nothing much else happened throughout the night. They had their high-class dinner consisting of cup noodles and…a glass of water (of course, Inejiro drank something else. Itsuki showered and changed into her comfy pajamas consisting of…an oversized t-shirt and oversized sports pants that she had to hold onto at all times in order for them not to fall off. Soon enough, Inejiro set up Itsuki's futon, and they turned in for the night. As childhood friends. Same as always.
Tokai, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. October 11th, 2017. Asahiyama High School.
The morning was pretty uneventful, all things considered. Itsuki whined about there not being enough food to keep her satisfied, and decided to buy herself something on the way to school. Which she did. Inejiro went over his normal routine, as always, only that now he had company on his usual walk to school.
Them arriving together at Asahiyama did raise eyebrows, of course, which made Itsuki somewhat uncomfortable, while Inejiro shrugged it off. Even though it does always annoy him. They arrived at their class before Fuutarou, so no comment from him (assuming he would even care, which is very unlikely) and they just settled in for the day of school.
It was when lunch time came that they finally parted ways. Inejiro has his…eh, 'lunch date' with Yamada to take care of. He confirmed with her through text that they would indeed meet, and so he headed towards the cafeteria as soon as the bell rang.
When he arrived at the cafeteria and asked for his own lunch, he proceeded to look for wherever Yamada was sitting. And…find her he did. Alongside…Nino. The quintuplet was sitting next to Yamada, who just looked down with a nervous expression, as if she had been scolded by her mother. Nino noticed Inejiro approaching and she…greeted him, in her own way.
"Hey. Weren't expecting me, huh?", she said with an ironic tone.
Inejiro wasn't even shocked by the development. It wasn't beyond the realm of possibility that Nino would find out and interfere. Furthermore…in spite of the torrent of insults that is probably coming his way, there is an opportunity here. So he just sat down. In front of Yamada, not Nino.
"Hi, Nino. Long time no see. Yamada", Inejiro said as he bowed to the nervous girl, which earned a scoff from Nino. "Hope she didn't…rough you up too much".
"N-Naka…again…Inejiro…hi", Yamada said nervously.
"Where's your other friend? You three are hardly ever apart".
"Otori? She's sick. But that's none of your concern. What were you doing arranging lunch dates with Yamada? Did I not tell you to stay away from my friends?", Nino asked poignantly.
"Your friends are not your playthings and neither am I. Besides, I was gonna help her with her midterms. With your permission, I would hope to be able to do so".
"Is that so? And since when do you care about how my friends do in school?"
"Well she did ask me for help", Inejiro said, earning a scared look from Yamada. "Which is fucking fine, there's nothing 'sketchy' going on here, so drop it, Nino".
"Is that so? Is that why you were holding hands yesterday?", Nino asked. "You often forget that I know EVERYTHING".
"No, you know jack shit. You only know what some fool told you. You wanna know what really happened?"
"I bloody well WOULD".
"She w-"
"Nino, I tried to pay him for his services, and he just put the money back in my hand, gesturing me not to do so. That is all", Yamada said, cutting Inejiro off.
"You know…this guy…he'll make you believe it's just that…but oh no. That's how he ropes you in!", Nino said.
"Nino, I'm sitting right here! Who exactly did I rope in? What malevolent plan do I have? You are 17-years old, stop acting like a little girl".
"Say WHAT!?"
"That, exactly that. Now, time is of the essence here. If you love your friend as much as you say you do, PLEASE let me help her. If you are SO mistrustful of my 'intentions' or whatever the hell, just join us. I'm sure you could use some help too".
"I-I don't need help! I'm doing just fine!"
"Yamada, how is she doing?"
"S-She…could do better, honestly", Yamada said.
"Yamada!", Nino called out to her.
"Nino! Stop being so angry at him! Just…join us! It will be fun. I know that always said how much of a bad guy he is…but is he?"
"I've known him longer than you!"
"Your sisters have too, haven't they? Should I ask them what they think of him?"
"Nino…do you really wanna be left out? You miss the tutoring sessions with Uesugi…you're gonna miss our little session with Yamada. Do you really feel comfortable not being part of…anything?", Inejiro asked, knowing fully well how Nino tends to cave to peer pressure.
"Ugh you learned that line from that asshole of a tutor, didn't you? Fine, I'll stay. But I'll make sure we STUDY, no funny business", Nino said. "I will have to go and get my notebook and stuff…no funny business, you hear me?", Nino asked with her finger pointing at Inejiro.
"No funny business, Nino. Thank you".
"Yeah yeah", Nino said as she walked right off.
"Phew. That went relatively well. Thanks for helping me out Yamada", Inejiro said to the girl, who just looked tired and sighed.
"I swear…I love Nino, but sometimes she is so…like this. Half the school has no idea how she's like, I swear".
"Yeah, I get that. But she's not…truly mean or anything. I imagine you know that, that's why you still hang out with her".
"To be honest with you…at first I got close to her because she was the 'popular new girl', you know? Cute, fashionable, all that. But I do genuinely enjoy myself around her and she seems like a good person. She's just…like this a lot of the time".
"She's like this with me, and Uesugi, and her father…sensing a pattern here".
"I am a little into psychology, you know? It's one of the things I'd kinda like to study after school…sooo you're like, a smart guy, I don't need to explain what I'm thinking".
"Oh no you don't. You are quite right, and let's leave it at that".
"Okay…so…", Yamada started fidgeting her fingers while she spoke. "This wasn't really the plan…"
"I know, but-"
"I know you have to help her too, but that's not what I was gonna say…I-I wanted to be with you…a-alone. That's why I…asked for help, really".
"Are all girls in this school so forward?"
"Inejiro…these days, the way boys are like…if a girl doesn't take a little initiative…I don't wanna become an old bitter cat lady, y'know?"
"Fair. And agreed".
"So…you get what I'm saying, don't you? Could we…some other time? After the midterms and…stuff".
"I do like the idea of hanging out and everything, just…"
"You're gonna friendzone me right now, aren't you?", Yamada chuckled.
"No, no! Ain't that. Just…not now. I just can't right now. I…hope you understand".
"I was sitting here for this whole thing, Inejiro…I know Nino…you're probably not that different with her sisters…of course I understand. It's just a little tiny bit weird, but I get it".
"Thank you, Yamada. And it's weirder than you're imagining, let's just leave it at that".
"Hey but we can still like…hang out and stuff right? And like…talk on the phone, that kinda stuff".
"Oh, yeah, sure. Now…quiet. Nino's coming", Inejiro said, noticing Nino walking towards them.
"'Kay, got it", Yamada said as she put up her own notebook on the table and got ready to study.
"Okay I don't care what you two were talking about, it's over now", Nino said as she sat down and also set her study materials on the table. "Yamada, by the way, this guy only knows about old men, politicians and shithole countries. Don't ask about anything else". Yamada laughed at Nino's description of Inejiro's knowledge.
"Hey! That's just…well what you're getting at is true but your definition is all wrong! There's no such thing as 'shithole countries', I know about generals, philosophers-"
"Bleah, I don't care", Nino said, cutting Inejiro off.
"What I was trying to say, is that my strong suits are History, Geography, English, Japanese, that sort of stuff. For anything else, I can outsource you to Uesugi if you like".
"Em…no, thanks, I think I'm fine…", Yamada said, given that her only knowledge of Fuutarou comes from Nino's tales and his…not so appropriate speech.
"Well then, let's get cracking shall we? Let's start with English then…", Inejiro said, before starting his impromptu tutoring session for the duration of the lunch break.
It goes without saying that he covered only a few subjects and in a very…summarized manner, to put it mildly. Yamada seemed to catch on quite quickly (it's quite clear that she DIDN'T actually need much help) but Nino seemed to struggle. It's quite apparent that she's far from ready for the midterms.
"Well…we should leave it here. Lunch break's almost over", Inejiro said, bringing the session to an end.
"Ugh…this totally sucks", Nino said.
"No, you haven't been studying much at all, that's the problem".
"Yeah well I don't care what you say, if you think I'm gonna let that useless tutor teach me, you are very VERY wrong".
"I really think you should. BUT, the next best thing would be to at least let me help you. During lunch, like today. Yamada, you can come too, and your other friend, Otori, when she's feeling better".
"Yeah, Nino, come on! Let's do that! The three of us had been studying by ourselves anyways. Sometimes…at least. Can't hurt to have him help! He knows what he's talking about", Yamada said.
"Ugh, fine! I still don't know why it's sooo important that I pass this test, but fine", Nino said.
"It's important because you don't wanna get held back", Inejiro responded.
"Oh look who's talking. Hypocrite".
"A guy who knows that getting held back sucks balls and ass".
"Gross", Nino said with a disgusted face.
"A bit graphic…but he is right", Yamada said.
"'A bit'. When Uesugi does it it's 'creepy' and 'disgusting', when he does it it's 'a bit graphic'. Yeah yeah. I'm outta here", Nino said before grabbing her stuff and leaving the table.
"Well, Yamada, see you tomorrow I guess. With Miss Sunshine over there", Inejiro said.
"Sure thing! See you!", Yamada said before picking up her own things and following Nino.
Inejiro went to pick up his tray and leave towards his class, when another quintuplet made an appearance.
"Jiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiro! Hey! There you are!", said Yotsuba, who was running towards him at full speed.
"Is it even allowed to run like this inside the school?", Inejiro asked.
"Not really…but I always help teachers out with stuff so they never tell me anything!"
"Ah. Corruption. Cute".
"What do you mean?"
"Quid pro quo".
"Now you're just making words up".
"Yeah, yeah. Well, what's the reason for your most recent impersonation of Sonic the Hedgehog?"
"I was looking for you! I went to your class and you weren't there. Uesugi-san was there but he didn't even talk to me…he's such a hater when he's at school!"
"Oh because he's all sunshine and rainbows outside of school".
"W-Well…kinda. But Itsuki was there too and she told me you'd be here. Oh wait, that WAS Nino I just ran past, wasn't she?"
"Yeah. That's who I was with".
"You? With Nino? Wow, that's so cool! But why?"
"Helping her with the midterms. She doesn't like Uesugi so…"
"But she doesn't like you much either. O-Or she does but…you know what I mean".
"I'm helping her and her friends. Good ole' peer pressure".
"Oh, well, that's really cool, still. Maybe one day she'll be like when we were kids".
"Baby steps".
"Anyways, I wanted to talk to you about yesterday. Uesugi-san makes us work too much, Jiro! You have to be there, please promise!"
"I'm in complete agreement with Uesugi in this. You need to work hard. Yotsuba, midterms are next week".
"But I can't learn anything if I'm overworked! We were studying until late at night yesterday! And now today…after school, tutoring again! I didn't even have time to look at my notes or anything!"
"Since when do you look at your notes at all!?"
"Since…since I'm worried about the midterms!"
"Well if you mean it, I appreciate that you're starting to take this seriously".
"I am! And that's thanks to Uesugi-san too…BUT, he can't overwork us like that! We have rights too!"
"That Uesugi is one harsh session away from having his students unionize".
"Yeah! Shouldn't you be proud of that?"
"Only problem is that the one working for a living here is HIM, not you".
"Ahhh well I don't care, you need to help me! Us! I mean…I l-like Uesugi-san a lot, you know, but…come on, come on, help me!"
"Fiiiine. Fucking fine. It's true that overstudying is not good either. I'll be there from now on. And I'll make sure you have breaks and stuff".
"Cool! Also, make the sessions shorter".
"That's a bit much, isn't it? Midterms are NEXT WEEK, I already told you!"
"And I already told you that I have no time to re-read anything he teaches me! I don't learn anything this way! Make them like they were before! I'm fine with having tutoring every day, but not like this!"
"Okay, here's what we'll do. We'll go back to normal until Friday. But. We will work your asses off on the weekend. And we'll see about next Monday and Tuesday, depending on how everything's going. Take it or leave it".
"Take it! Thank you Jiro! Yay! I knew you'd be totally cool about it. Also…eh…I-Itsuki spent the night at your place yesterday?"
"Yeah. I helped her with her midterms too and it got late".
"O-Oh. Well…it's not often one of us spends the night away from home sooo…I had to ask, y'know…it's just that, nothing else, promise!"
"Ain't no reason why you can't come, by the way. I have a Nintendo now".
"OH, YOU DO? W-Well…maybe someday, hehe, who knows? Eh, anyways…gotta go! See you later!", said Yotsuba as she headed towards her own class…running again, of course. Inejiro shook his head as he laughed, and went towards Class 2-1.
He went straight towards Fuutarou's desk, who was already sitting there, reading some book, probably doing his own share of studying for the midterms.
"Uesugi, hi. Update", Inejiro said as he stood next to him.
"Nakamura. Where were you? I thought we were gonna arrange today's session", Fuutarou said, looking up from his book for once.
"I was helping Nino study".
"W-What? Nino? Really?"
"Yeah, really. We can talk about that later, but it's a good development. Anyways. Until Friday, sessions are going back to their normal length and location".
"Eh? But you said that we need to work them hard!"
"Well, I was wrong. Nothing good ever came from overwork".
"I didn't become top of the class taking breaks and studying less!"
"Yeah, well, I don't care".
"Do I have no say in this?"
"Not really, no".
"Man…I should have known. You're coddling them".
"Don't argue, it's useless. It has been arranged already".
"...Fine. What about Nino?"
"I'll be helping her during lunch break until the day of the midterms".
"Alright. I don't agree with this but…you're doing your part".
"Damn right I am. Now, I'll see you after class, bell's about to ring", Inejiro said before going back to his desk, to sit beside Itsuki, who had been paying attention to their conversation.
"...Inejiro-kun, you really set him straight there", she said, whispering.
"Well…I shouldn't let Uesugi just run things".
"Weren't you thinking about…leaving…as tutor, I mean, yesterday?"
"I was. Don't know about that yet. Depends a lot on how midterms go".
"Sure…thank you for last night, by the way".
"Pro tip: don't say that too loudly if you don't want misunderstandings", Inejiro said while chuckling.
"Oh…OH. GOT IT", Itsuki said, blushing, as the bell rang and so their chattering came to an end. What has not come to an end is midterms-related shenanigans. A lot more to come on that.
A/N: Hello there. Only took me a week to push out the next one. Hopefully this makes up for the wait and everything. Take it as a gift from the Three Magi Kings. I don't remember if it's customary to give gifts on January 6th in the Anglosphere but eh, whatever. Have fun!