Chapter 5 — A Little Bit of Selfishness

Busy footsteps and passing trains. The myriad shuffling of normal, everyday lives came and went along the concrete walls and past the gates of the downtown train station. Life had its tendency to move too quickly, offering little room for rest before proceeding onward. Graduation was not too far behind him at all, yet, here he stood a mere days later, finalizing whatever shopping he would need before making his move all the way to Tokyo. That day was today. A day where he and his family handled the necessities for a smooth relocation, and, a day to count for one less of the fleeting days he could spend with Ichika.

Fuutarou could not help but grow anxious as the time passed. Though it was far too common of an occurrence to warrant any surprise, Fuutarou had hoped Ichika would have at least shown up on time for today of all days. After all, this would be his first time introducing her to his family. As his girlfriend.

Ichika covered a long yawn as the two of them approached the exit gates.

"You overslept again, didn't you?" Fuutarou asked, unconvinced of any other excuse.

Ichika hid her answer with a poor laugh. "Sorry. It's been a while since I've had to wake up this early. Did you and your family wait long?"

"If we're going by the last time we arranged something, then I suppose not. If anything, this is the closest you've been to being on time."

"Hey, give me a little credit here!" Ichika held up her phone. "It's 9:06. That means I'm only a little over five minutes late. Was it really worth sending me so many texts over?" She showed Fuutarou her screen. Sure enough, the little blurbs of their text conversation had eventually devolved to one-sentence bubbles towards the bottom, spaced only a short couple of minutes apart.

Fuutarou sighed, slightly shaking his head. "No, I guess it wasn't needed. Anyways, Raiha and Dad went to go get something to drink from the convenience store. They should be right outside."

"You seem a little worked up, Fuutarou-kun." Ichika drew her eyes closely beside him, marking every details of his expression. "Everything alright? Worried about something?"

There was no hiding the shift in his gaze. It told her more than enough. "I'm just not sure how things are going to go," Fuutarou said. "Our family isn't exactly the biggest—just me, Raiha, and my dad. We all know each other pretty well, so you could imagine their surprise when I told them I'd be bringing a girl with us on our shopping trip. I kind of snapped on them the other day about not worrying about relationships, yet, here I am about to introduce you. They both can be a little..."

He had not noticed until she was already really close, but Ichika's curious expression had already turned to a playful smirk. "Ah, I get it. Sounds to me like you're just a little shy and embarrassed. Think they'll wonder how this grumpy older brother and bookworm son of theirs manage to get such a cute girlfriend? Hmm?"

Fuutarou rolled his eyes. "Sure. Whatever you say."

"Would a big, loving kiss on the cheek make it look more convincing?" The smirk on her face only grew wider as she watched his tolerant expression quickly shift to an awkward cough. She laughed, pleased with herself. "You're just so innocent, Fuutarou-kun. I can't help myself from teasing you."

"Let's just go, alright?"

It was not long before Fuutarou and Ichika made their out of the train station. As Fuutarou had expected, both his sister and his dad were waiting patiently along the overpass bridge, just outside the station. Raiha was the first to greet them with an energetic overhead wave as they neared, but Fuutarou knew well enough of what sort of blunt curiosity was behind that beaming smile. She had been on it for weeks now. Questioning, pestering, then eventually blindly guessing which of the five Nakano sister was the one her older brother fell for.

And just as that thought had momentarily distracted him, he was brought back by the feeling of five fingers slipping their way between his, then tightly grasp so that he could not let go. Before he could say anything, Ichika had already begun pulling him along, holding tightly onto his hand.

"Sorry for the wait!" Ichika offered them a friendly wave. "I missed the earlier train by that much! Hope I didn't inconvenience you all." She smiled brightly, brushing away the loose strand of her hair past her brow. "It's a pleasure to finally meet Fuutarou-kun's family. My name is Nakano Ichika, and I'll be under Fuutarou-kun's care!"

Fuutarou snuck a quick glance sideways. He knew Ichika well, but even he was surprised at how quickly she can put together an appearance. Everything from the amicable flow of her tone and voice, to the mildness of her expressions and body gestures. Polite and friendly, with a slightly ditsy side that can safely get on anyone's good side. Was it all from her experience acting, or was it just plain charisma? The beauty of it all was that you can never be too sure.

"Well, what do you know, she really does look a lot like Itsuki-chan!" Isanari's voice was loud and powerful. A tall, muscular man with ruffled blonde hair that tucked away his lifted sunglasses. "First time I've heard of quintuplets, but you really weren't joking, Fuutarou. Oh, where are my manners? Uesugi Isanari, the father of that handful of a mess you call 'boyfriend'. A pleasure to finally meet the girl that could change his prudish heart."

"Dad!" Fuutarou exclaimed.

Ichika laughed. Thankfully, she had spoken a bit to Itsuki the day before, as well as this morning when she had come to wake her up. It would not hurt to know a little more about what Fuutarou's family was like, and who better than Itsuki. After all, Itsuki was the only one of them to have visited Fuutarou's home, met his family, sat down and ate meals, and even lived with for a short time. If it were not for that, Ichika would have never pictured Fuutarou's father to be so loud, outgoing, and cheerful. Nothing like his son, anyway.

Though, a small part of her could never shake the doubt. For those exact reasons Itsuki was a valuable source for advice, Itsuki was also the one they had come to know so well. She knew of what consists of their daily lives, what struggles they face from their financial situation, and the tightly-knit bond between such conflicting personalities. All unfamiliar to her. Who was Ichika, other than a completely different girl with the exact same face?

There was no good trying to ignore the feeling. It was a tinge of jealousy.

"You must be Fuutarou-kun's father," Ichika said. "Nice to meet you, Uesugi-san. Wow, I wouldn't have expected Fuutarou-kun's father to look so young and handsome! Hey, Fuutarou-kun, you should consider dyeing your hair blonde and start wearing some crew necks too. I think you'd look pretty good."

Fuutarou shot her a look. She should already be familiar with how he looked like with that appearance, and it was not an identity he was eager to return to. A rowdy, wild boy who was nothing but trouble. Ichika should already know, but that expectant smile of hers hinted that she would not mind seeing a bit more of that side of him.

"Ha!" Isanari laughed loudly. "I like that answer. I like that answer a lot! I've been telling him he should take advantage of his energy while he's young, but all he does is study. And please, just call me Isanari."

"Oh, but I couldn't. I wouldn't want to come off as disrespectful."

"Nonsense! You're out here shopping with us, so that practically makes you a part of the family now!"

While they conversed, Raiha had snuck beside Fuutarou. She beckoned him lower, so that she could whisper into his ear. "So, it was Ichika-san who you really liked? She seems really different from Itsuki-san and Yotsuba-san. What is she like?"

"Why are you whispering to me?" Fuutarou whispered back. "It's not like you to be shy. You've already met before."

"Well... Ichika-san seems really mature and grown-up. Plus, she's really pretty. I mean, all of them are, but—"

"Hello again, Raiha-chan." Ichika turned their way, smiling. "We've met a couple of times before. Do you remember me?"

"Yeah! You're the..." Raiha pondered a moment, folding her fingers as she enumerated through the names of the quintuplets. "...Ichika... Ichi... Ah! You're the oldest sister, right?"

"Bingo! Feel free to call me Ichika-nee-san, if you'd like. We've never talked personally, but I hope you and I will get along fine. For Fuutarou-kun."

"Mhm!" Raiha said, holding onto the hand of her older brother.

Ichika gave an unsuspecting smile. There was something distinct in the way Raiha behaved. It was true that Raiha was more familiar with some of her other sisters, especially Itsuki, who had once mentioned how exciting it was to finally have someone call her an older sister. Maybe Raiha really was hoping that the one here was Itsuki instead?

No good could come with having doubts like that. Not for building relationships or for anything else. Someone like Raiha, who already was quick to get along with all five sisters, was not far away from the coy nature that came with being a younger sibling. That distance that separated them, measured only by the older brother she barely hid behind; the slight tug to her brother's hand that she held tightly. That at least, was something familiar to Ichika.

"I see." Ichika nodded. "Fuutarou-kun, could you remind me exactly what we're shopping for today?"

"Oh, hold on..." Fuutarou took a folded piece of paper out from his back pocket. "Here. It's the scholarship details from Tokyo University we got in the mail. The scholarship program says that it covers tuition, registration, housing, transportation, and meals. Along with monthly stipends, the program also grants money for a few essential purchases too. Supplies, wares, clothing, even a new laptop. That's what we're here for today." There was an air of triumph with Fuutarou's manner, as he smiled with deep satisfaction. "It's almost like I'm dreaming again. I knew all of that studying would pay off, but it's hard to imagine things turning out this well."

"Hey, Raiha-chan." Ichika squatted down beside her. "That's good news for your brother, isn't it?"

"Yeah!" Raiha smiled. "It's really good news! I'm happy for him."

"I am too. Fuutarou-kun really has grown up quite a bit hasn't he? I'm sure as his little sister, you're very proud of him. You're going to miss him a lot when he's gone, aren't you?"

There was a short pause. It seemed almost obvious from the thought of it, but those words out loud were enough to slightly tug away at the wide smile across Raiha's face. "Of course I'll miss him..." Raiha finally said. "Big Brother has always been Big Brother. He's always been here. He's always been studying. When he leaves, it will just be me and Dad."

"Raiha...?" Fuutarou cocked his brow.

"You didn't want your brother to worry when he looked so happy, right?" Ichika asked. "When he worked so hard?"

"Yeah..." Raiha nodded.

"I'm sure Fuutarou-kun has always been around for as long as you can remember. You come home and he's always been that same big brother to you. When things suddenly begin to change with someone you love, you can't help but want things between you to stay the same, right?"

Raiha slowly nodded again.

"Raiha-chan, I love your brother." Ichika gently put her hand over Raiha's head. "I love him very, very much. I don't want to see him go either, and I'll miss him a lot when he's gone. Whether it be when he graduated high school, after he started having a girlfriend, or is going far away for college, we both want Fuutarou-kun to always be Fuutarou-kun. That's why you hold onto that feeling, and you hold onto it tight, alright? Your brother might not be friendliest guy, so he might not make a lot of friends all the way there in Tokyo, but if he knows that he has this adorable, dependable little sister waiting for him back home, how could he not want to do his best every day?"

Fuutarou could only watch quietly. That calm, gentle demeanor that came with the responsibility as the eldest of four 'younger' sisters. That endearing, caring touch that seemingly knew when one's heart was uneasy. As he looked to Raiha's wide, childish eyes, he had come to realization. Between himself and his father, Raiha had never had a motherly figure around in her life. Their mother had passed shortly after Raiha was born.

"Thank you, Ichika-san!" Raiha exclaimed, running into Ichika's arms. "No, Ichika-nee-san!"

"Fuutarou." Isanari patted his back. "You met one hell of a girl. You treat her right, got it?"

Fuutarou sighed, then approached the two of them. "Couldn't help being the big sister, huh?" He smiled.

"Sorry." Ichika chuckled. "It's become a bit of a habit."

"Come on. We got quite a day ahead of us."

For the next couple of hours, the four of them explored through the many stores and stops that marked the busy downtown district of the city. Much to Fuutarou's relief, Ichika and his family had no trouble adjusting to the other's company. Whenever a question would come her way—no matter how overbearing or embarassing— Ichika would not hesitate to give an honest answer. If Isanari ever had a lame joke or embarrassing story to tell, Raiha and Ichika would always laugh. When Raiha became fascinated with a passing ice cream store, Ichika had already opened up her purse for her, but Isanari would quickly interject, heavily insisting that he treat all of them instead. "After all, you're practically family now, Ichika-chan!" Isanari had said with a wide grin. Fuutarou knew that he had shared the thought with himself many times already, but he really did have to stop worrying over nothing.

If time would have allowed it, they all would have not minded a few more unplanned adventures throughout the corners and avenues of a leisurely city afternoon. But, as Fuutarou's constant nagging would remind them, they were here with a other purposes in mind. Their first stop was one that Fuutarou harbored the most uncertainties about, but all the better to get it out of the way.

"Are laptops supposed to be this expensive?" Fuutarou tapped the plastic keys of the thin metal device. The little squares looked far too fragile for him to touch, but he could not help himself from repeating the soft little ticks and tacks that came with every keystroke. "I don't think I've ever owned anything half as expensive as this."

"Hmm... have you taken a look at the specs?" Ichika adjusted the black rim of her fake glasses, which she had only put on to make the gesture. "You could probably find one at a better price for what you need."

"The what?"

"Hardware specs. You know, things like memory, space, display. You probably won't be needing something that fancy, so we can go ahead and keep looking. Here, this is the same one that Miku uses. It comes in two different versions, the regular and the pro."

"I have no idea what any of that means. Are those even real words? And why does there have to be so many different kinds anyway." Fuutarou squinted at the tiny letters that lined near every brand of every model of displayed devices. "Ah, forget it. This doesn't look like it's worth the trouble. Nothing wrong with sticking with notebooks and pencils."

"What are you saying, Fuutarou?!" Isanari came from behind him. "If scholarship program says it covers a new laptop, then it's basically free! Technology is just as important these days as having functional arms, and plus, it's free! Might as well use every last cent of it!"

"Sounds to me like you're concerned over other things." Fuutarou sighed. "I don't know how comfortable I'd be owning something that's worth this much. It's practically an entire week of what I made when I was being paid to tutor those girls. Not to mention the other things that much money could cover. Rent, groceries, transportation..."

"Ichika-nee-san, you really do know a lot about computers!" Raiha said.

Ichika gave a smug smile, once again adjusting her glasses. Fuutarou could tell there were not many opportunities she could do that, so might as well savor it. "Well, I guess you could say I know a thing or two," Ichika said. "Though, your dad is right, Fuutarou-kun. It would definitely be worth it to pick one up. Even just learning the basics is good enough. Look, this one here says it's part of a student discount bundle. It comes with some software installed and you can even choose the color!"

"Well..." Fuutarou took another glance at the price. Steep. There was almost no way for him to justify so much money on a single purchase for something he hardly knew how to use, but they did raise a couple of good points. He would have to learn at some point. "I guess it would make sense to get something like that then. Here, let me see if I can find someone who can—"

"Wait, hold on a second." Ichika was already down a couple of steps where the laptops were displayed. Raiha accompanied her too, as the two of them stared with fascination over their own faces projected on the screen. "This one has a better web-cam installed in it. Take a look at how high quality the display is!" She smiled innocently. "Think of all the cute online dates we could have while you're away in Tokyo, Fuutarou-kun. Just you and me."

Fuutarou coughed loudly. "We still got other stores to get to by today, you know..."

Next on their list was general merchandise to outfit his new apartment—a task Ichika thought would take a lot longer, but was surprised to find out what little Fuutarou actually needed. According to him, as long as he had a reasonably priced futon, a low table, and only the necessities, he could get by with not much else. A bit of frugalness was nothing for Ichika to be surprised over, but the extent of it was something that would catch her off guard throughout their day.

"You sure that's all you need?" Ichika asked. "Nothing beats coming home to a soft bed, or climbing under a kotatsu when it gets cold."

"I'm positive," Fuutarou said without any further thought. "We don't really bother with that kind of stuff. Besides, there isn't much space in the apartment. I've always got along just fine this way."

"Yeah, but..." Ichika scratched the back of her head. It was not just Fuutarou. A bit further ahead of them, Raiha and Isanari looked to be enjoying themselves as they went through the many different aisles and displays that made up the store. However, they seldom picked up anything—almost as if they were just window shopping. Affordable kitchenware, cheap towels, a tiny little floor lamp. Whichever color the item was cheapest, whatever looked like it would last long enough. That detail was something they all had no trouble agreeing with things.

There was a bit of guilt in the back of Ichika's mind. These were things he'd have to pay out of his own pocket, and for the last couple of months, they were not able to pay Fuutarou as their tutor. Still, Ichika would have liked to see Fuutarou live a more comfortable life, even if it was lavish by his standards.

She whispered into Fuutarou's ear. "Well, since it's your own place, and you'll be living alone, I was looking forward to... you know, stopping by? Maybe spend the night?"

Fuutarou's ears grew red. "What are you say—"

"...with the rest of my sisters, of course!" Ichika grinned, playfully poking at his cheeks before his expression could sour. "Well, you are right that the essentials should do for now. You got a lot of time to decorate it later if you decide to change my mind. Though, the rest of us are going to have to come up with a couple of housewarming gifts for you, Fuutarou-kun. They'd put you on the spot if they found out you were living so plainly."

"Do whatever it is you wish." Fuutarou sighed.

"Oi! Fuutarou, Ichika!" Isanari approached them. "Got everything you need?"

"Yeah, just about."

"Good, good. Looks like it's actually starting to get a little late, so I'll be taking Raiha home."

"Late? It shouldn't be too dark out from what I remember."

"Trains will start to get crowded sooner or later. Raiha is looking a little tired anyway, so she'd probably want to take a little nap when we get back."

"Is Raiha not feeling well? Raiha, are you—"

"She'll be fine, Fuutarou. The two of us will just head back first. You two should be fine, right?"

"Oh, but this should be it, right? We already got everything we needed, so that should be—"

"Yes we will be, Uesugi-san!" Ichika wrapped her arms around Fuutarou's, pulling it closer against her chest. "Right, Fuutarou-kun?"

It only took a little wink for Fuutarou to finally realize it. He wished his father did not have to be so nosy over these sorts of things though. It only came off as embarrassing.

Isanari laughed, then patted Fuutarou on the shoulder. "Go on and spend the rest of the day with your girlfriend, Fuutarou. I can go ahead and take all the stuff we bought back home." He turned to Ichika. "And it's been a great pleasure meeting you, Ichika-chan. Take good care of Fuutarou, alright? That boy can be a bit stubborn."

As Isanari and Raiha made their leave, Ichika and Fuutarou were soon left alone at the busiest hour of city. It was only a little later in the afternoon, but some places and shops had already begun to flicker on their evening lights. The whole time, Ichika had never left her place closely beside Fuutarou's arm. "It's gotten a little crowded, hasn't it?" Fuutarou said, turning away from a couple of older women that smiled and whispered their way.

"Yeah it has." She tightened her grip. "Was there anywhere else you needed to go?"

"Not... exactly. I don't really come here that often."

"Then, in that case, would you mind accompanying me for a bit? There's a store I like around here."

Now this was a place Fuutarou did not quite expect to step foot in. Among all other stores that lined the streets of the downtown area, nothing could really compare to the large, multi-storied buildings that towered at the heart of it all. Buildings reserved only for the most illustrious of brand names, with superfluous and bright interiors. A multitude of tops, coats, and shoes lined the walls and racks around him, and Fuutarou could only describe this experience as stepping into a different world.

In his own defense, he has never been one with a keen eye for fashion, and that went for both boys and girls of his age. Certainly nothing like this store. After a while, almost every article of clothing began to look familiar and he could not quite remember the ones he and Ichika had already gone over. He figured Ichika would grow tired of him commenting on every piece of clothing she tried on for him as just "cute", or "nice", or "looks good", but that delighted look on her face had shown that she was more than happy with just his company.

"Hey, Fuutarou-kun," said Ichika, "while we're here, how about we check out something for you too? The men's section is right over there."

"Don't think any of this stuff really suits me." Fuutarou glanced throughout the store. "I don't even see the appeal on all of this fancy, expensive stuff in the first place"

"Oh, lighten up! There's no harm in just trying some on, right? I'm sure we'll find something that looks great on you."

"I don't know..."

"For me?"

Those words were enough for Ichika to find herself seated patiently outside the men's dressing room. She had picked out one particular piece she had thought fit Fuutarou best. A slim-fitted, beige shawl collar cardigan with dark buttons, from the same brand her dad wore. "It looks great on you, Fuutarou-kun!"

"You think so?" Fuutarou looked at himself in the mirror. This type of clothing was nothing different from what he usually wore, but it did not feel half bad at all. The wool was soft. The neutral tones and subtle patterns made it fitting for just about any outfit.

"Mhm! It fits you really well. Do you like it?"

"It's nice, I suppose." He gave himself one last look in the mirror. It was more than nice; it was carefully picked out by the eyes that saw him best. "Anyways, hand me back mine so I can get changed out of this."

"Oh? You don't want it?"

"I already took a look at the price tag while I was in there. No thanks." He sighed. "I can get like three similar ones from a cheaper department store somewhere else."

"Well, lucky for you." Ichika winked, happily patting her purse. "You got a wonderful girlfriend who feels like spoiling you a bit. Here, get changed and we can ring that one up for you."

"That... isn't necessary, really." Fuutarou forced half a smile. "I mean, I appreciate the gesture but you don't have to go that far. I tried it on like you asked, but I don't really want it. Expensive brands aren't for me anyway."

Ichika scrunched a brow. "Why not? Didn't you say you liked it?"

"I did, but I can't justify owning or wearing something that costs that much. Even if it isn't my own money. I'm fine with what I have."

"You can't always have the same clothes, right? You'll need something new sooner or later. I mean, just look at your cardigan here." She rubbed her fingers along the worn wool of his old, gray cardigan. "This is the same one I've seen you wear since we met. It looks like you've had it for a while, isn't that right? The wool is starting to look pretty worn out, and some of it is even falling apart a bit here. Sure it's a brand name, but that also means it's good quality."

"If I needed a new one sooner or later, then I'd have to choose later," Fuutarou replied. "The one I have still keeps me warm and hasn't fallen apart just yet. Even if it does, I can pick up another one like it by myself. Like I said, I'm not comfortable with something that costs that much. That goes double if I made someone else buy it for me."

"'Someone else'?" Ichika appeared a little bothered by that remark. "Even if it was your own girlfriend?"

Fuutarou shook his head. "I don't mean it in a bad way. It's just a personal reason for both me and my family. We don't buy each other gifts, not even on our own birthdays. We have a ton of debt, after all." Fuutarou approached her, taking back his old cardigan. "I grew up learning what debt was really early. I've seen how much trouble it gave my dad and my mother before she died. That's why I don't like the idea of owing anybody, or owning anything so expensive."

"Fuutarou-kun..." Ichika looked at his face. "I really am sorry you had to go through with that. But I do think you're missing the point. I'm offering it to you as a gift."

"If you wanted to give me a gift, then it actually would be better to just get something from the department store. They got ones like this for way less."

"That's not it either! You can't just decide what someone gives you as a gift! That defeats the whole point of it."

"But I never asked for a gift in the first place." He retorted. "I know it's your dad's money and all, but the bottom line is that I'm not comfortable with it."

"My dad's money? Is that what you think it is?" Ichika crossed her arms, looking much more visibly annoyed. "And what's with all the 'money this, money that'? Not everything is about the price, Fuutarou-kun—"

Ichika had stood up, but neither of them could finish another word. There were others who were waiting cautiously around the changing rooms, and there were others who peered their heads over to hear what the commotion was. They both turned away, flushed in embarrassment.

"Sorry." Fuutarou sighed. "But, can we just drop it? We can talk about it later."

Ichika turned away, slowly nodding.

In silence, the two finished paying for the clothes that Ichika had picked out for herself. They exited the store, accompanying each other again at the other's side. The sun had set quite a bit from before, as lights from all the stores and fixtures illuminated the city streets. Droves of families and couples strolled beside them, laughing and giggling together. All the more contrary, as the two of them walked beside each other without saying a word.

"Hey, Ichika," Fuutarou finally said. "Sorry... about all of that. That line about it all being just your dad's money was a little uncalled for."

Ichika shook her head. "No, it's okay, Fuutarou-kun. It wasn't that bad, and besides, you weren't entirely wrong either."

"Still, I feel bad. I made it sound like you were just some spoiled brat. And that really wasn't the place to bring up my family's situation. It really brought down the mood."

Again, Ichika shook her head. "I understand, Fuutarou-kun. It's not something you're used to and I should not have been so pushy to make you bring that up. Sorry."

"I feel like I'm the one in the wrong here." Fuutarou looked away, placing his hands over the back of his neck. There were still people around them, but if they continued along naturally, then no one should pay them any mind. "I never really talked about this with anyone, and I'm not sure if this is the time or place for it, but it's about my family's debt. Figured I should tell this to you sooner or later."

Ichika turned to him, offering nothing less than her full attention.

"Back before she became sick, my mother had a lifelong dream of opening a bakery. We weren't the most well off at the time, but despite that, my mom and dad were able to find a nice little place somewhere. My dad quit his job to work with her full time, even if he couldn't bake to save his life. Still, we were doing alright, and most importantly, they were happy."

Fuutarou looked to the ground as they continued walking. "It all happened so fast. The shop wasn't even open for that long before my mom became really sick. Dad couldn't keep the shop running on his own, and we couldn't afford to hire anybody with what we were making. In just one year we had lost our customers, our home, and then, my mother. We'd have lost the shop too, but dad couldn't bear to see it go. Neither could me or Raiha. So, it's still sitting there, empty, while we continue to pay it off,."

He took a deep breath. "For most of mine, and all of Raiha's life, we've lived with debt. I've seen how it can transform people, how it can change people's lives for the worst. The debt collectors kept coming and Mom was not getting any better. I was too young to understand it at the time, but now, a part of me can't shake off the feeling that on her deathbed, my mother must have felt guilty. Guilty that we gave up everything for her, and that she must have felt like a burden the entire time." He shook his head, then looked high above to the evening sky. "I wish I could tell her now that she didn't have to worry about it."

A warm hand caressed his cheek, then trailed closer as to wipe the small tear under his eyes. "It's alright, Fuutarou-kun." Ichika kindly smiled. "I know it must have been really hard, and even harder to hold onto those feelings. Thank you for telling me. Even if I never knew her, or what she was like, I know your mother wouldn't have left with regrets. Not when she has you, your dad, and Raiha-chan with her always."

There was no need for any further words. Ichika had placed her hands over Fuutarou's, wrapping her fingers tightly around his. There was still a lot more to their evening, and they would be sure to enjoy it as much as possible. One less day for the counting days until Fuutarou would leave for Tokyo. One less day for the busy schedule of an aspiring actress.

Fifteen past eight. Almost a whole twelve hours spent going out. Half an entire day. Fuutarou sat quietly along the stone slabs that encompassed the brightly-lit fountain at the center of the plaza. At this point, many of the people that passed him were couples or groups of friends that similarly indulged in the evenings affairs. Though, Fuutarou had spent a bit of the past few moments waiting patiently for Ichika.

Twenty past eight. Just how long was Ichika taking? It was only supposed to be a quick stop the restroom, and the takoyaki he had bought to surprise her was starting to get cold. Two whole servings. They had stayed here for a while now, so dinner had completely slipped past them.

"Sorry for the wait!" Ichika gave a halfhearted laugh. "It was a little crowded."

"It's no problem." Fuutarou held out the takoyaki. "Sorry if they're a little cold. Thought we might as well have something to eat since we've been here all day."

"That's very thoughtful of you, Uesu— I mean, Fuutarou-kun!" Ichika stuffed a full piece of takoyaki right into her mouth. The look on her face was of pure delight, savoring through the soft, tender flavor that was still warm on the inside. Fuutarou's hunch was right; a tasty treat like this was fitting for a long day out.

"Are your legs tired at all?" Fuutarou asked. "We've been here all day."

"Actually, now that I think about it, my legs are a bit tired. We have been walking all day, haven't we?"

Fuutarou crooked his brow. "That's... what I said, yeah. Then, should we start heading back?"

"No, no! Not just yet." Ichika quickly beckoned him to sit back down. "We uhm... still have to finish the takoyaki, right? Here!" She lifted a piece in front of him. "Say ahh! Ahh!"

Again, Fuutaoru gave her an odd look. "Ichika, I can't eat that if you don't hold it still. You alright? Why is your hand so shaky?"

"Sorry! My hands are just a little cold. Here." She placed it down in between them. "Just go ahead and help yourself."

"Uhm... sure?" Fuutarou helped himself to a piece. It did taste good, but he was a little more concentrated on Ichika to fully enjoy the takoyaki. "You sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Ichika stretched her arms. "Just a little tired still. You mind if we wait here a couple more minutes?"

"That's fine by me."

Thirty past eight. Strangely, the past few minutes had fallen to long, staggered silence. Their exchanges had become brief. A couple of times, Fuutarou would glance over, only to see the quick turn of Ichika's averted gaze. It was definitely strange. Her eyes were buried underneath the fringe of her bangs, always looking elsewhere.

And as the time grew longer, it became harder to ignore the passing couples. Like them, couples would stop to rest along the stone pedestals, sifting through their shopping bags and admiring their day's purchases. Others would exchange quick pecks on each other's cheeks, wrapping their fingers together. And one couple in particular had posed for a quick photo in front of the decorated fountain. Fuutarou had noticed that both he and Ichika had been within their frame, and the couple had exchanged an uncomfortable look to one another, before moving elsewhere to take their photo.

Fuutarou wondered, did the two of them look sitting here like this stand out in a bad way? Did they even look like a couple?

It must have been what he said to her earlier. No, perhaps even before that. It all happened out of nowhere, and seemingly for no good reason, but that definitely was their first argument. They had already apologized, but perhaps, there was something else that did not sit quite right with Ichika. Something to explain her sudden change in behavior.

He wanted to say something more. He wanted to make sure things were okay between them. Whatever it was that bothered her, he wanted to fix.

He wanted to do all of that, but, the first thing he did was wrap his hands over hers. His head lowered , so that he could kiss her unsuspecting cheek.

"Sorry, again." Fuutarou gave a halfhearted chuckle. "Was what I said earlier really that—"

"U-u-u-uesugi-kun! Wh-wh-what do you think you're doing?!"

Fuutarou froze. Something was definitely off. A subtle, savory taste that marked the corner of his lips. There was sauce on her cheek. Two empty trays of completely vanished takoyaki. A flushed shade of red he had never seen on Ichika's face before.

"'Uesugi-kun?'" He repeated the words. That was not what Ichika called—

"Oh my, oh my." That voice behind his ears was enough to make all the hairs on the back of his neck stand. "I never thought you'd be bold enough to be a naughty two-timer, Fuutarou-kun."

"Ichika?!" Fuutarou turned. "Then who is—"

"I told you I couldn't do this, Ichika!" She first blurted out, then stiffened her voice as to not attract too much attention. "You told me you wouldn't be gone for that long!"

"Sorry, sorry!" Ichika laughed. "You did fine, Itsuki. I really owe you one. I didn't expect Fuutarou to pull something like that though."

"Itsuki?!" Fuutarou covered his lips.

They both exchanged looks of embarrassment and disgust at each other. At some point, Itsuki could no longer mask the deep shade of red on her face. "Whatever! It was a mistake, so let's forget about it! I'm going home!"

Itsuki quickly made her way outside of view, disappearing into the crowd. From what Fuutarou could tell, it was more like she was fleeing.

"Oh man... I really do owe her a lot, don't I?" Ichika chuckled nervously. "Poor Itsuki. Hope she isn't too mad over this."

"Ichika, what's going on? Why did Itsuki—"

"Here." She pressed a paper bag in front of Fuutarou's chest. "I didn't have time to wrap it, but I'm sure you can tell what it is by the logo on the bag."

Fuutarou stood still for a moment before looking into his hands. A neat, black and dark-brown bag, with an engraved circular symbol in the center. The same logo and name as the clothing store they had went to earlier.

"I can be stubborn too, you know..." Ichika shuffled her gaze between the ground and Fuutarou. "I know you've made it clear that you didn't need it. I know you said all those things about money and your family. But before you say anything else, I want you to listen to what I've been wanting to tell you."

She lightly fixed her collar in response to the cold evening wind, then rested the hand over her chest. Her eyes locked firmly to Fuutarou's, not once daring to lose sight of that widened expression. "It doesn't have to be something cheap or expensive to be one. It's not something you do so that they can owe you back. Giving a gift is something you do from the heart. Something you do for someone you love and care about. It shows them that you think about them fondly."

There was no hiding the frustration in her voice as she then shifted to one hand on her hip, and the other pointed directly at his nose. "And damn it, Fuutarou, I am your girlfriend. Your girlfriend! There are times where I want to do nice things for you because I love you! I bought this for you because I wanted you to have it. I know we joke about it all the time, but this is not something you owe me back for. Nothing. You don't have to always wear it, but whenever you see this, I want you to know that I always am thinking about you. Even when we are apart."

Her demeanor changed again, this time with a pouty look. "I know you might think it's just being selfish, but what's wrong with being a little selfish? Isn't that what is means to have a girlfriend or boyfriend? To put up with a tiny bit of selfishness from your partner every once in a while? I even paid for it with the money I made from my last acting job." Her voice grew to a bit of a mumble. "And how come you didn't even realize my clothes were different when I came out of the bathroom? You really couldn't tell that was Itsuki?"

"Ichika." Fuutarou placed his hands over the shopping bag, then over her hands. She felt the tight grip of his hands over both, before Fuutarou slowly lifted the beige cardigan from the inside of the bag. It was warm. Soft. Carefully stitched wool juxtaposed with the old, worn sleeves of his old cardigan. A deep sigh escaped his lips and he closed his eyes. There were still a lot more things he needed to learn. If love meant kind little gestures, a lot of fond thoughts, and a little bit of selfishness, then Fuutarou knew up until now he had been naive.

He looked once into Ichika's eyes before placing a quick kiss on her lips.

"Thank you, Ichika." Fuutarou smiled warmly. "I love it. l really do love it."

Author's Note:

A bit of a longer one this time around (and a little sooner than usual!). The recent episodes of Gotoubun Season 2 has got me experiencing the hurt all of over again, and I just need to get one thing off my chest— GOD DAMN IT! THEY ANIMATED IT! Never would I thought they would end Season 2 with the exact scene that DECIMATED my emotion, and also inspire me to write this story. Watching Ichika's "Everything" scene really did remind me that, even after all of these months, I am still not over it. Not in the slightest.

And watching all of the hate unfold through the Gotoubun threads and comments for Ichika really, really disappoints me. I knew to expect it, but it still hurts to see it. The previous chapter was posted at the start of Sisters' War and the beginning of Ichika's most controversial point, and this chapter was finished a little earlier to commemorate the end of Season 2. Not just against Ichika fans, but also among the Gotoubun fanbase as a whole. There's been a large increase in hate and toxicity. One good thing I could say from all of this is that I'm proud that there are a lot more fans that are willing to speak up on her character's flaws. For every unnecessary bit of hate Ichika got this season, there was always more that could sympathize with her. It even got me to rewrite a little bit of my first author's note in Chapter 1 with a few more of my thoughts in mind over the ending and Ichika as a character

Now, reopened wounds aside, I just want to offer another thank you to those who have been following this far with the fic :) Truthfully, I never paid much attention to fanfiction and fandoms before finishing Gotoubun. There weren't many franchises out there that made me incredibly invested in the characters while also wishing there was just a little bit more to add to a satisfying ending. Ichika stories are few and far between, and I just want to extend another thank you to the readers so far. I notice that there are consistent readers and reviewers, and you have no idea how happy I am to see new and familiar names.

Until then, this is Bobalon, going back under my rock!

_φ(。。) "Writing consistently isn't so bad after all. I wonder if the quality is consistent?"