Chapter 13 — Ittekimasu; Itterasshai

A lonesome breeze blew. Cold of an early spring morning—slowly creeping through the tended grounds. Curving, coiling. Throughout the ordinarily solemn enclave, a perpetual peace settled across the long rows of erected stones placed side by side. Each stone, a monument. A pillar of existence and being—of all the lifetimes that once lived—nobly etched across its surface.

A bundle of flowers rested within the stone vase. Tribute left from those that still proudly carried the name, dressed in the abiding fragrance of burnt incense. To the visitors that stood along the stone pathway, it seemed a little too coincidental. A little funny, in a morbid sort of way. Out of all days, today so happened to fall on the fourteenth day of the current month. The same day as their mother's passing.

The clasp of her palms met a short distance from her nose, and she took a deep breath.

"Mother." Ichika slowly looked up towards the grave. "It's me—Ichika. I know; it's a little early in the year for me to be making a visit. You're probably used to it being only Itsuki visiting around this time, huh?"

For a moment, the eldest daughter squatted still. Her lip would nudge at the thought of her next words, then so suddenly start over again. The calm of her breath did not waver, even as the jumbled miscellany that were her thoughts continued to run through her head. Ichika took another long breath. "I don't think I ever found the time to formally tell you this, but I… want to be an actress, Mom. I've been working hard at it and I really love it. Sometimes, the work can be a little tough. The hours are long, scheduling is a mess. The people aren't always the nicest, and sometimes I come home really tired. But… I really do love it. It's all I've ever wanted to be."

Ichika stared at the ends of her shoes. Her fingers brushed gingerly over the bits of dirt, repeating the strokes over and over so that she may gather the thoughts. It was a strange feeling. To think that she could somehow be this nervous, but the more she thought it over, the more difficult it became. This was her mother. The one who the five of them revered as the strongest, the most selfless, and the noblest woman they would ever know. Nothing could ever change that.

"Mother," Ichika repeated. There was a tight feeling in her chest, reaching slowly up towards her throat. The words suddenly became the hardest things she ever had to pronounce. "I… am going to be away for a while. Far away. I am going somewhere far away from home; someplace where everything is so different from what I'm used to. And if I can be honest, I am… scared." As if belittling the uneasiness of her heart, Ichika laughed. "I am terrified. I could hardly sleep last night because I was shaking so much. Would it be that bad if I just chose to stay instead? I don't think it's really too late, either..."

She slowly shook her head. "No matter how many times I ask myself, I still don't know. I've never been so sure and unsure over anything in my life. Deep down, I'm worried that I won't have what it takes; that it must have been some kind of mistake. Have you ever had those kinds of doubts too, Mom? Do you think that I made the right decision?"

Ichika drew her eyes to a close. "But, I know, no matter where I go, I will never be alone. The five of us will always, always be together. You, Grandpa, and Dad too. I know that you all will always be there, watching over me." A hopeful gaze gleamed as she looked back up. "I have all of you, and… another troublesome person that will always be with me too…"

Ichika slowly stood. She reached her fingers to her side, meeting with the patient hands that had quietly stood beside her.

"This is… Fuutarou-kun." She glanced slowly between the grave and to her partner beside her. She had almost forgotten the chill of the morning air, as the warmth between her fingers and rosy cheeks took over her. "Uesugi Fuutarou-kun."

Fuutarou politely bowed in front of the grave. "H-Hello. It is nice to meet—no, I mean, it's a pleasure, Nakano-san. I promise that I will take good care of your daughter."

Ichika giggled. "This is the tutor we told you about. The one who helped us graduate, and the one we all became so close to. Mom, you always told us to be careful about the man we end up choosing. Fuutarou-kun can sometimes be a little aloof. He can sometimes be insensitive. Sometimes a little mean, And there are times where his patience is spread a little too thin."

"Oi, Ichika. What kind of impression are you—"

"But, even so, Fuutarou-kun is the man I have chosen to love." Ichika tightened her fingers over his, looking his way. A pleasant grin formed on her face as she saw that bashful look she always adored. "And Fuutarou-kun… chose to love a spoiled, selfish, and stubborn girl like me. He puts up with all of my mistakes, and all of the trouble I put him through. He sees the real me. He chose to love all of me. I'm sure that if you were still with us, Mom, you would have liked him. You might have even gotten along."

Her fingers slowly slipped away, placed now over her knees as she squatted back down beside the grave. There was a slight droop to one of the flowers as it tipped to the side of the grave, and delicately, Ichika fixed it. Softness of the petals glided through the gaps of her fingers, and she could not help but remember those words. 'Ichika'. When she was alive, her mother had told her and her sisters that each of their names meant something special. 'One Flower; First Blossom'. To Ichika,it professed her as the firstborn—the first of others that were identical to her. That she was the first of five fifths. Nothing more and nothing less. In a bouquet just like the one that rests beside this grave, how easily could she determine which one bloomed first?

As important as anything else, it told her to stay humble. Through the highest accolades to the simplest of praise; through the different paths they will all travel—she shall stay humble. These next steps may take her to heights that many could only dream of, but a single flower is not without its roots.

"Sorry, Mom," Ichika continued, "I'm sorry it took so long for me to tell you about Fuutarou. I'm sorry that I haven't really told you… anything about me either. Itsuki is always the one coming here all by herself. Every month, since the day you passed away. I'm sure Itsuki tells you everything—all of her fears and all of her doubts. And when Yotsuba is here, she really tries her hardest to show you how cheerful she is—how cheerful we all are, as long as we are still together. And Miku… I'm sure you noticed how talkative Miku was the last time we visited. It really feels like she's grown and come to know herself, hasn't she? Nino too. She'll always tell you about all the challenges the five of us overcame together, and how inseparable we all still are. And for me…"

Ichika ran her fingers along the carved characters that read—'Nakano'. "I haven't been the most honest with you, have I? I've always quietly agreed with everyone else every year we visit here. I've always been a troublesome daughter and older sister. Even now, I'm doing something troublesome by leaving home. And now, what I want is…" Ichika's voice quietly trailed off before she looked towards Fuutarou beside her. The soft smile that lined his lips was every bit of patient towards her. It soothed the last nerve and quelled the last doubts that dwelled in her heart.

"I want to act a little spoiled. Just for a little bit." A wide smile grew on Ichika's face. "I'm always going off and doing things on my own. I'm not always the most honest person. And when I finally come here to visit you, it's because I want to ask so many things from you, Mom. I'm really being a handful right now, aren't I?" She happily laughed to herself, and Fuutarou could not help but give a halfhearted sigh past the smile on his face.

"Mom," Ichika continued, "What I want is to ask for all of your blessings. I want you to keep watching over me for as long as you can. I want you to forgive me for not always being honest with you and everyone else. I want you to forgive me for causing trouble for everyone and Fuutarou-kun. And I want you to forgive me for wanting so many things from you." She turned a mischievous grin beside her. "What do you think, Fuutarou-kun? Was that too much of me to ask?"

Fuutarou knelt beside her. "Well, since she is the mother of you and your sisters, I doubt that it would surprise her all too much."

The two of them laughed, then Ichika slightly motioned towards the center of her family's grave. "Do you have anything you'd like to say?"

"Me? Wait, like what?"

"Oh, anything! First impressions are always important, aren't they? And you want our mom to like you too, don't you?" Ichika playfully winked. "Don't worry, the others have put in a good word for you."

"Somehow, I doubt that…" Fuutarou cleared his throat. "H-hello again, Nakano-san. This is Uesugi Fuutarou, Ichika's partner. Um… Ichika and I have been together for over a year now, and it's been… a pleasure. I promise to you that I—"

He felt a sudden jab at his sides as Ichika playfully grinned at him. "You're being so formal, Fuutarou-kun. Come on, shape up! Speak with conviction!"

"What do you mean? I'm just trying to be respectful to your mom."

"She'll see right through you if you're trying that hard." She placed a hand over the left side of her chest. "Mom always said that love will show you the way. Between us sisters and the ones that we all know and love—nothing speaks louder than words from the heart." She poked him again. "Or are you too embarrassed to say it in front of her, hmm?"

"Okay, okay! I get it, now stop that. I'm trying to be serious here." He fixed his cardigan, then tried again. "Ichika… is a wonderful girl, and I consider myself lucky that she feels the same way about me that I do with her. She's kind, friendly, and accepting of others. She's always doing her best that I can't help but worry about her all the time. And Ichika… Ichika inspires me to be my best self. Everyday that I am with her…"

When he had turned Ichika's way, Fuutarou was surprised to find that the eldest quintuplet had slightly looked away. The back of her hand held up beside her cheek, poorly covering the slight tinges of red that brightened her face. "Fuutarou-kun… hold on, hold on. Why are you looking at me like that? I'm just… a little embarrassed. F-for you, I mean! I meant for you! I-I didn't mean that you should start saying things like that so openly. We're not even the only ones here…" Her voice quietened the more and more she mumbled, until she finally covered the side of her face. "Stop looking at me like that. It's weird. I know you're just doing this t—"

She felt Fuutarou gently place his fingers through hers, bringing it down to their sides. "…and everyday that we'll be apart." Though he pleasantly grinned to himself, Ichika could not help but sense a bit of mischief behind that smirk. Like he did not want her to look away from him—like he wanted to tell her just one more time. "I'm going to miss her until it drives me crazy."

Clasping her lips together, Ichika turned the side of her eyes to him. "I'll… miss you a lot too, Fuutarou-kun. I… oh! I mean, sorry. You were supposed to be talking to my—"

"R-right." Fuutarou pulled his hand back and scratched the back of his head. It had dissipated all too quickly and all that Fuutarou was left with was the fresh memory of everything he had boldly stated a few seconds ago. "That's… my bad. I got a little carried away…"

And right then and there, Ichika knew the right moments when she could strike back. In the ways that she knew best, all for every little victory that she could hold over this easily flustered boy, though she still carried a few tinges of red on her face. "Oh, what's wrong? Don't let me interrupt you now, Fuutarou-kun. You were just telling my mom what you love most about me, weren't you? Do you really, really mean it, or are you just trying to impress her? Go on, go on."

"I… think I've already said enough." Fuutarou began to stand back up, but Ichika was faster. She had grabbed him by the wrist and urged him to stay. The ends of Ichika's wrist pressed beneath her chin, and the pink-haired girl playfully leaned in so that she hovered closely beside Fuutarou's face. And the more he refused to say anything else, the closer Ichika's widened blue eyes and eagerly anticipating smile drew.

"Oh! Fuutarou-kun!" By the time he realized she had nudged herself a little too close, Fuutarou had already fallen flat on his backside. Ichika leaned over him. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Fuutarou brushed a few leaves off of his jacket and pants. He looked up to Ichika as she offered him a hand, but neither could stop themselves as they fell into a short fit of laughter. Joyfully within the peaceful grounds of the cemetery, the two of them laughed.

"Having fun, lovebirds?" A voice eventually approached them. With a cross to her arms, the girl devilishly smirked. "I'm sure Mom already accepts Fuu-kun. Now let the rest of us get a few words in too, before we miss your flight."

Ichika laughed. "Sorry about that, Nino. Didn't mean to keep everyone else waiting. Come on, Fuutarou. Up you go!"

When they were ready, Ichika looked back towards the entrance of the cemetery, where the others patiently waited and beckoned them to join. Of her other sisters, Yotsuba was the quickest to step forward, followed by Itsuki, then Miku. They took only a few steps through the stone pathway before Miku turned around. "Aren't you coming too?" she asked.

Miku was met with a hesitant silence. Before they could so much as attempt an excuse, Yotsuba turned with an attentive perk to her head. The energetic sister did not hesitate to trot back down the path, merrily chanting the words, "Yeah! Don't just stay back here!"

Both Miku and Yotsuba took either cuff of the fitted suit. They relentlessly persuaded him, adamant with every step they dragged forward, despite his assertion that he was fine waiting right there. As they approached halfway up the trail, Itsuki turned a pleasant smile toward them. "We're all waiting for you too, Father. It's our first time visiting Mom all together, isn't it?"

"Is that so..?" Maruo tamely replied. At some point, he no longer bothered to protest against his daughters as they continued to gently nudge him along. For reasons unknown to him, Maruo had let his eyes wander over the passing gravestones. He looked over the fine cuts of the stone walkway, and to the carefully tended grass that burrowed in between. Though he could not convince the girls pulling him along otherwise, there was still a feeling dragged his footsteps along. A certain discomfort that served as his anchor.

"Dad," the voice called after him. As sudden as the breeze that carried the freshly fallen leaves, Maruo felt the tug at his arms grow light, and he took one long look ahead of him. There, patiently awaiting him by Rena's gravestone were the smiling faces of his five daughters. Standing honestly in the middle was his eldest daughter—a fully grown and brightly shining woman, radiating the same light that once and forever will inspire him. She held out her hand, refusing to speak another word until he had finally joined them.

Quietly, Fuutarou took a few steps back.

As one whole family, the Nakanos stood by their family grave. Through each and everyone of them, a mere glimpse into the unending love that bound them together. Time or distance; oceans and skies, they would remain together. They all collectively wished luck for Ichika, in her new and unknown journey that would await her. They reminisced over the days that lead up to here—of the day they first found out she was an actress, to the sudden day she declared that she would be studying abroad. Some were quick to mention, or possibly even protest, how ludicrous the entire ordeal still was. Nino and Itsuki spoke about how suddenly things had turned out this way. To think that it was not too long ago that they were all just attending classes together in high school. They loosely apologized to their mother that they could not convince her to stay, which the rest would happily laugh over.

Five voices for five lives. As joy-filled and benevolent as the day they first held hands. When Miku subtly pointed out that Maruo was rather reserved with his words, it was Ichika that offered him a place in front of the gravestone and Yotsuba would be the one to earnestly nudge him along. For a while he stood quietly. For as long as Maruo had visited Rena, it had always been in private. Alone. In the quiet loneliness of it all, there were not many times where he could find the words befitting of him. But his daughters knew the kind of man he was, and undoubtedly, so had Rena. The sweetest and most heartfelt words did not always come embellished. It sometimes fell brief, decorated only in the hopeful smile that wished nothing but the best of luck and safety to his daughter.

And as those minutes had fallen to their last, their hands ended in one last, hopeful prayer. The last of the offered flowers' soft touch had slipped through her fingers, replaced by the cool surface of the grave. Memories of these nineteen years that encompassed her, making the woman that proudly stood here today. From the earliest days and the long-haired child that always marched forward, a little too quick to grow up. From the actresses she watched with glistening stars in her widened eyes, and the little seed sown into that garden called 'dreams'. Ichika watched from afar as that little girl began to change. She carelessly sauntered and swirled in front of the mirror with every new clothing and uniform. She cut her hair and she pierced her ear. She played tennis and she privately recited her audition lines in her room. She lied and she loved—she loved and she lied. All of the moments she shared, and the dearest ones she held closest to her heart, right to the absolute last.

And slowly, the eldest daughter parted.

"I will be going now, Mom," Ichika said softly. "Ittekimasu."

Contrails carved through the sky. An endless expanse of azure blue and bespeckled clouds, clear as it could ever be from outside the terminal window. All around, the sound of continual murmurs as people passed, the din of rolling bags that trailed behind them, and the idle drone. Tall metal fixtures stretched high above them and the far-reaching walls echoed every sound in the distance. Although, nothing would ever compare to the long, turbulent whine of the aircraft engines that flooded from the outside.

As often as they would come across new roads to new locations, and as familiar as a map would always be—it would sometimes come as an unexpected shock to some as they remembered where they stood in the grand scheme of the world. Their whole lives had known only Tokai. One city to one prefecture. For one reason or another, they could find themselves traveling the long roads beyond—to neighboring towns or cities—but the way back home was never too far. In the eyes of the world, however, Japan was only a name among many. An island within the vast stretch of the ocean, and all of the different cultures that lay beyond the other side.

It was fortunate that they had arrived at the airport much earlier than they had expected. With a group as large as theirs, it was all too easy for someone to grow distracted with what turned out to be their very first visit to an airport. There was an abundance of signs and markings that directed them in every way for any scenario. There were colorful decorations and eye-capturing sculptures throughout the terminal. And they found out that the moving walkway served a little too much to some of their group's amusement.

"Slow down, you two!" Fuutarou called after them as they took off ahead. "Raiha, be careful, you might trip. And Yotsuba, don't encourage her! We'll be late if you two keep goofing off."

"Come on, let them have their fun." Ichika laughed. "As long as they aren't bothering anyone, it shouldn't be a problem. And we're here pretty early, remember?"

"I mean, I suppose… but it would probably be best if we—"

"Ichika." Two bright purple bunny ears nudged itself between them. Nino's phone case. The second sister had nudged her shoulder beside her sister, flashing a quick smile to the camera. "Smile for me, sis."

"Another one?" Ichika halfheartedly replied. "I thought we already took one, but alright." She pressed her finger to her cheek, offering a flirtatious wink as Nino took the picture.

"Hold on, there was some guy behind us looking at the camera," Nino grumbled as she swiped through. "Here. Let's take another one. Itsuki, Miku, come get in this one."

"Haven't you taken enough already?" Itsuki retorted as her sisters' shoulders began to huddle around her. "You've been—okay, okay, you're shoving me—you've been taking selfies ever since we got her, Nino. Just how many do you need?"

"Quit your whining and smile. You too, Miku."

"I am smiling," the third sister replied with a wave of her hand. "And look, I'm even holding up a peace sign. Yay."

"Come on! You're hardly trying at all. Really show off that smile."

"Like this?" Miku pushed the corner of her lips upward, forcing something a little too jubilant of an ordinary smile. One that did not quite reach the apathetic look in her eyes.

"Perfect." Nino tapped her phone.

"Wait, don't." Miku reached for her sister's phone but Nino had already begun walking forward. The third sister immediately followed after. "Nino, delete that picture. Now."

A smug grin formed on the second sister's lips. "Why? I think it captures your charms nicely."

"Knock it off. You better delete that picture, Nino."

Fuutarou called after them, "You're going the wrong way! Miku, Nino! The Southern Terminal is this w—"

The chime of the announcer speakers drowned out his voice. "Please remember that no food or drink is allowed past the security checkpoint… all personal items must be… we thank you for your cooperation and hope you…"

Shuffles of passing people quickly separated them, leaving Fuutarou with his hand over his head. "Will they ever just—ugh! What is with everyone today? It's like trying to take care of children. We still haven't checked in."

"I'll go get them, Uesugi-kun." Itsuki sighed. She rolled over one of Ichika's luggages to him. "Hold one for a second. I'll be right back."

"Oh look." Ichika pointed forward. "Yotsuba and Raiha are back. Anything caught your eye?"

"We saw the planes!" Raiha exclaimed. "You can see all of the airplanes coming in from the walkway over there! They're huge! You can probably fit hundreds of people in there! Big Bro, you gotta come check it out."

"We'll all see them soon, Raiha," Fuutarou replied. His eyes scanned across the various signs and markers, mindful of every last detail.

"Is Ichika-neesan really going to be flying in one of those things?"

"Yes I am," the oldest quintuplet replied. "One of these days, I'm going to take you with me, Raiha-chan. I have a feeling you'd be the type of girl who'd love to travel."

"Really?" A bright gleam reflected from Raiha's eyes. "You'd really take me with you? Where?"

"Wherever we would want to go, of course!" Ichika winked at the young girl. "So, while I'm gone, I want you to think about all of the kinds of places you would want to visit, okay? Big sis will make sure she takes you there."

"Do you really mean that?

" It's your big sister's promise to you, Raiha-chan. Count on it."

"You promise?" The look in Raiha's eyes grew wider. With both of her fists excitedly clenched, she turned to the two men beside her. "Did you hear that Dad? Big Bro? Ichika-nee-san said she's going to take me with her someday!"

"We're standing right here, Raiha," replied Fuutarou. He had a speculative look in his eye as he looked from Raiha's naive smile to the equally naive smile of Ichika behind her. Sighing, he turned to Isanari. "What do you think, Pops? Would you actually let Raiha go?"

A low grumble sounded under Isanari's breath as he carefully pondered the thought. "I'm not too sure… we'd have to renew her passport and we don't know what kinds of foreigners would try to push themselves on someone as cute as Raiha-chan. It might not be worth the hassle…"

"Hu… huh…?" The voice came quickly. A reduced, petulant tone, that either of the two Uesugi men were all too familiar with, and the kinds of responses that it narrowed down. Even if they looked away, the face in their imaginations would have been just the same if they looked down. "You wouldn't let me… go…?"

"…but if she's with Ichika-chan, then surely it will all be fine!" Isanari quickly added, with a puff to chest and a grin as confident as it was impulsive. Fuutarou rolled his eyes, but their father's words were enough to plug the tears before they spilled from Raiha's eyes.

After a short while, Itsuki had returned with the two lost sisters, who each turned away from the other with a puff to their cheeks. It would only take a short walk from their end of the airport to the other, where Ichika's assigned airline was. Traveling in a group as large as theirs proved to be a tad difficult, as it was not only difficult for the leading person, Fuutarou, to navigate through the large aerodrome, but also the crowds of people that shuffled around them. In a place as busy and fast-moving as this, it did not help that their group was led by an admittedly clueless boy. It should have come as a relief when Maruo had finally offered his assistance. The quint's father had traveled through this airport many times in the past and knew the way to the international airlines, and graciously led the rest of the group there. All Fuutarou could have thought, though, was why Maruo had not spoken up earlier.

From there it was a few simple steps. Check-in and print Ichika's boarding tickets from the nearby kiosk. Bring all of her checked luggage to the airline employees that would weigh it then place it down the conveyor belt. When it was all said and done, they all gathered outside of the last stop—security checkpoint. The concluding point where the rest of Ichika's family and loved ones could accompany her. From here, it would only be her moving forward.

Ichika tugged the strap of her carry-on bag. A light chuckle fell from her lips and the young actress pointed forward. "Well… I'll be going this way."

The one closest to her was Miku. "You know," Ichika began, "with how busy things have been lately, I never got the chance to ask you how things have been going for you in culinary school. Forgive me, Miku."

"It's no problem." Miku shook her head. "It's been a lot of work the past couple of days, but it's been a lot of fun too. Still can't get my cakes to turn out the way I want them to, though. Frosting and decorating will be the death of me, but… it's improving. Slowly, but surely."

"Well, the cake you made for my party turned out to be really tasty! By habit, I went and saved myself an extra piece in the fridge, forgetting what the next day was. Sorry that your Big Sis is so messy. Think you can finish that up for me?"

Miku chuckled. "I think I can manage that. But first, here, Ichika. Take these with you."

"Hm? What's this?" In Ichika's hands was a small package. A tiny box that rattled as it glided around her palm, along with a small packet.

"They're travel-size medications," Miku explained. "It might help you a bit on your flight, in case you need it. I read online that first-time fliers might suffer from nausea and stomach aches, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to have some in your bag. Just in case."

"Ha." Ichika chuckled. "Good thinking. I hadn't thought that far ahead, really. Thank you, Mi—"

Before she could finish, Miku had thrown herself into her arms. "Good luck out there…" Miku said, strengthening every part of the soft smile on her face so that it would not break. "…sis."

Ichika welcomed her. She patted through the length of Miku's hair, down to her back. "Thank you, Miku. Make sure to keep doing your best, too. Bake me another, tastier cake when I come back and visit. Promise?"

"I promise." Miku sniffled. "I… I promise."

Next was Itsuki. The fifth sister offered a slight bow to Ichika as she neared. "The day really has come, hasn't it, Ichika?"

"Looks like it has, Itsuki," replied Ichika. "Hope you can forgive me for leaving like this. I know Mom always said that we should always stick together."

"I'm sure Mom understands. Besides, we won't really be apart, will we?" Itsuki placed a hand over her heart, smiling. "Oh, and I also have a gift for you too. Let me see…"

She reached into her purse and brought out a couple of small woven straps. Tightly coiled with white and yellow embroidery floss, and an artificial leather tag at the end. "It's a luggage tag. From both me and Raiha-chan! It'll help you keep track and identify which bags are yours when you land. All you need to do is wrap it around your—"

Itsuki sharply and stiffly paused. A slow drop of sweat formed at her forehead as she looked to her older sister's face, realizing that Ichika had been looking at her with a widely amused grin. And Itsuki buried her face into the palm of her hands. "Oh. My, GOD! I-I-I should have given this to you before we checked in your luggage! I was just so distracted! How big of an idiot am I?!"

She felt a sudden slip between her fingers as Ichika took the handcrafted luggage tags. Then, with a gentle lift of her other hand, Ichika began to pat Itsuki on the head. "It's alright, it's alright, Itsuki-chan. I really love it. I'll make sure to put these to good use."

"Good use? How? We already checked-in your luggage."

Parting the last of Itsuki's bangs from her eyes, Ichika softly smiled at her youngest sister. "What do you mean? I'm going to be needing these when I make my trips back, won't I? It's not like I'm going away forever or anything, silly." She fingered the woven loop of the straps, twirling it around as she carefully eyed every carefully crafted detail. "You and Raiha-chan picked lovely colors, too. They'll look wonderful on my bags."

Ichika leaned in, embracing Itsuki. "Let's both keep working hard, alright? For Mom."

Itsuki closed her eyes. Now was not the time; there were still so many of the others left. "I… yeah. Yeah, Ichika. Let's keep doing our best."

"You're going to be a wonderful teacher someday, Itsuki."

"Thanks… Ichika."

Waiting patiently beside them was Yotsuba. Always bright and always cheerful, the fourth sisters did not hesitate to tightly squeeze her arms all the way around Ichika's chest until she lifted her off the ground. "Whoa, whoa! Yotsuba!"

"We'll all miss you so much, Ichika!" Yotsuba exclaimed. "You better not find better sisters than us in America! You're coming right back here when you're all done, okay?!"

"Okay, okay Yotsu—whoa! Alright, I will. I promise. Now, put me d—own!" Ichika tugged the collar of her beige trench coat, chuckling as she faced her excitable sister. "You're always so full of surprises, Yotsuba. The days won't be the same without you around."

Yotsuba rubbed the back of her head. "Heh… sorry. Might have gotten a little carried away there. It's just… it won't be the same with you gone, Ichika. I mean, we were used to you being gone when you had to travel for work, but this—"

"I know." Ichika smiled. "It's going to be different."

"Very! Super different! It'll be so different, I don't think I'll ever want to get used to it!" Yotsuba grinned. "You know, you really are amazing, Ichika."

"Hmm?" replied Ichika. "I mean, I'll take the compliment, but where did that come from?"

"Nowhere. It's just that you're really… really cool, Ichika. You're really taking a big leap and putting yourself out there. I was never okay with how some of your fans stopped caring just because you were dating. It even got me a little angry! You're just so… talented. So good at what you do. Sometimes, I forget that we're actually quintuplets!"

Again, Yotsuba laughed. A little longer than she realized, as the fourth sister would eventually hear solely her own voice. And steadily did her voice deaden, until she looked back up to her sister. To Yotsuba's surprise, Ichika was waiting for her with a visible puff to her cheeks and both arms crossed. "Hey now, Yotsuba," Ichika said, "since when have you become so forgetful? I can't believe you'd forget that we're sisters."

"Of course I wouldn't forget that, Ichika! I mean—"

"Good." Ichika lightly tapped the top of Yotsuba's head, scolding her. As she drew her hand back, the eldest sister began to fix the slight droop of Yotsuba's ribbons. She gently smiled as she looked Yotsuba back in the eyes. "Never forget that we're both sisters, and that we're both quintuplets. Our accomplishments and our failures—they're no greater or lesser between us."

"You say that, but I doubt it's that easy to be an actress, you know?" Yotsuba gave a halfhearted laugh. "Of course I can't help but be a little envious. Just a tiny bit, but of course I mean that in a good way! I guess, what I'm trying to say is… it's inspiring, you know? It gives me hope that I can one day put in as much as hard work in something that you do, too."

Ichika shook her head. "Being an actress isn't all that great either, you know. It's all just a bunch of flashy liars in front of cameras, with a little bit of makeup and a lot of superficiality. It means putting up with a lot of annoying things and making some sacrifices. Believe me when I say that I wish I had more of your energy, Yotsuba." She placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. "The dream that you'll set your heart on—it had better be ready for you when the time comes. Because there is nothing that could ever stop this sister of mine."

A slight pause fell over Yotsuba's face, until slowly, she nodded. She foolishly tried to disguise the swipe of a tear as she widely grinned. "Thanks, Ichika! You really do always know what to say, huh? Well, then I guess you won't be surprised that I also have a gift for you too. Gimme one second… ta-da!"

From the inside of her backpack, Yotsuba had pulled out a small statue. A statuette—one of a straightly standing man made of a gold-like material, standing atop a black pedestal. The plaque at the bottom read, "Best Actress. Nakano Ichika."

A replica. A replica of a classic accolade known far and wide.

"Oh, wow…" Ichika covered her mouth. "Where did you find this? It looks just like—"

"Like the ones from Hollywood?" Yotsuba proudly puffed her chest. "I had it custom-made when Miku and I went to Tokyo!"

"Yotsuba, this is really thoughtful of you…" Ichika reached for the golden statuette. "Though, I don't know if I'll be able to take this with me onto the plane…"

To Ichika's surprise, Yotsuba had pulled it away. "I know." Yotsuba mischievously grinned. "This is for you, but we're keeping it here—back at home! It's weird seeing your room so clean and empty, so this is going to go right on your desk. And you're going to be bringing home a lot more of these, but before you do, just know that your sisters gave you your first one!"

"Jeez… did you really have to say that part about my room?" Ichika laughed. They tightly hugged one last time.

It was only a short turn as Ichika made it to the last sister. "Well, Nino. I—"

"Just one sec," the second sister interrupted. They had hardly even made eye contact, as Nino seemed to be a little more preoccupied by the phone in her hand. As odd as it seemed to her and everyone else around them, Ichika obliged, idly standing as her sister went through her phone.

"Umm… Nino, I…" After a while, Ichika could not help but lightly laugh. "I'm trying to have a moment here. What are you doing on your—"

"There." Nino tapped her phone for the last time, then slipped it into her coat pocket. "Check your phone."

"My ph—" Before she could finish, Ichika felt a buzz from inside her coat pocket. A new message. Several of them. A complete album of digital pictures from only the night before today. A wide range from all the memories still fresh in the young actress's head, and a few not so familiar as the photos captured every possible moment they all shared. There were group photos with all of them huddled together. There were solo, duo, and trio pictures of all of them. There were messy photos and there were careful ones—sound and chaotic, just as they all were whenever they were together.

There was a picture of Yotsuba holding back Fuutarou as Nino and Ichika fed him spoonfuls of shiokara. There was a bashful shot of Miku as she closely held the karaoke microphone to her chest, and the rest of them cheering her on in the background. There was a surprise photo of Itsuki with a shrimp tail dangling from her stuffed mouth, and the bright red tinge of her cheeks as she met eyes with the camera. There was a serene shot by the balcony that neither Fuutarou nor Ichika were aware of, taken from behind them as Ichika gently rested her head on his shoulders. And there was a small collection of photos no more than a few minutes old, right at this very airport. All of that and many, many more.

"Those are the ones I promised to send you from last night," Nino stated. "And don't think I'm done yet. I couldn't finish going through them all, so you'll be seeing a few more later."

"More? There's already over sixty images here." Ichika swiped through a few more of the pictures, smiling. "I don't think my phone storage will last, Nino."

"Well you better start clearing up space soon. Uninstall some apps or back them all up somewhere." She pointed a finger in front of Ichika's face. "Because I'm going to be sending you pictures of all of us. Every single day. And you better keep every one."

"I can always check your instagram, you know."

"Don't care," Nino sternly replied. "I'll keep sending them to you, so that way, I'll know for sure that you get them. You'll see just how much fun you're going to be missing out on while you're gone. And don't you dare turn off your read receipts, either. Otherwise, you won't hear the end of it from me. Got it, Ichika?"

Ichika knew well enough to expect that kind of assertiveness from Nino, but there would always be times where she would be left without a quick response. The look in her eyes was enough to tell that she was not bluffing at all, and Ichika could not help but smile. "I got it, Nino. I will look forward to seeing them each and every day."

"Take care of yourself… alright?" Nino buried her nose into Ichika's shoulder. "…and hurry back."

"I will, Nino. Thank you. Thank you so much."

Next were the two men that stood a little further away from the crowd. A few steps to skirt the edge of their group, but that distance would hardly stop Ichika as she proudly made her way to them. As she neared, the older man who wore a dark gray suit politely bowed, and quietly stepped to the side.

"Where are you going, Ebata-san?" Ichika called after him, much to Ebata's surprise. "You're not sending me off without at least a goodbye?"

The old man chuckled. "Forgive me, Ichika-san. I've never been good with these kinds of things." Contentedly, Ebata made his way back. He could not help but remember the days from six years ago as he looked at the patient eyes on the young actress's face. How the years had quickly seemed to go by. "You've really grown, Ichika-san. I pray that you shall have a safe trip."

Ebata held out his hand and Ichika graciously shook it. "Thank you, Ebata-san," said Ichika, "for all that you've done for me,."

"It was my pleasure." Ebata bowed. He beckoned towards Maruo beside him. "Apologies for going before you, Nakano-san."

"It's hardly a problem, Ebata" said Maruo. He took after his secretary and offered his hand forward. "Congratulations, Ichi—"

And before he could finish his daughter's name, Maruo felt a sudden warmth wrap tenderly around his shoulders. From the tip of her toes, Ichika had lifted herself so that she could every so gingerly pull down this reticent man she happily called her father. The soft ends of her hair brushed beside Maruo's cheek as Ichika placed one quick peck on his cheek. "Thank you for taking good care of me, Dad. For taking care of all of us."

For a while Maruo was silent. He always believed that the way he was now was never quite worthy of such praise. Nothing that could truly be deserving of this warmth that fondly surrounded him. He had stood quietly at the sidelines during the crux of these girls' adolescence, fearful and uncertain of what it sincerely meant to be a parent. He knew that he could have done better. He wanted to do better. Surely by then, this thing they call familial love could deserve a permanent spot to settle in his heart.

Slowly, Maruo placed one arm around his daughter's shoulders. True as they all would come to know, Maruo was a man of few words, but none could ever deny that they were every part truthful. "You honor me, Ichika. I am immensely proud of you."

They let go, and Maruo reached into his coat pocket. He brought out a small, white box and handed it over to his daughter. "For you, Ichika."

Inside was a thin designer watch. A luxury brand watch, similar to the one that Maruo himself adorned on his wrist, although small and more elegant in appearance. It had a thin, silver-and-gold-toned strap and case that would perfectly embellish the young actress's wrist. Yellow canary diamonds embedded throughout the dial.

And curiously, there was a smaller clock within, behind the main hands. A subdial.

"I've already configured it for both time zones," Maruo said. "One for California; one for Japan. Let me know immediately if you require any assistance while you're away."

"I will." Ichika took the watch. "Thank you, Dad. Thank you so much."

Then, there were three. A wholesome and humble bunch that she had the greatest pleasure to have met in these slowly-passing years. "It really means so much that you came all the way here to see me off."

All three of Uesugis smiled at her. Isanari was the first to speak, hearty like every bit of his laugh. "We've told you already, Ichika-chan, you're practically a part of the family! We wouldn't have missed today for the world, right, Raiha-chan?"

"Yeah!" Raiha nodded as she eagerly approached Ichika.

Ichika welcomed the young girl into her arms. "Keep doing your best in school, alright, Raiha-chan? I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you so much, Ichika-nee-san!" Raiha cheerily said.

Isanari proudly lifted his arm, his hand formed into a firm thumbs-up gesture. "Since Fuutarou isn't around to take up space anymore, he went ahead and got us a brand new TV! Raiha-chan and I will be sure to grab ahold of some more of your movies! That way, it'll be like you never left."

Ichika covered her mouth as she laughed. "You flatter me, Isanari-san, Raiha-chan. But it's almost embarrassing to think you'd be watching some of the stuff from when I debuted. I promise you'll soon see a better, more-refined actress on the screen. Give me a few more years."

The four of them laughed together. Like they had always been a part of one another, they joyously laughed. Again, Ichika thought of just how fortunate her life had been that she could stand here today as every bit of the woman she had grown up to be. All four of her dearest sisters, her friends, her family. Even Oda and Kiku had thoughtfully sent a picture and message earlier that morning. As many times to the many days where the doubts would fester in her heart and her mind, moments like this were the greatest blessings she could ever hope for. It was almost too much for her to bear, however, as the oldest and for her own sake, she had to compose herself. More than anything, an actress should know composure.

Ichika would need every last bit of it as she faced the last person.

"And then there's you." Ichika playfully smiled. The tilt of her head gently swayed the pink strand of her hair beside her face. "You're the hardest one to say goodbye to."

It was just the two of them. Fuutarou carelessly sighed, then proudly faced his partner. "Believe me, it isn't exactly easy on the other end either."

Ichika laughed back, a little lighter and a little emptier than all the other ones from before. "Sorry again for making you go through with all of this, Fuutarou-kun. Find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"That's something you don't need to ask, Ichika. You already know the answer."

"Yet there will always be a sliver of doubt somewhere. Even with all the reassurance in the world." Ichika shook her head. There was a short lull where neither would find the words to say. "Ha. I never thought it would be this difficult. I really… don't know what will happen if I say another word."

"Then don't," Fuutarou plainly stated. He placed one hand on his hip, letting out a long sigh. "I think… we've said enough times over the past month. We've probably thought about this exact moment over and over again too. I've… thought about all the kinds of things I would want to say right now but…"

"…but it's nothing like the things that we do not want to say, huh?" Ichika finished for him. There was something vulnerable in the way she said that, like her voice had almost trailed to a whisper. "…I know, Fuutarou-kun."

"Ichika." Fuutarou slowly reached for her hand. His fingers fit just perfectly through the gaps of hers, tightening with every passing second until it would finally settle. He looked deeply into the colors of her rheumy eyes, wondering if she was doing the same through his.

Gently, Ichika leaned in, placing one long, loving, and wistful kiss on his lips.

As many words that befitted this feeling inside her head and her heart, there was only one that seemed just right.

"Ittekimasu."

"Itterasshai."

And so, did the rest of time solemnly pass. They all watched the last of the young, brilliant actress as she diligently stepped forward. The back of her short, pink hair slowly drew further away, becoming one with the gathering crowd. She made it through the final checks of the airport security, swept with the ever-moving stream of travelers that would eventually disappear behind the final walls that separated them.

One last time, the young actress would turn. One last time she would widely smile to those who carefully watched over her. One last time, a playful wink of boundless confidence, telling them that everything was going to be alright.

All the while, the ones closest to her heart watched and waved. They waited there until they could no longer make out a single strand of her pinkish hair. Then, they waited a little while longer. Long enough for each and every one of their earnest grins to slowly settle to content. The day had finally come.

Nakano Ichika was leaving Japan.

A somber lull had set upon the terminal gates. Every sound and shuffle that came from the surrounding passage of people would dwindle to idle muffle, insignificant to the many thoughts that traveled through their head. One by one, they turned. They stepped away from the railings that separated them from the security checkpoint. Slowly. Quietly. They all stepped away, save for one who still tightly clutched the rails.

"Nino…" Miku emptily called out. "We should… get going."

"I know…" the second sister slowly replied. "I'll… I'll be right there."

Beside them, Raiha took many back and forth glances across the sisters, then to the rest of their group. "Hey… has anyone seen Big Bro anywhere? He was just here."

"Uesugi-san?" Yotsuba attentively lowered herself to face the curious girl. There was a moment where Yotsuba had exaggerated a sort of scouring gesture, drawing one hand parallel to her brow. After a long hum to her breath, she quickly perked her head up. "Ah! I think I remember now! I remember seeing Uesugi-san going… this way!"

Raiha followed the point of Yotsuba's finger. "Over there? Didn't we come from this way?"

"Ha ha! Uesugi-san must have forgotten. Silly boy! Come on, we should go find him."

Overhearing their conversation, Itsuki shortly raised a brow. "Uesugi-kun? No… I am sure I saw him going the other—"

Miku placed a hand over Itsuki's shoulder, slowly shaking her head.

"Did you say something, Itsuki-san?" Raiha turned. She was already holding onto Yotsuba's hand.

"Yeah. Did you want to help us look for Uesugi-san too, Itsuki?" Yotsuba smiled.

"Oh um… no, I was saying that…" Itsuki waved both of her hands over her chest. "I was saying that you should probably hurry and catch Uesugi-kun. Before he gets lost."

"Will do!" Yotsuba saluted, and Raiha did the same.

At the same time, Maruo had walked outside of the departure gates. He tugged the cuff of his suit, carefully eyeing the slow ticks of his watch. It would be a short while until Ebata would return with their car. There would surely be some light traffic. Some possible short delays. A few moments where it was just him.

"Well, Maruo," a distant voice called, "it must be something to—"

And so suddenly did it halt. Isanari stood with both of his arms crossed, shaking his head as he looked at Maruo's back. It hardly looked as if the stoic man had heard a single word that he had said, and even if he wanted to, Isanari knew that Maruo would have wanted only one thing. "Jeez…" He quietly chuckled, stepping away. "So you really can show feelings, after all. You old spoilsport.."

Over time, their little search had turned to short adventures throughout the airport terminal. Raiha circled through the pillars and hopped around the various lines that decorated the floor, forgetting that they had initially set off in search of her older brother. There were still curious corners of the airport she and Yotsuba had yet to explore, and Raiha eagerly turned around. "Yotsuba-san! Yotsuba-san! Let's go see over—"

Raiha paused. She ran over to where the fourth sister had suddenly stopped. "Yotsuba… san…?"

She could hardly hear Yotsuba's voice, muffled by the slow draw of her hands which Yotsuba buried her face into. It took so much of her strength to stop herself from completely collapsing onto the floor. "Rai…ha…chan…"

"Yotsuba-san! Are you alright?"

One by one, the tears fell.

Yotsuba, who hysterically hugged the young girl beside her, repeating the bare sounds of words that she could not complete. Nino, who stubbornly refused to step away from the security railings, digging her fingernails into her skin as she clutched onto the metal bars. Miku and Itsuki, who each tightly embraced the other, feeling the shaking beat of the other's breath. Maruo, who quietly stood alone outside the terminal doors, slowly closing his eyes.

And tucked further away, within the confines of a closed bathroom stall, Fuutarou. The back of his shirt collapsed onto the closed door behind him. The back of his forearm drew over his eyes and his teeth tightly clenched together. Every guilty feeling—every selfish wish—that desperately carved its way into the walls of his heart. He was tired. Exhausted. He had fought that battle for long enough, and he no longer had the will to hold it back another breath longer.

The feelings swelled deep within his chest and clogged his throat. It reached deep into his insides, forcing every ugly and disgraceful sound his voice could utter. It wrung every last drop from the corner of his eyes until he could make the subtle taste of salt on his upper lip. And he could no longer find it within him to care.

And to the last. The woman that stood alone past the final gates, encompassed by the busy movement of everything around her. Nineteen years to her lifetime. Nineteen long years to this whimsical life of hers, where everyday was always the same faces. As many times as she could tell herself the fact, there would always be these few short moments of realization. This world she had stepped into—the one that they called adulthood. The few steps that separated the bliss within naivety, and the doors that permanently closed behind it.

This world that moved around her; this world that she had found her own place in. All of the decisions she had made to be able to stand right here, and all of the sacrifices she made all the while. Perhaps, at one point in these last few years, Ichika had thought she would feel a little more joyous on this day. Just a little more euphoric, after everything was said and done. Over and over, Ichika had pictured days like this. She should have known already.

She should have already known it would have been this painful.

Ichika realized just how desirous it was to stay naive. How frightening it was to finally grow up. One more door had finally closed behind her—one last curtain call of the small parts of her that still remained childish. If it were one more selfish wish that she could make, it would be to indulge in it a little longer, before she took another step forward. She cupped the palm of her hand over mouth. Her eyes closed tightly.

The gates were well behind her now.

Everything she had ever known was all behind her now.

And finally, Ichika wept.

Author's Note

First chapter of the new year! And finally broke 100k words!

Well, this was definitely a difficult chapter to write, but am I glad to have finally finished it! It was exhausting, haha! It's finally time to send Ichika off to her next big stage, and all of that can't go without tugging a few heartstrings. It had to be done! My only hope is that the future chapters that focus on non-physical interactions will still keep the feelings as strong as I've always wanted them to be.

Hmm… can't think of much else to say this time, really. I suppose my resolution for the new year is to keep things steadily going as it always has been. I'm happy with the pacing and the support has been wonderful since the day I've began this story. 5toubun has been one of the best communities I've had the pleasure of taking a part in, and I'm looking forward to another year of writing!

Anyways, thanks to those who left reviews on Chapter 12 and any recent chapters—Bob19248, nelsonprim02, Faf1, TheMist33, Fox McCloude, XGoGame, the Man, Tuvieja33, and any other guest review(s)! Thanks also to the reddit commenters—Faby777, chloetuco, vonin7, ReverendNON, and cassethf03.

_φ(。。) "I probably should bought a waterproof keyboard if I'm going to keep writing chapters like this..."