Ep 22: Five Cranes In Return

"Miku?! Miku! Snap out of it!" Nino and Itsuki yell in unison as they wring onto their sister's arms to pry her off. Surprisingly, they couldn't; both were equally stunned when they actually struggled to release her off Ichika despite the latter being twice as weak as the two of them combined. Luckily, Fuutarou stepped in too, and thanks to the trio's combined strength, they manage to do with ease and hold her back at arm's length from Ichika, who's still writhing in pain over her sister's unexpectedly strong grip.

"What in the actual... ow..." Ichika groans as she summons her massive self-control just not to swear after recovering from Miku's attack. "Miku... I... when we returned from Kyoto... after reconciling... I thought we promised... We made that promise... not to attack each other again? Even if we had to reflect on it?! I thought we'd agree on this three weeks ago?! What the heck's gotten into you?!"

"Yeah we were. But then this video had to reveal truth about you throwing Fuutarou off course away from not just me, but everyone else too, ironically enough! What if Nino, Yotsuba or Itsuki saw this? What if I saw this?! And now I'm already reconsidering what you said after the trip!" Miku snaps back in anguish as she writhes in her seat thanks to Nino and Itsuki's combined grip. But she then aims her furious stare at the boy she likes. "And you! Fuutarou! Why on earth did you not-"

"Miku... please! Remember what you said to me when I was outside after the third episode?!" Fuutarou reminds her as he clutches her shoulders and makes her gasp. "I think it's time I return the favour to you after that! What you said to me when I was down... that also can be said for you. For all of you actually! Am I right?"

Miku goes wide eyed. Fuutarou is right. This was the exact same, if not similar, scenario that Fuutarou had wound up a few episodes before back. And she was the one that consoled him... but... Ichika... she was the mastermind behind all of this wasn't she? So... shouldn't she... at least to the third...

"But... Fuutarou... Ichika... she... s-s-she did hurt you i-i-in a way... didn't she? As much she did to... to me... to everyone...?" Miku stammers before she suddenly loses her words.

"I'm aware that she did what she did, yes. I'm not good at reading you five identical faces as I am with reading test results..." Fuutarou responds as she glances towards a tear-stricken Ichika, probably due to the pain and not just her regrets too. "...but I can tell Ichika's sorry. She regrets it as much as I regret seeing this myself. Think of the scenario that you're in, Miku. It's no different to the one that were both in when we were outside, isn't it?"

Miku stares at Fuutarou and Ichika in silence. Tears once again began to streak down her cute face as she then gazes downwards whilst she recalls her promise with Fuutarou...

'For someone who wants to be needed, thank you, for being so.'

'You were there for me. For all five of us. It's time that we return the favour.'

Her face, drained of colour, then becomes wracked with sorrow as she returns to the real world. Fuutarou's right. She didn't have to get mad over something that happened. And before everyone else could say anything, she dives into Fuutarou's arms whilst she weeps on his shirt to no end.

"Miku?!" Yotsuba gawks. "Are... are you-"

"J-j-j-just play it without me!" Miku yells as she buries her head into Fuutarou's chest and cradles his waist as the next episode begins. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry *Hic* Fuutarou... you're right... we did make a promise... *Sniff* I shouldn't have... *Sniff* I'm sorry... Forgive me..."

"Miku... I-" Ichika tried to apologize before Fuutarou raises a hand to silence her.

"Enough. I get it you were responsible for ruining Miku's trip." Fuutarou sternly warns her. "You already tried to sabotage her all for yourself. I don't need you gaslighting any of us and adding fuel to the fire ok? Let's just..." He sighs profusely as Ichika sits back stunned. "...let's not have this one suffocate us. I think we should start." And with that, the quints that were still active couldn't agree less with him.

I just... wanted to... apologize though... Can't she tell that I still regret everything? Ichika thinks as she sniffles.

"Ichika though... what the heck..." Yotsuba gasps as her hold her arms close to her chest. She's still reeling from the atrocity that her big sister committed... And yet, mutually exclusive event but, she's actually astonished by Miku's unexpected strength... has she actually gotten stronger than before? That must have hurt badly... This is the first time I've seen Miku inflicted so much physical pain on one of us... she's really changed too, just like what Ichika said! Maybe... yeah... the five of us can do anything. I know why now.

"Yeesh. I thought we'd be able to separate Miku so easily, considering her terrible strength and all. When did she become so tough?" Nino questions out loud without thought as she grips onto the remote. Though as the TV plays, no one, including Fuutarou, found an answer for her.

*The episode begins with Fuutarou in the men's toilet, where he recalls something dastardly first...*

Ichika (Flashback): Ichika... is in love with you.

Ichika just gulps on the spot and curls up into a ball whilst her cute pupils dilate; She couldn't restrict herself from doing so as she notices her sisters giving her awkward stares again for this behaviour.

"Please don't. We've already gone through enough mess." Itsuki whispers.

*... before heading back to the present alongside an intruder*

Fuutarou: Sigh... what's with you?!

Takeda: Oh I was just thinking how rough it might be tutoring the Nakano sisters and all.

Fuutarou: Wait what?! How'd you know-?!

"Very appropriate start I'm telling you." Fuutarou sneers over having a 'private' scene of his alongside Takeda being on full display.

"Not even 5 minutes into the next episode and we already have two things about to haunt us..." Itsuki groans as she looks away in disgust.

"You just don't want to admit seeing Fuu-kun naked from the waist down again, don't you?" Nino smirks, but not before Itsuki blindly hurls a pillow in the former's direction... and misses; She hits Fuutarou instead.

"OW WHAT THE HECK!" Fuutarou yelps as he feels the brunt of Itsuki's pillow slamming into his face an almost knocking the lights out of him. Then again, it's better for him to take the impact rather than the quint with the sour mood for sure...

"GAH-! S-s-sorry! I wasn't aiming it at you!" Itsuki squeaks as she takes the pillow back... and correct her mistake at point-blank range before Nino could deflect her shot.

"Geez you're already overreacting to something that the movie at least chose to cut out?" Yotsuba pouts in disgust. Ichika meanwhile felt paralysed and is unable to move, let alone express her thoughts clearly, after witness Fuutarou's memory...

Takeda: My dad is the president of this school. You see... my family has a very close relationship with Mr Nakano.

*Fuutarou washes his hands, looking really disinterested*

Fuutarou: Damn rich people cliques!

Takeda: Teaching those five dunces must be a terrible distraction for you especially at a time like this.

"Wow even Takeda-kun called us five dunces huh? My impressions of him have hit an all-time low!" Itsuki scowls as her ahoge sharpens for no reason.

"You sure got that one right about him, though, Fuu-kun." Nino remarks as she rubs her nose after what happened earlier.

"Haha. Also, as of now I'm convinced that in every single place we've been holds a hidden camera watching us. Maybe someone might want to investigate." Fuutarou dryly jokes as he strokes the broken Miku's head. And right when the words escaped his mouth, it happened; Yotsuba immediately rises from her seat and glance all over the room with a panicked expression just to make sure they weren't being spied on... despite the fact that there are zero cameras present, causing some dry laughs to be heard from everyone else including Ichika, who finally snaps out of her paranoid state just this once.

Fuutarou: Uh?

Takeda: After all, you're not ranked at the top of the class anymore. So that we've begun to discuss the possibilities of me taking over your job.

"Yeah no thank you! I'll still take Uesugi-san over you by over a mile!" Yotsuba pouts for a second time as she settles down in her seat again.

"Ditto." Ichika mutters as she flicks her short hair and glances over at Miku who is still weeping silently.

*Fuutarou is stunned that this stupid jerk is now the top student as the latter's pride gets the better of him...*

Takeda: Hehehehehe (Fuutarou: Huh?) I've finally usurped the crown from you, Uesugi! *He pumps his fists and look up sky high in glory* I BEAT YOU! I FEEL LIKE ON TOP OF THE WORLD NOW! I'M THE WINNER! Wait! Wait! Wait! *Pump his fist thrice before he arrogantly points at Fuutarou* you've lorded over me from the throne of power for all this time! But our long rivalry is at an end!

Nino just couldn't help but burst into laughter over Takeda's prideful monologue as she reels back in response. "The throne of power?! The nerve of that bozo! Thinking he can topple Fuu-kun with his endless pride like that!" She had to let out.

"Sheesh..." Fuutarou and Ichika cringe.

Takeda: It began two years back! I was striving to be number one and I-

Fuutarou: Sorry... Who are you?

*Beat as a closeup of Takeda is-*

Takeda: Huh?! Come on man! Yusuke Takeda? I was already right behind you in test scores?

Fuutarou: Don't care. I was getting perfect marks up until now. Why would I know who was in second?

*Takeda-kun gets roasted. Period.*

Takeda: GAH! GRRRAGH! THAT HURT!

"Ooooohh he needs some milk!" All the quints except the paranoid Miku exclaim as they join Nino and drown in their own laughter too, with the latter even giving a now-smug Fuutarou her own high five as a reward.

What is everyone laughing about? I hope it's not about me... Miku thinks as her face still remains buried in Fuutarou's chest whilst everyone finally settles after 20 seconds of laughing.

*Over at the library where all five sisters are staring at the two men confused...*

Fuutarou: Alright. Time to start studying.

Ichika: Okay! But... why is he here?

Fuutarou: Are you following me?!

Takeda: Don't waste your time on this nonsense, Uesugi! You've got much bigger fish to fry!

"Much bigger fish to fry now that you girls know!" Fuutarou huffs as he tries to cross his arms, only to feel Miku clutching onto them with hers as soon as he accidentally hits her head. "Oops. Uh... Sorry..."

"I hope she's still okay..." Yotsuba whispers as she takes a moment to pat her head.

Fuutarou: What are you talking about?

Takeda: Please forgive my rudeness but... These young ladies are doing nothing but holding you back.

All five: Uh?!

Nino: Holding him back-?!

At this point Nino squirms uncomfortably in her seat. She's doing her best to hold it, but she's wondering when's the most appropriate time to pause and head to the toilet. No one except Yotsuba, who is also squirming, has noticed.

Takeda: It's clear that it would be in Uesugi's best interest to stop tutoring you at once. You can't deny that fact! (Nino: Uh?) Because of your folly, he has been turned into a mediocre individual. That's why I'd like you to set him free.

Fuutarou: You're not wrong.

All five again: Uh?!

Fuutarou: But up until this past summer, more specifically until I took on this job (Takeda: Uh?) *Fuutarou steps forward* I was on the way to becoming even less than mediocre. *Shows him studying during lunch again* I thought I knew everything just because I memorized textbooks cover-to-cover. *Back to the first test of the quints where they all scored 100 combined* In fact I didn't think idiots of their calibre even existed. *And then to Fuutarou ripping up Ebata's contract* And then I was stupid too. *Back to the present as Fuutarou turns to Takeda and challenge him* As long as they'll have me... I'll stick with them!

Miku: Fuutarou!

"Uesugi-san is so sparkly oh my gosh! What did those guys add onto him? It's almost as if he's about to shine brighter than a diamond on TV!" Yotsuba admires as her eyes appear to emit the same stars like on TV.

"It's called CGI, Yotsuba. It's what the film crew adds special effects to a scene to make it all the more sparkly or animated." Ichika describes as best as she could. "You know, like now, when Fuutarou-kun is being focused on? It's as if they plan to turn him from a boring, no-nonsense tutor into a popular schoolboy in some ways."

"I loved how you said that just because I so happen to appear like a super-model tutor on TV." Fuutarou sarcastically jokes, causing Nino and Ichika to blow a massive raspberry each out of the blue and jumpscare their sisters.

"Super-model tutor?! Fuu-kun-!" Nino wheezes before she chokes on her laughter.

"Hey! I was just trying to be nice you dummy!" Yotsuba pouts back as her ribbons once again, wilt.

Takeda: Fine. But I still want proof that this is working out! (Miku: Uh?) *Cue his sparkles again* Here's the deal: rake in say the top 100 for the national mock exams. Or you'll have to give up the job to-

Fuutarou: Hundred?! (Takeda: Huh?) That's child's play! *Gong* Top 10! I'll keep on working as the Nakano's tutor! And do that! All at the same time! They're not holding me back in the slightest *Pans in on Yots who smiles alongside Nino* and I can prove it!

Yotsuba: Uesugi-san!

Takeda: You talk a big game. But you can't win! You've got way too much on your plate!

Nino then suddenly stands up as the opening scene plays; Her squint becomes a little more anguished as she clutches her dress tight and prepares to head to the toilet.

"Huh? Nino?" Itsuki asks her.

"I need to go. Can't hold it anymore. Pause it after the opening so I don't miss out ok?" Nino explains before she zooms off and shuts the toilet door behind her. And as she requested, it didn't take long before Yotsuba decided to pause the TV and check on her sister alongside the rest.

"Yeah I have to go too soon." Yotsuba says as she squirms in her seat uncomfortably.

"Same..." Ichika flinches.

"Sigh, you could have technically gone before the entire thing started... Uh I mean if it wasn't for Miku. And besides, it's only 9:10. We still have a decent amount of time to finish this stupid TV series about us." Fuutarou says, still gently stroking a trembling Miku in his arms.

"Wait a minute..." Ichika ponders as she does her best to hold her load.

"What is it?" Fuutarou asks as everyone diverts their attention towards Ichika, except Miku of course.

"I swear, this rivalry between you and Takeda-kun..." Ichika ponders as she put a hand to her chin.

"What about it?" Fuutarou nonchalantly asks her.

"No I mean... your last names... Uesugi and Takeda... I saw a similar exam question on this rivalry! I don't what is is but um... yeah. t=The two of you duking it out on the mock exams!" Ichika recalls.

"Oh! I know what you're talking about! You mean... the battle of... Hmm... what was it...?' Yotsuba ponders. She saw the exam question too, but it's apparent that this wasn't an answer she can easily remember.

At this point, the toilet flushes and Nino exits the bathroom just after she washes her hands.

"Alright. My turn next." Ichika swiftly claims as she sprints to the bathroom and locks the door behind her before Yotsuba could protest. Nino meanwhile just returns after stopping by at the sink for a few seconds to was her hands and get a glass of water.

"Geez. I didn't think Takeda-kun would be ten times more outrageous on TV than in class." Nino comments as she sits down with a violent thud in her seat. It was also at this point that she spotted Miku peeping her head up from Fuutarou's body now that she's stopped crying, though her face looks really stained from her tears. "Oh. Hey Miku."

"Um... where's Ichika? Is she in the toilet?" Miku sniffles as she pries herself up from Fuutarou's grip.

"She is. Is there something you want to say, perhaps?" Yotsuba asks her as she continues to squirm.

"No uh... I mean... It's just..." Miku stutters as she hiccups.

"Take your time, Miku. We're not going anywhere." Itsuki assures her. as she raises her palms.

"No I mean... First off, Fuutarou Uesugi vs Yusuke Takeda... that's... um... the exam question... the Battle of Kawanakajima... Uesugi Kenshin vs Takeda Shingen. Is that right?" Miku slowly breathes.

"Oh yeah! I got it! The battle of Nakajiwama!" Yotsuba says, albeit she pronounced it wrong.

"Kawanakajima, Yotsuba." Nino corrects her. "But yeah it's strange to be reminded of that. Then again, it is a battle after all between you two."

"Heh. Ain't that a coincidence? I guess we can call this the 'New Battle of Kawanakajima' after all. I mean, our rivalry has mellowed into us being friends after that. Outside of that, he's a nice guy, I have to admit." Fuutarou chuckles to lighten the mood.

"And um... secondly..." Miku resumes. "...um... I'm sorry. When I lunged at Ichika, I... I did so because, she kept this behind not just me. But from all of us!"

"Like so many of the unwanted scenes that we had to stomach? Yeah... tell me about it." Fuutarou says as he moves in to pat Miku's head.

"Even then, the way you attacked her... I would be terrified if I was in her position. Please don't ever do this again ok?" Itsuki assures her.

"We get that you've been the most troubled by Ichika's awful decision making since Episode 7. Yes we all pushed her over the line, but even so, that doesn't mean you should go ahead and cross the line too. And besides, we'd all be worried sick if you couldn't snap out of it!" Yotsuba says.

"Well... I know... I shouldn't have lunged at her..." Miku continues as she wipes her face. "I mean... there was something... about what Ichika did, that compelled me to do so... I'm sorry... I won't..."

It was at this moment just as Miku finishes speaking, the toilet can be heard flushing again.

"Kay I'm done. Who's next?" Ichika asks right before Yotsuba zooms into the bathroom at the speed of light before the eldest could even react. "Geez!"

"Be glad neither me or Miku have to go. Otherwise we'd be screaming at the top of our lungs to hurry up." Itsuki reminds her big sis as she plops back down onto the couch and stares at Miku, who is awaiting her response for her acts on TV. At this point, there was nothing but dead silence coming from everyone including Fuutarou as they turn to Ichika's direction.

"Miku... um... about the events leading up to the Kyoto trip..." Ichika says, only to falter at the last word. Whilst she is aware that she is creating an awkward atmosphere herself, she just doesn't know what to say next as their stares kept locked on her.

"Yeah? Go on." Was all that Miku said with a distrustful glare. The others braced themselves.

"I... Miku..." Ichika slowly breathes. "What I did... behind your back... Um..." She pauses to blow on a tissue as tears continue to streak. "What we agreed before the finals... I admit... that was selfish of me. Instead of being fair... I played dirty. I was too selfish to admit my actions. I should have known it butd... I know... *Sniff* Nino... Itsuki... even Fuutarou-kun... I hurt you all as much as I hurt Miku didn't I? And... I'm sorry. But even so... You're all... the bond between us... it's still standing strong *Hic* despite evreything that I did... right?"

All she got however was silence. From everyone else in this room.

"Uh... guys? I... what else... what else do you want me to-" Before she could finish though, Miku suddenly latches off Fuutarou and catches her big sis in a tight embrace, despite having seen almost everything.

"I know. When you embraced me on the last day in Kyoto... I heard you nice and clear." Miku responds as her voice breaks and she squeezes Ichika's waist tighter.

"Miku...!" Ichika gasps as she is taken aback at first, but after while she returns the hug and smiles.

"If anything, I'm the one who should be saying sorry. Not you this time." Miku responds warmly as she extends the hug. "I shouldn't have lunged at you like that too. And yes... I'll share your pain with you, as all quintuplets should. And even so, I'll still see you... as my big sister." Tears once again streak from her eyes as they embrace and reconcile.

"Aww..." Nino and Itsuki had to let out as they and Fuutarou relax. It's literally become a Deja Vu of the Kyoto trip ending.

"Always remember my words Miku: We may be rivals, but we're not enemies." Ichika reminds her as the two of them break away; Nino and Itsuki breathe a sigh of relief whilst Fuutarou just... smirks. The latter isn't comfortable with this sort of affection, but he's willing to tolerate it just this once.

"That quintuplet bond of your sure is something..." Fuutarou remarks as Ichika and Miku let off warm smile after this moment of reconciliation.

And once again, the flushing of a toilet can be heard as the fourth suddenly races to her seat...

"Okay I'm back!" Yotsuba quickly announces as she sprints towards the couch before leaping into her seat. She twists her body as such so that she ends up facing the TV again just as she lands, though that almost resulted in her colliding into Miku, Itsuki and Fuutarou as they narrowly avoided the impact by leaning.

"My goodness Yotsuba... you nearly hit me, Fuutarou and Itsuki you know that?! Did you even wash your hands?!" Miku berates her.

"OOP- S... sorry! And yes I did!" Yotsuba squeaks as the former presses the play button with her wet hands and resumes the show. (New seating order: Itsuki, Ichika, Fuutarou, Nino, Yotsuba, Miku)

*The next scene shows Ichika in the bathtub, texting to one of her sisters via a group chat*

Ichika's Text: Fuutarou-kun's birthday is coming in three days right? We've been thinking about what to get him. But do you think it will get in the way of his studies?

"FUUTAROU-KUN!" Ichika suddenly and violently screams as she immediately cuffs her tutor's eyes immediately on the first frames of her naked scene.

"ICHIKA?!" Nino, Miku and Yotsuba yelp as their big sister's scream rockets them 2 meters into the air and above their seats.

"GYAH- What on earth was that for?! Calm down for crying out loud!" Itsuki yelps as she is also taken aback by that sudden overreaction.

One of her sisters (via a text): Let's scrap the idea for now.

*Ichika presses the phone to her head and slowly sinks in the bath*

Ichika: Sigh...

"Don't... Ichika...!" Nino gasps with effort as she struggles to breathe properly after the jumpscare. "Don't... ever... scream so suddenly... in front of our six faces again... EVER!" Miku couldn't even say anything as she struggled to breathe just like Nino.

"Your naked body wasn't even shown this time! What the heck!" Yotsuba pants; She was less affected but even so, the shock had some impact on her as she clutches her chest.

"Uh-?! I mean... sorry. I just... got off guard by... well you know... after all the naked scenes we had to stomach?! I hope this is the last one!" Ichika refutes as she takes her hands off Fuutarou whilst her cheeks flush.

"Even so, that doesn't mean you just yell in our faces and force our hearts to stop beating..." Fuutarou reminds her as he rubs his sore eyes after having them tightly compressed by the big sister's strong grip.

*The next day at school... the scene shifts to a very weary Fuutarou who has developed large bags on his eyes; Yotsuba, Miku and Ichika take notice*

Fuutarou: Sorry... I need to go out for some fresh air...

*Miku then stands up to follow him when Ichika...*

Ichika: Uh?

*Outside in an isolated alleyway... Fuutarou hunches back as he stares at the sky*

Fuutarou: Urgh... I have to bring their grades up so they can graduate from high school. I wish I could focus on acing the mock exam though! *He palms both of his cheeks* No! I can handle both! I'm not holding me back!

Miku: Fuutarou!

Fuutarou: Uh? Hey Miku.

*As Miku approaches Fuutarou though the brief flashback of her so-called confession replays in his brain and on TV*

Ichi-Miku (Flashback): Nope not a bit!

"No, please! Not again! I don't want to...!" Ichika tremors before Nino decides to hold her in place in case she bolts.

"Ichika, face it: What you've done to Miku is undoable. There's nothing you can do about it anymore besides to soak it in. All we can hope now is that you don't repeat history for yourself again. And even though we we're still fighting for Fuu-kun, remember my words in Kyoto, alright?" Nino sternly tells her as her grip remains firm. Ichika didn't do anything but nod in response as she recalls what Nino said to her after she sabotaged Miku...

'Even if I were to lose... I'd still be happy for one of us!'

*Back to the present as the two of them speak at once*

Both: Look about two days ago/About two days from now-

Fuutarou: Oh. You go.

Miku: No go ahead.

Fuutarou: Well I-

*And then Ichika shows up*

Ichika: What are you guys talking about? Hm?

*Fuutarou walks off in embarrassment*

Fuutarou: U-u-uh it's n-not important...

"I thought I felt something off there, now that I've been reminded of someone's past trauma..." Nino rouses as her right hand instinctively find its way to her chin.

"Thank goodness it's not just me feeling this..." Itsuki dryly adds as her ahoge sags a little whilst she coughs lightly.

Miku: I'm worried. I hope he'll be ok.

Ichika: He'll be fine. But the best thing we can do for him is try to lighten his burden as much as possible. So... I think we should table the birthday idea.

"Was that why you left me all alone at the library? You tried to interrupt this small conversation between the two just to take Uesugi-san's mind off his birthday plus that stunt you pulled on him?" Yotsuba suspiciously asks her, seeing that the connections between that brief stint and Ichika's timely interruption is now making clear. As for the big sister, well, now that she's once again being drenched in cold sweat, she doesn't even have to speak her case. It was already made clear that incident was the true reason behind Ichika's doing.

Miku: Mmm... Kay...

*Miku walks off*

Ichika: I can't feel bad for what I did. This is the strategy I chose. I've put the brakes on everyone else! Now only I'm giving him a gift! It's too late for second thoughts!

There wasn't much but tense awkward silence between the six as the scene shifts; Ichika already felt like there was no need to say anything about what she thought as she curls tighter in her seat. They had seen the backstory. They had seen her atrocious act in sabotaging Miku and gaining the advantage just for herself. There was nothing she could say to counter her actions. And yet... ironically enough, the person who motivated her to commit this, was sitting adjacent to her. She let her love for him overwhelm her. And it wasn't the right move in the long run.

I wish I could undo everything that I just did... I'm... I don't know if I can be a good Onee-san anymore... Ichika wilts as she doesn't even notice Fuutarou stroking her left shoulder to at least comfort her.

On the other side, there was one quint that did think thoroughly about what Ichika did. Except...

Ichika did something horrible. Even I hated it. But... If I were in Ichika's shoes though, I wouldn't even have lasted at the beginning of the previous episode... She's a brave one, unlike me... Yotsuba shudders as she hold her tiny knuckles close to her chest. Whilst she is still condemning her sister's selfish move, she does commend her in a way, specifically on her near-perfect disguise. And yes, if Yotsuba were to try and perform this, she would have blown her cover the moment she had locked eyes with Fuutarou. The boy she was also supposed to love, but never got to.

The other three meanwhile, found themselves lost for thoughts as their stares towards their big sis remains sour.

*Ichika walks down the stairs when she suddenly bumps into Nino, who just showed up for studying*

Nino: Ahaha! Almost in choosing time!

Ichika: Uh?! Nino? What's that?

Since the three youngest weren't around, they were curious as to why the two of them took so long to regroup so they can study, let alone finalize the birthday gifts. Miku meanwhile, sours slightly over what she feels is yet to come.

Nino: Huh? Oh these? They're stress relief candles! And since his birthday is almost here, *Instant realisation* Uh?! Oops my bad! I meant to keep it a secret till then!

*Ichika bleary face*

Ichika: Did you not see my text last night?!

Nino: Oh! I saw. But I wanted to give him a birthday gift anyway! Hey! Hold on! Does this mean I'm the only person who's giving him a present? *Dreamy Nino face* Well that's even better!

Ichika: Right I forgot… *Busted Nino express again XD* Nino's train doesn't have any brakes!

This time, Nino had to suppress her massive laughter into quieter, more stifled ones as everyone including Ichika and Miku suddenly fire hostile glares in her direction. Obviously neither of them were taking any chances on hearing yet another deafening wave of laughs from the second; The Nino express train scene itself is hilarious, but when one's laughter becomes way too loud for everyone else's taste, it doesn't become so anymore. Thankfully, her laugh didn't even last five seconds this time as she removes her hands from her mouth.

"I'm sorry, whose brakes are you trying to put on again, hm~? Glad I was the one that thought ahead first!" Nino cheekily teases at her scowling big sis whilst the rest sort of relax but not really.

Nino: Wait a sec...

Ichika: Huh? What's wrong?

Nino: You have a present to give him too *Nino points at her with pride* don't you, Ichika? *Ichika realises her act has been unveiled and hesitantly pulls out the card she wanted to give for Fuutarou* Look while we're on the subject we'd ought to clear something up: *Flashbacks to the hot springs where Nino got betrayed* On the last night of our spring break vacation I asked you to stop dad from running into me. But low and behold he still showed up. *Back to the present* I don't suppose you'd like to explain?

"Sure... let me go back to episode 8 once this is over..." Ichika jokes, though her defeated sigh says otherwise.

"Sorry Ichika but you're not allowed to use the video this time to argue your case." Nino bites back with a petty smirk on her face.

"What the-?! Since when did I ask for you opinion on something I've already done that you've already seen?!" Ichika sharply yells back in surprise before Yotsuba and Fuutarou hastily move in between the two to silence them.

"Enough! I thought we're all through with this whole mess already?! Sort of?!" Itsuki growls as she tugs onto a pillow tight just in case.

Ichika: We're all alike. But in some ways we're different aren't we?

Nino: Well duh! I should know because I'm the one who has to come up with meals for everybody!

Ichika: Exactly. And you like him, yeah?

Nino: No I love him!

Ichika: Me too.

"Me three!" Miku pouts after feeling somewhat excluded from this banter. She then stares at Yotsuba and Itsuki, hoping they would follow her suit.

"ULP? Uh... o-o-ok?" Yotsuba gulps as her face brightens like the red hot sun and her heart thumps again; Seeing that she's sitting directly adjacent to Fuutarou, her heart races even faster as she scooches slightly towards Ichika in a vain attempt to hide her embarrassment.

"No! No! No! I've already taken that with a grain of salt for crying out loud!" Itsuki scowls in the meanwhile as she straight up blushes.

"Ah! But you're blushing! So that means you do love him after all!" Nino then teases as Itsuki smashes the pillow she had been clutching all this time into her face.

Fuutarou meanwhile, sweats in absolute uncertainty over what to say next.

Ichika: Why is this the one thing we both agree on? *She turns away shyly* I'm sorry Nino... *Smirk* but I won't let you have him!

"Correction: The one thing the five of you dummies agree on." Fuutarou pouts. Itsuki at this point decides to let that slide and pretend she didn't hear that whilst she scoffs.

Nino: So it's your choice? Just because you're the oldest?!

*The two of them powerwalk to the library as the camera struggles to keep up*

Ichika: Seriously who buys aroma therapy candles for a guy?!

Nino: What?! A gift card is the tackiest gift you can give!

Ichika: No way! He can use it to get something he wants!

*KABOOM Plus blue lightning as the two of them stare menacingly at each other. Until someone gets startled...*

Yotsuba: AUGH!

Ichika and Nino: Mm?

"Geez..." Yotsuba blows out of her mouth for absolutely no reason at all.

Yotsuba: Haha... You scared me! For a second there I was afraid Uesugi-san came back!

*Cue the only scene of Miku being Muki as she's seen ducking behind the table with half of her head shown; Yotsuba is in the midst of folding paper cranes*

Nino: What are you working on?

Yotsuba: Paper cranes! I'm going to make him a thousand to give him good fortune. It'll help him get good grades!

Ichika: Isn't that usually done for sick people though?

Nino: Yeah do those things even work if the person isn't even dying?

"Heh. I guess that explains why I kept hearing Yotsuba mention about Sadako Sasaki and the thousand paper cranes made for when she was sick. That's why she was so obsessed about it." Itsuki comments with a feint smirk.

"I mean yeah but, why's is Miku uh... ducking? Behind a table? I-I mean I know she has my birthday gift which is very thoughtful but still?" Fuutarou asks out of curiosity. But all he got was the same shy look on TV from her.

Yotsuba: I don't know. Uesugi-san seems really tired lately. He hides it, but I know it must be a huge burden for him to have to tutor us all the time. So this way, I can at least help keep him healthy... *Yotsuba finishes the last crane and raises it...* Done!

Nino: I though we weren't doing birthday gifts?

Yotsuba: *Instant Panic* AH! *...And then she breaks down like a baby* I'm sorry! I wasn't making them for his birthday WAAAHHHHHH!

*Everyone except 'Muki' panics*

Ichika: Ah! Yotsuba! Library voice!

Nino: I-it's nothing to beat yourself over!

*Yotsuba continues to weep*

Yotsuba: I know I'm just gonna be heard! *Insert a closeup of the paranoid big sisters as the camera zooms in on them slowly* I didn't mean to but I feel like I'm cheating! (Ichika and Nino: UH?!) I'll hate myself forever! Uwaaaaa!

*Cue a massive waves of red marks clouding over the duo*

Both: Yikes...!

At this point Ichika, Nino and Yotsuba have turned beet red with terror on their faces; The former instantly covers her face with the palms of her sweaty hands whilst the even numbered quints experienced twisted faces of agony and humiliation respectively, now that their tutor has seen it all. Rubbing salt onto the wound was the latter himself plus Miku and Itsuki struggling to suppress their own stifled laughs, specifically after witnessing the special effects applied to Ichika and Nino.

"Aww what's wrong? I thought you said you wanted to-" Fuutarou teases before Yotsuba instantly interrupts.

"I get it I get it I was stupid...!" Yotsuba squeaks meekly as she averts her gaze from Fuutarou.

*And then Miku stands up*

Muki: Me too! (The other three: Uh?!) I bought him these *Holds up the passes* couple's gym passes... so we could go and work out together sometime! I even ask for an advance to pay for them! I'm sorry you guys!

Ichika: Sigh... You guys don't understand Fuutarou-kun very well... *Ichika turns competitive* it doesn't matter when he gets his gifts. He's still going to like mine the best just wait and see!

*Nino lets off a very furious smile and glares at Ichika; Miku meanwhile crouches back down and ducks again*

Muki: So we won't do anything the day of?

Yotsuba: Hm... Hold on! I've got a brilliant idea!

*The scene cuts to black as Yotsuba's paper crane is shown again*

"Come to think about it I wonder what Itsuki was up to during that time we were all bickering about this?" Yotsuba wonders as she stares at her only younger sister confused; Her blush, alongside Ichika and Nino's, fade.

"She was with Shimoda at... somewhere. That's all I know because she told me." Fuutarou says.

*Skips to the night in the school library on the 15th April; Fuutarou is nearly reaching his limit judging by the massive bangs expanding outwards when Itsuki arrives*

Fuutarou: Urrrgh...

"Oh gosh! That must have been super serious!" Miku gawks as she holds her hands up to her mouth.

"I can't even imagine Ichika having the same look as Uesugi-san on TV right now..." Yotsuba sweats as she half shuts her blue eyes; Her ribbons once again wilt like dead leaves.

"What makes you think I'd look like him even though I sleep later?!" Ichika pouts infuriated.

"I don't know. Maybe because you spent so long on scene that your eyes also get strained from all of this acting?" Itsuki asks her.

"That's different to having a sore, aching body. I don't even have to study for stuff other than my actual lines!" Ichika bites back in a low tone.

"Yep. That's Fuu-kun for you. He's stubborn that he'd go to lengths he turned himself into a monster fit for the test of courage with all of that studying!" Nino teases as Fuutarou glares at her sourly.

Itsuki: It's odd to see you studying this late. *She places her own gift on his desk* You must be having a hard time. (Fuutarou: Huh?) Here.

Fuutarou: Itsuki? What do you mean? This is nothing...! *Fuutarou hastily chows down the drink and slams it on the table* I'm amazing remember?

Itsuki: Heh. I've been meaning to tell you I've had a talk with the cram school instructor not too long ago by the name of Shimoda-san.

Fuutarou: Uh?

"What's wrong? Is Fuutarou-kun not good enough, Itsuki-chan?" Ichika teases her.

"It's not like that, dummy. I figured it'll be easier if I improve with two tutors at a time. Plus, I don't see her every day as often as I see Uesugi-kun." Itsuki explains with a huff and crossed legs.

Itsuki: I mean... it's not like an official job. But I'm going to work hard to improve my academics while I'm helping her out a little.

Fuutarou: What's wrong am I not good enough?

"PFFT!" Nino, Miku and Yotsuba instantly get caught off guard by that and immediately drown in laughter again; That was literally what Ichika said a moment ago.

"Wooooow. How coincidental." Fuutarou dryly laughs as he stares at Ichika whilst she does her own forced laugh.

Itsuki: Don't get upset! This isn't about you. I just wanted a job I can make into a part of me you know? I need to work towards my dream before finals and graduation. *Her voice noticeably lightens and becomes more nervous* So I thought it be good to experience it first hand...!

*Itsuki suddenly quivers on the spot for absolutely no reason at all*

Fuutarou: Man you quintuplets are constantly throwing curveballs at me. Ever since we started (Itsuki: Mmmmmmmmmm!) this new school term, well... it's like you've changed! All of you!

"Huh? Itsuki?" Her sisters ask confused. Neither of them could understand why on earth she had suddenly reverted the way she is on TV.

"I... um..." Itsuki stutters embarrassingly. "It's just... I um... I let my worries get the better of me, as in, my dreams of becoming a teacher that day? That's why..." Though... there was something deeper that she refused to share, that also contributed to her nervous behaviour on TV.

*Itsuki snaps out of it though as she looks down...*

Itsuki: What do you mean changed?

*...And finds Fuutarou finally getting KO'ed as her face briefly turns blue*

Fuutarou: Zzzzz

Itsuki: GAH?!

"Pfft! Fuu-kun looks so hilarious when he's out cold!" Nino giggles as Ichika, Miku and Yotsuba follow her suit. The tutor himself and Itsuki meanwhile, blush after witnessing their own embarrassing faces.

"If anything, Itsuki-chan's equally funny face is like icing on the cake!" Ichika follows up.

Itsuki: Heh... it's fine. I'll tell you eventually.

*The scene fades to black to the next day when, just as Fuutarou's senses come back, his phone vibrates*

Fuutarou: Mm...? Urgh what time is it? *He picks up his phone and finds this message from Raiha: 'Onii-chan, when are you coming home? We're ready for your birthday party'* Oh man! That was today huh? I should go.

"Aww! Even Raiha-chan wanted to celebrate! We should have came too!" Yotsuba whines.

"I mean if it wasn't for the mock exam yeah. Did you not realise that?" Itsuki bites as the former jolts in realisation.

"Huh? Wait... oh yeah. You're right." Yotsuba guiltily admits as her ribbons wilt. How on earth did she even forget something simple like this?

*Fuutarou then spots on his table... five neatly folded paper cranes*

Fuutarou: Five paper cranes? Uh? What is this? *He unfolds one of them and realises that these were the recent exams the five girls took; As this happens the scene fades to the national mock exams where all five quints plus Fuutarou and Takeda themselves are grinding their gears during the exam.* Right. I'm not alone. They're all giving it their best too. I can't give up.

"Well, consider this our pre-birthday gifts for you! And happy birthday in advance I guess! Never hurts to feel old huh?" Nino laughs as she slaps Fuutarou back hard and makes him flinch in pain.

*The scene fades to Maruo's private car outside a playground, where he and Takeda are discussing the results of the national mock exams*

Takeda: We received our results from the national mock exam. The Nakano's grades do vary a little. But they've all made some considerable progress since last year. *The paper that Maruo's inspecting only zoomed in on ranks #9-#6; 9: Oda Wakana, 8: Takeda Yusuke, 7: Miyazono Akina, 6: Kurosaki Riku* I got eighth place in all of Japan.

"Come to think about it, we never found out how Uesugi-san went after the results came! How did you actually do?" Yotsuba asks him gleefully.

"All I know is that he fell asleep right before he could finish proofreading his final paper. But that's all I can gather. I know this because I was one of the last to finish." Itsuki says as she pokes her glasses.

"Wait really?" Ichika exclaims surprised as she raises her fists slightly.

"Yeah I did, unfortunately. I really hope they don't show that though..." Fuutarou admits as he crosses him arms and retains a stern look. The others braced to see if the ball rolled in Fuutarou's favour throughout the course of the 'New Battle of Kawanakajima'.

Takeda: As for Uesugi-kun... *He steps outside the car and glances at the sky; Cue the rare five frames of Maruo's disbelief as he does so* Heh... You win. Third in the nation huh? *Shows the five quints handing him his birthday presents before the scene fades* I don't like it... but it's only fair that I tip my hat to you.

"YEAAAHHH!" All five quints cheer over his success, even though he wasn't the top student anymore.

"The five paper cranes brought the good fortune you wanted after all! The legend is true haha!" Yotsuba even adds on as she holds Fuutarou's hand and raises it high into the night sky.

"Alright, alright. Thank you girls again. I appreciate it a lot. Especially the birthday gifts you gave for me this year. Let's settle down again and continue though shall we?"

"Anything you say, Mr I-Work-So-Hard-Now-I'm-Famous!" Ichika teases back, which only sends another barrel of laughs from everyone before they finally cool down and resume the show.

*Over to the Komugiya bakery where... a black crouton is on full display*

Yotsuba: Uhh... you work at a bakery right? Not a rock store?

"Holy crap I didn't think it be that bad!" Itsuki instantly gags whilst Miku again sours and raises her fists.

"Miku. No." Ichika sternly tells her.

Komugiya manager: I-I'm sorry. Nakano's brand new here so she's still learning the ropes.

*Miku turns gloomy, but then she quickly steels herself for attempt 2. It was slightly better, but it still looked like white sludge...*

Yotsuba: It kinda looks like a dead worm...

*The Komugiya manager is stunned as she hangs in the rear with her back turned*

Komugiya manager: I don't understand... I gave her the exact instructions...! How did she still manage to screw it up?!

"Was that the real reason why the bakery suddenly started losing customers?" Nino begins to sneer before Miku slams a pillow into her face at point blank range.

"NO IT WASN'T!" Miku yells out.

"MIKU! NINO! ENOUGH!" Ichika and Fuutarou yell again with raised fists before the two mentioned sourly withdraw.

Miku: Maybe I'm not cut out for baking...

Yotsuba: UH! Don't give up yet! This one look a lot more food like than the last one! Just be confident!

*Miku again steels for attempt 3... and this time, it was exceptional, judging by the fluffy golden texture*

Yotsuba: It's bread! Did you really make this yourself, Miku?

Miku: Mhm!

"Now that right there... is bread! Woah!" Itsuki says astonished as her mouth waters.

"That would definitely be something that I will eat for sure. I'm proud of you, Miku. And yes... keep up the good work." Fuutarou says as Miku's face beams with glee; A massive improvement from her sour attitude from five minutes ago. Right on point when he compliments her, his stomach, alongside Itsuki's, growl.

"Aww. You two getting hungry already, hm~?" Ichika coos as Itsuki's face instantly flushes whilst she desperately clutches her empty stomach.

"ULP- Y-y-you heard nothing from me! That was Uesugi-kun! I-I-I was never hungry or anything!" Itsuki stammers as Fuutarou and the rest laugh.

Komugiya manager: Well I don't think it's good enough to sell yet. But I'm glad that you're showing so much improvement you should be proud of yourself! *Miku stands up and bows* Uh?

Miku: I can't thank you enough for all that you've taught me so far.

Yotsuba: Hey why don't we let Uesugi-san try these too? He'll be so surprised.

Miku: Not until I get a lot better.

"And you have. Just look at yourself right now!" Yotsuba tells her.

"Aww, please. You don't have to!" Miku shyly coos as she then stares at Fuutarou dreamily.

Komugiya manager: You want to master it before the school trip right?

Miku: Yeah. We're responsible for serving lunch on the first day. Like Sun Tzu said in the art of war: 'In raiding and plundering be like a fire!'

*And then Miku is enveloped in flames on TV*

The quints felt the same fire burn in their veins as they too imitate their sister's gleeful smirk on TV.

"Alright! Here's to Miku's success!" Yotsuba cheers as she raises her arm for five seconds before dropping it.

"Sun Tzu and Miku together for the ride home? Ooooh yeah!" Fuutarou even adds on as Miku again performs some hand seals like a ninja.

Yotsuba: Go Miku! With that attitude you can't fail!

Miku: There's still one big problem though. (Yotsuba: Hm?) If we're not in the same group then we can't spend lunch together. All I want is to tour Kyoto with him.

Yotsuba: No sweat! *Yotsuba pounds her chest in confidence* Leave it all up to me!

"At least, that's what I hoped. Eheheh." Yotsuba says with a forced laugh.

*At school, the class is discussing groups*

Fuutarou: Now that the national mock exams are behind us, there's... another matter to address. And that's the upcoming school trip. *Cuts to Ichika, then Nino, Miku, who looks up* We'll be doing activities in small groups each of which can have up to five members.

Miku: Uh?

*Yotsuba nods with determination*

Yotsuba: Mhm! *After class Yotsuba walks around to look for Fuutarou, spotting him near the toilets with Takeda and Maeda when...* Let's see... where'd he go where'd he go? Ah! Found him! Hey can we talk for a second-

Ichika: Yotsuba!

Yotsuba: Uh?

*Yotsuba glances back and finds Ichika waving from the back; an ominous sound effect plays as the camera does so*

Ichika: Over here!

"I don't like the looks of this... What exactly did you want to talk to me about?" Fuutarou asks Yotsuba as the edge of his skin curls from the ominous timing of Ichika's interruption.

"Did you not hear me and Miku talk about it, dummy?" Yotsuba pesters him with annoyance.

*Over in a dark, empty classroom as Yotsuba enters...*

Yotsuba: Is something wrong?

Since Fuutarou, Nino, Miku and Itsuki weren't even around, they squinted their eyes uncomfortably as they then embraced for what they missed out; Ichika meanwhile, began to quiver even more as she contemplates the deeper meaning of why she suggested this to Yotsuba.

Ichika: I'm excited about the trip. Some people are having trouble with the groups of five thing. *She turns back to face her* But it's kinda perfect for us don't you agree?

Yotsuba: Uh- Eheheh... Oh yeah good thing we're quints!

*Ichika slowly steps forward and past Yotsuba...*

Ichika: The only thing that bothers me is that we'll have to leave Fuutarou-kun out which sucks because he's a third year and still doesn't have any friends. It doesn't seem fair.

"Well that was harsh. Even for someone stubborn and tactless like me." Fuutarou mutters as his eyes remain glued to a sweating Ichika.

Yotsuba: You're right... W-well maybe-

Ichika: Hey I know! We should make a sacrifice to help him out!

Yotsuba: Uh... I'm lost...

*Ichika swivels back towards Yotsuba as her eyes give off an imminent stare in the midst of the darkness*

Ichika: What do you think about you and me forming a group with him? Just us three?

Yotsuba: Huh?! Ichika-?!

Ichika: Oops. I'm getting a call. Gotta go!

Yotsuba: Uh...

*Ichika abruptly leaves both the empty classroom and Yotsuba hanging as the scene fades to black*

Fuutarou could only scratch his head in confusion after this, but for Nino, Miku and Itsuki, their jaws were left slightly hanging. Their shocked expression were wide, but not to the extent like when Nino confessed to Fuutarou on TV. They were nonetheless, stunned. The nerve to only include herself, Fuutarou and only one sister and not them, let alone to leave her hanging, was something unlike the big sister they once knew. Why? Just because she thinks she has the advantage over them? Or is there something bigger that influenced her to do so? Neither of them can tell, but at the same time, they deduce it's probably best not to dig deeper and add fuel to the fire.

Ichika meanwhile knew from the bottom of her aching heart why she suggest this and has already half-curled up into her own, slender legs. There was something she held deeper than the ocean depths; The one memory that wasn't a lie. And yet...

'Let's play something!'

'I know! How about sevens!'

'The last thing I said... we weren't there for long... but I'm sure I fell for you... because of that moment... that memory isn't a lie!'

*Over at the Uesugi household, a particular sister is fed up with her Onii-chan's study addiction*

Raiha: Ugh. What's wrong with you?! You're glued to your desk again even on your day off!

"All the more reason for Raiha-chan to kick him out of the house for good." Itsuki scoffs; Fuutarou wasn't amused.

Fuutarou: Yeah well my free time is precious. That's why I'm going to spend it the way I want to. Oh yeah. I need to thank you for the party.

Raiha: Ooh! Did you get me a present? *Fuutarou hands Raiha a set of flash cards as a-* I'll pass.

Fuutarou: HAAAH?!

"PFFFFT!" Every single quintuplet (except Yotsuba for some reason) suddenly lost control of themselves and drown in hysterical laughter over Fuutarou's crappy birthday gift for his little sister. The tutor himself meanwhile facepalms as he mentally questions why on earth did something stupid like this ended up on TV, let alone made worse with some dumb animated effects.

"I CAN'T- I... I'VE GOT NO WORDS! AHAHAHA!" Ichika howls as she arches backwards whilst her poor soul exits her body for a third time.

"YOUR 'GIFT' JUST MADE THIS A MILLION TIMES MORE HILARIOUS THAN I EXPECTED!" Nino howls as she suffers from a second coughing fit after laughing too hard.

"DID YOU REALLY THNK THAT RAIHA-CHAN WAS GONNA BUY THAT GAHAHAHA!" Itsuki cackles as she and Miku repeatedly slam their fists onto the couch and cause multiple dents in their caving seats.

Yotsuba meanwhile as she wears a shocked face...

"What the- HEY! WASN'T THAT THE CRAPPY GIFT YOU GAVE ME AFTER OUR DATE?!" Yotsuba infuriatingly screams over the endless barrel of laughs so that Fuutarou can hear now that the Uesugi interactions have ceased.

"WHAT?! DATE?!" The other four quints scream in shock as they suddenly stop laughing.

"Seriously what is going on with all of you again?! Relax for crying out loud!" Fuutarou finally speaks up, though he's now blushing.

"You don't get a say you jerk! You *Cough cough* You went on a date with Yotsuba and now we want to know more!" Nino snaps as she points in his face and nearly pokes his eyes.

Raiha: There's no reason for you to give me thanks. If anything, Yotsuba's the person you should really be thanking.

Fuutarou: W-why would you bring up Yotsuba?

Raiha: Ugh! I knew you would forget! Don't you remember she was huge help during that school camp? I told you to give a her a nice present didn't I?! *Raiha points* You think just because it's a new school year it doesn't matter anymore?! *Fuutarou's eyes go in swirls as Raiha roasts him at every angle* See, this is the problem with you!

"Feels so good to see Raiha-chan give Fuutarou a harsh reprimand for once! I'm glad to see that's he not the one playing boss all the time!" Miku grins evilly as Fuutarou continues to blush. But then her glare resumes when Yotsuba is caught in her sight.

*Abruptly cuts over to the Nakano household where...*

Yotsuba: Huh?! You wanna give me something?! Like... a present-

Fuutarou: For like a thousand yen. 15,000 tops.

Yotsuba: Hmm... So you showed up out of the blue? *Cheeky Yotsuba mode* This is the way you do things though, isn't it Uesugi-san? Don't you wanna surprise me?

Fuutarou: Yeah I would but I'm sick of giving people presents they don't like. This is a lot easier tell me something you want.

Yotsuba: Well let me see...

*A while later, the two of them find themselves strolling on the streets*

Yotsuba: I know of a really neat place we can go! Ahaha! This is gonna be a super fun day!

Fuutarou: Really? But aren't we just walking around town?

Yotsuba: That's why it's fun! *Cue Yotsuba posing almost seductively* We're on a date aren't we?

"DATE?!" The other four girls scream loudly again as they unnerve her with their barrage of hostile glares.

"For goodness sake what is wrong with all of you?! I just said relax didn't I?!" Fuutarou again groans as he braces himself to shield Yotsuba from any form of further action taken by the four that weren't present with them.

*But the Yotsuba flashbacks to what Miku and Ichika said*

Yotsuba: UH?! O-oh wow I'm starving! Let's get some lunch!

Fuutarou: Ah sounds good! You pick the place.

Yotsuba gulps when her flashbacks of Miku and Ichika are replayed. Part of the reason why she actually wanted to get lunch was to make her forget about the two of them for the time being. It would be almost impossible for her to make sure that their promises plus Fuutarou, would be accomplished in a single day. That was why she switched topics in the blink of an eye that day, on her first date.

"Alright Yotsuba. What's your actual reason for not cleaning up the house that day now that you've reminded me?!" Nino grits as she deliberately buries her rock-solid fists underneath her bottom just so she doesn't cause anymore strife between herself, Yotsuba and the rest.

"And you went on a date with Fuutarou on top of that without us knowing! What the hell!" Miku pouts.

"Huh? You guys were cleaning up?" Fuutarou asks her as Miku frustratingly points to the TV.

"Uh..." Yotsuba has no words to defend for herself in the meanwhile as her mouth remains shut.

*Before long, Fuutarou and Yotsuba stand outside a fancy restaurant*

Yotsuba: How about here? It's Itsuki's favourite restaurant!

Fuutarou: Definitely outside my budget...

Wait... why did she take Uesugi-kun to the one place I like? I mean, sure that's where I would take him but still...? Itsuki thinks confused as she raises an eyebrow.

*Over to a fancy spa*

Yotsuba: Miku has a membership to this spa!

Fuutarou: FORGET IT!

Huh? Why that place? Those gym passes I got are worthless there! Miku thinks as she rubs her knuckles tentatively.

*Over to the cinema where 'Cursed reply' is showing*

Yotsuba: They're playing the movie Ichika's in!

Fuutarou: Oh great-

*Yotsuba suddenly holds up a paper slip*

Yotsuba: It's a good thing she gave me two free tickets!

Fuutarou: Uh... that wouldn't really be a gift for me though...

Oh come on! At least watch me act like a fool as Tamako-chan again! What's the point of my free tickets then? Ichika groans in her head, wishing that she could at least receive more praise from Fuutarou behind the scenes.

*And then to an outlet store*

Yotsuba: I finally found one! I've had my eye out!

Fuutarou: A top? Yeah I can buy you that one. I don't mind spending a bit extra.

Yotsuba: Awesome! This is the one that Nino wanted! She'll be so glad!

Uh-?! Well... I mean I appreciate it but what was the point of gaslighting Fuu-kun into this then?! What about yourself, Yotsuba? So much for a 'date'! Nino cringes slightly as her glare morphs into an awkward look.

Fuutarou: Wait a second...

Yotsuba: Huh?

Fuutarou: Come on! Isn't there something that YOU want?

Yotsuba: Huh?

Fuutarou: The restaurant and the spa and the movie and now the new shirt. None of these things are actually centred on you.

*Yotsuba's eyes widen*

Yotsuba: Um... Give me a second okay? I-I'll think of something... Uh... Hm... Uesugi-san... You got any idea of what I want? Cause I don't know...

"A fatal flaw of Yotsuba. Always has been, huh?" Fuutarou notes as he glances at her shivering body.

Whilst her unending compassion and selflessness for others can be a blessing to others, it also runs the risk of her hurting herself from the inside. Thinking about others can be good, but it wouldn't matter if there wasn't any self-thought left to keep herself in check. In fact, the tutor himself is already wondering: Is Yotsuba to this day really in a lot of pain than she normally is? Just because she forgets to look out for herself as much as she looks out for others? Is there something bothering her such that she's refusing to let it out for everyone to hear? He doesn't know, but he fears right now that she's slowly being consumed from the inside out.

Little did he know is that as they are watching this movie and making considerable progress, that his suspecting rumours are proving to be true. Whilst she has done a great job of masking it, Yotsuba was apparently struggling to deal with the expanding anxiety growing within the roots of her stomach. She doesn't know how to deal with it, or how to face it should Fuutarou finally knows the fatal memory. She's made it this far, but everyone has a limit. And the normally resilient girl has almost crossed her own line on where this is going as she continues to worry and shiver as time passes. What is something that she herself likes? Other than...

Ichika, after fearing her worst nightmares will be projected to haunt her again at some point, already knows why Yotsuba is beginning to crack underneath everyone's feet, but she nods to Yotsuba, gesturing to her that she will personally do her best to help her sister hold until the end, since she was a part of it in some way.

*Back at the Nakano household where a clean-up is underway...*

Nino: Where'd Yotsuba run off to?! We were supposed to clean up the apartment today!

"Well now I know..." Nino sourly grumbles as she and her sisters relax. Sort of.

Just then, Fuutarou's phone suddenly buzzes and a tremor can be felt in his pants as the scene switches; Attention diverted, he instantly whips the phone and sees that it's Raiha calling and immediately answers.

"Hello? Raiha? Hm? Yeah I'm with the quints." Fuutarou starts talking.

"Hello Raiha-chan!" Yotsuba yells in Fuutarou's ear before he immediately scooches away from her.

"Wha? Yeah that was Yotsuba alright. Hm? What's that? Uh... ok. Give me a moment." Fuutarou says as he immediately rises from his seat.

"Huh? Uesugi-kun? What happened?" Itsuki asks as he stands up.

"It's from Raiha. Must be something important about dad... Just continue without me. I'll catch up when I can." Fuutarou says as he quickly runs upstairs into the bathroom without further notice.

"You sure? Wait why are you going to...?" Ichika asks him, but almost instantly, Fuutarou opens the bathroom door when he reaches the top and shut the bathroom door before the eldest could even process it. She blinks twice. "Uh... he could've just... gone to the balcony..."

"Never mind that. I... uh... I guess we keep watching? Maybe we should find time to pause though. So that Fuutarou doesn't miss out on a lot." Miku suggests. None of her sisters really say much as they let the TV roll on.

Until they all saw this...

Ichika: Itsuki-chan do you know what this box is for?

Itsuki: Yeah I'll take care of it. *The camera pans close into the box where a mysterious wig and hat just peek out just as Itsuki closes the lid* It's just some outfits I don't wear anymore.

"Wait..." Ichika and Nino say in unison as they curiously eye the costume's few frames before it disappeared.

"I swear didn't that look like...?" Miku gasps as she stares at Itsuki... whose eyes have bulged in terror just from that minor detail on TV. Yotsuba meanwhile doesn't have anything to say or react to as she makes a guilty look and arches her head down; She was the one responsible for this orchestrated event after all, including Itsuki having to take Fuutarou's photo away, so she felt like she would have to take some of the blame when she has to explain.

Ichika: If you don't need it throw it out. Well, not that I have much room to talk... *As Itsuki leaves to put away the box, a paper slip flies out and in front of Ichika, who picks it up; Fuutarou's photo* Uh? Hang on you dropped someth-? It's from Kyoto... *She smiles* I see.

Thank to Nino clutching onto the remote, the TV found itself on pause. The answer to the mysterious Rena, as of this moment, had been solidified. Everyone sitting on this couch now knows who it was. And also, at this present moment, the one who dressed up as her, is facing a myriad of berserk stares and jaw drops coming from all directions. Specifically, from the three eldest quints.

"W-w-what the... h-h-h-how...?!" Itsuki stutters in disbelief.

"So you were the one pretending to be Mutsumi before the finals!" Ichika exclaims as her grin and eyes widen to form a yandere-like expression. Her yellow aura also burns way bright such that Itsuki had to shield her eyes with her bare hands as her big sister closes in on him. "Tell me: What else did you learn about Fuutarou-kun, Itsuki... no, Mutsumi? Hm~?"

"Wait... I-I-I can explain! I only did so-" Itsuki attempts to respond before Nino cuts her off by lunging closer.

"Because of what? You wanted to hide yourself from Fuu-kun? Face it, Itsuki. The TV has shown us your stupid Rena costume. Now we all want answers! So spill it!" Nino pressures on her right as her purple aura immediately flares. "What was the entire gist of this huh?! And don't you dare think of running away from this again!"

"U-u-u-uh... w-w-w-well... you see..." Itsuki stutters as the pressure of her big sisters start to overwhelm her senses for good. "I... I only wanted... y-y-you saw Uesugi-kun on the verge of giving up on us right? S-s-so I... I had to step in-"

"But still! You were the one acting as Rena?! And you took his photo from him?!" Miku exclaims as her blue aura comes to life too. "Why, Itsuki?! What if Fuutarou finds out one way or another?! How would he feel if found out?! What's gonna happen when we have to deal with something like-"

"CAN YOU ALL NOT INTERRUPT ME WHILST I'M EXPLAINING?!" Itsuki yells as she enters panic mode. "J-j-just listen to me! Please! Whilst I did disguise as Uesugi-kun's lover I... I actually-"

"I did it." Came another voice on the couch.

There was nothing that followed but silence. Until ten seconds have passed, during which the three auras vanish.

"Huh? W... what?!" Before Itsuki could even properly defend herself, Ichika, Nino and Miku heard a voice that sent chills to their spines. But it wasn't Itsuki. It was the one that hadn't spoken in a while, ever since her date on TV riled up her sisters. She had chosen to remain mostly silent, up until this scene, or at least, until Raiha called.

"I said I did it. I told her." Yotsuba speaks again with a dead serious tone. She then glances sorrowfully at Itsuki for dragging her into her own mess.

"You... you told her... what?" Miku slowly asks Yotsuba but keeps a safe distance in case the latter decides to explode, which funny enough, she hasn't done so throughout the entire show.

"I told Itsuki... to... to act as Rena for Uesugi-san in my steed." Yotsuba speaks up, though an obvious shudder can be heard with each passing sentence. "I... i-i-if a-a-anything... I s-s-should be the one being yelled at. N-n-not her." She can't lie, so she figured that if her sisters end up pressuring her, she will have to spill it one way or another. And spill the beans she did.

"But why? Why out of all things, did you...?" Ichika asks her with widen eyes on her face. She couldn't fathom it herself but Yotsuba's response seems to be genuine. Even so, Ichika gestures to Nino and Miku to stop lunging closer to either of the two, as they all brace for what Yotsuba is about to tell...

"You all know I can't lie right?" Yotsuba begins as she slowly begins to break. "I... *Sniff* Remember when Itsuki... when she ran away to... Ue... *Hic* Uesu... Uesugi-san's house...? And... when Itsuki confessed... I... I was there. I saw it all."

"Yotsuba...!" Itsuki gasps as she peers over her moody sister, the one that didn't confront her for all of this.

"So you were the one hiding behind the bushes and scared the living crap out of them huh?" Nino ponders with a scowl. "But even so, that doesn't fully explain why you had to force Itsuki to dress up like that and take out mother's name, let alone not persuade her to return to the apartment."

"She did tell me to go back. But as she expected, I refused. Even as she told me I forgot my wallet, the other thing she handed to me that night..." Itsuki clarifies.

"And... *Sniff* Remember my blunder in... K... Kurobara? Where I..." Yotsuba had to pause to blow her nose on a tissue. "A-a-actually forget that... Ichika should know this though: We... we talked about it... how we all remember him... *Sniff* Also... what if I dressed up as Rena? Uesugi-san... *Hic* he'd see through me... that's why... I... I... I can't... I don't want to... *Hic*"

There was a long pause as Yotsuba chokes for a second time. Neither of her sisters had anything to say for that duration. Until Miku spoke that is...

"So you do love for all these years after all!" Miku exclaims with awe. "If that's the case how about you just come clean and take the weight off your shoulders? We'd be happy to support you too!"

"What?! N-no no no!" Yotsuba yells as she blushes suddenly and flails her arms. "T-t-t-that's impossible! I'm not good for him as I had said! I... everything up until now... I-I-I'd rather support-"

"Yotsuba?! Are you out of mind?!" Nino then interrupts as she grabs ahold of her overall straps and pulls her close. "What do you mean you're no good for him? Just because you failed and we moved alongside you? Seriously?! That's got nothing to do with you and your love for Fuu-kun!"

"You saw Ichika too didn't you? When we were all young? You were by my side. That was another burden for me." Yotsuba deadpans at Nino. Ichika gasps too over her sister's memory. So someone does remember after all. That special moment, how she stole the show just like now...

"Yotsuba... We know that has been a huge burden for you, that failure... Ichika taking your place..." Itsuki speaks up with a shudder in her voice. "Thank you for standing up for me. But even so, the present is more important than the past right? Isn't what Uesugi-kun once told all of us. R-r-right, Yotsuba?" She has no idea what she is trying to convey, but she hopes that it can at least quell the rising tension that is rapidly being created.

Nino does turn wide eyed over what Yotsuba and Itsuki said, but then quickly reverts to her scowl when Ichika was mentioned. At this point, just before she was about to give Yotsuba a piece of her own tsundere mind again, the five of them hear the bathroom door open from upstairs and jolt in their seats...

"What are you girls yelling at each other for again?" Fuutarou asks out of the blue as he comes down from the stairs and shocks all five girls. It didn't take long before the quints rapidly get into neutral sitting positions as if nothing happened, though their faces appear to take on rather extremely mortified looks as they stare at him in silence. "What? I just asked you girls a question, didn't I? Why are you-"

"Uh... n-n-nothing! W-w-w-we were just... pestering Yotsuba about her date with you t-t-t-that's all!" Nino shudders as she signals for Yotsuba and Ichika to stay silent.

"Is that so?" Fuutarou asks unconvinced as he raises an eyebrow at Nino. Already he was beginning to suspect that Nino wasn't telling the full story of why they were yelling indiscriminately.

"Y-y-yeah that's it! All of us are still mad about this sudden change of plans! Why did you have to agree with her huh?" Itsuki also attempts to join in.

"I didn't agree with her. I mean... well... you heard Raiha right? About the gift of thanks? That's why I went with her." Fuutarou tries to clarify with irritation.

"Yeah uh, sure. A-a-anyways... let's just forget about all of that shall we?" Miku adds on fearfully as she does her best to switch subjects and throw Fuutarou off course. "So um... what was call with Raiha-chan about? Um... t-that's..."

"...What we were also yelling at each other about. The five of us... we... we were all especially worried for-" Ichika attempts to finish before Nino elbows her in the shoulder to stay quiet. Fuutarou stays silent, wondering what phone call she was referring to. At least... until he brands himself as an idiot in his thoughts...

"Huh? Oh that phone call?" Fuutarou finally says as the quints shudder. "Well uh... Raiha told me that dad is going away for a week. The two of us uh... will have to take care of the house on our own in the meanwhile until he returns. And then after that uh... yeah we talked for a while until I heard you girls shouting. Nothing serious or anything... really. Was that what you girls were wondering?"

"Yes! That's all!" All five of them nod swiftly to avoid further suspicion. Even so, Fuutarou does raise an eyebrow suspiciously but doesn't dare to confront them any further.

"Right. So uh... now that I'm back... you uh... you girls ready to resume?" Fuutarou asks apprehensively. All five girls replied with another flurry of nods as Fuutarou sits down quietly; Yotsuba then presses the play button as Fuutarou breathes with his legs crossed and eyes swivelled to the TV.

The quints however were stunned, not by Fuutarou's seemingly gentle response, but for another reason...

What the... How-?! He didn't notice it?! No way in hell! All five quintuplets think in absolute silence as the TV resumes.

*Cuts to the night, where Fuutarou and Yotsuba have wounded up next to a small park*

Fuutarou: Ah. I'm surprised you know this place.

Yotsuba: Oh. I come to the park pretty often. When I'm sad, I like to hop on a swing for a bit... Oh! Sorry this isn't anything special! We can go somewhere that's nicer!

"Seriously? Out of every place in the whole of Japan, this is where you chose to the end your 'date'?" Nino chastises with a huff.

"Nino, you need to remember: what if this place represents something more meaningful to Yotsuba and Fuutarou?" Miku reminds her.

Wait... those are the swings that I swung on with Yotsuba! No wonder why she invited me to chat there! This place means so much to me too! Ichika thinks as she smiles.

*Yotsuba's ribbon droops*

Fuutarou: Hmm... *Fuutarou hops on a swing feet first* Ah looks like I've still got it!

Yotsuba: Y-y-you don't have to!

Fuutarou: Watch Yotsuba! I bet you can't do this!

Yotsuba: Ahaha! You sound like a kid! Besides, anybody can pull that off! Pay attention and I'll show you something really cool! *Yotsuba swings even harder* Swing back as hard as you can!

"Seeing Uesugi-kun act like a kid again is really a once in a blue moon! It may sound immature to be but still, I'm kinda jealous actually!" Itsuki comments as she wears a tiny smile on her face.

"Sometimes it never hurts to relieve you inner childhood, Itsuki. Shi shi shi!" Yotsuba assures her with a cheeky grin.

Fuutarou: That's easy! Hng! Hah! *Fuutarou tries to follow suit* AAAAAAHHHH! *As he does so, he catches a glimpse of the town side illuminating beautifully in the night by their indoor lights and is fascinated* Uh!

Yotsuba: When you swing at full force, you get a beautiful view. I mean I know it's not anything fancy, But I like to think about how every light means a home. And every home means a family. It warms my heart.

Miku was right. There is a deep meaning behind Yotsuba's choice of location. In fact, as everyone else swoons over the magnificent night sky that is begin projected on to the TV and smiles, they couldn't agree less with what Yotsuba also said on TV, about every light means a family. Just like right now; The five of them plus Fuutarou. And now, they're dreaming of taking her place and swing with him in the night. Just to reactivate their childhood memories.

In a way though, seeing Yotsuba swing with Fuutarou struck harder in Ichika, who is currently holding her tears. Especially considering the boy she loves is now warming up much faster than she's already imagining. "This looks like so much fun!" She whispers as the rest nod.

Yotsuba: And now... jump! *Yotsuba suddenly takes off and jumps, her face beautifully blending with the blurred lights in the background before she lands perfectly on her two feet; Fuutarou takes notice* I think that might be a new record! There's no way you can top this Uesugi-san!

*Fuutarou proceeds to swing even harder though*

Fuutarou: Sure I can! Watch!

*Fuutarou swings himself so high his shoes come off… wait what the-*

Yotsuba: Huh?

*She looks back to see Fuutarou defy the laws of physics and hang straight in the air*

Everyone except Fuutarou felt their jaws drop over this one goofy moment, though it did look very dangerous from their viewpoint; Itsuki though, she's struggling not to laugh as she cuffs her mouth and makes silent giggles…

"W-what the?!" Miku exclaims in utter confusion.

"Is that even possible?!" Nino gasps alongside her.

"Talk about defying physics!" Ichika mutters in shock.

*Fuutarou then swings back down, causing Yotsuba to shiver*

Yotsuba: GAAHHH! Uh... you ok?!

*Awkward silence for about ten seconds, before Fuutarou... starts to laugh*

Fuutarou: Gah... AHAHAHAHAHA! Did you see that?! I didn't even let go! Ahahaha!

This... this was the first time that everyone else heard Fuutarou laugh. Except Yotsuba, for which this is her second. Even so, it's as if they've been hypnotized by it. Their mouth are wide open, their blue eyes have dilated tenfold, and their hands, as they slowly shuffle them up to their chest, could feel the resonating beats of their aching hearts as the shockwaves vibrate through their palms. Everyone was stunned. And more or less swooned by it.

"Teach...!" Ichika gasps as she suddenly pants harder than before. She can't believe it: Fuutarou laughing? An actual paradox right before her eyes?!

"I... oh my..." Miku stutters as she enters her own tunnel vision of making Fuutarou laugh on her own, judging by her slumped position in her seat with her body arching backwards.

"Miku?! Ichika?! What's wrong with you two?" Fuutarou exclaims as he turns to Nino... "Hey Nino? Are those two-"

"Sorry... I-I-I think I just hit my funny bone..." Nino suddenly whimpers as she looks away with a fully flushed face and clutches her cheeks. AIYAAAAHH! I'VE NEVER FUU-KUN LAUGH SO WARMLY BEFORE! HOW CAN I MAKE HIM LAUGH AGAIN?! She squeals in her head as she contemplates life choices over how she could make him laugh one day, just like Miku.

"What the- Even Nino? Hey Itsuki? Why is everyone-?" Fuutarou tries to ask her before she imitates Nino and avoid his gaze too. "You too?!"

I thought Uesugi-kun was all talk and no nonsense from the day we locked eyes as teacher and his students. When did he become so joyful like that?! Itsuki even thinks as she clutches her chest even harder to feel her increasingly louder and more powerful heartbeats.

"I don't get you guys. It was just me laughing what's wrong with that?" Fuutarou embarrassingly yells out with a flushed face, though all he got in the end was nothing. Even as they finally get over it. Yotsuba though...

You've never laughed in front of me or any of my sisters before! That's why we've all fallen for you! It's these little things about you... it's why... we all want you to stay! Especially me, who will support you with... with everything I've got! Ever since we reunited! That's the something I want. Your smile. It's enough to brighten my day even if it's just a little! Yotsuba thinks with a warm smile on her face. Her palms have already moved to her chest as she does so.

*Yotsuba stares in silence as she recalls Fuutarou's question*

Fuutarou (Flashback): Isn't there something you want?

*And then Yotsuba smiles*

Yotsuba: You're such a goofball! Now let's go home it's getting late!

Fuutarou: Uh? Ok... *Fuutarou takes a moment to put his shoes back on* Man I never found a present to give her... What have I got... Uh? *He hands Yotsuba the flashcards from this morning* Uh... you can have this!

Yotsuba: Ahahaha! That's so you, Uesugi-san! Thank you so much! But... *Yotsuba sparkles even more* I already got what I wanted.

"Correction: What we all wanted." Ichika exasperatedly speaks up before she reverts back to her current mood.

Fuutarou: Uh... Wait really?

Yotsuba: Yep.

Fuutarou: I-if you say so. You sure?

Yotsuba: Let's come back some time. With everybody.

*Fuutarou and Yotsuba walk back to their respective homes, but not before it cuts to the Nakano household where Yotsuba finally notices something fishy...*

Gullible Yots: AH?! This... is made for middle schoolers!

"PFFT!" Everyone suddenly recovers from their current states and laugh hard as soon as Fuutarou's crappy gift comes up again and strikes the gullible. Yotsuba meanwhile, reverts to her moody-like glare at Fuutarou.

"No wonder why Yotsuba was so moody for the rest of the night!" Nino adds on.

"Yeah and I blame Uesugi-san for this! How dare he had to do this on our date!" Yotsuba snaps as she furiously waves the study cards right in front of his face.

"What wrong? I thought you said you got what you wanted from me? Then again you still have a mind of a child in some ways, and also, the underwear of a child too-!" Fuutarou snickers as Yotsuba suddenly hurls the cards into his face with such force that it leaves a mark on him. The other quints meanwhile finally took the urge to cool down after processing what they stomached just now, but not before they all stood up one-by-one, starting from Itsuki, then Nino, Miku, Ichika, then all the way to a very irritated Yotsuba; All of the had to fetch themselves glasses of waters as the TV resumes.

*The next day at school*

Fuutarou: Great all of you are here.

Itsuki: Of course! You ready to get started?

Miku: Not yet. We have to talk about the school trip first. *Instant shock from Ichika, Yotsuba and Nino* Fuutarou, who do you want to go with?

Fuutarou: I mean-

Ichika: Wait! *Instantly deflected to Yotsuba* I think Yotsuba has something to tell you!

Yotsuba: Who me?! Uh right... Maybe...

Ichika: Well? (Yotsuba: UH?!) Speak!

Yotsuba: Uh...

Miku: What?

Fuutarou: Spit it out.

Suddenly, as everyone recaps why Yotsuba was left hanging, their smiles instantly fade as they all began to realise the dark reality unfolding before their eyes as they found themselves wracked with guilt and fear. Everything that they just watched is slowly making sense now... not to mention that some of those were especially private to them and should not have been revealed in the first place. And that's a huge problem.

*Yotsuba finds herself cornered in all directions*

Yotsuba: AHHHH! I just thought that... Miku and Ichika should... *Her eyes water* Wait... What about the others?! Sisters have to stick together! *And then her ribbons jolt as she stands up and raises her arms sky high* AH! Oh I know! The best thing is for (Nino and Itsuki: Huh?) everyone to group up! Uesugi-san too!

Fuutarou: Huh?

Miku: It'd be great if we could.

Ichika: But we can't have more than five.

*Yotsuba palms her hands*

Yotsuba: Oh I know that. I meant everyone besides me. That way all of you can be happy!

Ichika: Have you thought this through though?

Fuutarou: Nah that's not gonna work for me.

*Flashbacks to the night where he laughed his heart out as Yotsuba slightly grins*

Yotsuba: I'm sorry is there a problem?

"I mean now that we've seen it all, duh!" Miku scoffs.

Fuutarou: ...well yeah. A pretty big problem.

Nino: I'll say... none of us will be happy if we'll do what you're proposing. I certainly won't be. Here's a better idea: *Nino slowly raises her hand before she ferociously points at Fuutarou* Fuu-kun and I can be in a group. You guys can do what you want.

*Everyone is stunned*

Miku: Did you...?!

Tsundere Nino: I don't know what Yotsuba was trying to accomplish but this has been my plan from the start. I'm going with who I like! And I'm not taking no for an answer!

Everyone: Uh...

Fuutarou: Hey slow down there Nino I never said-

*Nino abruptly stands up*

Tsundere Nino: Stay out of this, Fuu-kun!

Miku: Fuu-kun... *Miku's embarrassed face, while cute, is overwhelming her* I-I...

"I would honestly have said something nice if it wasn't for the tense atmosphere right now..." Fuutarou had to let out against his will. It was also at this point Ichika has entered panic mode again... because she remembers something dreadful that might come up in the future: The second half of her downfall.

*Nino isn't fazed*

Tsundere Nino: Hmph. If you have something to say, say it now. *Silence from both Ichika and Miku* It's settled.

Fuutarou: No it's not! Hear me out-

Tsundere Nino: Are you dense?! I told you to stay quiet! *Nino noticeably blushes although she honestly doesn't care at this point* Zip it! You should be grateful that you get the chance to go on a date with me!

*And then the scene turns almost a dull shade of black and white over Fuutarou's revelation*

Fuutarou: It's just that… I already formed a group with someone else… sorry…

If it wasn't for the atmosphere growing increasingly sour, at least four of the six would have had a decent laugh over this awkward revelation. But instead of that, all of six of them are experiencing nothing but anxiety as they realise what the next episode is gonna be in a nutshell. Though it wasn't obvious to the eldest quint, the rest of the cast, especially Fuutarou, Miku and Yotsuba, were equally nervous as her, minus the trembling.

"No... no... I... I shouldn't have..." Ichika whispers to herself with her mouth cupped so that no one else could hear her desperation. She's already picturing it in her poor head: from the events that occurred up to the hot springs that built up to her jealousy for Fuutarou to the previous episode's disguise and finally the feared climax where she obliterated Miku's hopes and dreams for nearly two days, the big sister herself is already struggling to lift a mental load off her shoulders.

Yotsuba: 'Stop holding back! Just do what you want to!'

Ichika: 'Ichika... is in love with you'

Fuutarou: 'Y-you're kidding right?'

Ichika: 'Nope not one bit!'

'This is the strategy I chose. I've put the brakes on everyone else!'

'I'm sure I fell for you... because of that moment... that memory isn't a lie!'

*Fuutarou ends up grouping with Maeda and Takeda*

Maeda: So which of us is the group leader?

*Cue more Takeda sparkles*

Takeda: I believe I'm the obvious choice!

*Over on the far side as all five again though...*

Nino: Why'd this have to happen?!

*Nino pout closeup*

Tsubaki's friend: See? I knew the quints would group up!

Tsubaki: They must be really close that they all want to go together!

Ichika pants are becoming more audible as she clings onto a pillow for support. The thought of the next episode centring on her eventual blunder would be the harshest reality that she will have to face not just as the big sister of the entire group, but as Fuutarou's hidden lover too. Even though she's still in the race with her sisters, the thought of facing the ugly truth might be enough to put her in a more disadvantaged position in the long run than she is now, especially considering that third year is about to end. As for the others...

Fuutarou's sympathy for the quints have drastically grown as the episodes fly by. Even so as his eyes swivel to each of them one-by-one whilst he puts a hand to his chin, he's struggling for answers to help restore tensions between them; This isn't like tutoring them on their tests and exams anymore. This problem is a literal one he needs to get his act together on. And yet... the girl in his photo... the one he had been thinking ever since he started watching this movie... somehow, he had a new hunch on who it exactly is...

Rena: 'Call me Rena. Wow it's been five years! Let's catch up!'

Young Nakano: 'Wow! A good luck charm! Let's buy some!'

Young Fuutarou: 'Why are you bothering me?! Get lost!'

Young Nakano: 'But it has to be you! I really need you ok?'

Rena: 'I'm taking this with me... because... we're not gonna see each other again. Bye for good.'

Nino felt much less concern than her sisters, but she too wore a grimace on her quivering mouth as her eyes swivelled in all directions except towards Ichika and Fuutarou. But even so, there were things that she couldn't get off her mind now that she knows...

Young Nino: 'Yotsuba... that...!'

'He's exactly my type! Kintarou-kun...!'

'I'm going with who I like! And I'm not taking no for an answer!'

'Even if were to lose... I... I'd still be happy... for one of us!'

Miku silently curls up into a ball as she goes into another tunnel vision, not about the events that led up until the Kyoto trip; She doesn't want to relive that, but more so, deeper than that. Before the second year finals where her development took place. Tears were again streaking from her eyes, but she's summoning all of her self-control not to break down a second time. Just for Fuutarou and her sisters.

'They just wouldn't ok? I'm the biggest loser of the five of us! Just give up on me and stop wasting time!'

Fuutarou: 'Yeah you're a bunch of failures alright. Or so I believed. Until today. Ichika, Nino, Yotsuba, Itsuki... and you Miku. Anything your sisters can do, you can do it too.'

'Instead of equal, we should be fair. So what's the fair thing to do?'

'Do what you want! But in the end, I'll still win!'

Itsuki, after having her identity as Rena partially revealed, also felt her confidence plummeting alongside the rest. Now the only thing on her mind as her ahoge jitters is how long can she keep this secret from Fuutarou, before the show ends.

Fuutarou: 'Back then, when I met that young girl, I decided I wanted to become the guy who was needed. That's my real reason for studying.'

Itsuki: 'So you were the one rustling in the bushes huh, Yotsuba?'

Yotsuba: 'I want you to wear this this and meet with Uesugi-san. I just realised I'm not good at lying. You don't have to pretend to be someone else.'

Itsuki (As Rena): 'You're the kind of person people need!"

For Yotsuba though, her anxiety was on a different level superior to the rest; Her hands clutched even tighter than Itsuki or Miku, her ribbons are trembling, and one glance was enough to unnerve Nino, who just attempted to peek at her face. It seems that she is being the most affected as she again flashbacks in her head...

Young Yotsuba: 'I'm different from you four now! So don't lump me in the same group as all of you!'

Kurobara teacher: 'You have failed your make-up exam test. Nakano Yotsuba... you're hereby expelled.'

Young Nino: 'I don't know what's going on in your mind but... I would absolutely hate it if you were gone!'

Young Ichika: 'No matter where you go, we'll go with you. Because that's what Mom taught us.'

Young Miku: 'Don't ever forget. No matter what happens, the five of us can overcome anything.'

Young Yotsuba: 'I get it... it's no good for me to be special...'

Fuutarou: 'I know this is a stupid game of tag, but still... I still don't want to disrespect her effort.'

Yotsuba: 'I'm sorry Uesugi-san. But I can't be special to you. That's why, no matter what happens, I'll support you with everything I've got!'

More so, the fact that Ichika's pants are also getting louder by the minute isn't helping any of their nerves...

Miku: This is how it always plays out...

Ichika: Eheheh... look on the bright side at least Fuutarou-kun has made some friends now!

*Brief disgusted Yotsuba closeup as the episode concludes*

Yotsuba: This is so awkward...

"So... so they really are going to show it though... my fatal mistake on the Kyoto trip..." Ichika chokes as she braces for the fatal mistake that she never even wanted to reveal on TV. She takes this small window to glance at Fuutarou, who is equally concerned for her as she finally understands his anxiety about continuing the series. Is this why you never wanted to watch this show, teach? I shouldn't have judged you earlier... I'm so sorry...

"Geez the atmosphere got dark all of a sudden... I'd say we take a nice break before we get straight into it? Uh... guys?" Itsuki asks as she, Fuutarou and Nino notice Ichika, Miku and Yotsuba's attitudes taking a turn for worse.

"There's only two episode left so I'd say we get this over our heads. Though... I honestly have no idea on what really happened when Miku ran off down the stairs that day. I mean I did hear something loud and clear, but I guess it's time I'll find out right?" Fuutarou nervously says as Episode 23 plays, along with a series of gulps coming from everyone else except Miku, who grimaces even more...

"Please... hang in there. There's only two episode left till we're done with our recaps. I don't want this bond to shatter just because of what happened ok? None of this is real anymore! Itsuki's right. M-maybe we should all take a break first..." Nino whimpers to everyone as she latches onto Ichika for her dear life just in case.

"Too late..." Miku warns her as she hears the play button being pressed.

Is this... this is when it all gets spilt for Ichika right? Hopefully my problems don't show up though... I've honestly lost track of the number of close calls I had to endure. Like the time when I couldn't memorize Uesugi-san's question well enough. Yotsuba thinks as she quivers. As time passes she feels like she's losing grip of the massive weight she has been keeping on her own shoulders; Her forbidden love for Fuutarou since they met. That's the lie she's thankful that it hasn't been released to her crush's eyes, especially when she's in the gist of reliving all of the mistakes that makes her feel increasingly distant from him up until now. Also Itsuki's box with her Rena disguise... I hope Uesugi-san didn't notice. I'm not good for Uesugi-san. But still... please... don't fail me TV.

But no one, especially Fuutarou, was prepared for this opening...

*Episode 23 begins with Fuutarou's photo being held by... wait a minute-*

Itsuki: Sigh... Uesugi-kun...

Everyone as their eyes bulged and their jaws hang agape to no end: "AUGH?!"

A/N: Man you guys are lot quieter than I thought. I was hoping for at least 1-2 detailed ideas in the comments especially considering I decided to be nice and let you all take the reigns for this episode... Ah no matter. I pushed on with it and managed to flesh it out after so many irl delays (but still, sorry about that in advance). At least that's something I can lift off my shoulders. Once again I hoped the unnecessarily long wait was worth all of my trouble.

Up next though is the penultimate episode Sister's War: Part 1, where not only Ichika's downfall is recapped but another secret hidden in plain sight may be exposed right in front of everyone's eyes, especially Fuutarou's. How would the entire episode blow out and what going to happen with the friendships between the six of them once the beans have been spilt? Then again... a major spoiler has already been spilt like so in the intros... so how would Fuutarou also react when he finally realises that Itsuki was Rena all this time? Only time will tell when the season's climax begins to unravel later in the episode's Kyoto excursion.