Chapter 7
It was a very refreshing bath for Itsuki – in fact, the most refreshing one she had had in a while. The warm shower had done its job, alleviating the physical exhaustion she had accumulated during today's trip to Fushimi Shrine. While the tension from the stalker incident with Nino and Yotsuba was still present, she could feel it easing from her body.
Emerging from the bathroom in her PE uniform, Itsuki had a towel draped over her arm. She let out a deep sigh of relaxation, a result of the after-effects of the warm shower.
Seeing the fifth sister finishing her shower, Nino set aside her phone and stood up from her chair. She grabbed a towel from her bed and headed towards the bathroom. "Finally, took you long enough…" she remarked, pausing at the bathroom door. "Did your stomach get upset or something? You really need to control your monstrous appetite, you know?"
"That is rude, Nino!" Itsuki retorted with a frown. "I read online that a warm shower or bath can help you lose a few kilos, so I was taking my time to enjoy it. Besides, the warm water flowing over me was really relaxing for my tired body."
Nino gave her a skeptical look in response. "Uhhh… What kind of research were you reading? I'm pretty sure that's a myth," she said, a mix of nonchalance and bewilderment in her tone. "Anyway, I'm going to take my time in the shower to clear my mind of that stalker incident. So don't disturb my peace, okay?" With that, Nino entered the bathroom and closed the door.
Hanging her towel on the rack, Itsuki made her way to her bed and collapsed onto it, her face sinking into the pillow. The pillow's softness seemed unparalleled, almost as comfortable as the one back in her own bedroom. Considering how exhausted she was, both physically from the climb at Fushimi Shrine and mentally due to the stalker incident, this bed felt like a paradise. The exhaustion gradually receded as she lay there. Yet, she knew it would not completely dissipate unless she could fall asleep, which was not possible at the moment.
Fuutaro's invitation lingered in her mind while she showered and persisted even now. The thought of meeting him at the hotel café was like a persistent echo. Why would he want to talk? It was unlike him to invite her to a café. Her heart raced, just as it had when Yotsuba first mentioned the invitation. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, attempting to calm herself down as her face warmed with nerves.
As Itsuki lay there, her eyes grew heavier, and she felt the calm moments almost carrying her into the sleep she so desired. But the voice of the eldest sister called out to her, abruptly pulling her eyes open and dispelling her drowsiness.
"What's the matter, Itsuki-chan?" Ichika's voice emerged from her bed as she stretched her arm and massaged her shoulder. "Are you still thinking about that stalker incident?"
Itsuki shifted her body, lying upright on the bed. "Uhh… Yeah, kind of…" she replied in an unenergetic voice. "I thought Nino was exaggerating, but it turned out to be true. My heart really dropped when I saw that camera taking a picture of us…"
"That's right, Ichika!" Yotsuba added, her gaze moving between the two. She sat on the sofa near the room's window, her attention alternating between the television and her sisters. "We ran as fast as we could, even using the emergency stairs out of panic. *sigh* It was one of the scariest moments ever…"
"Hmm… This is exactly what I feared if Nino's words were true," Ichika murmured. She was now seated on the bed, her eyes closed and her arms crossed. "We need to inform the teacher about this tomorrow. We can't risk another stalking situation, not just for us but for the other as well."
"Yeah… I agree." Itsuki and Yotsuba replied in unison.
Minutes ticked away, and Itsuki remained on her bed, resting while awaiting the appointed time for the invitation. She reached for her phone on the pillow beside her and checked the time. Still 30 minutes until her scheduled meeting with Fuutaro at the hotel's café, she concluded there was ample time to prepare.
Itsuki then hopped from the bed and approached her suitcase near the room's wardrobe. She unzipped it and pulled out a few clothing items, excluding her school uniform, that she had packed. Among them were selections of casual and stylish outfits she had brought for the trip's free time.
One piece of clothing particularly caught her attention - a red blouse at the bottom of the suitcase. As she picked it up, she examined the long-sleeved ruffled blouse in shades of red. Itsuki took the blouse and moved toward the mirror to assess how it would look on her. Numerous thoughts swirled in her mind as she stared at her reflection adorned with the garment, contemplating its suitability.
"I wonder if this blouse is good to wear…"
"Will Uesugi-kun notice how nice it looks…?"
"But, given how dense he can be, I have my doubts…"
"Maybe I should go for something even more casual than this…?"
"Hmm…? Wow! Looking good, Itsuki-chan!"
"E-Ehh…?!"
The sudden, loud voice of the first sister immediately pulled Itsuki out of her thoughts, causing her to quickly turn her head toward Ichika. Ichika sat on the edge of her bed, curiosity clearly written across her face. Despite the sudden noise, Miku remained peacefully asleep, undisturbed by their conversation. After letting them in earlier, the third sister had promptly returned to her slumber. Although their subsequent exchange had been quite noisy, it had not been loud enough to disturb her. Nevertheless, the sudden outburst caught Yotsuba's attention away from the television, redirecting her focus to them.
Ichika stood up from her bed and walked over to Itsuki, inspecting the blouse her younger sister held. "Hehh… Isn't this the one you bought when we were shopping with Fuutaro-kun?" she asked. "Are you planning to wear this to meet him?"
"Umm… I am still not sure…" Itsuki replied, her voice tinged with embarrassment, mirrored by her expression. "I was thinking of wearing this on the second evening of the trip when we are going to that shopping district."
"Are you sure? Didn't you buy this blouse with the idea of impressing him?" Ichika teased playfully, her expression mischievous. Itsuki blushed at her sister's words. "I'm pretty sure he'll notice it! Just put it on now. But don't overdo it. Remember, Fuutaro-kun isn't exactly the most perceptive when it comes to these things."
"I-Ichika!"
"Ichika's right, Itsuki!" Yotsuba chimed in enthusiastically, still holding the TV remote. "That blouse looks great. I bet Uesugi-san will compliment you, as long as you don't overwhelm him."
"Really?"
"Absolutely! No need to stress about his reaction," Ichika assured as she took the blouse and held it up against Itsuki. "Just stay calm and be yourself. But don't get too relaxed, alright? You wouldn't want our friends or teachers catching on if you get too cozy with him, would you?"
Itsuki's face turned even redder, courtesy of Ichika's persistent teasing. "It is not a date, okay?!" She exclaimed in embarrassment. Taking a deep breath and letting out a sigh, she shook her head to regain her composure. "Considering Uesugi-kun, I am pretty certain it is just going to be a simple, unimportant conversation about school or tutoring. It would be a doomsday coming if his intention is to ask me out."
"Ahaha… Who knows," Ichika chuckled as she handed the blouse back to Itsuki. She returned to her bed, sitting on the edge once more. "But one thing's for sure – you're going to enjoy it no matter what he's inviting you for, right?"
Itsuki offered a weak, sarcastic laugh as she knelt down to put away the other clothing items she had taken out. "Ahaha… I suppose so…"
Ichika's words held truth – regardless of the purpose of the invitation, this was a chance for Itsuki to spend time alone with Fuutaro, free from Nino or anyone else's presence. Over the past few months, she had developed an infatuation for him, yet she remained uncertain about her feelings. Was it romance or just a deep sense of gratitude for his tutoring, his help when she and her sisters needed it? These thoughts had been swirling within her for some time.
But her awkward interaction with him while disguised as Rena had offered her a glimpse into her ambiguous emotions. It was his words and actions that had shed light on her uncertain feelings. His advice for her to be herself and his subsequent kindness in buying her a snack and a drink had pushed her in a new direction. This turn of events motivated her to spend time with him on the school trip and to better comprehend her emotions.
It took Itsuki about 15 minutes to prepare herself, changing into the red blouse and tidying her hair while enduring Ichika's teasing. Ultimately, she opted to wear the blouse. Just as Ichika had suggested, she had bought this blouse with the intention of catching Fuutaro's eye during the school trip, hoping he would compliment her outfit as a way to spark his interest. She paired the blouse with a white knee-length skirt, as she preferred a neat style compared to casual wear.
"Then, I will be going." Itsuki announced as she slipped into her stylish shoes, a pair she had brought along other than her school shoes.
"See ya, Itsuki!" Yotsuba energetically yelled from the sofa, giving a supportive wave.
"Good luck, Itsuki-chan! Make sure to get back before curfew, okay?" Ichika playfully winked and gave the fifth sister a thumbs-up, her words a mix of encouragement and jest.
Exiting her room, Itsuki headed straight to the elevator on her floor. She pressed the button, and as the elevator doors opened, she found herself alone within, a fact that brought her a sense of relief. She quickly pressed the button for the highest floor, where the hotel's café was located. As the elevator ascended, she used the solitude to calm her nerves. Retrieving her phone from her handbag, she checked the time: 8:53 PM, seven minutes before their agreed meeting time. The curfew would commence at 10 PM, which meant she needed to utilize this time wisely to interact with Fuutaro without making things awkward.
A soft ding announced her arrival as the elevator doors opened onto the top floor. Stepping out, Itsuki made her way to the hotel's café, only a few meters away. Upon entering, she scanned the area to see if Fuutaro had arrived before her. A quick survey of the tables revealed fellow Asahiyama students and other customers, yet her tutor was nowhere in sight. "Hmm… I guess Uesugi-kun is not here yet," she murmured, proceeding further into the café in search of a suitable table.
Itsuki settled on a table and took a seat. She observed her surroundings once more, but this time, taking in the café's atmosphere. The café seemed to be relaxing and calm, not like the usual café where she and her sisters went after school, where it was all bright and loud due to the majority of the customers were a group of school student and young adolescent.
This café had a calm and relaxing atmosphere, resembling that of a snack bar or pub she usually saw on TV. It was not loud, with calming jazz music playing from in-ceiling speakers. Warm white and cool white lights illuminated the place, creating a cozy ambiance. Although the lighting was dimmer than in a typical café, it was still bright enough to see clearly. The café had a bar stool where alcoholic drinks were served for adults, but there was also a glass display case showcasing pastries and desserts. Itsuki noticed that the table layout was similar to a typical café, despite the atmosphere resembling that of a snack bar or pub.
Beside the table she had chosen, there was a large glass window separating the indoor and outdoor sections of the café. Outside, there was a swimming pool surrounded by tables for customers who wanted to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere.
The combination of café and bar elements in the design of this place was apparent to Itsuki. The atmosphere gave off a feeling more akin to a cozy snack bar or pub, with its calming ambience, similar lighting, and the presence of a bar stool. However, the layout of the tables and the display of pastries and desserts were more reminiscent of a typical café. She found the combination to be unique and interesting, adding to the overall charm of the place. Adding the beauty view of the swimming pool outside, really added a touch of tranquility to this place.
While waiting for Fuutaro, a waiter approached her table and asked about her order.
"Good evening, miss. Welcome to our café, and may I take your order, please?"
"Ahh… I am still waiting for a friend," Itsuki replied. "I will be ready to order once he arrives."
"Understood, miss. Please take your time, and feel free to call us again when you are ready." The waiter politely responded before stepping away from her table.
Once again, Itsuki scanned the café, noting her fellow schoolmates still present. She could not help but wonder: what if they noticed her and Fuutaro sitting together? Would they jump to the conclusion that they were dating and later spread rumors? Or would they remain indifferent, wrapped up in their own concerns?
"Ughh… Why am I even thinking about this?"
"I need to stay calm…"
"Knowing Uesugi-kun, I am pretty sure he wants to discuss tutoring or my grades…"
"Yeah, that must be it…"
"By the way, where is he? It's already 9 PM…"
Minutes passed, and it was now past 9 PM with no sign of Fuutaro. Itsuki had been glancing at the café's entrance, awaiting his arrival. She pulled out her phone and debated whether to message or call him to ask about his whereabouts. However, she dismissed the idea as potentially rude, considering he was the one who initiated the invitation. As she pondered, she noticed Fuutaro entering the café.
Itsuki observed that Fuutaro appeared slightly out of breath, as if he had been running or jogging a considerable distance. He stood by the entrance, scanning the café before locking eyes with her. He then made his way over to her table.
"*pant* Sorry I'm late," Fuutaro managed to say between breaths as he took a seat across from Itsuki.
"You are late, Uesugi-kun," Itsuki commented, her expression showing a hint of displeasure as she crossed her arms. "You said you would be here at nine o'clock, and it is already ten minutes past. Do not tell me you forgot about your own invitation?"
"No, it's not like that. *pant* It's just that the other class representative and I were called to the lobby by the teachers for a curfew attendance briefing," Fuutaro explained, pausing to regain his breath. After a few seconds, he continued, "The briefing should have been quick, but there was this one kid who kept asking question after question… and it ended up taking longer than expected."
Itsuki nodded to herself and mumbled, "I see…"
Whenever Fuutaro was late for their tutoring sessions at her penthouse, his excuses often involved part-time work or household chores. Itsuki would usually verify his claims by checking with Raiha or asking Nino, who also worked with him. Both would consistently confirm the validity of his excuses.
Given Fuutaro's role as class representative, Itsuki believed his explanations were genuine, especially considering his busy schedule during the school trip. She turned to Fuutaro with a small smile and remarked, "I understand. Being class representative comes with a lot of responsibilities during this trip, and I am sure you are handling it admirably. Well done, Uesugi-kun."
"Glad you understand my situation," Fuutaro responded with a smile. His smile then slowly faltered, as if something puzzled him. "Hey, Itsuki, did you just say 'my own invitation' to me? Weren't you the one who invited me to meet at the hotel's café?"
Itsuki was taken aback by Fuutaro's statement; it made no sense for the person who extended the invitation to question her about it. "Huh? What are you talking about, Uesugi-kun? Ichika said to me that you wanted to meet me at the café," she said, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "Are you sure you are not half-asleep right now?"
"Yeah, I'm very sure. Ichika told me that you…" Fuutaro's words trailed off as he recognized the conflicting statements. He sighed, seemingly realizing the whole situation.
"*sigh* Damn you, Ichika…"
"Itsuki, I think your eldest sister played a prank on us. When she ran into me an hour ago, she told me that you were the one who wanted to meet me at the hotel's café," he explained with an irritated tone. "When I asked for more details, she said she didn't know and then left."
Itsuki was further surprised by Fuutaro's statement, as it contradicted what she had been told initially. "I-Is that true? Well… She did say something similar to me when I asked her for more information, except that she mentioned you were the one inviting me," she said, her confusion evident. "Ichika seemed to believe it was important because of the serious way you spoke to her, or something like that."
Fuutaro shook his head upon hearing her version. "What the hell's wrong with that girl...? Well, it seems we fell for her prank." He let out another sigh before rising from his seat. "If you don't have anything important to discuss, I'll head back to my room to rest for a while before taking attendance." He then walked slowly away from Itsuki, towards the exit. "See you later, Itsuki."
Fuutaro's words caused Itsuki's heart to race. Her eyes widened, and a sense of unease quickly settled in. What Fuutaro had said appeared to be true: Ichika had indeed played a prank on them, resulting in conflicting statements about the invitation. This seemed to annoy him, and he now seemed inclined to leave the café since there was no apparent reason to stay.
However, Itsuki could not let him leave. Her goal was not accomplished yet. This was her chance for some alone time with Fuutaro, and she was not about to let it slip away, especially after Nino's words during dinner.
"Of course, it was! So, prepare yourself, Itsuki." Nino placed her glass down a bit forcefully. Crossing her arms confidently, she continued, "You know me well, right? If you don't move fast enough, I'll hog him for the entire school trip. Don't be surprised if Ichika and Yotsuba have similar ideas, even if they're not showing it now."
"No… I cannot allow that…"
"Uesugi-kun is right here in front of me, and this is the perfect opportunity…"
"I cannot let him leave…"
"I need to make him stay with me, even if it is only for a while…"
Itsuki abruptly stood up from her seat, calling out loudly to him. "Umm… Wait, Uesugi-kun!" Her raised voice garnered the attention of other café patrons.
Fuutaro halted in his tracks, turning back to face her. "Hmm… What's the matter?"
"Yeah… It appears that Ichika definitely pranked us, and we fell for it," she said with a weak smirk, followed by a chuckle. "But since I have been waiting here for you for quite a while, I am starting to get a little hungry. So… can you stay with me for a bit…?" She averted her gaze, her face slightly flushed with nervousness.
"Huh? You're already hungry? Didn't we just have dinner a few hours ago?" Fuutaro asked, a puzzled and bemused expression on his face. "How much can you eat, Itsuki? I've never met anyone in my life who's such a monster-eating machine like you."
Instantly, Itsuki glared at Fuutaro with annoyance, his usual insensitivity not going unnoticed. "Ughh… That is really rude of you to say that!" she retorted. "Just stay here with me for a while! I will treat you, so feel free to order whatever you want." She sat back down, her lips forming a pout.
Fuutaro rolled his eyes in annoyance. Discovering that Ichika had played a prank on him added another layer of frustration to his already exhausted state. Despite having showered and rested, he remained worn out physically and mentally. Now, being asked by Itsuki to accompany her, even briefly, and watch her eat, only compounded his growing irritation.
At the moment, all he wished for was the clock to strike 10 PM as soon as possible, allowing him to complete taking the curfew attendance and retreat to his room for sleep. He pulled out his phone to check the time. "It's still 9:15 PM…" There were still 45 minutes left before curfew and his duty of taking attendance.
Considering his options, Fuutaro contemplated returning to his room. However, he knew that Takeda and Maeda were probably back by now. He imagined that Takeda would chatter incessantly, likely teasing him about the quintuplets. Glancing around the café briefly, he sensed the calming and relaxing atmosphere, which were his main preferences of a place to hang out.
Ultimately, Fuutaro concluded that waiting in the café until the curfew began was the best choice. After all, he found Itsuki's company more enjoyable than that of the other two members of his group, having known her longer. "I guess I'll just spend my time here until it's time for attendance." He returned his phone to his pocket. "Fine… I'll join you."
"Thank you," Itsuki responded in a monotone voice as she opened the menu the waiter had given her. "Feel free to order anything you'd like. As I said earlier, I will pay for it."
"Yeah, yeah…" Fuutaro slouched back in his seat, his expression unimpressed.
A/N:
Okay so here it is, the start for Itsuki to spend some alone time with Fuutaro. Originally, this was going to be a one chapter and done, just like Miku chapter, but as I kept writing, the concept grew longer and the word count kept on increasing. So I decided to split this into a two-part so you won't get too worn out on from reading an excessively long chapter.
For the next chapter, it will be released on the second week of April (10th-16th April). So keep an eye out on that week.
I hope you enjoyed the story so far and as always, thank you for your time to read the story. I will see you in the next chapter!
If you enjoy the story, feel free to review, follow, and favorite it!