Chapter 32

A sliver of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a dim glow across Ichika's bedroom. The air conditioner hummed quietly in the background, providing a cool respite from the scorching summer heat. Scattered clothes littered the floor, her school uniform crumpled carelessly among the mess. Her school bag sat haphazardly on the study table, threatening to spill its contents at the slightest disturbance, while a precarious stack of books and magazines wobbled dangerously, ready to collapse. Makeup products dotted the desk, adding to the general chaos.

Still, the room was in better condition than it had been—now it was just a typical mess of a teenager's space.

Right now, Ichika was still asleep in her bed, curled up beneath her sheets, with only her head and neck peeking out.

"Everything… What I said to you… It was not a lie…"

"It was the truth… What I see in you… And my feelings for you…"

"H-Hey, let's just forget about all of this and pretend it never happened, okay? It was weird and stupid of me to bring up that kind of talk..."

"Ichika, please, can you just say something to me…?"

Her eyelids flickered, her body giving a slight twitch as she stirred. Slowly, her eyes cracked open, battling the urge to stay shut. "Mmm..." she murmured, instinctively raising a hand to rub at her drowsy eyes.

Still half-asleep, Ichika stretched her arms and legs, hoping to dispel the lingering drowsiness. Instead of feeling refreshed, her limbs felt heavy and stiff, as if pleading with her to sink back into the comfort of sleep. Despite her efforts, her eyes stubbornly refused to open wide, clinging to the remnants of her dreams.

"I'm still sleepy…" she muttered, draping an arm over her eyes.

Ichika, as always, struggled to rouse herself, her reputation as a sleepyhead well-earned from countless late nights as an actress. Her demanding schedule frequently kept her awake past midnight. Today, however, was especially grueling. She felt more drained than usual, the combined toll of yesterday's school detention and nighttime acting sessions weighing heavily on her.

Typically, even when tired, she could summon the energy to get up once her eyes fluttered open or her internal clock nudged her awake. But today was an exception. Exhaustion seemed to envelop every part of her, making it nearly impossible to fully shake off the grip of slumber.

With her eyes still closed, Ichika groped around the pillow, searching blindly for her phone, which was usually within arm's reach. After a few moments of fumbling, her fingers came up empty. She groaned softly before slipping her hand beneath the pillow, where her fingers brushed against the device, as though it had shifted there on its own.

Squinting against the bright screen, she forced her eyes open just enough to check the time. The glowing digits revealed that it was already well into the afternoon.

"It's already this late, huh?" she muttered to herself, letting the phone fall back onto her chest.

She glanced over at the window, needing the sunlight's confirmation. Sure enough, soft rays filtered through the curtains, bathing the room in a dim glow. Still, the light was not enough to cut through the stubborn sleepiness, where it weighed her down like a blanket.

"Well... no work today, whatever…"

"I've got the whole day to myself…"

With that thought, Ichika closed her eyes again, rolling onto her side and turning her back to the curtain, which shielded her from the brightness outside. Her exhausted muscles seemed to beg for more rest, drawing her deeper into the comfort of her sheets. She also let herself sink into the softness of her bed, ignoring the time, her body and mind retreating into that familiar haze of drowsiness…

"You don't have to worry about what others think of you, Fuutaro-kun..."

"Just be yourself... Aim to be the best version of yourself. Let others see the wonderful person you truly are..."

"You have a wonderful personality, but you haven't fully realized it yet..."

"That's what made me fall for you..."

Those words echoed in her mind, keeping her from drifting back into a deep sleep. She had said them to Fuutaro just two days ago, during the school trip—right after she had kissed him. It was her way of trying to boost his confidence, to ease his insecurities about his image, and also to express her love for him.

But the memory of that moment clung to her, the scene of their kiss replaying over and over in her thoughts, refusing to let her rest.

Ichika shifted restlessly in bed, trying to find a comfortable position that would let her drift back to sleep and as well attempting to banish these persistent thoughts. Her mind, however, had other plans. No matter how she moved or tried to clear her thoughts, the memories clung stubbornly to her, refusing to be shaken off.

With a frustrated sigh, she buried her face in the pillow, letting out a muffled groan.

"Ughh… Why can't I stop thinking about this?"

Her body began to feel unnaturally warm, despite the cool air from the conditioner circulating through the room. It was not exhaustion or a fever—it was the unmistakable flush of embarrassment brought on by the relentless flood of memories. The image of her kissing Fuutaro played on repeat in her head, each replay sparking a fresh wave of heat that crawled up her cheeks.

"I can't get it out of my head…"

"My stomach even feels weird now... like something's squeezing it tight…"

"And my heart... it's beating so fast."

"*sigh* I just can't..."

No matter how hard she tried to shove the thoughts aside, they refused to be silenced. Slowly, she gave in, allowing herself to replay the moment over and over again—the kiss, the warmth of Fuutaro's presence. Her mind lingered there, pulling her into a semi-conscious haze where she relived that brief, intimate moment.

Her thoughts wandered further, drifting to yesterday's school detention. It should have been a dull, irritating experience, but instead, it had been unexpectedly... pleasant.

Flashback

The time was afternoon, and the sun illuminated the school cafeteria, where a group of third-year students serving detention on Saturday gathered for a brief lunch break. The morning had been taxing, filled with arduous tasks, so the students welcomed the opportunity to unwind. It was a much-needed break, particularly following their return from a school trip the previous evening.

The cafeteria was buzzing with activity as students chatted and laughed, creating a lively atmosphere like a typical lunchtime. Besides the detention group, there were other students from the first, second, and also fellow third years. They were present on Saturday for club activities or extra classes to improve their grades—or mandatory sessions for those who had failed.

Amidst the various conversations in the cafeteria, many centered around the first half of their detention experience.

"Whew, I'm so tired after sweeping and mopping the entire cafeteria, and then cleaning the kitchen. Even the food doesn't taste as good after all that work."

"You got off easy. My group had it worse. We were basically errand runners, doing whatever the basketball and track teams needed while cleaning and organizing their sports equipment. We had to drag around heavy gear and tidy up the storage room."

"My body's totally wiped out... Not having a day off after the school trip is brutal. I'm thinking of skipping school on Monday just to rest..."

"Sounds risky, but I can't blame you. I wish I was in the library group—they got to stay in the cool, air-conditioned library, just playing with books. I'd take that over cleaning sports equipment any day."

"*sigh* The break's almost over... I hope the next detention isn't as boring as putting books on shelves and sorting through cluttered journals."

The mid-day break eventually came to an end as the school bell rang, signaling the third-year students to return to their detention. As instructed before, they headed back to the main hall, bracing themselves for the next tasks announcement that awaited them.

Now gathered in the hall, the head of the disciplinary teacher took the stage to address the students.

"The first half of detention must have been tiring, right? But now that you've had lunch, it's time for the next task," he began. "Your assignment for the remainder of detention is similar to the first. Each group will proceed to a designated area and follow the instructions of your leading teacher. Group assignments remain unchanged, so you'll continue working with your previous partners."

The hall erupted into a mixture of satisfaction and complaints as students reacted to the news. Some were relieved that their groups remained intact, while others complained the inability to switch and be with their friends.

"Alright, settle down. Here are the assignments for each group: The first group, under Toyoguchi-sensei's guidance, will proceed to the chemistry lab and infirmary. Sugiyama-sensei will lead the second group to the music room, and Yamashiro-sensei will accompany the third group to the theater room." This announcement sparked a fresh round of murmurs and chatter, which quickly subsided as the head disciplinary teacher resumed. "After completing your tasks, return to this hall and wait for the other groups to finish. Once everyone is back, detention will be concluded, and you'll be dismissed. Work diligently; we don't want delays because of incomplete tasks.

With those final instructions, the second half of detention officially commenced. Each group, guided by their leading teacher, set off to their designated locations to begin their tasks.

As they walked to the theater room, Ichika struck up a conversation with Fuutaro

"I'm glad the groups stayed the same," she said, stretching her arms. "It would've been weird having different people after the first half of detention. And, of course, it wouldn't be as fun without you, Fuutaro-kun!"

"Yeah, I feel the same way," Fuutaro nodded, stealing a glance at the grinning Ichika. "I don't really know many of the other students here. Having you as company definitely makes it more bearable and less boring."

Ichika chuckled at his comment. "Hehe... Well, I'm glad we're on the same page!" she said playfully. "Let's work hard and get through this detention together, alright? I'm actually feeling more energized now!"

"Heh, good to see you're so motivated. Just don't overdo it and end up falling asleep, okay?"

Upon arriving at the theater room, the leading teacher quickly divided them into two groups, assigning each a task. The first group was tasked with sweeping and mopping the floor, while the second group was responsible for sorting the play props and organizing storage boxes.

Ichika and Fuutaro found themselves placed in the latter group.

As Ichika glanced around the theater room, a wave of nostalgia hit her. Props of all kinds were scattered about—katanas, bows, vintage furniture, and an assortment of random stage pieces. Racks were lined with costumes, ranging from period attire to modern outfits. Overhead, rows of stage lights hung, poised to bring the room to life for future rehearsals or shows. At the center of it all stood the stage, its wooden floor worn by countless footsteps, flanked by the theater's heavy yellow curtains.

It was exactly how she remembered it.

"Hmm... It feels kind of nostalgic to be back here..."

"When was the last time I set foot in this room...?"

"If I remember right, it was just before the school festival last November…"

"It's been that long, huh...?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she began organizing props into boxes.

For Ichika, she was no stranger to this room. After transferring from Kurobara High School during her second year, she had been part of the theater club. Most of the club's activities took place in this very room, though they occasionally used the school's main hall for larger performances. Ichika had always loved those moments. Acting was her passion, and these club meetings gave her a chance to sharpen her skills and indulge in something she deeply enjoyed—an experience that also helped her develop as a professional actress.

But that time had been short-lived. As her acting career gained momentum, the demands on her time grew, and soon enough, her packed schedule clashed with the theater club's meetings. Eventually, Ichika had no choice but to quit, leaving behind a part of her school life she had truly enjoyed.

The tennis club, too, had been impacted, though not as severely. Tennis had been a form of exercise for her—a way to stay in shape for the physical demands of acting. But even that side activity had taken a backseat as her professional life became more and more demanding.

As Ichika crouched down to place smaller props into boxes, memories of her time in the theater club washed over her. She remembered the joy of performing with her clubmates—the easygoing atmosphere, the laughter, the playful skits. It was a far cry from her current reality, where her work demanded constant professionalism and precision. Back then, it had been about having fun, indulging her passion for acting without the heavy weight of expectations. But Ichika knew she could not stay at that level forever.

Now, everything was about advancing her career, pushing herself to reach higher levels of success in the competitive acting industry.

For a brief moment, a wistful thought crossed her mind: what if she rejoined the theater club? Reliving those carefree moments, performing without pressure...?

But just as quickly as the idea surfaced, it faded away. It was not realistic. Her acting career was just starting to take off, and she could not afford to spend time on something as small-scale as a high school club.

Compared to where she was now, the school theater club felt like a distant, amateurish memory…

"Oi, Ichika, you listening?"

Ichika felt a sudden nudge on her shoulder, jolting her out of her thoughts. "Ehh?" She blinked and turned to see Fuutaro standing over her, one hand resting on his hip, his face wearing a slightly puzzled expression. "F-Fuutaro-kun? What's wrong?"

"Hey, what's the matter? Did you doze off or something?" Fuutaro asked, arching an eyebrow. He pointed to a katana prop near her. "Can you hand me that? There's still space in this box."

"Oh, right. Here you go," Ichika replied, handing him the prop.

"Thanks," he said, placing the katana carefully into the box before sealing it shut with a strip of duct tape. "Alright, that's one box down. Need any help over here?"

"Yeah, actually, I could use a hand," Ichika nodded, her voice lightening. She gestured to the scattered props around her. "There's a lot of these smaller ones left, and an extra set of hands would definitely make things go faster."

Fuutaro joined Ichika, crouching beside her as they continued gathering smaller props into the container. After a few moments of quiet work, he broke the silence. "Hey, since we're in the theater room, something crossed my mind… Did you ever join the theater club? I mean, with your love for acting, it seems like a natural fit."

Ichika felt a sudden flutter in her stomach, surprised by the timing of his question. It was uncanny—almost like Fuutaro had tapped into the very thoughts she had been reflecting on just moments ago. The memory of her time in the club had been lingering in her mind, and now, with Fuutaro bringing it up, it felt like a gentle nudge, pulling her further into those recollections.

But she did not mind. In fact, she wanted to linger on those memories, and share a piece of them with him.

"Yeah, I was part of the theater club... but not for long."

"Hmm? Why didn't you stick around?"

"It was because of my acting job, you know?" she explained, feeling a mix of nostalgia and regret. "I stayed in the club until just before last November's school festival. That's when my acting career started picking up, and Oda-san suggested I quit to focus more on my professional work."

"I see," Fuutaro nodded, his expression thoughtful as they finished filling the container and slid it into a nearby box. "That explains why you weren't in the school play during the festival last year."

Ichika paused, blinking in mild surprise. She had not expected Fuutaro to remember, let alone mention the play. Turning to him, she asked, "Wait, you saw the play, Fuutaro-kun?"

"Yeah," he answered with a small smile. "I went with Raiha. She really wanted to see it, and she kept bugging me until I agreed to take her. Luckily, I had some free time from my class shifts. If I remember correctly, the play was Sleeping Beauty, right?"

At the mention of the play, Ichika's expression faltered ever so slightly. The memories of her involvement—well, the almost-involvement—rushed back. She had been set to perform, rehearsing the role extensively, only to step away when her growing acting commitments forced her to leave the club. Her sudden departure had thrown the production into chaos, leaving her friends scrambling for a last-minute replacement.

Even now, that regret had never quite faded, aware of the trouble it had caused her clubmates and the missed opportunity to portray the role she had rehearsed for so much.

"Yes… that's right," she nodded, her smile soft but tinged with melancholy. "I was supposed to be in that play. But since I left the club before the school festival, I had no right to participate. I was supposed to play the princess…"

Fuutaro's eyes widened at the unexpected revelation of Ichika's role. He fell into a momentary silence, his gaze drifting off as if lost in thought. Ichika noticed a faint blush coloring his cheeks, adding an intriguing twist to the scene.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Fuutaro-kun?" she asked, her curiosity stirred as she stood up, stepping closer to him. "Hello? Are you in there?" She waved her hand playfully in front of his face, trying to pull him out of his trance.

Her gesture worked. Fuutaro snapped back, jerking his head in surprise. "W-What? Sorry, what were you saying?" His hand shot up to cover his mouth—a telltale sign whenever he got embarrassed.

Ichika caught his reaction and grinned mischievously, recognizing the perfect opportunity to tease him. "Hehh… Were you daydreaming about me as Sleeping Beauty, huh? Did my charm mesmerize you?" She leaned in just a little closer, her voice dripping with playful amusement. "Was it the part where the prince kisses the princess to wake her up? Is that what had you all flustered?"

"O-Oi, don't get the wrong idea!" Fuutaro retorted hastily, his head whipping to the side, doing everything he could to avoid her gaze. "But… well… I did imagine how you'd look as the princess…" His voice dropped lower, and the blush on his face deepened.

For a second, Ichika's teasing grin softened into something warmer, her heart touched by his unexpectedly candid response. She had not expected Fuutaro to be so honest, and it sent a small rush of warmth through her. But there was no way she could resist teasing him a bit more—not when he was this adorably flustered.

"Hehe... Thank you!" she said, her voice softening just a bit as she returned to her task, still grinning to herself. "You know, I actually regret not being in that play… and quitting the theater club."

Fuutaro finally turned back to face her, his expression easing into its usual calmness, though a hint of redness still lingered on his cheeks. Crouching down beside her again, he picked up another prop to help with the task. "It was something you had to do, right? You had to choose between the club and your acting career. In the end, you made the right call. If you hadn't, maybe you wouldn't be where you are now—experiencing all the success you've earned in the acting world."

Ichika paused, reflecting on his words. A faint smile tugged at her lips, but it carried a hint of bittersweet acceptance. "Yeah… I guess you're right. It was a necessary step for me to get to where I am today. I've made peace with it, mostly." She spoke with a tinge of nostalgia, but there was also a quiet intensity behind her words—a recognition of the sacrifices she had made to pursue her dreams.

Over an hour had passed, and the third group's detention was nearing its end. The theater room now looked notably tidier. Boxes were neatly stacked in the corner, each labeled to distinguish between props meant for disposal and those still in use. Costume racks had been repositioned to more accessible spots, shelves were dust-free, and the once-scattered chairs and tables were now neatly aligned in rows.

With the tasks complete, it was time to regroup in the school's main hall for the final debriefing of their detention.

"Good work, everyone. We still have some time left before detention officially ends, but you've all put in excellent effort," the supervising teacher praised, glancing at his watch. "Let's head back to the main hall and wait there."

As he glanced around, the teacher noticed Ichika and Fuutaro still lingering on stage, seemingly engrossed in their remaining tasks. "Hmm? Nakano, Uesugi, are you two not finished yet?" he called out.

"Almost done, sensei. Just need another minute," Ichika replied, maintaining her usual composed tone.

"Very well," the teacher said, walking over to hand the key to Fuutaro. "Here's the key to the theater room. Once you're finished, lock up and head straight to the main hall." He paused, casting a final glance around the now spotless room. "I'll be back to organize the group and report to the head disciplinary teacher. Don't take too long, okay?"

With that, the teacher departed, leaving Ichika and Fuutaro alone to wrap up the last bits of their task.

The room fell into silence as the two teenagers carried on with their tasks. Over the past hour, exchanges had dwindled to the bare minimum—only speaking when they needed help moving props or carrying boxes. The usual playful banter between them was absent, and even their casual conversations had faded away, leaving behind a noticeable stillness.

It had all started after Fuutaro asked about Ichika's brief stint in the theater club and the role she missed out on in last year's school play. Since then, something in Ichika's demeanor had shifted. Her usual spark seemed dimmed, and her enthusiasm for conversation had waned.

Perhaps it was the weight of unspoken regrets that tugged at her, casting a shadow over her mood. But the past was just that—the past. Dwelling on it would not change anything.

"Hey, Ichika,"

"Hmm? What is it?" she responded without looking up from her task.

"I was just thinking..." Fuutaro hesitated, his voice thoughtful. "It's too bad you missed out on that play. I would've liked to see you perform." He paused, then added, "Do you still remember any of it? Maybe you could show me how you were supposed to act… or recite some of your lines?"

Ichika raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unexpected request. "What's with the sudden curiosity, Fuutaro-kun?" she asked, her tone light but guarded. "Honestly, I don't remember much—it was months ago, and I've had other acting gigs since then."

She paused, her eyes widening slightly as a thought crossed her mind. "Unless… wait a second…"

Ichika set down the props she was handling and made her way toward the other side of the room. Approaching a familiar cabinet, she opened it and began rifling through a collection of books inside. The cabinet held the history of the theater club—everything from rough drafts to finalized scripts. Ichika knew it well, having often been entrusted with managing and organizing the scripts by the club president.

"Where is it…" she murmured, squinting at the labels. After a moment, she pulled out a particular script with a triumphant grin. "Yeah, this is the one!"

She quickly returned to Fuutaro, holding the book in hand.

"What's with the book? Is that the script for the play?" he asked, eyeing the book in her hands.

"Yup," Ichika confirmed, flipping through the pages before turning the book toward him. "This is the original one where I was cast as the princess. See?" She pointed to the cast list. "Nakano Ichika as Sleeping Beauty."

Fuutaro glanced at the page and nodded. "Hmm… I guess you weren't kidding when you said you were supposed to play the princess."

Ichika puffed out her cheeks in a pout. "Of course I wasn't! Why would I make something like that up?" She flipped through the pages until she landed on a familiar scene. "Just like I remembered… especially this part where the prince kisses the princess." A light giggle escaped her lips as she read through the lines. "Since you're so curious about how I would have acted, onee-san will give you a free, quick performance exclusively for you!"

With a playful grin, she handed the script to Fuutaro. "Pick a scene, and I'll bring it to life."

"Alright, then," Fuutaro smiled as he started flipping through the pages. After a moment, he stopped at a scene. "How about this one? It's after the prince kisses the princess and she awakens from her slumber. Looks like one of the big climaxes of the play."

Ichika took back the script back and studied the chosen scene. "Hmm… this part, huh?" Her eyes scanned the lines, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks as the nature of the scene dawned on her. "Ahaha… This might be a bit tricky. I used to mess up this scene all the time because it's so... you know, romantic."

Fuutaro chuckled lightly. "Well, now that you're a professional actress, this shouldn't be a problem for you, right?"

"Yeah... I guess so," Ichika replied, her demeanor shifting as she studied the dialogue more seriously. Her playful energy gave way to the familiar focus she adopted when preparing for a role, visualizing the gestures, adjusting her tone, and getting into character. The shift in her expression was subtle but unmistakable—she was taking this as seriously as any real performance.

After a moment, she handed the script back to him. "Alright, here's the plan: you'll read the prince's lines, and we'll start here," she said, pointing to the beginning of the scene, "and finish here," she added, marking the end of the section. Stepping back to give them enough space for the performance, she continued. "But let's keep it short and not overdo it. We're still in detention, and we wouldn't want to give sensei any more reasons to keep us here longer."

"Got it," Fuutaro said, reading the script one last time to review his lines. "Okay, I'm ready. What about you, Ichika?"

Closing her eyes, Ichika inhaled deeply, letting the air slowly escape through her lips. "Yes... I'm ready," she declared in a calm, steady voice—the same professional focus she always brought to the set before a take.

Once more, silence enveloped the room, setting the stage for their impromptu performance. The air seemed pulsed with a quiet intensity, like the hushed anticipation before the climactic moment of a live play. In Ichika's mind, it felt as if an invisible audience was watching, breath held in eager suspense. She stood still, eyes closed, with one hand resting lightly on her chest, her heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and anticipation as she waited for Fuutaro's opening line.

This moment carried more weight than she had expected. After leaving the theater club so abruptly and missing out on the play, perhaps this was the redemption that she had been yearning for. Here, in this empty room, with just a few lines and no grand stage or princess dress, she found a sense of peace. In her heart, this modest, unscripted performance took on a deeper meaning, more than just a simple, impromptu line reciting.

It was not the performance itself, but who stood across from her made it special—the one playing the prince and delivering the lines.

He was the boy that she held dear in her heart.

And in that moment, nothing else mattered.

Fuutaro drew a steady breath and began his line. "Y-You're awake, princess."

Ichika stirred softly, her hands moving to rub her closed eyes, mimicking the delicate gesture of waking from a long, enchanted sleep. Slowly, she opened them, her gaze clouded with an artful mix of confusion and wonder as she fixed her eyes on Fuutaro. "Mmm… Y-You've awakened me…" she murmured, her voice carrying a dreamy, sleepy quality. "Who are you? Are you the one who broke the curse?"

"Yes… yes, princess," Fuutaro continued, his voice faltering just slightly as he held her gaze. "I journeyed through perilous forests and climbed treacherous mountains to find you... to break the curse. I did it all for you…"

Ichika's eyes fully opened, and she gently placed her hands over her heart, adopting a regal, princess-like stance. "I understand now…" she said, her voice tinged with a wistful sadness. "The curse… cast by an evil witch, bound me. Though I was aware, I was trapped…" Her tone was soft, almost dreamlike, her words floating in the stillness. "It felt like I was lost in a dream… neither truly asleep nor fully awake… for all these long years…"

A moment of profound stillness enveloped them, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Ichika cast a serene, adoring gaze at Fuutaro, her eyes filled with warmth, embodying the grace of a princess meeting her charming prince for the first time. Fuutaro, caught in the intensity of her stare, felt a flush rise to his cheeks, his eyes widening in surprise. After all, the girl he loved was looking directly at him with such tenderness, her gaze unwavering, leaving him flustered and at a loss for words.

Ichika briefly closed her eyes, a tender smile curving her lips as she allowed the emotion of the scene to fully settle. When she reopened them, her warm, appreciative gaze stayed locked on Fuutaro. "Thank you... for freeing me from that curse, my dear prince," she said, her voice rich with affection. "Your efforts mean everything to me, and I am truly grateful!"

Her words hung in the air, a mixture of sincerity and performance that left Fuutaro utterly stunned. He blinked, his jaw slack with astonishment, unable to summon a response. The intensity of her performance washed over him, and with each passing second, his blush deepened, making it clear how affected he was. He struggled to continue, to form his next line, but the moment had overwhelmed him.

As Ichika brought the scene to a close, she closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath. A profound sense of relief and fulfillment washed over her, lifting the invisible weight she had been carrying for the past hour. Performing a scene from the play she had once regretted missing out on brought her a sense of closure.

And what made it truly special was that it had been Fuutaro who requested it, turning this simple moment into something shared—an intimate performance between two people, as if they were actors in their own private play.

Her eyes fluttered open, and her excitement was clear. "Wow! That was incredible!" she exclaimed, stretching her arms upward as an enthusiastic grin spread across her face. "I never imagined it would feel this exciting! Just think, performing this in front of a huge audience during the school play… maybe I should—"

Her voice faltered as she glanced over at Fuutaro. "Huh? Fuutaro-kun?"

There he was again, his face partially turned away, one hand covering his mouth. Ichika could not help but notice the blush still staining his cheeks—a clear sign that her performance had made a deeper impression than she had expected.

With a soft chuckle and a teasing grin, Ichika stepped closer to Fuutaro. "Hehh... What's the matter, Fuutaro-kun? Was my acting so dreadful that you can't even bear to look at me?" Her voice carried a playful mix of curiosity and amusement as she circled him, hands clasped behind her back. "Or perhaps…" she leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming mischievously, "you were bewitched by my performance—or maybe it's my princess-like charm?" She finished with a wink, her tone dripping with lighthearted teasing. "Is that it, Fuutaro-kun?"

Fuutaro, still avoiding her gaze, mumbled, "Y-Yeah... something like that..." His voice faltered, betraying a slight stutter. "As usual, your acting was… impressive, Ichika."

"Hehe... Thanks!" Ichika responded cheerfully, her own cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red from the compliment. "You know, maybe I should rejoin the theater club for the school festival this year. They wouldn't mind having me, right? I mean, I was a member before, and now I'm a real actress." She twirled slightly, arms outstretched in a mock-princess gesture. "Just being here, rehearsing with you, makes me want to step back onto a stage!"

Fuutaro, still trying to regain his composure, shook his head lightly. "Well, if you think it's a good idea." He finally turned to face her, his blush still faintly visible, but his expression had steadied. "But are you sure you'll have the time? I mean, you're going to be very busy after the summer break, right? Not to mention you're planning to take a temporary leave from school for your acting career."

Ichika paused, her lips pursing in thought. She lightly tapped her chin, eyes drifting upward in contemplation. "Hmm… That's true," she murmured, a quiet sigh escaping her lips as she seemed to concede to Fuutaro's point. "Well, that's a letdown... You always know how to pop someone's bubble, don't you?" she teased, her voice tinged with mock frustration. "But if the opportunity comes, I'd still love to perform at the festival."

"And judging by your reaction…" she glanced at him slyly, "I'm guessing you wouldn't mind watching me on stage, would you?"

Fuutaro's eyes widened in surprise. "W-What? I mean… I wouldn't say no…" he stammered, his voice unsure, caught off guard by her directness. "But in the end, it's your choice, Ichika. As long as it doesn't interfere with your acting work, I don't see why not."

"Sounds like a plan! We'll see what the future holds!" Ichika declared, flashing a bright smile as she bent down to pick up the final box she had just sealed with duct tape. "Now, give me a hand with this, Fuutaro-kun. We don't want to keep everyone waiting. They'll be furious if we hold them up from going home."

"Yeah, got it," Fuutaro quickly responded, stepping forward to help her with the box.

With the last box added to the stack, Ichika and Fuutaro finally completed their task for the second half of detention. They returned the play script to its spot in the cabinet and exited the theater room. After locking the door, they made their way to the main hall, where their fellow third-year students were gathered, waiting for the teacher to officially conclude detention and dismiss them for the day.

At first, Ichika had dreaded this detention, still worn out from the school trip they had just returned from the day before. She had envisioned Saturday as a day of recovery—one meant for sleeping in and basking in the luxury of relaxation. Instead, she was dragged out of bed early by her sisters, struggling to stay awake while they acted as relentless alarm clocks. Each step toward school felt increasingly burdensome, the fatigue compounded by the disciplinary teacher's briefing on the day's activities.

She had braced herself for a day filled with monotony and frustration, fully expecting to spend it complaining.

But none of that happened.

The expected boredom and frustration never materialized. The exhaustion that had weighed her down lifted, and the hours slipped by with surprising ease.

The reason was simple—the presence of the person who consistently brought her joy, regardless of the situation. The boy she had kissed just two days ago to express her feelings. Being in his company, even in something as tedious as detention, made the day bearable—no, enjoyable. The mundane tasks of detention had faded into the background, overshadowed by fleeting moments of light-hearted conversation and the quiet but comfortable companionship they shared.

Ichika thought, perhaps detention was not so bad after all… as long as Fuutaro was there with her.

Back to the present

Ichika was still in bed, her arm draped over her eyes as she tried, in vain, to coax herself back to sleep. Her efforts, however, proved futile—her eyes remained wide open under her arm, and the lingering traces of drowsiness had all but vanished. Earlier, her body had felt heavy and fatigued, but now an unexpected surge of energy coursed through her veins, as if something had jolted her awake.

Was it the storm of emotions swirling inside her, sending her heart racing uncontrollably?

"*sigh* This is the worst," Ichika muttered, her voice laced with frustration. "I'm wide awake now, but my head feels like it's splitting." She reached down to retrieve her phone from the floor, where it had fallen earlier in her restless attempts to find a comfortable sleeping position.

A quick glance at the screen brought yet another sigh. An hour had slipped by since she last checked the time. The lingering memories of her kiss with Fuutaro and their time together in detention were not helping at all—if anything, they only worsened her embarrassment and unease.

Despite her mind being clearer now, the echoes of those emotions clung to her, obstructing her attempts to return to sleep.

Why were these emotions surfacing now, of all times? All she wanted was to fall asleep. Sure, she had been flustered after the kiss and on the walk back to the hotel, but those feelings had faded quickly. The following morning, she had been able to talk to Fuutaro normally—no awkwardness, no hesitation. They had even shared some lighthearted moments during detention, without a single hint of the discomfort that now gnawed at her.

So why now? Why were these flustered feelings returning with such intensity, stronger than before? Could it have been the dream—the one that had replayed that kiss, vivid and undeniable?

Whatever the reason, she gave up on trying to figure it out. She was wide awake now, and there was not a trace of sleepiness left.

As Ichika slipped out from under her blanket, she was not surprised to find herself without a shirt once again.

"It's on the floor, huh?" she muttered, her eyes landing on the shirt she had worn to bed the previous night, where somehow, it had mysteriously ended up discarded on the floor. "I still don't understand how I manage to take it off in my sleep… But at least my shorts are still on."

She sighed, slipping out of bed and reaching for a fresh white shirt from her wardrobe, putting it on to cover her half-exposed form. Sitting at the edge of her bed, she idly began to consider what to do with the rest of her day.

"Hmm… What should I do now…?"

"Maybe a quick jog in the park could be nice since today is my day off…"

"And after that, I could stop by my usual coffee shop to relax for a while…"

"Yeah, that sounds good…"

"Maybe I should invite Fuutaro-kun… We could spend the day together…"

"Yup! This plan is perfect...!"

But before she could put her plans into action, a loud growl from her stomach interrupted her thoughts, reminding her of a more pressing matter—hunger. Given that it was already past noon, it was no surprise—she had overslept and missed breakfast, leaving her with an empty stomach. She groaned slightly, a dull headache starting to settle in, likely due to the combination of her disrupted sleep and the empty stomach gnawing at her.

With that, Ichika stood up and headed for the door, ready to start her very late day.

As she stepped out of her bedroom, a familiar voice reached her ears, causing her heart to skip a beat.

"Oi, Yotsuba, what the hell is this? Are you messing with me?!"

"Ahaha! Of course not, Uesugi-san! You look fantastic in those glasses! Isn't that right, Itsuki?"

"Pfft… I have to agree with Yotsuba… You definitely look more… intelligent with them, Uesugi-kun…"

Laughter erupted from downstairs, followed by a frustrated groan. Ichika slowly made her way to the stairs and peered down to catch a glimpse of the lively scene below. In the kitchen, Nino and Miku were engaged in what seemed to be dishwashing duty, while Yotsuba and Itsuki were having fun with someone else. As her gaze fell on this person, her lips curved into a warm smile—this felt like either a fortunate coincidence or a touch of fate.

And there he was, Fuutaro, wearing a pair of joke glasses that Yotsuba had won in a game during their visit to Toei Studio Park. He appeared visibly irked, inspecting his reflection in a small mirror as if questioning every life decision that had led to this moment.

Ichika stifled a giggle as a gentle warmth blossomed in her chest. It was as though fate had spared her the trouble of sticking to her original plans for the day. After all, the boy she loved, the one who occupied a special place in her heart, was already here, just a few steps away, right in her own home.

A/N:

Chapter 32 is finished, and here it is!

Alright, I hope you enjoyed Ichika's perspective on the school detention, especially the improvised acting scene with Fuutaro. The choice of Sleeping Beauty for their quick drama play was inspired by The Quintessential Quintuplets mobile game, a visual novel with gacha elements. In one of its events, Ichika is dressed as Sleeping Beauty, which fits her perfectly with her sleepyhead nature. Writing this chapter was tough, especially her introspective thoughts about leaving the theater club and not participating in the school play, along with creating their spontaneous play.

Fun fact, the concept for this chapter was initially different. I had planned for Ichika and Fuutaro to help their underclassmen who were attending Saturday classes, as requested by a teacher. They would still be in detention, but with a special request from that teacher to the head disciplinary, they're excused from the task to assist the class instead. But I felt that this scenario lacked a meaningful moment between them, so I scrapped it. Instead, I wanted each detention chapter to reflect their unique interests—Fuutaro's chapter focused on academics in the library, and Ichika's chapter focused on acting in the theater room.

For the next chapter, Fuutaro will be helping the quintuplets with their school trip report. Also, I hope you enjoyed both detention chapters!

With this release, I can confidently confirm that there are five chapters left, making it the total of 37 chapters. The story will wrap up in December, though I haven't settled on an exact release date for the final chapter. I'll announce it in one of the upcoming chapters before the end.

The next chapter will be out next week (October 28th – November 3rd). Keep an eye out for the release.

As always, thank you for reading this story, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

If you like the story feel free to review, follow, and favorite it!