Chapter 36

A voice echoed through the cinema lobby ceiling speakers, announcing that a movie was about to start and marking a theater's opening.

"Fuutaro-kun, that's our movie! Theater one. Let's go!"

Fuutaro and Ichika made their way to theater one, presenting their tickets to the usher at the door. The bustling lobby faded behind them as they entered theater one, where the ambiance became quieter. The scent of buttered popcorn lingered in the air, mixed with the sweet aroma of soda and the faint, well-worn smell of velvet seats that had weathered countless audiences. The massive screen loomed at the front of the theater, drawing their gaze and heightening the sense of anticipation. Rows of seats stretched out before them, sloping upward from the stage, neatly divided into three sections: left, center, and right.

With a quick glance at their tickets, they found their seats in the central section—perched in the highest row, offering a flawless view of the screen. It was the perfect vantage point for an immersive movie experience.

As they reached their seats, Fuutaro and Ichika settled in, waiting for the movie to start.

"So, remind me—what's this movie about again?" Fuutaro asked, setting his cup of iced barley tea into the holder beside him.

"It's a rom-com," Ichika replied, placing her soda down and grabbing a handful of popcorn. "The story's about two university students who meet through a club and follow their lives on campus. It was a pretty big hit, actually. When it premiered, it held second place at the box office for an entire week, even with all those foreign films being released at the same time."

"That popular, huh? Tell me more about it."

"Nope—no spoilers!" she grinned, wagging a finger at him playfully. "You'll just have to watch and rate it yourself. And make sure you pay extra attention to my scenes, okay? I want your honest feedback afterward." She tossed a few kernels of popcorn into her mouth.

"Yeah, sure thing," Fuutaro replied, matching her grin. He glanced at her, noticing the gleam of excitement in her eyes. "You seem really pumped for this. Haven't you already seen it? I mean, you were in it, after all."

"Of course I have," Ichika nodded, her expression softening as a hint of pride flickered across her face. "But this movie is special. It marked a major turning point in my career. I like rewatching it—it reminds me of how far I've come."

"Yeah, I get that." Fuutaro chuckled softly as he crossed his arms. "You've come a long way from being a background character, to Tamako-chan, to dying in every role, and finally getting some real supporting roles. Just don't tell me you get killed off in this one, or you'll still be an amateur in my eyes," he teased with a smirk.

"Ughh… how many times do I have to tell you? Never bring up that name!" Ichika pouted, swatting him on the shoulder.

"Yeah, my bad," he replied, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

As the minutes passed, the theater's lights gradually dimmed, signaling the start of the movie. Fuutaro glanced around, noting that the auditorium was less crowded than he had expected. The film's extended run seemed to have resulted in a smaller audience, leaving the theater nearly empty with only a handful of spectators. This was perfectly fine by Fuutaro, who preferred the peace of a nearly empty theater to enjoy the movie undisturbed.

After a series of cinema advertisements and the usual parade of studio logos, the movie finally began. It opened with a reflective narration from the male protagonist, offering a glimpse into his thoughts:

"Three years... Three years of high school, and now it's all coming to an end..."

"After this, I'll be going to university..."

"My senpais said it's nothing like high school—more freedom, where life really begins..."

"I don't know about that... but I have a feeling things are about to change for me..."

The opening scene introduced the main character, Inoue Seiji, a recent high school graduate standing on the brink of university life. The narrative soon rewound to his high school days, painting a picture of a bright student with above-average grades, but a habit of clashing with both peers and teachers. His confrontational, almost indifferent attitude had been sharpened by years in the debate club, where his no-nonsense approach and reliance on cold, hard facts often led to fiery disagreements.

Seiji's sharp debating skills earned him numerous victories in debate competitions, but also gave him a reputation for being unapproachable, limiting his circle of friends to a few debate club members. Despite his academic and club success, his high school years were somewhat uneventful, leaving him eager for the new challenges and experiences university might bring.

"Hmm... His backstory is kind of interesting," Fuutaro mumbled, taking a sip of his barley tea, his gaze fixed on the screen.

The movie transitioned to Seiji's first day at university orientation, where he found himself amidst the busy activity of the club fair. Student organizations of all kinds clamored for the attention of incoming freshmen, their booths lively with enthusiasm and chatter. As Seiji wandered through the fair, one booth in particular caught his eye—the debate club. Instantly intrigued, he felt a familiar pull. With three years of high school debate experience behind him, joining the club seemed like the perfect way to launch his university life.

At his first debate club meeting, Seiji encountered a range of reactions from the members. Some of the senior students were impressed by his sharp intellect and quick thinking, immediately recognizing his potential as a talented debater. However, not everyone was as welcoming. Many of the freshmen, and even some other seniors, were put off by his blunt, relentless debating style. His no-nonsense approach came across as cold, sometimes even harsh, leaving many feeling alienated.

Despite the mixed reception, Seiji remained undeterred, encouraged by the seniors who saw him as the club's rising star.

It was during one of these club meetings that Seiji first met the female lead, Makihira Yui, a fellow freshman from his faculty. Yui was portrayed as shy and unsure of herself, often stumbling through debates as she struggled to find her voice. Her lack of confidence was painfully evident, and she frequently froze up when it was her turn to speak.

As the story progressed, an intense incident unfolded during a heated debate session between Seiji and Yui. His sharp, unrelenting arguments and biting remarks, fueled by the competitive atmosphere, struck deep. Overwhelmed by the pressure and emotional toll, Yui fled the room in tears, leaving Seiji to face the immediate consequences. The atmosphere in the club shifted in an instant, and several members confronted Seiji, berating him for his harsh treatment and and its impact on Yui.

Watching the scene play out, Ichika leaned toward Fuutaro. "That scene was intense, right? When we filmed it, the whole set felt the tension. Even I was blown away by their actings and the final result," she said quietly in a tone filled with excitement.

"Yeah, it's like I'm right in the middle of their argument," Fuutaro replied. He then glanced around theater briefly, noticing the theater's speakers. "The sound system here really makes it hit hard. By the way, when are you going to appear? I haven't seen you on-screen yet."

"Patience, Fuutaro-kun. I'm not the main character, so I won't be on-screen all the time," Ichika said. "From this point, you won't have to wait long. Keep your eyes peeled, okay?"

"Hmm... Alright."

After the heated debate session, Seiji returned straight home and retreated to his bedroom. Laying down on his bed, his mind raced, questioning whether he had gone too far. In all his past debates, he had never driven an opponent to tears or caused such an emotional breakdown. At most, his words would provoke frustration or hesitation—but never anything this extreme. Today had been the first time he had seen someone crumble under the pressure of his arguments.

Despite this, Seiji reaffirmed his belief: in debate, victory was the ultimate goal, no matter how it affected his opponents emotionally.

The next evening, after the day's classes had finished, while walking through the deserted campus corridors, he was approached by someone unfamiliar.

"Hey, can I have a word with you?" a voice called out.

The moment Fuutaro heard the voice, he recognized it instantly as he increased his focus at the screen. As the camera zoomed in, it was none other than Ichika's character, balancing a stack of books in both hands, with a laptop bag slung over her shoulder. Her appearance in the film was noticeably different from her usual look. Her hair was a bit longer and styled in a way that reminded him of her quintuplet sisters, Nino and Yotsuba—making her almost a mirror image of them.

A headband rested on her head, an accessory she rarely wore, and she sported a pair of glasses, something she had only recently adopted as part of her disguise routine in real life. Her outfit—a one-shoulder yellow sweater layered over a black tank top, paired with grayish-white jeans. It was the kind of trendy women fashion Fuutaro had often seen on the streets among young adults and university students, but it still felt like a new side of Ichika, even though she had blended into the role seamlessly.

"Huh? Who are you?" Seiji asked, his voice indifferent, laced with a hint of dismissal.

"You're Inoue Seiji, right?" Ichika's character shot back, unfazed. "I'm Yokomitsu Sakura, a friend of Makihira Yui. I heard about what happened at the debate club yesterday. Is it true?"

Seiji held her gaze for a moment before responding, "Yeah, it's true. So what?" His tone was defensive, brimming with arrogance, as if daring her to challenge him.

"So what? You do realize you really hurt her, right?!" Sakura's voice sharpened with frustration. "I talked to Yui last night on the phone. She was devastated—completely broken by what you said."

Seiji shrugged, unmoved. "Well, that's how it goes in a debate club. I've been watching her since day one—she's not cut out for it. Slow, cowardly, dim-witted every time it's her turn to speak. If she can't handle the pressure, maybe she shouldn't have joined in the first place. If you ask me, she should just quit before she drags the club do—."

Smack

The sudden, sharp crack of a slap reverberated through the theater as Sakura's hand connected with Seiji's face. Her eyes blazed with fury, her expression a searing mix of disgust and contempt.

"You really are scum, aren't you?" Sakura hissed, her voice cold and cutting. "I've heard rumors about your foul reputation around campus, but I didn't know you were this vile."

Seiji stood there, stunned into silence, his cheek stinging, eyes wide as a storm of conflicting emotions swirled beneath the surface.

Sakura's glare bore into him, unrelenting. "You know, Yui may be timid and anxious, but at least she has the courage to step out of her comfort zone and try something new. That's what makes her strong. You? You wouldn't understand that."

Her hand slowly dropped, though the anger still flared in her eyes. "If you possess even the slightest shred of decency, you'll apologize the next time you see her."

She leaned in slightly, her voice lower but no less fierce. "A true debater has integrity and moral standards. But you? You should be the one leaving the club for not living up to any of them. And listen closely: if you ever hurt her again, you'll answer to me. I won't let someone like you keep making her life miserable."

With those final words, Yokomitsu Sakura turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Seiji standing in stunned silence, alone in the corridor.

Fuutaro watched the scene unfold on the screen, his eyes wide in astonishment. The straw of his cup froze just before reaching his mouth as he processed what he had just seen. He turned toward Ichika. "Is that really you?"

Ichika took a casual sip of her iced soda before answering. "Yeah, that's me. Why? Something wrong with my acting?"

"No, it's just..." Fuutaro hesitated as he searched for the right words. "I've never seen you play a character like this before." He paused, still trying to figure out what had captivated him. Maybe it was her body language, the intensity in her eyes, or how she carried herself with such authority. Perhaps it was a mix of everything. "I mean, I've seen you act on set, in different roles, but this one... it's different. You really stand out, and I can't explain why."

Ichika chuckled softly, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "Hehe... That's the beauty of acting, Fuutaro-kun. Every role lets you step into a new persona—new looks, new personalities. It's a chance to explore and transform into someone else entirely." She gave him a small wink before turning her attention back to the screen. "Alright, enough chitchat. Let's keep watching."

The following day, as Seiji made his way across the bustling campus, he unexpectedly crossed paths with Makihira Yui in the very corridor where he had been confronted by Yokomitsu Sakura. The moment Yui's eyes landed on him, fear flickered across her face. Without a second thought, she turned sharply and sprinted in the opposite direction.

Seiji's instincts kicked in immediately, and he gave chase, weaving through the throngs of students who glanced curiously at the unfolding scene. After a brief, tense chase, he finally managed to catch up to her, grabbing her arm to stop her from fleeing.

For a moment, they stood in silence, with an awkward tension hanging in the air. Seiji, uncharacteristically hesitant, searched for the right words, his usual confidence nowhere to be found. His voice faltered as he stammered out an apology, each word seemingly harder to push out than the last. Apologizing was not something that came naturally to him; it felt foreign, almost uncomfortable. A brief flashback showed glimpses of his past, revealing moments where he stubbornly refused to admit fault when he was a kid.

"I... I crossed the line during that debate," he confessed. "I let my competitive side get the better of me, and I... I didn't think about how you were feeling."

Yui stood silently, her expression still anxious as she processed his words. After a long, weighted pause, she finally spoke, her voice quiet and careful. "I... I'm not used to the intensity of those debates. It's overwhelming, and I—" she hesitated, glancing down. "I don't always know how to handle it. I felt out of my comfort."

But then, Yui did something that left him even more taken aback—she bowed deeply. "I'm sorry for running out like that! It caused such a scene, and I didn't mean to disrupt the club."

Seiji's eyes widened, and he quickly waved off her apology. He had not expected her to apologize when he was the one who supposed to. "No, no. Don't apologize for that! It wasn't your fault," he insisted. "I was the one who pushed too hard. I always get carried away during debates... It's not on you."

With both of their confessions laid bare, the tension between them seemed to ease. After a few seconds Yui looked up, meeting his eyes with a faint smile. "Thank you, Seiji," she said quietly. "I accept your apology."

With this, they hoped that they could move forward without the lingering animosity from the previous incident.

As the story unfolded, the evolving relationship between Seiji and Yui became a central focus. Frustrated by Yui's timidity and lack of confidence during debates, Seiji decided to take matters into his own hands, becoming her informal mentor. With a blunt yet determined approach, he guided her through the arts of debate, teaching her how to develop self-assurance and sharpen her assertiveness when facing opponents. Outside of club activities, Yui became his primary sparring partner, and the extra practice sessions gradually helped her refine her skills.

Yui, for her part, deeply appreciated Seiji's dedication to helping her improve. In an effort to show her gratitude, she invited him to spend time together beyond the activities of the debate club. What started as casual meetups evolved into a steady friendship, as they began to support each other in their individual struggles. Yui became an invaluable academic ally to Seiji, helping him stay on top of his studies. Despite his strong academic standing, Yui often outperformed him, proving herself to be one of the top students in their year—something that Seiji, surprisingly, admired.

As their bond grew, they started sharing more personal stories and details about their lives. These moments of vulnerability allowed them to connect on a deeper, more meaningful level, fostering an empathy and mutual respect that enriched their relationship. What had started as a tense, mentor-student dynamic slowly transformed into a supportive friendship where each leaned on the other.

Meanwhile, as the movie progressed, Ichika's character, Yokomitsu Sakura, gained increasing prominence. Initially introduced as Makihira Yui's best friend, Sakura was a steadfast presence throughout the film. Her scenes with Yui were frequent and layered, with Yui often confiding in Sakura about her experiences in the debate club and her growing, albeit complicated, friendship with Seiji. Over time, Sakura and Seiji's paths crossed more often, and while their initial encounter had been rocky, they developed a tentative friendship as they spent more time together on campus.

Indeed, as Ichika had mentioned earlier, she played a supporting role in this film and this role was significantly more substantial than her previous ones. Her screen presence in the film was far more noticeable than anything Fuutaro had seen from her before, giving her more room to shine as an actress.

As the movie neared its climax, the emotional tension between Seiji and Yui grew more intricate. Yui found herself grappling with her feelings for Seiji, unsure of how to handle the growing attraction. During a lunch break at the campus cafeteria, she turned to Sakura, seeking advice.

"Seriously? That's great news, Yui!" Sakura's eyes lit up with excitement. "Are you planning on telling him how you feel? I get the sense that Inoue might be feeling the same way."

Yui hesitated, it was visible in her expression. "No, not yet, Sakura-chan," she admitted. "I'm still figuring out how I really feel. The thought of confessing... it makes my stomach turn upside down."

Sakura chuckled, leaning in with a teasing grin. "Hehh... You're fearless in debates, but when it comes to matters of the heart, you turn right back into your old, shy self? Typical!" After a pause, Sakura's tone shifted. "By the way, I heard you're going out with some of the debate club members tomorrow night after classes. Inoue will be there, won't he?"

"Y-Yes, that's true. Why do you ask?"

"Well," Sakura replied with a mischievous smile, "I was thinking about tagging along. If you're serious about Inoue, tomorrow might be the perfect chance to say something. And, knowing how easily you get nervous and second-guess yourself, I'll be there for backup in case you need a little push."

Yui blinked in surprise. "Ehh? I'm not so sure about that, Sakura-chan."

"Don't worry!" Sakura reassured her, flashing a confident smile. "I'll stay in the background, no pressure. If you feel ready, just pretend I'm not there. I'll be your silent wingwoman, and if you get cold feet, I'll step in to support. Sound good?"

The following evening, Yui joined several members of the debate club, including Seiji, for their weekly social outing. True to her word, Yokomitsu Sakura came along, blending easily into the group. By now, Sakura had become a familiar face among the debate club members, frequently joining the club activities at Yui's request. Her presence had fostered a casual companionship with the rest of the group.

Their first stop was a popular karaoke venue, a favorite spot the group frequented after long days of classes. The mood was light and playful, with Seiji—ever confident and unafraid of the spotlight—grabbing the microphone first. He launched into a high-spirited performance, encouraging the others to join in. Laughter and applause echoed through the room as one by one, the group members embraced the carefree atmosphere.

However, amid the laughter, Yui's unease only deepened. The weight of her unresolved feelings and the looming prospect of a confession gnawed at her nerves, making her anxiety hard to ignore. As her turn at the mic approached, her hands shook, and her voice trembled with tension, her growing apprehension threatening to overwhelm her.

After two hours of lively karaoke, the group decided to continue their evening with dinner at a nearby izakaya. On the way, they made a quick stop at a convenience store to grab snacks and drinks. While Seiji and the other club members headed inside, Yui and Sakura stayed outside.

The scene then shifted to a quieter moment between the two girls.

"You know, Sakura-chan... I don't think I can do it after all," Yui confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sakura's expression shifted to concern as she turned to face her friend. "What's wrong, Yui? You seemed so determined at lunch to confess your feelings to Inoue. What happened to all that confidence?"

Yui's gaze dropped to the ground, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her own uncertainty. "I'm just feeling too overwhelmed," she said, barely managing to keep her voice steady. "The more I think about it, the more my chest tightens… And I even made a mess back at the karaoke."

"I get it. It's not easy, especially when emotions are running high. But take a deep breath, okay? Don't be too hard on yourself. You've been building up to this moment for a while. I'm sure you'll find the confidence before the night's over."

Yui slowly shook her head as the resignation in her expression deepened. "I don't think I have it in me tonight… Maybe another time, but not now." She paused, the regret clear in her voice. "And I'm sorry for dragging you along... I've probably just wasted your time."

Sakura's expression softened as she observed Yui, a look of sympathy visible in her gaze. Her eyes then wandered across the street to a small, public park. After a brief moment of contemplation, a determined look settled on Sakura's face.

"You can't keep doing this, Yui," Sakura said, her voice firm but gentle. "I've known you since middle school, and every time you get nervous or uncertain, you always end up leaving things undone. You just need a little push, and once you've got that, you always manage to see things through. I've seen it happen more times than I can count."

"I… But that's different…"

"No more excuses," Sakura interrupted. She nodded toward the park across the street. "You see that park? It's quiet, peaceful, and a perfect place to gather your thoughts—especially in autumn. I've gone there myself to clear my head a few times."

She continued, "I want you to go there, find a bench, and prepare yourself. I'll get Inoue to meet you. This is your chance, Yui—your moment to finally tell him how you feel."

Yui shook her head, forcing a weak smile. "Sakura-chan, that's not really necessary… I can wait until I'm really ready. Maybe another day…"

But Sakura did not back down. She stepped closer, placing her hands firmly on Yui's shoulders. "Yui, best friends support each other. You've always been there for me, so now it's my turn to support you."

"Sakura-chan…" Yui's eyes softened as she met Sakura's determined gaze. For a moment, she stood there, uncertain, but then she took a deep breath. Slowly, she nodded, her resolve starting to build. " I… I understand now. I can't keep letting my nerves get the best of me for every single time. Thank you for the push, Sakura-chan. I'll do my best… I'll tell Seiji-kun how I feel."

Sakura's lips curled into a warm, satisfied smile. "That's the spirit. I knew you had it in you." She released her grip on Yui's shoulders and added, "Now go to the park and get ready. I'll handle things on my end."

With a renewed sense of determination, Yui turned and crossed the street toward the park, ready to confront her emotions head-on.

A few moments later, Seiji exited the convenience store and immediately noticed that Yui was nowhere to be seen. His brow furrowed as he turned to Sakura, who was still waiting outside.

"Hey, Yokomitsu, where's Yui?"

"Ah, Yui just went to the park across the street. She said she needed to talk to you about something important, privately."

Seiji's curiosity piqued, and he glanced toward the park. "Something important? Did she say what it was about?"

Sakura shook her head, maintaining an air of nonchalance. "No clue. It could be about the upcoming debate competition you're both involved in, or maybe it's something else entirely. Either way, it sounded like something you should hear directly from her."

Seiji stared at the park for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I'll do that."

As he began making his way toward the park, the rest of the debate club members emerged from the convenience store, noticing him heading in the opposite direction from their planned dinner at the izakaya.

"Hey, Inoue! Where are you going?" one of them called out.

But Sakura smoothly stepped in to prevent any interruptions, her expression playful yet reassuring. "Don't worry about him!" she said, waving off their concern with a lighthearted grin. "Yui and Inoue just need to sort something out real quick. They'll meet us at the izakaya later. I've already given them the directions, so no need to wait. And besides, I'm starving—let's not keep dinner waiting!"

Sakura's cheerful insistence worked, and the group shrugged it off, following her lead as they continued toward the izakaya. As they walked away, Sakura cast a final, thoughtful glance back at the park.

"Good luck, Yui…"

She silently wished her best friend, trusting that this would be the moment she found the courage she needed.

Suddenly, after watching the scene, an unsettling sense of familiarity washed over Fuutaro. His fingers instinctively found his chin, and his brows furrowed in concentration.

"Hmm… I feel like I've seen that before…"

"Why does this feel so familiar…?"

"Did I experience something similar in the past…?"

"I'm pretty sure I did. Otherwise, why would I feel this way…?"

"But when? And where was it…?"

He closed his eyes, digging into the recesses of his memory, searching for any thread that might connect to this nagging sensation. Fleeting images flashed through his mind—scenes from various moments in his life—but none of them seemed to fit perfectly with what he had just witnessed in the film. The more he tried, the more he failed to identify the source of this unease as frustration started to build up inside him.

"Ughh… Why can't I pin this down…?

Maybe some memories had slipped through the cracks, or was it merely a false sense of déjà vu? Yet, the uncertainty was bothersome, an itch he could not scratch. It felt as though he was on the verge of recalling something significant, but something was blocking him from making that final connection.

The feeling of familiarity only grew stronger with each passing moment, fueling his determination to unravel the mystery.

"Damn, this is driving me crazy…"

"It feels like I'm so close, yet so far…"

"What event from my past could have triggered this feeling…?"

While Fuutaro wrestled with his own uncertainty, he opened his eyes, and his gaze flickered to Ichika, who was sitting beside him, completely absorbed in the movie and casually munching on popcorn. Just then, as if sparked by her presence, a new sensation washed over him—not one of familiarity, but of sudden clarity. A specific memory, sharper this time, began to surface in his mind. His heart quickened as the fragments slowly started to piece together.

His eyes widened as realization struck, and he gripped to that memory tightly, determined not to let it slip away this time.

"Yeah, that's right…!"

"How could I have forgotten about that…?"

"It happened just last week during the school trip…"

"At Fushimi Shrine…"

The scene in the movie that had triggered his déjà vu mirrored something from his recent school trip. He vividly recalled the moment they had reached the summit of the mountain at Fushimi Shrine. After the long and exhausting climb, Ichika, and his groupmates—Takeda and Maeda—had left the peak rather quickly.

Flashback

With Takeda and Maeda now heading toward the left path, Fuutaro instinctively stood up, feeling the urge to follow. "Oi! Where are you two going? Don't leave me here alone. I'm coming with you."

"E-Ehh?" Miku gasped, startled by Fuutaro's sudden decision to leave, her hands gripping the paper bag even tighter.

But before Fuutaro could take another step, Ichika turned back, her voice firm but still gentle. "No, Fuutaro-kun... Weren't you listening? Miku wants to talk to you." Her eyes lingered on him, ensuring her words stuck. "You shouldn't leave her hanging."

Takeda, sensing Fuutaro's hesitation, approached him and whispered, "Relax, Uesugi-kun. You can catch up with us after you finish talking to Nakano Miku-san." He cast a glance at Miku, still seated quietly on the stone bench. "We'll be waiting for you at the restaurant in the rest area. No rush."

Maeda, clearly impatient, was already halfway down the steps, his voice ringing out in annoyance. "Come on, let's go already! I'm sick of seeing shrine after shrine and these endless torii gates."

Ichika laughed softly, following Takeda as they started to descend. "Alright, let's head down, Takeda-kun."

As Fuutaro watched the group depart, something suddenly came to mind—something he had meant to tell Ichika for the last half-hour. "Oi, wait, Ichika!" he called out, taking a step forward. "There's... something I want to talk to you about."

But Ichika waved him off from a distance, her voice carrying over her shoulder. "Tell me later, Fuutaro-kun! Right now, just listen to what Miku has to say, okay? We can talk after." She gave him a quick smile before continuing her descent. "See you!"

And just right after that, Yotsuba also went back down, as if it was a coincidence.

"Ahh! I just remembered—there's something important I need to tell Nino and Itsuki!"

"Huh?" Fuutaro's brows furrowed as he turned to the fourth sister, trying to grasp the sudden change. "Hey, where are you going now?"

"No time for chit-chat, Uesugi-san! It's something super important I have to tell them!" she replied, her voice laced with urgency as she prepared to make her exit.

Fuutaro, still confused, called after her, "Can't you just contact them? Call or message them?"

"I would, but there's no signal up here!" she shot back, already heading toward the right path. "Anyway, stay here with Miku while I go meet them!"

"Oi, Yotsuba!" Fuutaro raised his hand, but it was too late. She was already dashing down the path, waving goodbye with enthusiasm.

"See you, Uesugi-san!"

End of the Flashback

Due to their sudden, weird departure, he ended up being alone together with Miku. It was during that moment of solitude that she had confessed her feelings to him. That scene earlier felt very similar to that encounter.

"If I think about it, Ichika and Yotsuba's actions back then were almost a mirror of this movie scene…"

"But… Now that I remember it, this didn't happen just once…"

"If I'm not mistaken, it happened a few times during the school trip…"

Another fragment of memory came into focus, intensifying the déjà vu that had been gnawing at him. It was still from that same day, after dinner, when he had heard a loud scream echoing down the hotel corridor. Rushing to investigate, he had found Ichika, who had told him that Itsuki wanted to meet him at the hotel's café in about an hour.

Flashback

"Oh, by the way, Fuutaro-kun! I'm glad I ran into you. There's something I need to tell you."

"Huh?" Fuutaro raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Itsuki-chan asked me to pass a message along," Ichika said, her usual cheerful tone returned. "She wants to meet you at the hotel café on the upper floor in about an hour."

Fuutaro blinked, clearly puzzled by the unexpected request. "Itsuki? Why does she want to meet me at the café? Do you know what this is about? Did she tell you why?"

Ichika shook her head lightly. "Not really," she admitted with a small smile. "She just mentioned it quickly before heading off with Nino and Yotsuba."

But it was not true. When Fuutaro arrived at the café, Itsuki's statement contradicted Ichika's message. This lead him to concludes that Ichika had played a prank on them both.

"Wait a second… Did you say my invitation? I thought you invited me to meet here at the café."

"Huh? What are you talking about? Ichika told me that you wanted to meet here." Her brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you sure you are not half-asleep or something?"

"No, I'm sure. She told me that—" Fuutaro trailed off, his expression darkening as the realization hit him. He sighed, rubbing his temples in exasperation. "Itsuki, I think your eldest sister just pulled a prank on us. I ran into her about an hour ago, and she told me you wanted to meet me here. When I pressed for details, she just shrugged and ran off."

Itsuki stared at him, utterly bewildered. "Wait… are you serious? She told me the exact opposite! She said you were the one who wanted to meet me!" Her confusion deepened, her mind trying to piece together the situation. "She seemed so certain about it too, acting like it was something important because of how seriously you supposedly spoke to her."

End of the Flashback

Despite the odd circumstances, the encounter with Itsuki turned out to be quite enjoyable. They enjoyed desserts together, exchanged personal stories, and she shared her dream of becoming a teacher. The whole conversation overall had lightened her mood, where she appeared to enjoy his presence. At the end, she even volunteered to join him later for the curfew attendance check, a duty that had originally fallen to Yotsuba.

And it did not stop there. A similar scenario played out the very next day during their visit to Kiyomizu-dera. While sightseeing at the wooden stage with Itsuki, Ichika had pulled the same trick again. This time, she claimed it was Yotsuba who wanted to explore the temple with Fuutaro, mimicking what had happened the previous day.

Flashback

"Hey, Fuutaro-kun!" Ichika called out with a playful grin, her tone upbeat as usual.

Before Fuutaro could respond, he noticed Yotsuba in a flustered state, practically pleading. "Ichika, please! Don't! There's no need to do this!" she begged, her voice tense with anxiety.

Fuutaro raised an eyebrow, confused by the exchange. From the way Yotsuba was acting, he guessed Ichika might be up to one of her usual teases. "What's going on with you two? Did you want to tell me something, Ichika?" he asked, eyeing them both curiously.

Ichika nodded with a mischievous wink, lifting her index finger. "That's right!" she chirped. Meanwhile, Yotsuba desperately tugged at her sister's shoulders, still urging her to stop at something.

"Yotsuba's been talking non-stop about how she wants to explore the entire Kiyomizu-dera complex with you!" Ichika announced with a sly grin, completely unfazed by her sister's attempts to hold her back. "She's been excited about it all morning, and she couldn't wait to see every little thing with you!"

Fuutaro turned his gaze toward Yotsuba, where her eyes now widened in panic, and her face flushed red at Ichika's bold statement. He could not help but wonder if Ichika had truly been teasing, or if there was some truth in what she said.

"Is that true, Yotsuba?"

"N-No…! That's… I…" she stammered, unable to string together a proper response, her flustered state betraying her uncertainty.

Ichika leaned closer to Fuutaro, bringing her hand up to her lips as if to keep her voice discreet, her tone playful but hushed. "Don't mind her," she whispered. "She's just too embarrassed to admit it."

End of the Flashback

The moment Ichika mentioned Yotsuba's supposed request, the fourth quintuplet's behavior became strange—there was a clear uncertainty in her expression, a hesitation that felt out of place. Yet, Ichika's words had been delivered with confidence: Yotsuba wanted to walk with him. Similar to the Miku's situation, before Fuutaro could process the odd tension, Ichika had quickly departed with Itsuki, leaving him alone with Yotsuba. As a result, he and Yotsuba ended up exploring most of the Kiyomizu-dera complex together, where they enjoyed the sights and attractions.

And finally, the final recollection that shared the same pattern involved Nino. As Fuutaro made his way down from Kiyomizu-dera to Kiyomizu-zaka, he found himself in yet another orchestrated situation. He ran into Ichika and Nino, and then the latter got into a heated argument with Maeda. While he was trying to defuse the tension, he noticed Ichika whispering something to Takeda. Moments later, Ichika, Takeda, and Maeda left for lunch, leaving him alone with Nino.

Nino, however, had no interest in joining the others for lunch. She insisted on exploring the shopping district instead, but Fuutaro could not help but feel like it was all too coincidental—too perfectly arranged.

Flashback

"What a coincidence! We were actually heading there too, and our sisters have already gone ahead," Ichika said enthusiastically to the boys. "Shall we go there together? Are you okay with that, Nino?"

Nino shook her head, declining the invitation. "No, thank you. I'm not hungry yet," she replied, her tone firm. "Besides, I want to explore this place a bit more before the afternoon trip ends. How about you accompany me, Fuu-kun?" She turned her gaze towards Fuutaro.

"There, there, Maeda-kun. Don't let your anger control you. You're not yourself when you're hungry, right?" he said, maintaining a relaxed yet firm expression. "Just let Uesugi-kun go with her and let them do their own thing. Like you, I'm hungry too, so let's just go have lunch."

"But what if sensei scolds us again? I don't want any more trouble with the teachers since my reputation is already bad at school."

"Don't worry about it. I can easily come up with an excuse and smooth-talk our way out of it," Takeda reassured, patting his back to further calm him down. "Let's just go, okay? Nakano-san, please lead the way to the restaurant."

"Okay! This way, gentlemen," Ichika responded with a broad grin, taking the lead and guiding them towards the desired restaurant.

End of the Flashback

Soon after, an unexpected downpour forced Fuutaro and Nino to seek refuge in a nearby souvenir-café shop. As they sat waiting for the rain to pass, Nino opened up about her dream of owning a café. He listened to her story, also encouraging her to pursue it. The conversation seemed to lift her spirits, and for a brief moment, Nino let her guard down, allowing him to see her in a more vulnerable light.

Then, when news came that the rest of the trip was canceled due to the bad weather, Nino surprised him by buying a waist bag as a gift from the shop. The gesture caught him off guard, and then, out of impulse, they were running through the rain together, dashing toward the bus. By the time they arrived, drenched and out of breath, Fuutaro realized that Nino had seemed to enjoy their time together.

With all these memories now falling into place, Fuutaro realized that the movie scene mirrored his recent experiences more closely than he had first thought. It had not been a one-off occurrence but something that had happened repeatedly—four times in just two days.

The puzzle pieces started to align, leading him to one clear deduction: the reason Ichika kept disappearing during the school trip whenever he asked her to walk with him was... she had purposely orchestrated these moments, ensuring that each of her sisters had an opportunity to spend time with him.

Could this really be the truth? Given the tension and unease that had simmered among the quintuplets before the trip, it seemed entirely plausible. Nino and Itsuki had been particularly forceful about walking with him, while Miku and Yotsuba had been more subtle, quietly reserved. But after he had spent time with each of them, the uneasy atmosphere had noticeably lightened. Perhaps Ichika had stepped in to smooth things over, and also ensured that Miku and Yotsuba also had their chances to connect with him.

Yes, that had to be it. The way everything unfolded with each sister, the coincidental timing, the odd little signals—all of it pointed to Ichika's subtle involvement. There was no other explanation that made sense. She had been behind it, ensuring that balance was restored among her sisters.

With the nagging sense of déjà vu finally resolved, Fuutaro felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. He stole a glance at Ichika, who was laughing at something on screen, completely engrossed in the movie. His smile softened, a warm glow filling his chest as he watched her. There was something endearing about the way she had quietly taken care of her sisters, putting their happiness ahead of her own. She had gone out of her way to make sure that each of her younger sisters had their moment with him, never once drawing attention to her efforts.

Just like her character on screen, Ichika had shown genuine care and thoughtfulness.

Reflecting on that, Fuutaro found that his perception of her had not been wrong—if anything, it had deepened. She was truly special, one of a kind, always managing to surprise him with her acts of kindness and her quiet, compassionate strength.

A/N:

Chapter 36 is finished, and here it is!

So, what did you think? This chapter was kinda unique—a story within a story. You know, writing an entirely separate movie plot beneath the main narrative was no doubt a pain to my brain, and it definitely tested my patience. I revised this chapter numerous times, fine-tuning scenes, adding details, and working to create a coherent and believable movie storyline. And I also decided to make the movie Ichika stars in is a rom-com since it aligns with the genre of The Quintessential Quintuplets, and it's also a genre I'm more familiar to write.

Overall, I'm satisfied with this chapter and the movie storyline, though I apologize if the plot feels somewhat generic since it's better to focus on the main story rather than going overboard with a subplot.

I also felt it was time for Fuutaro to finally uncover why Ichika always seemed to disappear during the school trip when he wanted to spend time with her. Given his observant nature, it only made sense that he'd piece it together eventually, whether through the movie or otherwise. This realization further solidifies his feelings for her, reaffirming that she's the quintuplet he's fallen for.

Now that this chapter's done, we're approaching the finale. The next chapter will be the final one, and it's going to be the longest I've ever written in any of my fanfiction. Think of it as the "TV special" equivalent of a story's conclusion, where it usually runs longer than normal episode. The final A/N will also be long because I will share my reflections and experiences while working on this story.

And for the release date for the final chapter, it's set for Monday, December 2nd. The reason I chose this date is because it marks the two-year anniversary of this story's debut, and I thought it would be fitting to end the story on the same date it began.

Lastly, I want to let you readers know that I'm planning to release a one-shot fanfic for The Quintessential Quintuplets next week. It's not about Fuutaro and Ichika but will take a more general approach. It's an idea that's been in the back of my mind ever since I finished reading and watching the series. If that sounds interesting to you, keep an eye out for it!

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

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