The day after Itsuki came back battered in Lya's back, the night had not been easy for any of the sisters. Miku and Yotsuba were the ones that showed the most in their clearly tired expressions. Not only did they have to deal with the realization that magic is a thing they also had to lie to their other sisters.

It took some convincing from Itsuki but she was right, Ichika and Nino would make this a bigger deal than it already was. At least they could gather more information before telling them. Miku managed to reach a middle ground that if things got out of control she would spill the secret, while Yotsuba still wasn't into keeping secrets to the others she accepted that plan for the time being.

Lya spent the night with Miku and Yotsuba in the latter's room, the booth of them being a little afraid of the little girl at first, they just saw her shooting a beam of light. but since Lya showed nothing but adoration toward Itsuki and she just went to sleep when told. they came to the conclusion that she was harmless at least toward them.

Miku in her head was compiling every bit of information that Lya had managed to give them before Ichika and Nino arrived home worried sick about Itsuki.

First, she wasn't Human. She called herself a Mamado, a race from another world capable of using magic, then she went into a big speech about her being from a noble family and a prodigy, they lost a lot of time there.

Second, she told them that sometimes Mamodos would come to earth to fight to decide the next king. This makes Miku's head hurt. She felt like her sister was being led to a shonen-like scenario. but Lya also mentioned that the battle to decide the next king already ended and it would have to pass a thousand years before the next battle so even she was confused about her presence here.

Third, the last thing Lya told them before the other's arrived was that a Mamodo cannot use magic on its own in this world. It needs the help of a human partner who could read their book, then she proceeds to hug Itsuki. expressing how clearly happy she was to have met her bookkeeper.

Miku's phone rang. It was a message from Itsuki. as they agreed that she was going to stay home with the excuse of still not being well after last night and ask Lya any remaining question they could have.

According to the text Itsuki sent she asked about how she came from the book, Lya just gave her a confused look and told them that she only responded to Itsuki's call. When asked if she could go back to her home world throughout the book or some other way, Lya almost started to cry as if the idea of Itsuki rejecting her would break her heart. It took some convincing and Itsuki telling her that she wasn't kicking her out, that it was just to try. but when she touched the book nothing happened.

Miku was pinching the bridge of her nose. she was totally not prepared for this, they couldn't kick Lya out of the house when she had nowhere to go and also the fact with that lizard. Itsuki said it got really aggressive when it saw her holding the book. And what if another monster came for Itsuki at least with Lya she can fight back.

"Miku"

'What about food? Lya ate fine this morning but we can't bring her food in secret forever.'

"Miku"

'and entertainment? she is going to get bored at some point, a little girl lock up all day is going to lead to a bad situation eventually'

"Miku"

'also the tutoring class. Kiyomaro is going to come to the house today, how would lya react if she saw a stranger? at least with us, she knows we're itsuki family, so she behaves.'

"Miku!" Yotsuba raised her voice and grabbed Miku's sleeve which was clearly lost in thought.

"Ah?" Miku turned to see that it was Yotsuba, the one that grabbed her sleeve.

"I was talking to you"

"sorry"

"I been thinking" Yotsuba looked at Ichika and nino who were walking ahead "if we cant tell them, what if we told Takamine-san"

"Kiyomaro?"

"He's smart, right? and from what Itsuki told us he's good with kids" what Yotsuba wanted to say is that they were way in over their heads and any help would be more than welcome "at least having the opinion of someone else could help."

"Maybe we could but"

"And doesn't the story Takamine-san told us fit with what happened to Itsuki" maybe because Yotsuba who was more afraid of the giant story than anyone yesterday, managed to keep the story in her head even after all the mess of yesterday and connect the dots.

Miku's brain stopped for a little, a giant and black figure working together, in Itsuki's story it was a lizard not a giant, but the patron remains of a Mamodo and a bookkeeper.

"..." Miku haven't give the idea of telling kiyomaro the thought or that the tale he was chasing was right now with them in their house "it would be too dangerous"

This helped her realize that having Lya in the house might bring trouble but also with her they could fight, if Kiyomaro would get involved in this, how could he defend himself, living with them sounded difficult Nino would not accept it and Kiyomaro do have his own life outside of them.

"Unless Kiyomaro decide to live with us is too dangerous for him"

"...you're right" Yotsuba just looked down. The whole situation wasn't feeling right for her. having to lie to everyone weighed greatly on her mind.

Soon they arrived at school, no one mentioned how one sister was missing. but there clearly were some curious stares about the lack of one sister.

Kiyomaro was having a pretty normal day but there was something calling his attention, someone in his class was missing. Itsuki, the redhead classmate/pupil of his. The teacher gave the explanation that she called sick for the day but Kiyomaro, who had seen her the day before, found it strange.

They had spent a great part of the Sunday together and she never let out even a simple sneeze let alone a cough. Kiyomaro worried if the cold was strong enough to knock her out after one night or maybe she got hit with another thing. So when lunch time came he went to the cafeteria in hopes to meet one of the quints and he quickly saw Nino and Yotsuba eating together.

"Hey" Kiyomaro got close to the sister's, Nino as always didn't welcome his presence but Yotsuba is the one with an unusual reaction.

"Tch" it seems Nino really didn't want to have anything to do with him today "what!?"

"The teacher told us that Itsuki is sick today" but kiyomaro did not retreat after all he was more worried about Itsuki's well being than angering Nino "how is she?"

"She's sick, didn't you hear it?"

Kiyomaro did not care about playing this game with Nino today so he just

turned to look at Yotsuba who was clearly uncomfortable.

"Am….Ah….sorry!" After that she left the table, running away.

"Really what's happening here?" When kiyomaro turned he saw Nino already walking away.

"Kiyomaro" he jumped a little upon being suddenly called by a voice from behind. It was Miku who had managed to sneak behind him, a second surprise came when he saw Miku face. She had a tired face with bags under her eyes.

"Miku, hello" he gave a light greeting wondering what to do with this sister. she really wasn't in the best state but he also wanted answers about Itsuki.

"Mmm" Miku put her tray on the table and sat to eat.

Given that she did not show hostility or runned away, kiyomaro, also seated in front of her.

"So Itsuki is sick?" he just put the theme in front, getting side tracked would only waste time and at least feel that miku wasn't one for subtleties.

"Mmm it seems the change of school and the stress over her grades got to her" Miku and Itsuki had already prepared an explanation in case anyone wondered what happened to her today.

"Ohh but it's nothing serious?" the tutor had his doubts about the explanation but he wasn't going to push it any further. The girl in front of him also wasn't in the best state, as long as nothing serious had happened to Itsuki it was fine.

"No. after a day of rest she should be fine"

Finally kiyomaro smiled at the good news "that's good" he finally relaxed his shoulders "since yesterday she seemed fine, I got worried but if it's just that, it is nothing big."

Miku was having mixed emotions right now. First she was feeling sour about having to lie to kiyomaro who was clearly worried about Itsuki and second she felt annoyed That Kiyomaro seemed to care so much about Itsuki while being oblivious to her current state.

"Mmmm you seem to care for Itsuki greatly" Miku didn't get where those words were coming from. But they came from a dark emotion that she couldn't quite specify.

"Of course she is my friend" he said without missing a beat. Those years with Gash did teach him about the importance of being open with these things.

"..." Miku started to consider what Yotusuba had proposed, kiyomaro was going to visit their home due to his job with frequency, how much could they hide Lya from their sisters and him?

Miku's stress was already pilling up on her. The situation was too ridiculous and her mixed feelings about this matter made her feel guilty. Miku brought her hand to her forehead in hopes of easing the pressure she was feeling in her head. She hasn't been feeling good all day now it was getting worse, she started to feel a little dizzy.

"Hey you ok?" Kiyomaro wanted to slap himself for stating the obvious "you look pale" kiyomaro bent a little to get a better look at Miku's face. The girl was never the most expressive one of the sisters but right now her face in the most crude expression looked like shit. Eye bags from lack of sleep, eyes that didn't seem to have any focus on the present and an unhealthy pale face that didn't show any of her usual healthy color, right now putting any of the other sister's next to Miku would be just to make a cruel comparison.

"Im fine" she tried to put a strong front and walk away but tripped over her feet, she certainly was the least athletic of the 5 but for Miku to commit a blunder like this was more than anything the result of lack of sleep. Kiyomaro quickly caught her by the shoulders Miku did not wanted to look up. her face finally had some color back but it was mostly red due to shame.

"See you're not fine" the young tutor put a hand on miku forehead trying to see if she had a fever which made miku face even redder "the temperature is a little high but is doesnt seem to be fever, anyway we are going to the infirmary" Kiyomaro decision was firm in this.

At that the bell ringing marking the end of lunch time all the students that still were in the cafeteria quickly left it. to go to their classroom.

"What about the classes?"

Kiyomaro just gives her a judging silence.

"...what about your classes?"

"Don't worry about it I'm used to catching up with lost classes" Miku didn't quite get what he meant by that but she really didn't have the strength to fight it to be honest.

Miku remained silent all the way to the infirmary. Kiyomaro took his hands off her shoulders but he did stick close to Miku in case she would collapse or trip again, all the way Miku had her head down not wanting kiyomaro to see her face for the most she tried to put up a strong front. She was feeling terrible. everything was spinning and she couldn't focus her vision.

On the halfway there Miku again was getting very dizzy which kiyomaro took notice and quickly took her left arm, this startled the girl.

"C'mon we're close just a little more, you can lean on me" since this action came from a place of pure worry for Miku, the girl in question just nodded at the gesture and did that she didn't even notice when she took Kiyomaro's hand.

In the hallways of Ashiyama high school there were a pair of students walking hand in hand very close to each other. From an outsider point of view they were a couple walking to their classes taking extra time just to be alone together, trying to squeeze every little second so they could be lost in their own world.

At least until you see the face of the girl who was barely standing upright by herself and was using her companion as a support.

When opening the door of the infirmary there wasn't anyone, not the nurse or any other student "is really weird how this place is always empty" kiyomaro remembered the first day he taught the quints. He also took a quick nap here before going to the apartment.

The infirmary was a big room with 8 beds each separated by a curtain so the resting student can have some privacy while sleeping. There also was a shelf filled with medicaments but they were locked with a key only the absent nurse had, the desk of the nurse was there with a closed laptop and notepad next to it. Apart from that nothing much bringed any attention.

Miku did not give the comment much thought and letting go of kiyomaro she just walked into the room. Selected the bed closer to the window. Moved the curtain, took off her sweater, kicked off her shoes not caring where they landed and hopped into the bed quickly covering herself with the sheet.

Kiyomaro walked past the curtain to see if Miku wanted anything else before going to sleep but it was too late, her eyes were already closed and her peaceful breathing showed she was no longer mentally present.

Kiyomaro just let out a sigh, his time with Gash had given him the custom of cleaning the messes in front of him whenever the blond kid would leave toys or his mantle laying around. So kiyomaro moved to pick up the sweater she had thrown to the floor. He folded it and put it in a chair close to the bed and arranged her shoes before walking out.

But as he tried to leave he felt a light pull coming from his sleeve. Miku still sleeping had grabbed hold of him, he gently tried to take her hand off but her grip was surprisingly firm, and if he put any more strength he would end up waking her up. Which after seeing her calm sleeping face is something he couldn't do after.

He just let out another sigh and moved the chair where he had put the Miku sweater earlier close to the bed so at least he wouldn't have to be standing all the time it took Miku to wake up.

A groan could be heard. It was the sleeping beauty waking up, kiyomaro lowered his cellphone to see Miku's face hoping it had a better color now. Kiyomaro knew it was a bad thing to do but he wanted to laugh. Miku's face was a mess in a different way now. While she did have a better color on her face and the eye bags were gone in exchange her hair was a mess and she had a line of drool running down from her mouth.

She was clearly disoriented looking all around the infirmary room wondering why she wasn't in her own room and the bed she was laying on wasn't hers. Then her eyes finally look up to kiyomaro's direction. Her eyes went down a little and looked how her hand was grabbing his.

"Ep" she quickly let go kiyomaro hand and covered herself with the sheet.

And that was the last straw kiyomaro could help but to laugh.

Miku lowered the sheet a little to see kiyomaro covering his mouth while laughing "muuuuu, kiyomaro bully" she was feeling really ashamed.

"Haha sorry sorry" it seemed he finally finished laughing "is just that you had such a serious face before going to sleep the contrast was too much" while looking at Miku face with a smile truly happy that she was better.

"Muuu" Miku on the other hand was sulking "but why did you stay here? Could it be that you wanted to see my sleeping face that much?" Miku tried to return the joke by acting a little like Ichika, putting on a sly smile.

"I have seen Ichika sleeping enough to cover for you five" kiyomaro looked at the eyes that were peeking under the sheets she clearly was dissatisfied with that answer "I was about to leave but you grabbed my sleeve and wouldn't let go"

That answered why she was grabbing kiyomaro hand when waking up, it made sense that gesture was a small habit she got from her mom, when one of the sisters were feeling sick she would take their hands the whole night to let know she was there "oh sorry, for making you miss class"

Miku took her phone and looked at the hour. school was almost over. He really had spent the whole afternoon looking after her. That made her face go red again.

"Don't worry like I said I'm used to catching up"

"Oh"

There was a little silence between them after that. Miku noticed the amount of messages she got from her sister's. She couldn't stay in bed forever, this has been nothing but a nice break from reality. She just let out a sigh and moved the sheets to get out.

Kiyomaro quickly turned to look the other way he had only been focused on Miku face but when she pulled away the sheets showing what was under he finally noticed that her clothes were also a mess, her shirt had been pulled up enough for her belly button to show and he didn't noticed when but Miku had unbuttoned the top of her shirt probably do breathe better letting a decent amount of cleavage and her skirt had also decided to roll up.

The girl in question didn't seem to care. but kiyomaro did so he turned to look at the window while he heard rustle coming from miku fixing her clothes 'really what's up with this sisters, they are way to defendless' the tutor's face became redder when remembering the incidents with Ichika and Nino "wait. following the pattern the next one should be Yotsuba" his reaction was as if he had a big revelation.

"What pattern?" Having finished fixing her clothes, Miku got closer to kiyomaro. startling him.

"nothing! don't mind it! just talking to myself haha"

"Mm?" she quietly tilted her head.

Kiyomaro let out a fake cough and changed the subject "Anyway, feeling better?"

"Yes, that nap did it" Miku realized how her headache was gone and was feeling lighter, right now she felt ready to confront the situation that was waiting for her at home.

Which bring the question of what to do with kiyomaro, they had classes with him today, how would Lya react to him or what if he find her by accident then they'll have to explain Ichika and Nino too, for a moment Yotusba option of talking about to Kiyomaro passed through Miku head but she discard it.

For Miku Kiyomaro was kind, he showed patience to each of them more than any of the other tutors and he didn't judge her for her hobbies. he will without a doubt get involved and that would mean danger for him. It was uncertain if Lya would protect him if he wasn't part of Itsuki family.

"Kiyomaro"

So at least for today.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Could you please not come today" it surprised her how much she didn't liked saying those words "you already spend a lot of time with me and probably you also want to visit Itsuki" she was using all her brain to think rational about it "maybe we do have a cold and Itsuki is going to felt bad if she were to pass it on to you" there was this chance of him wanting to visit Itsuki more than he worried about his health so she had to use her sister name here.

Kiyomaro was shocked over Miku rapid fire "Yes I was planning on doing that"

"See, so please just for today take the day off" she had felt so good after waking up and now she was feeling down again "I'll talk to dad so you still get pay for today after all it was our mistake"

"Okay I suppose that makes sense" he looked worried for Miku but if she said that this was only for today then it was fair to give her one day. After all, since she joined the studies sessions she had advanced greatly so it was fine to trust her on this not being an excuse to have a free day "but Miku if there's anything you need help with, you can talk to me, ok?"

She nodded, doing her best to keep her expression neutral. After that there was silence while getting out of the infirmary and not long after they went their separate ways. Kiyomaro went to his classroom to save what he could from the day and get some notes for Itsuki. Miku just decided to go home and find out what information had Itsuki gotten from Lya during their day alone.