Chapter Text
‘These girls…they’re completely hopeless.’ Thinks Futaro Uesugi as he watches four of the five quintuplets he has been hired to tutor. The task was intrinsically becoming more daunting by the minute.
He is at their luxury apartment on a Saturday to have their first tutoring sessions and so far he has spent the time doing anything but that. Having wasted most of the day getting them out in the living room he is still being blocked from studying. For Futaro, learning is life, so he is basically dying slowly like a fish out of water at the moment.
At the table sat Ichika Nakano, the oldest quintuplet. He has noticed she has the shortest hair, and also, is a slob. The floor in her room was under a pile of clothing and other items. When he was in there earlier it seemed to almost have a miasma of filth. He didn’t pay much attention, but she is also not very modest, and is the type of person who sleeps nude. Going so far to remove clothing in their sleep. Somehow, even though she just woken up from a nap, she already is planning to go back to bed.
Nino, the second oldest, thinks he is a stalker. Partly his fault. She wears two ribbons clipped to her hair, and has only been icy to him so far. Her hair is long, but other than that, she looks the same as the other four. She also seems to bully her sisters based on her still wearing the gym clothes of the third sister.
Miku is number three, and seems to have a blank expression. Futaro is actually surprised that someone has an emote more neutral than his own. Her hair is long, her bangs cover half her face, and she wears blue headphones around her neck. The only thing he learned about her is that she is considered the ‘weird one.’ To him, they all seem weird so far.
Yotsuba is the fourth sister. She has hair longer than Ichika, but still above her shoulders. There is a giant green ribbon tied in a bow around her head. So far, he has been told that she is the stupidest of the five, but also has been the most supportive.This is the only promising thing so far about his job.
Not in the room is Itsuki, the youngest sister, who he had a bad interaction with from the start. She has holed herself up in her room in reaction to that experience and his poor attempts to start over. They are in the same class and seems somewhat popular for only being there a day or so. He does realize he just isn't well-received by his classmates though, so maybe it's not odd.
Nino looks at him with an innocent smile. He is committing to memory that her distinguishing features are the ribbons in her hair. “Don’t you like cookies?” He immediately forgets.
“Sure, I just don’t think it’s the time for-”
“Oh, don’t be so scared. I didn’t drug them.” She leans over the table to pick the plate up. “If you have some, I’ll even take your silly quiz.”
She moves over to his end of the table. He looks at her suspiciously as she holds out the plate of cookies in her hands. ‘She sure has changed her tune. Where is she going with this?’ He sits down at the table and she leaves them in front of him. ‘Fine. I’ll humor her to show good faith.’
He eats a few as she watches from above. “Whoa. You ate so many. Are they really that good?”
“Y-yeah. Tasty.” He says as he chews a few more.
“I’m glad.” She leans her head next to him. “What deal did you make with our father?” Her face looks innocent as she sits down, but her aura is evil. It leaves Futaro feeling threatened.
“Er, nothing, really.”
She laughs. “Oh come on. You don’t seem like a tutor.” He sweats. “The truth is. We don’t need a tutor.” She watches as he seems tense, but says nothing. Around the table, the three sisters do not react. “I’m just kidding. Loosen up. I bet you’re thirsty after all those cookies. Here, have some water.”
She stands up and returns with a glass of water for him. He takes it awkwardly and drinks it slowly. ‘Maybe she’s right. They don’t want a tutor. I couldn’t even get them all in one room.’ He looks up at the closed door on the second floor above the living room. The room of Itsuki, the youngest of the five.
The five sisters have rooms on the second level of the penthouse. The balcony above is visible from parts of the living room. There is a glass half wall barrier separating it from the open concept living, dining, and kitchen areas below.
‘Still, my only path forward is to get these five to graduate,’ the teacher thinks
He puts the empty glass down on the table. Futaro notices his movement is slower than usual. His body feels heavy.
The tutor looks up to Nino who has an open hand as if to say, ‘So long’.
The world goes black for the young man.
A taxi drives that young man home shortly after his collapse. In the passenger seat is a young woman whose looks are equal to Nino, but instead of two ribbons, has two stars in her hair. Her face is one of frustration. Itsuki, the youngest Nakano sister does not like this situation.
“Thank you for helping put him in the back,” she tells the driver with a smile.
“No problem. Where are we headed?”
She opens up a student handbook belonging to the sleeping man in the back. Her mouth rattles off an address and the journey begins. The eyes of the young woman look into the rearview mirror to see the sleeping Futaro. When she met him while touring her new high school the other day, they formed terrible first impressions of each other. She actually tried to be friends and also have him be her tutor, and he refused and then insulted her. Then after stalking her, it turns out her father hired him as a tutor and he accepted. She was not amused that once money was involved he changed his tune about being a teacher.
She refuses to give him any satisfaction by actually letting him teach her. Part of her wasn’t surprised that her sisters also blocked any attempts to be taught. When it became quiet earlier, she peeked out of her room to see if he had gone, but instead found him passed out on the living room table. It also doesn't surprise her she has to act like a mother and clean up their mess.
She flips through his student handbook. He has left a series of notes on some of the pages. ‘I can’t tell if he is that serious or just that much of a nerd. Maybe he’s obsessive?’ She blushes and looks out the window. ‘Wait, why am I trying to figure out how this guy thinks?’ Itsuki turns back and flips through to the end of the book.
She notices a photo of a middle schooler with blonde hair and a contagious smile. ‘He looks like a delinquent.’ Her mouth lets out a laugh. ‘Wait, this is him! No wonder he is so rude. He’s a reformed punk. He must have conned himself into this job somehow. Maybe even intimidated a teacher for that 100 score he let me see ‘
Her eyes study the photo a little more. It is clearly a young Futaro, as his eyes still look the same. His hair is dyed blonde and he definitely has a smile she would never have expected to see on the young man she just met. Based on where he stands in the photo, it looks like it was in Kyoto.
She pulls out the photo and notices that it is folded over and that Itsuki has only been looking at half of the story.
Her hands open it up and her mouth lets out a shout. “No freaking way!” The driver is startled and makes a sudden stop and looks over at her.
“Are you okay?”
She grabs the driver and starts to shake him. “Don’t you see?!? This is Yotsuba! Yot-Su-Ba!”
“Please don’t shake me.”
She continues to shake him as he puts the car in park. She starts laughing hysterically.
The second half of the photo is a young girl with long pink hair giving a peace sign. This is how Itsuki herself looked five years ago when her mother was still alive. They were on a trip in Kyoto and they lost Yotsuba, the fourth oldest quintuplet.
Itsuki could not believe that this photo exists. That not only was Futaro some blonde punk, but that he was the friend that her sister made and would not shut up about back then.
“Ma’am, you’re here. Please get out.”
Futaro starts to stir in the back seat. Itsuki grabs the driver again. “This doesn’t make sense, does it? How can it be him? What is this? Am I in some horrible manga?”
“Y’know, I don’t even want the money. Please exit.” The driver hurriedly gets out and opens the door, throwing Futaro on the ground. The young man is still not sure how he got here so is not even able to put up much of a fight. The driver glares at Itsuki. She stops her behavior and comes back to her senses.
“Hey, wait, what, no, we’re not there yet, are we?”
“I don’t care.”
“This isn’t very professional.”
“I take it back,” he starts, “I do want the money.”
Realizing how immature she reacted, she hands him the money and gets out. “You’re just going to leave me here? I’m just a young woman.”
“Sorry, but I do not care.” He shuts the door, but the window is down. “Besides, you have your friend to look after you.”
The driver speeds away as fast as possible.
Futaro gathers himself and looks around the neighborhood. “How did I get home?” He sees that he is a few doors down from his building. The young tutor looks over at the young woman with pink hair and stars next to her eyes. “What is going on? Why did that guy just throw me on the ground?” He pauses. “Did he realize I'm broke?” Futaro remembers when he had been thrown out of a car before with his father.
She invades his personal space. “Shut up. That’s not important.” The young lady shoves the photo into his face. “This is Yotsuba. Why do you have a photo of my sister?!?”
His eyes go wide. “WHAT?!?”
A door opens nearby. A young girl in elementary school with the largest ahoge ponytail looks at them with an annoyed look. “Oh, it’s you, big brother. Why are you making so much noise out here?”
Itsuki turns and looks at Futaro’s younger sister. She realizes she has been making a fool of herself. Her eyes look up to the night sky for solace. ‘Mom, please guide me. ‘
“Hey, are you my brother’s student? You should come in! Dinner’s ready.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t,” Itsuki says nervously. Her stomach growls. Futaro gives her a look. “D-don’t say anything.” She sighs and then puts a smile on. “I would love to stay for dinner.”
“I’m Raiha,” says the younger Uesugi.
“Itsuki.”
“Let’s go!”
Raiha leads the two into their home. It is nowhere near as elegant as Itsuki’s. It is essentially a run-down single room apartment for a family of three. As they follow the young girl, Futaro and Itsuki exchange glances with one another. They both just revealed shocking information to each other, but did not resolve any of it.
In his student handbook, he carried a photo from five years ago, when he was on a school trip in Kyoto. While there, he purposely became separated from his group, then lost, and met a young girl who was also lost. The girl had gotten him out of a situation, which just made him think she was weird. He had his father’s camera at the time, so they took a photo together. He never knew their name, but as he has just learned, it was Yotsuba, the fourth oldest Nakano quintuplet. With this new information, Futaro was no longer in control of his reality.
When he returns from his memories, he is at the table in his home, with his father, Isanari to his left, and Itsuki to his right. Raiha is happily working on the finishing touches for dinner.
Loudly laughing, Isanari is in shock that his son brought a girl home. “Didn't you tell me romance is the last thing a student should be after?” The older man looks like the adult version of the Futaro from Kyoto. Blonde hair, muscles, and a deviant look in his eyes. It was clear, with knowledge of the photo, that this was Futaro's father. “Oh, this milk went bad a week ago? I'm lucky I caught it before it really went sour.”
As he drinks, Futaro looks down in embarrassment. Somehow he always tries to stay neutral or uninvolved, but family has a way of putting an end to such goals. He looks at Itsuki who is clearly uncomfortable.
‘What is she thinking? Is she nervous because she is a guest, or because our conversation stopped before it began? What did she mean that it was Yotsuba?’ He cuts his thoughts off. ‘Wait, is she uncomfortable because she's so rich and we're clearly so poor? What a jerk.’
“What were you fighting about,” asks Raiha. “Is he not doing a good job tutoring?”
“About that-”
“It's going perfectly of course,” Futaro says, cutting off the redhead.
“Really? That's great!” Raiha looks at them with elated relief. “I guess this means the end of our debt problems?”
“Not in front of the company,” scolds Isanari.
“Sorry.”
“You're just his student, huh? I was kind of hoping he had made a friend.”
“Dad.”
Raiha serves curry and fried eggs to the table. “When was the last time big bro had a friend? Five years ago?”
Itsuki is now aware she was still holding the photo. She held it up. “In Kyoto?”
“Yeah. It's his first love!” Raiha beams. “Just look at their faces! So cute and happy.”
Uesugi chokes on his food. “It wasn't like that.” He looks at Itsuki. “It's…not like that.”
“Hey, did you start eating? Where's your manners?”
They give thanks and then start to eat.
Itsuki fidgets a little and looks over at the young man. “So what is the story of the photo?”
“He got lost in Kyoto, and he met that girl and they wandered around together,” Raiha explains. “Didn't you make some big promise?”
“Yeah, he came back and was a changed man. Didn't want to look like his old man no more. Started studying all the time.” Isanari chews his food. “At first I was like, go ahead, but then he was studying like it was breathing. Give it a rest, right? Almost thought they brought back the wrong kid,” he laughs. “Maybe you can talk some sense into him?”
Itsuki gives an awkward laugh. “I doubt it.” The girl with pink hair notices the younger one staring at her. “What is it?”
“She's amazed how quick you ate,” said the boy. Isanari smacks the back of his head.
“I was going to say you're beautiful,” the young girl admits. “I'm a little jealous.”
The face of the teen goes red. “No. That can't be true. Maybe my sisters, but not me.”
Futaro bites his tongue. ‘They literally have the same face…?’ He looks at the photo on the table. ‘The same face.’
“You have a sister,” Raiha asks.
Itsuki nods. “Four of them. I'm the youngest though.”
“I wish I had an older sister.”
“But you have an older brother.”
“Well, he's sarcastic,” she starts, “Egotistical, trash, the worst guy ever,” she continues as a metaphorical dagger pierces his back with each adjective, “but he has a lot of great qualities as well.”
Futaro is not amused.
“That…kind of hurts, Raiha.”
She gives her brother doe eyes and he forgives her.
Itsuki forgets herself and chuckles at this exchange. Futaro glances at her and she changes back to her defensive appearance.
Isanari leaves the room and Raiha starts to clean up. As they do, Itsuki picks up the photo from the table.
“So…if you met Yotsuba…then you also met Ichika.”
“I did?”
“Yes, because Yotsuba used to mention how she stole a dear friend from her, and Nino told me that it was the friend from Kyoto.”
“I mean, I don't really see Yotsuba when I look at this photo, but I'm pretty sure you'd know what the five of you looked like…but, I mean, one of you just drugged me, so how do I know you're for real?”
“I wouldn't lie!”
“No? I mean, I just met you. “
“I could lie, and can…b-but I'm not lying now. Why would I waste the guilt on you?”
They glare at one another. He takes a sip of his barley tea. She looks at the photo, unfolded, again.
“Wait a minute, if this is you, then it's your fault!”
“My fault?”
“Yeah, you tore us apart! Before that day, we were all the same, but then Yotsuba changed. You changed her! You broke us up!”
“That's the stupidest thing I've heard you say, and everything you say is stupid.”
“What did you do to her?”
“Nothing. Like I said, you're being an idiot. How could I break up you five? You're literally living together!”
“But she changed!”
He takes the photo from her. “So what?!? Change isn't a bad thing. Change is neutral. It's bad and good.” Futaro looks her in the eye as they lean towards each other across the table corner. “Besides, based on this, you changed too.” He looks down. “I changed. Not just my hair. Does she get that blame?”
Itsuki goes to grab the photo but Isanari stops her.
“Hey, if your discussion is going to be this lively, maybe you should go for a walk. These walls are pretty thin and Raiha needs to go to sleep.”
Itsuki and Futaro stare at each other and then get up. Raiha runs over to Itsuki.
“Will you come eat with us again,” asks the young girl. “I'll make sure brother isn't here.”
She laughs while Futaro looks even more wounded. “You bet. I always wanted to feel like an older sister.” The teen looks at Isanari. “I'll be a better guest, if you'll have me.” The blonde gives a wave of his hand as if to say she's always welcome.
The tutor and his student exit the home and start walking down the street. Each tries to go to talk, but realizes they will get worked up again so a continued discussion in public may be a bad idea.
The pair walk for some time in silence.
As they evaluate their course, she sees a sign for a manga cafe. One of those places you can rent a room to read or watch anime in, by the hour. “I'll pay.”
The two sit in a room not much larger than a closet. Futaro looks at a list of drinks they can get and decides not to offer to pay for her. Because of the cost.
Since the room is small and not well lit, he appears a little blurry to her farsightedness. She didn't bring her glasses.
“I think I have some idea of your situation,” she says. “But sympathy only goes so far.”
“It's my problem, so that's fair.”
“The other day in the lunchroom…”
“Yes, maybe my reaction to your food offer was a bit intense,” he admits. “But you had enough for three people. I won't take back my first impression.”
She bites her cheek and closes her eyes. Her brow is furrowed. “Can you apologize like a normal person?”
“I'm not sorry.”
She stands up with her fists at her side. He puts out his hand in a ‘halt’ position.
“I'm not sorry,” he repeats, “But I think I could have managed that interaction better.”
Itsuki closes her eyes and lets out a deep breath. After a minute she sits down. “I agree that maybe we could have had a more positive interaction.” Her mind wanders back. ‘I'm pretty sure I gave him all kinds of chances that day? Did I make microaggressions at him? By flaunting the food or something?’
“So what now,” he asks.
She puts a finger to her chin in thought. “I think this whole tutor and secret childhood friend thing won't work.”
“No, I need to do this.”
“To show something to Yotsuba?”
“No, I need the money.” He looks away. “For my family. My promise with Yo…Yotsuba is part of that.”
“I respect that goal. Family.” Her eyes look around the small room. “I want you and her to reunite though.”
Futaro considers this with deep thought and then opens his eyes. Itsuki is hopeful he won't say something negative or cold for once.
“No,” he replies.
She blinks in confusion. “No?”
“Exactly. No.”
Her mind is racing. Based on the story she heard, her sister is someone important to this man. How could he not want to reconnect? Make this make sense.
“I made a promise to Yotsuba. That I would become someone who is needed. And I haven't met that condition yet, so to reveal this seems premature.”
She puts her hand on his and looks directly into his eyes, to his soul. “But I need you.” For all her talk, she needs him as a tutor. She was being honest when she requested this the other day. Itsuki also has a desire to see a resolution to Yotsuba's Kyoto trip.
Futaro considers her words and actions, and then totally misunderstands them. Her eyes looking at his own. The soft hands on his. The words ‘I need you’ having been said in a whisper. He has sworn off all romance as unnecessary and something teenagers waste valuable studying time on. It is not the students job to pursue love. That's just something that gets in the way.
The young man would normally dismiss this attention from a woman, if it ever happened, but instead, Futaro asks himself, ‘What is the normal expectation at this moment?’
What will benefit me in this tutor role?’
He thinks about the type of shows he has seen his sister watch, and realizes this is when a character would kiss the other. So while Itsuki goes to close her eyes, he leans in towards her.
“I should call my sisters,” she realizes. Her body turns to her bag to get a cell phone. Itsuki’s eyes do not open until the bag is found.
The young man loses balance and catches himself on the table. He picks up a book and pretends to read. The manga is clearly upside-down.
Itsuki, completely oblivious of both things, starts a call to Ichika.
*Are you still out,* asks Nino. The oldest sister must be using speakerphone
“I'm going to stay at the hospital. With dad,” Itsuki lies. Futaro looks at her because of this. “I'll be there in the morning.”
*Did Uesugi get home OK,” Yotsuba asks with concern.
Itsuki looks at the young man a bit embarrassed. “Y-yes, he's fine. No problems.”
*It's a good thing for him you were going shopping,* Ichika remarks. *Nino was going to leave him at the door…if she could lift him.*
Futaro bites his tongue as he looks at the ceiling.
“I've reconsidered,” Itsuki says quickly. All five people listening are surprised. “Uesugi-kun is our tutor. I need him. We need him to pass.” She continues looking at the man as his eyes return from the ceiling. “We'll talk about it more tomorrow.”
It's quiet for a moment.
*That's not going to work,* says Nino. *I refuse.* Her words surprise no one.
“You drugged him. I'm pretty sure that's illegal.”
It's quiet again.
*I've decided to hear you out,* Nino answers. *I still have doubts.*
“Well, as long as that is settled. Good night.” Itsuki ends the call.
“You changed your mind,” he asks.
“Yes,” Itsuki quickly replies. “This is going to work. I'm going to talk to Yotsuba and get her on board. Don't worry, I won't tell her about Kyoto. That's something you need to do. For now, you should focus on Miku. She can be turned to our side. To actually study.”
“What about the other two?”
“Ichika is already on board…or at least will be easiest to persuade. Nino is just something we'll figure out later.”
Futaro is considering the plan. Deep in thought, his reaction worries the pink haired woman.
“I wanted to become strong enough to tutor my sisters alone. To not rely on you. It just isn't possible though.”
“Yeah, I think Miku actually has higher grades?”
Itsuki’s brow creases. “This was very hard to admit! Please don't say it if it will definitely upset me.”
“No promises.”
The young lady pouts. “I'm just trying to get us to graduate.”
“That's my goal, also,” he confirms. Futaro looks up with a sudden realization. “Right, that's all I need to do.” In his enthusiasm he puts his two hands on her shoulders. “Itsuki, you're the best,” he declares. “I'll come over again tomorrow,” he looks at the clock, “or rather today, so at least the job can actually begin.”
Her face is flushed because of how awkward it is to have his hands on her shoulders. ‘Does he have no sense of personal space?’ She gingerly brushes the hands off. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
Ignoring her he looks up from thought. “I'll have to come up with a good test quickly.”
Itsuki looks at her watch. “You can go home now.”
He blinks. “I'm not sure where we are. I'm not going to wander around this late for no reason.” He turns his back to her and pulls out his flashcards. “I'll just study here and go home in the morning.”
“I'm staying here. You can't.”
“Don't worry, I won't charge anything to the room.”
“That's not my concern!” She looks at the ceiling. ‘He is a boy…but all he cares for is studying. Plus, if he did want someone, it'd be Yotsuba, right?’ She shakes her head with dramatic concern. ‘That's right, he's basically a brother in law. No, I don't want him as a brother in law. Don't marry him, Yotsuba!’
She glances over at him and is startled by how he is staring. Itsuki calms down when she realizes he is asleep with his eyes open.
“Is that even possible?”
Uncomfortably, she settles as far from him as possible, and drifts off to sleep as well.
“I am both impressed,” Isanari starts, “and also deeply upset with you.”
Futaro shuts the door behind him as he returns home in the morning.
“What are you talking about?”
“My son just stayed out all night. After leaving with a girl.” Isanari stands up. “I don't know how to act. Should I encourage this or punish you?”
“Was this wrong?”
“I really should teach you more about reality,” Isanari sighs. “This isn't socially acceptable behavior. It's something delinquents do.”
“Ah, so it brings back memories for you.”
Isanari puts him into a hold. “I only look like a punk!”
“So…you're saying I did something wrong,” Futaro calmly wonders as he is in the light choke hold. “I only went to talk to her. One of her sisters is the girl from Kyoto.”
Isanari lets him free. “Yes, that's true.” The older man looks out the window. “The school did suggest that Nakano was involved, so it makes sense.”
“Wait, what?”
“Nakano and I went to school together,” he reveals. “Don't worry, he didn't hire you because of that, it was definitely because you're number one in your grade. Maruo doesn't have it in him to do favors.”
“Wait, so you know she is a quintuplet?”
“Yeah, didn't Raiha tell you when she called you the other day?” He laughs. “Possibly I didn't tell her.” A thought brings more energy to Isanari. “Well, the girls are the daughters of a late school teacher of mine. She really helped me out. And Nakano is their step father.”
The older man bursts out laughing and then settles down. “That guy was leader of her fan club, and married her in the end. Never thought that could happen.”
Futaro was getting dizzy with the series of information he walked into. He quickly caught up though.
“So I was hired by their step-dad? What about their biological father?”
“It isn't like you to ask.”
Futaro is speechless. His ears go red as he looks away and touches his bangs.
“Look, their dad is garbage. I don't want to waste my breath talking about him.”
“Big brother!” Raiha bursts into the entry area and hugs him. Then she starts to hit him on the arm. “I woke up in the middle of the night and you weren't here! Don't worry me like that.”
“I didn't think you'd mind.” The younger man pats her head.
“But at least you made a friend.” She smiles up at him.
“I wouldn't say that. We're not friends.”
“No?” The younger girl loses her smile. “Maybe I don't understand yet.”
“Anyway, don't make that a habit,” Isanari says as he goes to the bathroom.
Futaro sets up the table and takes a seat. He attempts to study but is distracted by all that has come up recently.
The sounds of Raiha preparing a breakfast play nearby.
Itsuki exits the elevator at the high rise apartment and goes to touch the doorknob to enter the home. She immediately stopped.
‘Wait, is this weird?’ She lingers. ‘No, I was with dad. It's good.’
She slowly opens the door and looks around and sees no one. She enters and turns and Ichika is in the kitchen. Itsuki goes stiff which the older sister notices.
“I can't believe you're up.”
“I can't believe you didn't immediately take a croissant.”
After some hesitation, the younger sister grabs the pastry and starts to eat. She avoids looking at Ichika.
“My my, just getting in? I hope Futaro didn't keep you up too late.”
“No, he passed out pretty early.”
They both look at each other alarmed.
“Wait, I was only teasing you.”
“We just fought a lot so we kept being thrown out of places,” Itsuki admits. “First the cab, then his home.”
“Wait, hold on, this sounds like the start of a romance film.” In fact, she had been turned down for a role in a film with that similar plot. “So, you two were…close…and stayed together last night?”
“We were at a manga cafe and it was just late.” Itsuki looks down a bit embarrassed since she didn't understand the issue.
“Aren't those rooms a little…small?”
“Wait, what are you saying?”
“It's super intimate. I can't have my sister and a boy in a room like that. Overnight? He didn't look the type but…he did stalk you a little, even if that was a misunderstanding. It just isn't smart.”
“Is it intimate?”
“You are both naive and stupid.” Ichika hugs her sister. “I'm glad you're okay, but don't do that.”
‘Naive? About what?’
Itsuki recalls the moment before she called her sisters. They were holding hands, and her eyes were closed, and he was reading a book upside-down. ‘Wait, did he…try to…’ She looks at Ichika as she shakes her head. ‘Should I ask her if he did? No, I can't ask her that sort of thing.’
They break their hug.
“Did you settle your differences?”
“Actually…remember when Yotsuba was lost in Kyoto? Well, he's the boy she met.”
Ichika chokes a bit. “That boy is…” She remembers her sister talking about a boy in Kyoto. Curious, she met him and then played a card game with the young Futaro.
“So we should help him be our tutor.”
Ichika snaps back to the present.
“I like Futaro…but for personal reasons, I can't help.”
“What?” Itsuki asks in shock. “But he's your childhood friend. I told you a secret, you can't keep one from me?”
“Okay, okay. I-wait, you didn't share a secret. You were gonna tell me it was him anyway. Also, pretty sure it's his secret and not your own.”
Itsuki pouts. “Like you won't share your secret someday anyway.”
Ichika laughs. “You got me.”
Itsuki continues to stare at her sister. Her face was clearly upset.
“OK, I don't want to learn, but I will attend the tutoring sessions. Take it or leave it.”
Itsuki nods with enthusiasm. With that, she goes to take a bath and get ready for the day. When she exits the remaining sisters are in the kitchen.
“Itsuki,” Yotsuba walks up to her with a smile. “I'm glad you helped Uesugi yesterday. Thank you.”
Caught off-guard, Itsuki didn't react. Yotsuba runs into the bath clearly having returned from exercise.
‘Why didn't she help, Futaro,’ she wonders. ‘Then again, she wasn't there when I came down last night.’
As they eat breakfast, about twenty minutes later, Itsuki stares at the older sister with the bow. ‘Did she already recognize Futaro? Is that why she is the only one who tried to get us together yesterday? Or is it her guilt from flunking out?’
Yotsuba notices her eyes. “Do I have food on me or something?”
Itsuki becomes alert. “Ah, I was…your eggs looked fluffier.”
“Shishishi, you got jealous?”
“Yes. That's it.”
Breakfast winds down and they are all about to split off.
“Hey,” the youngest begins, “like I said, I've reconsidered Futaro as a tutor.” She stands up. “I mean, Uesugi.” She shakes her head. “Anyway, he's coming over tonight. Let's give him another chance.”
Itsuki glances at Yotsuba.
“Why,” asks Miku.
“B-because, I met his sister, Raiha. As a fellow little sister I promised I'd give him a shot.”
Ichika and Yotsuba nod in agreement. Nino remains silent. They look at Miku who agrees.
“Well, that decides it.”
“Hold on,” Nino begins,”just because I was out voted doesn't mean I accept.”
“Didn't you drug his water,” Ichika questions. “Maybe at least hearing him out will be an acceptable apology.”
The second oldest stews. “Well, that was really self defense, so it wasn't wrong to do.” She can feel the glares. “But, as a favor to our father, to save face, I'll do it.”
They go about the day. Itsuki studies, Miku plays her Sengoku game, Yotsuba reads comics, Ichika went out (but it was for work), and Nino is in her room.
When the time comes Ichika has returned home and is attempting to nap on the couch while Yotsuba and Itsuki sit nearby. Itsuki keeps giving a side glance to her sister.
Miku sits nearby with her headphones on. ‘Why are they so eager to study?’ She looks at Yotsuba who is talking about something but they are ignoring it since it's a story she has told about 100 times regarding a game she played. ‘I'm only doing this for you,’ Miku thought to herself.
A buzz goes off on the intercom and Yotsuba and Ichika scramble to get it. They are the most athletic of the two. Yotsuba wins.
‘What did I just see,’ Miku asks herself in confusion. ‘They're really eager to learn. Didn't we just spend last night blowing him off?’
Itsuki is at the door to Nino's room. “He's here. You promised to come out.”
Nino opens the door. “I know. I know. Time to swallow my pride, huh?”
The five girls assemble in the living room as Futaro stands in front of their wall mounted TV. “Thank you for assembling.” He looks at Nino. “I'm a kind guy,” he lies, “so I'll forgive the unfortunate events of yesterday.”
“I said we don't need a tutor,” Nino blurts out.
He stares at her. “I know. So prove it.”
She didn't expect to be handled so aggressively by him. “Prove…?”
The man throws five tests on the table. “Pass the test.” He looks at her like a villain in an anime. “I'm here to get you to graduate. If you pass this test, I'll know I have nothing to teach you and you can do it on your own.
“If you fail, then we're stuck together.”
With a devious look he watches their reactions and is a little surprised to see no emotion. ‘If there are less of them to teach, it'll be easier to get paid.’ He looks at Yotsuba. ‘And I'll reach our goal quicker.’
He is suddenly distracted by Itsuki's eyes. They were behind glasses but they looked a bit disappointed. “This is what you came up with,” she wonders. “Very well. Let's pass these tests of yours.”
She gets up, walks to his side of the room, and sits down at the table. Taking a test and her pencil, she looks back at him.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. I just didn't realize you wanted to avoid being my teacher this badly.”
The young man touches his bangs. “No talking during the test.”
“Then I guess we'll give it a shot,” says Ichika as she rolls onto the floor and takes a test as well.
“We got this,” cheers Yotsuba.
Miku takes one. “What is a passing score?”
“60…no, 50 points.”
Miku nods and gets ready.
Nino audibly sighs and takes a seat on the floor. “I have no reason to take this, but if it makes you go away, then I can't afford not to.”
The five combat the different subjects until all tests are complete. Without much fanfare they go to eat some snacks while Futaro quickly grabs them and fills them up in red ink.
As he finishes the last one a darkness falls over him as he calls them back to the living room. “It's amazing. Your score is over 100 points.” He throws them on the table face up. “If you combine them all!”
Itsuki 30. Nino 20. Miku 32. Ichika 12. Yotsuba 8.
All of the girls but Itsuki run from the room up the stairs.
“Don't you think he knows,” asks Nino as they escape the room. He looks at Itsuki who stayed. “That we all flunked out?”
Doors slam as his heart is racing. Sweat is flowing and his skin is cold and clammy. He is on the landing of the stairs.
“I forgot to tell you that,” Itsuki says from the couch.
“I thought only Yotsuba was the dumb one?”
“Hey, I studied hard knowing you were coming with a test.”
“And you only got 30.”
“We can't all be you.” She pouts. “Besides, you thought you'd get out of tutoring me? Everyone except Yotsuba? Was that the plan?”
“Not really a plan, but part of the idea. I get paid for five, but only teach one.”
“And it's her.”
“Yes. It seemed logical.”
She pushes past him on the stairs. When she gets to the top, Itsuki turns and looks back. “I'd like you to show yourself out today.”
He nods and walks to the door as she watches. As his hands touch the door handle she makes a noise so he looks back.
The bespectacled girl looks down from the balcony at him. Her hair hangs around her, looking fuller than usual.
“Let's try this again, tomorrow.” She sighs. “I don't know why I keep giving you chances. I guess I hate how you make me hate, so I want to learn patience.”
“We have an agreement, of sorts. Don't worry.”
With that he leaves. Yotsuba watches through a crack in her door.
Futaro arrives at school as usual. If he was cognizant of it, he would be impressed by how invisible he is. Everyone knows him, is aware of him, but they just choose to ignore him since he does the same to them.
As he takes his seat and prepares for the day, he sees Itsuki arrive out of the corner of his eye. They make a silent nod and she sits roughly behind him.
He then notices his name being said by someone in the class. Futaro glances over and sees several classmates talking and then looking over at Itsuki.
A girl comes over to him. “They say you and Itsuki came out of a manga cafe after spending the night?”
Futaro blinks and turns back to his books. “Good morning.”
The girl awkwardly turns back to the group and shrugs. They look at Itsuki whose face matches the red vest she is wearing.
The group silently urges the classmate to go over to Itsuki to find out more since Uesugi gave them nothing.
“Nakano, what do-”
“I've never had a kiss,” she blurts. “The thought of holding a boy's hand makes me so nervous I could throw up.”
The group looks around, not sure how to take this. Most of them had little experience but wouldn't do something as embarrassing as admit it.
Futaro stands up. “Knowledge is my true love,” he announces. “The only one I want to lay my head on is a nice book after reading it cover to cover.”
It's awkwardly quiet, and then they all burst out laughing. Futaro takes his seat. The classmate apologizes to Itsuki about the rumor and it is quickly forgotten.
Well, the rumor and what Itsuki said. The class continued to make fun of what Uesugi proudly declared.
“It makes sense that a lonely loser like him would love a book.”
Without care, Futaro pulls out his flashcards and studies. Itsuki is no longer red, but she looks at him in gratitude but also sadness. She feels like school is for study, but is open to making friends along the way. He is only interested in grades.
At lunch Itsuki and Yotsuba sit. Not seeing the rest of the family, Itsuki is uncomfortable sitting down.
Yotsuba has been talking but the younger sister doesn't react. She gives a look that reads, ‘suspicious, very suspicious.’
In reaction, Itsuki shovels her food into her mouth and finishes in record time. She gives a greeting of thanks, and darts from the table.
Yotsuba gets up and runs after her sister.
“What's going on,” she calls out after the long haired twin.
Itsuki turns a corner and runs into a young man with black hair that she knows.
“Uesugi, are you OK?” Yotsuba picks him up. “Itsuki, you can't just run around.”
“Sorry. Sorry.”
Futaro dusts himself off.
“Fu-Uesugi, I wanted…to, uh, I mean-”
“Are you okay,” Yotsuba asks them both.
Itsuki nods, as does Futaro.
“I bet you were studying while walking and didn't even see it coming,” the ribboned girl jokes.
“Yes, I read somewhere that if you walk and study it helps.”
Itsuki puts her hand on his shoulder, and then looks at Yotsuba, removes it, and fixes her stars instead. “I wanted to talk about…class.”
He coughs. “I don't really know the class well,” he admits. “It's never been my focus.” The boy plays with his bangs. “So maybe I got involved when I shouldn't have?”
“No,” Itsuki answers, “they are the ones who should apologize.”
He agrees in silence.
A confused Yotsuba waves her hands. “What happened in class?”
“Ah,” Itsuki looks around, “my stomach growled so loud. So Uesugi said it was him, but it was me.”
Yotsuba laughs. Futaro becomes aware of how she looks when smiling and considers it pleasing. He looks away. ‘She's the girl. The one in Kyoto. The one I've been thinking about for years. The one that inspired me to become needed. To be a top student.’ He admires her face as she wipes a tear from her eye. ‘Is Raiha right? Is she my first crush?
‘Is she still my crush,’ he wonders.
He continues to stare at her.
‘She doesn't really seem like who I would choose to be with. I actually like learning, being quiet, and she is loud and dumb, so dumb.’
The part of himself he locked up five years ago has opened just a bit.
Yotsuba realizes both of them are staring at her, but are deep in thought. ‘Very suspicious.’
“Why are you both staring at me so much?”
“Nino, I'm glad I caught you.” They are interrupted by a girl from another class. “Oh, wait…you're not Nakano?”
“Well, yes…and no,” replies Itsuki.
“Do you know if she went to lunch?”
“Maybe. Let's head back.”
The girls start to walk back to the lunchroom. As Futaro goes to follow, he is pulled into a different hallway.
Pinning him against a closed door is the oldest Nakano. Futaro is confused as he adjusts to his condition.
“I'm aware of the situation,” Ichika whispers into his ear.
“Which?”
“Kyoto. Yotsuba. Us.”
“Yeah?”
“So if you make a move on a sister, it better be me,” she teases.
“Maybe I will,” he counters.
Unprepared for that she goes bright red and moves away a little. “Even as a joke, I didn't expect that from you.”
He is quiet as they move to the wall next to the door. “You're right. It definitely didn't sound like me. I was trying to fight fire with fire.”
“Well, it was certainly effective. You shut me up quick.” She pauses as she studies his features. He looks pretty unremarkable with home cut hair and a uniform that was probably bought last year and worn outside school. “Why are you so, what's the word, repressed?” He actually considers a response which surprises Ichika. ‘Who actually does this?’
“After Kyoto, I shut that off. I just found that social aspect of myself and killed it. I didn't need it.” He looks into her eyes. “After Takebayashi, I just thought it was a waste of time.”
“Takebayashi?”
“Suddenly, after learning about Yotsuba and you, I'm wondering, what would a normal person do? Someone who still had that side of themselves?
“Was what I had for Yotsuba admiration or a crush?”
She smiles and leans closer. “Well, if you want practice, she and I have the same face…” Her eyes are centimeters from his own.
He doesn't react.
She laughs it off. “Well, I'm happy you felt comfortable enough to tell me that. And that you have changed, and still can change.”
He pulls out the handbook and shows her the photo.
“My my, there's the cute punk from my memories.”
“It's funny, knowing what I do now. I had a feeling back then, that you weren't Yotsuba, but I only know for sure now.
“You all look the same, but are clearly different. Hopefully I can learn to tell you apart.”
Ichika blushes a second time. She looks towards the floor.
“Nakano, the rumors about you and Uesugi won't go away if people see you like this.” A classmate of Futaro’s stops in the hall and ignores him. “Unless…are they true?”
“This isn't Itsuki! It's her sister!”
“Whoa, Uesugi, you're going the harem route? Save some for the other boys.”
They laugh as they walk off for lunch.
As they depart Ichika quickly opens the nearby classroom door and pulls him in. Her face is still red and her heart is beating so loud she can't hear him breathe.
“I want to tell you something,” she says softly. “I want to be an actress.”
“What?”
“I've been going to auditions. Classes. Trying to make a name for myself. That's why I'm so tired.”
He considers what she confessed. “If you are doing it, then, aren't you already an actress?”
She falls into his arms, but is able to correct herself. ‘How does he keep showing main character behavior? He's gonna make me faint.’
“Do your sisters know,” he asks.
She shakes her head.
“Then you're already a great liar.”
“Lying isn't acting,” she corrects him.
“It's not,” he asks. “Well, I'm not really aware of what acting is. I don't watch much TV and I only see movies that are free…and that Raiha wants to see.”
Someone touches the door from outside, so Ichika pulls him towards the wall. Her body is touching him.
The door stays closed as the person walks away.
Her heart is beating into overdrive. ‘This isn't good. He just asked me if he has a crush on Yotsuba…but I have to ask if I have one on him.’
“Well, I'll see you after school,” he says as they break apart from each other.
“It's…it's too soon to date.”
“Date? Not me. Study is life.” He completely decimates her emotions. As he goes to leave he stops and looks back to her. “Oh, it was good to meet you again. As ourselves.”
He leaves as she drops to her knees in defeat.
“Honestly, how can such a nerd like him keep saying things like that?!?"