"Hey!" Y/n shot back, offended. "You're all making me sound like some selfish shut-in!"
"Cause you look like one," Miku said with her usual blank expression, her tone as dry as ever.
Hearing this, Y/n clutched his chest dramatically, staggering back a step like he had just been struck by a fatal blow.
"It hurts," he groaned, his face contorting in mock agony. "Right here. Straight through the heart. And here I thought we were friends, Miku."
Nino rolled her eyes. "Don't be so dramatic. You'll live."
Itsuki, standing to the side, covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a small laugh, though her eyes were clearly amused.
Miku tilted her head slightly, her gaze unchanging but a flicker of awkwardness passing through her eyes at his theatrics. "...Anyway," she muttered, as if ignoring his act altogether. "Y/n, what are you doing here?" Her brows furrowed slightly, genuine confusion seeping into her expression.
Y/n straightened up, dropping the fake pained look, and sighed. "Oh, nothing much. Just, you know... carrying a mountain of shopping bags up thirty floors for your sister here." He jerked his thumb at Nino. "No big deal. Totally didn't almost dislocate my shoulders in the process."
Nino smirked, clearly proud. "You managed it though, didn't you?"
"Barely," Y/n muttered under his breath.
Miku's eyes softened a little as she glanced at the bags stacked neatly by the door. "...You carried all of those?"
"Yeah," Y/n said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Guess I was too kind for my own good."
For a brief second, Miku's lips twitched-almost, but not quite, forming a smile. She quickly looked away, adjusting the headphones around her neck to hide her expression. "I see."
Meanwhile, Itsuki looked back and forth between them, her brows knitting together. The situation felt unusual-Y/n suddenly showing up, carrying Nino's bags like some knight in disguise, and now standing in their living room like he belonged there. Clearing her throat, she spoke up.
"So... now that you're already here, why don't you eat breakfast with us? I mean, it's already late anyway, and Nino won't mind cooking an extra meal for one person."
The suggestion made Nino snap her head toward Itsuki, her eyes widening.
"What do you mean?! I'm not cooking an extra meal!" Nino shouted, her voice sharper than usual. Her hands immediately went to her hips as she glared at Itsuki, but her tone carried just a bit of nervousness hidden behind her usual fiery attitude.
Still, inwardly, her thoughts betrayed her expression.
Although... I don't really mind cooking for him. Why did she have to say it out loud like that?!
Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Nino tried to act indignant. A faint pink hue, however, betrayed her cheeks, and Miku, who had been quietly observing, tilted her head slightly as if she noticed.
Y/n, on the other hand, looked flustered by the sudden tension. He quickly waved his hands in front of him, refusing the offer.
"No, no, you don't have to trouble yourself," Y/n said, his tone quick but polite. "I really should get going. If I don't reach home soon, my mom is going to kill me."
He let out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, trying to defuse the mood. Nino's blush deepened slightly at the thought of cooking for him-even if just breakfast-but she stayed quiet this time, lips pressed into a thin line.
Y/n made his way toward the door, slipping on his shoes. Before leaving, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.
"Well then, I'll get going. Thanks for the... uh, warm welcome." He gave a small wave, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "Goodbye, Nino. Goodbye, Miku. Goodbye, Itsuki."
His tone carried a casualness, but the way he lingered on each of their names-especially Nino's-left a faint heaviness in the air.
The door clicked shut behind him, and the room grew quiet for a moment. Itsuki sighed, shaking her head slightly, while Miku lowered her gaze, her headphones sliding loosely around her neck. Nino, however, stood frozen near the kitchen, her fingers brushing against her arm as if deep in thought.
Why... did it feel weird watching him leave?
Y/n POV
After dropping Nino off at her hotel room, I finally left the building and made my way home.
"Man, I'm so late..." I muttered under my breath, quickening my steps as the night air cooled my skin. My stomach growled in protest, reminding me I hadn't eaten. "I just hope Mom isn't too mad at me. She's probably worried sick by now..."
The streets were quieter now, the occasional car passing by, streetlights humming faintly above. My footsteps echoed louder than usual-it almost felt like they were mocking me for the trouble I was about to face.
After nearly an hour of walking, I finally reached my house. Relief washed over me-until I stepped onto the porch.
That's when it hit me.
A strange, heavy pressure settled in the air. My instincts screamed danger. Slowly, cautiously, I reached for the door.
The door creaked open.
And there she was.
My mother.
Standing in the doorway like some kind of final boss, arms crossed, tapping her foot, her sharp eyes locked directly on me. She didn't need words. That expression alone said it all- one wrong move, and you're dead.
"Y/n," she said slowly, voice calm but terrifying, "you have some explaining to do."
My throat went dry. A nervous chuckle slipped out as I rubbed the back of my neck. "Heh... busted."
I tried putting on my most innocent smile. Didn't work. Her eyes narrowed even more.
"I-I'm really sorry, Mom," I blurted, bowing my head slightly. "I was helping someone on my way home, so that's why I got delayed. Honest!"
"Oh? Helping someone?" Her tone was deceptively calm, which somehow made it worse. "Explain."
There was no escaping it now.
So, I started explaining everything-from stumbling upon Nino, to standing up against those thugs, to carrying her groceries back to the hotel. My voice trailed off as I scratched the back of my head, not daring to meet my mother's eyes.
For a few moments, the room was dead silent.
Then-
Sigh.
Mom pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head slowly. "Y/n... what am I going to do with you?"
I stiffened. Was that disappointment? Anger? Both?
"But Mom, I couldn't just walk away when I saw her in trouble!" I blurted out, trying to defend myself. "Those guys were harassing her! What if it was you, or... or someone else I cared about in that situation? I had to do something!"
Her eyes softened, just a little. But her arms stayed crossed. "I understand, Y/n. I raised you to help others when they need it. And I'm proud you did the right thing."
My eyes widened in surprise. "Wait... proud?"
Her gaze narrowed again, her voice dropping into that scary calm tone that mothers seem to master. "But that doesn't mean you're off the hook. Do you even realize how dangerous that was? What if they were carrying weapons? What if you got seriously hurt-or worse?"
I swallowed hard, guilt tightening in my chest. "I-I know... I wasn't thinking about that. I just acted on instinct."
Mom stepped closer, placing her hands on my shoulders. Her eyes locked onto mine, sharp but trembling ever so slightly. "Y/n, you're my only son. I can't... I can't lose you like that. Promise me you'll be more careful."
Seeing that glimmer of fear in her eyes-it hit me harder than any lecture could.
I lowered my head. "I promise, Mom. I'll be careful."
Her grip softened, and after a long pause, she pulled me into a hug. I felt her warmth, the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against mine.
"Good," she whispered. "That's all I ask."
After a moment, she pulled back, her usual stern look returning-though I could see the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "Now... since you made me wait this long and worried me half to death, you can make it up to me."
I blinked. "Uh... how?"
She pointed straight at the kitchen. "You're cooking dinner tonight."
My jaw dropped. "Eh?! But I just got home!"
"No excuses," she said firmly, already heading back to the living room. "Consider it your punishment and your training. Don't forget, your dream is to become a great chef someday. This is good practice."
I groaned, dragging myself toward the kitchen in defeat. "Man... saving someone from thugs and I still end up punished... what kind of life is this?"
But despite my grumbling, I couldn't help but smile faintly. Deep down, I knew she was only tough on me because she cared.
And besides... cooking dinner wasn't the worst punishment in the world.
The next day
My eyes blinked open as the faint light of dawn crept through the curtains. The alarm clock on my nightstand read 6:30 AM sharp.
To my surprise, I didn't feel tired at all despite yesterday's mess with the thugs and the late-night scolding from Mom. Maybe it was the relief that I made it home in one piece-or maybe the hug from Mom that reminded me I wasn't as alone as I sometimes felt. Either way, I felt oddly refreshed.
I sat up, stretching my arms until my joints popped. "Alright... new day, let's get moving."
First stop: the bathroom. A quick splash of cold water to my face chased away the last of my drowsiness, followed by brushing my teeth and fixing my messy bed hair. By the time I was done, I already looked alive enough to face the world.
With my routine in full swing, I moved on to the kitchen. The familiar clinking of pans and the hiss of oil in the skillet filled the air. I fried two sunny-side-up eggs, made some rice, and grilled a piece of fish Mom had left in the fridge. The smell of soy sauce and sizzling fish lingered pleasantly in the air, making my stomach growl.
"Breakfast-done," I muttered with a small smile, sliding everything onto a plate.
After eating, I didn't waste time. I loaded the laundry into the washing machine, humming quietly as the rhythm of water and spinning filled the house. While waiting, I gathered the dishes from last night and this morning, rolling up my sleeves. The warm water and soap made the task almost meditative. Scrub, rinse, dry, repeat.
By the time I finished, the clock showed 6:40 AM. Not bad-I'd managed to get everything done in ten minutes flat.
This was the usual. Mom left for work around 5:30 AM, so the rest of the housework fell to me. Cooking, cleaning, laundry-you name it. It might've been a lot for some people, but I didn't mind. In a way, it was practice. After all, if I really wanted to become a great chef one day, discipline and responsibility started here, at home.
As I wiped the counter clean, I glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall.
"School..." I muttered, a faint sigh escaping my lips. "I wonder what today's gonna throw at me. Yesterday was already too eventful."
Images of Nino flashed in my mind-the alleyway, her calling my name at the hotel door, that faint pink on her cheeks when she said I could call her Nino. Then, Miku's curious stare, Itsuki's surprised expression...
"Man, I just met them and it already feels like my life's turned upside down," I said, shaking my head with a half-smile.
Grabbing my schoolbag, I headed toward the door, ready to step into another unpredictable day.
-Time Skip-
Author POV
"One Barbecue Meal minus the Barbecue," Y/n said to the cafeteria lady, a bright grin plastered on his face as if he'd just ordered the most normal thing in the world.
The cafeteria lady blinked, her hands frozen mid-motion as she processed his order. "Eh? Minus the... barbecue?" she repeated, a bead of sweat forming at her temple.
Y/n nodded enthusiastically. "Yup. Just the rice and sides. Extra sauce if you can."
Her lips twitched into a strained smile as she handed him the plate. "O-Of course... here you go."
As Y/n walked away, she shook her head, muttering under her breath. "First Uesugi-kun, now him? What's wrong with those boys...?" She sighed, brushing the thought aside and moved on to the next impatient student in line.
Meanwhile-
Y/n balanced his tray carefully and scanned the crowded cafeteria. His eyes landed on a familiar spiky-haired figure weaving through the tables like a man on a mission.
"Yo, Futarou!" Y/n called, approaching him.
Futarou barely glanced his way, his brows knitted in concentration as if the world itself depended on what-or rather, who-he was searching for.
"Hey, you looking for someone?" Y/n asked, falling into step beside him.
"Yeah. The transfer student," Futarou muttered, his tone clipped and serious.
"Oh, right. You're supposed to tutor her, huh?" Y/n raised a brow, already putting the pieces together.
Futarou exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated. "Yeah, but I messed up yesterday. If she rejects me... that's it for my job. I need to get on her good side."
Y/n tilted his head, studying his friend. "You know, you sound less like a tutor and more like a guy trying to confess his love but scared she'll reject him."
Futarou shot him a deadpan glare. "This isn't funny, Y/n. My family's in serious debt. This job-it's not just important, it's everything. They're paying five times the market price for a single day. That's 25,000 yen just for teaching her one session. With that money, I can actually help ease the burden at home."
As he spoke, his eyes suddenly lit up. "There she is!" His pace quickened instantly, his body leaning forward like a predator that had finally found its prey.
Y/n followed his line of sight. A red-haired girl with two star-shaped hair clips was walking through the cafeteria, she held a tray which was filled with various kinds of dishes.
"Damn," Y/n muttered, whistling low under his breath. "You weren't kidding. She really stands out, huh? Looks like a character who walked straight out of an anime."
But Futarou wasn't listening. He was already heading in her direction, determination practically radiating from him.
Y/n let out a long, tired sigh. "And here we go... the brave knight approaches the princess." Adjusting his tray, he trailed behind, curious to see how this was going to play out.
As Futarou marched toward the table Itsuki was seated at, his steps faltered the moment his eyes caught sight of the group. His whole body stiffened.
Sitting with Itsuki were four other girls.
"Sorry, it took me so long," Itsuki said cheerfully as she placed her tray down.
"No problem," the girl with the same crimson-red hair, adorned with a bunny ribbon, replied with a carefree smile.
Futarou's eyes widened, his jaw almost dropping.
'She's eating with her friends?! Didn't she just transfer yesterday? How in the world does she already have four friends?!'
He stood frozen in place, glaring at the group like a hunter suddenly realizing the prey was part of a much larger pack.
Noticing him, Itsuki suddenly rose from her seat, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. Folding her arms over her chest, she leaned slightly forward.
"I'm sorry," she said sweetly, "but these seats are all taken."
Her tone carried a teasing lilt that made Futarou's vein twitch.
"..."
He gritted his teeth and turned on his heel, forcing himself to walk away with dignity, though inwardly his blood was boiling.
'Payback for yesterday, huh? I get it... you're not gonna make this easy, are you?'
As he left, the girl with slightly short hair and a small piercing in her right ear raised an intrigued brow. With a faint smirk, she pushed her chair back and stood up.
"Oh?" she murmured, watching Futarou retreat. Then, without warning, she began following him.
Meanwhile-
Y/n, who had been a few steps behind Futarou the entire time, finally reached the table. His eyes scanned the group briefly, and his brows shot up in realization.
'Wait... don't tell me... these girls are all-'
Before he could finish the thought, Itsuki quickly stood up, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw him. A wide, genuine smile spread across her face.
"Y/n-san!" she called out warmly, waving at him as though they were already close friends.
Caught off guard by her enthusiasm, Y/n blinked before lifting his hand in greeting. "Oh, hey, Itsuki."
Her smile only brightened further. "Y/n-san, you can sit with us if you'd like!" she offered eagerly, gesturing to the empty space beside her.
The mention of his name caught the attention of two other girls at the table. Both turned around at the same time.
Miku's gaze landed on him first. Her face remained stoic, but her eyes softened ever so slightly. "Hi, Y/n," she greeted quietly, her voice monotone yet carrying a subtle warmth.
Y/n gave her a small nod. "Hey, Miku."
Beside her, Nino crossed her arms, huffing as her long hair swayed with the motion. She glanced briefly in Y/n's direction before flicking her gaze back to Itsuki. "Tch... hey," she muttered dismissively, though the faintest pink dusted her cheeks.
Y/n chuckled awkwardly, raising his hand to wave at her. "Hey, Nino." A bead of sweat rolled down his temple at her cold behavior. Man, did I do something to offend her already?
"Anyway," Y/n turned back to Itsuki, scratching the back of his neck, "I'd love to, but I can't. I'm actually looking for my friend Futarou, so I won't be able to sit with you all right now. Sorry."
Just then, the girl with the bunny ribbon abruptly jumped to her feet, practically bouncing toward him.
"Helllooooo!" she sang cheerfully, her voice bright and loud enough to draw a few glances from other students.
"Uhhh... hey?" Y/n responded with a sheepish grin, taken aback by her sudden energy.
The girl leaned forward, circling him like she was inspecting a new toy. Her eyes darted from his face to his shoes and back up again.
"I'm Yotsuba! And it's really, really nice to meet you!" she declared with infectious enthusiasm.
Y/n chuckled nervously, unsure how to react to the overly energetic girl now orbiting him like a satellite. "Hello, Yotsuba. So I assume you're Itsuki's older sister... and the younger sister of Miku and Nino?"
Yotsuba gasped dramatically, her eyes sparkling. "Whaaa?! You figured it out that quick? You're super sharp!" She gave him an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Meanwhile, Nino side-eyed the exchange, her lips twitching as she muttered under her breath. "Sharp, huh? More like nosy."
Miku simply turned back to her food, though the corner of her mouth tugged upwards ever so slightly.
Itsuki, still smiling brightly, clasped her hands together. "See? You already fit right in with us, Y/n-san."
Y/n scratched his cheek nervously. "Fit in? I'm not sure about that..." His eyes shifted toward the direction Futarou had gone. "I should really catch up to my friend before he gets himself in trouble."
"Okay..." Itsuki said softly, her tone tinged with disappointment as Y/n politely declined her offer to sit and eat with them.
He gave her an apologetic smile before turning away. "I'll catch you later."
"Bye, L/n-san!" Yotsuba called out enthusiastically, her hand waving like a flag in the wind.
Miku lifted her hand in a subtle wave, her expression calm as always, though her eyes lingered on him a little longer than necessary.
Nino, on the other hand, didn't even bother glancing in his direction. She simply crossed her arms and muttered under her breath, "Hmph. Whatever."
Y/n sighed lightly at the cold shoulder but kept walking, slipping past a group of chatting students. Just as he rounded the corner of a table, however-
Thud!
He collided head-on with someone coming from the opposite direction. Both of them lost balance and stumbled back before crashing onto the floor. A soft gasp escaped the girl he had bumped into.
"Ow..." Y/n muttered, rubbing his shoulder before immediately scrambling up. "Sorry! My bad."
Quickly, he leaned down and extended his arms toward the girl. She looked up at him with wide sapphire eyes, a sheepish smile forming on her lips.
"No worries, I wasn't looking either," she said with an embarrassed chuckle, scratching the back of her head. Her voice was calm but playful, like she was brushing off the situation as no big deal.
Y/n blinked as she accepted his hand. He gently pulled her up, helping her steady herself on her feet.
And then he froze.
'Wait... her face... her hair...' His eyes scanned her features carefully. Crimson-red locks flowed over her shoulders, the same striking sapphire eyes, the same facial structure. His heart skipped a beat. 'She looks exactly like Itsuki, Nino, and Miku... and Yotsuba too. Don't tell me... she's another one of them. And by the feeling she gives off, she's probably the eldest.'
The girl dusted herself off, then looked back at him with a confident yet friendly smile. She stepped closer and extended her hand toward him for a proper handshake.
"Anyway," she said lightly, "my name is Ichika Nakano. You can call me Ichika."
Y/n stared at her hand for a brief moment before shaking it firmly, matching her smile with one of his own. "Nice to meet you, Ichika. My name is Y/n L/n-but you can just call me Y/n."
Ichika's grip was gentle yet assured, a small glimmer of amusement in her eyes as she leaned in slightly. "Y/n, huh? You have a nice name".
"Thank you, you have a nice name too. Anyways, gotta go, bye," Y/n said with a small polite nod before stepping back.
"Yeah, bye," Ichika replied with her usual warm smile, waving casually as she walked back toward her sisters, her steps light as if nothing had happened.
Y/n sighed softly and adjusted the strap of his bag again before heading down the opposite hallway.
-Time Skip-
The final school bell rang, and students poured out of the classrooms like water rushing through a narrow canal. The once noisy corridors now emptied bit by bit, leaving behind scattered voices and the sound of shoes against the tiled floors.
Y/n stretched his arms high as he stepped out through the main school gates, tilting his head back to look at the slowly dimming sky. The late afternoon sun painted the world in shades of amber and gold. He exhaled a long sigh of relief.
"Finally, the school day is over," he muttered to himself, loosening his shoulders as the cool breeze brushed past.
Just as he adjusted his bag to begin the familiar walk home, a voice called out behind him.
"Hey, Y/n!"
The tone was bright yet a little rushed. Y/n turned around and blinked in recognition.
Jogging toward him, holding her books tightly against her chest, was none other than Itsuki Nakano, her crimson hair catching the light like fire in the sun.
"Oh, Itsuki," Y/n said, raising a brow in mild surprise. "You need something?"
Itsuki stopped just a step away from him, a little out of breath, but still managed a bright smile. She shook her head. "Not really. But... do you remember when I asked if you could tutor me?"
Y/n nodded, adjusting the strap of his bag again. "Yeah, I remember. Why?"
Her eyes softened, and her lips curled into a faint smile. "Well, my father arranged a tutor for me and my sisters."
Hearing that, Y/n couldn't help but let out a small laugh. It wasn't mocking-more like he already knew what awaited her.
"Hey," Itsuki puffed her cheeks slightly, tilting her head. "Why'd you laugh?" she asked, confusion flickering in her eyes.
"Well..." Y/n scratched the back of his neck, struggling to suppress another chuckle. "I happen to know your tutor." His lips twitched upward at the thought of Futaro meeting Itsuki formally. The mental image of their conversation was enough to make him nearly burst out laughing again.
"Really?!" Itsuki's eyes widened, and she leaned closer toward him, curiosity sparkling like a child about to hear a secret. "Who is he? Tell me about our tutor!"
Y/n quickly took a small step back, holding up a hand defensively as if her eagerness had caught him off guard. "I can't answer that. You'll know when you meet him."
"Aw..." Itsuki's shoulders slumped a little, and the excitement in her voice faded, leaving behind a faint hint of disappointment. "Okay..." she mumbled softly, her gaze dropping for a second.
Y/n blinked, feeling a slight pang of guilt at her reaction. But before he could say anything, Itsuki lifted her head again with renewed energy.
"Anyway, Y/n," she said with a cheerful smile returning to her lips, "would you like to walk with me for a bit?"
He hesitated only for a moment, then gave a small shrug. "Sure, why not?"
Her face lit up just a little more, and the two of them started walking side by side, their pace slow and casual. The streets outside the school were filled with the chatter of students heading home, bicycles rolling past, and the occasional honk from a car.
As they turned the corner leading to the path toward the luxury apartment building where the Nakano family lived, the quiet hum of everyday life settled between them.
Midway down the street, Y/n spotted two familiar figures up ahead.
Miku Nakano, with her headphones dangling around her neck and her long hair swaying gently, walked with her usual calm demeanor, eyes downcast as though lost in her own world. Beside her was Nino, arms crossed, expression sharp as always, her presence commanding without even trying.
Itsuki's eyes brightened at the sight of her sisters. "Oh, Miku! Nino!" she called, waving.
Miku looked up slightly, her gaze flicking toward Itsuki. She gave a small wave with one hand, subtle but enough to acknowledge and said."Hey, Itsuki," she replied in her usual calm, soft tone. But as her eyes landed on Y/n walking beside her younger sister, her brows furrowed slightly. Her head tilted, her gaze sharp yet silent, almost as if she were asking: What are you doing with Itsuki, Y/n?
Nino, however, didn't stay silent. Her sharp violet eyes immediately narrowed, and with an almost predatory stride, she closed the gap between them. Standing right in front of Y/n, she leaned close enough for him to feel her breath, one hand on her hip while the other pointed her sharp, manicured nail right at his chest.
"What are you doing here with Itsuki?" she asked coldly, her voice laced with suspicion. "Don't tell me you're trying to flirt with her or something."
Y/n's eyes widened, and he instinctively waved his hands frantically in front of him, as though trying to push away the very idea. "N-No, I wouldn't do something like that!" he stammered, his voice slightly higher than usual. "Itsuki just asked me to accompany her, that's all."
Nino's eyes narrowed further, but she shifted her attention toward Itsuki, as if demanding confirmation.
Itsuki, slightly startled by Nino's intensity, quickly nodded. "It's true. I asked him."
Only then did Nino finally lean back, flipping her long hair over her shoulder with a sharp motion. She crossed her arms tightly in front of her chest, her lips pressed into a thin line. "That's better. You shouldn't even think about doing something to her." With that, she turned away as if dismissing the conversation entirely, walking closer toward Itsuki and Miku.
Y/n, meanwhile, pressed a hand to his chest with exaggerated dramatics. "You're acting too cold towards me, Nino, after everything I've done for you yesterday." His voice trembled mockingly, and a fake tear traced down his cheek as he looked up at the sky as though betrayed.
Both Itsuki and Miku froze, blinking at him. Then, in perfect sync, they raised their eyebrows and spoke.
"What did you do, Y/n?" Miku asked, her calm tone carrying just a hint of curiosity as her gaze flicked between him and Nino.
"Did you help her with something, Y/n?" Itsuki added, tilting her head slightly.
Nino's eyes widened in panic. "A-Ah, he's just... talking about how he helped me carry the shopping bags yesterday!" she blurted, cutting Y/n off before he could say another word. Without giving him a chance to argue, she grabbed his wrist tightly and pulled him away from her sisters, dragging him a few steps down the sidewalk.
"Hey-! Why'd you drag me, Nino?" Y/n asked, pulling back slightly as he tried to free his hand from her surprisingly firm grip.
Nino turned on him, her expression sharper than a blade. "Don't even dare to mention those thugs trying to harass me in front of my sisters," she hissed under her breath.
Y/n blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in her tone. "...Umm... okay, but why?"
Her grip loosened slightly, and for the briefest second, vulnerability flickered in her eyes. She turned her head away, her hair falling like a curtain to hide her face. "...Because they'll just worry about me," she muttered softly, almost too quiet for him to hear. "And I don't want that."
The seriousness in her voice made Y/n pause. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly before nodding. "Alright. I got it. My lips are sealed." He then offered a faint, reassuring smile. "But I guess we should head back now. They're probably waiting for us."
Nino huffed, flipping her hair again to mask her moment of honesty. "Tch. Fine."
And just like that, the two of them walked back toward Itsuki and Miku. Itsuki greeted them with her usual brightness, while Miku's eyes lingered a second longer on Y/n, quiet but clearly curious about the little exchange she hadn't overheard.
After a while-
Fuutarou crouched low behind a nearby photo board, pressing his back against the wooden cutout. His eyes peeked nervously through one of the cartoon holes, watching the group in front of him. His palms were sweaty, his heart pounding.
This is it... today I'll apologise to her... he thought, determination mixing with dread.
But then his eyes widened. There they were-Itsuki, Nino, Miku, and Y/n-walking together down the path, chatting, laughing, and munching on snacks like they were already a close group of friends.
The sight made Fuutarou nearly fall over.
Seriously?! They're eating together like some kind of group outing?! And what's Y/n doing with them?! He's supposed to be helping me, not joining the enemy side!
Meanwhile-
"Don't you think you're eating too much, Itsuki?" Nino asked, narrowing her Sapphire blue eyes at her sister as she eyed the burger clutched in Itsuki's hands.
Itsuki blinked innocently. "Really? But this is only my second one!" She puffed her cheeks in protest before pointing dramatically at Y/n. "Besides, look at him! That's his fourth one already!"
Y/n stopped mid-bite, eyes widening. He swallowed quickly and pointed at himself as though she had just accused him of murder. "Hey! It's not like that! My metabolism's super high, okay? And I didn't even eat much during lunch!" He placed a hand over his chest like he'd been wrongly convicted.
"And that's what I'd like to say too!" Itsuki shot back, mimicking his posture with equal flair. "The doctor literally said my metabolism's higher than normal people's!"
The two puffed up their chests like rival attorneys in a courtroom.
Miku just sighed, watching the exchange, while Nino facepalmed. "You two are hopeless..."
From behind the photo board, Fuutarou nearly fell onto his face. "Unbelievable..." he muttered under his breath. "They're... bonding? And how am I supposed to apologise to Itsuki when she's surrounded like this?!" His fingers gripped the edge of the board tighter, his expression a mix of frustration and despair.
Suddenly, Nino smirked mischievously. She slipped behind Itsuki without warning, then wrapped her arms around her younger sister's waist.
"H-Hey! Nino, what are you doing?!" Itsuki yelped, startled.
"This ghost of meat isn't going to make you popular among boys, you know~" Nino teased, her fingers poking at Itsuki's soft stomach mercilessly.
Itsuki squeaked, her face turning bright red. "S-Stop it, Nino!" She squirmed, trying to pry her sister off.
Y/n immediately averted his eyes, his face heating up. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Uhh... I-I'm not looking, I swear..."
In that moment of awkwardness, his gaze wandered-and that's when he noticed the ridiculous sight of Fuutarou hiding inside the photo board like some kind of failed ninja. Y/n blinked once, then twice, before facepalming.
"Unbelievable..." he muttered.
Marching over, Y/n leaned against the board and peered inside. "What are you doing, Fuutarou?"
Fuutarou flinched like he'd been caught stealing. "What do you think I'm doing?!" he hissed. "I'm trying to apologise to Itsuki!"
Y/n folded his arms and sighed. "Dude, you look ridiculous. And honestly? You suck at hiding. A toddler could spot you."
Fuutarou pressed harder against the board, refusing to come out. "Doesn't matter. They haven't noticed me yet."
A flat, monotone voice cut through the air.
"...Are you having fun by yourself over there?"
Everyone froze.
Fuutarou slowly peeked out to see Miku staring right at him, her expression deadpan, her phone casually in hand.
"Uh... y-yeah, I'm having fun by myself..." Fuutarou stammered weakly.
Miku raised her phone higher, her thumb hovering over the screen. "So stalking young girls is your hobby? Should I call in support?" she said in the same flat tone, pretending to dial numbers.
"Wha-?! No, no, no, don't call the cops!" Fuutarou waved his arms frantically, his voice breaking. "I'm not stalking anyone! And definitely don't tell Itsuki about this!"
Miku's lips twitched ever so slightly as she lowered her phone and tucked it back into her bag. "...Okay. I won't call the cops. And... Itsuki isn't my friend." With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, leaving Fuutarou frozen in shock.
Y/n sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "You know, Fuutarou... you really need to stop doing creepy stuff like this. Just talk to her normally."
"Shut up, Y/n!" Fuutarou snapped, his face red with embarrassment. "You're not even helping me! You're just making things worse by hanging around with them!"
Y/n gave him a knowing look and shrugged. "Think what you like, but I already told Itsuki you regret what you said and asked her to forgive you."
Fuutarou froze, blinking in disbelief. "...Wait. You did what?"
But Y/n didn't answer. He simply patted Fuutarou on the shoulder with a smirk before walking past him, following after Miku and the others.
Fuutarou stood there, fists clenched, torn between gratitude and frustration. "Dammit, Y/n..." he muttered under his breath. "Why do you have to make things so complicated?"
Meanwhile, Y/n caught up with the group, Miku glancing at him briefly, her lips pressed together like she had a question she wasn't ready to ask.
-Time Skip-
Fuutarou kept a careful distance as he trailed behind Itsuki through the crowded city streets, his school bag bouncing lightly against his shoulder with each step. His sharp eyes never wavered from her figure, determination etched onto his face.
I just need to talk to her... he thought, gripping the strap of his bag tighter. Just a simple apology. If she listens this time, I'll finally be able to smooth things over. No mistakes... I can't afford mistakes.
But when Itsuki finally stopped, Fuutarou's stride faltered. His jaw nearly dropped to the ground.
Towering in front of him was a building straight out of a glossy magazine spread-a sleek, high-class apartment complex with glass walls glinting in the evening light. The entrance was lined with polished marble, a red-carpeted path leading toward gleaming automatic doors. Uniformed security guards stood nearby, looking sharper than blades.
Fuutarou could only gape.
"Man... She really is rich."
His sneakers suddenly felt very out of place on the immaculate pavement. As Itsuki walked confidently through the automatic doors, the guards bowing slightly as if she were royalty, Fuutarou hesitated at the threshold.
This isn't just some apartment... it's a palace.
His courage wavered. He was about to step forward when-
"Hey! You!"
The sharp, accusing voice cut through the air, freezing him on the spot.
Fuutarou turned, his eyes widening when he saw them: two girls, identical to Itsuki in face and hair color, standing like gatekeepers blocking his path.
One had headphones resting casually around her neck-Miku. Her expression was flat, her eyes sharp but unreadable.
The other, with fiery eyes and two butterfly ribbons in her crimson hair, glared at him with suspicion practically radiating off her aura-Nino.
Nino stepped forward first, crossing her arms as if she owned the entire block. "What are you, a stalker? If you've got business, you can talk to me instead."
Her accusing tone drew the attention of a couple of passersby. Fuutarou stiffened, heat crawling up his neck. Great. Just what I needed... an audience.
He exhaled and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sorry, but I didn't come here to talk to you two."
Nino's glare deepened. "Persistent, aren't you? People must really hate you at school. Just give it up and go home already!"
Fuutarou's patience began to fray. His voice was flat when he replied. "I live here. So could you move?"
The confident mask on Nino's face cracked for the briefest moment, her eyes widening in disbelief. "R-Really...? You live here?" She blinked rapidly, struggling to reconcile the plain-looking boy in front of her with the lavish complex behind her. "S-Sorry..."
Miku, still calm and unreadable, tilted her head. Her gaze swept him from head to toe before she spoke. "Barbecue meal without the barbecue... Are you on some weird diet?"
Fuutarou blinked, completely caught off guard. "...What?"
The realization hit Nino like a slap. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "You! I knew it! You're lying through your teeth, aren't you?!"
Before either sister could corner him further, Fuutarou spun on his heel. "Sorry, can't chat!"
He bolted for the automatic doors, their voices echoing after him. Nino shouted, "Get back here, liar!" while Miku muttered, "...Persistent idiot."
Inside the lobby, Fuutarou's eyes darted frantically until they landed on the elevator at the far end. His chest tightened when he spotted Itsuki... and Y/n standing beside her. They were talking casually, waiting for the doors to close.
"This is my chance... my last chance!"
The silver doors began to slide shut. Panic surged through him. That's when his eyes flicked to the glowing sign on the wall: STAIRS
His body moved before his brain could catch up.
"Damn it...!" he cursed, shoving open the stairwell door.
The air inside was cooler, sterile compared to the warmth of the lobby, but Fuutarou hardly noticed. His shoes pounded against the concrete as he launched himself upward.
"Thirty floors..." he wheezed after the first flight, clutching the railing. "That's... nothing... right?"
Wrong.
By the fifth floor, his lungs burned like fire.
By the tenth, his legs felt like lead.
By the fifteenth, sweat was pouring down his forehead, dripping into his eyes.
"Stupid... stairs..." he growled between gasps, forcing himself to keep climbing.
Every thud of his shoes echoed like a drumbeat of suffering. His mind spiraled as his body screamed.
"This is all... her fault..." he muttered bitterly.
"It's her fault I'm stuck in this mess... her fault I'm sweating buckets... her fault those weirdos keep dragging me into trouble..."
He staggered, clutching the railing tighter, his teeth gritted.
"It's all... her... fault!"
With the last bit of his strength, Futarou shoved open the heavy fire door, stumbling clumsily onto the 30th floor hallway. His chest burned, his vision swam, and his legs felt like they were made of lead. He braced himself against the wall, panting, sweat dripping down his face in steady streams.
The sharp sound startled Itsuki, who had been unlocking the door in front of her apartment. She turned in shock, her red hair swaying as her wide eyes landed on him.
"I-It's you...?" she said, caught between confusion and irritation. Her brows furrowed. "What is it? Do you need something from me? To apologize?"
Futarou could barely breathe, much less speak, his chest heaving like a runner at the end of a marathon. He bent forward, hands on his knees, forcing the words out in broken gasps.
"About... yesterday..."
Itsuki crossed her arms, her tone sharp and unimpressed. "Huh? Speak up. What are you even doing here anyway? Following me home is crossing the line."
The accusation stung, but Futarou grit his teeth, forcing his trembling body upright. He straightened his back, inhaled deeply, and met her eyes head-on.
"About yesterday... I-I'm sorry."
For a moment, silence lingered between them, only broken by his ragged breathing. Itsuki's lips pressed into a thin line, her expression unreadable. Then, slowly, her eyes hardened.
"Is that all?" Her tone was like ice. "You followed me all the way here... climbed all those stairs... just to say that?"
Futarou's heart dropped. He could feel the opportunity slipping through his fingers. Panic rose in his chest.
"No, wait!" He stepped forward, almost stumbling from exhaustion.
Itsuki instinctively took a step back, her guard raising. "What are you trying to say? I don't have time for this. I have a tutor coming soon, and-"
"That tutor..." Futarou cut her off, his voice steadier now, determination shining in his eyes.
"...is me."
Itsuki's eyes widened, her disbelief written all over her face. "What...?"
"I was hired to tutor you," Futarou repeated firmly.
Her mouth parted in shock before twisting into anger. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. "I refuse! Why would I ever take lessons from someone so rude and arrogant?"
Futarou's patience frayed. He took another step closer, frustration edging his voice. "You think I like this either? I don't. But I can't quit-no matter how much you want me to. I was wrong yesterday, I admit that. But if I have to grit my teeth and endure it to make this work, then I will."
Itsuki froze at his words, her lips pressing tighter, conflicted emotions flickering across her face.
Then-
THWACK!
Futarou stumbled forward as a sharp smack landed on the back of his head. He whirled around with a pained groan to see Y/n standing there, arms folded, wearing a flat look of disapproval.
"Hey," Y/n said coolly, "that's enough, Futarou. You're going too far."
Futarou snapped, glaring at him. "Don't interrupt me when I'm apologizing!"
Before the argument could escalate further, the elevator beside them gave a bright ding. The metallic doors slid open with a chime.
Out stepped Ichika, Yotsuba, and the two familiar figures from earlier-Nino and Miku.
Nino's eyes instantly locked on Futarou, her sharp gaze narrowing. She jabbed a finger dramatically in his direction. "It's him! The stalker! Y/n, grab him!"
Yotsuba gasped, her whole body exaggerating the motion as her green ribbon bounced. "Ehhh?! Uesugi-san is a stalker?! That's... super weird!"
Miku, headphones resting around her neck, let out a long sigh. "Nino... you're exaggerating again."
"I am not exaggerating!" Nino snapped, her twin ribbons swishing as she crossed her arms indignantly.
Futarou groaned, as he faced them with a confused look. "What are they doing here?"
Itsuki raised her chin and gestured toward the apartment door, where a golden nameplate read boldly: Nakano. "Because we live here, obviously."
Futarou froze. His mind went blank for a second. "...Wait. We?"
His gaze flicked from the door back to the group of identical red-haired girls now standing in front of him. His brain scrambled to piece the obvious together.
"Don't tell me..." His voice cracked in disbelief. "All five of you friends... live together?"
Itsuki exhaled sharply, as if this entire reveal was troublesome. She gave him a small nod, but before she could speak further-
The five girls shared a look. Then, as if rehearsed, they all turned to him at once.
"No, actually..."
Their voices overlapped perfectly as they spoke the words that would crush him.
"We're quintuplets."
Futarou's brain short-circuited. His mouth opened, but no words came out. His eyes darted from one sister to the next-the same faces, the same crimson hair, only differentiated by accessories and expressions.
"You're kidding..." His voice was faint, almost a whisper. "...Right?"
Ichika smirked playfully, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Nope. No joke."
Nino rolled her eyes with a huff. "What, too much for you to handle?"
Yotsuba grinned ear-to-ear, throwing up a peace sign. "Surprise!"
Miku simply looked away, muttering, "It's true."
Futarou's soul left his body. Yesterday he thought one girl was already a handful... now he was expected to deal with five identical ones?
Y/n chuckled, patting him on the back with a grin that was equal parts sympathy and amusement. "Well, Futarou... welcome to hell. I mean, tutoring. There's no turning back now."
Futarou slumped forward, completely defeated. His voice was hollow, resigned to his fate.
"...I really don't have a choice, do I?"