"That went well... I think" Miku said as she sipped her drink.

"Surprisingly I felt like we might actually do it this time" Nino responded.

Fuutaro joined the table. "Let's just pray that all the time we spent studying the last two days paid off in those exams"

"He's right" you added. "All we can do now essentially is hope and pray. Until then we live it easy"

"So what happens now? What's everyone going to do for the rest of December?" Ichika asked as she leaned on the lunch table.

"My track competition is in a few days!" Yotsuba exclaimed.

"That's still happening?" you questioned

She nodded firmly. "I talked it out with the team. I'm not just going to let them lose, I'll help them win the tournament after I finish the exams. That was our deal"

"Fair play. I'm sure with your skill you'll easily win"

"Thanks!" she beamed.

"So who's next? Miku what about you?" you asked.

"Me?" her eyes subtly shifted towards Fuutaro's direction to see if he was paying attention.

"You don't have to have an answ-"

"I want to try and cook"

"You're still at this?" Nino rolled her eyes. "Every time I let you cook it always ends up looking like something that could kill a person.

"They're not that bad" you contested.

Nino shot you a look as if to say "What are you talking about? It's terrible"

Miku sighed. "I don't even want to ask what you're doing Nino, because it's probably some couple stuff with him" she glared at you.

"Actually I'm going to be looking for a part-time job" you said.

"Really?" Itsuki said shocked.

"What about that commercial money you got with Ichika?" Miku smugly asked

"I need experience too"

"Nino could give you that" Ichika teased.

"HEY!" Nino shouted.

"That'll come at a later date, right babe?" you winked

"Maybe, If you think you can handle me" she licked her lips.

"OKAYYYYY. Itsuki, what about you" Fuutaro changed the subject as quick as he could.

"Keep studying I suppose"

"Is that it? Even I'm saying you can take it easy for a while"

"I know, but If I really want to become a teacher, I'll have to keep studying"

"Don't bother trying to change her mind" Nino interrupted. "She's the most stubborn of all of us"

"You're one to talk..." Fuutaro said under his breath.

"What was that?" Nino snapped.

"Nothing..."

"Ichika. What are you going to do now?"

"I have more work lined up for when we go on break"

"That's only in about 2 weeks right?" Miku said.

"Yeah, then we get a couple of weeks to ourselves" you said as you leaned back in the chair.

"Hopefully it snows around Christmas" Yotsuba added.

"I hope so too"

"You like snow Y/N?" she tilted her head.

"Of course, the kid inside me awakens at the slightest drop of snow"

"I guess everyone has things to look forward to" Ichika hummed.

"Yeah, I think it'll be a good winter"

"It's your first quintuplet filled winter, I don't think you're prepared" Miku taunted you.

----

A Few Weeks Later.... 5 days before Christmas.

"Thanks for stopping by, come again!" you waved to a couple who had just finished their coffee.

As luck would have it, you managed to find work relatively quickly after the exams. It only took a few days before you landed this job as a barista at a Coffee shop. It was a small place, on a main street but not overly busy. It thrived with regulars in the evenings and nights, most of which had warmed up to you relatively quickly.

It was a cold December night outside the windows, no snow as of yet but the breeze was chilly and some brown leaves still fluttered through the hustle and bustle of the busy street.

The manager was a laid back guy, now that you were here he took more of a passive role in the store and he let you handle all the coffee making and conversation as you asked for as much experience as possible.

More time here in the evenings meant less time playing Games which admittedly kinda sucked but the atmosphere of the shop was something unique.

Tonight it was mostly empty. A regular or two had shown up and resided themselves to one of the tables by the window, so you were all alone at the bar.

The bell on the door rang out as the door opened.

"Welcome!" you greeted the person, who was wearing a large coat.

They sat down at the bar and slowly unbuttoned their coat and brushed it off there shoulders.

"Hi Honey" your girlfriend greeted you.

"Hey babe. Glad you could make it"

"Seems quiet in here today"

"Yeah well it's a Tuesday, pretty chill evening is a guarantee"

"Good thing I decided to stop by then" she laughed.

"Yeah, so what do you want to drink?"

"Hmmmm. I'll take a Caffé Latte

"One Caffé Latte coming right up"

Nino rested her head on top of her hand as she intimately watched you make her drink.

"You sure do like staring at me while I make drinks don't you?" you laughed, not giving her any eye contact.

"Yet you always call me out on it, so I think you enjoy the attention" she smiled.

"Never said I didn't sweetheart" you said as you poured the milk into the cup.

In a matter of moments, the drink was complete.

"Here's your drink ma'am" you set it out in front of her.

"Thank you barista" she chuckled as she took a light sip from the cup.

"Ahhh" she breathed. "You got so good at making these in only a few weeks. If only Miku shared your dormant abilities" she laughed

"How is that going anyway, I haven't really checked up on Miku in a few weeks.

"I think she might be hopeless" she slouched.

"Aw come on, don't say that"

"Babe, I love her to death but I just don't think she has it in her"

"Well then it's onto you to teach her"

"Why me?"

"Because you're the best cook we all know"

Nino blushed and slouched even more, resting only her eyes above her arms.

"Don't just throw a compliment to me out of nowhere..."

"But it's true" you said as you wiped down the bar. "We don't know anyone better than you. And if one day we do move in together. Who the hell is going to cook for them?"

"I hate it when you're right..."

"You wouldn't hate it so much if you just listened in the first place"

She took another sip off her drink.

"How can the love of my life be the biggest thorn in my side..."

You laughed, "Haha, love you too babe."

As you cleaned various things around the bar, a few more customers came in so you handled them whist Nino fiddled around on her phone, sneakily watching you perform customer service.

Nino had only come to the coffee shop about 4 times in total over the last few weeks but it was nice to have her hang around the bar to chat to when nothing was really going on.

"You know, you could use this time to brush up on studying" you said.

"Ehhhh, but the next exams are months away. I don't want to be studying, besides it's only a few days until Christmas"

"I guess you're right. Are you and the girls doing anything for Christmas this year?"

"We'll stay home and cook, I'll cook...." she sighed.

"A lot on your plate huh?" you pat her head.

"Figuratively and literally. You should see how much food Itsuki vacuums into her body every year"

She went quiet for a moment before sitting up.

"Hey, what are you doing this Christmas?"

"Nothing as per usual, I'll probably go over to Fuutaro's house for a little bit like I did last year but besides that I don't really have anything planned"

"Well then why don't you come and eat with us!" she beamed as she stood up from her stool and leaned over the countertop.

You raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure, it's one thing if you give me permission but would your sisters all be cool with it?"

"I can ask them right now" she said excitedly as she sat back down in her chair and opened up the group chat between them all.

The excited look on her face was too cute.

"There, I asked the others if they're okay with you coming"

"What about your dad? Does he not come for Christmas?"

She looked at you with a defeated look. "No, papa usually just sends a card to each of us or something"

"I'm sure I've said this before..." you said leaning on the bar, "but your Father kinda sounds like an asshole.... it's weird."

"He does love us Y/N, he's just a busy man. But why do you say it's weird?"

Just then the bell on the door rang again and one of the regulars turned up.

"Good Evening Y/N!" she chirped.

"Hey, I take it you'll be having the usual espresso?"

"You betcha" she smiled. She plopped her bag down next to her and sighed, it was obvious she'd had another long day at work.

Nino made some eyes in her direction but you shook your head.

"Boss still on your ass huh?" you joked as you placed the espresso in front of her.

"Like you wouldn't believe. He pushed the deadline forward so now I'm on crunch mode just before the holidays. But luckily I have my favourite barista to serve me his perfectly crafted drinks" she laughed.

"Hey-" Nino began. you tried to shoot her a look but it was to no avail.

"Yes dear? Is there something I can help you with?"

"Okay.... Nino" you turned to her. "Meet Chiyo." you gestured towards the lady sitting beside her.

Chiyo had been a regular long before you worked here. She was a slightly older woman, 22 to be exact and she worked for a shitty company as far as you knew. She was a flirt but never made any moves as obviously she knew you were too young for her. She had blonde hair and bright blue eyes, most guys would fall for her just based on her looks... but Chiyo had a rather unique personality which is what drove most guys away.

"Chiyo. Meet my girlfriend Nino"

"Your girlfriend!?" she gasped, putting a hand over her mouth.

"That's right. So don't be flirting with him so openly" Nino scowled.

"Of course, it's never anything more than playful banter" Chiyo assured her. "I knew about you anyway"

"You did?"

"Y/N talks about you a lot" she smiled.

Nino snapped in your direction and you turned to the coffee machine to hide your blush.

"He told me about his girlfriends fiery but loving attitude and how every time he realises that he actually gets to date a girl as perfect as her, he gets all giddy"

"OKAY! Chiyo. Thank you for speaking more than you had to" you raised your voice to which Chiyo laughed at.

Nino sat with a heavy blush on her face, looking straight down at the bar.

"She seems more embarrassed than you~" Chiyo whistled.

"I really should just ban you one of these days..."

"Aw come on Y/N, lighten up. Anyway I only wanted the one drink but now I guess I need to get going" she said as she downed the rest of the espresso.

"You have a date?"

"Bingo"

"Well good luck. Maybe you'll finally erase your 0-11 streak with guys" you laughed.

"Shut up you..." she rolled her eyes, "It was nice meeting you Nino" she waved to which Nino waved back.

The bell rang once more and as quickly as she entered, Chiyo left.

"She's.... interesting" Nino chuckled dryly.

"Definitely, but she's good company and we get along well. I just wish she kept her mouth shut regarding private information..."

Nino smiled warmly at you. "It's sweet. just like this Latte"

"Want another?" you noticed her almost empty cup.

Nino checked the time on her phone. "One more couldn't hurt"

"You got it ma'am"

"This oddly feels like a date" she said as you began to make her drink.

"Oh yeah? How come?"

"Maybe it's just the cozy atmosphere of this place. Something about it feels really intimate and romantic. Like we could sit here and talk until time itself stopped"

She sighed, "Seeing you work wants to make me get a part time job too..."

"Really? what would you go for?"

"A confectionary sounds nice"

"It does I have to admit"

"I handle the treats and you handle the drinks"

"Speaking of drinks..." you said. "One Caffé Latte"

"Thank yo-" Nino stopped mid sentence as she looked at her cup. A smile couldn't help but break out as she slowly looked up at you.

"Y-You drew a heart?" she said like it was the cutest thing you'd ever hear.

"I've been practicing Latte Art whenever the shops not too busy" you winked.

"It's really good..." she said still in shock. "Thank you."

You watched as she slowly drank it. Mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the girl you were dating.

"You know, the more I look at it. I think I prefer the shorter hair"

"Really?" she blushed as she twirled a strand around her finger.

"Yeah, especially with this winter look. I'm more in love with you than ever"

"Idiot..." she smiled. "Come here" she leaned over the counter and kissed you to which you reciprocated.

----

About an hour passed and it was time to close up the shop for a day. The manager already trusted you enough to lock up so you and Nino were the last to leave.

"Ready to head home babe? I'll drive you"

"Yeah" she attached to your arm, pressing herself against you. Seemed like she was in high spirits and how could you not be in your current situation.

It was a peaceful drive. Mostly empty roads and just the lights of the city above you both.

"Hey Y/N?" you barely head Nino say on the back of your bike as you drove down the road.

"Yeah?"

"I love you..."

"I love you too"

-----

"Oh there you are!" Yotsuba called out as we both walked through the door.

"Sup sisters!?" you greeted the family with Nino still clinging onto your arm.

"What's with the clothes?" Miku asked as you were still in uniform.

"From my job... remember? I told you about this"

Miku stared into space for a moment, "Oh yeah" then she immediately focused her eyes back on the TV.

"Oh, I thought I heard the door shut" you heard a voice say from upstairs.

"Itsuki!"

"Hi Y/N, what brings you here?"

"Dropping her off" you gestured to Nino who was snuggled against your arm still.

"Is she... okay?" Itsuki raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah she's fine. We just had a nice evening at the shop" you said as you led Nino over to the sofa.

"I really do have to visit soon..."

"You should Itsuki, it'd be a good place for studying. I can always fix you up with a cup of coffee"

"In that case, maybe I'll stop by before Christmas"

"I'm in there until Christmas eve. I have Christmas off but I'm back there afterwards"

"Sounds like a tough schedule for part time..." Miku added.

"I asked for a lot of shifts so I can't complain"

"Speaking of Christamsssss~" Ichika said as she appeared from nowhere once again, you swore at this point she was just a gag character who could appear out of thin air.

"Y/N, I heard you want to spend Christmas with us"

"Nino begged me to"

"What! I did not!" she retorted cutely.

"She just kept asking and asking" you waved your hand around.

Nino put on an angry pout. "I just didn't want you to be alone for Christmas dummy!"

"Wait, you were going to be alone otherwise?" Yotsuba frowned.

"I mean yeah, I don't have family to spend it with do I?" you chuckled.

"I don't think that's something you should be laughing about..." Miku deadpanned.

"Well I'd be happy with you coming and I'm sure the rest of us would to. Right girls?" Ichika turned back to all of her sisters to which they each nodded in agreement.

"So. Looks like you won't be spending Christmas alone after all" Nino flicked you on the forehead. "Told you they'd be fine with it"

"Thank you, all of you" you smiled at the sisters who all returned your smile with ones of their own.

"It's weird to think we've only know you for about 3 months" Miku grinned.

"Yeah. I guess so" you leaned back. "I'm really glad I met you guys"

"We're glad too" Itsuki said

"Yeah! We love having you around Y/N!" Yotsuba pumped her fist into the air.

"Thanks for the validation. Anyway I think it's time for me to head out"

"Why don't you stay the night?" Ichika suggested.

"Nah, I have a full days shift tomorrow so I'd sleep at home. But if you don't mind. I can sleep over on Christmas Eve and Christmas"

"Really!?" Nino jumped at you.

"Yeah. It's been a while since I stayed over anyway"

"This time, you can stay in my room" she winked as she pressed herself into you.

You put an arm around her "If that's what you really want"

"You want it too, don't try and play the cool guy now" she blushed.

"Maybe I do, anyway it's time for me to leave. Miku? are you going to be online anytime tonight?"

"Yeah I suppose so. Just text me when you get on. I assume you want to finish that quest?"

"Stupid shitty drop-rates. How have you gotten 4 drops and I've gotten none!"

"Nakano luck" she teased.

"Yeah right. Anyway, goodnight everyone!"

"Goodnight Y/N!"

----

2 days later...

"One Espresso coming up"

"Thanks for waiting, enjoy!" you smiled at another satisfied customer needing their much needed coffee kick.

It was a genuine surprise how much you were enjoying this job.

Thankfully it was starting to snow today, not heavily but enough to go "Wow, it's snowing!". The day was also a bit busier then yesterday as more regulars appeared throughout the evening.

You were swapping with another member of staff soon so you could go and enjoy the rest of the evening which was nice. This really seemed like the perfect job.

In your train of thought, you heard the bell over the door and two pairs of shoes click and clack along the shop floor.

"Itsuki!... and Miku?. I feel like I hardly ever see you two as a pair"

They both looked at each other then silently giggled.

"Good Evening Y/N" Itsuki bowed.

"No need to be so formal, it's me wearing the uniform after all"

"Y-You're right, sorry" Itsuki apologised.

"So what brings the both of you here?"

"Coffee" Miku plainly said. "and hi"

"Hey." you unenthusiastically waved "and yeah I knew that but are you just chilling, studying or what?"

"She's studying, I'm just here for a drink"

"T-That's right" Itsuki gripped onto her bag.

"Sure thing, so what will you both be ordering?"

"I'll take a Cappuccino" Itsuki brought out her card.

"Green Tea Latte for me" Miku raised a hand.

"Sweet. It'll be ready in a minute" you hummed as you started to get the ingredients out.

As you started to make the drinks, you noticed Itsuki look around the coffee shop.

"There's a free table by the window there if you need to study" you point

Itsuki looks over to it, "Okay, It's not anyone's seat is it?"

"Dude. This is a coffee shop, not a classroom." you laughed.

The sounds of the liquid pouring in the cups filled the store as background chatter was unconsciously being muffled out by your focus.

"Here Itsuki" you handed her her drink.

"Thank you" she bowed. This girl was so formal it was funny "I'm going to go study by the window. Let me know if either of you need anything" she smiled.

She walked over and neatly placed her things on the table, pulled out the chair and sat down to begin working. Itsuki was such a strange girl to you. From dropping that eerie question to you about another quint liking you to her sudden mood swings over these past months, it was like talking to a gacha.

Now it was just you and Miku and she was waiting for her order to finish.

"Lo-fi Hip Hop beats? Is this your playlist?" Miku pondered aloud.

"As a matter of fact, it is"

"Knew it. Nino used to tell me how you always used to have an earbud in listening to that stuff every time you entered class. "You don't wear them much nowadays huh?"

"Not really. I learned it's best to just enjoy the noise of my surroundings sometimes and plus it started to damage my ears a little bit, I get an occasionally ringing sound in my left"

"That's why you buy actual headphones" Miku pushed out her chest intending to emphasise her headphones but instead emphasising her... chest.

"Y-Yeah.. here's your drink man..." you couldn't help but chuckle.

"What?" she squinted at you.

"For someone otherwise so sharp, sometimes you're really oblivious"

It seemed like Miku got an idea of what you were talking about and slouched just like Nino did a couple days prior.

She sat in silence for a few minutes as she made progress on her drink.

" I need help" she suddenly burst out.

"On your quest for Fuutaro?"

"Back when I walked in on you in the tub, you said you'd help me with him"

"Miku, it's Fuutaro. I honestly can't do too much with him" you sighed. "Have you gotten him something for Christmas?"

Her face started to burn up almost immediately. "N-No... should I?" she anxiously leaned over the counter.

"Relax, after my shift we can go and look for something together"

"I guess there is a layer of kindness under all of your sarcasm"

"Shut up...." you growled.

"So what did you get him?" she asked.

"A pen with Best Buddy engraved on it"

Miku stared at you blankly.

"What!?"

"I'm going to have to give him something better than that..."

"Oh come on, it's a good gift. If I got something like that for Nino she'd kill me"

Miku laughed "Speaking of, what did you get Nino?"

"That's a secret"

"Oh come on" Miku pouted.

"What?"

"I'm like your best friend aren't I?" she fluttered her eyelashes in a very un-Miku like way.

"Fuutaro holds the cake. Nino is my girlfriend so I guess you'd be third on the list"

Her pout turned to a full on sulk as she finished her tea.

"Aw come on. Don't be like that, I don't want you sulking when we're out shopping"

"Don't worry. I know we're still close regardless" she smiled.

"Speaking of close, I get off shift in about 5 minutes so get yourself ready to go.

"Alright" Miku nodded as she got up from her seat and headed over to where Itsuki was studying.

A couple of minutes later, one of your co-workers came in to handle the late-evening shift so you could finally tag out and go shopping with Miku.

It turned out that Itsuki was going to stay at the Coffee Shop for a while longer and make her way back on her own.

-------

"So. Any ideas on what you want to get him?"

Miku frowned. "Stop being so nonchalant. I thought you were going to help me find something"

"Well, yeah buy ultimately you have to decide the gift otherwise it's just another gift from me"

"Is this payback for you still not getting any drops the other day?"

You kissed your teeth. "You got another 3 and I still didn't get one, the game is just biased"

Miku laughed to herself as you both continued to walk.

Both of you passed by a few stores but nothing really stood out to either of you. Fuutaro was a really hard guy to shop for after all and especially with Miku's feelings on the line, it added a lot of pressure in finding something perfect.

"Hey, I just got an idea" you turned to Miku who was desperately eyeing all the shelves in the store you were currently both in.

"What?"

"Why don't you just cook him something?" you shrugged.

She went wide eyed and grabbed your shirt tight.

"Are you trying to make me sabotage myself?" she scowled.

"Relax man" you swatted her hand away. "Think about it. His taste buds barely function and he can't tell bad from good so unless you make something literally inedible he'd probably like it"

"B-But... I can't tell Nino about why I want to make something"

"Why not?"

"Just because" Miku turned away.

"You think she'll make fun of you?"

"A little..."

"Miku...." you sighed. "What If I call her now? we meet up with her and then we tell her."

Seeing the timid side of Miku was nostalgic. She was like this when you first met but ever since the bathtub incident she'd opened up to you a lot. She was definitely the closest to a best friend out of all the sisters.

"She's not gonna make fun of you. You're going through what she probably went through with me"

"But you liked her back, Fuutaro... well who knows"

"Well I think someone assertive like Nino can be nothing but help to your situation"

Miku thought it over for a moment before giving you the thumbs up.

You both made your way outside and you proceeded to call Nino. She agreed to meet up and you all said you'd meet at a park near the Pentagon.

The both of you jogged back to your bike and set off to go meet Nino.

------

"Took you guys long enough!" Nino complained as she got up from the bench she was sitting on.

"Blame traffic, not my driving" you said as you planted a kiss on her forehead.

Miku wrapped her scarf in a way that it covered her nose and mouth. It seemed like half of her resolve had frozen away.

"So. What did you both want me for?" Nino raised an eyebrow as she sat back down and threw one leg over the other.

You looked at Miku, insinuating for her to be the one to lead the conversation but it didn't look like she'd be able to do it without a push from you.

"Well. We need your help with something"Nino tilted her head in confusion. "Well more specifically, Miku needs your help with something. Right Miku?" you turned to her.

Her scarf bulged forward by the huge deep breath she just let out. Nino sat patiently waiting for something out of her younger sister.

"So... the thing is..." she started.

Both you and your girlfriend waited in anticipation but it looked like Miku was barely holding herself together.

"I-I need your help" she managed to get out.

"With what? Cooking?" Nino asked in return to which Miku nodded.

"But why? and how does this involve you?" she turned to you looking for a more coherent answer.

"Haaaah" you sighed. "Miku. the quicker you get it done the easier it'll be" you say to her.

"I want to make something for someone as a Christmas gift..."

Nino's face entered shock.

"Wait. Don't tell me.... UESUGI???"

"Wow. you figured that out quick" you bluntly said on reaction, to which Miku slapped you in the arm.

"So I was right? But Miku what the hell do you see in that nerdy, disgusting, creepy, lose-"

"Chill" you said as you covered her mouth with your hand. You moved behind Nino and hugged her from behind, slowly releasing your grasp on her mouth. "Your sister's asking for you help. Hear her out before you insult her taste in men, okay babe?"

Nino sulked, "Fine. Go on then..." Cute as fuck

"I want to make something special for him. I'm thinking a cake"

"A cake? but you can barely-" She sensed your disapproval and stopped herself mid sentence. "Fine, I'll see what we can do"

"Really?" Miku finally removed the scarf from over her mouth.

"If you do really like him. How can a sister say no?" she smiled.

Miku ran up and hugged her. They stayed like that for a few seconds while you just kinda of awkwardly stood there scratching your neck.

Miku turned back to see you looking at them and broke off the hug.

"So can we start tomorrow? I'm super tired right now" Nino offered.

"Sure"

"I assume you don't want the others to know about these feelings of yours?"

"Not yet..."

"It's fine, I'll say you're helping me more something for Y/N, right babe?" she moved her head past Miku to look at you.

"If that's what it takes" you laughed. "See Miku. You were stressing over nothing"

"Thanks Y/N"

"Anytime" you rubbed her head.

"C'mon let's head back and we can start planning" Nino said as she locked her sisters arm with her own.

"I'll see you guys on Christmas"

"Of course, you better not ditch us" Nino winked.

"With your cooking, I'd have to be imprisoned in order to not show up. I'll be there" you kissed Nino.

"Good. Bye Bye babe" she waved

"Thanks Y/N. I'll see you on Christmas" Miku waved as they walked away.

"Get home safe!" you called out to them.

You watched them until they turned the corner and then proceeded to make your own way back to your bike.

This night felt like how it did at the beginning of all this. When you used to walk home from the girls apartment late at night after studying, listening to music and gazing at the night sky as you walked back home.

As you pulled out your phone to turn on some music, you read a text from Itsuki saying she got home fine which put you at ease.

Christmas was only a few days away....

--------------

Hey guys.

I have, essentially nothing to say this time but thanks for all the support as always. Glad to be doing this as a hobby for a year.

Also. Chiyo will probably not be a re-occurring character too much. I just wanted to give the coffee shop it's own type of character that's not just the sisters and Y/N

Anyway. Take care guys and I'll see you next time!