"Finally..." you huffed and puffed as you leaned forward holding onto your knees as you caught your breath after sprinting a quarter-way across the island. The view of the vast sparkling sea ahead of you was a nice view however tiresome the journey was.

The 5 girls and their grandpa were all present at the beach when you get there. Their grandpa was fishing from a stone pier that hung over some water, next to him sat Fuutaro who was also fishing.

The sisters on the other hand were frolicking on the beach, splashing each other with water and just seemingly really enjoying themselves under the sunlight.

"HEEEEEEY!" one of the girls spotted you and waved you over causing the others to look as well. From this distance, you had zero idea which girl it was as again they were all dressed as Itsuki because their grandpa was there. You slowly hobbled down the steps to the beach, your breath still not being caught back yet and the heat did not help your fatigue in the slightest.

You stumbled down a few steps, nearly completely losing your footing but barely managing to stabilize yourself, as you looked back up. All of the girls are running over with one in particular being ahead of the rest while another is just slightly behind her, the other three are all further behind but still coming.

"Y/N!" the girl wraps her arms around you.

"Thanks Yotsuba. That... is you right?" you laughed.

" I'm surprised you could tell. We thought you were going to collapse coming down the stairs." Yotsuba held a tight grip as she helped you get your footing.

"Sorry for worrying you guys, I was running over here from the inn with how hot it is and considering I haven't eaten, I guess it took its toll on me" you laughed awkwardly as you used Yotsuba to help stand up straight.

"Hey!" Nino ran over and threw her arms around you. "Are you okay?" she looked up at you.

You waved in dismissal. "Yeah, yeah I'm good" The other 2 also had caught up. "So what're you guys all doing out here?"

"We just all felt like visiting the beach and Grandpa said he'd accompany us" Itsuki pointed across the sand towards the girls' grandpa and Fuutaro sitting beside him. "Fuutaro decided to come with him too... He's been stuck to him like glue all of today."

Nino hugged your arm tight as you followed the girls further down the beach. Seeing them all together dressed as Itsuki really was a baffling sight, it felt like some type of weird dream, but despite their looks on the outside, their personalities had become so distinct that now there was no worry in telling them apart.

"I'm surprised you got over here so quick" Nino stretched up and whispered in your ear.

"With the incentive you gave me, how could I not get here as quick as possible?"

Nino laughed, "You know I wasn't being serious right?" she smugly admitted. "I just thought it would get you here the fastest"

"Wha-!" you felt your knees get weak, the revelation almost made you lose your balance.

"I'm kidding. Later, You. Me and a not-so-relaxing time in the Hot Springs"

"Sure thing, you sure you're actually gonna go through with it?"

"Oh, just you watch me Y/N" Nino smirked. "Hmmm, maybe I should get everyone to join us"

"Yeah, right. Like you would let that even happen" you laughed.

"Is that a challenge?"

"Sure, a challenge that you can convince 4 other beautiful girls to enter a hot spring with me sounds great."

"Before we dated, that happened anyway..." she grumbled.

"No hurt in going for round 2 though is there?" you smirked.

Nino responded by scooping her hand through the shallow sea water and splashing you with it, it tasted salty.

"HA!"

The other girls ahead of you turned around at the sound of Nino's laughter.

Miku similarly scooped a hand through the water and splashed you too.

"Anyone else?" you wiped your eyes.

Itsuki looked at you for a moment, before laughing and doing the same as her sisters.

"Why'd I even ask..." you huffed.

"C'mon guys, don't bully poor Y/N" Ichika spoke up in your defence.

"That's my big sister," you said thankfully as you stood beside her.

"So you're finally acknowledging it?" Ichika turned to tease you.

"I'm still a couple months older, but sure"

Ichika seemed content and began to walk along the beach towards Fuutaro and Grandpa. We all followed.

"Psst, Miku" you moved alongside her. "Why don't you go and fish with Fuutaro. It seems like the perfect time to just talk to him"

Miku looked down as she walked, then back at you. "He wouldn't even recognise me" The fact she was dressed as Itsuki at this moment completely slipped past you.

"Huh, it's weird that I feel like I've only just realised you are"

Miku's face went blank. "Maybe you spend too much time with us..."

"What? Don't enjoy your time with me?"

"I never said I haven't. But my point still stands" she says.

"But you want him to see you for you right? Wouldn't this help"

Miku averted her gaze as we kept walking.

"Don't tell me... you're doing that weird thing girls do where they want the guy to just figure shit out. You're totally doing that aren't you?" you frowned.

"Am not" Miku pouted.

"Are too. Nino does the same, and she pulls the exact same pout you have right now"

Miku sighed. "I just want him to figure it out, if you can do it surely he can..."

"Well there's a difference between us in the way of our relationship towards him"

"How so?"

"Well, the other night. That was you right? The one who wanted to 'end this student-teacher relationship"

Miku for once, blushed slightly and tried to look away.

Bingo "Look, whatever plan you have cooking, I won't interfere unless you feel like you need my help"

By now we'd joined up with the others, Miku seemed to hesitate going up to Fuutaro and ultimately just resided to talking with Yotsuba and Nino instead, they all sat by their grandpa.

"Yo" you slapped Fuutaro on his shoulder, making him almost drop the fishing rod in the sea, he frantically scrambled to catch it.

"Man... what the hell's wrong with you?" he frowned. Ichika and Itsuki laughed as they also stood behind him. "Are you guys all here to judge me or what? I'm fishing here"

"Clearly..." you say, looking at his empty basket.

"I'm sure you'll catch something soon Fuutaro" Ichika attempted to reassure him, which only seemed to add insult to injury.

"Yeah man, if worst comes to worst we'll send Itsuki into the water and she can just catch them with her mouth" you joke, looking over a Itsuki who looked embarrassed by your comment.

"I-I wouldn't do that!"

"Really? And lose out on some tasty, fresh fish?"

Itsuki scowled at you, clearly not appreciating having her ravenous appetite being tested by your words.

"I still wouldn't..." she pouted.

As more time passed we all watched Fuutaro fail to catch fish after fish. No matter how much you and Ichika attempted to cheer him on he still struggled, while the Quintuplets grandpa was hauling some serious catches.

After many minutes of frustration, Fuutaro quickly stood up. "I've had enough of this," he said, before placing the fishing rod down and stepping away from the edge of the water, leaving the fish to continue to swim peacefully.

You decided to stand up and follow him as he left. The other girls stayed behind so you took this chance to catch up to him and talk.

"Gotten any closer to figuring out the mystery?" you asked him, your cheeky tone clearly irritating him.

"I would have if you'd just told me already"

"As I said before, there's no fun in that!"

"Third Year is coming soon you know, it's about time you got serious about things"

"Huh? I am serious, Fuutaro we're on vacation right now, I can relax and take things at a slower pace. When the Third Year rolls around I'll be at the top of my game. After all, we have to make sure they all pass don't we?"

Fuutaro's sighed. "Yeah. I guess"

"Ah, but when the Third Year starts, I'm gonna be way more busy with baseball" You scratched your chin. "It's important to me now. Even my job has kind of been picking up the heat."

"Can you manage juggling all of those things with each other?"

"Hopefully I can"

"What about Nino? Can you juggle her as well as everything else?"

"Oh I can juggle her alright" you laughed.

"Dude... don't laugh like a creep that's your girlfriend"

Feeling slightly embarrassed you moved the conversation along. "So how's it going with Grandpa over there?"

Fuutaro avoided your gaze. "Well... it's going alright... I guess"

"No progress?"

Fuutaro threw his hands up "Gah, I just don't get it. I've been their tutor for 6 months now I still can't tell them apart.

"Woah man, I didn't think you cared so much"

"Oh course I do dumbass" he frowned at you. "They're annoying, useless, idiotic and tiresome but they're still my students"

"...."

"OW!" Fuutaro rubbed his arm, "What the hell was that for"

"You just called my girlfriend Annoying, useless, idiotic and tiresome" you deadpanned.

Fuutaro couldn't help but crack a small smile, "Idiot..."

Fuutaro leaned up against a wall and you did the same.

"How have you and Nino been with their father?" Fuutaro turns around and looks a Quint.

"That's Yotsuba..." you frowned. You pointed to the sister kneeling next to her grandpa. "That one's Nino."

"But they're next to each other, how can you even tell from here?"

"Itsuki and Ichika are standing over there" you pointed. "There were just with us, so the other three are Miku, Nino and Yotsuba. I can just tell Nino no matter how far. But honestly from looking at them from behind and at this distance it's giving me a little trouble to tell Miku and Yotsuba apart"

"So your 'It's all about love' hypothesis was bullshit?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Woah! Watch this swear, big bro. Raiha would scold you for using that type of language!" you teased him.

"You may be more of a handful sometimes than the girls, have I ever told you that?"

"Many times" you smiled stupidly at him.

The two of you walked back over to the rest of the girls and their grandpa as you all decided to walk back to the inn.

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

"Itsuki... why exactly are you following me?" you turned and asked her. You'd all arrived back in the inn some time ago, you would have been back sooner but Fuutaro had a bit of an 'incident' resulting in him falling into the water. Hauling him out of seawater was not fun.

"I'm not following you"

"Clearly you are..." you deadpanned. "You need something?"

Itsuki averted her gaze. "So you do need something..." you said.

"When we get back, we're going into Third Year... and to be honest with you, I'm kind of...."

She was having trouble getting the words out, her stubbornness was one of her best and worst qualities simultaneously.

"Afraid?" you sat down with her on a bench in one of the hallways.

Itsuki slowly nodded, and you noticed her hands trembling ever so slightly. Her anxiety was understandable, I'm sure deep down they were all feeling it but putting those thoughts to rest was your job to do.

"Listen... Itsuki. I get why you're anxious but it's nothing to try and hide. I feel a similar way to you and I'm sure your sisters do as well"

"But... In the third year. You're a lot busier, aren't you? With Baseball at least" she was looking up at you in an attempt to scowl but it just came across as cute as Nino always did the same thing whenever she wanted an answer out of you.

"I mean, yeah of course. But it's not like I'm gonna just abandon you guys. I've been in this big Quintuplet game for half a year now, no point backing out now"

"I suppose you're right" Itsuki put a hand to her chest. "Sorry for always bothering you with silly problems Y/N"

"As I've said countless times" You put a hand on her head. "You can come to me for anything, any of you can. I don't mind at all"

Itsuki looked at you like she'd put her entire life in your hands.

"I have an idea," you said. "How about some ping pong? This place has gotta have a table somewhere right?"

Itsuki seemed to be in thought for a moment before perking up. "I think there's one a few corridors down. Let's go see!" Itsuki said happily skipping away. Talk about a change in mood.

We found a ping pong table not too far from where we originally were, we got out paddles and began to play.

"So... you any good at this?" you asked

"Maybe, you'll have to find out"

"Out of all of you, who's the worst at this?"

"Nino 100%" Itsuki confidently answered.

"Really?"

"You'd honestly be surprised," Itsuki said as she served and absolutely smashed the ball at you at a speed your eyes couldn't even recognise.

"Woah...."

Itsuki smugly put her hands on her hips. "How's that?"

"I'm impressed, I thought you were just a bookworm but it seems I was wrong"

"That one was for the comment about the fish earlier!"

"Alright, I'll let you have that one. But now I'll start to play seriously"

You picked up the ball and bounced it on the table a couple of times, Itsuki waited ready on the other side of the table. She was wearing one of those typical Inn Kimono's. In the back of your mind you were hoping it was done up tightly so she wouldn't have any 'accidents' but knowing how things usually go, that hope was pretty sour.

You tossed the ball into the air and hit it as hard as you could, Itsuki managed to hit it back and a rally started between you.

"I always thought Yotsuba would give me a run for my money with something sporty... AH," you said as you hit the ball back.

"Don't... HAH... Underestimate me Y/N" Itsuki cried as she hit it back at you. The two of you were causing a storm in the small room with how hard you were both hitting it.

Finally, though, you hit it hard enough that it flew past Itsuki.

"1-1" you laughed as Itsuki adjusted her kimono slightly.

"Okay, that was pretty good." The smile on Itsuki's face was telling about how she'd lightened up.

The two of you kept going for another 10 minutes before another pair of footsteps entered the room.

"Oh, this is where all of the noise was coming from" another Itsuki entered.

"Nino, HAH.... we're a little busy," you say as you hit the ball barely clean enough to bounce it back across the table.

"Don't get DISTRACTED!" Itsuki shouted as she easily countered and scored another point against you.

You dropped the bat on the table. "Itsuki... you might be the best. GG"

"G...G?" Itsuki tilted her head.

"Don't worry about it..." you frowned, Nino walked up to you. "So what brings you here ribbons?"

"I could hear you guys shouting from down the hallway."

"I should probably get going" Itsuki excused herself as she also put her bat on the table.

"Leaving looking like that?" Nino raised an eyebrow.

"Like what-"

Itsuki paused as she looked down at herself, you hadn't even noticed yourself surprisingly that her kimono was completely open from the front almost revealing everything.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAA-" Itsuki shrieked, turning away from you and Nino and tightening her kimono again. You looked away with a slight feeling of heat on your cheeks.

"F-F-Forget you saw anything!" Itsuki looked back at you

"I didn't see anything... I swear...." Twice that's happened to her this trip, Itsuki is really going through it...

Itsuki briskly walked out of the room.

"I'm glad I ran into you. I wanted to tell you about my plan for tonight~" Nino smiled cutely.

"Plan?"

"The bell of vows!" she said dramatically.

"What about it? Do you plan on proposing to me? Or do you wanna go up there and clean it?"

"Enough with the sarcasm you!" Nino put her hands on her hips and pouted. She scoffed and faced away from you. "I-I just wanted to ring the bell with you because... you know...."

"I know?" you wrapped your arms over her shoulders, hugging her from behind. The redness on her cheeks was apparent even from this angle.

"W-What I'm saying is!" Nino broke out of the hug and pointed at you. "Tonight, meet me at the bell and we'll ring it together. Got that?"

"Great, what time?"

"Um..." her confident posture faltered as she began to think. "11pm!" she declared.

"Fine by me, I'll be there." It was currently 8pm so it wasn't too far away from now. "But saying that, how are you going to sneak out? I can get out just fine considering your dad doesn't care too much about where I go."

"I'll figure out a way. Just be there at 11" Nino kissed you on the cheek and turned away. "Speaking of Papa, I need to go and help him with a few things. I'll see you later!"

"Alright then, I'll see you at 11"

"If you're late or ditch me, I'm never going to let you live it down, got that?"

"Y-Yes Ma'am..."

Nino swiftly left the room so you decided to wander around the Inn in the meantime.

---------

10pm

While walking around and not doing much in particular, you happened to find one of Itsuki's star hairpins on the floor which meant that one of the girls was walking around without a star.

"Great..." you said to yourself as you looked at your phone, seeing it was only 10pm you had some time before you had to meet Nino.

Now it was time to play detective but it didn't take long until you found the one you were looking for.

"Ichika..." you called out to the girl who was tucking her head into her knees on the floor. "What are you doing here?"

Ichika looked up at you. "Oh... Y/N. It's you"

"..." You stared her down for a moment. "This yours?" you bring out the star hairpin from your pocket and show it to her, from her expression it was as if she didn't even realize she was missing one.

"Oh, you're right" she smiled, however, it didn't seem sincere. "Thank you Y/N," she said as she took the hairpin and adjusted it into her hair.

She looked back down at the floor and you stood there awkwardly for a moment. "Uhhh... You all okay?" you asked.

"Mmhmm"

"Because people who are fine sit on the floor sulking." you rolled your eyes as you took a seat down on the floor next to her. "C'mon Big Sis, tell me what's going through your mind"

"It's just..."

"Fleeting confidence in yourself?" you smiled. Ichika looked up at you surprised.

"A little..."

"I assume relating to Fuutaro?"

"I'm just... worried." she traced her finger across the wooden floor. "Soon I'm going to be more busy with acting stuff and I feel like time is slipping through my fingers"

She looked outside of the window across the room towards the moon and continued. "I look at you and Nino and I just get this... twisted feeling in my chest. Envy? Jealousy? I don't really know"

"I see..."

"Oh. Don't worry, I don't mean it as I'm jealous of her for having you specifically. I more so mean your situation and how easy things fell into place." she waved in dismissal.

"D-Don't worry, I knew that much," you said, a little bummed for some reason.

Ichika laughed. "You're going to meet her soon, aren't you?"

"That's the plan"

"Good luck with that" It seemed she wanted the conversation to end so you slowly got up.

You began to walk away before Ichika called out to you. "Y/N... can I ask something?"

"Go for it" You stopped and turned to face her.

"If... one of us liked you too and you found out. What would you do?"

His facial expression was stone cold, it was eerily similar to the time a while ago when Itsuki asked a similar question. The thought of that situation did linger in the back of your mind from time to time but if it ever became a reality... it would be a total mess.

"I... don't know," you told her truthfully. "I love Nino. That much I know and nothing will change that. But if that situation were to ever happen, I'd handle it in a way to not crush their feelings while still telling them the reality of my feelings".

Ichika laid back and rested her head against the wall. "That was a good answer" She smiled. "You've thought about this before haven't you?"

Ichika could read it on your face. "Sorry to bother you with that. You can go and meet Nino now, I'll be fine."

Her smile was obviously a false one but as much as you wanted to stay, you had places to be. "Ichika. Please, confide in your sisters" you tell her before you walk down the corridor to head out to the bell.

-----------

10:50pm.

The breeze was so calm up here, the moonlight cast itself across the hilltop.

The Bell of Vows. Legend has it that the Man and Woman who ring this bell together will be bound for eternity together.

Standing here was making you anxious as Nino was nowhere to be seen yet. Still, there were 10 minutes until you were planned to be there, in the meantime, you leaned over the railing and got a good look at the island which seemed miniscule so far below.

Since coming here, it was made clear all the girls had their own problems they were dealing with... well apart from Yotsuba it seemed as if you'd barely spoken to her this entire trip, but nonetheless, it seemed like the third year was weighing heavily on their minds.

All you could do was play support which is the reason you were brought in to begin with, you clenched your fist full of determination.

"Ugh, that's so cringey..." you laughed, unclenching your fist.

"What are you laughing about?" The voice of your girlfriend rang out from behind you.

"Nino...." you couldn't stop yourself from staring at her as you turned to face her.

Under this gleaming moonlight, she looked even more beautiful than usual. She showed up in a regular inn robe, with one of your jackets thrown over the top.

"Man... how many of my jackets do you have at this point..?"

"S-Shut up! I can take however many I want, I'm your girlfriend!" she protested.

Nino looked up at the bell, her eyes shimmered under the starry sky. "So, are you ready?"

You approached her and the bell. "This is gonna make a shit ton of noise, you realise that right?"

Nino patted her chest. "I asked the girls to distract Papa for us, so we shouldn't have to worry!"

"Who exactly did you ask?"

"Yotsuba!"

She scowled when she saw the frown on your face. "I hope she pulls through for us," you say.

Nino looked down at her feet, she rocked back and forth on her heels, she seemed nervous about doing this.

"Come on, If we're gonna do this we gotta do it properly" You hold her hand.

"Right!"

The both of you continued to hold hands as you stood just before the bell. The Echo was going to resonate throughout the island, probably get you both in trouble and could potentially end things forever but somehow it felt that ringing this bell now meant more than anything else.

"Y/N" Nino snapped you out of your thoughts. "I'm...really happy I met you" She looked at you, with tears of happiness forming in her eyes. "I love you"

A smile broke out on your face as she held her other hand too. "I can't stress the good that you've brought into my life, meeting you was one of the best things to ever happen to me. I love you too"

Nino smiled and lifted both of your hands up towards the rope of the bell.

"1...2....3!!!" she counted as you both tugged it with full strength.

DONG, DONG, DONG

The sound of the bell's ring was monstrous.

The both of you took a few steps back to not destroy your eardrums. Nino leaned her head on your shoulder as you both looked out into the distance.

"I guess this trips over now..." Nino said slightly deflated.

"There's always gonna be more. I think there is a trip shortly after we start the Third Year. I hope we go somewhere fun"

"I'd love to go skiing again like the last field trip!"

"The weather's getting hotter though... It's coming up to beach season, well in a couple of months anyway."

"We all have to go to the beach in the summer. You can even come swimsuit shopping with me and pick out a favourite~" she winked. This woman knew the only way to make me come shopping with her...

"I'm never going to say no to that kind of offer"

"I know. You've been like that from the beginning" she laughed.

The bell had stopped ringing by now as you two just enjoyed the sights.

"How about we started heading back no-"

"Oh. I thought I would find the two of you up here" Another voice joined the conversation.

Shit, Maruo...

"I guess Yotsuba didn't distract him long enough" you whispered into Nino as she stomped on your foot in response.

"Papa, I-"

He simply held out a hand to signal her to stop speaking.

"I've been very clear with you both multiple times over this trip. Now what do you think I'm going to say next?" his eyes darted between the pair of you but for whatever reason, that usual blaze of intensity that he usually had didn't seem to be there. He looked calmer.

"Mr. Maruo. I know, I've been a pain this entire time. But I've said it once and I'll say it again. I love Nino".

"And I love Y/N!" Nino finally stepped off of your foot and squeezed your hand. "And we already rang the Bell of Vows!" she pointed.

Maruo looked out towards the bell and seemed to ponder something momentarily.

"Y/N. Have you wondered why I am so harsh towards you despite already having an established connection in the past?"

Hell Yes, I've been wondering!

"Sort of..." you meekly responded.

"Your family situation was special. Your mother was a very kind woman. I was a rookie doctor back then but she trusted me to help take care of her and entrusted you to me whenever things were too bad for a child to bear witness to"

"I'm sure you're aware of the other man in your life. Your stepfather?"

Instinctively your grip on the railing tightened slightly.

"I didn't like him. If I'm being frank. I know some of what he did to your mother... and you after they got married. I only learned by the time you ran from home after your mother's passing. I hope wherever he is, he's rotting, to be honest..."

"Mr. Maruo, forgive me if I'm being rude. But what does this have to do with the way you act towards me?"

"Sorry. To sum it up, I'm only harsh because I do not want you to be a man like your stepfather"

Your eyes widen slightly.

"I knew about you getting into fights in school. Naturally, that did not sound like the kid I knew back then. I was weary that in that short time, his influence could have rubbed off on you. Forgive me for that misjudgement"

You stayed quiet and heard him out, Nino did not make a single sound as she too just listened.

"I love my daughters, more than anything in this world. I want them to thrive." He turned to look at Nino.

"Nino. I'm confident you of all people know the significance of this bell." His hand touched the side of the bell. "A long time ago, I rang this same bell with your mother."

"R-Really?" Nino stammered, shocked.

"Y/N. I don't need to ask you again. So I'll tell you, I am entrusting my daughter to you."

"Mr.Maruo..."

"Not just Nino, all of my daughters. I want you to look out for them, help them and be kind to them." His tone shifted slightly. "But no funny business with any of the other girls got it!?"

"Of course," you said, Nino joined back at your side.

"Eternity... is a very long time Y/N. I have faith in you to look after my daughters..."

Nino and you felt a release of tension in yourselves, knowing there didn't have to be any more sneaking around.

"Now. Let's go back to the Inn shall we?" Maruo checked his wrist watch "Tch, 11:30pm. The boat off of the island leaves at noon tomorrow so we need to get to sleep."

Maruo began to walk down the path.

"Well... that went..."

"Better than expected?" Nino finished your sentence.

"Oddly, yeah"

"Hey Y/N... about your stepfather..." The two of you began to walk down the path as well.

"What about him?"

"I only know bits and pieces, but I hope I never meet him" Her face was dead serious.

"I doubt you ever would. I don't even know what he's up to nowadays. Hopefully, he's far away and I never have to cross paths with him again. He'd probably just try and leech some of my Mother's leftover money from me anyway"

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

"What's got you all fidgety?" you asked the real Itsuki as the two of you walked to breakfast the next morning.

"W-Well.... No! It's a secret!"

"Okay... say, what were you up to last night?"

"Me? I was in the hot springs with Miku, why?"

"So it's Miku's secret, got it!"

"Wha-!" Itsuki blushed... "Oh... I found it it was Miku!" she regained her composure.

"Found out what?"

"That she was the one trying to break up the group!"

"I see I see. Did you tell Fuutaro?"

"No, not yet."

"Well don't tell him. He needs to figure it out himself. Actually, I haven't seen him since this morning so maybe he's doing it right now"

Itsuki blushed again.

"It's that Miku likes him right?" you deadpanned.

"H-How did you know!"

"Everyone knows..."

"Really?" she pouted.

You pat her head and went to go and eat breakfast.

---------

It was getting close to noon, and everyone was at the entrance to the Inn.

A sad feeling welled up in your chest, it was a good few days here and you were honestly going to miss this place.

The girls all went and hugged their grandpa goodbye. All of them were dressed identically for one last time before they could go back to being themselves. The sight was endearing, even Fuutaro bowed and seemingly thanked their grandpa. Judging by the way Miku joined his side afterwards it seemed that Fuutaro figured out the answer after all.

"Hey sir" you bowed before their grandpa. He didn't respond as usual but he was clearly smiling this time. "I hope I get to see you again one day."

He gestured for you to come closer. "I don't have all the time in the world left, thank you for loving my granddaughters"

"Wait! Do you mean?"

"Shhhh. Keep it down" he hushed you.

"Grandpa, may I ask why you're so okay with letting me date Nino. Since you said it I've been curious as to the reason why and I-"

"I just want to see my granddaughter smile, that's all I've ever wanted" his smile didn't waver one bit.

"I promise to do what I can" You bowed one last time. "Take care of yourself, for their sake"

You waved him goodbye. Nino shed some light tears as you all said goodbye so you comforted her as you all walked away.

Everyone besides their grandpa moved up the Bell of Vows. To think that just over 12 hours ago you and Nino were here ringing the thing.

"Okay! I'm going to take the picture now!" Ebata called out, holding a camera towards everyone.

The Nakano's, you and the Uesugi's all huddled together.

"Hey! Y/N, come closer!" Nino positioned you to stand behind her. "Don't be shy of the camera~"

We all posed, and Ebata snapped the picture.

"I think I was blinking..." Nino pouted as she came to you to console her.

"I'm sure you were fine, although looking at a picture of me hugging you dressed as Itsuki stirs a weird feeling inside of me"

"Well, we can take some pictures together later too when I'm not dressed like this" she smiled.

The others started to head down the path so you and Nino began to walk in that direction. Nino ran off ahead of you. The stairs were on the complete opposite side of where you both were standing.

You stopped facing the scenery and prepared to head down the path too.

That was until...

DONG, DONG, DONG

"What the hell?" you turned, your eyes widening to the sight of Fuutaro on the floor with one of the sisters on top of him their lips touching.

Before you could even tell who it was they ran off, leaving a flustered Fuutaro on the floor.

"Hey!" Nino called from the stairs. "We're going to miss the boat if you two keep slacking off!"

You looked down at Fuutaro, his face full of shock and confusion. Both of you were thinking the same thing. Who was that?

The Third Year was going to be a year unlike any other...

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Hey. So to start, apologies on taking so long. As I've mentioned I got a job recently and adjusting to that has left my tired as soon as I get home. It's not even a tough or demanding job I just aint built for adult life lmao.

Anyway, I want to hope I get one more chapter out before the year ends but you know me by now to not expect that realistically, but I'll try!

Next time, we start the Third Year, so that'll be fun. I got some ideas in the works, easier ideas so I don't have to stress about writing too much and can release (hopefully) more frequently. Let it be known if I could write this fic on my computer at work, we'd be on chapter 50 by now I get so bored halfway through the day at work lmao.

Enough about me though, as I say literally every time, thanks for all of the patience I honestly don't know how you guys put up with my inconsistency but regardless I appreciate it.

Hope to see you guys again before 2024! (Here's hoping lmao)