Been a while huh? Enjoy :)

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Day 2 of the Kyoto Trip

"This one we all took under the Torii gates before everything happened" Nino's tone flattened. You were both sitting in the hotel communal area on a sofa together. She was showing you pictures she'd taken on the first day of the trip. It showed Itsuki, Miku, Yotsuba and Ichika all standing side by side and smiling.

"But you're not in it, so you didn't all take it" You swiped your finger over a few more photos and began noticing a pattern. "None of these have all 5 of you in them"

Nino shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Well, you know how it is. Someone always has to take the picture."

You looked at her sceptically. "But not the same person every time. It's like you were deliberately avoiding being in the same shot as your sisters."

She glanced away, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her phone case. "It's not like that. I just... I don't know. I guess I wasn't in the mood for group photos."

"Or you're just prioritising your sister's memories but not including yourself in them. You forget how easy it is for me to read you."

You watched as Nino's expression shifted, a flicker of something raw and vulnerable passing over her features before she could hide it. She set her phone down on the sofa cushion between you, the screen going dark.

"It's not like I don't want to be in the photos with them," she said quietly, still not meeting your gaze. "It's just...I want them to not have regrets, they're my sisters after all and I want them to remember good times with us all"

She laughed, but there was no humour in the sound. "It's stupid, isn't it? We're quintuplets. I can tell by your silence that you think this is stupid too."

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't think that" you admitted, "but I don't think it's stupid in a bad way. It's just... kind of sad"

Nino's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, you worried you'd overstepped. But then she let out a slow breath and leaned back against the sofa, her shoulders slumping.

"Maybe it is stupid," she murmured. "But sometimes I feel like I'm the one holding us together. Like if I'm not behind the camera making sure everything is perfect, then things will fall apart, just look at what happened with Ichika and Miku"

You hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's not your job to keep everything perfect, Nino. You're allowed to be part of the memories too, not just capture them for everyone else."

She looked at you then, really looked at you, and you saw tears glistening in her eyes. "I've always felt this pressure...like I have to be strong for them. Ever since Mom passed away."

Suddenly, it all made sense. The weight she carried on her shoulders, the need to be both pillar and glue—it wasn't just about photos. "You don't have to do it all alone, Nino," you said softly. "Your sisters, they love you just as much as you love them. They can share the burden too."

Nino's lip quivered, and a tear finally escaped, rolling down her cheek. She hastily wiped it away with her free hand, but more followed. You squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"It's okay to let them see that you're vulnerable," you continued. "It's okay to be in the photos, to be part of the memories. They need you there, just as much as you need them."

What Ichika said to her earlier, really seemed to be picking away at her. Her love for her sisters being questioned and challenged like that, after she puts in so much effort. A weird sensation of anger towards Ichika pounded at your chest but you needed to suppress that for now, dealing with Ichika was for later.

Nino stayed with her arms around you and her head buried against your chest for a little while. Finally, she spoke up. "Hey, about what Ichika said yesterday....

"Not in a rude way, but I can't imagine a world where I got with any Quintuplet besides you"

Nino went quiet for a moment, before pushing against you, trapping you to the edge of the sofa. "If you had to pick one, besides me. Who would you pick?"

You looked at her as if she was joking but her expression told you that she wanted an answer.

"Why are you asking me this, this is just weird."

"I'm curious"

"Can I convince you to be curious about something else?"

"Not at the moment" her eyes were unwavering.

You pondered for a moment. "If I had to pick one... Itsuki I guess."

"Itsuki? Really?" Nino leaned back against the sofa. "That's a surprise"

"Really?" you responded. "Yotsuba feels like a younger sister, Miku feels like a twin sister sometimes and Ichika just feels more distant but that may or may not be influenced by the current circumstances.

Nino laughed quietly. "Idiot"

"What?"

"Come on" She stood up, wiping the last evidence of tears from her face. "Let's go cheer up Miku" Nino offered you a hand and you took it.

You stood up, following Nino's lead as she tugged you by the hand. You followed Nino across the hotel lobby, down the narrow hallway to the elevator. As you both stepped into the elevator, you couldn't help but steal a glance at Nino. Her face was a mix of determination and something softer—perhaps relief. The doors slid open with a gentle chime, and you stepped out into the corridor. Nino led the way to their room, her steps confident despite the turmoil you'd seen in her eyes earlier.

"Itsuki and Yotsuba both attempted to talk to Miku earlier but they had no luck in even getting her to answer the door. She's really shut herself off"

"So we're the equivalent of sending in the big guns?"

"Seems that way" Nino laughed, hugging your arm as the two of you approached the girls' room. "She can try and be as stubborn as she wants. Against the two of us? I don't think she stands a chance"

"Damn right" you responded. After taking a breath and looking at each other for confirmation, you knocked on the door rhythmically.

"Miku! It's Me and Y/N!" Nino loudly knocked on the door and leaned in close, listening for any sound from within. There was silence at first, a stillness that seemed to stretch on forever. But then, the faint rustle of movement reached both of your ears.

"Miku!" Nino called again, her voice a blend of impatience and affection. "We're not leaving until you open up."

A muffled response came through the door. "Go away. I don't want to talk right now."

Nino exchanged a knowing glance with you, rolling her eyes playfully. "Too bad," she retorted. "Because we're here and we're not going anywhere!"

You leaned closer to the door, adding your voice to the mix. "Miku, we just want to make sure you're okay. Can we come in?"

There was another pause, and then the soft sound of footsteps approaching. The door creaked open a few inches, enough for Miku's eyes to peer out at you both. Her expression was guarded, but she looked so vulnerable.

Nino without hesitation marched through the door, not allowing Miku to shut you both out.

Miku took a hesitant step back, allowing you to follow Nino's lead into the dimly lit room. Clothes were strewn haphazardly over the chairs, and an unfinished cup of tea sat abandoned on the small table by the window. Miku glanced between the two of you, her arms crossed over her chest defensively. "I told you I don't want company," she murmured, avoiding Nino's steady gaze.

"And that's exactly why we're here," Nino replied firmly but gently.

"Exactly" You took a seat on the end of one of the beds. "Miku. I'll be straight with you, what Ichika did was fucked up but what good is locking yourself away from everyone? Are you just never going to face anyone again? Including Fuutaro?

Miku's eyes widened at your blunt words, a mix of surprise and hurt flashing across her face. She opened her mouth as if to argue, then closed it again, her shoulders slumping in defeat.

"I... I don't know," she admitted quietly, sinking onto the bed opposite you. "I just feel so... betrayed. And embarrassed" Miku quickly shuffled closer to you, her face extremely close to yours. "How can I face him after what happened!!?"

You leaned back slightly, caught off guard by Miku's sudden proximity. "Miku," you said gently, "what happened wasn't your fault. Fuutaro knows that."

Nino sat down on Miku's other side, her voice soft. "He's right. Fuutaro isn't going to hold it against you for something Ichika did"

Miku's eyes darted between you and Nino, her lip trembling slightly. "But... but what if he avoids me now that he knows..? What if he thinks-"

You shook your head firmly. "Fuutaro isn't like that, and you know it. If anything, that idiot is probably worried about you."

"Exactly," Nino chimed in, wrapping an arm around Miku's shoulders. "This is your long-awaited chance at the school trip and here you are hiding yourself away and wasting time" Nino scoffed. "You've essentially given up"

"I've not given up!"

"Are you sure? This reeks of giving up"

"I'm not giving up!!" Miku raised her voice. "But I'm scared" her voice softened and she clutched tightly to a nearby pillow, her voice lowering to that of a teary whisper. "When Fuutaro heard my feelings, I suddenly felt like I wasn't good enough.

Her whispers turned to subtle sobs. "There's no way Fuutaro would like someone like me..." Miku began to cry. Nino and you exchanged a glance.

You inched closer to her "Miku-"

"Why the hell are you acting like the game's already over?" Nino cut you off.

Miku looked up at Nino, tears still glistening in her eyes. "W-What do you mean?"

Nino's expression softened, but her voice remained firm. "I mean, you're acting like Fuutaro has already rejected you. Has he?"

Miku shook her head slowly. "N-No, but..."

"But nothing," Nino interjected. "You haven't even given him a chance to respond. You're just assuming the worst and hiding away."

"I'm up against the Ichika. She's cute, sociable, popular and carries herself strongly. If I were a boy I'd choose Ichika for sure"

You cleared your throat before speaking. "Boy here," you said, then you gently poked Nino in the cheek. "Not every guy thinks the same and has the same tastes. Take me for example"

"Even Nino as well..."

Nino blushed "That's... Thanks..." she sheepishly accepted the compliment. "Anyway, I know that I'm cute already! That's beside the point"

"Miku. You haven't confessed to Fuutaro yet, so you don't know what his answer would even be"

"And you're here assuming it's a no because..?" you questioned her.

Miku's eyes darted between you and Nino, her grip on the pillow tightening. "Because... because I'm just me. I'm not outgoing like Yotsuba, or confident like Nino, or..."

"Or what?" you interrupted gently. "Miku, you're selling yourself extremely short. You're so much better than you believe yourself to be"

Miku's eyes widened slightly at your words. "R-Really?"

You nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Really. Miku, you have so many great qualities. You're intelligent, thoughtful, witty, great to joke around with and you have a quiet strength that's admirable. Don't ever sell yourself short!!"

Nino nodded in agreement. "He's right, you know. And besides, Fuutaro isn't the type to be swayed by popularity or outward appearances. He values hard work and genuine effort. Who's been working the hardest to improve herself?"

A faint blush coloured Miku's cheeks as she looked down at her hands. "I... I have been trying..."

"Exactly," you said, gently patting her shoulder.

"And stop with this whole not cute thing" Nino stomped her foot. "Did you forget? We're quintuplets dumbass, If I'm cute then you're cute too!"

Miku's eyes widened as if her rational thinking had only just returned.

"Miku. Don't waste your chance" Nino said before grasping your hand and leading you to the door.

"H-Hey" you called out before leaning down to whisper into Nino's ear. "You sure it's just a good idea to leave her here?"

"What? Not trust me?" Nino opened the door after taking one last look at Miku. We both quietly stepped outside. "She needs to find the strength to stand for what she wants"

As you and Nino stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind you, you couldn't help but feel a mix of concern and hope for Miku. You glanced at Nino, who seemed lost in thought.

"Do you think she'll be okay?" you asked.

Nino nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "She will be. Miku's stronger than she gives herself credit for. Sometimes she just needs a little push."

You both started walking down the corridor, your footsteps echoing in the quiet space. "You're a good sister, you know that?" you said, bumping your shoulder against hers playfully.

Nino blushed slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Idiot..." She smiled. "I just want her to be happy. All of them."

She took a breath and called for the elevator. The two of you got on and proceeded to head down to the lobby.

"That being said..." Nino visibly ground her teeth together. "I need to find Ichika and talk to her one to one. No offence" She folded her arms and looked up at you apologetically.

"None taken, Do you want me to wait for you?"

Nino shook her head. "No, this might take a while. Why don't you go check on Yotsuba and Itsuki? They're probably worried about Miku too."

"Good idea," you agreed. "Text me when you're done?"

"Of course," Nino replied, giving you a quick kiss on the cheek before heading off in search of her sister.

You watched her go, admiring her strength and determination. Then, with a sigh, you turned and made your way towards the hotel's garden area, where you last saw Yotsuba and Itsuki.

------

As you stepped outside, the warm afternoon sun greeted you. You spotted Yotsuba's signature ribbon bobbing near a cluster of cherry blossom trees. She was chatting animatedly with Itsuki, who seemed to be listening intently.

"Hey, you two," you called out as you approached.

Both girls turned, their faces lighting up at the sight of you. "Y/N!" Yotsuba exclaimed, bouncing on her toes. "How's Miku? Did you and Nino manage to talk to her?"

You nodded, taking a seat on a nearby bench. "We did. She's... processing things. But I think she'll be okay."

Itsuki's brow furrowed with concern. "I hope so. This whole situation with Ichika... it's not like her at all."

"Yeah," you agreed, running a hand through your hair. "Nino's gone to talk to her now."

Yotsuba's eyes widened. "Oh boy. I hope they don't fight."

You couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, knowing those two, there might be some fireworks. But I think they need to clear the air and no one is more assertive and can get their point across better than Nino. I trust her to handle it" You paused for a moment. "By the way... what are you guys doing here? I thought you'd be touring Kyoto while you have the chance at least"

"W-Well... the Ichika and Miku stuff made us feel a bit uneasy" Yotsuba bashfully scratched her head.

"Fuutaro was with us not too long ago but he disappeared all of a sudden" Itsuki added.

"Disappeared?" you raised an eyebrow, that didn't sound like him.

Itsuki scrunched up her face slightly as she looked at you "Y/N, you're making that face again"

"Huh? What face?" you looked back at her.

"The one when you're in thought. You do it every tutoring session. Has... no one ever brought it up?"

"N-No!" you felt a sudden wave of embarrassment. As that wave hit you, a couple of droplets of rain also hit you. "Ah shit... what great weather for our school trip"

Itsuki held up her hand, the raindrops falling onto her palm "Mmm, looks like they'll probably call us back any minute.

You took out your phone and dialled Nino's number. After a few rings, she picked up.

"Hello? Most beautiful girl in the world, are you there?"

"Yes. I'm here" Nino answered with an aggravated tone.

"So you found Ichika?"

"No, I didn't, I looked everywhere but couldn't find her. Where are you? It's starting to rain"

"I'm with Itsuki and Yotsuba. Where are you?"

"Inside with Miku. I gave up searching and just came to sit with her"

"Okay. In that case, I should probably go find Ichika... By the way, have you seen Fuutaro at all?"

"Fuutaro? No, I haven't why?"

Shit... "No worries. I'll see you later. We'll talk then"

"A-Alright. I know you, so you're probably going to run out into a storm looking for them because you suspect they're together right?"

"..." she was dead on the mark.

Nino sighed. "I knew it. Well, do what you like, If you get a cold though I won't pamper you"

"Aww c'mon..."

"Maybe, I'll pamper you a little"

You laughed. "Love you, see you soon"

"Love you too. Don't do anything too reckless!"

You hung up and turned back to the two quintuplets standing behind you. "Okay. You girls go back inside. Nino couldn't find Ichika and no one knows where Fuutaro is so...."

"You think they're together?" Itsuki affirmed.

"Yeah Pretty much. You nodded grimly. "And given what's happened, I'm worried."

"I'm coming with you," Yotsuba declared, her usual cheerful demeanour replaced with determination.

"No, you're not," you said firmly. "The rain's getting worse. You two head back inside. I'll find them."

Itsuki placed a hand on Yotsuba's shoulder. "He's right. Besides, if we all split up looking for them, we'll just end up with more people missing."

Yotsuba reluctantly nodded. "Fine. But promise you'll text us when you find them."

"I promise," you said, already backing away toward the hotel exit. "Now go."

As they headed inside, you pulled your jacket tighter around yourself and stepped out into the increasingly heavy rain. The streets of Kyoto were beginning to empty as people sought shelter. Where would Ichika and Fuutaro be? You tried to think like Ichika—if she wanted to speak to Fuutaro alone, where would she take him?

Your mind flashed to earlier conversations. The shrine. The Torii gates. It was worth a shot.

The rain was coming down in sheets now as you jogged through the streets, occasionally checking your phone for directions. By the time you reached the path leading to the shrine, you were soaked through. The red Torii gates loomed ahead, creating a tunnel-like path up the hillside. Through the curtain of rain, you could make out two figures standing beneath one of the gates further up.

You slowed your pace, approaching cautiously. As you got closer, their voices became audible over the patter of rain.

"I'm done playing along with you Miku... or should I say Ichika!" Fuutaro exclaimed. Standing opposite him was Miku. But you already knew she was inside with Nino. This was why she couldn't find her. Ichika wasn't in play to begin with she was Miku this entire time.

Fuutaro reached up and grabbed her hair, removing the wig from her head. The Guilty look on Ichika's face spoke volumes.

"What is going on with all of these lies? I've had enough. Tell me what's going on"

Ichika hesitated. "Fuutaro.. you know, don't you? The girl you met 5 years ago. Me... It was me... We met 5 years ago!" Her eyes were warped by the sting of desperation. You felt, pity.

"Do you remember the charm we bought together at the time?" Fuutaro asked sternly.

"Y-Yeah!" Ichika's eyes lit with a slither of hope. "I-I still have it to this day"

"Hey! You two! The tours are over so start making your way back to the hotel!" A random classmate called out to them.

"I see. So that was another lie. I never bought a charm" Fuutaro walked past Ichika. "Sorry, I can't trust a word you say right now. Let's go back before we get sick" Fuutaro coldly walked off. Leaving Ichika in the rain alone. Soon he disappeared and Ichika stood alone crying into her hands.

After a deep breath, you came out of hiding. "Ichika. Let's go"

She was startled. Eyes bulged wide at you upon hearing your voice. "Y/N!" Ichika gasped, quickly wiping at her tears despite the rain making the effort futile. "How long have you been..."

"Long enough," you replied, your voice carefully neutral. The rain drummed against the Torii gates above, creating a rhythmic backdrop to the tension between you.

Ichika looked away, shoulders slumped in defeat. "So you heard everything. You saw me make a complete fool of myself." Her laugh was hollow, almost painful to hear. "Perfect. Just perfect."

You took a step closer, rain soaking through your clothes. "Why, Ichika? Why all of this? The disguises, the lies... pretending to be Miku?"

She remained silent for a long moment, rain streaming down her face, mingling with her tears. When she finally spoke, her voice was barely audible above the downpour.

"I don't know anymore," she whispered. "I just... I wanted him to see me. Not as the reliable big sister, not as just another quintuplet, but... me."

You felt your anger softening despite yourself. "And you thought this was the way?"

Ichika's face crumpled then, any pretence of composure washing away with the rain. "So now you hate me too," she whispered, not a question but a resigned statement.

"I don't hate you," you said carefully, moving closer until you were both standing under the same Torii gate. "But I don't understand why you'd do this to your sisters. To Miku."

There was a pause, and you could hear Ichika sniffling. "I've ruined everything, haven't I? Miku won't even look at me. Nino probably hates me." She looked away, her profile sharp against the misty backdrop. "I didn't plan any of this. It just... happened. And then it kept happening, and I couldn't stop."

"That's not good enough, Ichika," you said, your tone firm but not unkind. "Miku is devastated. Nino is furious. Your sisters are hurting."

"Don't you think I know that?" she snapped, her eyes flashing as she turned back to you. "Don't you think I'm hurting too? I've never—" Her voice broke, and she took a shuddering breath. "I've never felt this way about anyone before. Not like this."

"Ichika," you said softly, "this isn't you. The Ichika I know cares about her sisters more than anything. She puts their happiness first, even at her own expense."

She flinched at your words, tears mingling with raindrops on her face. "Maybe that Ichika doesn't exist anymore. Maybe she never did."

"I don't believe that," you said firmly. "And neither do your sisters, deep down. That's why this hurts them so much—because they know who you are."

Ichika looked into your eyes and suddenly rushed into you, wrapping her arms around your neck. You stood frozen for a moment as Ichika's arms tightened around your neck, her tears warm against your rain-chilled skin. Hesitantly, you placed your hands on her shoulders, neither fully embracing nor pushing her away.

"Ichika," you said quietly, "this isn't the answer either."

She pulled back slightly, her face inches from yours, eyes searching. "I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the rain. "I just... I don't know how to fix this. I don't know if I can."

You gently disentangled yourself from her grasp, creating a small but necessary distance between you. "The first step is going back and facing everyone. No more running, no more disguises."

Ichika nodded, wiping her face with the back of her hand. The rain had plastered her hair to her head, making her look younger, and more vulnerable than you'd ever seen her.

"I'm scared," she admitted the words seeming to cost her.

"I know," you replied. "But your sisters love you. That hasn't changed, even if they're hurt right now."

You both stood there for a moment longer, the rain drumming steadily around you. Then, wordlessly, you turned and began walking back down the path, Ichika falling into step beside you. The silence between you wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't hostile either—just heavy with everything left unsaid.

---

Eventually, you both made your way back to the dorms. You sent Ichika to her room to confront her sisters while you headed back to yours to shower and clean yourself off.

A while passed after you had showered so you decided to head to their room to speak with Nino and see how the tension currently was.

You knocked softly on the door to the quintuplets' room, your hair still damp from the shower. For a moment, there was no response. Then the door opened just enough for Nino's face to appear, her expression softening when she saw it was you.

"Hey," she said quietly, opening the door wider to let you see in. "You're back."

Stepping inside, you immediately felt the tension in the air. Miku sat cross-legged on one of the beds. Yotsuba was by the window, unusually still as she gazed out at the rain. Itsuki sat at the small desk, pretending to read a guidebook but too distracted to absorb any of it.

And Ichika—she sat alone on the edge of the furthest bed, her hair still damp, her eyes red-rimmed. No one was looking directly at her. Nino and you both stepped outside as Nino quietly took the key.

"So," you murmured to Nino as she closed the door behind you, "how's it going?"

Nino gave you a look that said everything. "About as well as you'd expect," she whispered back, leaning against the wall, she looked tired. "Ichika apologized. Multiple times. No one knows what to say."

"Where's Fuutaro?" you asked.

"In his room, I think," Nino replied, running a hand through her hair. "He came back looking like a drowned rat. Didn't say much, just asked if everyone was safe and present because he had to do class rep duties and then disappeared."

"And you? Did you give her an earful?"

Nino sighed, her eyes dropping to the floor. "I wanted to. I did." She leaned closer, lowering her voice further. "But when she walked in looking like that—completely soaked, eyes all puffy from crying—I just... couldn't. Not right away."

You nodded, understanding. "So what happened?"

"She apologized. Said she didn't know what came over her, that she never meant for things to go so far." Nino's fingers curled into a fist at her side. "But the worst part is, I think she's lying to herself. She knew exactly what she was doing. She just didn't expect to get caught, or for it to blow up like this."

"And the others?"

"Miku hasn't said a word. Not one. She just put those headphones on and shut down. Yotsuba tried to play peacemaker for about five minutes before she gave up. And Itsuki..." Nino shook her head. "She's disappointed. You can see it in her eyes. That might be hurting Ichika more than anything else."

"Okay," you exhaled. "Let's go inside and sort it out."

"What? Sort it out? How exactly do you plan to do that?" Nino responded.

"Come on" you gestured for Nino to open the door, she gave you a look of uncertainty but her faith in you pushed her to open the door.

As the door swung open again, four pairs of eyes turned toward you. The tension in the room was palpable, like a physical presence hanging in the air. You stepped in, Nino close behind you.

"Alright," you said, your voice cutting through the silence. "This has gone on long enough."

"Tomorrow we all have to pick one of five courses for the day. Divide the courses between you, whoever ends up with Fuutaro ends up with him"

The room went silent. "That was a lot blunter than I expected" Nino frowned.

"I'm not stupid. I'm aware you all have some vague interest in Fuutaro. As small or large as it may be. It's the fair option"

Nino looked over at Yotsuba and Itsuki puzzled. Honestly, you were kind of grasping at straws at Itsuki and Yotsuba as there wasn't anything concrete.

"I... like the sound of that. Leaving it up to luck" Ichika said.

"It seems to be the most fair way... but wait what about you and Nino?" Itsuki asked.

You looked at Nino, then back at Itsuki. "What about us?"

"Well," Itsuki adjusted her glasses, "aren't you two together? Wouldn't Nino want to be in the same group as you?"

Nino's cheeks flushed slightly as she crossed her arms. "Then we'll just pick the same group it's not a big deal"

"But then what if the both of you end up in his group?"

"We won't. Me and Nino will pick group A. I know for a fact he's not picking A because I talked with him on the first day about the courses"

Miku finally pulled her headphones down, letting them rest around her neck. "I agree with the idea," she said quietly, her first words since you'd entered the room. "It's fair. No disguises, no tricks. Just chance."

Ichika winced at the implied accusation but nodded. "I'm in."

Yotsuba, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally turned from the window. "Me too. Let's do it."

"Then it's settled," you said, relieved that they'd accepted the suggestion. "Tomorrow, you each choose a course, and whoever ends up with Fuutaro... well, that's that."

"Not quite," Itsuki interjected, her expression thoughtful. "What if more than one of us ends up in the same group as Fuutaro?"

"That's... a good point," you admitted.

"I have an idea," Nino said suddenly. "You each write down your first choice course and give it

to Y/N. He can make sure no one picks the same group as someone else. That way, each of you has an equal chance."

"That sounds reasonable," Itsuki nodded, reaching for her notepad.

Miku hesitated. "And we all agree to abide by the results? No matter what?"

The question hung in the air, loaded with the weight of everything that had happened. One by one, the quintuplets nodded.

"No matter what," Ichika affirmed, her voice steady.

You cleared your throat. "Alright, write down your choices now. And remember—this isn't just about Fuutaro. It's about enjoying your school trip too."

As they each scribbled their selections, you caught Nino's eye across the room. She gave you a small, grateful smile that made your heart skip. Whatever happened tomorrow, at least this tension-filled standoff would be resolved.

After collecting their choices, you made sure each had selected a different course. "It's settled then," you announced. "Tomorrow, fate decides."

As you and Nino left the room together, she slipped her hand into yours. "That was pretty clever," she murmured. "Not exactly a solution to everything, but at least they're talking again."

"Sometimes that's all you can hope for," you replied, squeezing her hand. "One step at a time."

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Been a while huh? I told you I would actually announce it if I ever quit so I'm not done yet! But yeah, I know this chapter took.... 7 months. My bad. Not any excuse, I just have less free time than I once did.

Regardless if I'm actually writing or not I do think of this story a lot as I'm proud and pretty fond of it. Occasionally I'll write a couple hundred words or part or a random oneshot (Seriously I have like 20 for random characters than are just incomplete) but I do still intend to finish the story... one day.

I can't promise consistency, I pretty much write when I'm in the mood for it and that spark came back lately. I don't plan to rush the story just for the sake of finishing it either so don't expect to be at the wedding in 3 chapter or anything.

I'd have to say a bit of reason for the sudden motivation was seeing that Butterflies, one of the other Nino stories hasn't been updated in 2 years which is crazy considering that was my main inspo. Hope the guy's doing well with himself, I'm sure writing Nino fanfiction isn't a top priority but a man can dream.

In any case, I hope you guys have been well and and taking care of yourselves. As I said I can't promise another chapter soon but I'll see what I can do. Take care of yourselves and I'll see you next time!