Y/N's POV:

Y/N: Is it already morning?

I glanced at my phone. 5:00 a.m.

Y/N: Guess I better get up and prepare for school.

I leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Harin's forehead before quietly slipping out of the room.

Y/N: I'll be back soon, Harin.

Ichika: Yo! Good morning!

I looked up from the manga and see Ichika in her winter clothes and drinking on some buckstars drink.

Y/N (yawning): Morning... Nice uniform, by the way.

Ichika (grinning): Thanks! You really took my advice, huh?

Y/N: I'm learning to be better.

She started walking beside me without hesitation.

Ichika: I want to walk to school with you today.

Y/N: You sure? People are gonna stare.

She ignored the comment, smiling to herself.

Ichika: Yesterday, after everything, I told my sisters about my job. They were so surprised! I thought they'd be mad at me for keeping it a secret—especially Nino—but... they were all really supportive. Told me to give it my all.

Y/N: That's great to hear.

Ichika: And... I want to thank you. For helping me believe in myself. Without you, I don't think I would've had the courage to tell them.

Y/N: I'm glad that i could help.

Ichika (smiling brightly): I feel so refreshed now!

Y/N: Just don't forget about school.

Ichika: I won't! I'll study enough so I won't have to repeat the year. And after school, you're still holding a study group, right? I'll call you then!

As we reached school we parted ways with Ichika and got to our own class.
Teacher: The midterms will begin next week. Just so you know, any scores below thirty will be deemed failing grades, as always. Be sure to revise, and revise well.

Y/N: This is suck...

-------

I looked over at Itsuki and saw her diligently studying. I chuckled softly, setting my manga down and simply watching her for a moment. She looked peaceful when she focused like that.

Suddenly, Fuutarou approached her, causing her to glance up.

Fuutarou: Itsuki.

Itsuki: What do you want?

Fuutarou: Wow, you're studying during break? Good on you!

Itsuki: Huh?

Futaro: I've noticed you're studying at home too. I mean, we're classmates—I can tell. You're the most studious out of the quintuplets.

Itsuki (blushing slightly): Y-you think so?

Fuutarou: Yeah! Even thinks so!

He pointed at me. Itsuki turned toward me with a curious, adorable expression. I felt my face heat up and instinctively tugged my scarf up to hide the blush.

Itsuki: Is that true?

: Y-yeah... sure.

Fuutarou: See? It's just that you're also kinda dumb.

Both of us immediately shifted to deadpan expressions as we stared at him. I sighed and returned to reading my manga while eavesdropping on their conversation.

Fuutarou: So stop being stubborn and join the study group. I'm sure even you could improve your grades.

Itsuki's annoyed look softened into a cute, grateful smile. Futaro stood there proudly, thinking he'd accomplished something.

Itsuki: You're right... there's only so much I can do on my own. Could you help me with this question?

Fuutarou: Of course—

Y/N: Snap back to reality. She's talking to the teacher.

Fuutarou blinked and looked over to see Itsuki already at the teacher's desk. He sighed, arching his back in defeat as I patted him on the shoulder.

Fuutarou: I'm not giving up. , follow me!

He marched out of the classroom and I followed him. We reached the stairwell where he crossed his arms dramatically.

Fuutarou: Nino!

I looked down the stairs and spotted Nino chatting with her friends. When she noticed us, I gave a small wave while Futaro tried to look intimidating. Nino glanced at him, unimpressed, and continued walking up the stairs.

Fuutarou: Are you ready for the midterms?

Nino: Let's go, girls.

As she passed, her two friends stayed behind a moment, glancing at us.

Girl #1: Wasn't he calling you? The other one's cute though.

Nino: They're stalkers.

Girl #2: Yikes... shame the cute one's a stalker.

Y/N (sighing): Nice. I got labeled a stalker without even saying a word.

Fuutarou (ignoring it): Nino! I'm not giving up! You were happy to go along with it during the festival, weren't you?

Nino twitched at that. I sighed and turned away, not wanting to get dragged into whatever mess he was about to cause. Her two friends paused, clearly curious.

Fuutarou: Just think about it! We can study at your place if we have to—just one more time!

Fuutarou: Just give me one more chance!

Fuutarou: There's so much I can teach you, Nino!

Fuutarou: I swear, I'll satisfy you!

Fuutarou: What is it!?

I silently pointed upward. He turned and saw Nino walking toward him, clearly fuming. His confident smile froze as I casually backed away.

Fuutarou (nervously): D-do you get it now?

Nino: You're giving people the wrong idea!

She slapped him clean across the face, knocking him down. Then she turned to me, eyes still burning.

Y/N: You gonna hit me too? I didn't even do anything.

Nino (pointing to Fuutarou): Just... get that thing away from me.

Y/N: Yes, ma'am.

I picked Fuutarou up and turned back to Nino and her friends.

Y/N: See you later, ladies.

Nino stuck her tongue out at me while I walked away. On the way to the library, I overheard a bit of their conversation.

Girl #2: Was that your boyfriend?

Girl #1: He was so handsome.

Nino: Nope. Never.

--------

Ichika: Ehh??? Already? Come on, Y/N, give us a little break...

Miku: I don't mind. I need the extra study time anyway...

Yotsuba: Same here! Even though I'm still gonna fail!

Y/N: That's not something you should be proud of.

Fuutarou (sighing): I feel like I've aged five years in one day...

Ichika: That's what happens when you mess with Nino.

Futaro: Noted. So, what's the plan?

Y/N: We'll go over each subject one by one. I'll split the sessions between you all depending on what you're weakest at. That way, you're not wasting time on what you already know.

Ichika: Wow... serious mode Y/N is kinda hot.

Y/N: Stop saying stuff like that out loud...

Yotsuba: I think you're always cool, Y/N-san!

Ichika: See? Group consensus. Now let's all agree we need a short break first.

Fuutarou: Absolutely not. No breaks. We're already behind.

Ichika (leaning toward Y/N): Come on... just fifteen minutes? For snacks?

Y/N: Ten minutes. And I'm timing it.

Ichika: Deal! You're the best, Y/N~!

Y/N (muttering): Why do I feel like I've been tricked...

Fuutarou: Because you were.

Miku (smiling softly): Still... thank you for helping us.

Y/N (relaxing): Don't mention it. That's what I'm here for.

Fuutarou: What did you expect?

I sighed as I looked over at Miku to tell her to work on something else other than Japanese history, but then I saw what she was doing. She was studying English! Her worst subject!

Y/N: Whoa. Miku's studying English.

Fuutarou: Her worst subject!? And without being forced to! Do you have a fever?

Miku: I'm fine. I just felt like trying for once.

Fuutarou and I were amazed at Miku's passion as the two of us smiled at each other. I then took off my scarf and set it on the table and raised my fist in the air.

Y/N: Alright, everyone! Let's do this!

Yotsuba and Ichika: Yeah!!

Librarian: Be quiet!

Yotsuba and Ichika: Yes, ma'am.

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

Yotsuba: Phew! I'm so tired.

Miku: I can't wait to get home.

As we were done with our short study session, all of us went to go home together. Of course, Fuutarou was contemplating how, after school, there isn't much time for them to improve.

I looked at the ground and thought of ways to teach the quints individually until I felt a breeze on my ear. I turned around and saw Ichika blowing into my ear as I just gave her a confused look.

Ichika(giggles): We don't need to work that hard, do we? It's not like we're going to wind up getting expelled over a midterm. We're going to do our best. Have patience with us.

Y/N: That's funny coming from you.

Ichika: Give me a break. I mean, if you're going to give us a reward, we'll try harder.

Yotsuba: Oh, I know! I'd like that fruit parfait by the station.

Miku: I want matcha parfait.

Ichika: I'm starting to want some, too.

Yotsuba: Let's invite the others and go right now.

They started going for parfaits as Fuutarou and I sweatdropped to see how they went from wanting to go home to wanting parfaits.

Yotsuba: Uesugi-san! Y/N-san! Hurry up, or we'll leave you behind!

Y/N: Sorry, girls. I have plans at home.

Fuutarou: I'd rather go home, too. I need to study.

The girls seemed a bit upset that we couldn't come with them but accepted it. Futaro and I then walked home as I took out the manga from earlier.

Itsuki: Hold it!

Fuutarou and I stopped walking and turned around to see the one and only Itsuki running up to us. I don't get why she's running, but she is. She stopped just as she reached us, panting.

Itsuki: You two... I can't believe you would go home in that situation. You were supposed to go with them!

Y/N: Like I said to them, I have plans at home. What? You chased us down just to tell us that?

Itsuki: No. I was asked to get you on the phone.

Fuutarou: Us?

Itsuki put her phone against her ear and talked to whoever was on the line. Seeing how she had to chase us down rather than wait till tomorrow, I had a feeling this guy wasn't very friendly.

Itsuki: It's me, Itsuki. I'll put him on now.

She handed the phone to Futaro, who put it against his ear. I leaned in closer to listen in as I widened my eyes.

Mr. Nakano: Uesugi-kun, correct? Thanks for taking care of my daughters.

Fuutarou: F-F-Father! Nice to finally speak to you. Thank you for everything.

Mr. Nakano: You have no reason to call me "father."

Y/N: Geez, you didn't have to call him father.

Fuutarou: W-Well, I am rather less sociable, so I will let my assistant talk to you, Mr. Nakano!

He handed me the phone as I panicked and put it against my ear. I spoke through the phone as I could feel his menacing aura.

Mr. Nakano: Hmm. Y/N-kun, correct?

Y/N: Yes, that's me. It's nice to speak to you, Mr. Nakano.

Mr. Nakano: It's nice to speak to you, too. I'm sorry I haven't been able to show up at all. I trust that the tutoring has been going well.

Y/N: Of course, we're in the middle of it right now, actually.

I signaled to Futaro as he leaned closer to the phone. He then pretended that we were in the middle of a study session

Y/N: Wow. Futaro really is good at his job. They're all amazing girls, Mr. Nakano. I'm sure they'll be fine if they keep it up.

Mr. Nakano: That's good to hear. I've heard the midterms are coming up. I'm glad you're making good progress.

Y/N: That's right.

Mr. Nakano: This is a little harsh, but I'd like you to show me results. If any of the five fail their upcoming midterms, I'll have you and Uesugi-kun tender your resignation as their tutor.

Y/N: Well, shit. You're right. That is harsh. But not to worry, they'll pass this midterm.

Mr. Nakano: That is great to hear, Y/N-kun. Your father introduce you to me so i got high hope for you. Well, I wish you all the best.

Y/N: Thank you, sir.

He ended the call as I looked down with a frown on my face. Itsuki and Futaro looked at each other before looking back at me.

Fuutarou: What did he say?

Y/N: Once Futaro asks me to be honest then I have no choice here. He said that in order for us to continue this job, all five of the quints need to pass.

Fuutarou stared at me for a second, thinking I was joking, but then noticed I wasn't. He started sweatdropping, his mood sinking into a depressing aura.

He then gripped the phone tight and raised it into the air. He screamed as Itsuki stopped him from throwing her phone to the ground.

Itsuki: That's my phone! Don't break it!

Fuutarou: Yeah, I know. Sorry.

Itsuki: I'm curious as well. What did you talk about with my father?

Fuutarou then looked up from the ground as sweat dripped rapidly. Trying to hide his fear.

Y/N: Just idle chitchat.

Itsuki: And that was enough to make him sweat buckets?

Y/N: You know, why don't you stop worrying about me and start worrying about yourself? I hope you're preparing for the midterms.

Itsuki: N-No problems there.

Fuutarou: "No problems," my ass. You did badly on that quiz today, didn't you?

Itsuki: You looked!?

I put on a smile and faced her cheekily, making her blush and step back.

Y/N: Oh? So you did do badly.

Itsuki: S-Stop teasing me!

Y/N: Say, Itsuki.

Itsuki turned back around as I placed my hand on her head.

Y/N: Let me know if there's anything you need help with.

She pouted before grabbing my hand and pulling it off her head. The blush on her face grew deeper the longer she held my hand.

Itsuki: What's your problem?

Itsuki: Thanks, but I don't need your help.

She then threw my hand away and turned around to leave.

Fuutarou: Wait! Itsuki! You work hard, but you're slow. Let me help you, and I'll teach you well.

She ignored him and walked down the stairs. I leaned on the railing, watching the scene unfold.

Fuutarou: Learn from Ichika and Miku a little!

Wait...

Itsuki: You may have forgotten, but I did ask you to help me at first. You were the one who turned me down. I don't need your half-hearted help.

True...

Fuutarou: So you think you can pass without any help?

Itsuki: I can, even if it's too late for these midterms.

Fuutarou: That's not good enough!

Hold on...

Fuutarou: If you fail these midterms, it's over! This is my job! Quit fussing and accept it.

Itsuki: You're the one being fussy.

Fuutarou: Don't you want better grades? So just shut up and listen to me!

Y/N: Fuutarou

Futaro and Itsuki both widened their eyes as I walked over to him. I raised my hand and slapped him across the face. He stumbled, then caught his footing.

Y/N: I'm sorry, but you lost your cool for a bit.

Futaro: W-Wait. N-No... That was...

Itsuki stared at us before walking up, silent, as Futaro held his hand to his mouth. I sighed and watched her pass.

Itsuki: I was starting to respect you a little, Uesugi-kun. It looks like I shouldn't have. So you're just doing it for the money.

Futaro: What's wrong with that? Who would care about a stubborn brat like you if it wasn't for work?

Y/N: Dude.

Itsuki: You don't need to force yourself to teach me. I don't exist to make money for you.

Y/N: Hey.

Futaro: Oh, really? Don't blame me if you regret it.

Y/N: Whoa, hold on.

Itsuki: Sure. Even if it means getting expelled, I'm never having you teach me!

Y/N: You just digged your own grave Fuutarou...

---------

Fuutarou...
Fuutarou...
FUUTAROU!

Fuutarou: Huh!? What? Where am I?

Y/N: What in God's name are you thinking, spacing out in the middle of a board game?

Fuutarou: S-Sorry.

Y/N: Also, Yotsuba got married. Gift money.

Fuutarou: Oh, right.

Fuutarou handed some money to Yotsuba, who thanked him with a bright smile. I looked up toward Itsuki's room, thinking about what had happened yesterday between her and Fuutarou. I glanced down at my money—average. Then at Fuutarou's—barely any.

Y/N: Even in a game, you're poor.

Fuutarou gave me a look. I stared back, deadpan. He knew exactly what I was thinking.

...

Fuutarou: We don't have time for this!

Y/N: Ehh, but I just got married. Hand over the cash.

Fuutarou: Oh, here.

Y/N: Thank you.

Fuutarou: Now! Break's over! Let's get back to work!

Ichika: Ehh? But we studied a lot today.

Yotsuba: My head's about to explode...

Miku: It's not good to overdo it.

Y/N: Your tutor is the kind of guy who'd copy a hundred pages of revision material by hand.

Fuutarou: Hey!

Miku: Fuutarou... you seem more desperate than usual. Are we really that far behind?

Fuutarou: No, well... actually...

Suddenly, Nino entered the room, smirking as she saw us just playing around instead of studying.

Nino: Seriously? You're just playing games?

Y/N: Don't ask me.

Nino: I'm in. Someone switch with me.

Miku: Fuutarou. "Actually," what?

Fuutarou: Eh? Oh, nothing.

Nino: Jeez, you have almost no money.

I glanced behind Fuutarou and saw Itsuki. Given what happened yesterday, it felt awkward. Tense.

Nino: You wanna join us?

Fuutarou: Itsuki? About yesterday, I...

Itsuki: I have to study.

Fuutarou: H-Hey—

Without warning, Nino stood up and marched toward Fuutarou. She placed her hands on his back and started pushing.

Nino: Come on. You're done tutoring for today, aren't you? Go home.

Fuutarou: Hey! Wait!

Nino: Leave already!

Y/N: Nino.

Nino: You too! Out!

She turned and tried to push me out as well, but struggled given the size difference. She was actually trying to kick us out... honestly, kind of adorable.

Ichika: Y/N-kun. That's not what you promised.

I blinked and tilted my head. What promise? Fuutarou looked over, silently asking if I made some kind of deal with the sisters. I shook my head.

Ichika: You said you were going to stay overnight to help us study. You too, Fuutarou-kun.

Y/N, Fuutarou, and Nino: Eh?

Fuutarou and Nino: EHHH!?!?

Y/N: Walking all the way home, only to head right back to the Nakano apartment. What a bother...

As I carried my backpack, just bunch of study books, and some novels to read.

I opened the apartment door and was greeted by Yotsuba, wearing a bear onesie. Adorable. I gave her a gentle pat on the head.

Y/N: Where's Fuutarou?

Fuutarou: Right here.

I turned to see him in a childish pajama set. I smirked a little but decided not to comment.

Y/N: Where's the bathroom? I need to take a bath.

Yotsuba: It's upstairs! Here's a towel!

Y/N: No worries. I brought my own.

I stepped into the bathroom and set my things down. Running the water, I let it fill the tub while I washed my back. When it was full, I sank into it, letting the warmth soak into my skin.

I closed my eyes.

The water surrounded me. My body sank lower, vision blurred. Blue lights danced in the water, drifting into my sight.

Ichika: Yo! Y/N, want someone to keep you company?

Y/N: No thank you.

Ichika: Aww~~ What's wrong, are you shy~?

Y/N: Nope. It's just that having someone in there with me would cause me a lot of trouble. Also, why aren't you back to studying?

Ichika: We've been studying all day already. Let us rest a bit.

Y/N: I guess you're right... but that only applies if you guys weren't still that dumb. So, you'd better do your best and keep at it.

Ichika: ...

Ichika: Say, Y/N. That talk with our father—it wasn't just a little chit-chat, was it?

Y/N: What makes you say that?

Ichika: I saw Fuutarou's reaction. Even his body language said a lot. Don't underestimate your big sis. So... what really happened?

Y/N: To put it simply... if you girls don't pass the midterms, both Fuutarou and I will be fired.

Ichika: What!?

For some reason, Ichika suddenly burst into the bathroom. We locked eyes. Thank god I had a towel wrapped around my waist. Before she could shout or do something louder, I quickly covered her mouth and shut the door.

Y/N: Do you really want me to die?

I slowly removed my hand from her mouth.

Ichika: So you're saying... if we don't pass the midterms, the two of you are gone?

Y/N: Yep. Nino would love to hear that.

Ichika: Then why do you look so calm?

Y/N: I'll be fine. I'm more worried about Fuutarou. He needs this job right now. That's why... I'm asking you to keep this between us. Don't tell the others, okay?

Ichika: ...Okay. I promise.

Y/N: Thanks, Ichika.

...

Y/N: Uh, Ichika? Would you mind stepping out? I need to change.

Ichika: Oh! R-Right! I'll get going!

She quickly left the bathroom.

Y/N: I really hope no one else finds out... especially Nino.

Ichika's POV:

Ichika: T-That was way too close...

I could still feel how fast my heart was racing... when our faces were that close...
Did my heart just skip a beat?

N-No way... r-right?

Y/N's POV

After a long, hot shower, I felt refreshed. Towel dry, dressed, and finally feeling like a human again, I stepped out of the bathroom.

Fuutarou was standing right in front of the door. His face was tense, lips tight, and his whole vibe screamed anxious wreck.

Y/N: What's wrong? You need to use the bathroom or something?

Fuutarou: Worse. Way worse.

Y/N: ...Define "worse."

Fuutarou: Nino knows.

Y/N: ...

Y/N: ...Knows what, Fuutarou?

Fuutarou: About us... getting fired if they fail the midterms.

Y/N: ...

Y/N: My worst nightmare came true.

I stared blankly past Fuutarou, trying to mentally prepare myself for the absolute hurricane named Nino.