Y/N POV:

I look at the kitchen and see that Nino had her phone's camera facing us. I stood up and walked over to her. I sat down next to her as she looks at me up and down with a disgusted expression.

Nino: What do you want?

Y/N: I want you to join us.

Nino: Heh. Uesugi told you that I know about you two getting fired, didn't he? As expected. You two will be out of here for good!

Y/N: You really hate us that much, huh? Well, there's no stopping you then.

I walk back towards the others as I sit down next to Fuutarou. I then take out some papers I had in my bag as I pass it to the girls.

Ichika: What's this?

Y/N: I had a teacher make me a revision paper earlier for the midterms and I thought to make you revision papers as well. If you guys have any questions, don't be shy to ask.

I smiled at them and went back to studying. I took out my revision paper, that I have not finished yet, and continued doing it.

Y/N: Alright. Question 44: What sorts of signals does the brain use to communicate sensations, thoughts and actions? That's easy.

I wrote down the correct answer as I could see the girls amazed at how I can answer such a trick question. Fuutarou chuckles as I finish up the last question.

Y/N: Alright. The paper only has 45 questions. It's not that hard so you guys won't have a problem with it.

They nod at me and face their papers and start writing. The surprised look on their faces looks like they seemed to be fine with it.

Fuutarou: Y/N, you made a copy for them but you didn't make a copy for me?

Y/N: Here. I made it harder for you since you're the one and only Fuutarou. The one who could beat me in grades even though you didn't even beat me once.

Fuutarou: Great! Thanks a bunch, Y/N!

Fuutarou starts to work on the paper as I turn around and see Ichika raise her hand. I approach Ichika and kneeled next to her while Miku was next to Fuutarou.

Y/N: What is it, Ichika?

Ichika: Okay, scooch over!

Ichika starts pushing closer to Fuutarou and since he was already close enough to Miku, Miku was then pushed towards him and the two of them fell to the ground. Miku was on top of him as he tried keeping her from hitting the ground.

Fuutarou: Whoa! You okay?

Ichika: Oh right, Miku says she needs help with something, too.

Fuutarou: Fine. You can ask me anything!

She then sits back up as her face was as red as a tomato. She pushes Ichika lightly 

Fuutarou: Alright! , I'll be answering your questions. Ask me anything!

Yotsuba: Here!

Fuutarou: Yotsuba!

Yotsuba: What's a synonym for "argument"?

Fuutarou: Good question. "Debate." Remember it like "de ba te." DEBATE. DE BA TE. That one's going to be on the exam for sure.

Yotsuba: Okay! Thank you!

Fuutarou: Alright! Next question!

Miku: I want to learn... What kind of girls do you like?

Y/N: A bold move.

Miku looks at Fuutarou as he look back at her. Confused at what she was saying

Fuutarou: Does that matter right now?

Yotsuba(raises hand): I have a comment!

Fuutarou: W-What is it?

Yotsuba: I'm kind of interested.

Fuutarou: I got it. Considering how there's 3 of you right now, I'll only give 3 descriptions of what kind of girl I like.

Ichika: No... There has to be a twist.

Fuutarou: Heh... Of course. Once you all finish with your revision papers, I will ask each of you one question from your weakest subject.

Yotsuba: Ehhh!?!? That's unfair!!

Fuutarou: You can study before I ask the question. Also, I'll be giving you easy questions. So don't worry too much.

The girls were happy to know that they can get the answer easily as they start completing the revision paper.

I then felt a tap on my shoulder, as I was surprised to see that one of the girls had finished.

Fuutarou: I'm done.

Fuutarou: I'll hand it to the teacher tomorrow.

Fuutarou: Alright. Oh, and are you sure about this whole "kind of girls" thing? I bet you don't care much.

Fuutarou: Well, I think I have a few characteristics I like about a girl.

Fuutarou: I wish you good lu— Oh, here comes one now.

Fuutarou turn around and see Yotsuba coming over to him with a smile plastered on her face. As I inspected her revision to see that every question was answered.

Fuutarou: Alright. Yotsuba. Your weakest subject is Japanese which is a little troubling since it's the language we speak. Anyway, your question is, how would you introduce yourself in a super polite way?

Yotsuba: Ah! I know this one! Yotsuba to moushimasu!

Fuutarou: Excellent. You may sit down.

Yotsuba: Arigatou gozaimasu!

Y/N: How does she speak Japanese in Japanese...

I then chuckled and walked up to the study table as I took the attention from the girls. I glanced at Nino and saw that she was looking my way as well. I then took a whiteboard out of nowhere and wrote numbers from 1 to 3.

Fuutarou: Alright. So, Yotsuba got the correct answer so I'm gonna reveal the first characteristic! Drumroll please!

Fuutarou: Dadadadadadadadada...

Fuutarou: Bam! Always nice!

I could see some of them celebrating silently. I then saw Miku raising her hand.

Miku: I'm done.

She hands me her paper as I inspect it to see that she has answered all the questions. I then smiled as I gave Miku her paper back.

Fuutarou: Alright! Miku. Your weakest subject is English. I'll ask your question in English and you'll have to answer me in English as well. Is that okay?

Miku: Yes.

Fuutarou: Ahem. "How are you?"

Miku: Hmm... "I'm fine. Thank you."

Fuutarou: Incredible. Now! The second characteristic is... Drumroll please!

Fuutarou: Dadadadadadadadada...

Fuutarou: Boom! Good at cooking!

I heard some silent scoffs as I saw Ichika's hand about to rise. I then called her out as she giggled and gave me her paper

Y/N: Hmm... Ichika, huh... To be honest, your grades are pretty much balanced but they're still low. Your only strong suit is Mathematics which is surprising. I'll just go with Mathematics then.

Ichika(giggles):  Sir, yes, sir!

Y/N: There are 49 dogs signed up for a dog show. There are 36 more small dogs than large dogs. How many small dogs have signed up to compete?

Ichika: Hmm... 42.5?

Fuutarou: Correct! Now! The last and final characteristic that you all have been waiting for! Drumroll please but make it longer!

Fuutarou: Dadadadadadadada.........................

Fuutarou: BANG! Cares about her brother!

....

Y/n: I knew it...

Nino: You're talking about your sister!

All of us turned to look at Nino who stood up from her seat. A smirk plastered to my lips as I planned on teasing Nino a little more.

Fuutarou: Oh? So you've been paying attention. Instead of listening in, why don't you join us?

Nino: I can hear you even if I don't want to!

She proceeds to leave. Miku approached Fuutarou and took a look at the characteristics of the type of girl he like.

Poor Miku.

Yotsuba: So you like girls that treat you as an equal? Was there any girl that has done that to you?

Fuutarou: Yeah. My sisters.

Yotsuba: Ehh!? You based the type of girl you like on your sisters!?!?

Fuutarou: Hey, Y/N would've done the same if he had one.

Ichika: ...

Y/N: Oi. Don't lump me in with you.

Fuutarou: Anyway, lemme check your assignments and see if there's any mistakes. Y/N, help me out.

Y/N: Alright.

As Fuutarou and I marked their assignments, I glanced at Miku who was still staring at the list of characteristics. I then found out that Miku scored the highest and I was impressed.

Fuutarou: Would you look at that. Miku scored the highest. Good job, Miku.

He placed his hand on her head as he gave her a smile and a thumbs up. Miku looked up at him adorably as his face started getting red. I then felt an ominous aura as I turned around and saw Ichika.

Ichika: Wow, you seem to be red there, Fuutarou-kun. Is your heart racing?

Fuutarou: You think?

He let go of Miku's head as I turned around and crossed he arms. Ichika then pouted as she raised her fist in the air.

Ichika: Yotsuba check!

Fuutarou: Huh?

Yotsuba: WAAAAAAAA!!!

Yotsuba was running at him in full speed as he ran away from her. Trying to avoid her from tackling him. No surprisingly, she could catch up to him. But he suddenly boosted up

Fuutarou: You can't catch me, Yotsuba!

Yotsuba: I can if you stop running!

They continued running around as Ichika, Miku, and me watched with deadpanned looks. 

Futaro: Oi, quit running around. We gotta continue studying.

Fuutarou stopped running as he faced Yotsuba. Yotsuba then crashed into him as she listened in to his heartbeat. Yotsuba then jumped off Fuutarou and pointed at him with a smile.

Yotsuba: His heart is racing!

Fuutarou: Well, that's because of all the weird stunts I had to do in order to get away from you!

Ichika: What about you, Y/N?

She leans forward, tone playful but eyes curious.

Don't tell me they changed their target.

Y/N: What?

Ichika: Tell us—what's your type of girl?

I pause, closing my book with a soft thud. The question wasn't new, but I'd never bothered answering it before. My life hasn't exactly left room for things like romance.

Y/N: Hm... I've never really thought about dating, to be honest.

Ichika (smiling): But you must have a type, right?

I lean back in my chair, arms loosely crossed, eyes thoughtful. Everyone's watching now—even Nino, pretending not to be.

Y/N: If I had to describe it... I guess I'm drawn to someone who's mature.

The room quiets a little. Even Fuutarou glances up.

Y/N: Someone who stays composed when things go wrong. Who doesn't rush to speak, but when she does, it matters. A person who thinks before acting... and chooses her words carefully.

Miku (quietly): Sounds... calm. Like you.

Y/N: I guess. I like someone who's thoughtful—not just with books or school, but with people. Someone who notices the little things without needing to be told.

Yotsuba: Oh! Like remembering birthdays and stuff?

Y/N (nodding): Yeah. Or noticing when someone's tired, or just needs a break—even if they don't say it out loud.

Ichika (softly): And smart, right?

Y/N: Not just in grades. But someone who understands what others don't say. That kind of intelligence.

Fuutarou: That's... unexpectedly specific.

Y/N: I had time to think while you were all staring at me.

The girls exchange glances. No teasing. No jokes. Just a silence that feels like they're all thinking—about themselves, or maybe about me.

Y/N: Anyway, it's not like I'm looking for anyone right now. I've got my hands full with all of you.

Ichika: That almost sounded sweet.

Y/N: Almost.

Itsuki: You're so loud.

I looked up and saw Itsuki descending the stairs. I smiled and waved at her as she sighed and gave me a small wave.

Itsuki: I thought study groups were supposed to be quieter.

Y/N: Come on! Study groups can be fun too!

Itsuki: It's better to focus on studying rather than wasting time with games. Miku, can I borrow your headphones?

Miku: Sure, but why?

Itsuki: I want to focus by myself.

I sighed as I stood up from the couch and approached her. She put the headphones around her neck, and for a moment, she looked a lot like Miku. I placed my hand on her head and lowered myself to meet her eyes.

Y/N: Can I trust you?

Itsuki: I don't want to hold you back.

Itsuki slowly removed my hand from her head and went back to her room. I sighed again, turning around to look at Futaro.

Ichika: Ah! The stars look pretty! Y/N, come with me!

Y/N: Wha—huh?

She grabbed my wrist and pulled me outside to the balcony, leaving Futaro, Yotsuba, and Miku inside. I looked up at the stars with a smile as Ichika stared at me.

Ichika: You seem pretty happy.

Y/N: Nothing.

Ichika: It's alright. Back to what I was going to say—did you and Itsuki get into a fight? It seemed impossible, since you two have a lot of chemistry together.

Y/N: No. We didn't fight. It was Fuutarou. He got frustrated trying to get her to join the study group.

Ichika: Ah, I see. Those two always butt heads.

Y/N: They're similar. That's probably why.

Ichika: True. But it felt different today. I just want them to argue like they usually do—like friends.

Y/N: Fuutarou would say that's contradictory.

Ichika: Is it? She's stubborn. So are you, in your own way. She's awkward, and probably struggling to say what she really thinks. I think she's hurting more than she lets on. I'll do what I can—

Y/N: You don't need to. I'll handle it. Maybe I'll ask for help later, but not now.

Ichika: Alright. I'm counting on you.

She smiled. I gave a quiet nod and leaned against the railing. The city lights below glimmered, and the stars above were still and distant. I let my eyes close briefly, thinking of Yuyu and Yasuko—just names, just memories.

Y/N: You five were born almost at the same time. I used to think that meant the order didn't matter.

I turned and placed a hand lightly on her head. She looked surprised. I didn't say much—just held her gaze.

Y/N: But you really do act like the oldest

Ichika: Huh?

Y/N: You think things through... even when it weighs on you. That's not easy. Most people wouldn't notice, but it stands out.

I glanced at her, then turned my eyes back to the stars.

Y/N: You pull your sisters along when they fall behind. You listen more than you speak. You hide your own worries so they don't have to carry them. That's not luck. That's what it means to be the oldest... even if no one says it out loud.

Ichika blinked, clearly caught off guard. She opened her mouth, then paused, unsure what to say.

Ichika: H-Huh? Wait... are you seriously complimenting me?

She blinked again, almost as if she needed a second to make sure she'd heard right.

Ichika: You... don't usually say stuff like that.

Y/N: I say what needs to be said.

A short silence.

Ichika: Still... I thought you were just teasing me again or something. I mean, I mess around a lot, and I probably look like I have no clue what I'm doing half the time...

She gave a small, nervous laugh, scratching her cheek.

Ichika: But I really do care. About all of them. I just... don't always know how to show it.

I didn't respond right away. Just watched her, calm and unreadable.

Y/N: You've shown it. More than you realize.

She stared for a second, visibly flustered now, then quickly looked away—trying to play it cool.

Ichika: Geez... you're not making it easy to pretend I'm the charming, airheaded one right now.

I gave the faintest hint of a smile—barely there, but it made her glance back at me again, eyes wide.

Ichika: ...Thanks. I mean it.

She leaned against the railing, closer now, and we stood in silence, the stars above and the city lights below flickering quietly between us. And for instinct i reached my hand and placed on her head.

Ichika: E-Eh?! Y-Y/n?

Y/N: I just thought that i should reward you for trying your best. This what i used do to with Harin.

Ichika: Y/N...

I gently stroke her head. Ichika then held my hand slowly move it to her right cheek. Her face flustered.

Ichika: Y/N. I-i think i-

Y/N: Hm? Are you getting cold? Then let's head inside.

Ichika: Y-yeah..

I remove my hand go from her cheek and started to head inside the house.

Ichika: ...

Ichika as red as a tomato, I head back inside with relief. I look back outside and see Ichika covering her face i must say she is cute at that time i then looked at the time.

Y/N: It already this late?

Miku: You can sleep in my room.

Fuutarou: Miku, I told you I'm fine on the couch—

Miku: Sleep. In. My. Room.

Fuutarou: A-Alright!

Miku: Okay, goodnight.

Miku has been getting bold lately.

Fuutarou: Where are you going to sleep, Y/N?

Y/N: On the sofa, I guess. I've got all my stuff already, so it won't be a problem.

Ichika: Sleeping on the sofa at night can get cold. Don't you want to sleep with your big sis~?

I could see she was trying to hide her embarrassment behind the teasing tone.

Y/N: No, thank you.

Ichika: Hmph. You lost your chance, then.

She turned around quickly and headed upstairs to her room.

Y/N: What a day.

------

The lights are dimmed, with only a soft glow from a small lamp. Ichika is sitting on her bed, brushing her hair. Miku is lying on her side under the blanket, quietly watching her.

Miku: ...Ichika?

Ichika: Hm?

Miku: Can I ask you something?

Ichika: (smiles) You just did. But go on.

Miku hesitates, fiddling with the hem of her blanket.

Miku: Do you... like Y/N?

Ichika pauses, mid-brush. She blinks, then slowly lowers the brush to her lap.

Ichika: That's a pretty serious question for bedtime, Miku.

Miku: I know... I've just been wondering. You act differently around him. It's not like how you tease everyone else. It feels... more real.

Ichika doesn't respond right away. Instead, she sets her brush aside and climbs into bed beside Miku, lying on her side to face her sister.

Ichika: Y/N's... different. He doesn't talk much, but he listens. He's calm. Steady. Even when the rest of us are spiraling, he stays grounded. That kind of presence—it's comforting. And honestly, kind of dangerous, too.

Miku: Dangerous?

Ichika: (softly) Because it makes you want to trust him... even before you realize it.

Miku watches her quietly.

Miku: So... you do like him?

Ichika: ...Maybe I do. But I'm not ready to admit it out loud. Not completely.

Miku: Why?

Ichika's gaze drifts upward, her tone more solemn.

Ichika: Because I rushed into feelings once. Thought it was love. But the guy—he wasn't serious. He played with my heart. Said the right things, made me feel special, then disappeared like it meant nothing.

She sighs.

Ichika: I don't want to go through that again. Not with Y/N. If I'm going to fall this time... I want it to be real.

Miku lies still, eyes thoughtful.

Miku: I didn't know... I'm sorry.

Ichika: (soft smile) It's okay. I learned from it. That's why I'm trying to be careful now.

[A quiet pause. Then Miku speaks, almost a whisper.]

Miku: I think I understand... It's different for me, though.

Ichika: Hm?

Miku: I... I like Fuutarou.

Ichika blinks, then her expression softens.

Ichika: Yeah. I know.

Miku: (blushing) W-What? Since when?

Ichika: (giggles softly) You're not as subtle as you think, Miku. I see the way you look at him. And how you always try to help him, even if he's too dense to notice.

Miku hides under her blanket a little, flustered.

Miku: I just... don't want it to affect us. I mean, what if he likes someone else?

Ichika: Then we support each other. That's what sisters do. No matter what, we don't turn on each other over a guy. You got that?

Ichika reaches out and gently takes Miku's hand.

Ichika: Promise?

Miku: ...Promise.

A warm silence falls between them.

Ichika: Of course... if Y/N ends up falling for me, you'll still root for your big sister, right?

Miku: H-Hey! I'm not cheering you on for that!

--------

Y/N POV:

This could be the first time I sleep at the girls' house. They always say that this is the best experience for boys, but I don't understand why. It feels the same as sleeping at home. I don't see any difference.

Y/N: How can I make them pass the midterms? It's literally impossible for them. Fuutarou needs this job. Nino is our biggest problem—she's such a nuisance. She won't stop till both of us got kicked out of the house.

Y/N: Worrying won't get me anywhere.

The blanket I brought wasn't thick, but it was familiar—something I could wrap around myself and pretend this wasn't someone else's house. I laid it out carefully, set my bag beside the armrest, and sat down.

The house had finally quieted. The sounds of the girls shuffling around upstairs faded one by one until it was just me and the low hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen.

I lay back.

My head sank into the pillow I brought, and I pulled the blanket up to my chin.

No midterm talk now. No plans. No Nino glaring at me across the room. Just... quiet.

I stared up at the ceiling for a while, listening to nothing. Breathing slowed. Muscles relaxed.

Sleep wasn't far behind.

And for the first time that day, I stopped thinking.