Go-Toubun no Hanayome √AE

Chapter 36:A Ribbon's Infinite Loop ②

Six Years Ago.

Principal Takeda:"I couldn't believe my ears. You, Nakano-kun, taking in five children. You know my high school is always open for them."

Maruo:"Thank you for your consideration, but I've already made plans."

"Yes, that would be me."

Principal Takeda:"Who are you?"

"Ah, my apologies, my name is Principal Edajima, I have been business partners with Nakano-san for a while now. I offered to take them into my school, which connects middle school and high school. Of course, it's a bit strict, but if Nakano-kun's chosen, they'll do fine."

Principal Takeda:[Tch, take away my chance to shine, will you?]

...

Yotsuba:[Once we started middle school, I had begun taking studying very seriously. It was very important we did, as the education system was specially brutal to those who couldn't keep up. Rather than being the same, I decided to take my rightful role as the leader.]

...

Yotsuba:"Dad! Look at this! I got the best score out of my sisters!"

Maruo:"Good work."

Yotsuba:"Some clubs like the track team tried scouting me, but I turned them down. I wanted to focus on studying, after all."

Maruo:"Continue to accomplish great things."

Yotsuba:[Dad was a little cold, but as long as he saw my worth, it was fine. But, that recognition my mom would give us was what I really yearned for. That smile was the best.]

...

Miku:"You're not gonna play your games anymore?"

Yotsuba:"Yep! I've graduated from games. I've had them since before we lost most of our money, but now they just get in the way of studying."

Miku looked at one of the games.

Miku:"I don't know when I would have the time, but could I borrow them from time to time?"

Yotsuba:"Geez, you sure are a kid, huh?"

...

Yotsuba:[In order to achieve my goal. I have to try harder! I'm going to study super hard...and get super smart and join a company with a super high salary! Even if I have to throw away my dreams, even if I have to throw away...]

Itsuki:"Ichika's getting to be a really good actor, huh?"

Nino:"I'm sure she'll make it big. Don't you think, Yotsuba?"

Yotsuba:"...Yeah!"

Yotsuba:[That's right, my dreams don't really matter at this point, my grades have been steadily going up! I just got my first 70 after so many sleepless nights, that's the best score I've ever gotten! I just have to keep trying!]

...

Miku:"Hey, Yotsuba! You want to come hang out with us? It's been a while."

Yotsuba:"No thanks. I don't have time to have fun. Don't lump me together with you."

Miku:"I...I see..."

Yotsuba:[What's with her? Did she hit herself on a wall or something? Whatever, it's not my problem.]

...

Yotsuba:[I really had grown distant to my sisters. Soon, the admiring faces of many would be at my feet, not as one of the Nakano sisters, but as myself. I didn't need them, at least...that's what I wanted to believe...]