COTE x Quintuplets

The Hot Spings

"One of my daughters has met you in the past."

When those words pierced through my ears and reached my brain I unconsciously turned around to face Mr. Nakano.

His evil smile makes it look like he's joking but his words sounded sincere.

I don't have any past memories of the quintuplets. The first time I met them was through this tutor job, no mistaking that fact.

Besides...all the other kids I have met in my life have already passed away.

"You're probably thinking that's impossible, right?" He asked.

Seems like my silence spoke for itself.

"Not really, I'm just having a hard time believing you that's all." I responded.

"Makes sense that you're skeptical, after all it was a one sided encounter."

"I see. Then why hasn't she said anything to me?"

"Not sure myself. We all have our reasons for not doing something." He grinned.

At least this conversation wasn't meaningless.

"If that's all, then I should probably head back to my room."

I turned back around and proceeded to leave. If what he was saying is true then I should look into it more, but I'll save that for later. I have to solve all my problems one by one.

———————————————————————

The next morning I was woken up by sudden sound of my ringtone ringing. I immediately went to pick up the phone to see who it was.

"Itsuki?"

"Where were you yesterday? I was waiting in the courtyard but you never came."

"About that, I rather we talk face to face."

"I don't think that's possible. My father is watching me very intently."

"Let's just go somewhere he can't"

"Okay...how about the hot springs?"

"You want us to go in together?"

"H-Huh?!" N-No I just thought since there's a wall separating the female and co-ed side, we could meet up that way."

"That's fine with me, see you soon." I said while ending the call.

I made my way to the co-ed side of the hot springs and waited for Itsuki to show up. While waiting in the water I was immediately reminded how comfortable it is to just relax.

"H-Hello? Ayanokouji, are you there?"

"Yea, I'm here."

"So, about yesterday..."

"Right. I met a fake Itsuki in the lobby last night and she told to stop being your tutor."

"Huh?"

"I'm not sure why one your sisters would say this, but I need to find who it was."

"Well, if you'd like I could help you."

"Sure. Thanks itsuki. First we need to find out who's been acting weird as of lately."

"If it's just that then I would say everyone has been acting weird. My sisters have changed, for example Nino used to hate you. Now all she talks about is "Kiyotaka this" and "Kiyotaka that".

Looks like Nino talks about me a lot nowadays.

"It's not just Nino. Ichika, Miku, and Yotsuba too." Itsuki continued.