Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

Chapter 7 - Encounter

Asuka's POV:

It had already been a couple of weeks since it was decided to continue the quintuplets' classes. Honestly, if someone had told me back then that we'd survive this long without anyone murdering anyone else, I would've laughed in their face. Yet here we are. Somehow, we've managed to get along with them. Even Nino has stopped actively trying to sabotage us. I mean... she hasn't poisoned my food, hidden my notes, or threatened to throw me off the balcony in the last few days, so that counts as progress, right? I hope.

That said, I have yet to receive my salary. Itsuki spoke to her father on my behalf, and Mr. Nakano told her that he would think about it. But since it's the weekend, I won't be tutoring, so Fuutarou and I decided to take the day off. I came to the mall, and Fuutarou... as everyone can imagine, chose to stay at home and study. 

I designed the entire plan for today in my mind so that I can use my time in the most effective way. First, I need to buy the necessary materials for the upcoming cultural festival two weeks later.

''First, the tailor...''

Our school organizes a couple of big events every year and entertains students and their families by offering a variety of activities. Like horror houses, maid cafes, theater performances and concerts. One example and the closest one is the upcoming Cultural Festival.

We decided to open a food stall as a class last year. I took on the service because I am not considered very successful in the kitchen, but somehow it was quite fun. I actually love wearing waiter dresses, they make my ass look beautiful and big. Not that I'm going to say that out loud in front of anyone.

The mall is quite crowded since it's the weekend.
It's nothing I can't handle, haha...

But as is always the case, my plans did not turn out as I had hoped. In front of the tailor shop I saw a familiar face. Normally, it would be difficult for me to distinguish who she is from where I stand, but the stars on either side of her head really give her away. ''People gonna get suspicious if you keep standing in front of the store like that.''

''KYAAAAAAA!!'' She jumped like I'd stabbed her in the back. I had to resist the urge to cover my ears. Stop screaming like that; people are going to think I'm some kind of creep harassing girls at the mall.

''Sup, Itsuki-chan?''

''S-S-Shoji-kun?!'' She seemed surprised to see me, actually a cute reaction.

An absolutely unexpected encounter, well, I have no complaints. I waved to Itsuki with a smile. ''Hey.''

''What are you doing here, Shoji-kun?''

''I had to stop by the tailor for to take some stuffs for school.'' I explained. Then gave her a look from head to toe. "And why are you standing in front of the tailor like a ripoff yakuza? People might actually get suspicious."

"Y-Yakuza?" She gasped like I'd just accused her of arson. Her hands flew to her chest, and her mouth hung open in outrage. After a sigh, she pulled herself together and straightened her back. "Well... You've heard about the fireworks festival in a week, right?"