Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

Chapter 11 - Preliminary

Asuka's POV:

''Can you help me study for the exam please!''

''Someone help class 2-F! Shortage supply alert!''

''Where the hell is the student council! They should have brought the decorations an hour ago!!''

''I have no idea what subjects I should study! AAAAAAAAAAH!!''

''The cafeteria is on fire!''

The school is in total chaos. To make matters worse, we're facing a situation that's all too familiar from last year. Two major events are taking place at the same time: the Cultural Festival and midterms.

I wonder what the heck was school administration thinking when they decided to schedule these two events so closely together. It's certainly not an ideal situation, as both events require a significant amount of time and attention from the students and faculty.

Soon, the midterm exams will start and right after that, our culture festival will start just after a day later.

Thus, such an atmosphere of chaos occurs every year, as students are confused about what to deal with. I can't help but grumble to myself as I walk through the bustling hallway, dodging groups of students carrying decorations and textbooks in equal measure. "...At least the school's got some life to it again."

It's been a while since the festival we attended with the quints. Daily life has gone back to its usual tone, though Fuutarou and I still visit the quintuplets' house to tutor them on certain days. The girls seem to be more accepting of us now—well, most of them. Nino still acts like she's plotting our downfall, but at least she hasn't made any major moves. Yet. I'd better keep my guard up. Did you know that you have a higher chance of being assassinated while walking down the street than you do of winning the lottery?

The buzz around me pulls me from my thoughts, and I stop in front of a vending machine, thirst creeping up on me after all this hustle and bustle around. "...Coffee it is." I mutter, fishing out some coins out my pocket.

Although I don't know the activities of other classes, our class works the same way. We've decided to make a maid cafe so we can both earn some money and even win prizes in the popularity poll.

Just as the can drops into the slot, darkness descends. My entire vision overshadowed by darkness. Warm hands cover my eyes, and a familiar voice whispers teasingly into my ear. "Guess who~"

Fortunately, I have enough talent to recognize the owner of this teasing voice. Who else could it be? ''Ichika.''

''Ding ding~ One point for Asuka-kun, hehe.''

Ichika took her hands off my eyes and my vision came back. The gorgeous older sister of the quintuplets was smiling widely to me. She must be in a good mood today. But seeing her alone isn't normal. She usually hangs out with her friends. ''Yo Ichika. Bet the school atmosphere caught you off guard too.''

''Heh~ Not something I can't handle.''