Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

| Part 1 Finale | Chapter 38 - For Whom the Bells Toll

Finding the Nakano residence turned out to be easier than I expected. Located near an area where upper-income magnate reside in the city. It aligns perfectly with the information Fuutarou provided. Tokyo is no longer a city where I could lose my way—if there ever was such a place left for that. Every street here leads somewhere meaningful in this city. For some, it may lead to paradise, while for others... it leads to ruin. Nevertheless, the city has unveiled its secrets to me many moons ago.

Time alone will reveal which awaited me this night.

''Fuutarou-kun, you're late al— Eh?...Ha? AAAAAAAAAAAAH!? W-W-W-W-WHAT?!''

''. . .''

When I saw her at the front hallway, shocked and on her knees, I instinctively understood that this was the correct door. I had never familiarized myself with their house before, but now, it etched itself into my memory permanently. Tonight would be unlike any other, that much is clear. ''...Ichika.''

"K-Kazuma-kun?!" She slapped her both cheeks to trying to regain composure, as if to wake herself from a bad dream. "W-what?! H-how..."

Fuutarou had briefed me on their situation, and according to his words, the 'Star Girl' and the 'Butterfly Girl' shouldn't be here. While Ichika is trying to stand on her own feet, her sisters also come to see what the commotion is about. Tch, idiots.

''O-oya?! Kurosawa-san? What are you doing here?'' Another voice cut in, high-pitched and annoyingly cheerful. It's the Ribbon Girl, gripping Ichika's arm to help her stand back. ''Hehe, watch out Ichika.''

From the corner, a third figure emerged, this one quieter. She's wearing headphones and speaking in a murmur.. "I see now. So, that was Fuutarou's plan..."

"Kurosawa-san, w-we're glad you came, but o-our tutors could arrive at any moment! You can't—"

''They won't.''

"E-ehh...?" Her ribbon perked up, as if she wanted to say something. 

''I've been asked to be your tutor today.''

'' ... / ... / ... ''