Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

Chapter 40 - Roll Like We Used To

Miku's POV:

Sometimes I wonder—why this silence?

When the five of us are together, there's always trouble. A fight, a complaint, some stupid argument over nothing. Even though we're sisters, we're still five girls with our own desires, moods, and stupid flaws. We share blood, not one brain. And, well... if we're being honest, most of the trouble usually starts with Nino.

My fingers drifted absentmindedly to the shampoo bottle beside me. We used to argue about this exact thing all the time—who used whose shampoo, who finished what, who left the cap open. It was ridiculous. After a while we gave up and just started buying our own. Unlike Nino, Itsuki never caused any issues over shampoo; she mostly fought over food.

I miss them both.

''. . .''

I'm sure Yotsuba and Ichika feel the same way I do. They're both outside right now, but the silence in this house became too much even when they are here. Why does quiet sometimes scream the loudest? ''Let's see...'' I closed my eyes and let the warmth of the bathwater pull me deeper into thought.

We made a plan for tomorrow. I'll have to skip a few hours of school—technically irresponsible, but it's crucial, so it won't be a problem. I hope Madoka's taking good care of her. Honestly, I'm more worried about Nino than Itsuki. After all, Asuka is with her. 

Come to think of it, Fuutarou and Asuka sure have some unusual connections of people for high schoolers. As I think about all this, I sink myself deeper into the bathwater until the warmth cradled my neck. ''Mmm...''

...Creak!

Isn't that front door?
That is definitely the front door.
I was just about to start wondering who it was, but my curiosity evaporated just as fast.

"Uwaaaaa~~~ I'm dooooooone~ Oya, a-am I the only one?" 

Despite everything, I burst out giggling. At the very least, one of us continues to be the same. I lifted one hand out of the bath and tapped the wall twice with my knuckles. "In bathroom, Yotsuba."

"Miku?" Yotsuba called back with a ting of relief. I can hear her shoes scuffle against the floor as she move closer. "Oh, okay! It's nice to know I'm not the only one here! Practice ended so late today. I was kind of worried you'd be mad at me."

"You always worry about silly things." I lean my head back against the cool edge of the tub and sighed. "Why would I be mad? But still... with finals coming up, do you think it's okay to let your focus slip so easily?"