Back to the future with five Nakano kids!

Chapter 6: Reassurance and Revelations

The next day, Miku hid in the quintuplets' room, pretending to be sick. The room was quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the air conditioner. Miku sat on the edge of the bed, her thoughts swirling with the events of the previous day.

Nino joined her, her expression a mix of determination and concern. She closed the door behind her, muffling the sounds from the hallway.

"What are you doing, Nino?" Miku asked, puzzled.

"Imitating you. In more ways than one. They wouldn't buy that two sisters are both staying in sick together. When's the next head count? Yeah, we have some time," Nino explained as she put her ribbons back into her hair.

Miku furrowed her brows. "I'm asking why you came here."

"I told you. I wanted to talk to you," Nino answered, her tone softening. "And I don't want you to be alone."

Haru suddenly popped up from behind her mother, startling Nino. "Am I invisible?!"

"Haru! Don't just do that! You almost gave your own aunt a heart attack!" Nino scolded, clutching her chest dramatically.

"Sorry, Auntie," Haru apologized, while a small smile appeared on Miku's lips. "You really like being called 'aunt.'"

"No, I don't!" Nino denied, flustered, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

Nino sat down on the bed next to Miku, taking her hand. "Miku, I know things have been tough. But you can't let this get to you. You're stronger than this."

Miku looked away, tears welling up in her eyes. "There's no way he would like a girl like me."

"Are you crazy?!" Haru suddenly shouted, her voice filled with frustration and love.

Startled by Haru's outburst, both Nino and Miku turned to her, wide-eyed. Tears streamed down Miku's cheeks.

Haru's heart broke at seeing her mother so sad, and she was close to crying herself. "How could you think like that, Mama?! I'm living proof he loves you! So stop sulking, wipe those tears, and act like my kind, gentle Mama again! My mama who loves listening to music! My mama who loves baking and cooking! My mama who owns her own restaurant, with Auntie Nino, but still!" Angry tears were now rolling down Haru's cheeks as well.

"Mama, you're amazing. Don't ever doubt yourself."

Miku's eyes lit up again as she looked at her daughter. "Haru..." she muttered in awe. She chuckled, and before Haru knew what was happening, she was being tackled into a hug.

Both mother and daughter burst into giggles, their spirits lifting.

Nino watched fondly, a soft smile on her face. She knew that with Haru around, Miku would always have the support she needed.

The room's atmosphere lightened, the earlier tension dissolving into warmth and love. Nino joined the hug, wrapping her arms around both Miku and Haru.

"We're in this together," Nino said softly. "No matter what happens, we'll always be here for each other."

The three of them stayed like that for a while, drawing strength from their bond. As they finally pulled apart, Miku wiped away her tears and smiled.

"Thank you, Nino. Thank you, Haru."

"Anytime, Mama," Haru replied, her voice filled with love.

Nino turned to Haru with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, Miku and I own a restaurant together, huh?"

Haru's eyes widened in panic as she realized she had let a detail from the future slip. "Eek! Forget I said anything! You can't know that!" She buried her face in her hands, embarrassed.