Uesugi Fuutarou stood in the midst of the crowd at the temple area, observing the bustling surroundings with an unreadable expression.
The temple lanterns shone brightly, dancing in his eyes filled with shadows of the past.
Before the Nakano quintuplets transferred to his school and interacted with him, Fuutarou was merely a loner without friends and a nerd.
He was not interested in enjoying his youth like other high school students; he focused solely on studying to earn a scholarship to a prestigious university. After all, his family's poor economic situation could not afford to pay for his college without a scholarship.
However, when he became a high-paying tutor for the Nakano quintuplets, everything changed. Fuutarou's previously lonely and bleak life was suddenly colored by the presence of five unique girls, each with their own unexpected personalities. Their smiles, laughter, anger, and tears filled his days, making him feel things he once thought were unimportant.
Now, after their disputes over vying for his attention, he has made a choice: Yotsuba, the cheerful and enthusiastic girl he met in Kyoto during a school field trip.
After graduating high school, Fuutarou and Yotsuba decided to live in the same apartment. Of course, it was impossible for anything to happen with a boy and a girl living under one roof, right?
Fuutarou realized that even after graduating from college, Ichika, Nino, and Miku still had feelings for him, seeing as they were still single despite having met many men at university.
As for Itsuki... that girl was never interested in romantic relationships and was more focused on food.
It was impossible for Fuutarou not to feel proud that beautiful girls like them still liked him even after several years.
He thought this status quo would last until he and Yotsuba got married, but...
Today, when Fuutarou saw Nino and Miku walking arm in arm with a younger-looking white-haired man, an odd feeling stirred in his heart.
Fuutarou felt discomfort in his heart, a feeling that shouldn't have arisen.
'They have moved on. And I have chosen my path too.' He tried to calm himself.
However, the memories of when Nino, with all her determination and courage, confessed her feelings to him, or Miku, who was quiet and awkward but sincere, were not easy to erase.
Both of them once occupied a special space in his heart, and although their relationship was now merely that of friends, those feelings still left a faint trace. Fuutarou unconsciously developed an ego that they would continue to love him even after he chose Yotsuba.
"..."
Yotsuba, standing beside him, seemed to read the change in Fuutarou's expression and squeezed his hand gently.
"Are you okay, Fuutarou-san? Do you feel unwell?"
Fuutarou turned to her, pulled from his reverie. He squeezed Yotsuba's hand back, trying to smile.
"Yes, I'm fine. It's just that I'm still not used to being in such a large crowd."
"I see. If Fuutarou-san feels unwell, just let me know."
Even though she was no longer a virgin, Yotsuba's innocent and naive nature had not changed. She trusted her boyfriend without a hint of suspicion.
"Yum... Yum... Yum..."
Itsuki beside her was just focused on eating the food in her hands.
"Yeah, I'll say something if I can't take it anymore." Fuutarou smiled wryly.
Deep down in his heart, he realized that the relationship between him and the quintuplets would never truly be simple.
They had been through too much together, forming a bond that, while no longer the same, still held deep meaning. And seeing Nino and Miku looking happy with another man, he could only hope that they would all find their happiness. Yet, he felt that something precious to him was being taken away by someone else.
"..."
Eiji's group, consisting of Nino and Miku, moved closer to Fuutarou, Yotsuba, and Itsuki near the main temple gate.
Smiles and warmth were evident on Nino's face as she waved enthusiastically. Miku followed beside her, wearing a gentle smile.
Nino called out as they approached.
"Long time no see!"
Yotsuba, with her cheerful spirit, waved back at Nino.
"Nino! Miku! I'm so glad we could gather like this!"
Unaware of the sauce on her lips, Itsuki smiled warmly and said, "I'm glad we could gather again this year. Happy New Year, Kamiki-kun. Thank you for all your help so far."
Eiji had helped her a lot in her work. Itsuki admired him.
"You're welcome, Itsuki-san."
Eiji stood next to Nino, his eyes meeting Fuutarou's. His brows furrowed as he sensed negative emotions from the other side.
Fuutarou put on a friendly expression on his face as he extended his hand.
"Hello, my name is Uesugi Fuutarou. I've heard about your situation from Yotsuba. It must be tough living without memories due to amnesia, right? I hope you recover soon."
His last sentence was genuinely heartfelt. He wished for the other party's amnesia to heal. Thus, there would be no reason for him to stay at Nino and Miku's restaurant.
"Kamiki Eiji. So you are Yotsuba-san's boyfriend. I hope we can get along."
Although the man named Fuutarou in front of him was hypocritical for acting friendly on the surface while harboring hostility, Eiji could not be rude without reason.
After all, if he spoke the truth, no one would believe his illogical reasoning. On the contrary, they would defend Fuutarou, considering their deep relationship.
Meanwhile, Miku raised an eyebrow and asked, "By the way, where's Ichika? Isn't she supposed to be here by now?"
"She'll be arriving soon. She said there was a slight delay at the station, but not for long." Itsuki replied casually.
"Ichika never changes; she's always the last one." Nino complained.
While waiting for Ichika's arrival, the girls chatted cheerfully. After all, they were busy with their respective activities after graduating college.
Only Miku and Nino were always together since they opened a restaurant together.
Their laughter and cheerful conversations filled the cold morning air, sharing their New Year's plans, the food they wanted to try, and the prayers they would offer.
Yotsuba, the most cheerful among them, told a funny story that made Miku blush with laughter and Nino tease with sharp comments that invited more laughter.
On the other hand, Eiji and Fuutarou remained silent, both seeming to keep their distance.
Fuutarou occasionally glanced at Eiji, trying to assess the young man.
'This guy is very handsome. No wonder Nino looks so comfortable around him,' Fuutarou thought with a hint of jealousy.