Itsuki's habits

　　Not long after, the Nakano family's quintuplets gathered at the dining table and started eating breakfast.

　　Miku and Itsuki who came out then looked at Nino with strange looks. Ichika was eating salad while smiling, while Yotsuba peeked at Ichika from time to time.

　　"Nino."

　　Lastly, Itsuki had only eaten a few mouthfuls but had already finished all the food on her plate. Then, she faced Nino and asked worriedly.

　　"Even though the possibility isn't very high, it's possible that father..."

　　Nino's calm expression collapsed, and she said every word authentically.

　　"Not a blind date!"

　　"Enough is enough, what do you do one by one? Isn't it unusual for me to dress up and go out?"

　　Itsuki was embarrassed and chose her words.

　　"Um, that's not the problem... How to say it..."

　　At this time, Miku gave her the breakfast she couldn't eat, which made her breathe a sigh of relief.

　　Miku looked at Nino and spoke on Itsuki's behalf.

　　"It's nothing unusual, but it has a very special feeling. Makeup, clothes, etc. Better than when you go out with friends…" Miku said hesitantly, "I don't think you've worn this dress before. Is this a new dress? After all, this is as serious as a blind date. You can't blame us for thinking about going there."

　　"Huh, I really admire your ability in relationships…"

　　Nino looked at her a little surprised.

　　"But I didn't expect you to be quite understanding. Not only the clothes, but also the lip gloss I replaced with a new brand..."

　　"No, I don't understand at all. You'd better stop talking." Miku who had never put on makeup since birth, shook her head, drank tea like an old woman, and asked.

　　"Since it's not a blind date, are you dressed like this to meet the Prime Minister of Japan?"

　　Suddenly an alarm bell rang in Yotsuba's heart, she quickly put a boiled egg in her mouth, turned away from Ichika, and looked at Miku in panic.

　　"Why did I meet such a middle-aged man?"

　　Nino said without hiding anything.

　　"I'm going shopping with Asada today. I'll probably come back in the evening. The first date has to be fun, and I have to find a way to charm the guy."

　　"…"

　　It seemed like time stopped at this moment.

　　Miku froze, the color draining from her face, and she stared at her in disbelief.

　　The teacup which still contained hot tea suddenly slipped from her hand and fell to the floor.

　　Luckily, before it fell to the ground, Yotsuba caught the teacup. After ensuring that not a drop of tea had been spilled, she wiped the sweat off her forehead.

　　A strange calm began to spread, Ichika's interest, Nino's determination, Miku's confusion, Yotsuba's happiness, everyone looked at each other.

　　The next moment, the balance of silence was suddenly broken.

　　"Eh——!? Asada-kun, does he still have this schedule?"

　　Before anyone else could react, Itsuki reached her hand to her side wanting to take out a small notebook, but found that her didn't have her bag with her at all.

　　Then she dropped her shoulders, stroked her forehead and sighed in exasperation.

　　"I should have thought about it earlier... It's still a bit difficult to know Asada-kun's entire schedule during summer vacation..."

　　Nino looked at the most serious and normal Itsuki in the family in horror.

　　"Itsuki is usually very simple..."

　　Ichika spread her arms.

　　"That's not the problem. Everyone knows Itsuki's hobbies, so there's no need to make a fuss."

　　"I-I don't have any hobbies! Everyone says I'm normal..."

　　Ignoring Itsuki's weak defense, Ichika brought the topic back up with a smile.

"The most important thing now is you, Nino. Suddenly there was a date.." She held her face in one hand and asked, "So, he asked you out first?"

　　"How can that piece of wood take the initiative?" Nino said proudly, "Of course I got it through my own efforts! The condition originally stated was to accompany me to go shopping, but doesn't that mean boys and girls are dating when they go out?"

　　"So for me, today is my first date with him!"

　　"So that's how it is…" Her curiosity satisfied, Ichika nodded, her expression was very natural, and she didn't say much.

　　But because it was so natural, Nino looked at her hesitantly.

　　"Your reaction is a bit suspicious..."

　　The person Ichika likes is going shopping with her "love rival". Even if she wasn't so shocked as Miku that she nearly dropped her cup, she should at least show a hint of surprise or objection.

　　But now, Ichika acted as if she had known this for a long time, and her emotions didn't even fluctuate as much as Yotsuba's.

　　With this in mind, Nino increasingly felt that the smile on Ichika's face was very similar to that of the final demon king in the game. She always wore a triumphant expression.

　　Was she secretly planning a conspiracy?

　　Facing Nino's gaze, Ichika didn't panic at all and instead smiled in amusement.

　　"Suspicious?"

　　"Oh, is it possible that people should express the very sour feelings in their hearts—"

　　"Ugh~ I really envy you. I really want to go out and play with Shinichi-kun. I really wanted to take her arm and go shopping. I really want to say goodbye reluctantly under the sunset~"

　　"Do I have to be like this to make you satisfied?"

　　"What!? That is not what I mean-"

　　The scary tone made Nino startled, then she was about to defend herself.

　　But she saw Ichika holding back her smile, her expression very calm.

　　"I only show off when I'm showing off, and you still suspect Onee-san that I have ulterior motives... Nino, is this too much?"

　　Her eyes reflected the sharp gaze hidden within through disguise.

　　Not only Nino, but the other quintuplets could feel that Ichika was really angry.

　　"Ichika, don't be angry..." Yotsuba was about to persuade her, but Ichika looked at her lightly.

　　Yotsuba took a step back, her arms were covered in goosebumps and her legs were even shaking.

　　She had actually seen that look.

　　That was before forest school started...

　　Meeting her gaze, Nino fidgeted, wanting to defend herself but unable to do so.

　　But she didn't hesitate for long, she apologized solemnly.

　　"Sorry, I just got carried away."