Vehemence + Dependence REVISED - an Original Quintessential Quintuplets Story

It was official: (Y/N) was going to return the confession. He had thought about it long and hard and figured this was the best time and place to do it. What's more romantic than confessing while on a school trip?

(Y/N) was hyping himself up as he ascended the stairs with the Quints. It was a big deal; since she was the one who first confessed, there was no chance of (Y/N) getting rejected, meaning he was guaranteed a girlfriend.

Ichika leaned toward (Y/N) and stared into his eyes. "Something on your mind, (Y/N)-kun?"

He switched his gaze from the stairs to Ichika. "I, um, yeah, I'm good."

"Remember when I told you my plan?"

"I do."

"..."

"Where were you going with this?"

"I dunno, just wanted to see if you, too, had something planned for someone."

"Maybe."

"Maybe? Oooo, (Y/N)-kun's gonna confess~!"

"Well, don't be loud about it."

She gasped. "W–Wait, you're serious? I was just joking...!"

(Y/N) smiled at Ichika. "You wanna know who?"

She chuckled. "I assume the one that's obsessed with you?"

He also chuckled. "Right, I didn't realize it was that obvious..."

"I didn't know you liked her back, though."

"It's not so much that, more just... wanting to get her off my case."

Ichika started directly into (Y/N)'s eyes. "Are you sure?"

(Y/N) turned away, embarrassed. "Okay, well... Maybe not..."

"Haha, knew it. If you actually wanted her off your case, there'd be better ways to do it than make her your girlfriend."

"True..."

Four thousand six hundred and twenty-five gates later, the six reached the top. They sat at a conveniently located bench, next to a sign that read, "Congratulations on reaching the top!" as well as some historical details about Fushimi Inari.

After a few minutes of sitting, Nino tapped (Y/N)'s shoulder.

"(Y–(Y)?"

He turned to her. "Yeah?"

"Can I talk to you in private for a moment?"

Dang. Does she know? That'd be funny. He was confused but agreed nonetheless.

Nino led him to behind a nearby shack occupied by a fortune slip-reading shrine maiden.

"What's up?" he asked.

"I was just wondering... It's been forever since you first found out I liked you. Are you just gonna leave me like this forever?"

"..."

"..."

"I..."

Meanwhile, the other Quints approached the maiden with the intention of hiding in the shack. Why? Listening to Nino's confession being returned, of course; they were eagerly attending his response to her feelings since day one.

"Hey, miss," Ichika called to the maiden.

The maiden, who was looking down at the desk before her, raised her head to meet Ichika. "Hey! What may I help you with?"

"May we stay in your shop for a few minutes?"

The maiden thought for a minute.

Ichika, seeing she wasn't convinced, continued: "It's for an important matter."

"Must you right now? Loitering strangers discourage business."

"Yes, it is quite urgent."

The maiden nodded. "Fine. But you must take a slip."

Ichika nodded patiently yet also impatiently. I don't want to rush her, but she needs to hurry up!

The maiden offered Ichika three slips, from which Ichika took the middle one. She turned it over in her hands, gazing at its intricacy.

"Are you done looking at it?"

"I am. Here you go." Ichika gave it back.

After a few seconds of seeing and looking at a piece of paper, the maiden recited: "Great fortune: you will experience great fortune in the near future. You might find a surprise waiting for you. Congratulations!"

"Great, thank you."

"You may enter the shop now."

"Thank you!" Ichika first opened the door behind the maiden for the rest of the Quints to enter.

Because it would be awkward if they missed it, they arrived just in time to hear (Y/N) say the magic words.

"I..."

"Come on, (Y), just tell me! I can't wait any more!"

(Y/N) smiled. "I accept your confession, Nino. You can stop worrying now."

Nino sprang forward and pulled (Y/N) into a tight hug. The Quints in the shack quietly clapped for the now-couple.

After some seconds and a stifled tear, (Y/N) took Nino and held her at arm's length, just looking at her for a few more seconds.

She looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "You wanna kiss?"

"I... Hm..."

"..."

"..."

Nino, seeing he wasn't interested, started to walk away.

"Hey, come here!" (Y/N) grabbed her and pulled her back to him.

Nino looked at (Y/N) with glistening eyes.

With a sudden passion, the two pulled each other into a deep kiss.