Nino: "Ah."
Y/N and Fuutarou turned to look at her. She was smiling-but it wasn't just any smile. It was that kind of mischievous, scheming smile Y/N had grown wary of. He knew right away-Nino was about to pull something.
Nino: "Oh? Are you still desperately trying, even though you haven't realized the truth yet?"
Her tone was laced with sarcasm, eyes narrowing just slightly as she glanced at Fuutarou.
Fuutarou: "Nino..."
He sighed, sensing the incoming storm.
Nino: "Just try not to fall asleep this time like you did last week. That alone would be an improvement."
Fuutarou: "Tch... That was because of your damn medicine..."
His voice trailed off, realizing he was about to lash out.
"Wait-I can't lose my temper... Be gentle... Be gentle..."
He reminded himself, clenching his jaw as he forced a composed expression.
Y/N: "If you want, Nino, you can always join us."
He offered with a teasing smile, knowing full well what her answer would be.
Nino: "Over. My. Dead. Body."
She spat each word like venom, folding her arms with an exaggerated huff.
Fuutarou: "F-For now, four's enough..."
He muttered, trying to keep the peace, though his voice lacked conviction.
"Why is she always like this?" he thought.
Y/N: "If you change your mind, we could always make room for one more."
He grinned, eyes twinkling with amusement.
Everyone except Nino and Fuutarou: "Yes!"
Nino: "Y-You...!"
Her voice cracked in disbelief as her face turned a shade redder, caught between flustered and furious.
Y/N casually turned away from her, facing the other Nakano sisters with a calm, easygoing smile.
Y/N: "Well, ignore Nino for now. She clearly doesn't want to join us, so shall we get started, girls?"
But just as things were about to begin, Nino's voice cut through the air.
Nino: "Yotsuba."
Yotsuba blinked and turned toward her sister.
"Huh? What's up?"
Nino: "I have an acquaintance in the basketball club. They're looking for a reserve member for the upcoming Sports Summit."
Y/N's eyes narrowed slightly.
"So that's her plan... Trying to separate the sisters one by one. If they're not all here, the tutoring session falls apart."
He thought, keeping his expression neutral.
Fuutarou: "Yotsuba..."
His voice was low, unsure.
Yotsuba: "Right now? Umm... but-"
Nino: "I heard one of the five club members had a nasty injury-broken bones. As things stand, the team won't be able to compete in the summit. They've been practicing so hard too."
She sighed dramatically, as if genuinely heartbroken over the matter.
Nino: "It's such a shame... all that effort, wasted."
Y/N could practically see the gears turning in her head.
"She's using guilt. Clever... but I won't let her ruin our session that easily."
Fuutarou: "She... she wouldn't actually do it..."
He muttered, still hoping Yotsuba wouldn't fall for Nino's ploy.
Yotsuba: "I'm sorry, Uesugi-san... Y/N-san. I can't just abandon people when they're in need of help."
Her voice was sincere, filled with determination and a touch of guilt.
Fuutarou: "No way..."
His heart sank as he realized she really meant it.
Miku: "That's just how she is. Yotsuba's the kind of girl who can't say no when someone asks for help."
She said quietly, looking down with a sigh.
Y/N: "I understand."
His calm voice surprised everyone.
All of them turned to look at Y/N in shock. Even Nino, who had engineered this entire setup, looked stunned. But Fuutarou... his eyes were wide in disbelief, mouth slightly open.
Yotsuba: "Are you... sure?"
Y/N: "Yeah, I'm sure. If it were me in your shoes, I probably would've done the same. So go on-do what your heart tells you is right."
For a second, Yotsuba just stared at him, her eyes glimmering. Then, without warning, she ran over and hugged him tightly.
Yotsuba: "Thank you, Y/N-san!"
Y/N: "You're welcome, Yotsuba... but maybe it's time you let go of me now."
He chuckled softly, giving her a gentle pat on the back.
Yotsuba: "Ah! Right-sorry!"
She stepped back, scratching the back of her head with a sheepish grin, then waved and rushed out of the house.
There was a brief silence before Nino turned to another target.
Nino: "Ichika... don't you have a part-time job at 2 o'clock?"
Ichika: "Ah, you're right! I almost forgot. Thanks for the reminder, Nino."
Y/N: "Wait-Ichika, you have a part-time job?"
Miku: "Yeah, she's the only one among us who works part-time."
Y/N: "I see. Well then, Ichika, you can go. It's important too."
Ichika: "Thanks, Y/N. I promise, next time I'll definitely join the tutoring session."
Y/N: "I'll hold you to that. Now go on."
Ichika grabbed her bag and left with a wave.
Nino wasn't done yet.
Nino: "And Itsuki... don't you think it'd be better to study somewhere quiet, like the library? This place is getting a bit noisy."
Itsuki: "Umm... Y/N, can I go?"
Her tone was hesitant, clearly unsure if she was just following Nino's lead or doing what was best.
Y/N: "Yes, you can. If a quiet place helps you focus, then that's where you should be. But if anything gives you trouble, don't hesitate to call me, okay?"
Itsuki: "Okay. Thank you, Y/N. I'll be going then."
And just like that, three of the sisters had walked out.
Fuutarou: "C-Come on, girls... You need to focus on your studies!"
He said in shock, watching the door as if willing them to come back.
Miku: "You should accept reality now, Fuutarou. There's no one left here."
Her tone was soft, but the weight of the truth behind her words hit hard.
The once-crowded living room was nearly empty. Only Nino, Miku, Fuutarou, and Y/N remained. The silence between them was thick-filled with unspoken tension.
Nino: "So... what exactly is your plan, Y/N? Why did you just let everyone go like that?"
She eyed him suspiciously, arms crossed and brows raised.
Y/N: "There's no grand plan, Nino."
He leaned back slightly on the couch, his voice calm.
"I just did what I thought would make them happy. That's what matters most to me-as their tutor and as their friend."
Nino: "Tch... forget it then."
She flicked her hair over her shoulder dismissively.
"Anyway, Miku. You're still here, huh? Buy me a juice box to make up for the one you drank earlier."
Fuutarou watched quietly, the gears in his head spinning as he thought.
'What's her deal? She keeps stepping in... like she's trying to control everything. What's her motive?'
Miku: "I already bought it."
She handed a small drink box to Nino, cool and composed.
Nino: "Huh?"
She blinked, taking the box with a confused look.
"What's this?"
Miku: "Compensation, like you asked. Anyway, let's get back to studying-Y/N, Uesugi."
Fuutarou: "It can't be helped..."
He sighed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Looks like I'll have to adjust my teaching style again."
Y/N: "Don't worry, Fuutarou. You'll figure it out someday."
He smiled reassuringly.
Fuutarou: "You shut up!"
He pointed a finger at Y/N with mock annoyance.
"You were supposed to be tutoring too! Why'd you let them off so easily?"
Y/N: "Chill, Fuutarou. Sometimes, being a tutor means understanding when to give them space."
Nino: "Huh!? Since when did the three of you get so close?"
She narrowed her eyes, looking between Y/N, Miku, and Fuutarou with growing irritation.
Fuutarou: "What do you mean by that, Miku?"
Nino: "Huh? Huh? Do you seriously like guys with dumb faces like Uesugi? I mean, I get why someone might like Y/N, but him?"
Her tone was sharp, biting-and laced with something else. Jealousy, maybe?
Fuutarou: "Ouch... that hurts."
He clutched his chest dramatically, pretending to sob.
"Right in the heart..."
Miku: "You're going too far, Nino. That was uncalled for."
She crossed her arms.
"Also, I only like beautiful people."
She said it firmly, turning her gaze away.
Y/N: 'You're not really one to talk, Miku... You're almost as superficial as her sometimes.'
Y/N thought as he chuckled awkwardly to himself, a drop of sweat forming on his temple.
Nino: "What? Is it so bad to like good-looking people? Are you seriously judging me for that?"
She leaned forward, a challenging look in her eyes.
"Have you never dated a stylish guy? You're saying I'm too focused on looks?"
Miku: "And what if I am?"
She stepped closer, eyes locked with Nino's.
The air grew tenser by the second. And then-
Nino raised her hand and pointed her nails directly at Miku's chest. Her expression was sharp, her voice low.
Nino: "I see now. You hardly even pay attention to what you wear-that's why you walk around in those plain, boring clothes."
She folded her arms smugly, glancing at Miku's casual outfit with a judging eye.
Miku: "And you call those pointy fingernails fashionable?"
She shot back, unimpressed, pointing to Nino's glittery, dagger-shaped nails.
"They look more like weapons than accessories."
Nino: "As if someone like you could even understand my fashion sense."
Miku: "Don't worry, I don't want to."
The air between them crackled with tension-two sisters locked in an almost comedic but fiery battle of words.
Fuutarou: "Come on, you two are sisters! Just try to get along for once!"
He stepped between them, waving his hands in exasperation.
Y/N: "Yeah, regardless of your appearance or personalities, now's really not the time for this."
He said with a calm smile, trying to diffuse the tension.
Miku: "You're right, Y/N..."
Then she glanced coldly at Nino.
"So how about you stop pestering us for once, Nino."
There was a brief pause. Then Nino tilted her head with a sudden change of topic.
Nino: "Did you have lunch yet?"
Y/N and Fuutarou: "Huh?"
They both blinked at her, confused by the abrupt question.
Just then, Fuutarou's stomach growled-loudly.
Fuutarou: "Ah... haha..."
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"I skipped breakfast, so I guess I'm kinda starving."
Nino: "Perfect. Then let's settle this..."
She stepped forward confidently, fire in her eyes.
"Since Miku wants to talk about 'inner beauty,' let's see who's better at showing it!"
Miku: "Huh?"
Nino: "We'll each cook a homemade meal. Whoever makes the better one wins. If I win-no more studying for today."
Fuutarou / Y/N (in unison): "She... she won't seriously agree to this, right?"
They both exchanged worried glances.
Miku: "Don't worry, Y/N."
She smiled sweetly with a confident glint in her eyes.
"I'll finish it in no time. You just sit and relax."
Fuutarou: "You're the one who needs to sit down!"
He shouted, clearly panicked and thought.
This is spiraling out of control... nothing is going according to plan!"
[Time Skip - A little later in the kitchen... ]
Nino: "Feast your eyes."
She placed her dish on the table with a dramatic flair.
"Dutch-styled vegetable stew-packed with flavor and balance. A true family meal made with heart."
The stew gave off a rich, hearty aroma, and the vegetables were cut with precision and cooked to a perfect golden softness.
Miku: "Um... f-fried eggs with rice."
She said quietly, placing her plate down.
The dish was simple-just two fried eggs over a bowl of warm white rice. It didn't look fancy, but the eggs were perfectly sunny-side up, and the rice steamed gently, giving off a cozy homemade feel.
Y/N kept staring at Miku's dish with a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth.
'Is that thing really edible...?'
Miku's simple dish of fried eggs and rice looked a bit... underwhelming. The eggs were slightly uneven, and the rice clumped awkwardly in spots, but the effort was clear.
Fuutarou glanced over and quietly thought to himself. "Nino's cooking is top-tier... she's got real skill in the kitchen. But Miku... yeah, she definitely needs more practice if she wants to impress through cooking. "
Miku, catching their expressions, pouted and crossed her arms.
"Enough of this," she muttered. "I'll just eat it myself if you're going to keep staring."
Nino, smirking as she leaned forward, teased:
"Oh, come on. Let Y/N have a taste. You made it for him, right?"
Y/N sighed lightly, glancing between the two dishes.'Okay, if we're going by looks alone, Nino's is clearly the winner... but let's see how they taste.'
Y/N and Fuutarou (simultaneously): "Alright, time to eat."
They both picked up their chopsticks. Fuutarou tried Nino's Dutch-style vegetable stew first while Y/N took a bite of Miku's fried egg with rice. Then they swapped-Fuutarou tasting Miku's dish, and Y/N sampling Nino's.
A moment of silence passed as they both chewed thoughtfully.
Y/N: "Hmm... they're both pretty good, honestly."
Fuutarou: "Yeah... surprisingly, both are decent."
He gave Miku an encouraging nod.
Y/N: "But Miku..."
He looked at her gently.
"Not gonna lie, Nino's dish is better than yours-in both appearance and taste."
Miku froze for a second. Then, slowly, she looked down, her expression turning somber as her bangs cast a shadow over her eyes.
"Oh... is that so..."
Her voice was quiet, clearly trying to hide her disappointment.
Fuutarou: "Hey, Y/N! What the hell, man? You trying to make her cry or something?"
Y/N: "Shut up, Fuutarou."
He said it casually but then turned back toward Miku, his tone softening.
Nino smirked triumphantly and began to speak:
"So that means there won't be any tutoring toda-"
But Y/N cut her off.
Y/N: "That doesn't mean she can't improve."
He walked over to Miku, crouching slightly so their eyes met.
"Everyone starts somewhere. You've got the heart, Miku. You just need some guidance. I'm not the best cook myself, but I can definitely teach you the basics."
Then, without a word more, he gently patted her head.
Y/N: "Tomorrow, I'll keep my promise and help you with Japanese history too. So cheer up, alright?"
He gave her a soft smile, turned around, and headed toward the door.
Fuutarou, flustered by the sudden exit, quickly grabbed his bag.
"H-Hey, Y/N! Wait up!"
He ran after him, leaving the Nakano living room silent once more.
But little did they know... Miku's cheeks were burning red, her fingers lightly brushing the spot on her head where Y/N had patted her.
Her heart was racing.
'Y/N... you're really kind...'
Miku: "Thank you, Y/N. I'll make sure to live up to your expectations... and I promise, I won't let you down."
Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper meant only for herself and the echo in her heart. As the door clicked shut behind Y/N and Fuutarou, Miku stood there for a moment, her gaze lingering where he had just been standing.
Then, she slowly clapped her hands together-gently, as if afraid the sound would break the delicate warmth blooming in her chest. Her lips curled into a shy smile, her eyes shimmering with a quiet resolve.
A soft red hue colored her cheeks, the blush spreading as she brought her fingers to her forehead, brushing over the spot Y/N had patted moments ago.
'I'll do my best... Just you wait, Y/N.'
From the side of the room, Nino watched silently, arms crossed and one brow raised.
Nino: "How lame," she muttered under her breath with a scoff.
But even as she turned on her heel and walked off toward her room, a flicker of something passed through her eyes-a mix of irritation, uncertainty, and perhaps... a tinge of jealousy.
___________________________________________________
*Time Skip - A Little Later*
*Location: Inside the Apartment Elevator*
The metallic hum of the elevator echoed softly as it descended floor by floor.
Futarou: "Oh shit."
He suddenly patted his pockets frantically, a hint of panic flickering across his face.
Y/N: "What happened, Futarou?"
He looked over, confused, as Futarou continued checking his blazer and jeans.
Futarou: "I... I left my wallet back at the Quints' apartment!"
Y/N: "Futarou, how can you be so careless?".
Said Y/N, letting out a sigh and pinching the bridge of his nose.
Futarou: "Hey! Don't blame me! You were the one who rushed out without waiting. I was still putting my stuff together!"
Y/N: "Right, and whose stuff are we talking about here? Your pencil case? Your notebook? Or your ability to remember simple things like your wallet?"
Futarou: "Okay okay, chill. It's not like I did it on purpose!"
Futarou said glaring at Y/N.
Y/N: "Fine. I'll go get it. You stay here and try not to forget anything else, alright?"
Y/N said with a sigh, but a little smirk appearing at his face.
Futarou: "Tch. Whatever. Just be quick before someone thinks you're stalking those girls or something."
Y/N: "Oh, I'm way past that point. At this rate, I might as well charge them tutoring rent."
Y/N said, already stepping out of the Elevator as the door opened.
The door slowly closed between them, and Futarou just stood there, shaking his head with a tired expression.
Futarou: "This guy... He's way too comfortable with them. It's like he's part of the family already."
____________________________________________________
After a while, Y/n was seen standing outside the luxurious high-rise where the Nakano sisters lived. The sky was already tinged with hues of orange as the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow on the windows above.
Y/n walked up to the familiar apartment building's entrance and stared at the sleek keypad by the side. With a quick stretch of his finger, he tapped in the apartment number and waited. A moment later, the intercom buzzed faintly before connecting.
A soft but familiar voice echoed through the speaker.
Miku: "Hello? Who is it?"
Just from the calm and slightly mellow tone, Y/n immediately recognized her.
Y/n: "Hey, Miku. It's me, Y/n. Can you open the door? Futarou left his wallet behind, and I came back to pick it up for him."
There was a short pause on the other end before she replied in a nonchalant voice.
Miku: "I'm taking a bath right now, so feel free to come in and grab whatever you left."
With a soft click, the automatic door unlocked. Y/n stepped inside, the quiet hum of the hallway greeting him as he made his way to the elevator. The familiar scent of polished floors and faint floral air freshener filled the corridor. He pressed the button, and the elevator doors slid open with a chime.
As the lift ascended, Y/n leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
Y/n: 'She's pretty chill, huh? Most girls would at least hesitate before letting a guy in while they're in the bath... Well, it's Miku, after all.'
With a soft ding, the elevator reached the floor of the Quints' apartment. Y/n stepped out and walked toward the door, which was slightly ajar. He entered carefully.
The apartment was quiet. Too quiet.
Y/n: 'Strange... No one's in sight. They must all be in their rooms.'
Suddenly, the sound of soft footsteps came from the hallway. Before he could react, one of the Quints appeared-wrapped in nothing but a towel that clung snugly to her body, steam still rising gently off her skin. She was drying her damp hair with a towel, seemingly unaware of Y/n's presence.
Y/n's eyes widened as he instinctively turned his face away a bit, trying not to stare.
Y/n (muttering): "Umm... Miku, you finished bathing already?"
He glanced cautiously, his face slightly flushed but composed.
Y/n: 'Wait a second... There's no way she could've finished that fast. The time it takes to come up from the 1st floor to here isn't even a minute... No matter how quick someone is, she can't be out of the bath already.'
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
Y/n: 'Wait... That voice earlier... could it have been a trick?'
Just then, the girl in the towel called out to someone, clearly still unaware of Y/n's presence.
??: "Who's there? Miku? Didn't you say you want to take a bath? The room's empty now, you can use it."
Y/n blinked.
Y/n: "So it's Nino, huh."
He sighed under his breath. Before he could decide whether to speak up or quietly leave, she spoke again.
Nino: "By the way, can you pass me my contact lenses from the shelf?"
Y/n's voice came out a little hesitant.
Y/n: "Umm... Nino, it's me. Y/n. Not Miku."
There was a beat of silence.
Nino: "WHAT?! Y-Y/n?! What are you doing here?! Are you here to take my pictures or sexually harass me or something?!"
Her voice rose in panic, but she didn't scream outright. Y/n, flustered but keeping his composure, quickly waved his hands.
Y/n: "Oh, c'mon, really? Do you seriously think I'm that kind of person?"
Nino's cheeks flushed, though it wasn't clear whether it was from embarrassment or irritation.
Nino: "...Well... no. I mean, if it was someone else, I'd already be screaming my lungs out by now. But since it's you... I guess there's probably a reason you're here."
Y/n: 'Wow... how did Nino become so sweet all of a sudden?'
He stood there, blinking in disbelief. The girl who once treated him like an invader was now... calm? Civil? Almost friendly? It was honestly throwing him off.
Y/n: "Umm... yeah, so, Futarou actually forgot his wallet, and I just came to pick it up. And... I've found it, so I'll be heading out now."
He lifted the wallet slightly as proof, offering her a soft, polite smile.
Nino: "Okay, Y/n. But remember-next time you waltz into our house unannounced, I will scream and call the cops."
Her voice was firm, but the way she said it lacked her usual venom. It was more like a tease than a threat.
Y/n: "Alright, Nino. But I also know why you don't really want me and Futarou around. It's because, from your perspective, we were just ordered here by your father. We came in out of nowhere, acting like we belong."
He looked at her sincerely.
Y/n: "But the truth is, we're not here to intrude. I'm here as your friend. Someone you can count on-just like you can count on Futarou too."
Nino blinked, caught off guard by his earnest tone.
Nino: "...I can accept you as our tutor, Y/n. But not Futarou."
Y/n: "You just need to give him a chance. He might surprise you. You never know... things could turn out better than you think."
Nino: "...Tch. I'll think about it later."
With that, Y/n gave a small wave, turned, and walked out of the apartment, leaving a stunned Nino behind in the quiet living room.
The sound of the door clicking shut lingered in the air.
Nino: 'I always thought he was just some weird guy who walked into our lives like a storm... but now that I think about it... he's actually kind of handsome. And he's so kind... and caring...'
Her cheeks slowly began to turn pink.
Nino: 'Wait-why am I even thinking about this?! What is this feeling?!'
She pressed a hand to her chest, confused as her heart thudded faster.
Just then, the sound of soft footsteps snapped her out of her spiral. Miku emerged from the hallway, towel draped around her neck.
Miku: "Hey, Nino. Did Y/n come by?"
Nino: "Yeah... he did."
Miku: "So... where is he now?"
Nino: "He left after grabbing the wallet."
Miku: "Okay."
Miku turned and headed for the bathroom, humming softly as she went.
Nino stood there, staring blankly at the floor.
Nino: 'This... feeling. What even is this? I've never felt anything like it before. And somehow... it's Y/n who's making me feel this way...'
Without another word, she quietly walked back to her room, shutting the door behind her as the thoughts swirled in her mind.
A/N: Hey everyone! Just a little update before we wrap things up here.
The next chapter, titled "Firework Festival," will be released after the 30th of this month. The reason for the delay is that my exams have officially started from today-and as much as I love writing this story and sharing it with you all, I need to focus on studying for now. The exams will continue until the 30th, so unfortunately, I won't be able to upload any new chapters until then.
I hope you all understand, and thank you so much for your patience and support!
Until then, see you in the next chapter of "The Lonely Genius (Quintuplets x Male Reader)"!
A/n : Also... just a little confession from your author-Miku is my personal favorite among the quintuplets. She's quiet, shy, passionate about history, and honestly just adorable in her own way. But! Don't worry-I promise I won't let my bias take control of the story.
Every quintuplet will have their own special moments and unique endings with Y/n. Each of them will get the love and attention they deserve in the story, because this isn't just about one girl-it's about all of them, and how their bond with Y/n grows in different ways.
As for Futarou... I haven't forgotten about him either. I'm still thinking about his role in the story. Maybe I'll create a new original character just for him, or-who knows?-maybe one of the quintuplets might end up falling for him too. I'll let the story naturally decide.
To be continued in the next Chapter .........