The Quintessential Quintuplets: Marching Forward

Chapter Fifteen: Winter Break

~Itsuki~

Itsuki shivered and pulled on her red sweater over her nightwear. The frigid winter air had somehow invaded their living room and frosted the large panel windows of the Nakano's apartment. As Itsuki descended the stairs, she noted the brisk morning air feeling that the weather had recently become ideal for making hot chocolate and cookies. Their enormous tree was adorned with sparkling ornaments, twinkling lights, with an angel on top and their stockings hung on the mantel below their tv matched each of their favorite colors with their names stitched in lovely cursive along. Itsuki tugged lamely on the garland that draped the mantel thinking that it was a bit overkill, but since Nino was in charge of the decorations this year, she had to leave it.

I swear that girl just wants to live in Europe or something.

Itsuki took in the sweet aroma of cinnamon and pine coming from the candles still lit from the night before. I suppose the candles were a nice touch. Itsuki admitted to no one in particular. She smiled as she walked settled on the family couch and pulled close a large, decorated wicker basket. Itsuki folded a handkerchief and placed it along with a beautiful set of hello kitty stationary pens next to some Christmas chocolate already in that basket. Next she carefully she placed an individually wrapped electric lint remover in the basket that she had found last minute at a convenience store for half off.

Just a little extra something for Raiha-chan, she thought. She figured that Raiha would certainly be the kind of girl to meticulously take care of her school uniforms once she made it to junior high school.

Itsuki then added a new pencil case featuring some famous K-pop group that Nino insisted Raiha would like.

Nino had also gotten her a cute expensive looking flower encased hair clip.

I'm not sure if Raiha-chan will like garish presents like this, Nino, Itsuki remembered complaining to Nino one day when they were shopping together.

It's fiiiine! Raiha-chan is still our sister, and she deserves cute things. Nino had huffed away without another word before Itsuki or Miku could protest.

Itsuki left for the kitchen and quickly returned with a charming wooden box filled with chocolate chip cookies and small cakes that Miku had made for Raiha. She quickly placed them in the basket before she became too tempted to take one. Unbelievably, her baking had improved so much so that Itsuki was certain Raiha would be thrilled to receive the baked goods. Itsuki inspected the basket feeling somewhat displeased. Overall, the package arrangement resembled more like a gift basket than a Christmas present, but there was no avoiding it when all four girls wanted to gift their "younger sister."

If we can even call her that anymore. Itsuki sulked. She picked up her phone and tapped away.

[Itsuki] (sent at 8:05 a.m.) "I'm just about to take the basket to Raiha-chan. Is there anything else anyone would like to add?"

[Itsuki] (sent at 8:05 a.m.) "*ahem* Ichika?"

[Ichika] (sent at 8:07 a.m.) "relaaaax Itsuki-chan, I'm on my way. I have some tickets I'd like to gift her."

[Miku] (sent at 8:08 a.m.) "Are you seriously going to gift her tickets to your own movie?"

[Ichika] (sent at 8:10 a.m.) "No... It was for the World Arcade Fair in Tokyo. I was hoping she'd go with Futaro-kun..."

[Ichika] (sent at 8:10 a.m.) "but I was also going to add my movie tickets too... tee-hee"

[Miku] (sent at 8:11 a.m.) "You shillllllll... anyway, whatever...Ichika before you get to dad's can you pick up some heavy creamer? I ran out and we need them for dad's dinner tonight. Tonight is the only night Dad's getting off for New Year's and I'd like to make the most of it"