Chapter 2: Destiny or Chance?

Scene 1: The Fear Caused by Ren

Ren remained standing in front of everyone. The atmosphere was tighter than a rope about to snap. With a firm voice and a defiant gaze, he asked again: —What are you all saying about us?

Asuka was terrified, her heart pounding with force. Trying to calm herself, she replied: —We were talking about you being quadruplets... By the way, what is your name?

—I am Ren. And regarding that, is there a problem with us being quadruplets? —Ren asked with a dry, firm voice while glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

Asuka, still frightened and nervous, answered: —No, no! Not at all! It's just that we saw you this morning when you pushed my sister, Himari.

With a smirk and a mocking tone, he replied: —Of course not, little girl! It was surely my other brother, Kouta, who never wakes up on time.

Asuka bowed her head slightly: —I'm sorry for confusing you!

Ren replied, brushing it off: —No problem! —Immediately, he turned to face the other classmates: —I heard everything. Honestly, only children who still wear diapers find it so funny to play matchmaker! I hope you all grow up soon; it's obvious this school is low quality, just as I told my father. I'm leaving; I have an important match to play.

Ren turned around and walked away. Still terrified, the students waited until he was a bit further away before saying as a group: —We are in trouble!

One of the classmates, still curious, asked Asuka: —Since you are quadruplets as well, are you all like that?

Asuka replied, now calmer: —No, no, not at all! Each of us has a unique personality even if we look the same. I don't think the other brothers are all like him.

At that moment, the bell rang throughout the building to resume classes.

Scene 2: School's Out and Fun Times

Classes ended, and with no pending assignments or homework, the quadruplets were looking for somewhere to go. —Sisters, where do you want to go? —Natsuki asked with a face of boredom she could no longer hide.

Suki, being protective and concerned, replied: —Anywhere, as long as it's not for exercise! Keep in mind that Himari can't walk around much!

Natsuki replied sadly: —You're right! Himari is hurt. —Himari said, hesitating but asking: —What if we go to Karaoke? I can stay seated there to rest and still have fun too.

Natsuki brightened up and replied: —Excellent, sister! Let's go there! —Suki crossed her arms, then said to Natsuki in a demanding tone: —And how do you plan to get her there, girl?! Honestly, sometimes you don't think.

Natsuki, embarrassed and bowing her head, said: —I'm sorry, sister! I hadn't thought about that! —Asuka stepped in and calmed them down: —Don't worry! Let's check the Gou and call a taxi.

Kouta was listening to the quadruplets' conversation and asked his brothers: —Guys! Since we're going to the Karaoke too, why don't we take them with us?

Ren, always disciplined and cold, replied while rolling his eyes: —What are you even thinking? Either way, it's their problem. You already apologized, so forget about them.

Daichi replied to Ren, crossing his arms: —Stop being so heartless for once in your life and show some empathy! —Sora stepped in, equally indignant: —You might be very smart, brother, but you still need to learn how to treat people! That's the only thing about you that's disgusting.

He turned to Kouta and Daichi, saying cheerfully and with firmness: —Let's go with them!

Scene 3: Meeting Daichi and Sora

Daichi and Sora accompanied Kouta to approach the Shimizus. He greeted Natsuki instead of Asuka: —Hi Asuka, sorry to bother you, but...

Natsuki interrupted him: —Eeeh! I'm not Asuka. You probably want to talk to my sister.

Surprised, he began to stare at them intently and said to himself: —"This can't be happening, all four of them are exactly the same! How will I ever tell them apart?" —he ended up shouting in his thoughts. He then proceeded to answer Natsuki, clearly taken aback: —I'm so sorry! I'm a fool for confusing you.

Himari answered, laughing: —Don't worry! The same thing usually happens to our classmates too.

While Himari was answering, he began to notice small differences and realized that Himari was wearing a Sakura flower in her hair. Just then, Asuka also replied, holding back a laugh but trying to stay calm: —Take it easy! It happens all the time. By the way, why did you come over?

As Asuka finished speaking, she took a closer look at them and was stunned. Then, she cried out: —What?! Are you serious? Which one of you am I even talking to?!

The other sisters didn't understand what was happening at first, so they began to stare at the boys and realized they were just as identical to each other as the girls were to themselves. Inside their minds, the same thoughts were racing: —"This can't be possible." —"They are exactly the same." —"This has to be a dream."

Bewildered, they looked at one another, feeling embarrassed, while Kouta answered in surprise: —I'm sorry! Yes, we are quadruplets. Even though we look alike, I was coming over to...

Suki interrupted him, saying sharply: —Give us a moment. "Operation Quadruplets," now!

Scene 4: Operation Quadruplets

Kouta replied, puzzled: —Alright. —While in his head he wondered: "What on earth is 'Operation Quadruplets'?" On the other hand, Sora and Daichi were just as confused because they were looking at four girls who were exactly identical.

The sisters gathered in a circle around Himari's spot so they could talk privately. The Shimizus whispered to one another: —Are they really identical? —It's not our imagination. —Could this be a dream? —What should we do?

Suki, surprised but maintaining her composure, told them: —Calm down! Give me a second. —She turned back toward the boys, calm but with a piercing, terrifying gaze: —Each of you, introduce yourselves! You can't be playing games with us; I don't believe you are actually quadruplets.