Quadruplets vs Quadruplets: A Destiny to Discover (english)

Volume 2 Chapter 2: Kouta's Past

Scene 1: Confession to Itsuki

2 years and 6 months ago

It was the end of junior high school in Japan. Kouta had known Itsuki for two years already, but he had no idea about her other lifestyle. Junior high was coming to an end, and entrance exams were fast approaching.

Itsuki called out to him, waiting for him after running: —Come on, let's go, we're going to be late for class. —Kouta was already panting after running. With effort, he answered her: —Wait for me, I'm exhausted. —She laughed and walked over to him.

He was thinking to himself: "Where does this girl get so much energy?" —What he didn't know was that Itsuki had taken a stimulant left behind by her mother (she occasionally took them when she felt very tired because her mother had taught her it was a way to get through the day). She helped him up, and they went to the classroom.

Before classes started, Kouta grabbed Itsuki by the wrist, leaned close to her ear, and told her: —Wait for me after school, I want to spend a little time with you. —She flashed a happy smile and told him: —Of course, Kouta, I'll always be there for you.

Classes ended, and they got ready to leave. Kouta packed up very quickly and waited for Itsuki, walking over to her desk and asking: —Are you ready? —Happily, she answered: —Of course! What kind of surprise do you have prepared?

Kouta led her to one of the school hallways a bit away from the others; he didn't want everyone watching his confession, plus he was super nervous since it was his first time doing something like this. Then he pulled out a box of Meigui chocolates, which Itsuki loved, and told her: —Itsuki, thank you so much for accompanying me through these years of my life. You've been there for me through good times and bad, and I wanted to tell you this before we go our separate ways for high school.

He was very nervous but tried to play it cool, so he took a deep breath. Then he said in a low yet affectionate voice: —I care about you! I love you! Would you be my girlfriend so we can stay together?

She was surprised and remained silent for a moment. Kouta often surprised her with things they shared together, but this surprise was very different from the rest.

With a sad voice and bowing her head, she told him: —No! This is wrong, I can't be with you. You don't know who I really am, you only know me here at school. It's true we've spent a lot of moments together.

Taking her by the hand, he told her: —That's exactly why I want to get to know you and be with you all the time. —She pulled her hand away and looked at him: —Fine! I'll just tell you, there are things about me you're not going to like; however, I'll make an effort to change. —Without a moment's hesitation, Kouta answered her with a firm and cheerful voice: —I'm sure it'll be fine, we're not perfect. —They left together, and Kouta walked her home.

Scene 2: Kouta's First Kiss

2 years and 4 months ago

After two months of dating, Kouta had gotten to know more about Itsuki; however, there were still things he didn't know because she actively tried to avoid them. On a normal school day, Kouta noticed that Itsuki hadn't shown up to class, even though he had seen her on his way to school that morning. So, he asked for permission to use the restroom and called her, but she didn't answer. He then tracked her location and discovered that she was indeed on the junior high school grounds.

She was sitting in a corner crying inside a classroom that was unused due to maintenance, so he started searching for her until he found her. Upon finding her, he ran over to hug her and said in a worried voice: —What's wrong, Itsuki? I'm right here, stop crying. —With a bright red face and tears streaming down, she said: —You won't understand! There are so many things in my life that I can't tell you!

Looking her straight in the eye, he told her in a soft voice: —You can tell me. That's why I'm here with you. Just like you've helped me, I want to help you. —In the midst of everything, shaking her head side to side in denial, she ran to the other side of the classroom: —I can't, I can't, I just can't!

He walked up to her and whispered: —I'm right here. —She stared at him, but out of desperation, she confessed: —Fine, but I need you to keep it a secret. My mother owes money to some guys from a while back, and the problem is that the payment deadline has arrived and we don't have the money.

He didn't understand what she was talking about, assuming it was part of a joke, and told her: —No problem. As long as I'm here, no one can do anything to you. —She explained to him clearly: —You can't help me! I'll figure out how to solve it myself.

Kouta finally grasped the situation. He took her hand, pulled her up, hugged her, and exclaimed with concern: —I don't know what you're going through, but I'll always be with you. —He leaned in and gave Itsuki a very soft kiss on the lips. She was left speechless, leaned her head on his shoulder, and whispered: —Thank you for supporting me. I'll tell you about it, but you can't tell anyone... and I don't have anyone else to help me because my parents are dead. —Afterward, she caught herself thinking: "Is this what love feels like?"

He spoke to her in a soft, comforting voice: —It's okay, I'll try to support you as much as I can. —Despite saying those words, he remained deeply worried about her, knowing she had nowhere else to turn. She explained the debt to him, and Kouta was stunned by what her mother used to do. In his thoughts, everything clicked, and he realized: "Itsuki really is in trouble, and it's so sad that she's all alone."

Scene 3: Merchandise Delivery

2 years and 3 months ago

Itsuki's House

A stocky man wearing glasses and a cap was inside the house and asked her: —Do you have the money yet? —Itsuki, completely terrified, answered: —Not yet, I only have a little of what I've saved up. It's 15,000 yen, I need more time. —With a deep, firm voice, he told her: —I know. I'll try to do what I can so they can extend the deadline, but that's how the contract your mother signed is. She put you down in the contract. I'll do you that favor, but in exchange, I need you to deliver these products I have; in return, I'll pay you 30,000 yen, which will help chip away at the debt. I know you're just a kid, and I haven't wanted you ending up treated like sexual merchandise because of your mother. I'll be bringing you products, and you'll have to deliver them. How does that sound?