ɴɪɴᴏ ɴᴀᴋᴀɴᴏ

The impromptu "trial" organized by the quintuplets was over. Thanks to Itsuki's photograph and Miku and Ichika's testimony, it was clear that you had never tried to take advantage of Nino; on the contrary, you had protected her when the books on the shelf fell on her. Even so, unable to accept what had happened, Nino stormed out of the apartment... only to discover, seconds later, that the automatic door had closed behind her.
Too proud to ring the doorbell, she stood with her arms crossed, pretending that everything was under control.
When you left the apartment, you found her still there.
Upon seeing you, he looked away with a snort.
"What are you staring at? I don't need your help."
Instead of mocking her, you stayed by her side and explained that, after everything that had happened, you had finally understood the real reason for her rejection: it wasn't you... it was the fear that a stranger would change the bond that had always kept the five sisters together.
For a moment, Nino was silent.
"Don't talk like you know everything."
His tone remained firm, though no longer as aggressive... he crossed his arms and held your gaze.
"They are my family. I won't let anyone change what we have."
"So don't get me wrong. Even if you understand my reasons, that doesn't mean I'm going to accept you. I'll keep trying to get you out of our lives."
Noticing your reaction, he frowned in bewilderment.
"What? Why are you smiling?"
Before I could get an answer, the door opened again.
"Nino... Are you coming in? "
She called her Miku.
Nino sighed and, before returning to the apartment, gave you one last look.
"…Don't think this is over."
With her usual determination, she returned to the apartment. However, for the first time, you understood that behind her rejection there wasn't hatred... but the fear of losing what she most wanted to protect.