Shiro was holding onto a notebook as she trotted her way downstairs and saw Ketsueki, Namida, and Sachi staring at each other while their arms were leaving afterimages above the pile of donuts. She stared at it for a moment and felt a hand on top of her head, looked up, and saw her older brother. Reiki said. "Shiro, what's the matter?" Shiro looked down at the notebook in her hands and glanced at Ketsueki who was still fighting over donuts with her two friends. She looked up to him and said. "I need Onee-chan to check my homework, Onii-chan."
Reiki noticed the notebook his little sister was holding, he reached out his hand and said. "Can I take a look?" Shiro hid her notebook behind her while her mouth formed into a slight frown, she said. "I-It's fine, Onii-chan. I'd prefer it if you focused on making dinner." Reiki thought. That five out of twenty scared her that much. He let out a chuckle and said. "I'm only going to look, I won't do anything." Shiro looked at him with a narrowed gaze from top to bottom as she reluctantly passed him her notebook.
Reiki flipped through the pages and thought. Math… This should be simple. He quickly reached the middle of the notebook and saw a few lines of formulas with the solution. Reiki continued his train of thought. Three, eight, twelve, and nineteen are wrong. He glanced at the three girls who were still fighting over donuts. Reiki passed the notebook back to his little sister, he said. "You only got four wrong, Shiro." He patted the top of her head and continued. "Specifically three, eight, twelve, and nineteen-." Before he could finish Shiro pouted at him and said. "Onii-chan, this won't be a repeat of last time. Right?"
Reiki forced out a chuckle and said. "... No, I was going to suggest you ask Onee-chan to check it for you just to be sure." Shiro gave him a suspicious glare as she quickly took the notebook from her older brother's hand, she said. "... Sure…" He turned his head and saw that the three girls came to a standstill and stopped moving their arms. Reiki gently caressed the top of his little sister's head and said. "Hey, Shiro. Wanna see something interesting?" Shiro cutely tilted her head while he continued. "If you three keep this up, none of you won't get any dessert."
The three girls' immigration sat back down in their respective seats. Sachi crossed her legs while Namida had both of her feet up on the coffee table while wearing a pair of white indoor slippers. Ketsueki acted as if nothing ever happened as she was back to watching tv. Reiki looked down at his little sister and said. "Now you can ask all of them to help with your homework." He made his way back to the kitchen while Shiro walked toward Ketsueki on the leftmost side of the couch.
Shiro quickly flipped through the pages and showed her the math equations she did to her older sister. Shiro said. "Onee-chan, what do you think?" Ketsueki patted the empty spot on her right and said. "Grab a snack Shiro and sit down." Ketsueki took the notebook off from her little sister's hands while Shiro excitedly sat down on the couch and immediately grabbed a chocolate donut. Sachi took the opportunity to grab another one while Namida already took a bite out of the donut in her hands. Sachi flashed Shiro an amiable smile and said. "You've worked hard, Shiro."
Shiro nodded while she ate a donut in bliss which made Namida and Sachi chuckle. Ketsueki closed the notebook and placed it on her right thigh, she said. "Three, eight, twelve, and nineteen. The rest are correct." Shiro looked up to her older sister with surprise in her eyes while chewing. Namida raised a brow and said. "What's with the reaction, cottontail?" Shiro swallowed and looked up to Namida. Shiro said. "Onii-chan told me that a minute ago." Using a donut Sachi pointed at Shiro and said. "Speaking of Reiki, when did the two of you enter?"
While chewing Shiro placed her index finger on her chin, she swallowed and said. "I don't know about Onii-chan, but I came down the stairs just a few seconds above a minute." Ketsueki grabbed a donut with her left hand and said. "You've been improving quite a lot during this time, Shiro." Ketsueki placed her right hand on top of her little sister's head and caressed her head. Ketsueki said. "You're doing an amazing job." Namida gave Shiro a nod and said. "Make sure to rest properly, cottontail. You can work hard all you want, just remember to kick back and relax."
Sachi flashed Shiro a smile and said. "When you do well on your upcoming test make sure to show me. We'll eat out." Shiro was taken back for a moment before nodding, she said. "Yes!" Shiro moved her gaze back onto the tv, she said. "This doesn't mean I'll forget about you hitting Onii-chan, Onee-chan." Ketsueki's entire body slightly stiffened while Sachi smirked at her as Namida let out a snicker. Ketsueki said. "I-I wasn't trying to do that." Shiro glanced at her and moved her gaze back onto the show, she said. "Uh-huh." Namida let out a laugh while waving the donut in her hands.
Sachi stared at Namida's hand that was waving the donut around with a hint of wince in her expression. Sachi said. "Namida, can you not wave around food like this? I don't care if…" She felt the glare Ketsueki was giving her while Shiro was looking up to her with an innocent expression. Sachi moved her gaze back to Namida who had a smirk on her lips, Sachi continued. "You decide to wave a country's flag into the ground, just don't wave desserts or anything sweet like this in front of me." Namida rolled her eyes at Sachi and said. "Yes, your royal sugar queen."
Sachi let out a scoff and said. "You may think that's an insult, but to me, it isn't." She took a big bite of the donut in her hands while Namida rolled her eyes at her friend and said. "It's because of your attitude I started calling you that in the first place." Shiro quickly finished the donut in her hands as she was about to reach and grab another one. Ketsueki coughed which made her little sister stop, she said. "Shiro, I know these donuts are good but don't forget. We still have to eat dinner so make sure to avoid spoiling your appetite."
Shiro reluctantly moved her hand back to her side as her gaze never left the pile of donuts. Shiro looked up to Ketsueki and said. "Can I at least get another one?" She gave her older sister her best set of puppy dog eyes. Ketsueki crossed her arms while she held the donut with her left hand, paired with a narrowed gaze she said. "The answer is no, Shiro." Shiro puffed her cheeks making herself look even cuter, Ketsueki continued. "That'll work on Reiki, but not on me." Shiro's eyes narrowed as the two of them started a staring contest, she said. "Then you three should stop eating donuts because Onii-chan is already making dinner."
Sachi was holding a half-eaten donut and suddenly froze while Namida stared at the donut in her hands and moved her gaze onto the coffee table. The two of them sent meaningful glances at Ketsueki to which she ignored, she said. "Sure." The friendly looks on Namida and Sachi's faces immediately turned hostile while Shiro turned her head to look at them as their expression turned back to normal.
Shiro looked back up at her older sister and fidgeted for a bit with her hands. The expression on Sachi and Namida's faces turned back to hostile while Shiro said. "... Umm… Onee-chan… Y-You can-." Ketsueki tilted her head slightly sideways as she gave Shiro a puzzled look and said. "I can do what, Shiro?" Shiro gave the three piles of donuts on the coffee table one last unwilling look as she let out a defeated sigh and said. "Yes, Onee-chan." Shiro sat down on the couch with a small frown on her mouth as she watched tv while stealing glances at the donuts.
Sachi and Namida glared at Ketsueki who had a bright smile on her face. Ketsueki said. "Is anything the matter?" Sachi stared at her for a moment and said. "All this… For a box of chocolate?" Namida ate the donut she was holding and placed her left foot on her right knee. Ketsueki let out a chuckle and said. "Two boxes of elven chocolate, don't try to brush it off by making it sound so simple." Namida finished off the donut she ate and crossed her arms as she watched a female contestant hit an obstacle on tv.
Sachi faked a laugh as her lips curved into a sweet smile, she said. "We can-." Namida let out an exaggerated sigh and said. "Can you two stop already? Knowing you both you'll nitpick over the smallest detail until the end of time." Sachi and Ketsueki glanced at each other one more time as they moved their gazes on the tv. Shiro picked up her notebook on her older sister's thigh and quickly went through the pages. She eventually stopped on the page and stared through the problems Ketsueki pointed at. Shiro looked up to her older sister and said. "Onee-chan, can you give me a hint about what I got wrong?"
Kersueki kept her gaze on the tv and said. "You forgot to round up." Shiro's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her, she placed a hand on her chin and muttered to herself. "Onii-chan did know what he was trying to teach me…" Reiki silently made his way behind the couch, he said. "Did you call for me, Shiro?" His little sister was caught off guard which made her toss the book into the air. Shiro placed her knees on the couch as she grabbed the backrest of the couch and gave him a pout.
Sachi caught the book a few inches above the top of Shiro's head as she held it for her. Shiro said. "Onii-chan, why are you bullying so much today?" Reiki placed his hand on top of his little sister's head, he said. "Sorry about that." Shiro enjoyed the sensation of being patted as her eyes became half-closed. Reiki moved his gaze onto Sachi and said. "Nice catch." She gave him a small smile and said. "Reiki, be nice and grab me a donut on the coffee table." Namida and Ketsueki watched him from the corner of their eye while Reiki continued to stroke the top of Shiro's head.
Reiki shrugged his shoulders and moved his hand away from the top of his little sister's head as he made his way to the coffee table. Shiro sat back down onto the couch as he watched her older brother with envy in her eyes. Reiki picked up a chocolate donut and passed it to his little sister. Shiro grabbed her brother's wrist while her gaze was glued onto the donut he was holding. Shiro shakily said. "A-Are you sure, Onii-chan?" Sachi let out a soft exhale, she thought. It was worth a shot. Namida moved her gaze back on tv as she pursed her lips into a line.
Reiki let out a chuckle and said. "I'm sure." He looked up to his older sister and said. "You shouldn't have any complaints right, Onee-chan? Since I'm the only one who hasn't eaten one yet." Ketsueki flashed him a smile, she said. "Yep, no complaints." She gave him a meaningful look and slowly moved her gaze from him onto the donuts. Reiki thought. Knew it, I'll always get the short straw when these two are in cahoots. A small smile formed on his face as he reached for another donut and passed it to his older sister.
Both Namida and Sachi gave their friend a nasty side glare, Ketsueki gave her little brother a sweet smile and said. "I just finished a donut-." Reiki interrupted her and said. "I can always give it to your friends-." Before he could finish Ketsueki stole the donut from his hand, she said. "But, it would be rude to turn down the donut you've offered." Reiki pointed at the pile of donuts using his thumb and moved his gaze onto Sachi and Namida's emotionless expressions. He said. "You four can split my share of the donuts."
Namida was suddenly holding onto a donut, with a small smile on her lips she said. "How ironic, the middle age sibling is a lot more mature than the eldest one." Sachi picked a donut up while Ketsueki glanced at her two friends, Sachi said. "You don't know how much I appreciate this gesture of yours, Reiki." He waved his hand and said. "It's just donuts, Sachi. If you think this is good, wait until you see what I make with a decent kitchen." Ketsueki said. "Excuse me?" As she gave her little brother an intimidating glare.
Reiki turned around to face his sister and said. "Let's be real, Onee-chan. One oven with four burners, some kitchen knives, and some pots and pans you've bought from the nice old lady that decided to sell them for you because she had no use for them anymore isn't much." Sachi and Namida burst into laughter while Ketsueki froze from hearing him. With a hint of blush on Ketsueki's face, she faked a cough and said. "Moving on. Are you already preparing dinner, Reiki?" Sachi was about to take her second bite but stopped, she said. "Already? It's only been a few hours after lunch at most."
Namida wiped some jam from the corner of her lips using her thumb, she said. "I don't mind eating a very early dinner." Shiro rubbed her stomach using her left hand while she held a chocolate donut with her right. Shiro said. "Can we wait a little bit longer? I still feel full." Sachi moved her gaze onto her and said. "Shiro, if you still feel full I'll gladly take the donut off your hands." Shiro hid the donut with her left hand as she puffed her cheeks and said. "Sweets don't go into the stomach like food."
The four girls went quiet for a moment as they stared at Shiro before they all simultaneously burst into laughter. Reiki thought. Shiro's turning into one of them… Is she going to be alright? He said. "If you four need me I'll be outside the house doing some light exercise." Reiki made his way out from the front of his house while Ketsueki turned her head and said. "Don't push yourself too hard, Reiki." She heard her younger brother say. "Yes."
~Four Hours Later~
Sachi, Namida, Ketsueki, and Shiro were sitting around a prepared dining table while Reiki's hair was still a little damp from the shower he had as he placed down two large plates of castella and ohagi. The castella were cut in even rectangular shapes as the sponge had a light yellow color with the top and bottom a rich dark brown. The ohagi were perfectly formed as half of them were covered with a thin layer of crushed walnut and the other half with sesame flour. Reiki gestured at the desserts and said. "Help yourself." Sachi stabbed a piece of castella using a fork and placed it on the plate in front of her.
Namida grabbed one of each of the ohagi while Ketsueki and Shiro took one of each of the castella and ohagi. Reiki silently made his way back to the kitchen while the four girls started eating in blissful silence. Namida quickly ate the ohagi covered in crushed walnut while Sachi already finished the castella on her plate. Namida picked up the one with sesame flour and thought. They're perfect, my only complaint is-. Reiki appeared on her right like a ghost while holding onto a cylinder-shaped teacup, he said. "Freshly brewed green tea."
Namida turned her head at him and flashed him a small smile, she said. "Thanks." She took a sip and let out a satisfied sigh. Reiki made his way beside Ketsueki's seat and stood on her left, he said. "If you want the first one, I placed it near the cup sink." Namida shook her head while Sachi stabbed another castella and placed it on her plate. Namida said. "I'll pass, the first pour is always lighter." Ketsueki took a bite of the ohagi she was holding and moved it closer to Reiki, she swallowed and said. "Reiki-." She stopped when her little brother said. "Namida-san. You're from a traditional family, aren't you?"
Ketsueki had a hint of surprise in them while Sachi gave him a suspicious glance as she ate another bite of castella using a fork. Namida stared at him while she held the ohagi with three fingers, she said. "And when I ask you a question you'll answer… Lucky guess." Reiki gave her a nod while she let out a snicker and said. "Cheeky, I'm starting to like that about you." While chewing Shiro watched everything with a half-eaten ohagi in her hand. Ketsueki faked a cough which made them go back to eating, she said. "Now, if I may take this opportunity to speak."
She shoved an ohagi that had a single bite inside of Reiki's mouth, Ketsueki continued. "Say, ahh." She let out a mischievous chuckle as she reached for a couple pieces of ohagi and placed them on her plate. The rest of the girls let out chuckles while Ketsueki wiped the corner of her eye and said. "How about you two? I'm surprised with how both of your families are, they let you stay this long outside of their reach."
Reiki started chewing while Shiro was eating while giggling at her older brother. Namida reached out for her cup of green tea, she swallowed and said. "They respect my privacy, whether they want to or not." She smelled the green tea with one long whiff and continued. "At first they disagreed, but the moment they learned who was sick my family was willing to give me the week off." Namida took a sip of green tea while Sachi cut off a piece of castella using a fork and stabbed it. Sachi said. "My… Parents on the other hand don't care as long as I still live in the same house as them…"
Reiki stared at them and thought. So that's how it is… Namida's family expects her to do the thing that benefits them as a whole… Sachi's 'parents' on the other hand only care about the prestige and wealth she brings with her… Shiro was about to take a bite of the ohagi she was holding and was about to say something. Reiki forced himself to gulp down the ohagi in his mouth as he reached for Ketsueki's glass of water and downed it in one gk. He said. "You two can drop by here whenever you want. Namida-nee, Sachi-nee."
Sachi, Namida, and Ketsueki had looks of shock all over their faces while Shiro suddenly joined the conversation as she placed down her form on the plate and said. "Onii-chan's right. Namida-nee, Sachi-nee, you two can stay as long as you want!" Shiro brightly smiled as she excitedly waited for their answer while Ketsueki started repeatedly pinching her little brother.
[System: User has received 21 Damage.]
[System: User has received 17 Damage.]
[System: User has received 19 Damage.]
Ketsueki glared at him and said. "Since when did you become so close with the two of them?" Reiki tried to run away but his older sister was faster as Ketsueki grabbed his shirt. Sachi, Namida, and Shiro smiled watching the two of them while Reiki hurriedly said. "I was worried about you!" Ketsueki pinched him one more time.
[System: User has received 24 Damage.]
Ketsueki had a sweet smile on her lips, she spoke with a hint of coldness in her voice and said. "Oh, I'll give you one chance to explain." Reiki raised both his hands to defend himself as he hastily said. "I was beginning to think that you didn't have any friends since you never brought one home." Sachi quickly hid her smile by covering it with her hand. Namida's lips instantly curved into a smirk while Shiro moved her gaze away by looking around the room.
Ketsueki had a faint blush on her cheeks from embarrassment as she glanced at her two friends smiling at her. Ketsueki said. "I-I have plenty of friends!" Reiki managed to move his older sister's hand from his shirt as he ran toward the staircase, he said. "Onee-chan, I'm sleeping early today. Night." Ketsueki's gaze couldn't leave her two friends with a double meaning smile, she moved her gaze onto Shiro and said. "Shiro. You didn't think that, right?"
Shiro panicked as she looked up to Sachi and Namida who had no intention of helping. Shiro pointed at the desserts on the dining table and said. "They taste good, Onee-chan." Sachi and Namida burst into laughter while Reiki poked his head from the staircase and said. "Thanks for taking care of my Onee-chan. Namida, Sachi. Goodnight Shiro." Ketsueki suddenly stood up from her seat as she chased her little brother and shouted from the top of her lungs, she screamed. "REIKI!!" As she chased him up the stairs leaving Sachi, Namida, and Shiro laughing.
Shiro was holding onto a notebook as she trotted her way downstairs and saw Ketsueki, Namida, and Sachi staring at each other while their arms were leaving afterimages above the pile of donuts. She stared at it for a moment and felt a hand on top of her head, looked up, and saw her older brother. Reiki said. "Shiro, what's the matter?" Shiro looked down at the notebook in her hands and glanced at Ketsueki who was still fighting over donuts with her two friends. She looked up to him and said. "I need Onee-chan to check my homework, Onii-chan."
Reiki noticed the notebook his little sister was holding, he reached out his hand and said. "Can I take a look?" Shiro hid her notebook behind her while her mouth formed into a slight frown, she said. "I-It's fine, Onii-chan. I'd prefer it if you focused on making dinner." Reiki thought. That five out of twenty scared her that much. He let out a chuckle and said. "I'm only going to look, I won't do anything." Shiro looked at him with a narrowed gaze from top to bottom as she reluctantly passed him her notebook.
Reiki flipped through the pages and thought. Math… This should be simple. He quickly reached the middle of the notebook and saw a few lines of formulas with the solution. Reiki continued his train of thought. Three, eight, twelve, and nineteen are wrong. He glanced at the three girls who were still fighting over donuts. Reiki passed the notebook back to his little sister, he said. "You only got four wrong, Shiro." He patted the top of her head and continued. "Specifically three, eight, twelve, and nineteen-." Before he could finish Shiro pouted at him and said. "Onii-chan, this won't be a repeat of last time. Right?"
Reiki forced out a chuckle and said. "... No, I was going to suggest you ask Onee-chan to check it for you just to be sure." Shiro gave him a suspicious glare as she quickly took the notebook from her older brother's hand, she said. "... Sure…" He turned his head and saw that the three girls came to a standstill and stopped moving their arms. Reiki gently caressed the top of his little sister's head and said. "Hey, Shiro. Wanna see something interesting?" Shiro cutely tilted her head while he continued. "If you three keep this up, none of you won't get any dessert."
The three girls' immigration sat back down in their respective seats. Sachi crossed her legs while Namida had both of her feet up on the coffee table while wearing a pair of white indoor slippers. Ketsueki acted as if nothing ever happened as she was back to watching tv. Reiki looked down at his little sister and said. "Now you can ask all of them to help with your homework." He made his way back to the kitchen while Shiro walked toward Ketsueki on the leftmost side of the couch.
Shiro quickly flipped through the pages and showed her the math equations she did to her older sister. Shiro said. "Onee-chan, what do you think?" Ketsueki patted the empty spot on her right and said. "Grab a snack Shiro and sit down." Ketsueki took the notebook off from her little sister's hands while Shiro excitedly sat down on the couch and immediately grabbed a chocolate donut. Sachi took the opportunity to grab another one while Namida already took a bite out of the donut in her hands. Sachi flashed Shiro an amiable smile and said. "You've worked hard, Shiro."
Shiro nodded while she ate a donut in bliss which made Namida and Sachi chuckle. Ketsueki closed the notebook and placed it on her right thigh, she said. "Three, eight, twelve, and nineteen. The rest are correct." Shiro looked up to her older sister with surprise in her eyes while chewing. Namida raised a brow and said. "What's with the reaction, cottontail?" Shiro swallowed and looked up to Namida. Shiro said. "Onii-chan told me that a minute ago." Using a donut Sachi pointed at Shiro and said. "Speaking of Reiki, when did the two of you enter?"
While chewing Shiro placed her index finger on her chin, she swallowed and said. "I don't know about Onii-chan, but I came down the stairs just a few seconds above a minute." Ketsueki grabbed a donut with her left hand and said. "You've been improving quite a lot during this time, Shiro." Ketsueki placed her right hand on top of her little sister's head and caressed her head. Ketsueki said. "You're doing an amazing job." Namida gave Shiro a nod and said. "Make sure to rest properly, cottontail. You can work hard all you want, just remember to kick back and relax."
Sachi flashed Shiro a smile and said. "When you do well on your upcoming test make sure to show me. We'll eat out." Shiro was taken back for a moment before nodding, she said. "Yes!" Shiro moved her gaze back onto the tv, she said. "This doesn't mean I'll forget about you hitting Onii-chan, Onee-chan." Ketsueki's entire body slightly stiffened while Sachi smirked at her as Namida let out a snicker. Ketsueki said. "I-I wasn't trying to do that." Shiro glanced at her and moved her gaze back onto the show, she said. "Uh-huh." Namida let out a laugh while waving the donut in her hands.
Sachi stared at Namida's hand that was waving the donut around with a hint of wince in her expression. Sachi said. "Namida, can you not wave around food like this? I don't care if…" She felt the glare Ketsueki was giving her while Shiro was looking up to her with an innocent expression. Sachi moved her gaze back to Namida who had a smirk on her lips, Sachi continued. "You decide to wave a country's flag into the ground, just don't wave desserts or anything sweet like this in front of me." Namida rolled her eyes at Sachi and said. "Yes, your royal sugar queen."
Sachi let out a scoff and said. "You may think that's an insult, but to me, it isn't." She took a big bite of the donut in her hands while Namida rolled her eyes at her friend and said. "It's because of your attitude I started calling you that in the first place." Shiro quickly finished the donut in her hands as she was about to reach and grab another one. Ketsueki coughed which made her little sister stop, she said. "Shiro, I know these donuts are good but don't forget. We still have to eat dinner so make sure to avoid spoiling your appetite."
Shiro reluctantly moved her hand back to her side as her gaze never left the pile of donuts. Shiro looked up to Ketsueki and said. "Can I at least get another one?" She gave her older sister her best set of puppy dog eyes. Ketsueki crossed her arms while she held the donut with her left hand, paired with a narrowed gaze she said. "The answer is no, Shiro." Shiro puffed her cheeks making herself look even cuter, Ketsueki continued. "That'll work on Reiki, but not on me." Shiro's eyes narrowed as the two of them started a staring contest, she said. "Then you three should stop eating donuts because Onii-chan is already making dinner."
Sachi was holding a half-eaten donut and suddenly froze while Namida stared at the donut in her hands and moved her gaze onto the coffee table. The two of them sent meaningful glances at Ketsueki to which she ignored, she said. "Sure." The friendly looks on Namida and Sachi's faces immediately turned hostile while Shiro turned her head to look at them as their expression turned back to normal.
Shiro looked back up at her older sister and fidgeted for a bit with her hands. The expression on Sachi and Namida's faces turned back to hostile while Shiro said. "... Umm… Onee-chan… Y-You can-." Ketsueki tilted her head slightly sideways as she gave Shiro a puzzled look and said. "I can do what, Shiro?" Shiro gave the three piles of donuts on the coffee table one last unwilling look as she let out a defeated sigh and said. "Yes, Onee-chan." Shiro sat down on the couch with a small frown on her mouth as she watched tv while stealing glances at the donuts.
Sachi and Namida glared at Ketsueki who had a bright smile on her face. Ketsueki said. "Is anything the matter?" Sachi stared at her for a moment and said. "All this… For a box of chocolate?" Namida ate the donut she was holding and placed her left foot on her right knee. Ketsueki let out a chuckle and said. "Two boxes of elven chocolate, don't try to brush it off by making it sound so simple." Namida finished off the donut she ate and crossed her arms as she watched a female contestant hit an obstacle on tv.
Sachi faked a laugh as her lips curved into a sweet smile, she said. "We can-." Namida let out an exaggerated sigh and said. "Can you two stop already? Knowing you both you'll nitpick over the smallest detail until the end of time." Sachi and Ketsueki glanced at each other one more time as they moved their gazes on the tv. Shiro picked up her notebook on her older sister's thigh and quickly went through the pages. She eventually stopped on the page and stared through the problems Ketsueki pointed at. Shiro looked up to her older sister and said. "Onee-chan, can you give me a hint about what I got wrong?"
Kersueki kept her gaze on the tv and said. "You forgot to round up." Shiro's eyes widened as the realization dawned on her, she placed a hand on her chin and muttered to herself. "Onii-chan did know what he was trying to teach me…" Reiki silently made his way behind the couch, he said. "Did you call for me, Shiro?" His little sister was caught off guard which made her toss the book into the air. Shiro placed her knees on the couch as she grabbed the backrest of the couch and gave him a pout.
Sachi caught the book a few inches above the top of Shiro's head as she held it for her. Shiro said. "Onii-chan, why are you bullying so much today?" Reiki placed his hand on top of his little sister's head, he said. "Sorry about that." Shiro enjoyed the sensation of being patted as her eyes became half-closed. Reiki moved his gaze onto Sachi and said. "Nice catch." She gave him a small smile and said. "Reiki, be nice and grab me a donut on the coffee table." Namida and Ketsueki watched him from the corner of their eye while Reiki continued to stroke the top of Shiro's head.
Reiki shrugged his shoulders and moved his hand away from the top of his little sister's head as he made his way to the coffee table. Shiro sat back down onto the couch as he watched her older brother with envy in her eyes. Reiki picked up a chocolate donut and passed it to his little sister. Shiro grabbed her brother's wrist while her gaze was glued onto the donut he was holding. Shiro shakily said. "A-Are you sure, Onii-chan?" Sachi let out a soft exhale, she thought. It was worth a shot. Namida moved her gaze back on tv as she pursed her lips into a line.
Reiki let out a chuckle and said. "I'm sure." He looked up to his older sister and said. "You shouldn't have any complaints right, Onee-chan? Since I'm the only one who hasn't eaten one yet." Ketsueki flashed him a smile, she said. "Yep, no complaints." She gave him a meaningful look and slowly moved her gaze from him onto the donuts. Reiki thought. Knew it, I'll always get the short straw when these two are in cahoots. A small smile formed on his face as he reached for another donut and passed it to his older sister.
Both Namida and Sachi gave their friend a nasty side glare, Ketsueki gave her little brother a sweet smile and said. "I just finished a donut-." Reiki interrupted her and said. "I can always give it to your friends-." Before he could finish Ketsueki stole the donut from his hand, she said. "But, it would be rude to turn down the donut you've offered." Reiki pointed at the pile of donuts using his thumb and moved his gaze onto Sachi and Namida's emotionless expressions. He said. "You four can split my share of the donuts."
Namida was suddenly holding onto a donut, with a small smile on her lips she said. "How ironic, the middle age sibling is a lot more mature than the eldest one." Sachi picked a donut up while Ketsueki glanced at her two friends, Sachi said. "You don't know how much I appreciate this gesture of yours, Reiki." He waved his hand and said. "It's just donuts, Sachi. If you think this is good, wait until you see what I make with a decent kitchen." Ketsueki said. "Excuse me?" As she gave her little brother an intimidating glare.
Reiki turned around to face his sister and said. "Let's be real, Onee-chan. One oven with four burners, some kitchen knives, and some pots and pans you've bought from the nice old lady that decided to sell them for you because she had no use for them anymore isn't much." Sachi and Namida burst into laughter while Ketsueki froze from hearing him. With a hint of blush on Ketsueki's face, she faked a cough and said. "Moving on. Are you already preparing dinner, Reiki?" Sachi was about to take her second bite but stopped, she said. "Already? It's only been a few hours after lunch at most."
Namida wiped some jam from the corner of her lips using her thumb, she said. "I don't mind eating a very early dinner." Shiro rubbed her stomach using her left hand while she held a chocolate donut with her right. Shiro said. "Can we wait a little bit longer? I still feel full." Sachi moved her gaze onto her and said. "Shiro, if you still feel full I'll gladly take the donut off your hands." Shiro hid the donut with her left hand as she puffed her cheeks and said. "Sweets don't go into the stomach like food."
The four girls went quiet for a moment as they stared at Shiro before they all simultaneously burst into laughter. Reiki thought. Shiro's turning into one of them… Is she going to be alright? He said. "If you four need me I'll be outside the house doing some light exercise." Reiki made his way out from the front of his house while Ketsueki turned her head and said. "Don't push yourself too hard, Reiki." She heard her younger brother say. "Yes."
~Four Hours Later~
Sachi, Namida, Ketsueki, and Shiro were sitting around a prepared dining table while Reiki's hair was still a little damp from the shower he had as he placed down two large plates of castella and ohagi. The castella were cut in even rectangular shapes as the sponge had a light yellow color with the top and bottom a rich dark brown. The ohagi were perfectly formed as half of them were covered with a thin layer of crushed walnut and the other half with sesame flour. Reiki gestured at the desserts and said. "Help yourself." Sachi stabbed a piece of castella using a fork and placed it on the plate in front of her.
Namida grabbed one of each of the ohagi while Ketsueki and Shiro took one of each of the castella and ohagi. Reiki silently made his way back to the kitchen while the four girls started eating in blissful silence. Namida quickly ate the ohagi covered in crushed walnut while Sachi already finished the castella on her plate. Namida picked up the one with sesame flour and thought. They're perfect, my only complaint is-. Reiki appeared on her right like a ghost while holding onto a cylinder-shaped teacup, he said. "Freshly brewed green tea."
Namida turned her head at him and flashed him a small smile, she said. "Thanks." She took a sip and let out a satisfied sigh. Reiki made his way beside Ketsueki's seat and stood on her left, he said. "If you want the first one, I placed it near the cup sink." Namida shook her head while Sachi stabbed another castella and placed it on her plate. Namida said. "I'll pass, the first pour is always lighter." Ketsueki took a bite of the ohagi she was holding and moved it closer to Reiki, she swallowed and said. "Reiki-." She stopped when her little brother said. "Namida-san. You're from a traditional family, aren't you?"
Ketsueki had a hint of surprise in them while Sachi gave him a suspicious glance as she ate another bite of castella using a fork. Namida stared at him while she held the ohagi with three fingers, she said. "And when I ask you a question you'll answer… Lucky guess." Reiki gave her a nod while she let out a snicker and said. "Cheeky, I'm starting to like that about you." While chewing Shiro watched everything with a half-eaten ohagi in her hand. Ketsueki faked a cough which made them go back to eating, she said. "Now, if I may take this opportunity to speak."
She shoved an ohagi that had a single bite inside of Reiki's mouth, Ketsueki continued. "Say, ahh." She let out a mischievous chuckle as she reached for a couple pieces of ohagi and placed them on her plate. The rest of the girls let out chuckles while Ketsueki wiped the corner of her eye and said. "How about you two? I'm surprised with how both of your families are, they let you stay this long outside of their reach."
Reiki started chewing while Shiro was eating while giggling at her older brother. Namida reached out for her cup of green tea, she swallowed and said. "They respect my privacy, whether they want to or not." She smelled the green tea with one long whiff and continued. "At first they disagreed, but the moment they learned who was sick my family was willing to give me the week off." Namida took a sip of green tea while Sachi cut off a piece of castella using a fork and stabbed it. Sachi said. "My… Parents on the other hand don't care as long as I still live in the same house as them…"
Reiki stared at them and thought. So that's how it is… Namida's family expects her to do the thing that benefits them as a whole… Sachi's 'parents' on the other hand only care about the prestige and wealth she brings with her… Shiro was about to take a bite of the ohagi she was holding and was about to say something. Reiki forced himself to gulp down the ohagi in his mouth as he reached for Ketsueki's glass of water and downed it in one gk. He said. "You two can drop by here whenever you want. Namida-nee, Sachi-nee."
Sachi, Namida, and Ketsueki had looks of shock all over their faces while Shiro suddenly joined the conversation as she placed down her form on the plate and said. "Onii-chan's right. Namida-nee, Sachi-nee, you two can stay as long as you want!" Shiro brightly smiled as she excitedly waited for their answer while Ketsueki started repeatedly pinching her little brother.
[System: User has received 21 Damage.]
[System: User has received 17 Damage.]
[System: User has received 19 Damage.]
Ketsueki glared at him and said. "Since when did you become so close with the two of them?" Reiki tried to run away but his older sister was faster as Ketsueki grabbed his shirt. Sachi, Namida, and Shiro smiled watching the two of them while Reiki hurriedly said. "I was worried about you!" Ketsueki pinched him one more time.
[System: User has received 24 Damage.]
Ketsueki had a sweet smile on her lips, she spoke with a hint of coldness in her voice and said. "Oh, I'll give you one chance to explain." Reiki raised both his hands to defend himself as he hastily said. "I was beginning to think that you didn't have any friends since you never brought one home." Sachi quickly hid her smile by covering it with her hand. Namida's lips instantly curved into a smirk while Shiro moved her gaze away by looking around the room.
Ketsueki had a faint blush on her cheeks from embarrassment as she glanced at her two friends smiling at her. Ketsueki said. "I-I have plenty of friends!" Reiki managed to move his older sister's hand from his shirt as he ran toward the staircase, he said. "Onee-chan, I'm sleeping early today. Night." Ketsueki's gaze couldn't leave her two friends with a double meaning smile, she moved her gaze onto Shiro and said. "Shiro. You didn't think that, right?"
Shiro panicked as she looked up to Sachi and Namida who had no intention of helping. Shiro pointed at the desserts on the dining table and said. "They taste good, Onee-chan." Sachi and Namida burst into laughter while Reiki poked his head from the staircase and said. "Thanks for taking care of my Onee-chan. Namida, Sachi. Goodnight Shiro." Ketsueki suddenly stood up from her seat as she chased her little brother and shouted from the top of her lungs, she screamed. "REIKI!!" As she chased him up the stairs leaving Sachi, Namida, and Shiro laughing.
