Sachi and Namida sat on the couch with Shiro in between them as she happily ate a large slice of pepperoni pizza while Ketsueki sat on the left armchair by the television. The coffee table was filled with a variety of sweets with the only savory option a few large boxes of pizza on the bottom hidden beneath the others. Namida was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans as Sachi wore a sky blue sweater with the sleeves pulled to her elbows paired with black fitted jeans. Shiro happily finished the pizza crust as she reached out and grabbed a muffin, she took a bite and thought. It's not as good as Onii-chan's.
Ketsueki was holding onto a half-eaten muffin with her right hand, she said. "How long are you two planning to stay?" Namida let out a chuckle as she waved a brownie she held with her right hand and said. "Is that how you treat your friends that came out of their way? With food no less." Shiro had an innocent expression on her face as she listened to their conversation. Sachi took out a handkerchief from her pocket and used it to wipe her lips, she said. "After everything we did for you."
Shiro took another bite of the muffin in her hands as she moved her gaze onto her older sister. Ketsueki rolled her eyes at them and said. "You two barely did anything for me." Namida ate the brownie she was holding in one go, she placed her left ankle on her right knee and swallowed. Namida said. "Shiro, take this as a lesson of how not to be grateful." She placed a hand on top of her head which made Shiro look up to Namida. Shiro nodded at her as she took another bite of the muffin in her hands.
Ketsueki glared at Namida and said. "And stop filling my little sister's head with nonsense." Namida let out a laugh and waved her hand at Ketsueki in dismissal, Namida said. "How frightening." Sachi pointed at the pizza boxes that were hidden among the other boxes, she said. "Shiro, how about another slice of pizza? We've barely touched it." Shiro peeled the muffin liner off the bottom and finished it off, she shook her head sideways and swallowed. Shiro said. "I want to wait for Onii-chan to finish studying." Ketsueki, Namida, and Sachi glanced at the ceiling without using their necks to look up as the three simultaneously thought. He's here.
Sachi let out a chuckle as she playfully pinched Shiro while picking up a brownie and said. "I get the feeling Reiki will be finished very soon." Shiro held off from picking up a brownie as she looked up at her, she said. "How do you know-." Before she could finish the four girls heard a familiar young boy's voice, Reiki was standing by the couch. He said. "Alright, I heard my name. I just hope you ladies aren't talking smack about me."
Shiro stood up from the couch and ran toward her older brother as she wrapped her arms around him, she looked up at him and said. "Onii-chan! How did your study session go?" Ketsueki glared at him from the corner of her eye, she said. "Can you tell us what you studied that took you four and a half hours?" She peeled off the muffin liner and placed it inside the box of muffins. Namida and Sachi had knowing smiles on their lips while Shiro extended her hand toward Reiki. He held his hand out with his palm facing upward, Reiki said. "Shiro, you didn't have to-."
Shiro handed him a crumpled-up muffin liner, she looked up to her older brother and gave him a bright smile that lit up the room. Reiki let out a chuckle and pocketed it as he pinched his little sister's right cheek with his left hand, he said. "Consider yourself lucky, you're cute." Shiro let out a laugh while Reiki rolled his eyes at her and continued. "Don't laugh it off." Shiro made her way back to the couch and sat between Sachi and Namida. Sachi had a cruel smile on her lips, she said. "How about Namida and I guess what you studied."
She picked up a muffin and immediately took off the muffin liner and placed it inside the box of muffins. Namida's eyes lit up, she said. "That sounds good, it's been a while since I played the guessing game." She snatched another brownie from the box while Ketsueki pretended to watch the show on the tv while intently listening. Shiro was completely oblivious to what they were saying as she stared at the pizza boxes on the coffee table. Sachi showed him the muffin she was holding to taunt him, she said. "My guess is-."
In one swift motion, Reiki grabbed the tattered pouch from his pocket and took out a familiar box that made Sachi's eyes light up. He said. "No need for all the-." Before he could finish Sachi swiped the box from his hands, she said. "What's for dessert?" Sachi carefully took the lid off and placed it on the bottom, she offered Shiro who excitedly took a piece while Namida was already holding onto two pieces. Reiki pointed at the box Sachi was holding while Namida raised her hand and said. "I think it's-." Reiki interrupted her and quickly said. "Tonight's dessert will be milkshakes and parfaits using elven chocolate as the main ingredient."
Namida gave him a triumphant smile as she took a bite of chocolate in her hands, Reiki pocketed the talisman and thought. How many did I just give away in these past two days… I think I have about four left? Two after making dessert later… Sachi snapped her fingers with her left hand as the boxes of takeout floated mid-air, using her left hand she passed him the three boxes of pizza and said. "Don't worry, we didn't forget about you and oh. Shiro ate a couple of slices, I hope you won't mind." Shiro stared at the floating boxes in awe as they neatly arranged themselves back on the coffee table while Reiki pocketed his tattered pouch.
Reiki held the box with his right hand on the bottom, he opened the one at the top and saw a couple of slices missing. Reiki said. "It would've been fine even if she ate all of it." He picked up a slice and passed it to his little sister as Shiro held a piece of chocolate in her right hand and a slice of pizza in her left. Reiki pointed at the boxes of pizza he was carrying with his hand and said. "You girls want some?"
Namida was chewing as she gulped down a mouthful of chocolate, while holding onto another piece she smiled at him and said. "I don't feel like eating savory, especially since something better is on the table." Shiro happily ate the piece of chocolate she had in her right hand. Reiki moved his gaze onto Sachi as he gestured at the pizza, she shook her head and said. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline. I already achieved my goal from our little visit." Reiki kept a straight expression and thought. Three pizza boxes worth four thousand yen each isn't equal to thousands of platinum coins. He turned his head to look at his older sister and said. "Onee-chan?"
Ketsueki turned her head and stared at the opened box at the top, she reached her hand out and took three slices by stacking them on top of each other. Ketsueki blandly said. "Thanks." Reiki closed the top pizza box and took his tattered pouch out of his pocket again as it sucked the three boxes inside, he let out a sigh and said. "What do you girls want for dinner?"
Ketsueki gulped down a mouthful of pizza as she glanced at him and moved her gaze back to the tv. Namida made herself comfortable on the couch as she leaned on the backrest, she said. "Hmm… If possible, I want to avoid meat." She took a bite of the elven chocolate she was holding while Sachi nodded in agreement and said. "For once, I agree with Namida-kun." Namida raised her right hand and was about to elbow Sachi as she glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Namida saw Shiro munching on chocolate while looking up at her with an innocent expression.
Shiro gulped down a mouthful of chocolate and said. "Namida-nee, what's wrong?" Sachi had a mocking smirk on her lips while Namida gritted her teeth as she let out a sigh. Namida said. "... It's nothing, cottontail." She placed a hand on top of Shiro's head and ruffled her hair making her pout. Reiki turned his head to look at his older sister who had already eaten the three slices of pizza. He glanced at the wooden box of chocolate that was in Sachi's clutches, Reiki stared at Ketsueki who was sitting on the armchair. He casted. Flash.
『Flash Has Been Activated. Mana Cost: 500.』
For a split second, Reiki appeared on the right side of the couch as he placed his left hand on the wooden box from Sachi's hands.
『Flash Has Been Activated. Mana Cost: 500.』
He appeared back to the spot where he stood with the wooden box in his left hand. Shiro giggled while Namida and Sachi turned their heads to see her stop herself as a big smile formed on her face. Sachi had a curious look on her face and said. "Shiro, what's so funny?" Sachi ate the rest of the chocolate in her hands while Shiro failed to contain the smile from getting bigger, she said. "Nothing." Namida rolled her eyes at her and said. "Sure..." Sachi and Namida reached their hand toward the wooden box that was missing from Sachi's grasp.
The two girls' hands felt the air as they moved their hands around and looked at the area where the box of chocolate was supposed to be. Shiro let out suppressed laughter as they heard Reiki speak, he said. "O-Onee-chan, how about some chocolate?" He was standing by the armchair his older sister was sitting on. Ketsueki glanced at him and moved her gaze back to the tv, she said. "I'm good, thank you." Sachi had a look of confusion on her face, she thought. When did he… Namida stared at him with wide eyes and thought. I didn't see him move! Reiki had a nervous smile on his face as he placed the wooden box on top of the rest of the takeout boxes.
Reiki forced a cough and said. "Onee-chan, h-how about your favorite for dinner? Croquettes." Ketsueki's ears slightly perked up as she kept a straight face. Sachi and Namida glared at each other from the corner of their eye as the two of them simultaneously reached their hand to grab the wooden box. Reiki continued. "I'll even make it your preferred filling, mashed potato, carrots, and red onion." Shiro was sitting between Sachi and Namida as she watched the two girls holding onto the wooden box with one hand. Reiki pulled himself up using the armrest, he had a big smile on his face and said. "I'll even mix in some cheese and make it stringy."
Ketsueki glanced at him and crossed her arms and with a very faint blush on her face, she said. "... This doesn't mean anything…" Reiki's smile brightened up the air around him, he said. "Yes!" He landed on the floor with a soft thud and saw Sachi and Namida in a stalemate. Shiro was watching them both while munching on a slice of pizza. Reiki made his way behind the couch and pulled himself up the backrest of the couch, he placed his hands on his little sister's waist and effortlessly lifted her from the couch. Shiro had a look of surprise on her face as she saw her older brother lift her above the backrest of the couch and gently place her on the floor standing on her two feet.
Reiki glanced at the two girls staring at each other, he thought. They are friends, right? He moved his gaze back onto his younger sister and said. "Shiro, you okay?" She gave him a nod and tried to hand him the pizza crust, Shiro said. "Yeah! Onii-chan, you don't need to worry. Namida-nee and Sachi-nee would never hurt me." Reiki stared at the pizza crust his little sister was trying to force the crust onto him.
Shiro grabbed his older brother's hand and placed the pizza crust on his hand, she looked up to him and gave a big smile. Shiro said. "Onii-chan, thank you." Reiki stared at his little sister's bright smile as he let out a chuckle and took a bite out of the crust, he swallowed and said. "I'll go ahead and start preparing dinner." He made his way toward the kitchen while eating the pizza crust. Shiro made her way around the couch and saw Namida and Sachi still holding onto the wooden box with one hand.
The two girls glared at each other while Ketsueki let out a sigh and glanced at them, Ketsueki said. "Hey, you two. Either stop what you're doing or I'll kick you both out of my house." Sachi suddenly let go of the box which made Namida lose her balance as she caught herself by grabbing the backrest of the couch. The couch generated an audible creaking noise which made Namida break out in a cold sweat. Sachi smiled at Ketsueki and said. "It just shows how close we are." Namida sat up straight on the couch as she gave Sachi a dangerous gaze.
Shiro sat back down between the two girls while Ketsueki looked back at the tv and said. "At times like this, I wish we weren't." Namida deeply inhaled as she passed the wooden box to Shiro who looked up at her in confusion. Namida said. "Cottontail, you're in charge of this now. Okay?" Shiro pouted at the nickname as she tightly hugged the box of chocolates and said. "Namida-nee, I'm making sure you never have one ever again!" Namida let out a chuckle as she placed a hand on top of her hand and messed up Shiro's white hair. Ketsueki's lips curved into a small while Sachi let out a charming laugh which reverted through the living room.
~One hour and thirty minutes Later~
Shiro, Ketsueki, Sachi, and Namida were sitting around the dining table that was already set up. In the middle was a large plate with patty-shaped croquettes piled up high, on each of their plates were cherry tomatoes with the stem removed along with thinly sliced cabbages. The four girls ate their meal while being oddly silent as Shiro and Ketsueki glanced at Reiki who was sitting on an elegantly made white metal chair with purple cushions.
On Reiki's plate was a mountain of rice and nearly triple the amount of cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced cabbage. Ketsueki picked up the croquette and took a bite out of it as the melted cheese inside stretched, she thought. I want these for my bento tomorrow. Reiki ate mouthfuls of rice using chopsticks followed by picking up a croquette in the middle of the table and taking a bite out of it, he thought. Why do I get the feeling this table is dead silent?... He glanced at the first girls eating at a steady pace and continued his train of thought. I see how it is.
Namida quickly finished the food on her plate as she wiped her lips using the back of her hand, she picked up her glass of water and downed it in one go. Namida placed the glass back down on the table and let out a refreshed sigh, she said. "Thanks for the meal." She stretched on the chair as she glanced at Reiki who was stuffing himself with food. While chewing he glanced at Namida as the two stared at each other, Reiki rolled his eyes and gulped down a mouthful of food.
He stood up from his seat and said. "I'll go prepare dessert." Shiro ate a piece of cherry tomato as she watched her older brother make his way to the kitchen. Namida gave him a big smile and said. "Thanks for that." Sachi's plate was nearly empty except for the single croquette on it and the half-eaten one pinched between her chopsticks. Sachi shook her head in disapproval and said. "How unrefined." Ketsueki ate some rice followed by the last piece of her cherry tomato on her plate. Namida let out a snicker and said. "Etiquette? I'm the most refined individual here in this house. Fact."
She crossed her arms and placed her left ankle on her left knee, Namida continued. "I'd like to see you two try to prove me wrong." Shiro happily ate a piece of croquette as she watched them argue. Sachi ate the croquette pinched between her chopsticks and picked up her glass of water as she took a sip, she said. "True, in terms of manners you are above and beyond." Her eyes had a hint of mocking in them as her lips curved into a small smirk, she continued. "Yet you're not showing a single shred of it."
Shiro ate the last bit of rice along with the last few strands of cabbage as she took a couple of croquettes from the pile and placed them on her plate. Ketsueki's plate was clean as she placed four croquettes on her plate and continued her meal in bliss. Namida rolled her eyes at Sachi and said. "Hey, stay at my house for an hour and you'll be sick of the etiquette that you're so proud of." Sachi let out a charming laugh, she said. "I would like to see it for myself."
The two of them had friendly smiles on their faces as the atmosphere between them turned heavy. Ketsueki was chewing as she picked up the second croquette on her plate and swallowed, she said. "Must you two fight at every opportunity you get?" She gave them a tired look and thought. Keep this up and I might just catch you two hate fucking. Both Sachi and Namida saw the top part of the pile of croquettes was missing, they simultaneously thought. How much did these two sisters eat? Reiki walked out of the kitchen while holding onto a tray with four large beer mugs that were filled with thick milkshakes.
The milkshakes were topped with large amounts of whipped cream and sprinkled with an abundance of grated elven chocolate. He made his way to the dining table and said. "Here-." Before he could even form a sentence all the beer mugs on the tray were gone while Sachi and Namida were already holding onto one. Ketsueki held one in each hand as she placed one in front of her little sister, she said. "Shiro, want a straw?" Shiro stared at the cold beverage emitting faint white air as she glanced at Sachi and Namida treated it as a drink and took a sip.
Shiro had a hint of hesitation in her eyes, she said. "I-I can do it, Onee-chan." She grabbed the large mug with both her hands and tried her best to take a sip. Ketsueki watched Shiro with worry as she waved her hand as the mug her little sister was holding was enveloped with a thin layer of mana. Shiro placed the mug down as she had a mustache on her upper lip made out of whipped cream and some bits of chocolate. Shiro looked up to her older sister with stars in her eyes and said. "Onee-chan, I think I'm getting stronger!"
She flexed her right arm, failing to make the slightest curve, Shiro continued. "Before you know it, I'll be stronger than Onii-chan!" Ketsueki gave her little sister a big smile and said. "I guess your five-minute walk is paying off." Shiro placed her hands on her hips as she puffed out her flat chest. Namida let out a chuckle and said. "How about a toast? To Shiro's newfound strength." She raised her half-empty mug. Sachi smiled as she raised her mug which was also half-empty as the two jugs softly clonked from hitting each other, she said. "Shiro's strength."
Sachi let out a laugh while Ketsueki stared at the two half-empty mugs and thought. Can you two at least slow down? Ketsueki raised her glass and it softly clinked from hitting the other two, she said. "My little sister's strength." Shiro's eyes sparkled as she quickly lifted her large mug and carefully raised it making a very soft clink sound, she said. "T-Thank you very much." Reiki cleared his throat and said. "Don't forget there's still more." The girls turned their heads and noticed the four tall narrow glasses with a short stem.
The parfait had alternating layers of ice cream, a variety of fruits or berries, chunks or grated elven chocolate, and was topped with whipped cream. Reiki started passing around the parfait, he picked up one that had strawberry ice cream, and strawberries. He said. "Strawberry paradise for the lovely lady." Ketsueki placed the large mug on the table and took the parfait off his hands. Reiki continued. "Chocolate avenue for my cute little sister." He picked up the parfait that was made with chocolate ice cream, no fruits, and plenty of elven chocolate.
Ketsueki took the parfait off his hands and passed it to her little sister who impatiently grabbed it. Reiki passed the last two parfaits to Sachi and Namida, he said. "I don't know what your poison is so I went with something safe." Sachi stared at the beautifully made parfait in her hands while Reiki continued. "Tropical sunshine." It had kiwis, pineapple, and mangos in them along with some confectionery that was carefully placed in the whipped cream. Reiki picked up the four spoons on the tray and started passing them out.
He lifted his plate and placed the tray below it as he sat down. Ketsueki passed Shiro a spoon and said. "Reiki, where were you?" Reiki picked up his chopsticks while Shiro ate her first spoon of a parfait. He said. "While everyone was busy I made my way back to the kitchen." Sachi let out a chuckle and pointed at the parfait on the table in front of her using a spoon, she said. "What's with the preferential treatment? You made theirs special while mine and Namida's looked like replicas." Namida didn't even bother as she ate her parfait in peace. Reiki lazily waved his left hand at them and said. "I'll put in the effort next time."
Sachi and Namida sat on the couch with Shiro in between them as she happily ate a large slice of pepperoni pizza while Ketsueki sat on the left armchair by the television. The coffee table was filled with a variety of sweets with the only savory option a few large boxes of pizza on the bottom hidden beneath the others. Namida was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans as Sachi wore a sky blue sweater with the sleeves pulled to her elbows paired with black fitted jeans. Shiro happily finished the pizza crust as she reached out and grabbed a muffin, she took a bite and thought. It's not as good as Onii-chan's.
Ketsueki was holding onto a half-eaten muffin with her right hand, she said. "How long are you two planning to stay?" Namida let out a chuckle as she waved a brownie she held with her right hand and said. "Is that how you treat your friends that came out of their way? With food no less." Shiro had an innocent expression on her face as she listened to their conversation. Sachi took out a handkerchief from her pocket and used it to wipe her lips, she said. "After everything we did for you."
Shiro took another bite of the muffin in her hands as she moved her gaze onto her older sister. Ketsueki rolled her eyes at them and said. "You two barely did anything for me." Namida ate the brownie she was holding in one go, she placed her left ankle on her right knee and swallowed. Namida said. "Shiro, take this as a lesson of how not to be grateful." She placed a hand on top of her head which made Shiro look up to Namida. Shiro nodded at her as she took another bite of the muffin in her hands.
Ketsueki glared at Namida and said. "And stop filling my little sister's head with nonsense." Namida let out a laugh and waved her hand at Ketsueki in dismissal, Namida said. "How frightening." Sachi pointed at the pizza boxes that were hidden among the other boxes, she said. "Shiro, how about another slice of pizza? We've barely touched it." Shiro peeled the muffin liner off the bottom and finished it off, she shook her head sideways and swallowed. Shiro said. "I want to wait for Onii-chan to finish studying." Ketsueki, Namida, and Sachi glanced at the ceiling without using their necks to look up as the three simultaneously thought. He's here.
Sachi let out a chuckle as she playfully pinched Shiro while picking up a brownie and said. "I get the feeling Reiki will be finished very soon." Shiro held off from picking up a brownie as she looked up at her, she said. "How do you know-." Before she could finish the four girls heard a familiar young boy's voice, Reiki was standing by the couch. He said. "Alright, I heard my name. I just hope you ladies aren't talking smack about me."
Shiro stood up from the couch and ran toward her older brother as she wrapped her arms around him, she looked up at him and said. "Onii-chan! How did your study session go?" Ketsueki glared at him from the corner of her eye, she said. "Can you tell us what you studied that took you four and a half hours?" She peeled off the muffin liner and placed it inside the box of muffins. Namida and Sachi had knowing smiles on their lips while Shiro extended her hand toward Reiki. He held his hand out with his palm facing upward, Reiki said. "Shiro, you didn't have to-."
Shiro handed him a crumpled-up muffin liner, she looked up to her older brother and gave him a bright smile that lit up the room. Reiki let out a chuckle and pocketed it as he pinched his little sister's right cheek with his left hand, he said. "Consider yourself lucky, you're cute." Shiro let out a laugh while Reiki rolled his eyes at her and continued. "Don't laugh it off." Shiro made her way back to the couch and sat between Sachi and Namida. Sachi had a cruel smile on her lips, she said. "How about Namida and I guess what you studied."
She picked up a muffin and immediately took off the muffin liner and placed it inside the box of muffins. Namida's eyes lit up, she said. "That sounds good, it's been a while since I played the guessing game." She snatched another brownie from the box while Ketsueki pretended to watch the show on the tv while intently listening. Shiro was completely oblivious to what they were saying as she stared at the pizza boxes on the coffee table. Sachi showed him the muffin she was holding to taunt him, she said. "My guess is-."
In one swift motion, Reiki grabbed the tattered pouch from his pocket and took out a familiar box that made Sachi's eyes light up. He said. "No need for all the-." Before he could finish Sachi swiped the box from his hands, she said. "What's for dessert?" Sachi carefully took the lid off and placed it on the bottom, she offered Shiro who excitedly took a piece while Namida was already holding onto two pieces. Reiki pointed at the box Sachi was holding while Namida raised her hand and said. "I think it's-." Reiki interrupted her and quickly said. "Tonight's dessert will be milkshakes and parfaits using elven chocolate as the main ingredient."
Namida gave him a triumphant smile as she took a bite of chocolate in her hands, Reiki pocketed the talisman and thought. How many did I just give away in these past two days… I think I have about four left? Two after making dessert later… Sachi snapped her fingers with her left hand as the boxes of takeout floated mid-air, using her left hand she passed him the three boxes of pizza and said. "Don't worry, we didn't forget about you and oh. Shiro ate a couple of slices, I hope you won't mind." Shiro stared at the floating boxes in awe as they neatly arranged themselves back on the coffee table while Reiki pocketed his tattered pouch.
Reiki held the box with his right hand on the bottom, he opened the one at the top and saw a couple of slices missing. Reiki said. "It would've been fine even if she ate all of it." He picked up a slice and passed it to his little sister as Shiro held a piece of chocolate in her right hand and a slice of pizza in her left. Reiki pointed at the boxes of pizza he was carrying with his hand and said. "You girls want some?"
Namida was chewing as she gulped down a mouthful of chocolate, while holding onto another piece she smiled at him and said. "I don't feel like eating savory, especially since something better is on the table." Shiro happily ate the piece of chocolate she had in her right hand. Reiki moved his gaze onto Sachi as he gestured at the pizza, she shook her head and said. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline. I already achieved my goal from our little visit." Reiki kept a straight expression and thought. Three pizza boxes worth four thousand yen each isn't equal to thousands of platinum coins. He turned his head to look at his older sister and said. "Onee-chan?"
Ketsueki turned her head and stared at the opened box at the top, she reached her hand out and took three slices by stacking them on top of each other. Ketsueki blandly said. "Thanks." Reiki closed the top pizza box and took his tattered pouch out of his pocket again as it sucked the three boxes inside, he let out a sigh and said. "What do you girls want for dinner?"
Ketsueki gulped down a mouthful of pizza as she glanced at him and moved her gaze back to the tv. Namida made herself comfortable on the couch as she leaned on the backrest, she said. "Hmm… If possible, I want to avoid meat." She took a bite of the elven chocolate she was holding while Sachi nodded in agreement and said. "For once, I agree with Namida-kun." Namida raised her right hand and was about to elbow Sachi as she glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Namida saw Shiro munching on chocolate while looking up at her with an innocent expression.
Shiro gulped down a mouthful of chocolate and said. "Namida-nee, what's wrong?" Sachi had a mocking smirk on her lips while Namida gritted her teeth as she let out a sigh. Namida said. "... It's nothing, cottontail." She placed a hand on top of Shiro's head and ruffled her hair making her pout. Reiki turned his head to look at his older sister who had already eaten the three slices of pizza. He glanced at the wooden box of chocolate that was in Sachi's clutches, Reiki stared at Ketsueki who was sitting on the armchair. He casted. Flash.
『Flash Has Been Activated. Mana Cost: 500.』
For a split second, Reiki appeared on the right side of the couch as he placed his left hand on the wooden box from Sachi's hands.
『Flash Has Been Activated. Mana Cost: 500.』
He appeared back to the spot where he stood with the wooden box in his left hand. Shiro giggled while Namida and Sachi turned their heads to see her stop herself as a big smile formed on her face. Sachi had a curious look on her face and said. "Shiro, what's so funny?" Sachi ate the rest of the chocolate in her hands while Shiro failed to contain the smile from getting bigger, she said. "Nothing." Namida rolled her eyes at her and said. "Sure..." Sachi and Namida reached their hand toward the wooden box that was missing from Sachi's grasp.
The two girls' hands felt the air as they moved their hands around and looked at the area where the box of chocolate was supposed to be. Shiro let out suppressed laughter as they heard Reiki speak, he said. "O-Onee-chan, how about some chocolate?" He was standing by the armchair his older sister was sitting on. Ketsueki glanced at him and moved her gaze back to the tv, she said. "I'm good, thank you." Sachi had a look of confusion on her face, she thought. When did he… Namida stared at him with wide eyes and thought. I didn't see him move! Reiki had a nervous smile on his face as he placed the wooden box on top of the rest of the takeout boxes.
Reiki forced a cough and said. "Onee-chan, h-how about your favorite for dinner? Croquettes." Ketsueki's ears slightly perked up as she kept a straight face. Sachi and Namida glared at each other from the corner of their eye as the two of them simultaneously reached their hand to grab the wooden box. Reiki continued. "I'll even make it your preferred filling, mashed potato, carrots, and red onion." Shiro was sitting between Sachi and Namida as she watched the two girls holding onto the wooden box with one hand. Reiki pulled himself up using the armrest, he had a big smile on his face and said. "I'll even mix in some cheese and make it stringy."
Ketsueki glanced at him and crossed her arms and with a very faint blush on her face, she said. "... This doesn't mean anything…" Reiki's smile brightened up the air around him, he said. "Yes!" He landed on the floor with a soft thud and saw Sachi and Namida in a stalemate. Shiro was watching them both while munching on a slice of pizza. Reiki made his way behind the couch and pulled himself up the backrest of the couch, he placed his hands on his little sister's waist and effortlessly lifted her from the couch. Shiro had a look of surprise on her face as she saw her older brother lift her above the backrest of the couch and gently place her on the floor standing on her two feet.
Reiki glanced at the two girls staring at each other, he thought. They are friends, right? He moved his gaze back onto his younger sister and said. "Shiro, you okay?" She gave him a nod and tried to hand him the pizza crust, Shiro said. "Yeah! Onii-chan, you don't need to worry. Namida-nee and Sachi-nee would never hurt me." Reiki stared at the pizza crust his little sister was trying to force the crust onto him.
Shiro grabbed his older brother's hand and placed the pizza crust on his hand, she looked up to him and gave a big smile. Shiro said. "Onii-chan, thank you." Reiki stared at his little sister's bright smile as he let out a chuckle and took a bite out of the crust, he swallowed and said. "I'll go ahead and start preparing dinner." He made his way toward the kitchen while eating the pizza crust. Shiro made her way around the couch and saw Namida and Sachi still holding onto the wooden box with one hand.
The two girls glared at each other while Ketsueki let out a sigh and glanced at them, Ketsueki said. "Hey, you two. Either stop what you're doing or I'll kick you both out of my house." Sachi suddenly let go of the box which made Namida lose her balance as she caught herself by grabbing the backrest of the couch. The couch generated an audible creaking noise which made Namida break out in a cold sweat. Sachi smiled at Ketsueki and said. "It just shows how close we are." Namida sat up straight on the couch as she gave Sachi a dangerous gaze.
Shiro sat back down between the two girls while Ketsueki looked back at the tv and said. "At times like this, I wish we weren't." Namida deeply inhaled as she passed the wooden box to Shiro who looked up at her in confusion. Namida said. "Cottontail, you're in charge of this now. Okay?" Shiro pouted at the nickname as she tightly hugged the box of chocolates and said. "Namida-nee, I'm making sure you never have one ever again!" Namida let out a chuckle as she placed a hand on top of her hand and messed up Shiro's white hair. Ketsueki's lips curved into a small while Sachi let out a charming laugh which reverted through the living room.
~One hour and thirty minutes Later~
Shiro, Ketsueki, Sachi, and Namida were sitting around the dining table that was already set up. In the middle was a large plate with patty-shaped croquettes piled up high, on each of their plates were cherry tomatoes with the stem removed along with thinly sliced cabbages. The four girls ate their meal while being oddly silent as Shiro and Ketsueki glanced at Reiki who was sitting on an elegantly made white metal chair with purple cushions.
On Reiki's plate was a mountain of rice and nearly triple the amount of cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced cabbage. Ketsueki picked up the croquette and took a bite out of it as the melted cheese inside stretched, she thought. I want these for my bento tomorrow. Reiki ate mouthfuls of rice using chopsticks followed by picking up a croquette in the middle of the table and taking a bite out of it, he thought. Why do I get the feeling this table is dead silent?... He glanced at the first girls eating at a steady pace and continued his train of thought. I see how it is.
Namida quickly finished the food on her plate as she wiped her lips using the back of her hand, she picked up her glass of water and downed it in one go. Namida placed the glass back down on the table and let out a refreshed sigh, she said. "Thanks for the meal." She stretched on the chair as she glanced at Reiki who was stuffing himself with food. While chewing he glanced at Namida as the two stared at each other, Reiki rolled his eyes and gulped down a mouthful of food.
He stood up from his seat and said. "I'll go prepare dessert." Shiro ate a piece of cherry tomato as she watched her older brother make his way to the kitchen. Namida gave him a big smile and said. "Thanks for that." Sachi's plate was nearly empty except for the single croquette on it and the half-eaten one pinched between her chopsticks. Sachi shook her head in disapproval and said. "How unrefined." Ketsueki ate some rice followed by the last piece of her cherry tomato on her plate. Namida let out a snicker and said. "Etiquette? I'm the most refined individual here in this house. Fact."
She crossed her arms and placed her left ankle on her left knee, Namida continued. "I'd like to see you two try to prove me wrong." Shiro happily ate a piece of croquette as she watched them argue. Sachi ate the croquette pinched between her chopsticks and picked up her glass of water as she took a sip, she said. "True, in terms of manners you are above and beyond." Her eyes had a hint of mocking in them as her lips curved into a small smirk, she continued. "Yet you're not showing a single shred of it."
Shiro ate the last bit of rice along with the last few strands of cabbage as she took a couple of croquettes from the pile and placed them on her plate. Ketsueki's plate was clean as she placed four croquettes on her plate and continued her meal in bliss. Namida rolled her eyes at Sachi and said. "Hey, stay at my house for an hour and you'll be sick of the etiquette that you're so proud of." Sachi let out a charming laugh, she said. "I would like to see it for myself."
The two of them had friendly smiles on their faces as the atmosphere between them turned heavy. Ketsueki was chewing as she picked up the second croquette on her plate and swallowed, she said. "Must you two fight at every opportunity you get?" She gave them a tired look and thought. Keep this up and I might just catch you two hate fucking. Both Sachi and Namida saw the top part of the pile of croquettes was missing, they simultaneously thought. How much did these two sisters eat? Reiki walked out of the kitchen while holding onto a tray with four large beer mugs that were filled with thick milkshakes.
The milkshakes were topped with large amounts of whipped cream and sprinkled with an abundance of grated elven chocolate. He made his way to the dining table and said. "Here-." Before he could even form a sentence all the beer mugs on the tray were gone while Sachi and Namida were already holding onto one. Ketsueki held one in each hand as she placed one in front of her little sister, she said. "Shiro, want a straw?" Shiro stared at the cold beverage emitting faint white air as she glanced at Sachi and Namida treated it as a drink and took a sip.
Shiro had a hint of hesitation in her eyes, she said. "I-I can do it, Onee-chan." She grabbed the large mug with both her hands and tried her best to take a sip. Ketsueki watched Shiro with worry as she waved her hand as the mug her little sister was holding was enveloped with a thin layer of mana. Shiro placed the mug down as she had a mustache on her upper lip made out of whipped cream and some bits of chocolate. Shiro looked up to her older sister with stars in her eyes and said. "Onee-chan, I think I'm getting stronger!"
She flexed her right arm, failing to make the slightest curve, Shiro continued. "Before you know it, I'll be stronger than Onii-chan!" Ketsueki gave her little sister a big smile and said. "I guess your five-minute walk is paying off." Shiro placed her hands on her hips as she puffed out her flat chest. Namida let out a chuckle and said. "How about a toast? To Shiro's newfound strength." She raised her half-empty mug. Sachi smiled as she raised her mug which was also half-empty as the two jugs softly clonked from hitting each other, she said. "Shiro's strength."
Sachi let out a laugh while Ketsueki stared at the two half-empty mugs and thought. Can you two at least slow down? Ketsueki raised her glass and it softly clinked from hitting the other two, she said. "My little sister's strength." Shiro's eyes sparkled as she quickly lifted her large mug and carefully raised it making a very soft clink sound, she said. "T-Thank you very much." Reiki cleared his throat and said. "Don't forget there's still more." The girls turned their heads and noticed the four tall narrow glasses with a short stem.
The parfait had alternating layers of ice cream, a variety of fruits or berries, chunks or grated elven chocolate, and was topped with whipped cream. Reiki started passing around the parfait, he picked up one that had strawberry ice cream, and strawberries. He said. "Strawberry paradise for the lovely lady." Ketsueki placed the large mug on the table and took the parfait off his hands. Reiki continued. "Chocolate avenue for my cute little sister." He picked up the parfait that was made with chocolate ice cream, no fruits, and plenty of elven chocolate.
Ketsueki took the parfait off his hands and passed it to her little sister who impatiently grabbed it. Reiki passed the last two parfaits to Sachi and Namida, he said. "I don't know what your poison is so I went with something safe." Sachi stared at the beautifully made parfait in her hands while Reiki continued. "Tropical sunshine." It had kiwis, pineapple, and mangos in them along with some confectionery that was carefully placed in the whipped cream. Reiki picked up the four spoons on the tray and started passing them out.
He lifted his plate and placed the tray below it as he sat down. Ketsueki passed Shiro a spoon and said. "Reiki, where were you?" Reiki picked up his chopsticks while Shiro ate her first spoon of a parfait. He said. "While everyone was busy I made my way back to the kitchen." Sachi let out a chuckle and pointed at the parfait on the table in front of her using a spoon, she said. "What's with the preferential treatment? You made theirs special while mine and Namida's looked like replicas." Namida didn't even bother as she ate her parfait in peace. Reiki lazily waved his left hand at them and said. "I'll put in the effort next time."
