Everyone was sitting around the dining table as Sachi had two plates with a generous slice of cake on each one. Ketsueki used her fork to slice off a bite-size portion of her bravo cake and said. “Why do you have two plates for each cake, Sachi?” Her gaze wandered onto the other fork that was placed on top of a napkin, Ketsueki continued. “You even have another fork on you.” She stabbed the part she cut off the cake using her fork and ate it. Sachi methodically cut a bite-size piece of her cake that had all the layers, she said. “I don’t want the flavors of the cake to mix.”
Namida used her hand to pick up one of the cherries on top of her generous slice of black forest cake as she spoke in a mocking tone and said. “I don’t want the flavors of the cake to mix.” She held the cherry by the stem and ate it while holding onto the stem as she placed it on her plate, Namida continued. “You make it sound like you’re a critique or something.” Shiro had one plate in front of her as she stared at the two generous slices of black forest and mango bravo.
Shiro happily ate her share while Ketsueki nodded in approval while chewing as Reiki came back from the kitchen carrying a tray with four glasses of milk and four glasses of water. He placed a glass each of milk and water to the girls around the table and said. “Sorry for the wait.” Shiro picked up her glass of milk as she took a sip and ate another bite of cake. Sachi was holding onto her glass of milk, she said. “Reiki, can you send me the link for the recipe you used?”
She placed the fork she used for mango bravo onto the plate and picked up the fork on the napkin as she methodically sliced off a bite-size piece to eat. Namida had some cake stabbed on her fork as she raised it and said. “Make sure to send me the link too.” Ketsueki had a smug look on her face as she used her fork to slice off a piece of her cake. Reiki was spinning the round tray on the tip of his index finger, he said. “No site, I just made the cakes myself.”
Sachi stabbed her perfect bite of the black forest cake as she vanished from her seat and appeared beside Reiki. She placed an arm around his shoulders and said. “Then I’m going to need you to write it down.” Namida quickly took a sip of her milk, she said. “And I’m going to need a copy of it.” Shiro ate one of the cherries on her cake while Ketsueki’s brows furrowed. Ketsueki said. “Reiki, where’s Cherry?” Sachi moved her arm away from his shoulders as a streak of white came from the direction of the kitchen.
Cherry appeared on Reiki’s right shoulder as a slightly red syrup dripped down from her beak. Reiki moved his gaze onto the bird and said. “It’s a false alarm Cherry, you can go back to your bowl of cherries.” The albino crow nodded at him as she turned into a streak of white as Cherry made her way to the kitchen. Shiro enjoyed her cake while Reiki still had the round tray spinning on the tip of his index finger. He threw the tray at the sink as it acted like a frisbee and floated its way into the sink. Namida nodded and said. “Ten points.” Ketsueki raised a brow at her little brother, she thought. Nice control.
Reiki pointed at the fridge, he said. “The two cakes and dinner leftovers are in the fridge.” Sachi had her perfect bite stabbed on her fork as she had an odd look on her face and said. “How did you manage to fit two whole cakes and dinner leftovers in that old fridge?” Reiki’s gaze wandered onto the large slices of cake on all of the girls' cakes, he said. “After giving you girl your share of cakes… There wasn’t much left.” Namida sliced off a part of her black forest cake while Sachi had a look of distraught on her expression. Sachi said. “There’s no more cake left?!”
Reiki shook his head and said. “There’s roughly about one-third of it left.” Sachi calmed down as she nodded while staring at her perfect bite on her fork, she said. “Good… I’ll be sure to bring the rest of the cakes home.” Ketsueki pointed at her friend using her fork as she spoke in a slightly threatening tone, she said. “You touch that fridge and I’m throwing you out through that window.” Reiki moved to the chair his little sister was sitting on as he used his thumb to wipe some cream on the corner of Shiro’s mouth and licked it off his thumb.
He thought. Seven point five out of ten… Only way to improve the taste more is to use high-quality ingredients… Need to come on the next shopping trip. Sachi moved her gaze onto her friend who was trying to scare her with a fork, she said. “I can’t take you seriously with cake crumbs on the side of your mouth.” Reiki moved his gaze onto his older sister and saw Ketsueki hastily wipe the crumbs away while Namida let out a stifled laugh.
Reiki quickly moved his gaze away, he thought. This is the perfect time to vanish. He casually made his way to the staircase as Ketsueki stopped him by grabbing the back of the collar of his shirt, Reiki thought. Shit. Ketsueki placed her fork onto her plate, she said. “Reiki made that cake for… Me and Shiro, other than the cake on your plate. You’re not getting your hands on more.” Namida enjoyed another bite of cake as she stared at her friends arguing with each other.
Sachi ate the cake that was on her fork while Reiki moved his gaze onto his little sister and said. “Shiro, how is it?” Namida took out a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the little girl's mouth. Shiro looked up to her and said. “Thank you, Namida-nee.” Namida smiled at her and said. “Any time cottontail.” Shiro moved her gaze onto her older brother she said. “It’s good, Onii-chan.” Sachi had a friendly smile on her face, she said. “What’s some leftover cake between friends?” Ketsueki rolled her eyes and thought. Oh god, she’s playing the shameless card.
She glanced at her little brother who she was holding by the shirt, Ketsueki continued her train of thought. Reiki will manage. She said. “Then how about you ask the chef himself then?” Ketsueki dragged her little brother closer to the table as Reiki feigned ignorance from the glare he was getting from his older sister. Sachi smiled at him as Reiki easily saw it never reached her eyes, she said. “Reiki, you won’t mind me taking home some cake right?” He smiled at her and said. “Can I convince you to change your mind? I only have a slice of mango bravo left and you and Namida already ate three of mine.”
Ketsueki’s lips slowly curled into a smirk while Sachi glanced at the generous slice of black forest and mango bravo on both her plates. Reiki gave her a wry smile and said. “The cakes in the fridge are Shiro’s and Onee-chan’s share.” Shiro already managed to eat half of her cake as she let out a satisfied exhale and reached for her glass of milk. Sachi somehow managed to maintain her friendly expression while Ketsueki had a smug look on her face which Reiki couldn’t see with his back facing his older sister.
Sachi thought. Keep your cool… Keep your cool… She’s your only ticket to eating top-tier desserts… Ketsueki ate the cake that was stabbed on her fork as it tasted a bit sweeter than usual. Shiro took a sip of her milk while Namida reached her hand out to grab her glass of water. Namida thought. And here I thought I had thick skin. Sachi nodded in understanding and said. “Then, is it ok if I were to ask for your share then?” For a split second, Ketsueki’s expression froze as she stared at her friend in disbelief.
Namida suddenly started laughing as the sound of her voice reverted through the entire room. She gently slammed the dining table a couple of times while Shiro was in the middle of chewing as she looked around the table with a clueless expression. Shiro thought. What happened? Ketsueki stared at her friend with an expressionless face while Reiki looked up at her and said. “That’s fine, but it’s going to be half the size of the rest of the cakes since Namida hasn’t tried the mango bravo yet.” Sachi gave him a sweet smile, she said. “That’s fine, I’ll take what I can get.”
Reiki made his way around the table and said. “Then, I’m going to take your plate to put the slice on it.” Sachi smiled at him, she said. “Thank you.” She watched him take the plate as Reiki made his way to the kitchen while Shiro gently poked Namida’s elbow a few times. Shiro looked up to her and said. “Namida-nee, what’s so funny?” Namida’s laughter slowly died down as she placed a hand on top of Shiro’s head and said. “Don’t worry about it cottontail.” She spoke under her breath, Namida continued. “My sides…”
Ketsueki had a disapproving expression on her face, she said. “Sachi, that’s a whole new level of low for you.” Sachi slightly waved her fork sideways as she shook her head and said. “Compared to me and Namida, you on the other hand can force Reiki to make anything you want.” Shiro finished off her cake as she picked up her glass of milk and emptied it in one go, she let out a satisfied sigh and patted her slightly bloated stomach a couple of times. Shiro leaned on the backrest of the chair while Reiki came back from the kitchen with a plate in each hand.
Reiki placed a plate in front of Sachi and Namida, he said. “Sorry for the wait, I washed the knife I used.” On Sachi’s plate was her generous slice of mango bravo that only had a few bites taken out of it beside it was a slice that was roughly half of its size. Namida picked up the spoon that was on the plate Reiki brought, she said. “Reiki, I already have a spoon.” Reiki picked up the napkin that was near Shiro’s plate, he wiped his little sister's mouth and said. “I know, I just recommend using a different fork for the other cake so the taste doesn’t mix.”
Namida gave him a slight nod as she placed the fork back on the plate and sliced off another part of her black forest cake. Reiki finished wiping his little sister's mouth clean as he placed the napkin on the table and picked up her glass of water. Sachi methodically sliced off another perfect bite of her cake and said. “Reiki, anything new in your life?” Reiki easily downed half of the water in the cup in one go, he shook his head and said. “Nothing worth mentioning.”
He placed the cup on the table, Reiki continued. “How about you? Namdia used the leather boots to get here. When are you planning on wearing the dress?” Ketsueki and Namida moved their gaze onto their friend as Sachi felt both the eyes of her friends and said. “I’m going to wear it when I know I’m going to be the center of attention, ok?” Namida ate some cake, she thought. Show off. Ketsueki rolled her eyes while cutting a piece of cake off using her fork, she thought. Spotlight hog.
Reiki pointed at the stairway using his thumb and said. “I’m calling it early and heading to bed.” He picked up Shiro who let out a big yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand. Shiro placed her arms around her older brother’s neck as she hugged him as she started dozing off, Reiki continued. “If you three get hungry, preheat the oven to three hundred and fifty and place either of the chicken dishes in for around ten to fifteen minutes.” Shiro rested her head on Reiki’s chest as she let out another yawn, Reiki said. “Small favor to ask.”
Ketsueki's expression turned slightly serious, she said. “What is it, Reiki?” Reiki smiled at her and said. “It’s nothing serious, Onee-chan. I just wanted to ask if you three can eat about half of the roasted chicken. I’m planning to make some sandwiches with the leftovers for breakfast tomorrow.” Namida had a pondering expression on her face, she said. “That roast chicken was delicious.” She glanced at Sachi from the corner of her eye and continued. “Think we should stay the night and have breakfast here?” Reiki thought. Time to tuck Shiro into bed.
Sachi nodded, she said. “Sounds like a plan.” She ate the cake that was stabbed on her fork while Ketsueki let out a long sigh as she massaged the temples of her head and said. “I need to put a magic lock on my front door.” The fork Namida was holding was enveloped with a thin layer of mana and with a slight flick of her wrist, her black forest cake was cut into even bite-size shapes. Namida said. “Then we’ll barge in from the windows.” Ketsueki’s pupils faintly shined, she moved her gaze onto Namida and said. “Then I’ll just add a magic lock on each window too.”
Sachi raised a brow at Ketsueki and said. “Doesn’t Reiki use the window to jump to the blonde girl at the multi-complex building next door?” Ketsueki’s expression had surprise all over her face, she thought. How’d they know? Sachi methodically sliced off another perfect bite of her cake while Namida shook her head sideways and said. “Did you really just forget that you ranted about your boy jumping out the window to see another girl?” Ketsueki stared at her friends for a few seconds as she blinked a couple of times and said. “That time? Hasn’t weeks passed already…”
Sachi swallowed and said. “It was three days ago.” Namida used her fork to stab a piece of her cake on her plate, she said. “This girl…” She used the fork that had cake stabbed on it and continued. “When we rant about our problems she never listens. But when she rants she expects us to remember every single period.” Ketsueki rolled her eyes and said. “Alright I get it…” She let out a sigh and continued. “Are we going to drink or not?” Sachi stood up from her seat, she said. “I’ll preheat the oven.” Namida waved her hand as a dozen canned beers appeared in the center of the table.
One of the cans of beer flew toward Namida as she caught it mid-air and opened it letting out the carbonation. The top of the beer can started to overfill with foam as Namida moved the can closer to her mouth and quickly drank the foam. Ketsueki stared at her friend and said. “... Bear and cake… That’s a recipe for a stomach ache if I’ve ever seen one.” She ate some cake as Namida easily downed the entire can in one go, she let out a satisfied sigh and said. “I have no intention of trying to mix and match flavors with cake and beer.”
Sachi made her way back to the living room as she sat back down on the armchair and made herself comfortable. She said. “The cheese spinach chicken is in the oven and should be ready in twenty minutes or so.” Namida placed the empty can beside her as she waved her hand as another can flew into her palm as she opened it. Ketsueki moved her gaze onto Sachi and said. “Reiki said ten to fifteen minutes.” Sachi twirled her index finger a couple of times as a can of beer floated and slowly made its way to her.
Sachi nodded and said. “I know, but I’m too lazy to stand up again and place the food in the oven.” She picked up the floating beer can in front of her while Ketsueki’s expression slowly turned into one of disbelief. Namida wiped her lips using a napkin from the table, she said. “Are we going to talk about Reiki this time? Or how close we three are from our contracts ending?” Sachi let out a stressed sigh and said. “Finally, that day will never come soon enough.”
Ketsueki sliced off some cake using her fork, she said. “Parents trying to leech off more money than usual again?” Sachi nodded as she ate some cake while Namida shook her head and said. “Why do you still live with them? You already have the money to support yourself and you’re already eighteen.” The tip of Ketsueki’s finger faintly glowed with mana as she slowly pulled her finger back as a can flew towards her and caught it mid-air, she said. “Yeah, whatever happened to independence?” Sachi moved some of her bangs to the side and said. “I’m trying to find a house, hell. I’ll even settle for an apartment.”
She took a sip of her beer and continued. “But I noticed they’ve hired someone to keep an eye on me when looking for a place to live.” Sachi let out a disgusted scoff, she said. “The sooner you can find a place to live the better.” She shook her head sideways and took a sip of her beer while Ketsuek placed her can on the table and opened her can with one hand while eating some cake. Sachi used her fork to stab a bite-size cake on her plate, her gaze moved onto her friend, and said. “Alright, something is on your mind. Spill it.”
Ketsueki shook her head sideways, she said. “No, give me a few days. Just making sure about something with Reiki.” Namida rolled her eyes at her friend and said. “Of course, it’s your boy. It’s always your boy.” She let out a chuckle and took a sip of her beer. Ketsueki used her fork to slice off some of her cake, she said. “How about you Namida? What’s the future head of the Igarashi household going to do after this gig?”
Namida thought for a moment and said. “... Nothing… The current head is still in her prime and I won’t be the head until she gets injured, killed, or decides to retire.” Ketsueki placed her arm on the table as she rested her head on the palm of her hand, she said. “How nice… Even if you do nothing but train you’re guaranteed a high life. It’s a different story compared to me and Sachi.” Namida let out an exaggerated scoff and said. “That’s coming from the one who keeps saying she gets paid more than us.”
Sachi raised a brow at her friend, she said. “Don’t tell me you get paid less than us?” Ketsueki let out a laugh and said. “I do get paid more than you two combined, but it’s all marked bills. Can’t use them unless I have either of you two clean them and I doubt you can handle a large amount without it getting noticed.” Namida nodded in agreement and said. “Fair.” Sachi’s expression had a hint of curiosity in it, she said. “How much have you saved up over the months?”
________________________________________________________________________________
Shiro’s Room
Reiki placed Shiro on the bed and placed the blanket over her, he said. “Did the spinach taste bitter this time, Shiro?” Shiro let out a yawn as she shook her head sideways without lifting her head off the pillow, she said. “No, it was… Somewhat crunchy?... It didn’t taste like anything.” Reiki smiled at his little sister and said. “Good then.” He gave Shiro a kiss on the forehead, he said. “Good night.” Shiro let out another yawn as she adjusted herself on the bed for a more comfortable position, she said. “... Good night, Onii-chan.”
Reiki made his way out of the room as he let out a small yawn and thought. Time to hit the hay… I have a lot to cook for breakfast starting tomorrow. He closed the door behind him and made his way to his room while hearing bits of the conversation on the first floor. He placed his hand on the doorknob as he noticed a streak of white from the corner of his eye, he turned his head to the right and said. “Hi Cherry.” Reiki opened the door as the albino crow turned into a streak of white and appeared by the drawer near the bed. He lazily laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling, he thought. … Another peaceful day…
Everyone was sitting around the dining table as Sachi had two plates with a generous slice of cake on each one. Ketsueki used her fork to slice off a bite-size portion of her bravo cake and said. “Why do you have two plates for each cake, Sachi?” Her gaze wandered onto the other fork that was placed on top of a napkin, Ketsueki continued. “You even have another fork on you.” She stabbed the part she cut off the cake using her fork and ate it. Sachi methodically cut a bite-size piece of her cake that had all the layers, she said. “I don’t want the flavors of the cake to mix.”
Namida used her hand to pick up one of the cherries on top of her generous slice of black forest cake as she spoke in a mocking tone and said. “I don’t want the flavors of the cake to mix.” She held the cherry by the stem and ate it while holding onto the stem as she placed it on her plate, Namida continued. “You make it sound like you’re a critique or something.” Shiro had one plate in front of her as she stared at the two generous slices of black forest and mango bravo.
Shiro happily ate her share while Ketsueki nodded in approval while chewing as Reiki came back from the kitchen carrying a tray with four glasses of milk and four glasses of water. He placed a glass each of milk and water to the girls around the table and said. “Sorry for the wait.” Shiro picked up her glass of milk as she took a sip and ate another bite of cake. Sachi was holding onto her glass of milk, she said. “Reiki, can you send me the link for the recipe you used?”
She placed the fork she used for mango bravo onto the plate and picked up the fork on the napkin as she methodically sliced off a bite-size piece to eat. Namida had some cake stabbed on her fork as she raised it and said. “Make sure to send me the link too.” Ketsueki had a smug look on her face as she used her fork to slice off a piece of her cake. Reiki was spinning the round tray on the tip of his index finger, he said. “No site, I just made the cakes myself.”
Sachi stabbed her perfect bite of the black forest cake as she vanished from her seat and appeared beside Reiki. She placed an arm around his shoulders and said. “Then I’m going to need you to write it down.” Namida quickly took a sip of her milk, she said. “And I’m going to need a copy of it.” Shiro ate one of the cherries on her cake while Ketsueki’s brows furrowed. Ketsueki said. “Reiki, where’s Cherry?” Sachi moved her arm away from his shoulders as a streak of white came from the direction of the kitchen.
Cherry appeared on Reiki’s right shoulder as a slightly red syrup dripped down from her beak. Reiki moved his gaze onto the bird and said. “It’s a false alarm Cherry, you can go back to your bowl of cherries.” The albino crow nodded at him as she turned into a streak of white as Cherry made her way to the kitchen. Shiro enjoyed her cake while Reiki still had the round tray spinning on the tip of his index finger. He threw the tray at the sink as it acted like a frisbee and floated its way into the sink. Namida nodded and said. “Ten points.” Ketsueki raised a brow at her little brother, she thought. Nice control.
Reiki pointed at the fridge, he said. “The two cakes and dinner leftovers are in the fridge.” Sachi had her perfect bite stabbed on her fork as she had an odd look on her face and said. “How did you manage to fit two whole cakes and dinner leftovers in that old fridge?” Reiki’s gaze wandered onto the large slices of cake on all of the girls' cakes, he said. “After giving you girl your share of cakes… There wasn’t much left.” Namida sliced off a part of her black forest cake while Sachi had a look of distraught on her expression. Sachi said. “There’s no more cake left?!”
Reiki shook his head and said. “There’s roughly about one-third of it left.” Sachi calmed down as she nodded while staring at her perfect bite on her fork, she said. “Good… I’ll be sure to bring the rest of the cakes home.” Ketsueki pointed at her friend using her fork as she spoke in a slightly threatening tone, she said. “You touch that fridge and I’m throwing you out through that window.” Reiki moved to the chair his little sister was sitting on as he used his thumb to wipe some cream on the corner of Shiro’s mouth and licked it off his thumb.
He thought. Seven point five out of ten… Only way to improve the taste more is to use high-quality ingredients… Need to come on the next shopping trip. Sachi moved her gaze onto her friend who was trying to scare her with a fork, she said. “I can’t take you seriously with cake crumbs on the side of your mouth.” Reiki moved his gaze onto his older sister and saw Ketsueki hastily wipe the crumbs away while Namida let out a stifled laugh.
Reiki quickly moved his gaze away, he thought. This is the perfect time to vanish. He casually made his way to the staircase as Ketsueki stopped him by grabbing the back of the collar of his shirt, Reiki thought. Shit. Ketsueki placed her fork onto her plate, she said. “Reiki made that cake for… Me and Shiro, other than the cake on your plate. You’re not getting your hands on more.” Namida enjoyed another bite of cake as she stared at her friends arguing with each other.
Sachi ate the cake that was on her fork while Reiki moved his gaze onto his little sister and said. “Shiro, how is it?” Namida took out a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped the little girl's mouth. Shiro looked up to her and said. “Thank you, Namida-nee.” Namida smiled at her and said. “Any time cottontail.” Shiro moved her gaze onto her older brother she said. “It’s good, Onii-chan.” Sachi had a friendly smile on her face, she said. “What’s some leftover cake between friends?” Ketsueki rolled her eyes and thought. Oh god, she’s playing the shameless card.
She glanced at her little brother who she was holding by the shirt, Ketsueki continued her train of thought. Reiki will manage. She said. “Then how about you ask the chef himself then?” Ketsueki dragged her little brother closer to the table as Reiki feigned ignorance from the glare he was getting from his older sister. Sachi smiled at him as Reiki easily saw it never reached her eyes, she said. “Reiki, you won’t mind me taking home some cake right?” He smiled at her and said. “Can I convince you to change your mind? I only have a slice of mango bravo left and you and Namida already ate three of mine.”
Ketsueki’s lips slowly curled into a smirk while Sachi glanced at the generous slice of black forest and mango bravo on both her plates. Reiki gave her a wry smile and said. “The cakes in the fridge are Shiro’s and Onee-chan’s share.” Shiro already managed to eat half of her cake as she let out a satisfied exhale and reached for her glass of milk. Sachi somehow managed to maintain her friendly expression while Ketsueki had a smug look on her face which Reiki couldn’t see with his back facing his older sister.
Sachi thought. Keep your cool… Keep your cool… She’s your only ticket to eating top-tier desserts… Ketsueki ate the cake that was stabbed on her fork as it tasted a bit sweeter than usual. Shiro took a sip of her milk while Namida reached her hand out to grab her glass of water. Namida thought. And here I thought I had thick skin. Sachi nodded in understanding and said. “Then, is it ok if I were to ask for your share then?” For a split second, Ketsueki’s expression froze as she stared at her friend in disbelief.
Namida suddenly started laughing as the sound of her voice reverted through the entire room. She gently slammed the dining table a couple of times while Shiro was in the middle of chewing as she looked around the table with a clueless expression. Shiro thought. What happened? Ketsueki stared at her friend with an expressionless face while Reiki looked up at her and said. “That’s fine, but it’s going to be half the size of the rest of the cakes since Namida hasn’t tried the mango bravo yet.” Sachi gave him a sweet smile, she said. “That’s fine, I’ll take what I can get.”
Reiki made his way around the table and said. “Then, I’m going to take your plate to put the slice on it.” Sachi smiled at him, she said. “Thank you.” She watched him take the plate as Reiki made his way to the kitchen while Shiro gently poked Namida’s elbow a few times. Shiro looked up to her and said. “Namida-nee, what’s so funny?” Namida’s laughter slowly died down as she placed a hand on top of Shiro’s head and said. “Don’t worry about it cottontail.” She spoke under her breath, Namida continued. “My sides…”
Ketsueki had a disapproving expression on her face, she said. “Sachi, that’s a whole new level of low for you.” Sachi slightly waved her fork sideways as she shook her head and said. “Compared to me and Namida, you on the other hand can force Reiki to make anything you want.” Shiro finished off her cake as she picked up her glass of milk and emptied it in one go, she let out a satisfied sigh and patted her slightly bloated stomach a couple of times. Shiro leaned on the backrest of the chair while Reiki came back from the kitchen with a plate in each hand.
Reiki placed a plate in front of Sachi and Namida, he said. “Sorry for the wait, I washed the knife I used.” On Sachi’s plate was her generous slice of mango bravo that only had a few bites taken out of it beside it was a slice that was roughly half of its size. Namida picked up the spoon that was on the plate Reiki brought, she said. “Reiki, I already have a spoon.” Reiki picked up the napkin that was near Shiro’s plate, he wiped his little sister's mouth and said. “I know, I just recommend using a different fork for the other cake so the taste doesn’t mix.”
Namida gave him a slight nod as she placed the fork back on the plate and sliced off another part of her black forest cake. Reiki finished wiping his little sister's mouth clean as he placed the napkin on the table and picked up her glass of water. Sachi methodically sliced off another perfect bite of her cake and said. “Reiki, anything new in your life?” Reiki easily downed half of the water in the cup in one go, he shook his head and said. “Nothing worth mentioning.”
He placed the cup on the table, Reiki continued. “How about you? Namdia used the leather boots to get here. When are you planning on wearing the dress?” Ketsueki and Namida moved their gaze onto their friend as Sachi felt both the eyes of her friends and said. “I’m going to wear it when I know I’m going to be the center of attention, ok?” Namida ate some cake, she thought. Show off. Ketsueki rolled her eyes while cutting a piece of cake off using her fork, she thought. Spotlight hog.
Reiki pointed at the stairway using his thumb and said. “I’m calling it early and heading to bed.” He picked up Shiro who let out a big yawn as she covered her mouth using her hand. Shiro placed her arms around her older brother’s neck as she hugged him as she started dozing off, Reiki continued. “If you three get hungry, preheat the oven to three hundred and fifty and place either of the chicken dishes in for around ten to fifteen minutes.” Shiro rested her head on Reiki’s chest as she let out another yawn, Reiki said. “Small favor to ask.”
Ketsueki's expression turned slightly serious, she said. “What is it, Reiki?” Reiki smiled at her and said. “It’s nothing serious, Onee-chan. I just wanted to ask if you three can eat about half of the roasted chicken. I’m planning to make some sandwiches with the leftovers for breakfast tomorrow.” Namida had a pondering expression on her face, she said. “That roast chicken was delicious.” She glanced at Sachi from the corner of her eye and continued. “Think we should stay the night and have breakfast here?” Reiki thought. Time to tuck Shiro into bed.
Sachi nodded, she said. “Sounds like a plan.” She ate the cake that was stabbed on her fork while Ketsueki let out a long sigh as she massaged the temples of her head and said. “I need to put a magic lock on my front door.” The fork Namida was holding was enveloped with a thin layer of mana and with a slight flick of her wrist, her black forest cake was cut into even bite-size shapes. Namida said. “Then we’ll barge in from the windows.” Ketsueki’s pupils faintly shined, she moved her gaze onto Namida and said. “Then I’ll just add a magic lock on each window too.”
Sachi raised a brow at Ketsueki and said. “Doesn’t Reiki use the window to jump to the blonde girl at the multi-complex building next door?” Ketsueki’s expression had surprise all over her face, she thought. How’d they know? Sachi methodically sliced off another perfect bite of her cake while Namida shook her head sideways and said. “Did you really just forget that you ranted about your boy jumping out the window to see another girl?” Ketsueki stared at her friends for a few seconds as she blinked a couple of times and said. “That time? Hasn’t weeks passed already…”
Sachi swallowed and said. “It was three days ago.” Namida used her fork to stab a piece of her cake on her plate, she said. “This girl…” She used the fork that had cake stabbed on it and continued. “When we rant about our problems she never listens. But when she rants she expects us to remember every single period.” Ketsueki rolled her eyes and said. “Alright I get it…” She let out a sigh and continued. “Are we going to drink or not?” Sachi stood up from her seat, she said. “I’ll preheat the oven.” Namida waved her hand as a dozen canned beers appeared in the center of the table.
One of the cans of beer flew toward Namida as she caught it mid-air and opened it letting out the carbonation. The top of the beer can started to overfill with foam as Namida moved the can closer to her mouth and quickly drank the foam. Ketsueki stared at her friend and said. “... Bear and cake… That’s a recipe for a stomach ache if I’ve ever seen one.” She ate some cake as Namida easily downed the entire can in one go, she let out a satisfied sigh and said. “I have no intention of trying to mix and match flavors with cake and beer.”
Sachi made her way back to the living room as she sat back down on the armchair and made herself comfortable. She said. “The cheese spinach chicken is in the oven and should be ready in twenty minutes or so.” Namida placed the empty can beside her as she waved her hand as another can flew into her palm as she opened it. Ketsueki moved her gaze onto Sachi and said. “Reiki said ten to fifteen minutes.” Sachi twirled her index finger a couple of times as a can of beer floated and slowly made its way to her.
Sachi nodded and said. “I know, but I’m too lazy to stand up again and place the food in the oven.” She picked up the floating beer can in front of her while Ketsueki’s expression slowly turned into one of disbelief. Namida wiped her lips using a napkin from the table, she said. “Are we going to talk about Reiki this time? Or how close we three are from our contracts ending?” Sachi let out a stressed sigh and said. “Finally, that day will never come soon enough.”
Ketsueki sliced off some cake using her fork, she said. “Parents trying to leech off more money than usual again?” Sachi nodded as she ate some cake while Namida shook her head and said. “Why do you still live with them? You already have the money to support yourself and you’re already eighteen.” The tip of Ketsueki’s finger faintly glowed with mana as she slowly pulled her finger back as a can flew towards her and caught it mid-air, she said. “Yeah, whatever happened to independence?” Sachi moved some of her bangs to the side and said. “I’m trying to find a house, hell. I’ll even settle for an apartment.”
She took a sip of her beer and continued. “But I noticed they’ve hired someone to keep an eye on me when looking for a place to live.” Sachi let out a disgusted scoff, she said. “The sooner you can find a place to live the better.” She shook her head sideways and took a sip of her beer while Ketsuek placed her can on the table and opened her can with one hand while eating some cake. Sachi used her fork to stab a bite-size cake on her plate, her gaze moved onto her friend, and said. “Alright, something is on your mind. Spill it.”
Ketsueki shook her head sideways, she said. “No, give me a few days. Just making sure about something with Reiki.” Namida rolled her eyes at her friend and said. “Of course, it’s your boy. It’s always your boy.” She let out a chuckle and took a sip of her beer. Ketsueki used her fork to slice off some of her cake, she said. “How about you Namida? What’s the future head of the Igarashi household going to do after this gig?”
Namida thought for a moment and said. “... Nothing… The current head is still in her prime and I won’t be the head until she gets injured, killed, or decides to retire.” Ketsueki placed her arm on the table as she rested her head on the palm of her hand, she said. “How nice… Even if you do nothing but train you’re guaranteed a high life. It’s a different story compared to me and Sachi.” Namida let out an exaggerated scoff and said. “That’s coming from the one who keeps saying she gets paid more than us.”
Sachi raised a brow at her friend, she said. “Don’t tell me you get paid less than us?” Ketsueki let out a laugh and said. “I do get paid more than you two combined, but it’s all marked bills. Can’t use them unless I have either of you two clean them and I doubt you can handle a large amount without it getting noticed.” Namida nodded in agreement and said. “Fair.” Sachi’s expression had a hint of curiosity in it, she said. “How much have you saved up over the months?”
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Shiro’s Room
Reiki placed Shiro on the bed and placed the blanket over her, he said. “Did the spinach taste bitter this time, Shiro?” Shiro let out a yawn as she shook her head sideways without lifting her head off the pillow, she said. “No, it was… Somewhat crunchy?... It didn’t taste like anything.” Reiki smiled at his little sister and said. “Good then.” He gave Shiro a kiss on the forehead, he said. “Good night.” Shiro let out another yawn as she adjusted herself on the bed for a more comfortable position, she said. “... Good night, Onii-chan.”
Reiki made his way out of the room as he let out a small yawn and thought. Time to hit the hay… I have a lot to cook for breakfast starting tomorrow. He closed the door behind him and made his way to his room while hearing bits of the conversation on the first floor. He placed his hand on the doorknob as he noticed a streak of white from the corner of his eye, he turned his head to the right and said. “Hi Cherry.” Reiki opened the door as the albino crow turned into a streak of white and appeared by the drawer near the bed. He lazily laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling, he thought. … Another peaceful day…
