Hojo’s instincts flared instantly. She narrowed her eyes, studying the girl.

Caught in that gaze, Honne’s heart skipped, but her smile only brightened.

"What’s wrong, Sis? Sit down already."

She slipped behind Hojo and pulled the chair out with exaggerated courtesy.

Hojo remained standing, lips quirking upward. "What’s gotten into you, Honne? When did you start serving your older sister rice?"

Honne’s red lips parted. She lowered her lashes, suddenly shy.

"I just... missed you. You’ve been away so long..." Her voice dropped, softer than before.

"Is that so."

Hojo nodded slowly. She reached out and brushed Honne’s bangs aside, her fingers lingering just long enough to rest against the girl’s forehead.

No fever.

She met Honne’s eyes, her gaze calm but probing. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"I missed you too," she said. "It’s just funny, isn’t it? You didn’t miss me yesterday. Or the day before that. Only today?"

"..."

Honne’s toes curled inside her slippers. Her hands clenched at her sides, nails digging into her palms.

You old fossil. Don’t you dare ruin this.

She bit the tip of her tongue, drew in a breath, then lifted her head. Moisture shimmered at the corners of her eyes, perfectly timed.

"I really did miss you," she said softly. "When Mom mentioned you just now, I suddenly felt awful. Like... I’d been taking everything for granted."

For a brief moment, the act worked.

Hojo’s expression softened. She lifted her hand and ruffled Honne’s hair, her voice gentle, affectionate.

"Look at you," she murmured. "All grown up."

Before Honne could reply, footsteps approached from the kitchen. Their mother bustled in, wiped her hands on her apron, pulled out a chair, and sat down with a sigh.

"About time," Mrs. Akari said briskly. "She’s about to have her birthday. Another year older. If she doesn’t grow up soon, life will teach her the hard way."

Honne endured the head-patting in silence. Each stroke felt like it was stealing a few millimeters from her height. Her eyes flicked around, calculating, but she didn’t say a word.

"Let’s eat," Mrs. Akari announced, glancing fondly at her daughters. At least the lecture she’d given Honne earlier hadn’t been entirely wasted.

Hojo took her seat and glanced at the empty head of the table.

"Where’s Dad? Aren’t we waiting for him?"

Her mother’s expression cooled slightly as she picked up her chopsticks.

"No need. He said he’s drinking with coworkers tonight."

"Oh." Hojo frowned, but she didn’t press further. She’d grown up with this routine.

Better this way. It saved them another pointless argument.

As usual, dinner went smoothly even without their father.

"Sis, try this."

"Sis, the fish cheek’s the best part. You work so hard, you need the protein."

"Sis, why aren’t you touching your soup?"

Honne flitted around the table like an industrious bee, transferring food into Hojo’s bowl, nudging plates closer, rearranging dishes with exaggerated care.

Within minutes, Hojo’s bowl of rice had grown into a small hill. Broth pooled dangerously close to the rim.

She lowered her chopsticks, helplessly amused.

Mrs. Akari set her own chopsticks down and watched her younger daughter in silence.

"Sis—"

Smack!

Mrs. Akari slapped her chopsticks onto the table. Honne jumped, staring at her mother with wide eyes.

"Sit properly and eat, Honne!"

"I am eating!" Honne protested, her lower lip jutting out. "I just want to be nice to Sis."

"Then why don’t you feed her mouthful by mouthful while you’re at it?"

Honne glanced at Hojo, teeth worrying her lip.

...Actually, not a bad idea...

The room froze.

Hojo laughed softly, breaking the tension.

"Alright, alright. Let’s eat. Thank you, Honne. I missed you too. You’ve lost weight. Eat more."

She flicked a glance at Honne’s chest and calmly slid the prized fish cheek into her sister’s bowl.

Honne caught the look. Irritation flared beneath her grateful smile.

"Thanks, Sis."