Cecelion crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "You're right… but she needs to understand the situation too."
Lala simply nodded in agreement.
A voice suddenly called out behind them.
"Hey, you two—were you talking to Sappeh-chan? I heard her crying earlier. What happened?"
Cecelion and Lala exchanged a glance before explaining everything to Carmela.
Carmela listened quietly, then smiled—a knowing, almost mischievous smile.
"I see… I might have a solution," she said softly. "I'm sure that once my plan is complete, Sappeh-chan will start to like Haruwiko-chan."
Cecelion raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is that?"
Carmela let out a small chuckle. "That… is a secret."
Morning came gently.
"Good morning, Sappeh-chan, Soffie-chan. Wake up—breakfast is ready," Carmela called warmly.
"Oy, Sappeh-nee… wake up. Breakfast is ready," Soffie added sleepily.
Sappeh stirred, giving a small nod as she slowly sat up.
At the table, Carmela turned to her. "Sappeh-chan, after you finish eating, I want you to do something."
Sappeh looked at her. "And what is it, Mama?"
"I want you to feed Haruwiko-chan."
Sappeh froze. "Ehh? I don't want to feed him."
"Come on, Sappeh-chan," Carmela coaxed gently. "It's simple. Just ask him to open his mouth, then feed him the soup Lala-san made."
"But I don't want to…"
"Sappeh-chan, please."
Sappeh sighed in defeat. "…Fine. But if he doesn't follow my orders, I'm going to beat him!"
A few hours later…
Haruwiko lay quietly, staring at the ceiling.
I'm hungry… but I need to be patient, he thought. Mama and Nee-san should be here any moment now.
He let out a small breath.
If I were bigger, I'd just feed myself… It's embarrassing being fed like this. Or maybe it's just because I still remember everything… I really can't wait to grow up.
The door creaked open.
Carmela stood outside, watching silently.
This is my plan, she thought. If Sappeh-chan feeds Haruwiko-chan, they might finally grow closer. I don't know if it'll work… but I hope it does.
Inside, Haruwiko stiffened as he noticed someone entering.
Eh…? His eyes widened slightly. Why is she holding a bowl of soup? Don't tell me… she's the one feeding me? This is bad…
Sappeh stood there, avoiding his gaze.
"Oy, scumbag. Open your mouth."
Haruwiko hesitated for only a second before nodding obediently.
As she lifted the spoon, Sappeh's expression softened without her realizing.
…They were right, she thought. He's actually a good boy… and kind of cute too—
Her eyes widened.
No! What am I thinking? He's my enemy…
But her hand moved on its own, gently patting his head.
Haruwiko blinked in confusion.
Eh? Why is she patting me? Does she want me to move back? Am I too close?
He slowly leaned away.
"Oy—! H-Haruwiko-chan… stop moving back," Sappeh stammered, her face turning red. "Come here… let me… pat your head. If you don't come closer, I—I'll get mad at you!"
I can't tell if she's angry or not… Haruwiko thought. But her face is really red.
Still, he obeyed and moved closer.
A few hours later…
Eh…? Haruwiko blinked. I already finished eating…
Sappeh was still there, gently patting his head.
Isn't she supposed to go downstairs and return the bowl? Why is she still here…?
Sappeh looked down at him, her expression quieter now.
…I was wrong about him, she admitted to herself. He wasn't stealing attention… he just needed it more than I did.
Minutes passed in silence.
Then, the door opened slightly.
Sappeh took a small breath.
"Haruwiko-chan… I just want to say… I'm sorry," she said hesitantly. "If I was mean to you this past year… I won't be like that anymore. I realized something."
She looked away, embarrassed.
"I hope you can forgive me."
Haruwiko simply nodded.
And somehow, that was enough.
Sappeh smiled—truly smiled—and hurried downstairs, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time.
For the first time, she finally understood why her family cared so much about her brother Haruwiko...