Happy because Byakuya-niichan still treated her like a real little sister, and disappointed for the very same reason...
"Would you like to stay and rest for a bit before heading back?"
Ryouko asked Byakuya.
"Thank you for the kind offer, Aunt Ryouko, but I have some matters to handle later, so..."
Byakuya smiled apologetically.
"Oh, in that case, please go take care of your business."
Ryouko said immediately.
"Mm. Goodbye, Aunt Ryouko. Goodbye, Hinami."
Byakuya waved.
"Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Byakuya-niichan."
Ryouko and Hinami responded.
Then Byakuya returned to his study.
Apart from when he slept, Byakuya spent most of his time in the study these days, so he went back there even after dinner.
"Mom, I still need to work harder..."
After Byakuya-niichan's figure disappeared, Hinami spoke slowly.
"Yes. But don't worry—just let Byakuya-niichan gradually understand your feelings, and you'll definitely succeed."
Ryouko smiled.
"Mm. I'll keep trying..."
Hinami nodded with determination in her eyes.
Clearly, she had made up her mind.
...
The next day.
Once again, classes were only in the morning.
Hinami got up early to prepare breakfast.
Besides portions for herself and her parents, she prepared an extra meal and packed it into two bento boxes.
These were specially prepared for Byakuya-niichan.
It was only 7 AM when Hinami arrived at school.
But she didn't head to the classroom first—instead, she ran to Byakuya-niichan's study.
The maid was standing guard outside the study as usual, even this early in the morning, which meant Byakuya had already arrived.
When she saw it was Hinami, she didn't stop her this time and let her pass directly.
"Thank you, Senpai."
Hinami thanked her immediately.
"Senpai...?"
The maid smiled slightly. "Despite how I look, I'm actually a first-year student too."
This meant that even if Hinami were the youngest student at this school, she would still be a first-year at minimum. So calling her "senpai" wasn't accurate.
"Huh...?"
Hinami was surprised. "So you're also in your first year, just like me?"
The maid nodded. "So you're also a first-year."
"That's impressive..."
Hinami marveled. "Already working part-time to earn money. How diligent."
"It's nothing special. I was just lucky enough to be selected."
The maid said with a smile. "My family's financial situation isn't great, so I accepted this job."
"That's wonderful—being able to help support your family."
Hinami praised her, then took the bento and entered Byakuya-niichan's study.
Of course, she didn't forget to knock first.
"Come in."
Hearing Byakuya-niichan's voice, Hinami immediately pushed open the door.
"Hinami? You came again this early in the morning?"
Byakuya asked.
"Mm, I came to bring breakfast for Byakuya-niichan."
Hinami nodded.
"..."
Byakuya wanted to mention that he had actually already eaten breakfast...
But after thinking about it, he decided not to say anything.
"Thank you, Hinami."
Byakuya smiled warmly and accepted the bento.
"Then I'll head to class now. At lunchtime, I'll bring another bento, and I'll collect the boxes then."
It seemed Hinami was planning to personally make every meal for Byakuya.