"Natsumi, where's Dad?" — Hiyori asked.
"He went with Aunt Haruka to pick up Tomoki."
"Oh, today's his midterm exam, right? I hope everything went well. He really studied this time."
"He even asked Erina-nee to help him study. He's really changed."
"Yeah… he used to be so quiet before."
Natsumi gave her a curious look.
"But speaking of change… why you suddenly get nervous around him?"
Hiyori flinched.
"Actually... you're right! When he suddenly talks to me, I just… get nervous."
"Well, I don't blame you. It feels like he's a completely different person now. I really wonder what happened to him."
"You're right! I was totally shocked when he talked with Erina nee-chan."
"He did something no one in this house ever could. If not for Tomoki, Erina-nee would still be dating that scammer."
Hiyori crossed her arms.
"Hmmm… Well, he was kinda hot, so I sort of understand her."
"You…" — Natsumi sighed. — "I wonder how Tomoki would react if he knew this side of you."
"Don't act innocent, you thought the same thing too~"
"…Okay, fair enough. But in the end, it was just looks. He only wanted her money."
"As far as I know, they studied at the same university. Maybe Erina nee-chan hoped she could actually date him seriously."
"I'm kinda worried about how she's dealing with it now. It must be painful."
"Mmm… well… right now, maybe we don't need to worry too much."
"You think so? Are you sure?"
"Yeah. I mean, look!" — Hiyori pointed toward the kitchen.
Erina stood there proudly, holding something huge.
"Hey, you two! Do you think Tomoki-kun will like this?"
Natsumi and Hiyori froze at the sight of… whatever it was.
"No matter how I look at it, this is too much." — Natsumi muttered.
"Erina nee-chan, I'll be honest. I think he'll gross out." — Hiyori added.
"What are you two talking about? If you mean the size, that's because I made it for everyone."
"No, Erina-nee. You went too far."
"Size was the last thing on my mind."
"Ugh, you're just messing with me! Fine, let's ask someone else. Miyuna!"
From the living room, Miyuna sighed and walked over.
"What is it now?"
"Look at this. Do you think Tomoki would like it?"
Miyuna paused, staring silently for a few seconds. Natsumi and Hiyori exchanged a nervous glance.
Finally, Miyuna smiled.
"Yeah. I think he'll like it."
"See? I knew I could count on you!" — Erina said happily, returning to her 'finishing touches'.
Meanwhile, Natsumi and Hiyori pulled Miyuna aside.
"Hey… did you really think it's okay?" — Natsumi whispered.
"So you're telling me you would appreciate it if it were for you?" — Hiyori added.
"Erina onee-chan put in so much effort. If Tomoki-nii doesn't like it, then he's just like any other man."
"Do you still hate him, just because he fought with Dad?" — Natsumi asked carefully.
"Tomoki is definitely not like other men, and you know that too." — Hiyori added.
Miyuna frowned.
"We'll see soon enough."
Then, from the entrance—
"We're home!"
"Oh, it's Dad! Everyone, get ready—we'll give him a big surprise!" — Erina instructed.
The sisters quickly moved into place.
"Tomoki, could you head to the kitchen? I want your help with dinner." — Haruka called.
"Sure, Mom! Can I handle the stove this time?"
"No."
"…Fine."
When Tomoki entered the kitchen—
"CHEERS!"
"Whoa! You startled me! What's all this?"
"Tomoki-kun, you studied so hard these past weeks, so… congratulations! You finished your midterm exam!" — Erina beamed.
"Huh!?"
An awkward silence filled the room.
"Seriously? Erina onee-san went this far and that's your reaction?" — Miyuna blurted.
"I mean… I only took the exam. It's not like I passed."
Hiyori leaned to Natsumi.
"He… kinda has a point."
Natsumi nodded.
Miyuna remained in silence, unable to reply. Erina, however, ignored it and pushed forward.
"I made something special for you. I hope you like it!"
Tomoki froze when he saw it.
"…Erina nee-san, did you really make this giant pie yourself… and write 'To my little cute pie, Tomoki' on it? And there are hearts all over it too…."
"Y-yeah… do you dislike it?"
"Dislike? No, not at all. It's amazing! I just worry you're overdoing things again. It's really well-made, but you don't need to go this far just because I finished an exam."
Natsumi and Hiyori blinked in surprise at his gentle honesty.
"How silly! Of course I'd do this. Your big sis saw how hard you worked. Now eat!" — Erina quickly served him a plate before he could reach for one himself. — "Here! If you want more, just tell me, okay?"
"…Thanks, Erina nee-san. But don't worry, I can handle it myself."
"Don't be shy~ I'll do it for you."
"No, seriously. I can do it."
Erina's smile faltered.
"…Oh. Sorry. I guess I was being too meddlesome."
Tomoki caught the sadness in her tone.
"You know what? I'm thirsty. Can I have some water?"
"I have something better—grape juice! I made it myself. Here."
"…Thank you, Erina nee-san. You're the best."
Then everyone started eating the pie Erina had made. Everyone happily enjoyed the sweetness, until a bitter question was asked at the table.
"So, how was your test?" — Miyuna asked.
Tomoki froze for a moment, but quickly regained his composure and answered the question
"Haha… if I had to say, so-so?"
That was enough. Everyone understood. No one asked further.
Later, Tomoki excused himself.
"Thanks for the pie. I'll head to my room now."
And so, Tomoki went to his room.
"He seemed a little down. I guess Sakurazai's tests really are hard." — Erina sighed.
"Is there anything we can do to cheer him up?" — Hiyori asked.
"All we can do is wait and pray for good results." — Natsumi said.
"Honestly, why worry? As far as I know male students don't even need to take tests. You're all overreacting." — Miyuna muttered.
"Miyuna, your brother just took an exam that could affect his future. Be kinder to him." — Erina scolded.
"Yeah. He really tried this time. We should cheer him up." — Hiyori agreed.
"You're still mad at him? Dad and Tomoki already made up. What more do you want?" — Natsumi added.
Miyuna frowned.
"…Fine. I'll go to my room."
As Miyuna was heading upstairs, she spotted someone she couldn't resist calling out to.
"Dad!"
"Oh! Miyuna. What's wrong?"
"Today… I gave a presentation, and I was the only one to get full marks!" — Miyuna said eagerly.
Her father smiled warmly.
"That's my girl! Oh—speaking of scores, could you be a little nicer to Tomoki? He won't show it, but he's pretty down about the test."
"…That's…"
"Can I count on you?"
"Of course!"
Then Miyuna happily went upstairs, and just as she was about to reach her room…
"Hey, Miyuna-chan. You seem cheerful. Something good happened?" — Tomoki asked.
"Hmph—" — Then she remembered her promise. — "…That's because…"
"Ah, I know! It's because of the pie, right? It was really delicious."
"…" — Miyuna fell silent for a moment.
She hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, she asked—
"Tomoki nii-chan… can I ask you something?"
"Of course!"
Her eyes hardened.
"Tell me the truth. Deep down… you must hate us, right?"