"No way! Does Onii-chan usually not eat enough?" Miu asked in shock.
"No, it's just special circumstances today," Takeru said, amused by her speculation.
"Really?" Miu said hesitantly, seeing his nonchalant expression.
"Of course. We can afford food, so why would I starve myself?" Takeru laughed.
"I guess so," Miu nodded blankly.
Miu didn't know exactly how much inheritance Takeru's parents left, but he had never lacked food or clothes growing up. Though not extravagant, necessities were always provided, and non-essentials were considered.
"Alright, it's getting late. Are you full?" Takeru asked.
"Yeah, pretty much," Miu nodded.
"Onii-chan, let's sit here!" Just as they were talking, Takeru heard a familiar voice. Looking over, he saw Taihei and Umaru, whom he had parted from not long ago.
"Hey, Umaru, Taihei!" Takeru waved.
"Eh? Takeru? What a coincidence!" They were surprised to run into him here.
"Yeah, my sister wanted grilled meat. Oh, let me introduce you. This is my sister, Takanashi Miu," Takeru said with a smile.
"Eh? Takanashi?" Umaru looked at Miu in surprise.
Miu looked curiously at the gentle and poised Umaru.
"Hello, Miu. I'm Doma Umaru, and this is my brother, Doma Taihei," Umaru said warmly upon seeing the cute Miu.
"Hello, Umaru-neechan, Taihei-oniichan!" Miu gave a cute smile.
"Miu is really adorable!" Umaru couldn't help but smile kindly.
"Not at all! You're the one who's beautiful and gentle. You must have lots of people chasing after you at school, right?" Miu said with a grin.
"Hmm, not at the moment," Umaru tapped her cheek with a finger, thinking before shaking her head.
"Eh, really?" Miu looked surprised.
"Yes, really!"
"I see... So, are you and Onii-chan classmates?" Miu continued curiously.
"Yes, in the same class and also in the same club," Umaru explained, seeing Miu's curiosity.
"Did you go to the club activity this afternoon too?" Miu suddenly asked.
"Yes, I did," Umaru nodded with a smile.
Takeru and Taihei, watching the engrossed conversation between the two girls, shook their heads with amusement. They clinked glasses and continued eating.
"Alright, Miu, time to head back. Umaru, Taihei, enjoy your meal." Checking the time, Takeru stopped Miu's chat and bid farewell.
"Ah, we'll talk next time then, Miu. You're welcome to visit us anytime!" Umaru said warmly upon parting.
"Yes, and you're welcome to visit us too, Umaru-neechan!" Miu replied with a smile.
…
Back home, Takeru looked at Miu with some puzzlement, wondering why she had been so enthusiastic toward Umaru. Miu simply said she found Umaru friendly. Though puzzled, Takeru didn't press her.
"Oh, Miu, I have something important for you," Takeru said seriously.
"What is it?" Miu asked, puzzled.
"This." Takeru took out the Primary Enhancement Potion he had exchanged for.
"What's this?" Looking at the blue liquid in the test tube, Miu asked curiously.
"It's something good. Drink it," Takeru said, shaking his head without further explanation.
"Eh? That's weird! Suddenly giving your cute little sister an unknown liquid to drink? Onii-chan, this isn't some strange thing, is it?" Miu teased.
"Just drink it. Don't imagine weird things. It's for treating your anemia," Takeru said, lightly tapping Miu's forehead with a hint of exasperation.
"Okay, okay!" Hearing this, Miu stuck out her tongue, took the test tube, and drank it all. Years of living together had given her complete trust in Takeru.
Watching her drink it, Takeru looked on with concern. If it weren't for the purchase limit per person, he would have tested it himself first. Now, he could only observe Miu.
"How do you feel?"
"Hmm, tastes sour, but not too bad," Miu said instinctively.
"I'm not asking about the taste! Does your body feel anything? Pain? Itching? Something else?" Takeru asked worriedly.
"Eh? Why would it hurt or itch? Is it poison?" Miu looked at him puzzledly.