Punished Again *

Several minutes later, the dining table became a riot of color and noise. It’s the kind of chaos that feels like family.

Plates piled high with grilled fish, steaming bowls of miso soup, and a platter of stir-fried vegetables sat alongside a slightly lopsided cake that Akane proudly claimed as her “experimental masterpiece” and was coached by Nao, our special patissiere. The sweet, buttery scent of it mingled with the savory aroma of dinner, making my stomach rumble.

Minoru was perched on a chair next to Miwa-nee, happily sipping his soda. His eyes shifted between us as he tried to keep up with the conversation. Unfortunately for him, Miwa-nee grabbed the can, putting it to the side and stating he should eat first before drinking it.

Afterwards, her sharp gaze then landed on me, reprimanding me for giving it to the boy.