Chapter 4: An Older Sister?
We found the rest of them as they readied lunch with Chizuru-chan. I left her with her nii-sans as I went to inform Chizuru-chan of our young guest "Chizuru-chan?" I called out in the kitchen "Hai?" was the immediate reply. Entering I asked if she could make another lunch but in a smaller portion for a seven year old. She obliged but asked "Why for one so young?" Smiling I informed her "My daughter will be staying with us for a while." She appeared happy at this fact and brought the last and smallest lunch into the dining room where all the guys and Hanae were already gathered. Apparently she had already been introduced to everyone else as she once more repeated the nicknames she gave them "Gen-oji, Susu-nii, Kei-nii, Sou-nii, Haji-nii." Some laughed at the names others were given but Hanae spotted Chizuru-chan and I and ran over to us through the legs of the others.
She stopped in front of us and tilted her head to the side for the second time that day. "Ane-san?" It appeared she could already tell that Chizuru-chan was female without being told. Chizuru-chan set down the tray for Hanae next to mine before introducing herself to her "Hai. My name is Yukimura, Chizuru. What is your name?" She asked as she smiled. She jumped as she wrapped her arms around Chizuru-chan "Isami, Hanae Chizu-ane!" This caused Chizuru-chan to blush as the others either laughed or took in the scene.
Lunch passed amiably as everyone ate and chatted between themselves or asked Hanae questions about what she liked and disliked. They all found out that she is quite smart for her age and were probably wondering why she wasn't born a boy with all the things she liked to do. Her likes ranged from climbing trees to playing the koto; she indulged in a diverse set of activities already. As we finished eating and everyone got ready to continue their duties for the day I noticed Hanae help her ane-san gather up the used dishes and take them to be cleaned. Maybe she wasn't a complete tomboy after all.