Just as the sun began to rise, Sakura's eyelids automatically fluttered open just like any other day whether she liked it or not. Having a trained body clock was both a blessing and a curse. For one, she didn't need to use an alarm clock since she wakes up before the sun no matter which country she stayed in. On the other hand, she couldn't sleep in unless she tires herself out the night before and her body has to automatically shut down on its own. That only happens after a very, very, hard battle, and overworking at the hospital though.

She stretched her stiff limbs and yawned like a cat before getting ready for the day. Her loft-style apartment had a wonderful view of the city below. Though she can't deny her old room in Konoha had a much better view. The city smog was still something she's slowly getting used to.

After a few weeks of staying in Japan, Sakura had already formed a routine. After waking up in the morning she would have coffee and breakfast, do some light exercise, and then take a bath to get ready before heading off to work.

Although she was given the option to stay at Endeavor's Agency, Sakura refused. As faithful as she was to her employer, she loved her privacy even more. Maybe because she's from the Hidden Villages and inherently doesn't favor the Outside Nations that much? Kakashi told her about his own trip to a country called Korea on a missing-hero hunting mission once. As nice as the citizens there were, he himself couldn't even nonchalantly say anything about himself. Especially if it concerned Konoha or the other five villages. And that's saying something since it's Kakashi, but then again it is Kakashi…

Speaking of which, Sakura smiled at the raptor picking at its reddish-brown feathers on its stand in the living room.

"Good morning, Hayabusa," she greeted the hawk over her shoulder as she started defrosting the rabbit she hunted from the forest a few ways outside the city. Of course, nobody has to know that.

She left the plastic bag with the rabbit in a bowl of hot water and let it thaw for a few minutes. Then casually approached the three feet tall hawk to pluck out the contents of the canister strapped behind its back.

True, approaching an animal that has no second thoughts of clawing someone's face out would be considered dangerous, but Hayabusa was hers since she received her Pro-Hero license at thirteen. All heroes with the rank of Chu and above were required to have their own messenger hawks.

Besides, Fire Hawks were a species of raptors that were endemic to the Land of Fire. They were also the most intelligent birds of prey in the world, an envy of all nations. They may live freely in the wild but they can also be trained to deliver messages between people they recognize. Their wings were also strong enough to enable them to fly long distances and deliver parcels five times heavier than their own weight. Because as open as Konoha was to the idea of technological advancement, the culture, and the people themselves were heavily traditional.

Sakura sifted through each one and so far, most of them were just responses from her friends and family. Ino wrote that she was going to Kumogakure for the first time for a medical conference. She's very proud of the blonde for finally opening up her own clinic and made good use of her family's mind-control quirk. Even if her choice of profession was to be a Sex Therapist. Her own parents were doing well too, with them being busy with their business in the fashion industry. As for her boys, Kakashi and Sai were still going out on missions while Sasuke finally started helping out his brother with the clan. He's still yet to control his family's Black Fire though. Lastly, Naruto will be staying at Mt. Myoboku for a while with Jiraiya for extensive training again.

She decided to respond to those later after her shift.

But when she finally turned to the sealed scroll given by the Hokage himself, her blood began to boil.

'… The Collector…'

'… Orochimaru…'

Just seeing those words alone nearly set her off.

She had only ever met the defected hero of the Legendary Trio only a handful of times during her entire lifetime but boy did she wish she could slice open his throat every single time.

What he's done to her master and her boys was just unforgiveable. It also doesn't help that he's still out there scheming and experimenting on god knows what. He's given Konoha, and even Suna, the slip so many times just like the damn snake he was.

The only reason she hasn't taken his head yet was because of a promise she made.

The scroll, written in Konoha's native language, said that suspicious activity has been circulating Japan's underground. The patterns only gave them a hint that it may either be The Collector or Orochimaru, but Minato was never one to take chances and take the smallest things for granted. Either way, her orders were to remain vigilant and continue her studies. It basically meant she's on standby until further notice.

She should expect a mission scroll with Hayabusa anytime soon.

Konoha may be the friendliest village compared to their sister nations, but they are the worst when it comes to grudges. Especially since it's an offense that involved all of the elemental nations.

More than five years ago, an unaffiliated intruder had attempted to steal quirks from not just Konoha but in Suna, Kumo, Iwa, and Ame as well. What irked her the most was that this person targeted Sasuke and Hinata. Theft of quirks was a notion no longer foreign to the higher powers of the villages no thanks to Orochimaru.

Unfortunately, that intruder escaped. He's been named as 'The Collector', and ranked A in all of the bingo books.

But that's a story for another time.

With a mental note to send her replies later, Sakura fed Hayabusa the thawed rabbit before heading off to the agency.

Depending on her mood, she'd either walk down the street and greet those who stopped to say hi or sign for autographs (she had surprisingly gained quite the number of fans from the younger age group. Then again, she always had a way with children), or take to the roofs. The towering buildings have become quite the substitute for the heaven-high trees back home.

Today though, she felt like building-hopping.

The news made her want to hit something. So she definitely needs to find a way to blow off some steam. Maybe she could spar with one of the heroes at the agency before her patrol starts?

Once in the 2nd ranked pro hero's company, she always made sure to greet the employees she passed by. Though they had been doubtful of her capabilities in the beginning, that didn't matter since they welcomed her with open arms after she showed her power. The (late) welcome party they threw for her a month later was something she certainly didn't expect, but it tickled her heart to feel the warm welcome and nice smiles. Endeavor's sidekicks were just as warm as the fire they carry. One employee even told her, with the solid agreement of the others, that she's like a 'breath of fresh air' in this agency. Though she doesn't really understand why though.

Endeavor's office resided on the top floor of the building behind large, thick, double doors.

"Good morning Michiru-san," she greeted the secretary behind the desk just a floor below Endeavor's near the private elevator to his office, "How's your throat?"

"Good morning to you too, Shamrock Queen," the older woman greeted back. Her smile widened as she placed a hand on her cheek, "It's doing marvelous, dear! That tea you recommended was a miracle! Thanks to you, I'll be able to sing in my best friend's wedding without embarrassing myself."

"I'm glad to hear that," Sakura nodded in relief. Temptation gripped her like a vice whenever she encountered someone in need of any medical help. It took a lot out of her to ignore those civilians who got caught in the collateral damage during fights with villains.

Medical doctors have greatly increased in demand since people started gaining quirks. Needless to say, those in her profession were more than welcome to use their license in any country around the world. But she doesn't want to give a bad impression by just waltzing nonchalantly in a random hospital and flash her medical license all willy-nilly.

"If you're here for Endeavor, I'm afraid you'll have to sit this one out for a bit, Shamrock Queen. He's been held up in a meeting since this morning and by the looks of it, it's going to take a while," she informed.

"Oh, really?" Sakura blinked. It's not the first time she had to wait for Endeavor to finish his morning work. In fact, this sort of things happened fairly rarely since she learned that her employer was a punctual and diligent man, especially when it came to his hero work. If he's given the choice, Endeavor would rather choose to stay out in the field than to sit idly behind his desk. "I guess it's one of those days, huh? Alright, I'll take my leave. He knows where to find me when he's finished anyway. See you later, Michiru-san!"

Sakura turned on her heel with a new destination in mind. During these times when she does have to wait, Sakura could always turn to someone to pass the time.

"SHAMROCK QUEEN!"

Sakura had already felt the fireball aimed at her direction before her hero name was even finished. An effortless tilt of her head was enough to dodge the ball and hit the wall behind her.

"Burnin please, how many times do I have to tell you to greet me normally? Do you want Endeavor to chew you out again for almost starting a fire?" the slight seriousness of her teasing chides effectively caused a shiver up the sharply-toothed girl's spine. Meanwhile Sakura reached for the small fire extinguisher by the side like clockwork and doused the embers before it could eat an entire wall (again).

"D-Don't patronize me, Shamrock Queen! It's all your fault for not passing by our floors enough!" she shouted with a red face and an accusing finger.

Sakura smiled brightly at the freshly-licensed hero as she placed back the extinguisher to its place, "Aww I missed you too, Burnin!"

The younger hero's cheeks burned brighter, "What the hell are you saying, Shamrock Queen?!"

The rest of the heroes present laughed at their interaction. Sakura had befriended the newly graduated young woman after she officially became Endeavor's support. Apparently, Burnin had wanted to 'test out' her worth to stand by her idol's side. As for Sakura, she's always up for a good match.

That one on one spar had surprisingly turned into an all-out brawl with the other sidekicks in the agency. Flaming Sidekickers, they call themselves to be. Unfortunately for them, Sakura was more than used to fighting with numerous opponents. She had utilized her super strength quirk to its fullest capacity during her training under Tsunade's tutelage. The Slug Princess made sure to cultivate that quirk of hers alongside her healing quirk.

The aftermath of that had apparently earned her their respect and acknowledgement as their boss' Support Hero and Burnin had even proclaimed her as her rival. Which was surprising because rivalry was never really her thing. It's more reserved for her boys but unfortunately for her, Burnin wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Well, I'm here now so do you think you can help me pass the time again, Burnin?"

The younger female hero huffed with a cross of her arms. Steam blew out of her nostrils before fixing her eyes at her, "Loser buys?"

Sakura can't help but laugh. She's never the boastful one but so far, no hero or villain in Japan has ever defeated her yet.

"If you could land a hit on me, I'll treat you to that sushi restaurant you always told me about."

"DEAL!" Burnin beamed and immediately made a dash for the doors.

"Uhmm, Shamrock Queen? Would you mind if we join in too?" another hero who looked like a mummy approached her. Behind him were two others whose eyes twinkled at her anxiously and excitedly.

Apart from being acknowledged, Sakura had unknowingly earned herself the spot as the goal for the sidekicks to surpass. Even Endeavor didn't mind about this since it encouraged his employees to grow stronger.

Sakura smiled sweetly at them, "Alright. The more the merrier!"

.

After Sakura's last test from Endeavor months ago, the entire sparring arena became bigger, and better than before.

The pinkette sidestepped just as a strip of cloth shot towards her and grabbed it, catching the mummy hero off guard. She twisted around her heel as if she was dancing to dodge the incoming stampeding horse hero, and used the cloth in her hand to quickly tie them up with a cute bow on top.

Sakura swiftly kicked them off to the side as another hero came at her with large fists hurling. With a move she learned from the Akimichi clan's dojo, she slammed him down hard enough to snuff out the last of his strength but not enough to crack the floor. She wouldn't want Endeavor to dock her salary for compensation in destroying the training arena again like the last time she sparred with his sidekicks. He was kicked to the side too.

With three down, Sakura steadied herself to finish this spar. Burnin came at her with her entire body in flames from head to toe. Her hero name being shouted from her lips before firing three fireballs from where she stood.

When the dust and smoke cleared, the younger female hero went wide eyed in shock to find the pinkette missing. She hastily turned around but it was too late as she was grounded on the spot by the sight of a gloved fist flying at her face.

Only to top inches away from the tip of her nose just as the steel doors of the arena opened to reveal their employer.

The wind pressure Sakura gathered around her petite hand was like a blast of a hurricane. So much so that the fire that coated Burnin's body was literally blown away and she was left bare in her hero costume and natural hair.

With a smirk on her face, Sakura retracted her fist and stood up properly from her stance, "Well, I suppose our sparring session ends here."

Burnin was too wide-eyed in shock to respond immediately.

"Shamrock Queen, as much as I appreciate you keeping my sidekicks in shape, knocking them unconscious is uncalled for," Endeavor said as he walked towards the smiling pinkette and stunned hero.

Sakura, however, just smiled innocently at her ever-scowling employer with a small shrug of her shoulders. Besides, Burnin should be snapping out of it any moment now.

"Time to go back to work then?" she smiled innocently.

.

They stayed on a roof of a building on a heavily trafficked area. Her legs dangled off the ledge.

"Here," came Endeavor's voice and she reached out to his hand offering a treat.

"Thanks," she smiled sweetly as the Flame Hero sat beside her on the rooftop's ledge. Her mood brightened after trading blows with the sidekicks earlier. Sakura eyed the chocolate ice cream wrapped around an edible wrapping topped with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and bits of strawberry. She ate a whole fruit before taking a bite. Sakura's eyes beamed at the explosion and sweetness on her tongue, "This is amazing! What's this one called?"

Endeavor ate his own treat of cookies and cream, "It's called a crepe. The wrapping is a thin pancake and it's usually served with any sweet filling."

"Crepe," Sakura marveled before taking another enthusiastic bite, "I thought you will only buy me the regular sized ones just in case I won't like the taste? Though I'm not complaining. This is delicious!"

He shrugged, "Not my idea. It seems that our dessert raids have been discovered. The young man said I didn't need to pay the extra fee. I think he wants me to put a good word about him to you."

"Well that's very nice of him," She tittered, casting a teasing eye at his direction, "I hope you gave him a good tip in my place?"

"It's definitely cut from your paycheck this week if that's what you're wondering."

"So mean," she pouted playfully at her usually stoic hero.

During the first few days of patrol as Endeavor's official Support Hero, Sakura had noted the various stalls they passed by. Once or twice she may have fallen slightly behind her employer for gazing at the delicious looking treats but she made sure she wouldn't let that happen often. Sakura wouldn't want to test Endeavor's tolerance for suddenly going off course while on the job.

Apparently, she didn't have to do something rebellious. They were at the second half of their patrol when out of nowhere, Endeavor called for a break. Much to her surprise. He even allowed her to go and buy something for snacks. As shocking as it was, Sakura wasn't going to let a rare opportunity pass. She's not selfish enough to just buy on her own though. She offered to buy him some but he refused before she could even finish. On her third break however, Endeavor finally caved when she made the wise decision to choose kuzumochi. On the following days after, Endeavor insisted on paying for both of them, passing it off as him indulging in his employee's whims but she knew that his pride just won't accept someone else to pay for his meals. That, and Endeavor just wanted an excuse to eat his favorite food.

Who would've thought that the Endeavor could be such a dessert junkie like her? It's almost laughable to think of him eating some childish treat and really enjoy it if she didn't see it herself.

Halfway into her crepe, Sakura decided to address the lingering look the Flame Hero's boring at her some time now.

"What?"

"I've always wondered," he began. Head tilted a bit in thought, "what that diamond on your forehead means. It doesn't look like a simple tattoo. And that circle on your back. I thought it's just a fashion statement but it can't be if it's on every shirt or qipao dress you have."

Sakura blinked surprised emerald eyes at him. Was Endeavor seriously asking things about her? Well, in his defense, she supposed that anyone would notice her trademark symbols over time. Considering the fact that they're literally always together nearly every day.

"Well, if you're really curious," she started and pointed at the purple diamond on her forehead, "This diamond was given to me by my master after I completed my training with her. It symbolizes that I have also surpassed and mastered everything she could ever teach me. It means I don't have to stand in her shadow anymore, but beside her as an equal."

It's not exactly a lie though. Her Byakugou didn't appear until she was fighting to her death against the Puppetmaster. Tsunade had told her that the Byakugou was a sign that she had reached the highest level of her H-type quirk. It was a fact kept hushed and classified among the top brass of the world's medical field. Apparently, only those with healing-related quirks were able to achieve this level of mastery, and out of the ten people in history with the healing quirk, only four- including her, were able to successfully achieve this milestone.

The fourth was her, the third- Tsunade, the second was a woman from Naruto's ancestry- Uzumaki Mito, and the first was Sakura's great, great, great, grandfather.

"So it's a mark of achievement," Endeavor surmised.

"Well I guess that's one way of putting it," she smiled before motioning to the white circle stitched on her back, "This one though, is the symbol of the Haruno family. I don't know about you Japanese, but in Konoha, families who either stem from a long ancestry or have members with respectable powers, are granted to have a symbol to wear on every top clothing they own."

"We don't," he answered.

"Well my family falls in the former category. We don't have very powerful members but my family has existed since the founding of the village."

"I find that hard to believe," Endeavor snorted, implying her comment about not being born in a powerful family.

She caught on to it though, and she smiled at him at the sweet compliment, "I'm glad you think highly of me, Endeavor, but it's true. My father has a silver tongue in business and my mother is a successful fashion designer.

"This white circle represents the cycle. Of life and death, and the changing of seasons. It also symbolizes creation as Haruno means Spring Field. My grandfather once told me that our family symbol was given by the First Hokage, since among all the families that survived the Quirk Wars, it was the Harunos that always came back standing even if we're not blessed with powerful quirks."

"Interesting, and it fits your name too."

At this, she rolled her eyes, "Please don't ask. My parents may be the best in the business but they're not very creative with naming."

Up until now she's still a bit bitter at the fact that they named her after the Cherry Blossom tree because her father made another awful pun of it when she was born with a tuft of pink hair already.

"Still, Cherry Blossom in the Spring Field, it has a nice ring to it."

Sakura raised a brow at Endeavor at that but her amusement eventually waned down at the sincerity of his words. It was odd… hearing those words from him. He's always so serious and defensive. This was probably the first time they've spoken about something outside hero work. It was surprising enough that he would indulge her in these dessert raids, and even though she wouldn't mind getting to know him on a personal level, she didn't want to push her chances.

He's also surprisingly patient with her sass.

A small smile crept up her face and her cheeks warmed over, "Thank you, Endeavor. That's very sweet of you. People always made fun of me because of my hair color," her smile suddenly became teasing, "You know, you should say nice things to people more often. I know it'll greatly improve your public image."

Her jab at his barely existing public approval rating seemed to break some sort of spell in him as Endeavor's eyes widened fractionally at her words. Like he wasn't thinking about what he just said and just realized it. Whether or not she noticed, she didn't comment on it.

The fire on his back billowed as he barked back at her, "Don't let it get to your head! It's a comment, not a compliment!"

Throwing her head back in laughter was her only reaction to his response. This was the kind of relationship they have. She was free to make teasing jabs at her employer, most of the time about his bad public rating and too-serious façade. All in the hopes of breaking free from a suffocating silence. Sakura could be perfectly professional if she wanted to, and she had during her 7-day assessment, but on some days, she just couldn't help it.

The first time she got a reaction out of him was so shocking she thought he was an imposter. But then he began making witty comebacks of his own. His target however, was her obvious short statue. Endeavor could also make a pleasant conversation with every now and again. There was just something about him since she first saw him. Like a picture hidden under so many layers, she wanted to pry open the ugly colors people painted him as and see the full image herself. Though moments like these between them were still sparse, Sakura hoped that would be rectified someday.

If only she knew, that in other people's eyes, especially those who knew him long enough, that it was already a miracle that she was able to have these casual moments with the Flame Hero.

Her laughing fit eventually died down into soft giggles as they settled back into their companionable silence. Sakura had a small smile on her face as they the rest of their food while they watched the city below. Their conversation eventually picked up again but the topic changed into more serious matters like the news and about other Pro Heroes. So far, Sakura hasn't met any other Pro Hero apart from those she fought against when she got her license and those employed at his company.

"By the way, I received an email. A big TV network is asking to do an interview with you, again," Endeavor couldn't stress that last word any further. Those invitations were usually handled (refused) by her but the more persistent ones would dare to send the requests to him in hope of a better chance. A twinge of frustration made his brows frown again.

"Ughh," Sakura threw her head back out of her own frustration this time, "Please tell me you said no."

"You wouldn't be here right now if I did."

She placed a grateful hand on his muscled arm, "Thank you. You'd think by now they've given up on asking me to do these interviews. They should be thankful that I'm allowing them to use stolen pictures of me on their magazines and not suing them for invasion of privacy."

"I thought you learned by now to stop underestimating Japan's media? Image is important for the Pro Heroes here. The fans are basically their lifeblood."

"Well you're doing pretty well despite your lack of public ratings."

Endeavor narrowed his teal eyes and growled in warning, "Watch it."

Sakura just smiled back though, "Anyway, it's not like I won't be exposing myself to Japan any more than this. Once school starts out again next year, I'll be at U. A. High. I think we can both agree that children are the best in making unnecessary scenes."

Endeavor huffed, "Apart from that, are you seriously not acquainted with any other Pro-Hero outside my agency?"

"Well aside from Kugo, I guess I'm guilty," she raised her hands up in mock surrender.

"Kugo?"

"You know, Kugo Sakamata? He goes by the name Gang Orca."

"Since when have you gotten close with him?" the surprise seeped through his eyes a bit at the revelation.

"Since I did my special exam. He was one of those I fought against, remember? Well, whenever he's not too busy with work at the association and I'm on my day off, sometimes he would invite me over for tea," Sakura informed casually. As if hanging out with the rank 10 Pro Hero wasn't a big deal. She's Endeavor's Support Hero in the first place. "He's surprisingly a great companion to have tea with, and he has a very wonderful voice. Did you know he can sing? I'm not sure if it's natural or because his quirk is tied with orcas though."

Endeavor didn't answer though and instead decided to finish off his treat. Sakura didn't think his lack of response was anything worth mentioning so she followed suit.

"You missed a spot," Sakura broke the silence this time. Her manicured finger pointed at his left cheek. Endeavor used the napkin that came with his crepe and wiped his face, dropping the temperature of his facial flames to not burn the fragile fibers. When he finished, he looked at Sakura for silent approval but she continued pointing.

"Here, let me," Sakura offered, trying to stifle her laughter at Endeavor's third try. His face was starting to look irritable. She snatched the napkin from his burly hands before he can even protest and she just started casually wiping the ice cream smudged on his face. Her mischievous side was really tempted to bring out her phone and snap a photo of his cream tainted face. She bet that if she sold it in this thing called internet, it would sell millions.

Amidst her musings, Sakura didn't notice how Endeavor's shoulders tensed as he was casually touched. Nobody, not even his own wife and children, would willingly touch him unless out of malicious intent. He's not blind to the fear in Rei's eyes, the rage in Natsuo's, the anxiety in Fuyumi's, and the hatred rebellion in Shoto's. He could live without that. He has over his entire life already.

Sakura though. She's looking at him with an expression so foreign, so unlike the ones he's used to.

Whatever it was, he didn't like the stirring that welled deep in his chest. Thankfully, the pinkette drew back her hand as soon as it happened.

"There, all clean," she held up the napkin showing a small stain before balling their waste and throwing it at the trash can across the street thirty floors below them so casually. Startling the people around.

"Show off," he huffed as he made a move to stand, "Let's get back to work."

Sakura made a mock salute as she jumped to the next building rooftop with her boss right behind him.

Maybe it's about time for her to show her respect to her new boss? The fastest way to anyone's heart is through food, after all. Especially if it's their favorite.

He better be thankful for what she's going to do once she gets home.

.

"Oh my! This is so delicious!"

Todoroki Fuyumi's turquoise eyes sparkled at the sweet flavor on her tongue. She made a move to grab another piece of kuzomochi but not before asking her father for permission. Endeavor nodded with a hand of dismissal.

"Take the whole box. It's yours anyway."

Never had he ever seen his daughter so happy with such a simple gesture. Well, he rarely brought his children anything anyway, and it's not like this particular gift was from him.

"Thank you so much, father!" she cheered.

He grunted, "Not me. Someone else deserves your thanks."

Confusion spread over her pale face, stopping her own hand that was inches from her mouth, "What do you mean, father? I-If it's okay for me to ask."

Just as he was about to answer, his sons came in through the sliding doors. Their expressions immediately turned sour at the sight of him. It was clear that they weren't expecting him to be home. The tension in the room immediately tripled that it felt suffocating.

"What are you doing here?" the eldest son said with gritted teeth.

"Natsuo…" Fuyumi said softly, eyes darting back and forth from her brothers and father.

"This is my house. I can come and go as I please," Endeavor huffed indignantly, "You two, however, must've forgotten your place."

The temperature in the room dropped significantly and a layer of frost started to coat the doorway.

Endeavor huffed and stood. His large form towered over his rebellious sons and Fuyumi prayed silently that things won't escalate any more.

"Enough of this insolence," he pointed a finger on the stack of boxes in a paper bag, "Just go and take your shares."

Confusion mixed with their irate expressions and Fuyumi took it as her cue to take over and motion for her brothers. She handed a box for each of them.

"Kuzumochi?" Shoto wondered aloud when he opened his.

"Father brought it for us," his sister supplied.

Heterochromia eyes immediately shot towards his father, adding suspicion in his amalgam of emotions.

"Correction, I brought it, but someone else intended for you to have them," he said with a huff and grabbed his own share of kuzumochi, "They did not know what you three favored so they made kuzumochi for each of you instead."

"As if he knows what we like," Natsuo whispered bitterly to his siblings.

Endeavor's teal eyes narrowed before turning them to Fuyumi, "I will tell them that you found their cooking satisfying. I'm sure they will be pleased."

"Since when did you care about pleasing someone else?!" Shoto exploded as small bits of ice started to form on his right arm.

Enji only gave him a passing look before motioning for the box in his hand, "Try it."

He left without another word much to Natsuo's relief. Meanwhile, Fuyumi coaxed her youngest brother to calm and sit down on the chabudai with them.

"Go on, Shoto, try them. They're really good."

The two-colored teen indulged his sister after a few moments of contemplating. The mood lifted a bit once their father left.

"Well?" she asked in a motherly tone.

"It's alright," Natsuo huffed but followed his mouth immediately with another piece of kuzomochi.

Shoto gazed down at his bitten piece before popping the rest in his mouth, "It's not that bad."