The next day was just as sunny as the last few had been and Hanako woke well rested just as the sun peaked over the horizon. She checked in on her brother but saw that he wasn't there and figured he was already at the shop getting things ready. She went about her usual morning routine, taking a quick but warm shower and choosing an outfit while her hair dried- picking out an iris purple dress with a thistle purple lattice pattern and sleeves, and a pair of matching heels. She kept her makeup very simplistic as always, sticking with just a bit of foundation, some mascara, and her favorite lipstick colored like mulled wine. Then, when that was all done, she grabbed her jacket and purse and headed out the door- making her way down the street and around the corner to where the bakery shop sat nestled in between fruiting trees. But what she found waiting for her inside- or rather who- surprised her: sitting at the bar sipping coffee was Keigo.

"Mornin'."

Hanako gave him a smile of her own along with a quizzical look.

"I am in desperate need of coffee and so far, yours is the best in town."

Hanako's smile grew and she looked at her brother, signing to him. 'Sorry, Shihei, I forget to let you know didn't I?'

Shihei shrugged and signed his reply. 'It's alright, your boss explained things to me. I'm more surprised he likes our coffee so much he'd be here before I usually get here.'

'Is there more coffee?'

'Yeah. I've got mushi-pan in the oven; they should be ready here soon.'

"Sorry it's so early, Miss Itami," Keigo said, watching as Hanako moved about behind the counter.

Hanako poured herself some coffee, mixed in the creamer, then turned to face Keigo with her notepad in hand. She jotted down her reply and presented it to him. 'It's alright, sir. I did tell you to feel free to stop by any time you'd like. Is everything OK, though? You're up pretty early.'

"Yeah, I've just been having a hard time getting a full night's sleep the last few months."

'That's no good, do you know why?'

Keigo shook his head. "No, but I'm used to it at this point."

'Well, I might have something that could help. If you'd like to give it a try that is.'

"I'm willing to try just about anything."

Hanako turned to tap on the counter to get Shihei's attention and signed, 'I'll be right back.'

'Alright, the mushi-pan has about five more minutes before they're ready.'

Keigo watched as Hanako hurried off and looked to Shihei, confused.

"Don't worry, she'll be right back," Shihei said, seeing his expression. He set aside his apron and leaned against the counter, his arms crossed. "Can I ask you something?"

Keigo nodded. "Sure."

"Is Hanako fitting in as well as she says?"

Keigo chuckled. "Yes, she is. And I see that I was right about you; you're definitely the protective older brother type."

Shihei raised a brow at him for a moment. "And why wouldn't I be? She's my little sister, she's all I have. I only want what's best for her."

"You know, I envy you a bit," Keigo mused. "It must be nice having siblings."

"Only child I take it?"

"Yeah."

Shihei watched him a moment, then sighed. "Look, Hawks, just please take care of her? Don't let her overwork herself; she does more than enough here on top of this new job."

"I will, I promise." Keigo looked over as Hanako came back inside, a cloth bag in hand. He watched as she and Shihei signed, feeling a bit left out- which surprised him.

Shihei turned to Keigo and relayed Hanako's words. "She wants to know if it'd be alright if she dried the herbs she picked at the office."

Keigo was puzzled. "Uh, sure...?"

In the kitchen, the timer dinged and Shihei excused himself to retrieve the muffins from the oven.

Keigo looked at Hanako and asked, "What kind of herbs?"

'These herbs are cultivated for specifically sleep aid. I selected the ones that I think will help you the most.' Hanako wrote.

Keigo had to smile at that, feeling touched by her thoughtfulness. "Thanks, Miss Itami."

'Of course, sir. If I can help prevent my boss from passing out at work, then I'm happy to do what I can.'

Keigo chuckled. "How'd I get lucky to find such an amazing secretary?"

Hanako blushed at that, trying to hide her flushed cheeks as she wrote a quick reply. 'Saving me from a villain was a good start.'

Shihei cleared his throat, presenting a basket laden with fresh mushi-pan. "Here, I made sure to make a variety."

'Thanks, Shihei. We should get going.'

Shihei turned to Keigo as Hanako grabbed her things together. "You're not half bad, Hawks, I can see why Hanako likes working with you." He looked back down at his sister. 'Stay safe walking to work, OK? Have a good day.'

'I will and the same for you. I'll check in around lunch again, alright?'

'Sounds good. Now go on before you're late.'

Keigo followed Hanako to the door and held it open for her, giving Shihei a curt nod before stepping out onto the street with her. As they walked, he could tell how happy Hanako was from the little skip in her step and the gentle humming. "Your brother seems nice."

Hanako chuckled and nodded, showing him her notepad. 'He can be a pain sometimes, but that's part of his job as my big brother. What about you? Do you have any siblings?'

"Nope, only child."

'That's kind of sad. I can't imagine living without my brother.'

Keigo looked at her, seeing her touch just above her breastbone and caught the glimmer of a silver chain beneath the fabric of her dress. "Well, you're lucky to have someone like him around. I envy you two a bit; you share a bond that people like me never get to experience."

'That's not true, sir. You don't have to be blood to be family. I'm sure there is at least one person in your life that you could consider to be like a brother to you.'

Keigo smirked at that. "That's a fair point. Who knows, maybe I will find someone like that someday." A gentle breeze weaved its way through the streets as they turned a corner near the office building. "Thanks, Miss Itami."