Sisters by Name; Like a Little Girl Experiencing Love for the First Time

Morning light filtered through the gaps between the pine needles, scattering across the camp like flecks of gold.

Suiko sat by the creek, holding a wooden comb as she combed Izayoi's hair.

She held a white ribbon between her teeth while her nimble fingers divided Izayoi's long hair into three strands and braided it into a loose plait.

"Lady Suiko, I can do it myself..."

"Don't move."

"Why are you still calling me Lady? From now on, just call me Sister!"

Suiko gently pressed a hand to her shoulder and continued braiding her hair.

Her movements were light and slow, as though she were handling a fragile treasure.

"Your hair is a little messy today. That must be because he put you through too much last night!"

Izayoi's face flushed slightly, and her gaze unconsciously drifted toward the old pine tree in the distance.

Chiyo leaned against it with a book in hand, his eyes closed, seeming to be resting—or perhaps listening to the activity over here.

"I'm fine... I slept very well."

Izayoi spoke softly, with a trace of guilt in her voice.

Following her gaze, Suiko looked over and curled her lips into a teasing smile.

"Ooh~!"

"Sister Suiko!"

Izayoi's face instantly turned scarlet. She wanted nothing more than to bury her face in the creek water.

Suiko laughed, tied the finished braid with the ribbon, and gently patted her head.

"All right. Turn around and let me see."

Izayoi obediently turned around with her head lowered, her face still red.

The morning light fell across her face, making that faint blush look as though rouge had been applied to her cheeks.

The braid hung by her shoulder, a pretty bow tied at its end with the white ribbon. Against her fair neck, it truly made her seem