Roses or Chocolate
Mahiru:
Parchment paper, plastic wrap... Oh, and we're getting low on aluminum foil.
Karen:
Mahiru-chan. Doesn't that taiyaki look yummy?
Mahiru:
No snacks, Karen-chan. Today we're just shopping for essentials.
Karen:
But it looks so tasty!
Mahiru:
N. O. If you eat now, you'll spoil your appetite for dinner!
Karen:
Okaaay...
Hikari:
Karen's in trouble.
Mahiru:
The same goes for that bag of Mr. White chips, Hikari-chan. Go put it back.
Hikari:
...Okaaay.
Hikari:
......? *sniff* *sniff*
Karen:
What is it, Hikari-chan?
Hikari:
Over here.
Mahiru:
Hey, wait up! Where are you going?
Hikari:
Chocolate.
Mahiru:
A Valentine's Fair? I guess it's getting to be that season.
Karen:
Whoa, look at all the people! Won't the chocolate melt?
Mahiru:
They've certainly drawn in a crowd...
Hikari:
Is this what Valentine's Day is like in Japan?
Hikari:
It's a bit frightening.
Karen:
Whaaat!? Why? It's not scary!
Hikari:
Everyone just seems so...desperate.
Mahiru:
I think they're just really invested. They want to show the people they care about how they feel.
Karen:
Y-yeah! Jeez, Hikari-chan. Valentine's Day is sweet, and fun! Not frightening!
Karen:
They have Valentine's Day in England too, don't they?
Hikari:
...They do.
Karen:
Right? It's celebrated all over the world. It's a...wat do you call it? A pandemic!
Mahiru:
Swing and a miss, Karen-chan.
Karen:
Oh, close enough!
Hikari:
...Valentine's Day originated in England.
Karen:
Whoa, really!? Go England!
Hikari:
But more people gave flowers than chocolates. The whole city smelled of roses.
Mahiru:
Oh, how romantic!
Karen:
Yeah, that sounds amazing! Like, taiyaki amazing!
*grooowl*
Karen:
Uhh... Guess my stomach thinks so too.
Mahiru:
Are you that hungry, Karen-chan?
Karen:
...Okay. Roses are romantic and all, but I think I'll stick with chocolate.
Mahiru:
Heh heh, then let's go check out and head back home for dinner.
Karen:
Seconded!
Hikari:
Karen's always the pragmatist...
The Secret Ingredient Is Failure
Hikari:
Found you...
Hikari:
Hmm? Have I been waiting for you? That's right.
Hikari:
...Do you have a moment?
Hikari:
You were just heading back to the dorm? That's perfect.
Hikari:
Come with me.
Hikari:
............
Hikari:
I wanted to give you something.
Hikari:
Here.
Hikari:
What is it...? Just what it looks like. A vacuum flask.
Hikari:
I, um... I want you to drink it.
Hikari:
It shouldn't kill you. ...Probably.
Hikari:
......
Hikari:
............
Hikari:
...............
Hikari:
...It's not coming out?
Hikari:
Let me see it.
Hikari:
Yeah, it really isn't.
Hikari:
It's stuck? ...It would certainly seem that way.
Hikari:
But why?
Hikari:
...What's in it? Um... Chocolate and milk, marshmallows...
Hikari:
And a lot of cornstarch.
Hikari:
Huh? You think I put in too much?
Hikari:
Huh... Too much cornstarch makes it go rock solid. You learn something every day.
Hikari:
I'm sorry. Especially after dragging you here.
Hikari:
It's nearly Valentine's Day, so I've been practicing making chocolate.
Hikari:
This was the first batch that worked, so I wanted you to taste it...
Hikari:
But I've messed it up...
Hikari:
It's no Valentine's yet, so this one doesn't count?
Hikari:
And you'd love to taste the next batch? Why are you so nice...?
Hikari:
Because we're friends?
Hikari:
...Well, thank you. I'll get it right this time.
Hikari:
For your sake, and for Karen's.
Hikari:
I can do this.
Hikari:
The're a bit malformed, but the taste should be fine.
Hikari:
Strange... Why won't they rise?
Hikari:
You were right, everything I try to make comes out as a cookie. How did you know?
Hikari:
You just did? Frustrating as it is, maybe turning any baked good into a cookie is a sort of talent...