Birth of the Chocolate Alliance
Junna:............
Nana:Hey, Junna-chan. What are you reading?
Junna:Oh, Nana.
Junna:It's "The Tempest."
Nana:Oh. I've read that one before. Still never seen it performed, though.
Nana:It starts with a sorcerer making an air spirit summon a storm as part of his revenge against his enemies...
Nana:But in the end, he forgives them and it all works out for everyone, right?
Junna:Exactly.
Junna:It was the last play Shakespeare penned by himself. The answer he reached at the end of his career as a playwright.
Nana:I love the story. I've always really wanted to see it staged, but never had the opportunity.
Junna:We should go together sometime, then.
Junna:So, setting aside Shakespeare for the moment...
Junna:I assume you needed something, Nana?
Nana:Haha, sorry to bother you while you're reading. I just figured it was getting towards that time.
Junna:...Which time, exactly?
Nana: Hee hee ♪ Valentine's Day!
Junna:Oh...
Nana:I'm about to get started on things here, so I was wondering... Is there any kind of chocolate you'd like, Junna-chan?
Junna:You're making me chocolate again this year?
Nana:Of course! I've got a whole year's worth of new things to thank you for!
Junna:That's so sweet. The chocolate eyeglasses you made last year were adorable. And tasty.
Nana:I'm glad you liked them! Should we do a rerun on those this year?
Junna:Hmmm... If you're going to be hand-making it, Nana, I think banana chocolate might be an interesting idea?
Nana:Oh ho! Banana chocolate, huh? Definitely interesting.
Junna:I'm not sure how easy something like that would be to make...
Nana:But banana chocolate it is! Heh heh, just leave it to Banana the Chocolatier!
Junna:Only if it's no trouble, really. I'll be happy to get anything you make.
Nana:And I'm happy to have a request! I'll give it my best shot.
Nana:In the meantime, I'll let you get back to your book. Look forward to Valentine's Day!
Junna:Oh, I will.
Junna:(Valentine's Day already. It snuck up on me this year.)
Junna:(And another year of Nana's handmade chocolate... Heh heh.)
Junna:(Now that I think of it...)
Junna:(Nana's always doing so much for me. It would be nice to make her some chocolate, too.)
Junna:(I wonder what kind she likes... Plus... How do you even make chocolate?)
Junna:(There's a lot I don't know, but...)
Junna:(I bet she wouldn't in a million years expect to get chocolates from me for Valentine's.)
Junna:(I wonder if she'd even like that... I hope she would.)
Junna:(Okay. That settles it! This year, Nana's getting some homemade chocolate!)
Junna:(I suppose step one is to practice. I'm a little nervous... I've hardly ever made sweets before.)
Junna:(Oh well. This is for Nana, to say thanks for everything she's done. I'll just have to figure it out!)
Nana:All right, we're off to shop!
Hikari:We'll be back in a bit.
Junna:All right, take care.
Junna:The dorm is empty... The goddess of opportunity smiles upon me!
Junna:Time to get some chocolate-making practice in! First, I should make sure we have the ingredients and cooking gear.
Junna:Measuring cups, a knife, a saucepan, hand mixer...and a bar of chocolate!
Junna:Perfect, that's everything. For the next step--
Hikari:Oops, forgot something.
Junna:K-Kagura-san!?
Junna:(Why did she have to come back NOW!?)
Hikari:...Chocolate?
Junna:Ngh!?
Hikari:...See you later.
Junna:H-hey, wait!
Hikari:What?
Junna:Er... P-Please don't say anything. About...this.
Hikari:Why not?
Junna:I... I'm practicing to make chocolate for Nana. Valentine's is coming up and all.
Junna:I wanted to thank her. But I want it to be a surprise, so...
Junna:So please don't tell Nana or the others about it. Can this be our secret? Please!
Hikari:............
Hikari:...I assumed you were just making a snack.
Junna:Huh?
Hikari:So it's for Valentine's Day... Huh.
Junna:Er, ack, w-wait...!
Junna:(Idiot, idiot, idiot, IDIOT! Why did I have to go and open my big mouth!? I just had to go and put my foot in it!)
Hikari:...I won't tell anyone.
Junna:Ahhhh! ...Huh?
Hikari:In return...
Hikari:Teach me how to make it, too. I want to make some for Karen.
Junna:Kagura-san...
Junna:I certainly don't mind, but... I should tell you I'm not good enough to teach anyone.
Hikari:Then we'll learn together. From scratch.
Hikari:It will be easier with both of us than it would be alone. ...Probably.
Junna:I see.
Junna:If you're that serious about it, I can't very well say no.
Junna:Let's figure this out together, Kagura-san!
Hikari:I would like that, Hoshimi-san. I will do my best.
Junna:For now, you should probably hurry back to the others.
Hikari:Right. We can speak again soon.
Junna:(Hand-making chocolates with Kagura-san... Is this going to work?)
Junna:No. There isn't any time for doubt. Right now I need to be making as much practice chocolate as possible.
Junna:(Especially if I'm going to be teaching Kagura-san, too... This is just turning into a big responsibility!)
Something in Common
Karen:Whew, today's practice was another hard one! My calves are killing me...
Hikari:Your grand pas de chat was extremely clean. Takeoff and landing both.
Karen:Whoaaa, Hikari-chan complimented me!
Hikari:You've been working hard on training your core.
Karen:Yeah! Sooo, as a reward for all that hard work, I'm gonna chow down on Banana's sweets once we get back!
Hikari:Mahiru will have your hide if you ruin your appetite.
Karen:Aw, it's fine! I've got a whole separate stomach for Banana's treats! I wonder what she made today! Muffins? A chocolate cake?
Karen:Ah! Talking about chocolate reminded me! It's almost Valentine's Day, Hikari-chan!
Hikari:............
Karen:Huh? Hikari-chan? Did you hear me? It's almost Valentine's Day!
Hikari:Oh.
Karen:Yeah! Heh heh ♪ This year I get to trade chocolates with you!
Karen:Last year I did it with Mahiru-chan! The chocolate she gave me was so cute, and it tasted amazing.
Hikari:Oh.
Karen:So tell me, Hikari-chan. What kind of chocolate do you want?
Hikari:...I don't need any.
Karen:Huh?
Hikari:I don't. Need. Any.
Karen:What? ...Wait, WHAT!?
Karen:How come? How come!? Hikari-chan, you LOVE chocolate!
Karen:I just saw you eating some Mr. White chocolate before bed the other day!
Hikari:Ngh... That was...
Karen:That was what!?
Hikari:...I'm heading back.
Karen:Whaaat!? Hikari-chan!? Wait up!
Karen:I wonder what's got into her... Ah ha! Maybe she ate too much chocolate and put on a few pounds!?
Junna:The next vocab word is... "Surplus."
Futaba:Okay. Surplus... Surplusss...
Futaba:Ooh! The top layer of somethign! ...Isn't it?
Junna:You're thinking of "surface." A surplus is when you have extra of something.
Futaba:Oh, riiight! Argh, I knew that, too!
Junna:You were so close to getting them all right. Almost!
Futaba:There are so many that sound alike, I get mixed up... English is tough.
Nana:Ah! There you are, Junna-chan.
Junna:Oh, Nana. Did you need me?
Nana:Were you making chocolate in the kitchen yesterday?
Junna:What!?
Nana:There was a chocolate shaving on the floor, and the mixing bowl and thermometer had moved, so I figured someone must have been making some.
Junna:(Wha-- No way! I'm sure I put everything back exactly where it was!)
Nana:The rice flour was left out, too.
Junna:I don't-- Wait, rice...flour?
Futaba:Oh, whoops! That's my bad! I was practicing a new chocolate recipe, yeah.
Nana:It was you, Futaba-chan?
Futaba:Yup. Kaoruko asked for chocolate yatsuhashi this year. "Hand-made, of course ♪"
Nana:Chocolate yatsuhashi? That sounds amazing. You use rice flour for that?
Futaba:Yeah, I didn't know either. Had to look it up. I've never tried making yatsuhashi before, so I'm in the middle of experimenting.
Nana:Huh, sounds like fun. Mind if I help out, for my own edification?
Futaba:Whoa, are you serious!? Having you there would be a ginormous help!
Nana:Heh heh, I'll try to live up to that.
Futaba:When should we start? Maybe after dinner? Or when classes finish tomorrow?
Nana:Hmm, after classes I've got...
Junna:............
Junna:(Okay, breathe... Breathe, Junna! I thought the jig was up there...)
Junna:(I'm supposed to be the one doing the surprising here, so how come I'm the one whose heart's racing?)
Junna:(The kitchen is Nana's castle. If I'm going to practice there, I need to be careful.)
*slam*
Hikari:Huff, huff...
Nana:Oh. Welcome back, Hikari-chan.
Hikari:...Hello.
Futaba:What's got you all in a hurry? Is Karen not with you?
Hikari:...Hoshimi-san.
Junna:Wh-What?
Hikari:Strategy meeting.
Strategy meeting?
Junna:(Please tell me she's not going to talk about chocolate here!?)
Junna:O-OHHH! About SHAKESPEARE, right? This isn't really the PLACE for that. How about we find somewhere QUIETER?
Hikari:Not Shakespeare. Choc--
Junna:YES, I CAN TELL YOU'RE EAGER! Come on! Off we go, now!
Nana:They sure took off in a hurry.
Futaba:Unusual combo, those two.
Nana:I think it's lovely they're spending time together.
*slam*
Karen:Hikari-chaaan!?
Nana:Oh, welcome back, Karen-chan.
Karen:Did Hikari-chan come through here!?
Futaba:If you're looking for Kagura, she just left with Hoshimi. Did something happen?
Karen:We were talking on the way home and she just ran off!
Karen:Did I say something wrong, Hikari-chan...? And why's she with Jun-Jun?
Nana:Apparently they're close now ♪
Karen:Whaaat!? At least let me tag along! Hikari-chaaan! Jun-Juuun!
The Cocoa Collusion
Junna:Huff, huff... Are you crazy, Kagura-san!? Why would you say that in front of everyone!?
Hikari:Say what?
Junna:Asking for a "strategy meeting"? That makes it obvious we're up to something!
Hikari:Oh... My apologies.
Junna:*sigh* ...So? What happened with Karen?
Hikari:We were walking back, and the conversation turned to chocolate...
Hikari:She asked what kind I wanted. I didn't know how to answer...
Hikari:I panicked and said I didn't want any. So Karen asks me why not, and starts chasing after me...
Junna:So you kept running.
Hikari:She knows I love chocolate... She has to suspect something.
Junna:...I see.
Junna:Well, asking for a super secret strategy meeting in front of everyone isn't going to make you LESS suspicious.
Junna:Not to mention this is the first time the two of us have ever done anything together.
Hikari:Er... True.
Hikari:But what should I do?
Hikari:I don't want to lie to Karen. ...And I don't think I can keep it hidden.
Junna:I hear you. I had a minor freakout back there myself. It's hard work keeping a surprise under wraps.
Junna:Wait... That's it. Our mistake is trying to hide it.
Hikari:Huh?
Junna:That bit about Shakespeare I blurted out before. We'll use that!
Junna:Surely you performed shakespeare at the Royal Academy of Theatrical Actors?
Hikari:Naturally, but...why?
Junna:We'll say we've been nerding out about that!
Junna:We're just two thespians having an impassioned discussion of the Bard here!
Junna:And it's such a deep and probing analysis that we don't want to be interrupted by anyone!
Junna:We plant that thought in their minds, and suddenly no one suspects we're doing anything chocolate-related!
Hikari:I... I see. Do you really think that will work?
Junna:Absolutely! And if we do chat about Shakespeare while we work, it won't even be a lie.
Hikari:Ah!
Junna:"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Those are William Shakespeare's words.
Hikari:Yes, I know.
Junna:So, we'll act out our roles to preserve our little secret until Valentine's Day!
Hikari:Okay, I understand.
Junna:(I worry if she really does or not...)
Junna:(Still, thinking about it now, Kagura-san and I have never really had anything in common.)
Junna:(If we manage to pull this surprise off, it could be fun to sit down for a nice, long chat about Shakespeare's plays.)
The next day...
Junna:Right side...check. Left...check. Good. The coast is clear.
Junna:This time of day, it should be safe to use the kitchen. Rushing back home from campus paid off.
Hikari:We can practice making chocolates?
Junna:Yeah. But we don't have too long before the others get back. Let's be quick about it.
Junna:But...before that.
Hikari:......?
Junna:Let's begin by reciting the oath we took yesterday.
Hikari:Sure.
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
Junna:All right, let's get to it.
Hikari:I'll try my best.
Junna:We'll start with some truffles. They're supposed to be relatively easy to make.
Hikari:...I love truffles.
Junna:Okay, first we use a knife to break up the chocolate bar. I'll read out the recipe. Can you handle the chopping?
Hikari:I understand.
Hikari:...Done.
Junna:Great. Let's have a look at... You just cut it in fourths.
Junna:We're going to be rolling the truffles in these shavings. They need to be chopped finely. Think diced cabbage.
Hikari:Diced cabbage... Got it.
Junna:(But do you, though...?)
Hikari:Done.
Junna:Great, that looks perfect. Next, put a saucepan over medium heat and warm the cream.
*click, click*... *WHOOSH*
Hikari:Is this about medium?
Junna:That's cranked up to max!
Junna:(She's so precise and delicate when she's acting... What happened to that? *sigh* We should probably trade places.)
Junna:Here. I'll take care of that. You read out the recipe, Kagura-san.
Hikari:That...I can do.
Hikari:...Ahem.
Hikari:"Once the cream comes up to temp, add the chocolate and go to town with that hand mixer ♪"
Hikari:"Move it around the bowl in nice, big circles, folks. Keep at it till you start seeing small peaks form ♪"
Junna:Why am I suddenly on a cooking show?
Junna:...Never mind. Doesn't matter. Whatever's easiest for you, Kagura-san.
Hikari:"Once the chocolate's all melted and that cream's looking creamy, set that pan on a wet towel and keep stirring while it cools ♪"
Junna:Hold up, this isn't quite smooth yet.
Hikari:You've been saying that forever.
Junna:I just don't feel like it's ready. At least let me keep mixing until I've got all the bubbles out.
Hikari:...Oh. The clock.
Junna:Clock?
Junna:Ahhh! When did it get this late!?
Hikari:The others will be back soon.
Junna:W-We've got to clean up! But if we hide the chocolate in the fridge they'll find it for sure!
Hikari:It still hasn't set at all...
Junna:What do we do? What do we DO!? ...Ah!
Junna:That's it! Let's drink it! They can't find the evidence if we swallow it all!
Hikari:...Drink it? All of this?
Junna:You love chocolate, don't you!? Where's the problem!?
Hikari:B-Bring it on.
Junna:Okay. We'll split it, half and half! Down the hatch!
Glug...glug...glug...
Hikari:Ahhh... Oh, that's nice.
Junna:Sugar shock... I... I think I'm gonna pass out. But at least we destroyed the evidence.
Junna:...Which means we're back to square one. We'll never make it in time for Valentine's Day at this pace.
Hikari:Don't worry. We'll get there if we try.
Junna:Huh?
Hikari:I want to make Karen happy. Any hardships along the way feel fun to me.
Hikari:"The labor we delight in physics pain." Those are Shakespeare's words.
Junna:......!
Hikari:Don't you feel the same? So let's work through this together, Hoshimi-san.
Junna:Heh. Heh heh heh...
Junna:Well said, Kagura-san. You're right!
Junna:Sorry for losing my cool there. But it's just as Shakespeare said.
Junna:If it's for Nana, I would welcome any struggle. No matter how many times I stumble along the way.
Junna:Let's do this, Kagura-san. Let's put a smile on their faces!
Hikari:Okay!
A Moment of Pure Peace
Junna:Hmm, I know they carried it here...
Hikari:Oh. ...They have white chocolate.
Hikari:White chocolate truffles could be good.
Junna:Veto! We aren't shopping for regular eating chocolate. We're here for this couverture chocolate.
Junna:A regular bar of chocolate's fine for practice, but I want to use the good stuff for the real deal.
Hikari:How is it different?
Junna:It has more cocoa butter, so it melts extra smooth and shiny.
Junna:You obviously want it to taste good, but for a gift, don't you want it to look pretty too?
Hikari:...Yes. I want to make Karen happy.
Junna:With presents, you've got to put yourself in their shoes. Think about what they'd want. Okay, I'm going to go check out. You wait here.
Hikari:All right.
Junna:Okay, all done. ...What are you staring at?
Hikari:Look at this cafe sign. "European-style Hot Chocolate," it says...
Junna:Oh, the extra-thick stuff? But huh... It says "Valentine's Special: Limited."
Hikari:...I bet it's really good.
Hikari:Yeah... The cocoa smell is amazing.
Junna:Looks like this place has a pretty broad tea selection, too. Want to stop in for a drink?
Junna:We got what we came for, and everyone'll be there when we get back, so we can't make anything today.
Hikari:Seconded. Thirded, even.
Hikari:*slurp*
Hikari:Ahh... Delicious.
Junna:Heh heh. You're a serious chocoholic, Kagura-san.
Hikari:Am I?
Junna:You just look so happy sipping that. And you were a literal kid in a candy shop back at the store.
Hikari:Oh. You...may be right.
Hikari:What about you?
Junna:Huh?
Hikari:Do you like chocolate?
Junna:Hmm... I definitely do, but not like you do.
Hikari:And Valentine's Day?
Junna:As a holiday? Hmm...
Junna:To be honest, I never really paid it any attention. I was never in a position to get chocolate, let alone give it.
Hikari:...Is that why you didn't order the hot chocolate? It's so good.
Junna:What? No, there's no connection. I just enjoy chamomile tea, too.
Junna:Plus, after yesterday's chocolate chugathon...
Hikari:...Here, then.
Junna:Huh?
Hikari:Take a sip. It's very good. I think it will win you over.
Junna:Well, if you insist. I'll have a try, thank you.
Hikari:Sure.
Junna:*sip*
Junna:Huh? What in the...? It tastes different from what I expected!
Junna:The flavor's still chocolatey, but it's not cloying at all. It's so drinkable...
Junna:Plus it's not too sweet, and the smell of cinnamon just warms my heart.
Hikari:Good?
Junna:It's wonderful. It's so much more than just melted-down chocolate.
Hikari:I'm glad you like it.
Junna:This taste, though... Cinnamon and...marshmallow?
Hikari:Correct.
Junna:I wonder what else they added. I'm actually really curious now.
Hikari:Here. It's written on the menu.
Junna:Yeah? Let's see...
Junna:"Cornstarch" ...Ahh, that explains the thickness. That WOULD give it this distinct taste and mouth-feel.
Junna:I had no idea... It's funny. This is my first time trying it, but it tastes...nostalgic?
Hikari:Doesn't it?
Hikari:It feels close to the taste I remember back from England.
Junna:Oh yeah?
Hikari:The winters were so cold there, but a cup of hot chocolate would warm me to my core.
Hikari:That and my promise to Karen kept me going.
Junna:That sounds like a sweet memory. Literally.
Junna:Hey, why not give her some chocolate for Valentine's Day, then?
Hikari:Huh?
Junna:You wanted me to try it. Wouldn't you want to share this with Karen, too?
Hikari:But...what about the truffles?
Junna:There's no rule that says we both have to make the same thing.
Junna:You should give the present you want to the person you want to give it to. Isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about?
Hikari:............
Hikari:...Yes.
Hikari:I do want Karen to experience this.
Junna:Right?
Hikari:She said something to me before. That she'd wanted the chance to see England while I was there.
Hikari:If I can pour all my memories of England into a batch of hot chocolate...
Junna:That sounds like a really special gift.
Hikari:...I've decided. This will be my Valentine's chocolate.
Junna:Okay, then let's go figure out how to make it. Does the stuff here taste exactly like it did back in England?
Hikari:It's close, but not the same.
Junna:Okay, then let's run a search for the cafe you used to drink hot chocolate at. Maybe we can find their recipe.
Hikari:You... You'll help me?
Junna:Obviously? We're in this secret alliance together.
Hikari:...Thank you.
Junna:It's settled, then. So, what was the place called?
Hikari:Right... It was on the way from the dorms to the Academy. "Crosstown" was the name--
A Surprise for You!
Valentine's Day
Nana:Happy Valentine's Day, Junna-chan!
Nana:You're always doing so much for me, so I wanted to thank you with... Ta-da! This year's chocolate!
Junna:Ooooh! Thanks, Nana! Can I open it?
Nana:Of course! I managed to come through on your request ♪
Junna:I can't wait! I'm dying to see what kind of chocolate you went...
Junna:With...? Are these nama yatsuhashi?
Nana:Bingo ♪ This year, I made banana-chocolate yatsuhashi!
Junna:Banana-chocolate yatsuhashi! Oh, right! You said you were helping Isurugi-san make chocolate.
Nana:Yup ♪ But your batch is special. It's got banana in it, too!
Nana:They're perishable, so you'll want to eat them sooner than later.
Junna:Then let me dive right in.
Junna:*chomp*...*munch*... Whoa. It's... This is totally a nama yatsuhashi!
Nana:Heh heh, it came out okay?
Junna:It came out great! These are incredible! The outside's nice and chewy, and the inside's a perfect chocolate-banana blend.
Junna:I never would have thought of this combination. This is the best, Nana! Thank you so much!
nana
Junna:Seeing me happy is the best... Yeah. I know what you mean.
Nana:Junna-chan?
Junna:Oh, er...
Junna:So, as it happens, Nana... I made some chocolate, too. For you.
Nana:Huh?
Nana:You did? For me? Can I open it?
Junna:Please.
Nana:Wow, you made chocolate for me... This is a first!
Junna:I'm expecting an over-the-top reaction, by the way.
Nana:All right, then... Open sesame!
Nana:..........!
Junna:............
Nana:...Truffles in the shape of...glasses?
Junna:They're FROGS!
Junna:L-Look, I know the shape isn't perfect, but GLASSES!?
Nana:Haha, sorry. I'm only teasing ♪
Nana:You've got little froggies in all different sizes. They're so cute, I almost hate to eat them!
Junna:At first I thought I'd just stick with regular truffles, but...
Junna:I knew you'd get a kick out of frogs.
Nana:You were right! They're adorable and I love them! But I've gotta ask. When did you make these?
Junna:That's a secret.
Nana:I had no clue you were using the kitchen. It must've been hard work keeping it a secret from everybody.
Junna:..."The labor we delight in physics pain."
Nana:That's William Shakespeare, right?
Junna:It's Kagura-san.
Nana:Huh?
Junna:She was the one who taught me. That the point was to make the chocolates the recipient would enjoy.
Nana:Hikari-chan?
Junna:You're the one who's always helping me, Nana. So I poured that gratitude into each of those little froggies.
Junna:Thank YOU. And Happy Valentine's Day. Nana.
Nana:Junna-chan!
Nana:This is such an awesome surprise! I'm really happy. Thank you so much!
Junna:Haha, that smile makes it all worthwhile.
Nana:I'll treasure these chocolate frogs forever!
Junna:...Please eat them before they go bad.
Hikari:What did you need, Karen?
Karen:Sooo, Hikari-chan...
Karen:You know how it's been forever since we were together for Valentine's Day?
Hikari:Yeah.
Karen:Well, I know you said you don't want any chocolates... But I really, reeeally wantd to give you this.
Karen:So, um... Here! It's Valentine's Day tokoroten!
Hikari:Tokoro...ten?
Karen:I know you're a choco-maniac, but you said you didn't want any...
Karen:So I thought maybe it was the calories? And tokoroten is practically health food, so...
Hikari:*snrk* Pfff...
Hikari:Haha... Ahahaha!
Karen:Wha!? What's so funny, Hikari-chan!?
Hikari:That was a misunderstanding, Karen. This...
Hikari:Is a surprise.
Karen:A surprise?
Hikari:I wanted to surprise you, so I was worried you would see me making it.
Hikari:Here. Chocolate. For you.
Karen:Huh?
Karen:Wait, WHAAAAAAAT!? You made this by hand, Hikari-chan?
Karen:Huh? Huh? For real!? You made chocolate? For me!?
Hikari:Happy Valentine's Day, Karen.
Karen:Omigosh ♪ Hikari-chan hand-made me--
Karen:A hand-made...vacuum flask?
Hikari:Open it.
Karen:Do I twist off the top? There, it's open. Tilt it, and...
Karen:Whoa! It's liquid! What... Ooh! It's--
Hikari:Hot chocolate. Here's a marshmallow on top, and... There. Ready to drink.
Karen:Whoaaa! This is amazing! I've never drunk Valentine's Day chocolate before!
Karen:I can't wait! *glug*...*glug*...
Hikari:...Well?
Karen:This is SOOO GOOD!
Karen:It's sweet and warm and like...nostalgic? This is the best chocolate ever!
Hikari:Nostalgic?
Karen:Yeah! Even though I've never had it before. Isn't that weird?
Hikari:I used to drink this all the time when I was in England. I tried to recreate that flavor here. Together with Hoshimi-san.
Karen:With Jun-Jun!? Well, I think you nailed it perfectly!
Karen:...Hey, WAIT! Is THAT why you and Jun-Jun have been together lately!?
Hikari:Yep. ...Surprised?
Karen:My mind is completely blown!
Karen:*glug*...*glug*.. Ahhh... This is so yummy ♪
Karen:And it's full of your happy memories. I bet that's why it tastes so good!
Hikari:So...you're happy, Karen?
Karen:Yeah!
Karen:A Stage Girl's Valentine's Day gets better year by year! This year's was the tastiest, hottest yet!
Hikari:I'm glad... I owe Hoshimi-san my thanks.
Hikari:Now that relief has set in, I'm suddenly hungry. Good thing I have tokoroten.
Karen:H-Hey, wait... That's just--
Hikari:It was a Valentine's gift from you. Thank you. I'll eat it now.
Hikari:*slurp*...*sluuurp*...
Karen:Hikari-chan... Aren't you cold?
Hikari:Mm, this is another nostalgic taste. ...ah-CHOO!
Karen:Tokoroten is a summer food! Here, have some hot chocolate! Warm up!
Hikari:But that's yours...
Karen:If we share it, it'll be like we're both in England together!
Hikari:Karen... *sip*...*glug*...
Hikari:Mm... That's nice.
Hikari:Thank you, Karen. And Happy Valentine's Day.
Karen:Happy Valentine's Day yourself, Hikari-chan!
Karen & Hikari:
Hahaha ♪
Not Last Year's Valentine's Day
Futaba:Come on, let's head back, Kaoruko.
Kaoruko:I'm not going anywhere.
Futaba:What!? What's got you all mad?
Kaoruko:I told you I wanted chocolate yatsuhashi this year...
Kaoruko:And you didn't give me anything! Talk about your lazy, heartless--
Futaba:Here.
Kaoruko:Traitorous-- Huh?
Futaba:As requested. Chocolate yatsuhashi.
Kaoruko:Ah...er... Wh-What's the big idea here?
Futaba:Huh?
Kaoruko:If you made them, why didn't you give them to me first thing?
Futaba:Because you'd have burned through them all before lunch! Besides, the teachers said we weren't allowed to exchange chocolates on campus!
Kaoruko:Er, so they did...
Futaba:Here. Let's get going.
Futaba:Yatsuhashi's not the same without a good cup of tea to go with it. It can be your turn to make it.
Futaba:And I'm eager to hear your review of these yatsuhashi.
Kaoruko:W-Well... I suppose if you insist, I could be persuaded to make tea...
Futaba:Then let's go.
Kaoruko:Fine, fine... ...Thank you, Futaba-han.
Hikari:There you are, Hoshimi-san.
Junna:Oh, Kagura-san. I was looking for you. How did the surprise go?
Hikari:Very well, thanks to you. And yours?
Junna:Very well, thanks to you.
Hikari:I'm glad. I wanted to give you this, as a thank-you.
Junna:A vacuum flask? ...Wait, this is your hot chocolate?
Hikari:Yeah. Karen seemed genuinely happy. I wanted to share some of that with you.
Hikari:Happy Valentine's Day.
Junna:Aww! Thank you, Kagura-san.
Junna:Heh heh... As it so happens, I have something for you, too.
Hikari:Huh?
Junna:Here you go. Happy Valentine's Day, Kagura-san.
Hikari:Wait, really? I can have this?
Junna:Of course. Go on and open it.
Hikari:Okay. Oh... These are...
Hikari:Frogs?
Junna:IT'S MR. WHITE! I'll admit he's a little mutated!
Hikari:No... I can see it.
Hikari:You coated the truffles in white chocolate and drew on a piped chocolate face...
Junna:Sorry they're so bad.
Hikari:They're nothing of the sort. I'm thrilled.
Junna:Heh heh, glad to hear it. Guess it's my turn.
Hikari:By all means.
Junna:*glug*...*glug*... Wow, that's good. Really good.
Junna:And knowing that you made it for Karen makes it even sweeter.
Hikari:...Incorrect.
Junna:Huh?
Hikari:I made that batch for you.
Hikari:I added just a hint of chamomile essence. ...And my gratitude for your help.
Junna:Oh... Wow.
Junna:Heh, it's got kind of a mysterious flavor, but I love it.
Junna:So? Not willing to try my Mr. White chocolates?
Hikari:I can't eat Mr. White.
Junna:He'll go bad. You have to.
Hikari:Ngh... Forgive me, Mr. White!
Hikari:*chomp*...*munch*... Oh!
Hikari:...He tastes really good. I love this flavor.
Junna:Haha, I'm glad. It's got an extra helping of my gratitude in it.
Junna:I think seeing how you feel about Karen helped me put a form to my feelings for Nana.
Junna:Thank you, Kagura-san.
Hikari:No, I'm the one who's grateful. Thank you, Hoshimi-san.
Junna:Junna.
Hikari:Huh?
Junna:Yep. Heh heh.
Hikari:Er, then...
Hikari:Ju... Ju...
Hikari:...I think I'll stick with Hoshimi-san.
Junna:Whaaat!? Come on! We're secret alliance buddies!
Hikari:I just...need a bit more time.
Junna:Oh. Well... Wanna talk Shakespeare?
Junna:Chocolate and Shakespeare. That's what we have in common. Right?
Hikari:Yes... You're right. I would love to.
Junna:Great. So, tell me about the Royal Academy of Theatrical Actors. Have you performed King Lear or Macbeth yet?
Hikari:Not yet. But I watched upperclassmen perform them.
Junna:How about Tempest?
Hikari:As a freshman, yes.
Junna:Really!? What role!? Let me guess, Prospero?
Hikari:No. I was Prince Ferdinand.
Junna:Hey, that's a big role! So what was your take on the line where...
Karen:Nrgh...
Karen:I can't follow what Hikari-chan and Jun-Jun are talking about!
Nana:Seems like they got pretty close while making chocolate ♪
Karen:I'm happy they're friendly now, but don't leave me out, guysss!
Nana:All right, Karen-chan. How about I give you some chocolate, too?
Junna:Wow, that's a really fresh interpretation of Ariel!
Hikari:I thought so. There's still her traditional role, but with a new perspective on...
Nana:Heh heh, I've never had a Valentine's Day quite like this!