(I'll be baking cupcakes with Miku today after school...)

(After what happened yesterday, I thought that my plan had completely fallen apart... But I may yet still have hope thanks to Miku.)

(I need to succeed this time.

I'm going to bake some cupcakes that Tsukasa and Saki will really enjoy.)

Hey, Toya.

Ah, Akito, good morning.

You were smiling just now...

Did something good happen to you?

Not quite, but...

Really? And you're gonna bake them yourself...?

I say go for it.

I think it's good that you're trying something new.

Yes, me too.

And I'm hoping they turn out well.

But you don't really like sweets...

How are you gonna know if they're good?

Ah, yes...well...

I'll be able to tell by...

No, you're right...

I don't eat sweets on a regular basis, so there really is no way for me to properly judge how they taste.

Why didn't I realize this sooner...?

Hey, there's no need to beat yourself up over this...

You're making them with Miku, right?

Why don't you just have her taste test them?

Yes, I see.

But...

It would be nice to also hear from an independent adjudicator.

Wait, Akito, I know...!

No, don't get your hopes up. Unfortunately, I have work today after school...

I see...

Sorry, I wish I could find you a replacement...

Uh oh. Homeroom's about to start.

Let's go, Toya.

(I couldn't find a taste tester...)

(I suppose I can ask Len, KAITO or someone else later after school...)

Hello there. Do have a minute?

Kamishiro!

What are you doing in the first years' corridor...?

I was hoping to speak with you for a bit. Remember that little discussion we had regarding gifts?

Oh, about that... After we spoke, I took your idea and decided to bake some sweets.

I didn't quite succeed yesterday when I tried... But I found someone who can teach me and we'll be remaking them today after school.

That's good to hear. I'm sure Tsukasa and his sister will enjoy your gift. Also, they seem to be looking forward to that dinner party you mentioned very much.

They are?

Yes, I came here to mention that.

I actually met with him earlier today and...

He really couldn't stop talking about you. As such, he's been working very hard to make sure you enjoy yourself.

He has...?

Thank you for telling me this...

Now I feel an even greater incentive to give them something nice.

You're welcome, and I wish you the best of luck. Also, feel free to ask if you think you need any help.

(If I need any help...)

(Maybe I can ask Kamishiro...)

(No, but... He's busy preparing for a show. Asking him to be my taste tester seems...)

Is something the matter, Aoyagi?

Oh, um... So, the thing is...

I see. You need someone to taste your creations...

I'd be more than happy to help.

R-Really?

Are you sure?

Yes, since I was the one who originally suggested that you make some sweets yourself. And did I not just say that you're free to ask me for help?

Still, I'm not exactly a culinary expert myself.

No, that's okay.

I just want to hear your honest opinion.

I see. I should be able to do at least that. So, when do you need me to taste test for you...?

Well, we have tomorrow off...

So I won't be able to bring them to school until next week.

(But I also have practice with Akito and the others. I'd like him to do this as soon as possible...)

I take it you need me to do this soon?

Y-Yes... If possible...

Yes, but we can't do much about our day off tomorrow...

I know. If you're okay with it, why don't I come over to your house and taste test for you there?

Wait, but... I'm already asking so much of you... Also, I'm sure you're very busy...

I don't mind.

Also, we're not having practice today for our show.

Really...?

Thank you very much.

(But I'll be making them with Miku...

I can't let him see her...)

(Ah, no... I can just...)

Then, would you mind coming over this evening around six? I'll make sure to have them done by that time.

Okay, that's fine with me.

So, I'll see you then after school.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you bake.

Y-Yes, thank you very much.

I'll do my best to not disappoint you.