Alright, thanks for waiting.
Here's your blend.
Thank you very much. I'll have it now.
Your coffee really is delicious, MEIKO...
I feel refreshed already.
I appreciate you saying that.
I heard that you all began taking English lessons. Sounds like quite a challenge...
Yes... We may be feeling a bit fatigued since we're still getting used to it, and we have a lot of assignments to complete.
But we need to do this if we're serious about performing overseas.
Yes, I can see that you're all doing your best.
We are.
Oh, to change the subject...
This blend has a slightly different aroma to it.
Hehe. You noticed? I'm impressed.
I tried making a more soothing blend that will help you all relax after a tough English lesson.
I see...
That certainly explains this mellow taste.
I'm glad I did this since you have a talent for noticing subtle differences in flavor.
Subtle differences in flavor...?
Toya?
Oh, I'm sorry. What you said just reminded me of something...
It happened a few days ago...
Thanks for agreeing to taste-test some of my coffee! I know things have been really busy for you lately.
No, that's not a problem.
If anything, are you sure I'm the right person for this?
You're a Weekend Garage regular and love the coffee here, right? That makes you the perfect person to ask!
Ken gave me his seal of approval, but I don't want to serve anything that isn't top quality...
Mita...
This place also means a lot to me, so I plan on doing everything I can as the interim manager.
So, give me your honest opinion. Don't hold back.
Okay. Then, I'll do that...
This is good...
R-Really?!
Yes, there's a nice balance of sourness and bitterness. I also like the aroma.
This is remarkable, Mita.
You must've practiced quite a lot.
Hehe. I did...!
I'm super relieved to hear you say that.
Now I'm glad that I worked hard to achieve the same flavor as Ken.
The same flavor as Ken...?
Is something wrong?
No, it's just... This coffee is certainly good, and very close to what Ken used to make.
But if someone were to ask me if it's exactly the same, then... I'm sorry, I'm not sure how to put it...
I see... Yeah, you would be able to tell since you're a regular here.
Thanks, Toya!
Would you mind taste-testing for me again after I've had a chance to practice more?
Of course. I'll be happy to help whenever.
I see...
That really happened?
Yes. Mita appears to be working very hard to remain faithful to the recipes Ken taught him.
Then I began wondering why I was able to taste that difference. You could write that off by talking about experience and whatnot, but...
I see...
Then, why don't we put that to the test?
Huh?
Here you are.
Two cups of coffee...?
I'd like for you to try both and tell me which one you prefer.
Understood.
Both are very good...
But I think I prefer this one.
Hehe. I had a feeling.
Actually, both cups of coffee were made using the same beans.
...!
Is that true? They did taste the same overall, but...
This one was brewed with KAITO in mind, and that one is yours.
Every person likes to have their coffee taste a certain way, yes? That's why I brew everyone's coffee differently.
It's incredible how small deviations in water temperature can lead to such varying results.
I see...
I didn't realize you took such fine details into consideration.
(That certainly explains why her coffee is so good.)
(I mean, she brews it specifically with me in mind.)
Does that mean Ken did the same...?
Yes, I'm sure he did.
I see...
(Whether I was taking a break from practice or getting a breath of fresh air, I've always had access to good coffee...)
(I've been able to make it this far because Ken and MEIKO have given me so much kindness and support.)
Thank you very much, MEIKO.
I'll tell Mita about this.
I'm sure he'll find it very helpful.