Hmm... My stomach won't stop grumbling. I was so close to figuring out what I want to do for our next song too...

Oh, I almost forgot... Ms. Mochizuki made me some extra food that I just need to heat up.

I can keep working while I eat that.

...

(She cooks, cleans, brews tea and brings flowers for me... It almost feels like I'm being waited on hand and foot...)

(She's even been saying that it's all a part of her job, and she's technically right...)

But I want to show her my appreciation somehow.

Oh, I know.

Hello, Ms. Yoisaki!

Your housekeeper's here!

Hello, Ms. Mochizuki.

Thank you for coming again today.

It's my pleasure! I'll start by cleaning as usual. Is there anything you'd like to eat today?

Now that you mention it... That stew you made the other day was really good, so I'd like to have that again.

I'm glad you liked it so much!

That means I'll have to find a way to make it taste even better this time!

Thank you. Oh, I also have another request...

Yes, how can I help you?

Um... If you don't mind, could you brew the tea a little later than usual?

(Oh, that must be the stew. It smells so nice...)

(As excited as I am about her stew, I'm worried about what comes after that...)

(I should probably review what I need to do...)

Ms. Yoisaki, your food's ready.

O-Oh, okay. I'll be right there.

That was delicious...

You're very welcome. Again, I'm glad you like it so much.

You genuinely seem to enjoy having it each time, which makes me really happy.

W-Was I smiling too much or something...?

No, it's not quite that.

I've been getting a little better at understanding how you feel based on your body language.

I see.

I didn't realize I was such an open book.

Hehe. Also, you mentioned that you wanted to put off tea until a little later...

Oh, about that...

I'd like to brew it myself today.

What? Are you sure, Ms. Yoisaki?

Yes, I want to give back to you somehow since you're always here to make me this delicious food.

But this is about the only thing I could come up with regards to what I can actually do for you...

So please, let me brew some tea for you today.

Ms. Yoisaki...

Understood. In that case, I'd love some.

Okay, I'll get everything ready now.

First... Get the kettle boiling...

While that goes, get the tea leaves and pot ready...

Oh, I only have the tea you brought me, Ms. Mochizuki, but what kind of tea would you like...?

I'd like some... Earl Grey.

Okay.

Next... Oh, right, I need to warm up the cups, but I'm still waiting for the kettle to boil... I know. I can just add some extra water right now and...

...

(Should I tell her that it's okay to use the water from the kettle before it boils...?)

Now, the tea leaves... One scoop... Two... Three...

(Oh no...!)

(H-Her scoops are too big...!

B-But this is Earl Grey... It should taste just right by adding in some milk...)

Oh, the kettle's boiling.

I need to warm up the cups...

Hot...!

A-Are you okay?!

Yes, I was caught a little off guard when some boiled over.

All that's left is to pour it into the pot and wait for it to steep.

Now to serve them with the cups and...

Huh...? This looks darker compared to when you make this, Ms. Mochizuki...

(J-Just as I feared...)

Wait... I can balance that out with a little more water...

M-Ms. Yoisaki!

Why don't we have some milk tea this time?

Huh?

Earl Grey and milk go very well together, so I recommend using that instead of hot water.

I see.

Thank you. I'll do just that.

Phew... Here you are, Ms. Mochizuki.

Oh, that smells nice.

Without further ado...

Yes, let's have a taste.

Oh... It's been a while since I last had milk tea, but it's sweet in a very gentle way.

Hehe. There's nothing wrong with adding sugar, but it's much more subtle when prepared this way.

Still, you're much better at this than I am. Your tea always tastes and smells so much nicer, Ms. Mochizuki.

I really appreciate your kind words, but this is actually very good.

After all, Ms. Yoisaki, this is your way of thanking me, no?

I can taste your kindness and warmth with each drop.

You can? Thank goodness...

Yes, so thank you very much for this wonderful gift.

You're welcome.

And again, Ms. Mochizuki...

Thank you for always making such incredible food for me. I'm really looking forward to having more.

Yes, of course! I'll be looking forward to that as well.