Part 1

Street SEKAI

Crase Cafe

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MEIKO

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Alright, thanks for waiting.
Here's your blend.

Toya

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Thank you very much. I'll have it now.

Toya

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Your coffee really is delicious, MEIKO...
I feel refreshed already.

MEIKO

I appreciate you saying that.

MEIKO

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I heard that you all began taking English lessons. Sounds like quite a challenge...

Toya

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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.

Toya

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But we need to do this if we're serious about performing overseas.

MEIKO

Yes, I can see that you're all doing your best.

Toya

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We are.
Oh, to change the subject...

Toya

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This blend has a slightly different aroma to it.

MEIKO

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Hehe. You noticed? I'm impressed.

MEIKO

I tried making a more soothing blend that will help you all relax after a tough English lesson.

Toya

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I see...
That certainly explains this mellow taste.

MEIKO

I'm glad I did this since you have a talent for noticing subtle differences in flavor.

Toya

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Subtle differences in flavor...?

MEIKO

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Toya?

Toya

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Oh, I'm sorry. What you said just reminded me of something...

Toya

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It happened a few days ago...

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Kotaro

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Thanks for agreeing to taste-test some of my coffee! I know things have been really busy for you lately.

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Toya

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No, that's not a problem.
If anything, are you sure I'm the right person for this?

Kotaro

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You're a Weekend Garage regular and love the coffee here, right? That makes you the perfect person to ask!

Kotaro

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Ken gave me his seal of approval, but I don't want to serve anything that isn't top quality...

Toya

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Mita...

Kotaro

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This place also means a lot to me, so I plan on doing everything I can as the interim manager.

Kotaro

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So, give me your honest opinion. Don't hold back.

Toya

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Okay. Then, I'll do that...

Toya

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This is good...

Kotaro

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R-Really?!

Toya

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Yes, there's a nice balance of sourness and bitterness. I also like the aroma.

Toya

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This is remarkable, Mita.
You must've practiced quite a lot.

Kotaro

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Hehe. I did...!
I'm super relieved to hear you say that.

Kotaro

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Now I'm glad that I worked hard to achieve the same flavor as Ken.

Toya

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The same flavor as Ken...?

Kotaro

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Is something wrong?

Toya

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No, it's just... This coffee is certainly good, and very close to what Ken used to make.

Toya

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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...

Kotaro

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I see... Yeah, you would be able to tell since you're a regular here.

Kotaro

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Thanks, Toya!
Would you mind taste-testing for me again after I've had a chance to practice more?

Toya

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Of course. I'll be happy to help whenever.

MEIKO

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I see...
That really happened?

Toya

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Yes. Mita appears to be working very hard to remain faithful to the recipes Ken taught him.

Toya

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Then I began wondering why I was able to taste that difference. You could write that off by talking about experience and whatnot, but...

MEIKO

I see...

MEIKO

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Then, why don't we put that to the test?

Toya

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Huh?

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MEIKO

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Here you are.

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Toya

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Two cups of coffee...?

MEIKO

I'd like for you to try both and tell me which one you prefer.

Toya

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Understood.

Toya

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Both are very good...
But I think I prefer this one.

MEIKO

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Hehe. I had a feeling.

MEIKO

Actually, both cups of coffee were made using the same beans.

Toya

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...!
Is that true? They did taste the same overall, but...

MEIKO

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This one was brewed with KAITO in mind, and that one is yours.

MEIKO

Every person likes to have their coffee taste a certain way, yes? That's why I brew everyone's coffee differently.

MEIKO

It's incredible how small deviations in water temperature can lead to such varying results.

Toya

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I see...
I didn't realize you took such fine details into consideration.

Toya

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(That certainly explains why her coffee is so good.)

Toya

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(I mean, she brews it specifically with me in mind.)

Toya

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Does that mean Ken did the same...?

MEIKO

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Yes, I'm sure he did.

Toya

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I see...

Toya

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(Whether I was taking a break from practice or getting a breath of fresh air, I've always had access to good coffee...)

Toya

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(I've been able to make it this far because Ken and MEIKO have given me so much kindness and support.)

Toya

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Thank you very much, MEIKO.

Toya

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I'll tell Mita about this.
I'm sure he'll find it very helpful.