Part 1
Street SEKAI
Crase Cafe
MEIKO
Alright, thanks for waiting.
Here's your blend.
Here's your blend.
Toya
Thank you very much. I'll have it now.
Toya
Your coffee really is delicious, MEIKO...
I feel refreshed already.
I feel refreshed already.
MEIKO
I appreciate you saying that.
MEIKO
I heard that you all began taking English lessons. Sounds like quite a challenge...
Toya
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
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
We are.
Oh, to change the subject...
Oh, to change the subject...
Toya
This blend has a slightly different aroma to it.
MEIKO
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
I see...
That certainly explains this mellow taste.
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
Subtle differences in flavor...?
MEIKO
Toya?
Toya
Oh, I'm sorry. What you said just reminded me of something...
Toya
It happened a few days ago...
Kotaro
Thanks for agreeing to taste-test some of my coffee! I know things have been really busy for you lately.
Toya
No, that's not a problem.
If anything, are you sure I'm the right person for this?
If anything, are you sure I'm the right person for this?
Kotaro
You're a Weekend Garage regular and love the coffee here, right? That makes you the perfect person to ask!
Kotaro
Ken gave me his seal of approval, but I don't want to serve anything that isn't top quality...
Toya
Mita...
Kotaro
This place also means a lot to me, so I plan on doing everything I can as the interim manager.
Kotaro
So, give me your honest opinion. Don't hold back.
Toya
Okay. Then, I'll do that...
Toya
This is good...
Kotaro
R-Really?!
Toya
Yes, there's a nice balance of sourness and bitterness. I also like the aroma.
Toya
This is remarkable, Mita.
You must've practiced quite a lot.
You must've practiced quite a lot.
Kotaro
Hehe. I did...!
I'm super relieved to hear you say that.
I'm super relieved to hear you say that.
Kotaro
Now I'm glad that I worked hard to achieve the same flavor as Ken.
Toya
The same flavor as Ken...?
Kotaro
Is something wrong?
Toya
No, it's just... This coffee is certainly good, and very close to what Ken used to make.
Toya
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
I see... Yeah, you would be able to tell since you're a regular here.
Kotaro
Thanks, Toya!
Would you mind taste-testing for me again after I've had a chance to practice more?
Would you mind taste-testing for me again after I've had a chance to practice more?
Toya
Of course. I'll be happy to help whenever.
MEIKO
I see...
That really happened?
That really happened?
Toya
Yes. Mita appears to be working very hard to remain faithful to the recipes Ken taught him.
Toya
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
Then, why don't we put that to the test?
Toya
Huh?
MEIKO
Here you are.
Toya
Two cups of coffee...?
MEIKO
I'd like for you to try both and tell me which one you prefer.
Toya
Understood.
Toya
Both are very good...
But I think I prefer this one.
But I think I prefer this one.
MEIKO
Hehe. I had a feeling.
MEIKO
Actually, both cups of coffee were made using the same beans.
Toya
...!
Is that true? They did taste the same overall, but...
Is that true? They did taste the same overall, but...
MEIKO
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
I see...
I didn't realize you took such fine details into consideration.
I didn't realize you took such fine details into consideration.
Toya
(That certainly explains why her coffee is so good.)
Toya
(I mean, she brews it specifically with me in mind.)
Toya
Does that mean Ken did the same...?
MEIKO
Yes, I'm sure he did.
Toya
I see...
Toya
(Whether I was taking a break from practice or getting a breath of fresh air, I've always had access to good coffee...)
Toya
(I've been able to make it this far because Ken and MEIKO have given me so much kindness and support.)
Toya
Thank you very much, MEIKO.
Toya
I'll tell Mita about this.
I'm sure he'll find it very helpful.
I'm sure he'll find it very helpful.