(What color should I make my next one...?)

(The one I made for Saki has a cheerful color and fragrance to it... Shiho's is next, so maybe something more subdued would work best.)

(As for Honami... Hmm...
I could just ask her what she'd like since she's right here... But I'd rather give one to her without doing that.)

(I have a feeling that she'll enjoy it more if I keep it a surprise.)

Oh, that reminds me. We can also make ones with flowers in them once you think you've gotten the hang of things.

Oh, that's right. You bought some dried flowers earlier...

Yes, they're called botanical candles. And there's no need to worry since they're also fairly easy to make.

First, once we have finished scented candles like the ones we just made, we'll place them in a slightly larger mold.

That adds some space in between the candle and the mold, which you can fill with whatever flowers you like. After that, you'll pour in more wax...

And it'll be done once it hardens.

Oh, is that how they made all those pretty candles at the store...?

It definitely seems much more doable after hearing how you can make them.

(It sounds a little more difficult to make compared to a regular scented candle, but I'd like to give it a try...)

(Oh, while I'm at it, I should make candles with flowers that represent Saki, Shiho, Honami, Miku and the others...)

(Saki would be... Mimosas...?
Statices could work for Shiho since they have this quiet and kind feel to them.)

(What should I do for Honami, Miku and the others...?)

You seem to be really enjoying this, Hoshino...

Huh? R-Really?

Yes, you seemed very happy just now. May I ask what you were thinking about?

Oh, um... I was thinking about everyone who'd be receiving my candles, as well as which colors and flowers would suit them best...

Oh, I've been thinking about that too. I've been trying to figure out which colors and fragrances would match them best...

Yeah, me too...
I can't really make them like the ones they had in the store, but I'd like to make candles that put smiles on all their faces.

You two were thinking about the same thing...? Is it normal for people to give their gifts this much thought when they're making them by hand...?

Hehe. I wouldn't be surprised.

(Oh, right...)

(Honami always brings snacks and treats for us during practice...)

(Which means she's probably thinking about us when making them.)

Honami...
I'm really glad that I decided to make these myself today.

What?

I mean... You've helped me understand how wonderful and important it is to think about who'll be receiving a gift while making it...

I finally understand how much thought goes into anything that's homemade.

So, Honami, thank you...
I really appreciate you being our teacher today and everything you've made for us up until this point.

Ichika...

Wait, um...! I always appreciate it when you do make something for us! It's just... Making something myself like this has given me a better understanding of what goes through your mind...

Imagining is one thing, but you really can gain a lot when you learn by doing.

Hehe. You may be right...

Oh, the wax has already hardened...
These are the last ones we made, so...

So... That's all of them.

Nice work, everyone! I was very impressed towards the end since you all were able to make them on your own...!

No, Ms. Mochizuki, we couldn't have done this without you. Thank you very much for teaching us how to make these...

Oh... Hehe. You're very welcome.

...

Is something the matter, Kusanagi...?

Huh? Oh, um... It's nothing serious, but...

It's just...
We didn't make any candles for each other.

Oh, you're right...
I didn't make any for you...

Me neither...

However, while we're here, I'd like to make some scented candles for all of you.

Then, why don't we finish by each making one last candle...?

Just one?

Yes, since making some for all of us right now would be very difficult...

Instead, let's each make one and pass them around as gifts to one another. How does that sound...?

Yeah, okay...! Nice idea. I'd like to try that. Kusanagi, Kanade, what do you two think?

Hehe. Then, let's keep making more scented candles for a little bit longer.

They all seem to have hardened...

Yes, I just checked by touching mine... I think they're ready.

Then, let's remove them from the molds... Okay, they seem good.

Oh, that reminds me... How do you want to gift these to each other? Should we wrap them first?

We don't have enough bags for the people here...
So, how about we just give them to each other as is...?

That seems a little odd if I'm going to be honest, but I guess we don't have much of a choice...

Hehe. I actually like that idea.
You don't get many opportunities to give someone a gift right after you finish making it.

True. Then, um... Mine will go to you, Hoshino. You'll give yours to Yoisaki, and...

I'll give mine to Ms. Mochizuki, and she'll give hers to you, Kusanagi.

Okay... I know it's a little early, but Happy Valentine's Day!

Here you are, Hoshino!

Thank you! Oh, it already smells really nice. I'd like to light it as soon as I can.

Happy Valentine's Day, Ms. Mochizuki.
I really appreciate all the cleaning and cooking you do. I've been able to live with more ease thanks to you.

Hehe. Thank you very much.
I also really enjoy working at your house, Ms. Yoisaki.

Exchanging gifts like this is making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...

Hehe. Me too.
And as much as I want this to last, I'm really looking forward to using it...

Oh, then... Why don't we light it now?

Wait, now? Are you sure...?

Hehe. I see no problem with that.

Okay...
Then, Kusanagi, could I try lighting the candle you gave me?

O-Okay...
I hope it works...

Alright, let's light it.

Oh, wait.
It'll look prettier if it's dark, so I'll turn off the lights.

Thanks.
Then, here we go...

Oh wow...!

I like how the little flame gently dances in the darkness...

Yeah, I'm starting to see why looking at them can help you relax...

And this fragrance... It's so soothing.

Yes, it is. It's gentle like...lavender...?

(There's no way for me to tell what Kusanagi was thinking when she chose this fragrance, but...)

It smells so nice...

Hehe... Looking at it in the darkness like this gives it such a mystical feel.

Yeah...
I didn't realize that a candle's flame could be so beautiful.

I'm a little moved by it too...
Especially since I made it myself.

Yeah... Thank you for making me such a beautiful scented candle, Kusanagi.

It's hard for me to put into words... But it's like I can feel your kindness emanating from it.

S-Stop, that's really embarrassing...
Still, I'm glad you like it so much.

Um... To be honest...
I was pretty nervous throughout the day...

Oh, you were?

Y-Yes. I hadn't spoken to Mochizuki in a long time, and I didn't know anything about you, Yoisaki...

So, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep any conversations going with either of you.

But you two are so nice that I felt completely fine before I realized it...

So, thank you for today...
I feel good about doing this because of you.

I'm also glad that I got to meet you today, Kusanagi...

I feel the same way. I hope we get another chance to do something like this together.

Anyway, let's finish by blowing out the flames on the candle.

All together?

Yes. We can blow on it at the same time.

Wait, why...? Oh, actually...
That could be fun. It'd be like a birthday party.

Hehe. You're right.
Then, shall we?

Okay... Ready? One, two...