Never Give Up Cooking!

The next day
Kamiyama High School - School Gate
1
Toya
(I'll be baking cupcakes with Miku today after school...)
2
Toya
(After what happened yesterday, I thought that my plan had completely fallen apart... But I may yet still have hope thanks to Miku.)
3
Toya
(I need to succeed this time.
I'm going to bake some cupcakes that Tsukasa and Saki will really enjoy.)
4
Akito
Hey, Toya.
5
Toya
Ah, Akito, good morning.
6
Akito
You were smiling just now...
Did something good happen to you?
7
Toya
Not quite, but...
8
Akito
Really? And you're gonna bake them yourself...?
9
Akito
I say go for it.
I think it's good that you're trying something new.
10
Toya
Yes, me too.
And I'm hoping they turn out well.
11
Akito
But you don't really like sweets...
How are you gonna know if they're good?
12
Toya
Ah, yes...well...
I'll be able to tell by...
13
Toya
No, you're right...
14
Toya
I don't eat sweets on a regular basis, so there really is no way for me to properly judge how they taste.
15
Toya
Why didn't I realize this sooner...?
16
Akito
Hey, there's no need to beat yourself up over this...
17
Akito
You're making them with Miku, right?
Why don't you just have her taste test them?
18
Toya
Yes, I see.
But...
19
Toya
It would be nice to also hear from an independent adjudicator.
20
Toya
Wait, Akito, I know...!
21
Akito
No, don't get your hopes up. Unfortunately, I have work today after school...
22
Toya
I see...
23
Akito
Sorry, I wish I could find you a replacement...
24
Akito
Uh oh. Homeroom's about to start.
Let's go, Toya.
Lunch break
25
Toya
(I couldn't find a taste tester...)
26
Toya
(I suppose I can ask Len, KAITO or someone else later after school...)
27
???
Hello there. Do have a minute?
28
Toya
Kamishiro!
What are you doing in the first years' corridor...?
29
Rui
I was hoping to speak with you for a bit. Remember that little discussion we had regarding gifts?
30
Toya
Oh, about that... After we spoke, I took your idea and decided to bake some sweets.
31
Toya
I didn't quite succeed yesterday when I tried... But I found someone who can teach me and we'll be remaking them today after school.
32
Rui
That's good to hear. I'm sure Tsukasa and his sister will enjoy your gift. Also, they seem to be looking forward to that dinner party you mentioned very much.
33
Toya
They are?
34
Rui
Yes, I came here to mention that.
I actually met with him earlier today and...
35
Rui
Tsukasa, do you have a minute?
There's something I need to tell you regarding practice for our next show.
36
Tsukasa
Cover the beef in salt and pepper... Add vegetables and let it stew...? Hm? You throw in the herbs with it here? The order for this recipe is a little different from the other one I saw...
37
Tsukasa
Oh, Rui! My apologies! I didn't see you! How long have you been standing there?
38
Rui
Only for a second. Also, what were you mulling over just now?
39
Tsukasa
Ah, we've invited Toya over to our house for a dinner party, and I was just reviewing the recipe for the dish we'll be making...
40
Rui
A dinner party...?
I see. That explains why your brow was so furled.
41
Tsukasa
Indeed! Since Toya will be visiting, we want to make our party as enjoyable as possible!
42
Tsukasa
Speaking of which, Rui, let me hear what you think! I've been trying to decide which of these dishes we should make...
43
Rui
He really couldn't stop talking about you. As such, he's been working very hard to make sure you enjoy yourself.
44
Toya
He has...?
45
Toya
Thank you for telling me this...
Now I feel an even greater incentive to give them something nice.
46
Rui
You're welcome, and I wish you the best of luck. Also, feel free to ask if you think you need any help.
47
Toya
(If I need any help...)
48
Akito
Sorry, I wish I could find you a replacement...
49
Toya
(Maybe I can ask Kamishiro...)
50
Toya
(No, but... He's busy preparing for a show. Asking him to be my taste tester seems...)
51
Rui
Is something the matter, Aoyagi?
52
Toya
Oh, um... So, the thing is...
53
Rui
I see. You need someone to taste your creations...
54
Rui
I'd be more than happy to help.
55
Toya
R-Really?
Are you sure?
56
Rui
Yes, since I was the one who originally suggested that you make some sweets yourself. And did I not just say that you're free to ask me for help?
57
Rui
Still, I'm not exactly a culinary expert myself.
58
Toya
No, that's okay.
I just want to hear your honest opinion.
59
Rui
I see. I should be able to do at least that. So, when do you need me to taste test for you...?
60
Toya
Well, we have tomorrow off...
So I won't be able to bring them to school until next week.
61
Toya
(But I also have practice with Akito and the others. I'd like him to do this as soon as possible...)
62
Rui
I take it you need me to do this soon?
63
Toya
Y-Yes... If possible...
64
Rui
Yes, but we can't do much about our day off tomorrow...
65
Rui
I know. If you're okay with it, why don't I come over to your house and taste test for you there?
66
Toya
Wait, but... I'm already asking so much of you... Also, I'm sure you're very busy...
67
Rui
I don't mind.
Also, we're not having practice today for our show.
68
Toya
Really...?
Thank you very much.
69
Toya
(But I'll be making them with Miku...
I can't let him see her...)
70
Toya
(Ah, no... I can just...)
71
Toya
Then, would you mind coming over this evening around six? I'll make sure to have them done by that time.
72
Rui
Okay, that's fine with me.
73
Rui
So, I'll see you then after school.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you bake.
74
Toya
Y-Yes, thank you very much.
I'll do my best to not disappoint you.
Next Chapter: Bring On The Baking♪