Aoyagi Household - Kitchen
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Toya
They're bright blue... I'm not sure they should be this color... Also, some of them appear to have burst somehow...
Miku
<I agree that they may've sort of fallen apart, but it also means they rose much better compared to last time, no?>
Toya
(Still, I got a completely different result compared to last time when I made them on my own...)
Toya
(As unfortunate as it is that sort of fell apart, but Miku may be right about them tasting better...)
Toya
Okay... Then, I'll have Kamishiro try these. He also seemed to be looking forward to tasting them.
Aoyagi Household - Living Room
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Sound Effect: Play
Toya
I-I'm sorry. I know they're not all that appealing visually... But I'm sure they taste fine...
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Rui
(The color alone is making my eyes spin... They're bright blue and purple... And the rainbow sprinkles are making me want to eat them even less...)
Rui
(Not only that, the tops of these cupcakes look like they've somehow spilled over. They must've risen far too much while in the oven...)
Rui
(My mind doesn't seem to recognize these as food... So much so that my appetite from before has completely gone.)
Rui
(But I can't tell how they taste with my eyes. I'll just have to hope that they taste okay...)
Sound Effect: Play
Rui
(This sandy texture... It's spreading throughout my mouth... What is this? Sugar? Did it not melt properly or something...?)
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Rui
(But it isn't just sweet...
It's like I'm drinking medicine here and there... It's so bitter...)
It's like I'm drinking medicine here and there... It's so bitter...)
Rui
(And some spots on the surface are rock hard, while others are too soft... This is hardly what I'd call a good texture...)
Rui
(I think I can stomach it, but I'd strongly refrain from giving these to someone as a gift...)
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Rui
Yes, they had an interesting taste...
But there's no need to feel so down since you're just learning how to bake.
But there's no need to feel so down since you're just learning how to bake.
Toya
Even if I were to get a little better by practicing, I probably wouldn't be able to make anything good in time for the dinner party...
Rui
Above all else, Tsukasa and Saki...
Between your most recent efforts and what you've said, I can tell that you wish to see them smile very much.
Between your most recent efforts and what you've said, I can tell that you wish to see them smile very much.
Rui
So, if you give up now and choose to give them something else, I believe you'll regret not seeing this through until the end.
Rui
(He's feeling worse about this than I initially thought... I suppose there isn't much I can do about that since this is his second time failing...)
Sound Effect: Play
Tsukasa
The truth is, I never really saw Toya smile all that much back then. He always seemed preoccupied...
Tsukasa
He's changed quite a bit since then, but as an older brother figure, I'd like to see him smile more.
Rui
(He wants him to smile more... I may not feel as strongly about that as Tsukasa, but I too would like to see him smile...)
Rui
Come to think of it, you seem to hold Tsukasa in very high regard. You've also known him and Saki since you were all little, yes...?
Rui
I thought it would help take your mind off things for a bit. Talking for a moment may help cheer you up, no?
Toya
I may've mentioned this before, but I first met the Tenmas because our respective parents are friends with each other.
Sound Effect: Play
Toya
My dad is a renowned classical musician, and he made me study classical music from a very young age...
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Toya
Because of that, I had few opportunities to play with friends or go over to their house...
Toya
As a result, when I was first asked to stay over at someone else's house, I was very scared...
Toya
However, as I played with Tsukasa, that fear slowly evaporated... In time, I'd begin to look forward to going over to his house.
Rui
I see... So being able to spend time with Tsukasa meant quite a lot to the little version of you.
Rui
Also, Saki didn't appear in your story. Can you tell me more about how you spent time with her...?
Toya
Yes. Saki got sick very often when she was little, so she wasn't always there whenever I went over to visit...
Sound Effect: Play
Little Tsukasa
Then, I'm going to turn Toya's frown upside down by doing a show for him! You too, Saki!
Toya
Before I knew it, I became so entranced by Tsukasa's performance that I couldn't help but smile.
Toya
(I guess that's never going to change...
The time we all spent together... It'll always be a source of encouragement for me.)
The time we all spent together... It'll always be a source of encouragement for me.)
Toya
I'm going to give this another try tomorrow. I vow to succeed and bake some delicious cupcakes that they're genuinely going to enjoy.
Rui
Then, I'd like to try them when they're done. I'll taste test for you as much as you need.
Next Chapter: Never Give Up!