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Season: Summer
Writer: Haruka Kanata
Characters: Arashi, Ritsu, Niki, Hiiro
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Ritsu: Uu~... It's hot~, I'm bored~, Nacchan, do something~
Arashi: Alright. Here you go, I'll lend you this handheld fan. This should be able to make even Ritsu-chan cool down.
Though I have to admit it really is hot today…
I get that we're doing more photoshoots outside since it's summer and all, but the sunlight is so strong it's making me worried for my skin.
I made sure to apply my makeup before coming here, but my sweat will ruin it for sure. I hate this…
Ritsu: Ugh~... I can't move another step. Hey, Nacchan, let's find somewhere to take a break.
Arashi: Good idea. It just so happens we're right outside of Cinnamon, so let's get ourselves a cold drink to cool down.
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Arashi: Excuse me~. Could we place an order?
Hiiro: Yup. What would the two of you like?
Arashi: Oh my? If I remember correctly, you're a member of Alkaloid, right?
What are you doing here? Did you start working part-time or something?
Niki: Hey heeey! Little brother-san, what do you think you're doing!?
You're not employed here, you'll just cause trouble if you start acting on your own accord like this!
Hiiro: There's no need to worry, Shiina-san. I've learned how to calculate money properly, after all.
Niki: And how exactly do you plan on calculating that? You don't even know our prices.
Hiiro: Hm. You're exactly right. I'll reflect on that, Shiina-san.
Ritsu: …Seems like he isn't working part-time after all.
Hiiro: Indeed. I apologize for causing a misunderstanding. I was trying to investigate what types of drinks customers tend to order when it's this hot outside.
Arashi: Oh my, seems you had a good reason all along.
Why are you investigating something like that, though, Hiiro-chan?
Niki: Ah, I think that might be my fault actually.
You see, with the late summer heat is worse than expected, I was planning on developing some refreshing cold drinks to sell instead of the fall-themed products I had prepared.
I was struggling to think of what to make, and ended up asking little brother-san for help since we’re roommates.
He said he wanted to help me out, but I never expected he would try to help out at the cafe like this…
The way his actions have no pattern and rely completely on instinct sometimes is a strict reminder that he really is related to Rinne-kun, though they’re often completely different.
Hiiro: I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to cause trouble for Shiina-san.
Niki: As long as you reflect on it, it’s perfectly fine. The way you’re able to obediently take criticism and reflect on yourself is a good trait that Rinne-kun lacks ♪
Ritsu: I see~. Okay, now we know why this mysterious new part-time worker made his appearance, but-
Did you ever end up deciding on what kind of drink you want to make?
Niki: Ah~, we’re still not even close.
The only requirement is that I want it to be the kind of drink that can completely blow away this stubborn summer heat.
Ritsu: Blow away the heat, huh~. If that’s what you’re after, wouldn’t something carbonated be perfect?
I think that would make you feel refreshed in no time at all.
Arashi: Ritsu-chan is all about sodas, after all~. But you’re right in that when it gets this hot, you can’t help but start craving something carbonated, really.
Like lemon squash, for example. That would be absolutely delicious right about now, actually.
Niki: Ah~, lemon squash, huh. That really does feel a lot like summer.
Arashi: Right? Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is good for staying beautiful. They also help you recover from fatigue and improve your immune system, so it might be perfect to prevent heatstroke.
Hiiro: Umu. I really like lemons too.
Many cafes offer free lemon water during summer time. I think I’d be satisfied just with that.
Niki: It would be a huge inconvenience for the cafes if customers were satisfied just by some water, though~...
Hiiro: Of course I would never sit down at a cafe just for a free cup of water, don’t worry.
Aira also warned me not to do that. I made sure to remember.
Niki: That’s a relief. But lemon squash might really be the perfect drink~
We would be able to change the texture or flavor of the drink quite a bit just by changing up the spices, after all…
Ritsu: …Since we’re at it already, why don’t you create something for us to taste test?
And then you can take the winning lemon squash and start selling that.
Niki: Ah~, that’s a great idea! I just thought of a bunch of flavors I want to try too.
Lemme just go ask the manager for permission before preparing the drinks. Just wait a little bit for me, everyone!
Ritsu: I’m looking forward to being served some delicious lemon squash~
Arashi: …How strategic, Ritsu-chan. With this, we can save money on the drinks, right?
Ritsu: Now, what exactly are you referring to~? ♪
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Niki: I’m back. Little brother-san, thank you for helping me carry all this!
Hiiro: There’s no need to thank me, Shiina-san. I want to help to pay you back for all the trouble I’ve caused you.
Arashi: Wow, you sure made a lot, didn’t you?
Ritsu: This feels like an open bar. What kinds of flavors are there?
Niki: This one’s got a bit of a bitter taste. It should be suited to adults.
And this one over here has nutmeg and stuff in it, so it has a bit of a spicy aftertaste.
And for this last one I used a somewhat rare spice, so I think you’ll enjoy a very refreshing taste from that one.
Arashi: Well then, I’ll have a taste of this spicy one.
Ritsu: Then I’ll drink the one you said had an adult taste to it.
Niki: How is it? Don’t hold back, hit me with your real opinions.
Arashi: N~... This lemon squash tastes more of grapefruit than lemon, doesn’t it?
It tastes very good as-is, but I don’t know if it counts as a good lemon squash.
Niki: I see. Lemme have another taste too.
N~. I think the mint I added might be interfering with the flavor I was aiming for.
Ritsu: This feels like we’re working on product development. You might not even need my help, then.
Arashi: Don’t say that, Ritsu-chan. How was that lemon squash?
Ritsu: It’s as good as expected. It goes swish-swish and crack-crack in my mouth.
Well, personally I would prefer a sweeter taste. But that’s probably just my preference.
Hiiro: This one had lots of lemon slices added into it, which makes it delicious. Could we add even more slices?
Niki: Nahaha. Little brother-san wasn’t lying about really liking lemons, huh.
Arashi: N~, I could make lots of comments about the various flavors, but I don’t know if I could say which one tastes the best…
But since we’ve been spoiled so much today, I would feel bad for Shiina-senpai if we gave a half-hearted review. Isn’t that right, Ritsu-chan?
Ritsu: Well, you’re right. I never expected we would get to taste-test so many flavors.
This was my suggestion and all, so I have to go all-out to fulfill my end of the bargain.
Arashi: I’m so glad you feel the same way I do, Ritsu-chan. Well then, once again, let’s work hard to find the most special drink that will blow away this summer heat.
I’m sure if we all work hard at trial and error together, we can find the most deliciously refreshing flavor ♪
-End-
