3rd Tray – Cherry & Cinnamon Tartlets + Rose Tea
Clad in his black boots and carrying a box of ingredients with a stoic expression, Lin enters Uwagusuri via the back door. Naru had contacted Lin earlier for a fresh set of ingredients and also informed him that Mai would be late hence Lin is allowed to enter the store via the back door without seeking permission.
As he enters and leaves the non-perishable ingredients at their designated place, Lin takes his time to await his next step by taking a seat at his usual spot. The store has yet to begin their opening hours, allowing Lin to enjoy the tranquillity of silence in the store. That is, until Mai arrives and makes her presence known by singing an embarrassing song.
"Forever a promise—" Mai stops in her track as she notices a presence at the corner of the store.
When Mai turns and notices Lin, her expression changes from embarrassed (due to her singing) to delight. With a spring in her step, Mai approaches Lin. Lin merely nods to show his acknowledgement of her greeting him.
"Lin-san! I am glad you are here. I would like you to try something," says Mai without hearing Lin's reply before walking off.
Used to her antics, Lin quietly continues watching out the window and began to look back on how he did not fancy Mai being hired at the store from the start.
As Lin had seen been there for Eugene and (mostly) Naru ever since they were young, Lin was protective of the two despite not looking like it. Lin may have been hired to protect the twins but he thinks of them preciously and would willingly go to wherever they are in order to do so. This is especially true in Naru's case. Naru had always been physically weaker than Eugene and more withdrawn, not speaking unless absolutely necessary. Thus, Lin was initially against Naru moving to Japan to open a store on his own. After earning the Davis couple's permission, Lin chose to follow Naru.
Due to the complexity of setting up his own company to provide the ingredients to Naru's store and stabilising it, Lin took longer to settle in. By then, the renovation for Uwagusuri was completed.
Knowing Naru's personality, Lin was not worried about the young man hiring questionable untrained staff and left him alone during the month before the store opened. Therefore, he was very wary and confused as to why Mai was hired. Lin initially believed that Naru let her stay because she would eventually leave but as time passes, Lin began noticing that Naru was changing – especially around Mai. Naru talked more (although most were originally sarcasm or insults), he was more considerate of others' feelings and he would even smile more often than not. Lin starts to observe the two more and came to know that Mai is a very compassionate and understanding person. She is willing to try and also admit her mistakes. That is how Lin came to the conclusion that Mai changed Naru for the better and it is heart-warming to see it.
Lin's reminiscing was cut when Mai places a tray on his table. A clear teapot displaying a bright shade of pink was settled on the tray. Mai carefully pours the tea into a cup for Line and there was a whiff of fragrant. A plate of cherry cinnamon tartlet was also present on the tray.
Lin questions Mai, "What tea is this?"
"It's rose tea!" Mai answers excitedly.
It was her first time trying to brew rose tea and Mai wanted it to be a success. She decided to make it for Lin first before letting Naru taste, to gain some insights. Mai knew that Lin had looked stern and treated her brashly at first because she seemed sort of suspicious.
"Rose tea shouldn't be having this bright pink shade. Did you add something?"
Mai gasp and replies, "I added some hibiscus tea."
Lin was impressed that Mai had even known to add the other tea to bring out the colour. He gave a brief smile before sipping on the tea. Satisfied with the taste, Lin nods his head and Mai beams. Mai thanked Lin before heading to Naru and urging him to come out to taste the tea. Naru begrudgingly steps out of his lair while Mai went to retrieve another set of cups for Naru and herself.
Naru took a seat across Lin and saw what Mai had prepared.
"Hibiscus tea," Naru mutters, just as Mai arrives with the cups.
Mai was not surprised that Naru knew what she had added.
He IS a tea addict…
The three of them silently enjoyed the tea until John arrives and Lin had to leave. That is how a fairly normal morning went by at Uwagusuri.
+++End of 3rd Tray+++
(Short extra)
"Please tell us your reason for supporting Mai and Naru?"
Lin: She complements Noll well. Also, anyone who makes great tea is necessary for him.
"Is there any episode of Naru that you want to share?"
Lin: … There was once where Noll had sent me a message and then deleted it afterwards.
"Ouhhh, did you manage to read it before it was deleted? If so, what was it?"
Lin: I saw it on the notification bar. He was asking me if Mai would prefer a gem that she likes or her birthstone. If he had not deleted it, I would have told him to go on a date with Mai to pick the ring out together instead of mulling over it.
"Why did you think it was for a ring?"
Lin: He already gave her a necklace and Mai doesn't really wear earrings.
/
"So, did you get her a ring with a gem that Mai likes or her birthstone?"
Naru: … who said I was buying a ring for Mai?
Mai: !? a ring? For me?
Naru: Why are you here? This is my corner.
Mai: But I heard my name! So, what ring?
Naru: … there is no such thing. Now, get back to work.
Mai: ehhhh!
/ / /
..um… a super short and belated chapter because I had been really busy with work right after starting this :,)
I'll try to upload at least 1 chapter per week!
Hope all of you stay safe and be healthy!
Do leave a review if you have the time, Thank you!