It might not be very apparent because ITF chapters have been releasing at a blistering pace, but I have a slight problem with really settling into a groove. I've reached a point where the new chapter is all but done, but there's just one tiny piece that I don't want to do. Also, I keep getting ideas for other things and I want to entertain them before I forget. I have an awful memory and I hate when it happens.

So, behold!

"You look strangely down today. And to think you call yourself a morning person."

Makoto leaned casually on the Leblanc counter top and stared intently at Akira, a small smile on her face as he stared dully into the steam of his cup. Sojiro had taken the day off to spend time with Futaba, so he left the cafe in Akira and, by extension, Makoto's care when she showed up. Anyway. He snorted at the mirth she was taking in his mood, knowing by experience that she was still concerned; the only matter was whether she would double back on her snarking or wait for him to elaborate.

He had just put his coffee down when he had a lapful of his girlfriend, gracefully straddling his leg and cupping his face in her hands. It would seem option A won out.

"Akira?"

He smiled softly and adjusted how he was sitting to make her more comfortable, pushing his coffee cup further into the kitchen counter to avoid spills before bracing one of his hands on her lower back to keep her from falling. "I'm fine. I was just thinking about coffee."

"I was under the impression that was one of your greatest joys in life."

"Yeah, but don't worry. You still top the list."

Akira grinned and brushed the back of his hand against her cheek, absentmindedly brushing his thumb along her skin and drawing a gentle blush out of her. "Are you going to tell me what's actually wrong now?"

He sighed softly, his eyes flicking down to his coffee as he quietly admitted, "I think I'm getting bored of coffee."

A more juvenile part of Makoto's mind suggested a dramatic gasp and a proclamation of 'no', but she quickly quashed the thought in lieu of her overpowering worry. "How so?"

"You know that feeling you get when you know how food you made is going to taste? Gets kinda boring?"

Makoto frowned slightly as memories of stifling nights at the dinner table flitted through her mind. "...All too well."

"I guess you could say that's the problem."

Makoto, rather than speak, simply planted a light kiss on his forehead, lazily draping her arms around his shoulders as he pulled her closer for a hug. After a moment of deliberation, she piped up again. "Let me try."

"Huh?"

"Let me make you some coffee...?"

What seemed to be a statement came out as more of a question, and Akira could immediately see why; she had taken his confusion as revulsion to her offer. He quickly remedied the situation by standing from his seat and gently pulling her into the kitchen. With a smile, he wiped imaginary tears from his eye, muttering, "It's like a dream come true."

Makoto laughed softly at his theatrics, playfully pushing his shoulder to urge him to get whatever utensils she needed. Akira composed himself quickly, switching to the middle ground between himself and Joker; she affectionately thought of the state as Barista Mode - although she would never tell anyone that. He was just putting on an apron in a very business-like manner when she asked, "How should I measure the water?"

"Ounces. Put this on."

Makoto took the spare apron from him without batting an eye, throwing it on and willfully trying to ignore the scent of coffee beans. "And the coffee?"

"I use tablespoons. We have to grind the beans first, though."

"Okay. I recall you giving me a lecture about that."

"Mhm. You fell asleep though."

Makoto blushed and looked away, fumbling for words until Akira brushed his knuckles against hers. He offered a small, yet subtly teasing smile and motioned to the coffee beans he's selected. "Boss insisted on using the medium-fine grind when I started out. That's as good a starting point as any. Now, I can show you how to use the grinder, but..."

Akira trailed off, blinking at Makoto and not holding back a grin at the look in her eye. "...but you look like you'd rather try it yourself."

He stepped back from the grinder after supplying the beans, plucking a kettle out of a cabinet and glancing over his shoulder. "I'll start the water. Let me know if you're having trouble."

Makoto set to work grinding the beans, zoning out as she settled into a comfortable rhythm and the kettle began to heat up. "Careful not to overdo it there, Niijima-senpai."

"I understand-...what?"

She looked at Akira, bemused. "Just checking if you were paying attention."

He chuckled softly to himself and shook his head. "Now, Boss is very specific about the ratio of coffee to water. You'll want to use about six ounces of water per tablespoon or two of coffee."

"The Golden Ratio, hm. I remember reading about that online once or twice."

She stared at the happy look on Akira's face and quickly added, "For my own reasons, of course."

"Uh-huh. Anyway, yes, that's exactly what it is."

"I think I've got it from here."

"Oh?"

True to her word, Makoto took what she needed to the coffee drip Akira has set up, a mug sitting under it and ready to go. She readied the filter, carefully rinsing it to lose any residue, poured the freshly ground coffee into it. "Okay…"

Akira smiled and took off his apron; Makoto knew exactly what she was doing now. He went around to the customer's side and took a seat in front of her. She had taken the kettle from the stove and was steadily pouring water into the drip, the smell of coffee gently wafting into the air. "You're doing great."

Makoto only met his eyes for a second - she needed to focus on the water, after all - but the look she gave him made it clear that she appreciated his words. "And that...should do it."

She removed the drip and started cleaning up, another thing that made him smile with admiration, before remembering herself and pushing the mug towards him. "Here, um...here you go."

Makoto knotted her hands in the apron, something she was sure was going to get her lectured later. That was the furthest thing in her mind; what mattered now was Akira. He gently blew on the steaming coffee and brought the mug to his lips. He didn't waste any time keeping her in suspense, contrary to what she was expecting. Instead, he set down the mug and grinned happily, eyes twinkling as he spoke. "Top marks. Flavor profile's leagues above when I first made Leblanc coffee."

Makoto looked down with her eyes closed and a relieved smile on her face - victory. She enjoyed the moment and opened her eyes again, looking up to see Akira, leaning on the counter with a elbow. Judging by the look on his face, he wasn't going to tease her; rather, he simply looked happy that she was happy. "That's good to hear."

Akira took another sip and set the cup down, raising his hand to beckon her as if whatever he had to say needed to stay a secret. She leaned across the counter, having some inkling of what he was going to do. He stood up and leaned in too, pressing a kiss to her cheek. When he noticed she looked surprised, he grinned and tousled her hair gently. Before she could open her mouth again, he stole another kiss, a real one this time - what she was waiting for. The taste of coffee on his tongue was even stronger than usual, throwing her thoughts into a jumble as a pleasant warmth rose in her chest. Akira seemed to catch himself before he went any further, pulling away with a low chuckle and murmuring, "Definitely tastes better than usual."

"I-I see."

They shared a light, bashful laugh as he sat back down, inviting Makoto to sit next to him as she helped herself to some of the brew. And so passed another comfortable morning.

Do you know that feeling when you start to get tired of your own cooking? I do. Maybe I just suck at it.

I am not ashamed to admit I hastily looked up the details of brewing coffee. Despite being actually quite fascinating, it's easy enough to see that I don't know a lot about it.

Still hope you enjoyed. What do you think of the new title? I like it a lot better than some rehash of After Hours' title.

EDIT: So, lots of announcements, many of them related to dancing. And Etrian Odyssey. Still no Arena, though, hm…

EDIT#2: This was in the vault for a while, so...still no Arena announcement, though.

Hmm…

Thanks for reading. Stay safe out there.