Anon Chihaya and Taki Shiina

Hey, Rikki! Got a sec~?

What... Another order?

Rikki, make me something like this!

Latte art...?

Yeah~! Isn't it cute?

We don't do that here.

Aww~! But the cafe isn't even busy right now! Come on, just this once~!

That's not the point. We can't serve anything that isn't on the menu, and I won't.

Rikki, you're so stingy~!

This isn't about being stingy. If you're not here to order, I'm getting back to work.

Excuse me~!

*Sigh*...

What is it this time?

One cafe latte, please!

One cafe latte. Iced or hot?

Hot! And then...

Latte art, please!!

*Sigh*... I already told you, I'm not doing that.

Aww, how can you say no when it's this cute~?

That's not the point.

Oh, wait, maybe this one's too hard? Then... could you do this one?

You really don't give up, do you? And this isn't about if it's easy or hard.

It's okay, I know you can do it, Rikki! I can even look up a how-to video for you!

If you're going to do all that, why don't you just do it yourself?

But the whole point is having the Café staff make it for you! Look, look! They can do cute animals too~!

Whatever. If you don't actually order something next time...

Oh...

Rikki, did you find one you like?! Oh... This penguin one?

Not really...

Wait...! Tomorin would totally like this kind of thing too, right~?

Huh!?

If you made one for her as a surprise sometime, she'd be so happy~?

You...!

But it might not turn out well on the first try. Maybe you should practice first~?

...

You can just take my order as practice~ Sooo? Want to give it a try?

Fine...

If you keep this up, you're going to hold up business. And I'm just giving it a try, so don't complain if it looks bad.

I won't, I won't! That's our Rikki! You get it~!

Sorry for the wait.

Whoa! This is actually pretty good! Is this really your first try?

Why would I lie about that?

But... this isn't good enough for Tomori. I need more practice.

That's our Rikki. So strict with yourself...!

Aww, but I'm happy anyway! Thanks, Rikki!

Well, I've got work to do. So... take your time.

Make sure each note in that part comes through clearly. Otherwise, the hits won't land.

I know, I know~! Rikki, you're such a demon! A total drill sergeant!

I'm not a demon or a drill sergeant. If you're serious about being in a band, this much is expected.

I mean, sure, but~!

But can't you compliment me once in a while? I'm practicing so hard I'm even giving up my break for this~!

If you want praise, play something worth praising.

If it were that easy, I would have done it already! Besides, I'm the type that improves with praise, you know?

Actually, what about you, Rikki?

What about me?

Don't you ever think, "I wish someone would praise me~!"?

Not really. I know my own skill better than anyone.

Wow, such a model-student answer!

Oh, I know! Then here's the plan: I'll start by praising you, Rikki!

Huh? How did you get to that?

Since you've clearly lost touch with your human side, Rikki, I've gotta remind you of one basic truth: Getting praised feels good!

You...

Let's see, good things about Rikki...

You really don't have to say anything.

You work so hard on composing and arranging our songs~ And you're really dedicated to your part-time job too...

And you're actually pretty good at looking out for people! I mean, you're giving up your break to help me right now.

...

And also~

Okay... That's enough.

What~?! But I'm just getting started!

Seriously, that's enough. Get back to practice already.

Fine, fine. Should we pick up from that part earlier?

...

Rikki?

About what I pointed out earlier... I only said it because I thought you could do better, or...

And, well... I do think it's kind of amazing how you never give up, Anon.

...! Rikkiii~!!

Okay, we're done talking about this! Hurry up and keep going.

Okaaay!

All right, let's do this!

Welcome... Oh, Anon.

Hellooo! Here I am~!

...Let me know when you've decided.

Hmm...? Rikki, are you tired or something?

Not really. This is how I always am.

Really~? I feel like you usually come at me way harder.

Like, "What are you doing here?" or "Whatever, just don't get in the way of my work!"

If you're going to get in the way, go home.

That's the one! Or so I thought, but it's still missing that bite...

No, seriously, I'm the same as always.

It's just...

Excuse me, I'd like to order.

I'll be right with you.

(Can we get more people on the floor already? I'm supposed to be in the kitchen.)

Sorry for the wait. What can I get you?

Sure. Oh...

Hm?

I'm going to take my time, so there's no need to be nervous.

Um...?

It's your first day here today, right? You look really tense~.

Uh...

That's what happened...

So that's why you're feeling down?

I'm not feeling down. This is just how my face is.

It's just... it kind of got to me, being mistaken for a first-day part-timer because of it.

You're so awkward, Rikki. Smiling is easy!

Just turn the corners of your mouth up a little... Smile! See?

It's not bothering me. I'm supposed to be in the kitchen anyway.

But you do end up out on the floor sometimes, right? I feel like situations like this will probably come up again.

Well...

Let's see... Oh, how about this? Imagine the customer is Tomorin and smile at them!

That customer wasn't Tomori. Tomori is Tomori.

Geez, stop being so literal!

I'm telling you, I'm not even worried about it. It's not like I can't serve customers.

Hmm... What should we try~

I didn't ask...

You have such a great smile when you're onstage, though.

What?!

Oh, I know! Imagine we just finished a show, and try smiling a little!

Ngh...!

I'm done playing along... This conversation is over.

Hey! Rikki's running away!

I'm not running away!