Hozumi Shizuku (Valentine's 2021)

Shizuku
Huh... Sakurako-san will be joining us today...?

=====1=====

-Hozumi Coffeehouse-

[*Snap*]

Shizuku
...Ha!

Ryou
Oh, did I wake ya?

Ikumi
Geez, Ryou-chan, taking pictures of a sleeping girl's face is in really bad taste~

Ryou
Ahaha, sorry, sorry.

Shizuku
Ah, um...

Ikumi
We were all just talking about Valentine's.

Shizuku
That's right... I must have fallen asleep...

Ikumi
Did you stay up late? Are you feeling sick? Doing okay?

Shizuku
...Yes, I'm okay.

Ryou
Then, once again,
Sakurako-san here would like to experience what Valentine's is all about.

Sakurako
| It is because everyone has been speaking of it lately. |
| I am still not sure what the event is about yet, |
| but I would like to partake in more fun activities with Iroha and the others. |

Ryou
And there ya go.

Shizuku
That's great and everything, but why did you come to see me...?

Ryou
I felt like Hozumi-chan and Sakurako-san would get along nicely.

Shizuku
That's it...?

Ryou
Yep, that's it.

Shizuku
Huhu, I understand.
It's a pleasure to meet you, Sakurako-san.

Sakurako
| Nice to meet you, Shizuku. |

Ikumi
So, you want to make chocolates for now?

Ryou
Well, that is the basics.

Sakurako
| Is that so? |

Ryou
For Valentine's, it's common to give out chocolate.

Sakurako
| ...Understood. |

Shizuku
Well then, where are we going to make it?

Sakurako
| Mikazuki Manor is in use by Iroha's group. |

Ikumi
My place would be a little difficult...

Ryou
Midori-san's place is a bit cramped too...

Ikumi
Maybe we could rent some space at the adjuster's shop?

Ryou
That's a pretty good idea, but...
If Yakumo-san said she'd like to participate in making chocolates,
we'd have a big problem, you know...

Ikumi
That's...for sure. Those poor chocolates...

Shizuku's Father
Oh, what's this, are you guys planning on making chocolates?

Shizuku
...Yeah, but we can't figure out where to make them...

Shizuku's Father
In that case, feel free to use the kitchen in the house.

Shizuku
Is that okay?
Thank you, Otou-san...!

-Kitchen-

Ryou
We're always coming to Hozumi-chan's coffeehouse, but...

Ikumi
We've never been in your home before.

Shizuku
It's not very big, though...

Ikumi
No, this is a huge help! Thank you!

Ryou
And thanks to Hozumi-chan's father.

Sakurako
| Then, let's get started immediately. |

Ryou
Yeah, I bought all of the ingredients,
and the recipe's up in Sakurako's head.

Shizuku
By the way, do all of you normally cook...?

Ikumi
Kumi does, 'cause Kumi's a maid.
I'm really good at drawing with ketchup.

Sakurako
| I have accessed the database from Nemu. |

Ryou
Midori-san hasn't made many sweets,
but does some simple cooking from time to time at home.

Shizuku
I see.

---

Ryou
80g of sugar... Well, this oughta be enough.

Shizuku
W-wait, Ryou-san...!

Ryou
Mm?

Shizuku
For sweets...if you get the wrong amount, they end up bad...

Ryou
Oh, is that right?

Ikumi
Ryou-chan, this is 120g! You're being sloppy...! Totally!

Shizuku
If you don't make the sweets according to the recipe, they're probably not going to turn out well...

Ryou
Is that so?
Usually when Midori-san's cooking, everything just gets thrown in.

Shizuku
I'm more impressed than anything that you manage like that...

Ikumi
That's just like Ryou-chan, though.

Ryou
That was a good lesson. Thanks, Shizuku-chan.

Shizuku
N-no...

Ikumi's Voice
Wappu! The flouuurrr~

Ryou
...What happened?

Ikumi
S-sorry! Some of the flour went all over the place...
...G-geez~, Kumi is so clumsyyy~

Ryou
Ahh, I see.
So you're testin' out a clumsy character this time, huh?

Ikumi
It's not a characterrr~
Kumi's huffin' puffin' mad!

Ryou
Ah, there's flour under you, so don't start flailin' or you'll fall...

Ikumi
Kya!?

[*Fall*]

Ryou
Don't say ya weren't warned.

Ikumi
Eee~n, Kumi's in pain and can't get uuup~

Shizuku
...Come on, start taking this seriously or we'll never finish.
Follow Sakurako-san's example.

Ryou
Huh, but isn't Sakurako-san stuck?

Shizuku
Eh...?

Sakurako
| ..... |

Shizuku
Sakurako-san...?

Sakurako
| Shizuku, there is something I don't understand. |
| It is written that I am to let the dough settle, |
| but is the dough not calm right now? |
| What must I do to calm the dough down? |

Shizuku
Ahh...um, that means to leave the dough out for a little.

Sakurako
| But if the dough is panicking, is it okay to just leave it alone? |

Shizuku
Umm, when it says to let it settle, it doesn't mean it like that...

Sakurako
| Was the information Nemu provided me incorrect? |

Shizuku
It's not like that...
...Ikumi-san, how would you explain this...?

Ikumi
Ehh~! Passed to Kumiii?

[*Snap*]

Ikumi
Hey, what're you doing, Ryou-chan!?
Don't just take pictures, help us out~

Ryou
Mm, Sakurako-san really doesn't seem to be grasping the concept here...

Sakurako
| If Hinano was here, |
| I might have access to chloroform. |

Ryou
...That'll do more than just calm down.

Ikumi
Who taught Sakurako-chan about such a dangerous thing!?

Sakurako
| I saw it in a drama. |

Ryou
If you mixed chloroform in with the sweets,
we'd be all over the papers.

Sakurako
| Then, what am I supposed to do...? |

Ryou
When humans want to calm down, we take deep breaths.

Sakurako
| .....! |
| ...Nemu would drink coffee when she was settling down... |

Ryou
Your face says "I get it now," but that's not it at all.

Ikumi
Is this how it usually goes when you help Yachiyo-san with cooking?

Sakurako
| No, any time I was about to make a mistake, Yachiyo would tell me. |

Ryou
So you can do what you're told, but you can't handle following a recipe...

Shizuku
Th-then... Let's split up the roles!

---

Ikumi
Finished~♪

Ryou
All thanks to Hozumi-chan's direction.

Sakurako
| Yes, unlike Ryou, I am capable of making accurate measurements. |

Ryou
And Midori-san got to be in charge of covering Sakurako-san's weak points.

Kumi
And Kumi got to put on the cutesy finishing touches♪

Shizuku
...Making sweets is harder than I thought...

Sakurako
| But Shizuku, you were having fun. |

Shizuku
Eh...?

Sakurako
| You were smiling the entire time we were working. |

Shizuku
.....
(That's right...I was having fun.)
(I didn't notice because I was so busy. That it's very...)
...Yeah, it was fun.

Ikumi
Yeah, Kumi also had lots of fun!

Ryou
Making sweets isn't so bad after all.
By the way, who is everyone giving their chocolate to?

Sakurako
| ...I must give it to someone? |

Ryou
That's because it's Valentine's.

Sakurako
| ...Because it's Valentine's, you give it? |

Shizuku
Eh?

Ryou
Mm... What are you asking?

Sakurako
| I do not understand. |
| Why do you give chocolates on Valentine's Day? |


=====2=====

Shizuku
Why do we give chocolates on Valentine's Day...?
If you ask me, I'm not sure I can give an answer...

Sakurako
| I searched for the origin, but there are multiple theories. |

Ryou
Well, to tell you the truth, it's all a marketing strategy.
There's events like this all around the world.

Ikumi
Ryou-chan has no romance at all!

Ryou
Then what are your thoughts, Makino-chan?

Ikumi
Kumi thinks that Valentine's is for giving kyun kyuns to everyone that you love
by telling them through sweet chocolates!

Sakurako
| Sweet... I do not know what that tastes like. |

Ikumi
Oh right, Sakurako-chan can't eat food.

Sakurako
| Yes. |

Ikumi
Mmm~ let's see, I would describe sweet as a
fluffy, happy, melt-in-your-mouth kind of taste!

Sakurako
| Happy taste... |

Ikumi
And then, Kumi takes that sweet chocolate
and packs it tightly with my kyu~n kyun feelings~

Sakurako
| Kyun kyun tightly...? | ¹

Ryou
Makino-chan, you're starting to confuse Sakurako-san.

Ikumi
Awawa, umm... Anyway, so Kumi uh!
All of Kumi's friends are always so nice to me at the maid cafe,
and there's all of the masters that are always supporting me, too...
That kind of thing, yeah?
To give all of those heartfelt thanks
we have a day to put those feelings into chocolate and give them.
That's what Kumi thinks of Valentine's Day!

Sakurako
| ...It is a day to give chocolate to those most precious to you...? |

Ikumi
Right♪

Shizuku
.....

Ryou
Huh, something the matter, Hozumi-chan?
Maybe...you wanted to tell Sakurako-san that,
but you weren't quite sure?

Shizuku
Yeah, I just... Never really thought about it.
Giving thanks to those most precious to you...

Ryou
But, that's right... It's normally a bit embarrassing,
but if I got a reason like this, it should be easier to express my gratitude, huh.

Ikumi
That's right!

Shizuku
I'm also... Starting to understand a little...

Sakurako
| ...In other words, Valentine's is |
| a marketing strategy to give your gratitude along with chocolate. |

Ryou
It's alright if you forget about the marketing strategy part, okay?

Ikumi
I know! Why don't we all exchange chocolates this year?

Ryou
Sounds good. Let's invite Hinano-san and Mariko-chan, too.

Ikumi
Yeah! I'll send a message to everyone!
Ah, but...I'll be a little busy with work on Valentine's Day...
Would it be okay if we moved the date a little?

Ryou
Doesn't bother me one bit.

Ikumi
Thanks!
You know, there are more important things than just giving chocolates.

-Shizuku's Room-

Shizuku
(Today was fun...)
(And we've made plans to exchange chocolates.)
But what should I do...

-Flashback-

Ikumi
You know, there are more important things than just giving chocolates.

Shizuku
More important things...?

Ikumi
Like, giving them in a motivational outfit!

-End Flashback-

Shizuku
Even though you said motivational clothes...
.....I'm worried.

-Streets-

Shizuku
(I wonder...if these clothes are good enough.)
(...What was the feeling? "Motivated"...)
(I suppose everyone would be embarrassed if we were in our uniforms...)

Ikumi
[[Notice for Valentine's Party] This time, we're going to have a party to exchange chocolates and give our thanks♪]
[Meeting place: The maid cafe that Kumi works at! What to bring: Your chocolate and your gratitude for everyone! And don't forget to dress in your best motivational clothes! I'll be waiting♪]

-Maid Cafe-

Hinano
I saw your message,
and here's some chocolate I made for the occasion...

Ayaka's Voice
Me toooo!

Hinano
...The heck is this? Are you starting a cosplay convention?
...I guess I'm the one stuck playing the tsukkomi bit here...
Could I ask each of you one by one
what was meant by "motivational clothes?"

Ryou
Whenever I'm out and about looking for a scoop
or making the newspaper, I always wear this outfit.
When you talk about clothes for being motivated, this is the one for Midori-san.

Hinano
Well, I guess I get what you mean.

Ikumi
Kumi's always been a maid, after all,
so to convey my kyun kyun feelings,
I thought I should wear a kyuun kyun outfit♪

Hinano
...You...chose this place so you could wear that, didn't you?

Ikumi
Ehehe.

Sakurako
| I thought that my combat form or my swimsuit would satisfy the conditions, |
| but Iroha and Ui stopped me. |
| Nemu and Touka told me |
| that this would be appropriate because a student's purpose is to study. |
| So, I am wearing this. |

Hinano
I'm really grateful that you were stopped, Sakurako...

Shizuku
Motivational clothes...
I thought I would dress up for once...
But this is worrying me.

Hinano
You're okay, Shizuku, you didn't do anything wrong.
The problem is YOU! Ayaka!

Ayaka
EEHHH!?

Hinano
What's with the "eehh!?" That's my line!
Did you honestly come all the way here in that getup!?

Ayaka
Nahh, I was wondering if I was going to make it,
so I thought I'd go and use a little bit of Shizuku-chan's magic,
but when I got to Shizuku-chan's, it seemed that we had already passed each other.

Shizuku
Because you keep trying to use people for your convenience...

Hinano
So what you're telling me is you walked outside in those clothes...

Ayaka
And then I saw Sakurako-chan
and thought "oh right, she's a member of our party today,"
so I asked her to come with me! Right, Sakurako-chan!?

Sakurako
| Yes, I had heard about Ayaka from everyone, |
| but when we started walking together, we got a lot of attention. |

Hinano
Of course you would!
...So, why are you wearing that outfit?

Ayaka
Mm? Because it's a motivational outfit?
And that means!
The outfit that gets the most laughs!

Hinano
No it's not!

Ayaka
IT'S NOOOT!?

Ryou
But, isn't this fine?
Seeing everyone's own idea of motivation, Midori-san thinks this is more interesting.

Ikumi
Uh-huh♪
Besides, Hinano-san also came in really cute clothes.

Shizuku
Yeah, it looks good on you.

Sakurako
| You should always dress this way. |

Ryou
Definitely, it looks great on you, Hinano-san.

Hinano
When you compliment me honestly like that,
you make me think I'm the one going crazy and losing touch...

=====3=====

Ikumi
And now it's the highly anticipated chocolate exchange time~!
Please give some brief words to everyone along with your chocolate♪
First will be Sakurako-chan!

Sakurako
| On Valentine's, I gave everyone at Mikazuki Manor |
| the chocolates I made which left them overjoyed. |
| When I expressed my gratitude, I found myself becoming happy as well,  |
| so thank you for teaching me. |
| It would be a long story if I started now, |
| so I will tell it later when I think about it. |

Hinano
Then, next is the chocolates from me.

Ayaka
Uwa! This is high level!

Hinano
Huhun, since making sweets is all about chemical reactions,
it's my specialty.
Well, you know... Thanks for everything.
You guys are always helping me out,
so thank you for your continued support.

Ikumi
Then next is the chocolates chock-full of love and affection from Kumi to all of youuu!
...You know, I always have so much fun when I'm with everyone
that I just can't help but kyun kyun and have a big smile on my face.
So, thank you all for your support.

Ryou
Mm? Where's the punchline?

Ikumi
Geez, I was completely serious when I said that.

Ryou
Ahaha, sorry, sorry.
Alright then, up next is from Midori-san.
Well, this is gonna sound a lot like Makino-chan here,
but Midori-san's been having a lot of fun lately, too.
Looking at all of my developed photos, so many of them are full of smiles,
so thanks. 'Kay, you're up next, Shizuku-chan.

Shizuku
Eh, ah, umm...
I know I don't usually say things like this, but...
I also enjoy being with all of you...
I feel like I can laugh out loud naturally...
When I'm with everyone... I feel like I can...
like myself, even just a little...
What I mean is...thank you everyone for being with me.

Ikumi
Uu~ That's my line~

Ryou
Eh, Makino-chan, why are you practically in tears?

Sakurako
| Ryou, does this mean she is playing another character? |

Ikumi
Absolutely not~!
Geez, Ryou-chan is just spouting weird things!
It's not that...
It just...feels kind of like I've watched my own child grow up...

Ayaka
Uooon, the girl on the right feels the same way~

Hinano
...They love you, Shizuku.

Shizuku
Ayaka thinking I'm a child...she's out of her mind.

Ayaka
Yes, now it's my tuuurn!

Hinano
That was a hell of a switch...

Ayaka
Um, it'll shock a bit, but there's not much chocolate... ²

Hinano
.....I'm glad that one was easy to understand!

Ayaka
...Ehen! I made it with Shizuku-chan~

Ikumi
Eh! Shizuku-chan, you made yours again?

Shizuku
Yesterday she showed up out of nowhere and joined me because she hadn't made hers yet...

Ayaka
Thanks for that, too! I had fun!

Shizuku
...Sure.

Ayaka
And everyone for always laughing at my gags.

Ryou
...?

Ayaka
Thank you for being friends with someone like me!
And Sakurako-chan, I look forward to being friends with you!

Sakurako
| Yes, I as well, Ayaka. |

Ayaka
Also, Shizuku-chan,
sorry for always being so noisy and meddlesome.
So thank you for being friends with me through it all!

Shizuku
Eh...
(Sure, you're certainly a noisy one, but...)
(If I didn't like it, I wouldn't still be here with you...)

Ayaka
Hey, since we're all here, let's take a picture together!

Hinano
Well, it's not often we get together in such chaotic fashion.

Ryou
Then Midori-san will take the photo.

Ikumi
Ah, you can't! Ryou-chan, you need to be in the photo with us!

Sakurako
| It is not good to have so few photos of Ryou. |

Hinano
And with you and Sakurako in the picture, Ayaka's insanity stands out.

Ayaka
I'm not insane!

Ryou
Haha, I get it.

Ikumi
[Alriiight, everyone crowd around Kumi~]

Ryou
Mm, Shizuku-chan, you're gonna be cut off like that.
Get over here.

Shizuku
Wa...

Ikumi
[Here we go~]
[Okay, cheese!]

[*Snap*]

---

Shizuku
Huh...what was I doing...

-Hospital-

Shizuku
A hospital...? It's dark...what time is it?
...My smartphone.

[*Beep*]

Shizuku
Ah...the wallpaper... The Valentine's photo...
....Ryou...san...
[That's right, those days aren't coming back...]

---

Woman
Oh, Hozumi-san, you've gained consciousness.

Shizuku
Um, I...

Woman
You were brought in after collapsing in the park.

Shizuku
Eh...
I...collapsed...
(I can't remember...)
(After hearing about Ryou-san...it really shocked me...and then...)
(I left the shop...)

Woman
Your friend called an ambulance.
She stayed by your side the whole way,
but went home before you woke up...
[She said "If I stay I'd just be noisy and meddlesome, and probably just make her angry."]

Shizuku
――っ!?

-Flashback-

Ayaka
Also, Shizuku-chan,
sorry for always being so noisy and meddlesome.

-End Flashback-

Shizuku
[That's...not true.]
[Sure you're noisy, often meddling, trying to use my magic for your own convenience, and always suddenly jumping to action while not keeping my pace in mind,]
[but... All of your noise and liveliness moves me around at such a high speed that you never give me a chance to be worried...]
[...What you do...might have even saved me.]
[With Ayaka like that...with everyone being there for me, I can continue being me...]
[...How do I tell you that? How do I convey that...?]

-Flashback-

Ryou
But, that's right... It's normally a bit embarrassing,
but if I got a reason like this, it should be easier to express my gratitude, huh.

---

Ikumi
You know, there are more important things than just giving chocolates.

Shizuku
More important things...?

Ikumi
Like, giving them in a motivational outfit!

-End Flashback-

Shizuku
(Today isn't Valentine's Day, but...)
(I'll put on those clothes and write my thoughts onto some sweet chocolate...)
(Listen to me...)
...Huhu.
(I told Ayaka she can't use it for convenience...)
(but I wonder if my magic was meant for a time like this.)
(It's lights-out time...so if I sneak out, I won't even cause a scene, right...?)

-Shizuku's Room-

Shizuku
I'm going to tell you what I failed to tell you that day.
...Wait for me, Ayaka.


================
¹ Ikumi's original line きゅんきゅんな気持ちをぎゅっと詰め込んで～ confuses Sakurako as she repeats back "kyun kyun gyutto...?" and I can't think of a pair of words that sound alike to make this cute confusion make sense.

² Ayaka's original line is えっと、チョコはちょこっとしか入ってないんだけど… which is more like "Um, I only brought a little bit of chocolate..." which plays choco (チョコ) with chocotto(ちょこっと)