First, I'll start by arranging the refreshments. I plate the sandwiches like this so you can see their filling.

Wow! Even just the plating changes up the whole feel of them. And the salad around it looks really appealing too!

Right? In cooking, appearance is king too.

I'm scheduled to learn how to make parfaits this afternoon. I'm really grateful that I get to learn to help out at my favorite café. It's a valuable experience.

I wasn't the most eager to try it at first, since I didn't want to be a bother, but…now I'm thinking that I'd like to help them out, even if I can't do much.

Uh-huh. I'm here to cheer you on too, so let's do our best together.

Hey, by the way, when are you going to practice serving customers?

I decided not to do that. I have my hands full with the food prep as is… Besides, I'm really not great at dealing with people.

Huh? But you said you'd give it a shot!

Y-Yes, but some things just can't be done! Yoshiko, you can handle the customers.

What kind of work experience is this if you don't get the full picture? Come on, you should tell her too!

I'm sure you'll be fine with the customers. But I guess there is a lot of work to do in the kitchen, so maybe you shouldn't go out of your comfort zone if you don't want to.

Besides, you're becoming a whiz at plating, Maki. You're amazing!

Good grief. You always baby her too much!

It's not that I don't want to serve the customers. I just don't want to cause my favorite shop any inconvenience.

It's a really relaxing place. I can see why you like it so much.

Right? It's a great place to spend time and the atmosphere is fantastic. It feels like the one place where I can feel at ease. Isn't that strange?

Their nice couches are so comfortable and they always have seasonal flowers near the front door.

Plus, the owner puts out her recommended books for people to read too. No matter what the book, they always turn out to be great!

*Giggle* You really are a big fan.

I am. It's because I love this place so much that I'm this nervous.

Well if I must, I must. I'll handle your part of the customer service, so you'd better hold down the fort in the kitchen, okay?

Thank you, Yoshiko… I'll think about going a little bit further out of my comfort zone too.

I'm sure this'll be a great experience for you. Good luck!

Right!