*Sigh*

That's the seventh one.

Huh? Seventh what?

Your seventh sigh. In less than half an hour, by the way. Don't tell me the last quiz was another red ink nightmare…

*Groan* I can't bring myself to show my mom my marks…

Good grief. I'm quite certain that all the problems were manageable, assuming you paid attention during class.

Aw, c'mon, leave me alone! Anyway, what'd you get, Umi?

A perfect hundred.

Whoaaa! Congrats!

So did Kotori.

K-Kotori too? It's not fair that both of you aced it…

But hey, there's more to life than studying. It's okay to have slightly less-than-perfect grades, you know.

So what did you get?

W-Well…

I have a feeling we're talking a lot worse than slightly less-than-perfect…

Waaah, I'm so sorry! I forgot we were having that quiz!

*Sigh* Kotori and I will need to have a group study session with you before the next one…

Now, more importantly, is the quiz the reason you've been sighing so much?

Actually, no. But remembering the horrors of that quiz made me feel pretty gloomy…

Then what is the real reason for the sighing?

Well… It's our club activities lately. Things just feel kinda…off.

I understand. I've noticed it a bit too.

Our morning practices start earlier, and we've got after-school practices more often… It'd be fine if that was all, but…

…then Eli and all the others said they thought going on a picnic would be great, but now it's like we never even talked about it.

It feels like everyone's so harried… Do you know what I mean, Umi?

Harried… When you put it that way, I have to agree.

All this talk about stunning the world with μ's progress and not letting Aqours beat us… Is this really, honestly, truly how they feel?

I think they're being sincere, yes.

Hrmmm…

Enough! All this worrying's not getting me anywhere. I need a brain break!

[Fade in/out.]

Thank you for waiting, madam. Here is your order of the limited-time special roll cake and rose tea combo.

Ooh, it looks so tasty! Time to dig in! *Chomp* Mm-mmm! Deee-licious!

I'll say. The sponge texture of the cake is soft and fluffy, yet still dense. And the juicy fresh fruit and cream are—

Ooh, yeah, yours looks good too, Umi! Gimme a bite!

N-Never! This is the one thing I'm not splitting with you, Honoka!

Aww! Fine then. Kotori, seconds, please!

*Giggle* As you wish. A second serving for madam.

Would you like to speak with the patissier who created the cake?

The actual pastry chef is here today? Yes, please see if we can speak with her, Kotori! I would like to personally thank her for this delicious creation!

Miss Patissier, the lady wishes to speak with you!

Of course. You called for me, madam?

Kanata?! What are you doing here?

I have picked up a temporary part-time job here!

Kanata's cakes are getting rave reviews from our customers.

You really made this yourself, Kanata? It's totally delish!

Woo-hoo! I can suggest other cakes you might like, too. I'd love it if you tried them!

What sort of cakes?

We have one made with choux pastry that is quite popular.

Oh?

It's a French dessert called Paris-Brest. Mine has caramel cream, and it's chock-full of nuts!

It sounds delectable… May I order one, please?

One for me too!

Comin' right up!

Err, I mean… As you wish, madam.

Ahahaha!