Dia, do you know what this is? It's a new matcha latte! It claims to have an authentic tea ceremony taste.

Indeed. It goes easy on the sweetness to make the matcha's classy bitterness stand out, yet it tastes somewhat nostalgic. It was quite a good drink.

Wait, you've already had one? It just went on sale today, so I was thinking you wouldn't know about it.

*Giggle* A naïve presumption. I am always checking up on updates about matcha treats and drinks getting released. I knew about that matcha latte a month in advance!

Whoa, that's the Dia I know! But if you're complimenting it that much, it must be really good! Let me not waste any time!

*Glug* *Glug*

(It tastes good, but…what did she mean by nostalgic?)

Still, I don't know if their sales slogan was actually right. I mean, tea ceremony matcha isn't sweet, right?

Oh? Has it piqued your interest?

Ahh, just a little!

Then allow me to prepare you a cup. Come to the Japanese-style room in school after class tomorrow.

[Fade in/out.]

……

(This is the first time I've seen Dia making tea. She looks so intent. I'm starting to get nervous, myself.)

All right, it's done. Here you go.

S-Sure. Can… Can I really have it, though?

There are rules and customs for accepting tea, but don't worry about those. It's just the two of us today.

Well, here goes.

Ugeh! W-Wow, it's bitter!
I mean, I knew it would be, but still!

You'll focus on the bitterness at first, but as you gain experience and refine your taste, you become able to access the sweetness and refined aroma hidden in the bitterness.

You look like you're already at that level, Dia. Wow. I don't think I have the mental stamina to get all the way there.

Matcha is an essential part of tea ceremony. First, you must accept the flavor of the tea as it is, then dig deep, searching for matcha's true flavor!

Search? You know, I feel like if you put some milk and sugar into this matcha, it would taste like that matcha latte.

Indeed, I believe the same. It would be a very similar flavor. It's the same flavor as what I tested out, long ago.

Oops.

Tested? Without accepting the flavor as is? You just put in milk and sugar?

I-It was only one time. Just once, when I'd first started tea ceremony.

P-Please, do not tell anyone! I haven't told Kanan or Mari!

How about Ruby?

Of course I wouldn't tell her. I have my pride as big sister to think about.

Then it's just our secret? That's kind of exciting, sharing a secret!

Wh– Please, don't say it like that! It's indecent!