Shutters and Strings - MICHAENG

1

"Unfortunately. We were going to surprise you. I wanted to learn how to make some of your favorite beverages since you're always complaining about being tired of the same stuff your mom makes at her bakery." Momo sighed out, now leaning on the counter as well, her face looking down at her uniform.

Mina found it quite thoughtful, now learning her best friend's motives, and melted at the fact. She recalled what Momo uttered and smiled at her statement, as what Momo had said was also true. Sure, she could never get tired of the scenery and environment of her city, but her family's coffee and baked goods? Yeah, she definitely got a little tired of that.

"Ahhh, so is that also why I've been catching you making new drinks whenever I've been at your house? Was that actually you just practicing?" Mina giggled, recalling the memories of her walking in on Momo in the kitchen, always with a new mixture in hand, and handing it to Mina to try out and criticize.

"Surprisingly. However, all of that was actually me thinking to myself that if I did make something poisonous, It'd be best to practice on you rather than handing the drink to a random customer." Momo smirked, winking and blowing a kiss at Mina. Mina scoffed and avoided the kiss that flew past her, smiling once more at Momo.

"How thoughtful of you." Mina grinned, rolling her eyes at Momo's comment, making Momo let out a small laugh at her best friend's sarcasm.

Mina then turned to look at the menu above her, checking out what kind of new beverages they had in store. After glancing at it for a few seconds, she turned her head towards Momo.

"You know what, surprise me, just make sure you don't try to poison me." Mina laughed, straightening her posture and running a hand through her hair. "Just make sure it's hot." She also let out, now worriedly pointing at the cafe windows, which were also now starting to fog up with light snowflakes.

Momo nodded at her and began to turn around. "Poisonous and cold, got it." Momo grinned, throwing her a cheeky thumbs up and walking inside a room connected to the back of the counter. Mina rolled her eyes once more and couldn't help but let out another small laugh. She loved her best friend.

As soon as she saw Momo disappear behind closed doors, she took this as an opportunity to dig through the bag that was swung across her and she began to take out her beloved camera. As soon as it was out, she checked for her SD card and as soon as she realized everything was good to go, she started snapping pictures, this time without the flash, as she was scared of bringing any unnecessary attention to herself.

She took a few quick snaps of the menu, a few shots of the lights hanging off the roof, and even more pictures of the greenery that surrounded most of the cafe. The plants inside were definitely what caught Mina's eye the most, as she hasn't seen that many cafés in Japan with real plants manifesting the area. It was a relief being able to capture something new, which was ironic of her of all people to say.

"Order for a special Myoui Mina!"

Mina turned to look at her friend with fire in her eyes. One thing that Mina disliked was bringing attention to herself, especially, when it was not needed, and Momo knew this. Oh, was she evil for yelling it extra loud for everyone to hear, people now stopping whatever they were doing and looking up, curious to know who this Myoui Mina character was.

Mina, now lowering her head in shame, started walking up to the counter and instantly glared at Momo, who was just teasingly smiling at her. She tucked her camera back into its bag and Mina glanced at the counter, finding her recently made beverage.

"I seriously hope you don't poison me." The Japanese sighed, grabbing her cup and pulling it closer to her face. She breathed in the smell through the small hole available and let out a small hum of approval once the smell reached her nose. She smelt hints of caramel and pumpkin.