[Even on chilly autumn weekends, Yuteru often braved the blustery morning weather on his way to school, scarf huddled to his neck. Though the campus always seemed to be bustling with people, on any given 9:00 AM on a Saturday morning, all of the halls were completely vacant. However, for a shy yet dedicated boy like Yuteru, early Saturday mornings were the perfect time to come to their familiar music room and practice. Sure, he carried his guitar to and from school each day, but he wouldn't be able to fit a grand piano in his one bedroom apartment if he tried. Therefore, late nights and early mornings were the only time to practice without disturbing anyone else.
Upon unlocking the room and opening the door, he whispers "good morning" to no one in particular before closing it again and taking a seat at the piano. However, what he hadn't expected to find was a semi-familiar girl asleep on one of the worn plush couches, and even worse, he'd only noticed her after playing a few warm-up stanzas of a beloved song. There's no way that she won't wake up now!]
[After everyone else left the school, she had snuck into this room until it got dark. Since Melody currently doesn't have anywhere to stay, this was the best she could do. Although she doesn't have the look of a homeless girl, being a very pretty idol with long dark hair tied into two lazy ponytails and all, this is just how it is. She had thought that since it was the weekend, the school would be completely abandoned, but when music starts playing, and her eyes open, she realizes she was completely wrong.
This clubroom was supposed to be mostly unused, right? Or was that...the one next door. Well, it's too late for that now, isn't it?
As Melody's sleepy gaze meets that of the surprised boy's, the alarm still hasn't been fully raised. Unfortunately for her, she's always been pretty slow to wake up. Her brother often scolded her for it, but it's not like she could help it--]
Eh--
[Melody jolts up abruptly, looking quite surprised.]
Eh-- Err-- [She's too tired and surprised to communicate for a moment, but then she finally blurts out the words stuck in her throat.] It's Saturday!
[No shit, Sherlock.]
What are you doing here?!
[She makes it sound like she's not the intruder, but she's just startled. Forgive her rude nature, please.]
[Before he can manage to fully comprehend the situation, Yuteru sputters and waves his hands helplessly in front of his face. Yes, she's definitely familiar.... She's the girl in the new unit with Shuuji's sister, isn't she?]
It's just.... I practice here most mornings, so....
[Unsure of what to say, he looks down to his lap and fiddles with his fingers.]
I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to wake you up. [But that isn't the issue, is it? Why is she here in the first place?]
[Melody listens to his frantic explanation while hurriedly fixing her hair and sitting up in a proper fashion. She's beet red and looking quite ruffled. Who knew that the pretty, talented Melody got bedhead like this?
She just can't believe that she's been caught so early on.]
Listen-- It's fine. Stop apologizing, jeez. [Grinding her teeth a little, she turns her head to the side with a sniff.] I was just startled is all.
[Oh god. He asked. She pouts silently for a second, then crosses her arms and averts her eyes. She's trying to act aloof, but she clearly looks both angry and sad.]
[Oh no, that expression makes his heart lurch. Is she so upset with him that she's sad?!]
I was just wondering.... Because I don't think it's very safe to stay here alone at night. Even if you locked the door, um.... it's not a very nice place to sleep, is it?
It wasn't comfortable at all. Who would want to stay here? [She huffs and continues to keep her eyes averted.] Anyone could see that I don't have a choice.
[Melody tries to fix her hair, but without a brush, it's impossible to keep it at all contained. She gives up within seconds with a long sigh.]
You can laugh if you want. Don't hold back on my account.
I'm not going to laugh! [Realizing how earnest he sounded for just a brief moment, Yuteru turns pink and goes back to twiddling his fingers. But.... he's really worried.] Um.... but why do you have to stay here?
[Melody doesn't answer for a second. He's not going to laugh, that's a good thing at least. But she hasn't even told him the story behind it yet.]
My parents are going through a divorce, so me and my brother need to stay out of the house for a while. [She hesitates again, cheeks turning pink.] I told them I had friends to stay with, but I...
[Ugh.]
I really only have one friend, and her household is already so full. I couldn't really bother her, so... I just decided to stay here.
[Yuteru really hadn't expected Melody to be so open or sincere with a stranger like him, but he earnestly listens to her story anyway.]
I'm sure that Saiph would let you stay with her if you asked. [....Ah.] Um, I mean, if she's the friend you're talking about! You really shouldn't be here on your own, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind, and....! [DEEP BREATHS.] Have you tried talking to the dorm management? There might be a room open somewhere!
Well yeah. She would have said yes, but that doesn't change the fact that I'd be a huge burden. [Melody twirls her hair in her fingers.] Yeah, I asked, but... There's a waiting list. I don't think I'm getting a dorm this late in the semester any time soon.
[Finally, his expression seems to settle as he smiles, though he's still clearly very nervous.]
U-Um, you're.... you're Saiph's friend, aren't you? I'm friends with her brother, so.... that's why.... why I'm in this room, I mean. It's our practice room. [Come on, straighten up! There's no reason to be so nervous-- oh, who is he kidding.]
....You really don't have anywhere to stay? [He looks genuinely sad. This is one empathetic guy.]
I.... I know I'm a stranger to you, but.... [Though his ears are steadily turning pink, Yuteru looks away in order to hide the emotion on his face.] If you really have no other options, then.... u-um....
N-N-No! What I meant is, um--! [Deep breaths!] My apartment is spacious even though it's just me living there.... a-and I have a couch, so--
[Ugh, this isn't going well. He can't help but look back up to her, eyes watering and his entire face stained crimson.]
My bedroom door has a lock on it.... and I can cook and have a washing machine, and.... [Dangit, he's going to cry.] ....I just don't want you to be alone here.... all by yourself.
[Oh no, is he going to cry?! Melody immediately stands up and holds her hands out, waving them a little.]
No, no! It's okay, I was just teasing you! [Mostly!] Are you sure about that?
I mean, I could be the pervert. You never know. What if I rob you or something?
[She's definitely crimson too. She didn't expect such a sudden offer! Especially not from this guy. She just met him, right? She probably shouldn't accept... She doesn't even want to burden Saiph, how could she burden a cute stranger like this?]
I don't mind.... you're a friend of a friend, so I'm sure you're a good person. [Okay, he's calming down now. Good, she doesn't seem to think that he's crazy!]
Um, I really don't mean anything weird by it, I promise. But even if it's only for a day or two, you need to stay somewhere that isn't the school, so....
[Melody goes silent, thinking about his offer seriously. If it's only for a couple days, she's sure it'll be fine... And if he's really sure about it, then she wouldn't be too much of a burden, right? You wouldn't just offer room to someone for the hell of it, she's sure of that. ...But she still can't quite be sure that he has no ulterior motive.]
Hmm...
[Melody looks at the boy sitting across from her and scratches her head. He doesn't look very strong at all... In fact, it seems like he might actually be somewhat smaller than her herself. She knows how to defend herself, so if he pulled something, she's sure she could get out of it... Not to mention, it's not like he went to the clubroom expecting to find a girl that he could take advantage of. Who plans for that?
Now she glances to the side, eyes fixating on a simple poster.]
If it's not too much trouble, I guess I wouldn't mind checking it out.
[In truth, the whole prospect of having a (pretty) girl stay with him for even a few minutes, much less a few days, is rather startling to him. He truly does just want her to stay somewhere safe; the school is probably fine, but who wants to sleep on the couch here instead of sleep in a warm, comfortable bed in a safe room?]
R-Really? [Is he happy about it? Well, yes, but he's also nervous out of his mind.] You can call Saiph or Hatsuya first if you want to make sure.... um.... I mean--
N-No, it's alright! I have a keyboard at my apartment, and nobody asked me to come here, so it's fine, but....
[Sure, the apartments are only a little over a five minute walk from the school building, but he's so nervous! What if someone sees them and associates this popular girl with a nobody like him?!]
....You're sure it's okay? [For some reason, he feels the need to ask again.] And you don't think it seems creepy for me to ask?
Oh... I couldn't ask something like that! Let me at least buy the ingredients for you or something...
[On a modeler's salary, she can at least afford that! She picks up her bags from behind the chair and stands up, looking somewhat awkward as she tries to give him a pleasant smile.]
I have a lot of things at home! Um, but if we need more ingredients....
["You could come with me to pick them out", or so he would say if he weren't thoroughly embarrassed by the thought. Melody's smile is quite pretty, even though it isn't as radiant as usual. But just when he thought that he couldn't be more awkward, the way she says his name is enough to make him turn bright red. Dangit, there's no way she isn't going to notice! His face is practically glowing!]
We can stop at the store on the way if you'd like! There's one on the way to the apartments.
[Oh God, he's cute. He's really, really, really cute. She's not used to cute guys. She's used to gross men drooling all over her. This isn't good, he's so cute. She wants to just cover his face with a paper bag this isn't fair. Her own face turning slightly pink, she turns away quickly, and trots towards the door without another word. She doesn't want her stupidity to become obvious on her face!]
R-Really? Um, I mean.... You wouldn't mind going with me? I, uh, think it would be best to make food that you like. [Look at him twiddling his fingers.]
Of course I don't mind. I-it's not a big deal... Just going to the store... [This is really embarrassing oh no... Why is he so cute... Is this really going to be okay?] What kinds of food do you like? We should get something for both of us if you're going to make it...
[Okay, he can do this! He has to keep himself from hesitating, but quickly follows Melody to the door while keeping a slight distance from her.] I'm not very picky, so we'll choose something you like.... okay? Something nutritious, since you're probably worn out.
N-No, we can make cake! But something else before it would be good too.... Maybe we can make a full meal? [Fried rice, huh.... It isn't healthy, but that really doesn't matter much.]
Um, but you're hungry now, aren't you? I don't want to make you wait to eat something.
Great! I'll make sure to pay you back. I owe you one for this.
[It really doesn't take long to get to his apartment, but the moment they're at the door, she starts to get apprehensive. This is a big step, isn't? She's usually not so friendly with strangers... She definitely doesn't usually go into their homes right off the bat! She ESPECIALLY doesn't agree to stay with them for a while! And...she really does feel like she's imposing...]
No, please come in.... I'm the one that offered, after all.
[Once the door is unlocked, he opens it and stands aside to reveal a very clean and spacious one bedroom apartment. It's both furnished and decorated nicely, and looks more like a model setup or the apartment of a teenage girl. Upon looking in his room, however, it becomes more clear that this is indeed Yuteru's room - small shelves and a few framed records line one wall, and a rather nice electronic keyboard and acoustic guitar are highlights of the room.]
[When Melody's eyes fall upon his room, she's a little surprised. He's very cute... But she didn't expect him to have a cute room too. It's...very clean, and very homey. When you look at it, you can definitely tell what kind of boy Yuteru is. Honestly, how could she not trust him?]
Thank you!
[Melody steps over the threshold and breathes in the room's scent. This is...It's very gentle. She can't help but feel an amount of warmth from it. Can she really live in a place like this? It almost feels like she can't possibly belong here.]
Wow... It looks so nice in here! [She turns to him and offers him a truly radiant smile.] It's so comfy...
[Unceremoniously, she sits herself down on the couch and snuggles into the corner created by the arm and the back. Ahh, this is quite possibly the best couch she's ever sat in. Melody sighs softly and settles her bags carefully on the ground near her.]
[It's clear from just one glance that Yuteru is nervous. Sure, he knows that his apartment is satisfactory, but he'd never expected to come back from the school with a new roommate! Better yet, it's the first time that he's been alone with a girl!]
Um.... Thank you. [He moves to close the door and turns around just as Melody smiles at him, and even though he was blushing before, his cheeks only deepen in colour by the second.] I, uh, I mean-- L-Let me start making you something! [And he rushes over to the kitchen area. Come on, Yuteru! You know where your mixing bowls are.]
[She definitely saw the color in his cheeks! Melody isn't stupid, she's had plenty of boys act that way around her... And she's even had a few confessions! But... Wow, Yuteru is kind of adorable. She won't mention it or tease him or anything. It's not like he actually likes her or anything. He's just feeling nervous, right? Just like her... This is the first time she's been behind closed doors alone with a guy. It's kind of a strange feeling, but it's not like it's scary or anything.]
Pancakes, right?
[She calls into the next room with a nervous voice as she crosses her legs on the couch and starts to fix her hair. She fell asleep with twintails in, so it's really messy...]
[Melody is very pretty, of course, but Yuteru is grateful more than anything else. It isn't really his place to feel that way, but being trusted so wholeheartedly is a really nice feeling, and he wants to treasure it.]
How many would you like? Oh, and I have eggs too, if you want me to make them.
[It seems like he's pretty used to this, judging from the way he's efficiently sifting flour and melting the butter at once, not to mention the fact that he has all of the ingredients at hand and remembers the recipe from memory.]
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Upon unlocking the room and opening the door, he whispers "good morning" to no one in particular before closing it again and taking a seat at the piano. However, what he hadn't expected to find was a semi-familiar girl asleep on one of the worn plush couches, and even worse, he'd only noticed her after playing a few warm-up stanzas of a beloved song. There's no way that she won't wake up now!]
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This clubroom was supposed to be mostly unused, right? Or was that...the one next door. Well, it's too late for that now, isn't it?
As Melody's sleepy gaze meets that of the surprised boy's, the alarm still hasn't been fully raised. Unfortunately for her, she's always been pretty slow to wake up. Her brother often scolded her for it, but it's not like she could help it--]
Eh--
[Melody jolts up abruptly, looking quite surprised.]
Eh-- Err-- [She's too tired and surprised to communicate for a moment, but then she finally blurts out the words stuck in her throat.] It's Saturday!
[No shit, Sherlock.]
What are you doing here?!
[She makes it sound like she's not the intruder, but she's just startled. Forgive her rude nature, please.]
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[Before he can manage to fully comprehend the situation, Yuteru sputters and waves his hands helplessly in front of his face. Yes, she's definitely familiar.... She's the girl in the new unit with Shuuji's sister, isn't she?]
It's just.... I practice here most mornings, so....
[Unsure of what to say, he looks down to his lap and fiddles with his fingers.]
I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to wake you up. [But that isn't the issue, is it? Why is she here in the first place?]
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She just can't believe that she's been caught so early on.]
Listen-- It's fine. Stop apologizing, jeez. [Grinding her teeth a little, she turns her head to the side with a sniff.] I was just startled is all.
[Please don't ask, please don't ask, please don't ask.]
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[Yuteru falls silent, still idly twiddling his fingers.]
Um, were you here all night? It wasn't too cold, was it?
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Yeah, what of it?
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I was just wondering.... Because I don't think it's very safe to stay here alone at night. Even if you locked the door, um.... it's not a very nice place to sleep, is it?
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[Melody tries to fix her hair, but without a brush, it's impossible to keep it at all contained. She gives up within seconds with a long sigh.]
You can laugh if you want. Don't hold back on my account.
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My parents are going through a divorce, so me and my brother need to stay out of the house for a while. [She hesitates again, cheeks turning pink.] I told them I had friends to stay with, but I...
[Ugh.]
I really only have one friend, and her household is already so full. I couldn't really bother her, so... I just decided to stay here.
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I'm sure that Saiph would let you stay with her if you asked. [....Ah.] Um, I mean, if she's the friend you're talking about! You really shouldn't be here on your own, so I'm sure she wouldn't mind, and....! [DEEP BREATHS.] Have you tried talking to the dorm management? There might be a room open somewhere!
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Well yeah. She would have said yes, but that doesn't change the fact that I'd be a huge burden. [Melody twirls her hair in her fingers.] Yeah, I asked, but... There's a waiting list. I don't think I'm getting a dorm this late in the semester any time soon.
[She sighs.]
What's your name?
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[It's clear from just once glance that this is really unsettling to him, but he's snapped out of his thoughts as Melody speaks up again.]
I-It's Yuteru! Yuteru Sakurai!
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[She genuinely seems relieved. She really doesn't want anyone to find out if she can help it. It's...deeply embarrassing. And really silly.]
Oh yeah. I'm Melody! It's...nice to meet you.
[She says it pretty awkwardly. SHE'S NOT USED TO THIS.]
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[Finally, his expression seems to settle as he smiles, though he's still clearly very nervous.]
U-Um, you're.... you're Saiph's friend, aren't you? I'm friends with her brother, so.... that's why.... why I'm in this room, I mean. It's our practice room. [Come on, straighten up! There's no reason to be so nervous-- oh, who is he kidding.]
....You really don't have anywhere to stay? [He looks genuinely sad. This is one empathetic guy.]
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Nope. The school was pretty much my only choice.
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Ehh-- You're not some sort of pervert, are you?
[Her little smile says that she's at least 50% joking.]
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N-N-No! What I meant is, um--! [Deep breaths!] My apartment is spacious even though it's just me living there.... a-and I have a couch, so--
[Ugh, this isn't going well. He can't help but look back up to her, eyes watering and his entire face stained crimson.]
My bedroom door has a lock on it.... and I can cook and have a washing machine, and.... [Dangit, he's going to cry.] ....I just don't want you to be alone here.... all by yourself.
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No, no! It's okay, I was just teasing you! [Mostly!] Are you sure about that?
I mean, I could be the pervert. You never know. What if I rob you or something?
[She's definitely crimson too. She didn't expect such a sudden offer! Especially not from this guy. She just met him, right? She probably shouldn't accept... She doesn't even want to burden Saiph, how could she burden a cute stranger like this?]
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Um, I really don't mean anything weird by it, I promise. But even if it's only for a day or two, you need to stay somewhere that isn't the school, so....
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Hmm...
[Melody looks at the boy sitting across from her and scratches her head. He doesn't look very strong at all... In fact, it seems like he might actually be somewhat smaller than her herself. She knows how to defend herself, so if he pulled something, she's sure she could get out of it... Not to mention, it's not like he went to the clubroom expecting to find a girl that he could take advantage of. Who plans for that?
Now she glances to the side, eyes fixating on a simple poster.]
If it's not too much trouble, I guess I wouldn't mind checking it out.
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R-Really? [Is he happy about it? Well, yes, but he's also nervous out of his mind.] You can call Saiph or Hatsuya first if you want to make sure.... um.... I mean--
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[Hatsuya is really annoying, okay.]
Can we go now? [She's rather anxious to take a shower.] Or do you need to stay and practice?
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[Sure, the apartments are only a little over a five minute walk from the school building, but he's so nervous! What if someone sees them and associates this popular girl with a nobody like him?!]
....You're sure it's okay? [For some reason, he feels the need to ask again.] And you don't think it seems creepy for me to ask?
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[And as if on cue, her stomach growls loudly, causing her ears to go pink.]
And it's...harder to get food here than I first imagined.
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Um....! Like I said, I can cook, so.... Maybe I could make you something?
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[On a modeler's salary, she can at least afford that! She picks up her bags from behind the chair and stands up, looking somewhat awkward as she tries to give him a pleasant smile.]
Um... Shall we go then, Yuteru?
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["You could come with me to pick them out", or so he would say if he weren't thoroughly embarrassed by the thought. Melody's smile is quite pretty, even though it isn't as radiant as usual. But just when he thought that he couldn't be more awkward, the way she says his name is enough to make him turn bright red. Dangit, there's no way she isn't going to notice! His face is practically glowing!]
Y-Y-Yes, let's go!
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[Oh God, he's cute. He's really, really, really cute. She's not used to cute guys. She's used to gross men drooling all over her. This isn't good, he's so cute. She wants to just cover his face with a paper bag this isn't fair. Her own face turning slightly pink, she turns away quickly, and trots towards the door without another word. She doesn't want her stupidity to become obvious on her face!]
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Um, but you're hungry now, aren't you? I don't want to make you wait to eat something.
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[Everything sounds amazing to her right now, honestly.]
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[Good! They can go to the store later, since Melody should really eat something as soon as possible.]
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[It really doesn't take long to get to his apartment, but the moment they're at the door, she starts to get apprehensive. This is a big step, isn't? She's usually not so friendly with strangers... She definitely doesn't usually go into their homes right off the bat! She ESPECIALLY doesn't agree to stay with them for a while! And...she really does feel like she's imposing...]
Are you sure it's okay?
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[Once the door is unlocked, he opens it and stands aside to reveal a very clean and spacious one bedroom apartment. It's both furnished and decorated nicely, and looks more like a model setup or the apartment of a teenage girl. Upon looking in his room, however, it becomes more clear that this is indeed Yuteru's room - small shelves and a few framed records line one wall, and a rather nice electronic keyboard and acoustic guitar are highlights of the room.]
Make yourself at home, okay?
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Thank you!
[Melody steps over the threshold and breathes in the room's scent. This is...It's very gentle. She can't help but feel an amount of warmth from it. Can she really live in a place like this? It almost feels like she can't possibly belong here.]
Wow... It looks so nice in here! [She turns to him and offers him a truly radiant smile.] It's so comfy...
[Unceremoniously, she sits herself down on the couch and snuggles into the corner created by the arm and the back. Ahh, this is quite possibly the best couch she's ever sat in. Melody sighs softly and settles her bags carefully on the ground near her.]
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Um.... Thank you. [He moves to close the door and turns around just as Melody smiles at him, and even though he was blushing before, his cheeks only deepen in colour by the second.] I, uh, I mean-- L-Let me start making you something! [And he rushes over to the kitchen area. Come on, Yuteru! You know where your mixing bowls are.]
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Pancakes, right?
[She calls into the next room with a nervous voice as she crosses her legs on the couch and starts to fix her hair. She fell asleep with twintails in, so it's really messy...]
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How many would you like? Oh, and I have eggs too, if you want me to make them.
[It seems like he's pretty used to this, judging from the way he's efficiently sifting flour and melting the butter at once, not to mention the fact that he has all of the ingredients at hand and remembers the recipe from memory.]