#*gets bricked*

You sit at the counter of the Mostro Lounge on a slow evening, your question pulling Jade’s attention from his latest finished creation, an Orange Coral fruity drink. He quickly places it on a tray for the waiting server and it is swiftly carried off to it’s proper table.

“Personally, I prefer tea to be undisturbed. It is refreshing that you think the same.”

From his side of the counter, he pulls out a small iron kettle and two small mugs and places it before you with a light smile. The kettle is steaming slightly, having just been pulled from his portable burner behind the counter. Perfect timing.

He opens the top of the kettle and checks the color. You see a cluster of wet leaves inside of the strainer resting in the pot. Ah, green tea. Just from the lid being remove, you can smell the aroma.

“If you’ve had tea that were lacking in flavor or depth, I would suggest tweaking a few of your steps. Perhaps the tea was not steeped for long enough, not allowing the flavor of the leaves to be infused in the water. It is also important to use purified water, so there are no other tastes conflicting with the leaves.”

He pours the tea in the two mugs, one for you, one for him. Small flecks of the green tea leaves float in the mug, having escaped from the strainer. The color is a dark green, like the mer-eel’s namesake gem.

“Instead of attempting to adjust the taste of the tea with additives, I would suggest serving your tea with a confection.” Jade says, pulling yet another container from behind the counter, a small transparent jar halfway filled with konpeito, small crystal sugar candy. With a small scoop, he pulls out about ten of them onto a small place and slides it towards you. “The sweets will balance the bitterness of the tea, and you’ll find your experience more enjoyable.

“I do hope these candies will help invigorate you to focus on your classes later today.” Jade’s polite customer service smile is turned up to max. He picks up his mug of tea and takes a sip, sighing. His sharp eyes watches you as you pick up a candy and begin to enjoy your tea. His grin widens.

Zeno: Oh, Zeno sees you.

Taxi Driver: Are you that guy in the middle of the road?

I’m egg