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The Garage

HotaruAll right...

Hotaru(The song we're practicing today should be okay now.)

Hotaru(Maybe I'll take a short break. There should be some water in the refrigerator.)

Hotaru(Huh...? This water has different packaging than usual. But if it's in here, I guess it's okay to have some...?)

HotaruI'll have some, then...

Hotaru...!?

Hotaru*Cough*, *Cough*!? W-What is this...? My throat feels all scratchy...!

NatsumeWhat's all the commotion about?

HotaruN-Natsume-san...! The water in the refrigerator tastes strange...

NatsumeOh. That's because it's hard water.

HotaruHard water...?

NatsumeYeah. It's water with lots of natural minerals in it.

NatsumeMost water in Japan is soft water instead. Hard water has a different feel going down.

HotaruYou know a lot about this...

NatsumeOf course I do. I put that in there.

HotaruOh, was it yours...!? I'm sorry. I drank it without asking...!

NatsumeIt's fine. I left it in the shared refrigerator.

NatsumeI buy them in bulk online, so one bottle isn't a big deal.

HotaruThank you... Do you prefer hard water, Natsume-san?

NatsumeYeah. It feels like I'm actually drinking something.

NatsumeIt's good on its own, and I use it when I make coffee sometimes, too.

NatsumeIt makes the flavors more defined. Sharper, maybe? I've heard professional chefs use it a lot too.

HotaruTh-That sounds so grown-up...!

NatsumeHmph! You're pretty perceptive for a kid.

NatsumeI'm two grades above you, after all. I see the world differently.

HotaruI've never really thought about different kinds of water before.

NatsumeYou should pay more attention to what you put in your body, too. It all becomes part of you.

NatsumeAnd you're the vocalist, aren't you? Taking care of your throat is part of the job.

HotaruYou're right...! I had never thought of it that way.

NatsumeSeriously. You really don't think ahead.

HotaruI'm sorry...

NatsumeFor someone like you, I've got a useful tip.

HotaruHuh...?

NatsumeEat something fried right before you sing.

HotaruSomething fried...?

NatsumeExactly. Convenience-store fried chicken is a good choice.

NatsumeIt coats your throat with a layer of oil and makes it easier to sing. That's another technique the professional singers use.

HotaruReally? You know even things like that? That's amazing!

NatsumeWell, you could call it something I picked up on the job. If you're interested, I could teach you more.

NatsumeIt might even help your performances, too.

HotaruOh...! Thank you so much! Yes, please!