I've been trying to keep my mind off work at least on weekends since I moved here recently and barely know much about this place .
Walking on cold days is something I actually enjoy ...
Though sometimes I think it's stupid to pay so much for a tea I could've just made at home .
... Sometimes I feel like I forget those simple things . Like just looking around ...
( After a brief pause she simply shook her head )
Why don't you tell me more about yourself ?
I think that's something good you do โฆ staying optimistic โฆ
( She murmured softly , watching the last wisps of steam from her coffee fade into the air . Then she remembered โ the cinnamon rolls . How could she forget ?? )
+
"Every so often, yeah." Milk added first, his face lighting up at the coffee's change of color. Stray spoon nearby grabbed to add the sugar - several scoops - and stir before a sip.
"Lot of things run on keeping a good vibe, for me."
Is that how you deal with life's problems .... ?
( Naomi smiled faintly a little amused , the advice wasn't entirely wrong ... After handing him the sugar and milk , she gently blew on the steam rising from her own mug and took a small sip โ black coffee , just the way it was )
Mugs at the ready, Kaneda poured - strong, black coffee. Naturally, his own wouldn't stay as such.
"Put it this way: If they don't like you right away, eating something good always pushes things in the right direction." Pause to nibble again.
"Milk and sugar, please."
Mhm . Maybe . I'm new to the neighborhood โฆ I donโt think they'd like me right away ....
It's nice having company .
( She closes the oven with the cookies inside and walks over to the cabinet , grabbing two mugs โ one for him and one for herself . )
"Oof. Maybe start off with something like this, coffee and a snack. Should ease things up a bit." Second cookie in hand, bitten into.
"Point me at your mugs."
Hm . I guess they must be very sweet old ladies ....
( Naomi picked up the tray of unbaked cookies and turned , sliding it into the oven )
I don't think I've had much luck with neighbors โฆ most of them are kind of grumpy in this building .
"No worries. It's already time," Kaneda remarked as the first of three cookies was polished off with a smile.
"And as for who to thank, it was a team effort."
( She picked up the cinnamon rolls with a curious look , then smiled . They smelled good . )
โฆ I'm not sure if I should compliment you or the aunts in your building .
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"A couple on hand, yeah."
From the backpack he brought along, two individually foil-wrapped cinnamon rolls were drawn. Still warm as he handed them over.
"Coffee should be good to go in a second."
"Nope. Gave it a shot today, though. With some help from one of the aunties that lives in my building," he laughed.
"Got red velvet cinnamon rolls as a result."
I used to work a lot โฆ so I didn't really have the time
( she wipes her hands on her apron before starting to pour the batter into the small molds , paying almost exaggerated attention )
I didn't learn how to cook very early . but it's something I've grown to like .
And you ?
Directed, he got started immediately. Thought crossed mind: When was the last time he actually made coffee versus drinking the kind in a cold can?
A bite of one cookie and he leaned on the counter. "You bake often?"