@danggirlronpa - here have some sakura/kirumi.
“I do not see how this helps with my endeavor.”
Sakura sits across from what is currently an empty floor pillow as Kirumi sets the tea between them. She keeps a firm eye on each of Kirumi’s movements, from the placement of the teapot to the gentle way she kneels to pour the tea into both cups. “Tea can be useful to relieve stress and refuel after a workout, but I do not believe that is how you are using it.”
“You are quite correct.” Kirumi returns to her floor pillow and takes her own teacup in both gloved hands. She takes a sip and waits for Sakura to do the same.
“I humbly request that you help me become the strongest person.”
At the time, Kirumi was not quite sure she could fulfill Sakura’s request. She certainly had the capability to help the taller woman in a variety of other ways, but when it came to strength, she hadn’t been quite certain. However, after a few days of following her (discreetly, of course, as she fulfilled all of her requests, unless told otherwise), she noticed something not that Sakura was lacking, but which with which she refused to engage.
It was that on which Kirumi set Sakura’s new regime – one that didn’t undermine the training she already underwent to maintain her physical strength, but one that enhanced it with additional training.
Time set apart daily for tea is only one of those additions. Others include three sessions of ballet weekly, poetry readings (primarily in private, with the intent to move more public), and excursions over the weekend with the Ultimate Fashionista or Pop Sensation (or, on occasion, the Ultimate Pianist, with whom Sakura seems to feel a bit more comfortable than either of the other options, not that she would say that aloud). They’ve been doing this for months now with little complaint or pushback from Sakura herself, who seems to willingly trust whatever Kirumi suggests, but little has changed.
Sakura holds her teacup gently between hands that engulf it and stares into the warm liquid. “Ballet helps with movement,” she continues, “and poetry helps ground the soul. I still do not understand the required time spent with our classmates or how it translates into strength, but I am trying to understand.”
“Would you like me to explain it to you?”
“No. I will figure it out soon enough.” Sakura sips from her teacup and hums with contentment. “Tomorrow, we must try one of Hanamura’s recipes, provided you will let me craft it for you.”
Kirumi smiles demurely. “It would be my pleasure.”
