EMMA : Phew, I'm done. Wow, it's already so late.
Today had been a busy day, and it was well into the night when I’d finished inspecting the supplies.
CUIT : Thanks for the help, Emma. Do you still have more work to do?
EMMA : Thanks. No, I just finished up. How about you?
CUIT : Oh, yeah, just got to finish preparing tomorrow's meal.
EMMA : I see, seems we both had a lot of work to do.
CUIT : Well, it's getting late and you must be hungry. I have just the thing for you.
EMMA : Oh, you don't mind? You must be tired.
CUIT : Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal.
EMMA : If you say so...
CUIT : Yeah, just give me a minute.
EMMA : (...... I can't wait to see what he's got in store for me.)
Not long after, Cuit returned from the kitchen.
CUIT : Here's a little something from me for all your hard work.
EMMA : Thanks. This looks very thick. Is it soup?
CUIT : This is called kudzu tea. I think the sweetness is very relaxing. Try it.
EMMA : Kudzu tea? Hmmm, it's true. It's kind of gentle and sweet!
CUIT : Excellent. I figured that would be easier on the stomach at this time of night.
EMMA : Huh, true. It's like a perfect substitute for a late-night snack.
CUIT : Wait! It's still hot!
Before I can reply that it's okay, Cuit lifts my chin lightly with his fingertips. He is very close to me, his serious gaze fixed on my lips.
EMMA : Oh, um. Cuit...?
CUIT : Uh, I'm sorry. Your lips are going a little red. I'll go get you some water.
Cuit rushed to his feet and quickly strode toward the kitchen. He too was growing red and was visibly nervous.
EMMA : (....I bet I'm just as red as he is.)
I tried desperately to regain my composure as I blew on my cup and drank the cooled tea.
