"This Is Our Goodbye #6: Baking & Cycling

Flashback Scenario 3: Baking

Ayaka, wearing a cute apron with cartoon cupcakes on it, eagerly pulled Aoi into the kitchen. "Aoi, my mom and I are baking cookies! You have to join us; it's going to be so much fun!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Aoi, maintaining her usual reserve, responded with a polite smile. "Certainly, Ayaka-sama. I'd be delighted to join the baking session," she replied, her tone measured but courteous. The thought of baking wasn't something she would have chosen herself, but Ayaka's enthusiasm was hard to resist.

Ayaka's mom greeted them with a warm smile. "Hello, Aoi! Ayaka has been talking about this baking day all week. Ready to make some delicious cookies?" she asked, her tone welcoming.

Aoi nodded, her expression calm. "Absolutely. I'm looking forward to it," she replied, her words a blend of sincerity and formality.

Ayaka handed Aoi an apron, a simple white one with pink trim. "Here you go, Aoi! We're a baking team now," she said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Aoi took the apron and tied it around her waist. "Thank you, Ayaka-sama. Teamwork is essential in any culinary endeavor," she said, her movements precise as she adjusted the apron.

Ayaka grabbed a large bowl and began pouring flour into it. "Let's start with the flour. Aoi, can you mix it while I add the sugar?" she instructed, her hands steady as she measured out the sugar.

Aoi nodded, taking the whisk and beginning to mix the flour. "Certainly, Ayaka-sama. Mixing as directed," she said, her focus on the task at hand.

Ayaka giggled as she added the sugar. "You don't have to call me 'sama' when we're baking, Aoi. Just Ayaka is fine!" she said, her laughter filling the kitchen.

Aoi paused for a moment, then adjusted her approach. "Understood, Ayaka. Let's continue with the recipe," she replied, a subtle shift in her tone.

Ayaka began forming the cookie dough into little balls, her fingers working quickly. "Now, Aoi, we shape these into cookies. It's the best part!" she said, her smile wide with excitement.

Aoi managed a small smile, rolling the dough between her palms. "Certainly, Ayaka. Shaping cookies does seem enjoyable," she replied, her touch gentle as she formed the dough.

Ayaka, always playful, suggested, "You can make yours look like a smiley face! It's so much fun," her voice full of energy.

Aoi raised an eyebrow but attempted a smiley face with the dough. "I'll give it a try, Ayaka," she replied, her hands carefully pressing two dots for eyes and a curved line for the mouth.

Ayaka's mom, watching from across the counter, beamed with joy. "You two make a great baking team! The cookies are going to be fantastic," she said, her eyes shining with pride.

Ayaka placed the cookies on a baking tray and slid them into the oven. "Now, we just wait for the magic to happen," she said, closing the oven door with a flourish.

Aoi, observing the process with interest, nodded. "Indeed, Ayaka. Baking is quite fascinating," she said, her voice filled with calm curiosity.

As Aoi continued the story, Shiriku interrupted her again, laughing as he said, "Ohhh, it's so awkward you calling Ayaka just Ayaka," his tone playful, with a mischievous grin.

Aoi's eyes narrowed as she snapped back, "Shirikuuuuuu-sama!" Her tone was sharp, and her face conveyed annoyance at being interrupted. She then shrugged, signaling her intent to continue the story. Shiriku sighed, realizing he had almost pushed her too far, his playful demeanor shifting to one of cautiousness. He'd have to be more careful if he didn't want to get on Aoi's bad side again.

Flashback Scenario 3: Cycling

Ayaka's eyes sparkled as she spotted the shiny bike leaning against the garage wall. "Aoi, I really want to ride a bike, but I have no idea how. Can you teach me?" she asked, her voice laced with eagerness.

Aoi, with a reassuring smile, replied, "Certainly, Ayaka-sama. Riding a bike is quite simple once you get the hang of it." Her words carried a calming tone, intended to ease any nervousness Ayaka might have about trying something new.

Ayaka's excitement grew as she bounced on her toes. "Yay! Let's do it. But, um, where do we start?" she asked, her curiosity clear in her voice.

Aoi handed Ayaka a helmet. "First things first, safety is key. Put this on," she instructed, her movements deliberate and her gaze focused on ensuring the helmet fit properly.

Ayaka giggled as she placed the helmet on her head, adjusting the straps. "Safety first, got it! What's next?" she asked, her eyes darting from the bike to Aoi, eager to learn.

Aoi adjusted the bike saddle, her fingers working with deft precision. "Now, we'll find a flat, open space. You'll get the feel for balancing first," she explained, her voice patient as she guided Ayaka through the steps.

Ayaka hopped on the bike tentatively, her movements cautious. "Like this?" she asked, wobbling slightly as she tried to find her balance.

Aoi steadied the bike, her grip firm but gentle. "Exactly. Now, start pedaling gently and focus on keeping your balance," she instructed, her eyes watching Ayaka's every move.

Ayaka's initial attempt was wobbly, her balance uncertain. "Whoa, this is harder than it looks!" she exclaimed, her laughter mingled with a hint of anxiety.

Aoi kept a steady hand on the bike, offering guidance. "It's normal at first. Just relax and keep pedaling. You'll get it," she said, her tone calm and encouraging.

Ayaka's confidence grew as she pedaled, her movements becoming smoother with each turn of the wheels. "I think I'm getting it, Aoi! This is so much fun!" she shouted, her excitement palpable.

Aoi walked alongside her, her steps in sync with Ayaka's progress. "Great job, Ayaka-sama! Soon you'll be riding like a pro," she said, her voice filled with encouragement.

Ayaka, now gaining momentum, rode the bike with a growing sense of accomplishment. The wind swept through her hair as she picked up speed, her earlier nerves giving way to joy. Aoi stayed beside her, offering words of support.

"You're doing really well, Ayaka-sama! See, it's not as hard as it seems," Aoi said, her smile genuine as she watched Ayaka's transformation from hesitant beginner to confident rider.

Ayaka beamed, her smile stretching from ear to ear. "Thanks, Aoi! This is so much fun. I can't believe I'm riding a bike!" she exclaimed, her laughter echoing across the open space.

Aoi's smile widened as she encouraged Ayaka to take the next step. "It's all about practice. Now, let's try turning. Just lean gently in the direction you want to go," she explained, keeping her pace steady beside the bike.

Ayaka cautiously turned the handlebars, her body leaning into the curve. "Like this?" she asked, her focus on maintaining balance while executing the turn.

Aoi nodded, her approval evident in her voice. "Exactly. You're a natural, Ayaka-sama," she said, her words full of praise.