>>2352543She brings out a plastic bottle she was hiding behind her back; it’s filled to the brim with a golden liquid. It looks like beer. “Matsuri you know I can’t drink on the job, that would be unprofessional.” “Oh no no no it’s not beer, it a… special energy drink! I made it for you. Yeah that’s right an energy drink.” She trails off. This the first time you’ve seen Matsuri like this. Usually she’s a very headstrong and confident person but now she just seems like a sputtering mess. It’s odd but you can’t turn down a good gesture especially from her. “Oh… thanks then.” You take the bottle and unscrew the cap. Matsuri is staring at you wide-eyed in anticipation for some reason. “Down the hatch.” As soon as the liquid makes contact with your tongue you retch. You want to spit it out but that would be rude to Matsuri so you force yourself to swallow it. It tastes absolutely revolting. After forcing it down your throat you question Matsuri.
“I’m sorry Matsuri, is it supposed to taste this bad?” You speak while coughing. You could have sworn you caught a tinge of sadness on her face as you said that before she reassures you. “Oh yeah yeah. It’s a very strong drink that will destroy any sleepiness you have but you have to drink all of it to feel the effect.” You look towards the bottle with a contorted face. “Ugh really?” She nods her head in confirmation. You let out a sigh. “If you say so” And so the bottle meets your lips for a second time. You brace yourself for the taste but it’s overwhelming. You really want to puke it out but you have to drink it. You can’t Matsuri’s good will go to waste. With loud audible gulps you somehow down the whole bottle. Sure you feel more awake but it all just feels so wrong and gross. You fight several urges to throw up.
Matsuri on the other hand has a range of emotions on her face. She looks extremely ecstatic while still holding that same feverish blush. You manage to squeak out a bit of gratitude “T-thanks Matsuri, that sure did wake me up.” You feel an awkward smile form on your face. “I’m glad to be of help!” She exclaims. She responds with her signature smile again; it almost cute enough to make you forget just how gross that drink was. But that smile was the last thing you saw before everything faded to darkness.
