[Gift] Teach Me How.

"Like this?" A feminine voice carries through the workshop, uneasiness and nervousness edging into the pitch. All she wanted to do was please him, to perhaps impress - but she lacked the experience necessary for the time being. Manicured hands carefully gripping the form before her, gently working her wrists with cautiousness.

 

The owner of the store keeps a careful eye on her movements, a watchful gaze upon her attempt. He would be lying if he claimed that he was not slightly amused, even as his expression failed to shift. Only the sound of a small sigh indicates an acknowledgment prior to him speaking, instructing her how to improve. "Yes, perhaps a little less rough with the grip." 

 

There's a nod in response before Kurami shifts her neck, ensuring that her hair is out of the way. Even in a high ponytail it is rather long, gently cascading down her back. If she isn't careful, it could become sticky rather easily. Though she was never scared of getting a little dirty, she had just had a shower - having another so soon when she has such a busy schedule today would be quite the annoyance.

 

Quite frankly, her company in the dango store was rather impulsive - what was meant to be a quick visit, interest in purchasing a dango both for her and her beloved imp companions quickly shifted into something more. Her hands are sticky, evident by the strings that stretch and connect her fingers while she sprawls them out in a white webbing.

 

"Dan, I think I added too much water -" a sheepish grin plasters upon satin lips, dark eyes glancing up towards the owner, "can that be remedied?"

 

Dango making was more difficult than she had initially believed - there were many steps required and multiple measurements to be aware of. Even the smallest mix-up of the step order could lower the quality of work, and you wouldn't be aware until it's far too late.

 

With care, his hands take hold of the dry ingredients and Kurami can only watch in complete awe as he eyeballs the measurements before pouring it on top of her sticky dough. "Continue."

 

The idol gives a nod, a newfound flare of determination coursing through her veins. She will not fail Dan, not after all the hard work he puts into his craft, nor all the care he puts into his creations. What kind of idol would she be if she strove for anything short of perfection? The effort pays off over time, and this is one skill she wants to perfect, especially to impress her loved ones. 

 

Time passes by quickly within the exchange of questions and craftmanship, and eventually - she has created a hinami dango lookalike - a classic color combination, created with strawberry, matcha, and mitarashi balls placed upon a skewer, the other original dangos on sticks of their own. She initially aimed to create a real hinami dango, yet decided to practice multiple flavors at once - one self indulgent, and three of her personal favourites. Her imps would adore them, even if they were unaware of how much math she had to do. She had advanced the difficulty for a beginner, but the payoff was well worth it.

 

The dango is carefully packaged, and Kurami is practically beaming with pride to the point excitement seeps through her skin, her energy all too addicting - nothing less expected from a model and idol, a girl whose charisma and charm have taken her far in life. She bids Dan farewell by jumping to wrap her arms around his shoulders, even though he seemed rather taken off guard. For once, it was a pure display of gratitude without any ulterior motivations. She had no intention of stripping out of her dress, only to physically express her contentment, cheek rubbing against chest as she thanked him continuously. 

 

He taught her much more than a simple skill, it was more than making a snack or a treat. It was a talent that she could add to her roster, an experience that she could utilize to impress the crowds and to win the heart of the one she sought after the most. To put a worth on something like that was difficult - to her, it was priceless.

 

She surely will have to continue practicing, and perhaps even traverse out towards other stores - aiming to learn as much as she can. After all, her love knows no bounds - she can never be too prepared for when she meets her true love.