Hotaru

All right...

Hotaru

(The song we're practicing today should be okay now.)

Hotaru

(Maybe I'll take a short break. There should be some water in the refrigerator.)

Hotaru

(Huh...? This water has different packaging than usual. But if it's in here, I guess it's okay to have some...?)

Hotaru

I'll have some, then...

Hotaru

...!?

Hotaru

*Cough*, *Cough*!? W-What is this...? My throat feels all scratchy...!

Natsume

What's all the commotion about?

Hotaru

N-Natsume-san...! The water in the refrigerator tastes strange...

Natsume

Oh. That's because it's hard water.

Hotaru

Hard water...?

Natsume

Yeah. It's water with lots of natural minerals in it.

Natsume

Most water in Japan is soft water instead. Hard water has a different feel going down.

Hotaru

You know a lot about this...

Natsume

Of course I do. I put that in there.

Hotaru

Oh, was it yours...!? I'm sorry. I drank it without asking...!

Natsume

It's fine. I left it in the shared refrigerator.

Natsume

I buy them in bulk online, so one bottle isn't a big deal.

Hotaru

Thank you... Do you prefer hard water, Natsume-san?

Natsume

Yeah. It feels like I'm actually drinking something.

Natsume

It's good on its own, and I use it when I make coffee sometimes, too.

Natsume

It makes the flavors more defined. Sharper, maybe? I've heard professional chefs use it a lot too.

Hotaru

Th-That sounds so grown-up...!

Natsume

Hmph! You're pretty perceptive for a kid.

Natsume

I'm two grades above you, after all. I see the world differently.

Hotaru

I've never really thought about different kinds of water before.

Natsume

You should pay more attention to what you put in your body, too. It all becomes part of you.

Natsume

And you're the vocalist, aren't you? Taking care of your throat is part of the job.

Hotaru

You're right...! I had never thought of it that way.

Natsume

Seriously. You really don't think ahead.

Hotaru

I'm sorry...

Natsume

For someone like you, I've got a useful tip.

Hotaru

Huh...?

Natsume

Eat something fried right before you sing.

Hotaru

Something fried...?

Natsume

Exactly. Convenience-store fried chicken is a good choice.

Natsume

It coats your throat with a layer of oil and makes it easier to sing. That's another technique the professional singers use.

Hotaru

Really? You know even things like that? That's amazing!

Natsume

Well, you could call it something I picked up on the job. If you're interested, I could teach you more.

Natsume

It might even help your performances, too.

Hotaru

Oh...! Thank you so much! Yes, please!