Tea for Three (風の奏の君へ)

TEA FOR THREE

MANAKA TEA STORE

I want to create a brand new signature product of Mimasaka.

That's why I thought we could use the tea we produce here.

I like how you dyed it with tea.

Look at how pretty the colours came out.

They sure did.

You can even smell the tea.

Oh yeah, you can!

Yeah.

Anyway, I want people to find new appreciation for Japanese tea,

and I'd like you to help me.

How about we make bath salts?

Something that our female guests can enjoy.

I like that.

I can't do much, but make yourselves at home.

I'll do it, Grandma Hatsuyo.

I cooked some black beans. Do you guys want some?

They came out great.

Don't worry. You just rest now.

Okay then.

Oh, welcome home.

Is Keiya okay? He failed to enter college again, right?

Nah, don't worry. He just needs to do some thinking.

It's no good. I'm completely out of shape.

My shoulders are totally frozen.

You're only 20.

Says the guy living aimlessly without a job.

You'll be an old man in no time!

Keiya.

Give me your best shot!

Where's that athlete I once knew?!

Shut up. Whatever.

I knew you'd be here.

Minori! What are you doing?!

I was bored. Plus, he called me.

You're a public servant!

Everyone in the tourism office is looking for you!

Crap, I better get back.

See ya, Keiya!

Keiya.

Is everything alright?

What?

You know...

Hey, Emi!

Shouldn't you be back at the inn you work?

I know!

Take care.

Wait, I wanted to show you...

SATOKA AOE CONCERT TOUR

Bro?

Hmm?

This.

Satoka's coming...

Satoka Aoe, concert tour.

Wow...

Big Bro, aren't you going?

Who knew that lady we met was an artist?

I heard she does film and anime soundtracks.

Yeah, who knew?

When did we meet her?

Two years ago.

Oh, that lady!

No, doesn't ring a bell...

How could you forget?

Yeah, she was real pretty.

How come the buses end so early in the countryside!

TWO YEARS AGO How come the buses end so early in the countryside!

TWO YEARS AGO

Run, Keiya!

Did we miss it?!

It already left.

Sorry.

Huh?

I'll get your hat.

Oh... Hey, wait!

Thanks, but it's okay.

Hey, can I ask you something?

NISHIKI EN

It's here.

Hello.

Keiya! Minori!

What are you two doing?

Here for a free bath again?

You know us too well, boss lady.

We've brought a guest.

Sorry to barge in.

We just met, and she didn't know where to stay.

I'll go check now.

Man, I'm beat.

Where is she from? Tokyo?

Huh? What?

Nothing.

Wanna talk to her?

No, don't.

Is the temperature alright?

It's not too hot, is it?

Keiya wants to know!

Thanks a lot for today.

Um...

Oh yeah, you never told me your name.

Nice to meet you. I'm Satoka Aoe.

Keiya Manaka.

Manaka?

From the Manaka Store?

Um... Yes...

Hey, Keiya?

I want to visit the Manaka Store.

Huh?

Bro.

Huh?

She's from Tokyo.

Sorry, I couldn't help it.

Take care of the store.

Where's Satoka?

She left.

Left? Where to?

Tokyo?

Yeah.

You sent her back?

She came all the way to see you!

I'm busy. Leave me alone.

Are you okay?

Are you alright?

Get back.

Call an ambulance!

Can you hear me?

Are you alright?

Can you hear me?

Where is she?

Dr. Fujii!

Keiya, what is it?

We want to see Satoka Aoe. Please.

Please!

Can I come in?

Sure.

Excuse me.

Keiya?

Long time no see.

Wait, did you go see my show?

Yeah.

Thanks.

Oh, but sorry for worrying you guys.

Are you alright?

Yeah, I'm fine. I just got a little dizzy.

I haven't had much rest recently.

Whew.

How are you guys doing?

Yeah, I guess.

We're working, but he still hasn't entered university.

Yeah? Then you must be working hard.

Nah, he's never studying. I'm so worried as his friend.

Stop yapping about.

Junya's gonna kill you if you fail again.

Don't bring up Bro...

How's your brother doing?

Um, well... Yes.

Good.

Do you need to head straight back to Tokyo?

How about you take some time off and rest at our inn?

- Always thinking about business. - Cut it out.

I wonder...

what I should do.

Maybe I could rest in this town for a while.

Keiya?

Yes?

Can I ask you a favour when I'm better?

Huh?

Can you take me to the tea fields?

Sure.

Ah, it feels so good!

Being from Tokyo, I've never lived in the countryside.

You seem that way.

Seem what way?

Well...

But why a tea field?

"Our tea fields burn in a fiery beautiful green."

Your brother used to say that.

Bro did?

I wondered what this fiery beautiful green looked like.

So that's why I'm here.

How did you two meet?

Your brother participated in an art exhibition that my friends held.

He painted a canvas the size of a tatami mat entirely in green.

If you looked closely, they were intricately painted leaves.

That left an impression on me.

Does he still paint?

Not at all.

In fact, I'd forgotten that he used to paint.

Is that so...

Are these tea leaves?

Yes.

The best way to pick tea is through "fine plucking".

You pick a bud and two leaves near the top when a few leaves have opened.

Yeah?

Like this.

Wow, you're good at this.

I've had to help out since I was little.

Want to try?

- I can? - Sure.