Illness was in the kitchenette of Kaito’s home—or more accurately, his mansion—surrounded by several varieties of tea leaves as she pondered her next move.
Nebula, who happened to be passing by, approached and called out to her.
"Illness-san, what are you doing?"
"Since the opportunity has arisen... I was thinking of preparing an original blend of black tea to serve to Kaito-sama. I’ve been mulling over several ideas, you see..."
"I see. Master just finished creating his own original blend, so the timing is perfect. Regarding Master’s preferences—"
Nebula nodded as if in agreement and reached toward the canisters of tea leaves. However, she stopped herself halfway and pulled her hand back.
"...No, that would be tactless of me."
"What would be?"
"The most optimal choice isn't necessarily the best one. If I were to provide the answer or offer advice here, I would be robbing you of the time you spend in trial and error while thinking of Master. That would be quite tactless, wouldn't it?"
"I see... Certainly, the time I spend thinking like this is a happy moment in itself. It would be a waste to reach the answer so quickly."
"Exactly. Besides, I'm sure you will reach a wonderful conclusion without me saying anything unnecessary, Illness-san."
As the Absolute One, Nebula could have easily provided the perfect blend to match Kaito’s tastes. However, understanding that knowing everything wasn't always for the best, she chose to refrain from giving any direct advice.
She offered a gentle smile, careful not to intrude on the time Illness spent thinking of the person she loved. She turned to leave the kitchenette, but came to a sudden halt near the door.
"...Actually, please allow me one small, meddlesome piece of advice. Rather than searching for a blend meant to be served to Master, search for the blend you would most want to 'drink together with Master.'"
"A blend for when I drink tea with Kaito-sama...?"
"Indeed. Flavor is not determined solely by the product itself. It changes naturally based on the consumer’s state of mind, the environment, and—most importantly—who they are with. Anyone with a bit of knowledge could create a blend Master finds delicious. But the best possible blend for when you and Master drink together? That is something only you can create, Illness-san."
"Yes... Thank you for the advice. You really are reliable, Nebula."
"Well, I am the Absolute One, after all!"
"Kuhihi, quite right."
Nebula puffed out her chest with pride at the gratitude, then gave a light wave and departed. Once she had seen her off, Illness turned her attention back to the tea leaves.
When she shifted her perspective from a blend meant for Kaito to one meant to be shared with him, entirely new possibilities began to flood her mind.
"...Together with Kaito-sama... Yes. If I could share a cup and a quiet chat with him... that would be unimaginably wonderful. And knowing Kaito-sama, he would surely worry about my tastes as well. Perhaps instead of focusing solely on his preferences, it would be better to incorporate a little of what I like, too..."
Illness visualized the scene: sitting with Kaito, enjoying the original blend she had crafted. The mere thought made a deep warmth spread through her chest. With that feeling held close, she set back to work on her tea.
Serious-senpai: "As expected of the Absolute One... her advice on how to ramp up the sweetness is perfect. D-Dammit... I know exactly where this is going..."