Chapter 05 Little Sad

She picked up the soda can and popped the tab, the hissing sound of the carbonation filling the air. As she pressed the rim of the can to her plush lips, she was greeted with a burst of flavor that she never tasted before.

 The bubbly sensation danced on her tongue, leaving her feeling invigorated. The fruity notes teased her taste buds, as the natural sweetness was a far cry from the cloying artificial taste of mass-produced soda. She took another sip, savoring the refreshing and genuine taste that was truly satisfying to her palate.

 With wide eyes, Ayumi said, "Wow, I have never tasted such a flavorful soda in my life! It's as if the fruits themselves were squeezed into the can. The carbonation is strong, but it doesn't sting like the ones you find in stores. It's like drinking a refreshing elixir made from the finest ingredients."

Koji stood tall with confidence as he proclaimed, "That's because I make them myself. The factory-made ones can't even compare to the quality of my homemade soda." He beamed with pride as he brushed his beard.

Ayumi asked, "Koji, I'm curious, where do you get all of the ingredients to make your soda? They look the same as the other brands in other vending machines."

With a confident smirk on his face, Koji replied, "I have my ways, Ayumi. But not all of my secrets can be revealed. I have my own workshop right here inside the vending machine, and even a basement where I keep my ingredients. But, not just everyone gets to taste my product."

As she sat there in front of the vending machine, Ayumi asked Koji more questions, curious to learn about the person inside the machine. Koji, usually a recluse who kept to himself, found himself opening up to Ayumi, telling her about his passion for making soda and how he had developed his unique recipe over years of experimentation.

Koji and Ayumi chatted about all sorts of things, from Koji's favorite flavor of soda to Ayumi's love for reading. As they talked, Koji felt a sense of ease he had never experienced before. Time flew past without either of them noticing, and before they knew it, a few hours had passed.

Realizing the time, Ayumi got up and said, "I'm sorry Koji, I have to go now. But I promise I'll come back tomorrow and chat with you again."

Koji's heart skipped a beat at the thought of seeing Ayumi again, but he managed to compose himself and replied, "I'll be here waiting for you, A-A-Ayumi."

As Ayumi walked away, Koji couldn't help but feel a little sad. However, the thought of seeing her again tomorrow filled him with excitement and joy. He knew that he had found a new friend.