Helga's birthday and Obon [Bonus 5]

August 13, 2016...

Mimi nervously stood before Itsuki in the kitchen. "What is it? If you want to say something, say it. I'll listen, though I'm not sure I'm the most qualified person to air your grievances to," Itsuki sighed.

"Could you teach me to make a filet-mignon?" Mimi asked.

"A filet-mignon? Why?"

"Because it's Helga's favorite food, and today's her birthday."

"Her birthday's on the first day of Obon?"

"Yeah, and I want to try making her favorite meal, but I've never cooked a steak before."

"Well, I doubt Rika will be able to teach you considering what happened, very well. When we're on break I'll teach you."

"We have an order for a filet-mignon and chicken burger for table 30," Waki stated as she entered.

"It seems I'll be teaching you now. Mimi, watch carefully."

...

Mimi nervously stared as Itsuki finished. "That was alot to do," she sighed.

"Filet-mignon requires you to be precise, otherwise the flavor and texture will worsen," Itsuki stated.

"So why're you looking so down? Aren't sweets your specialty?" Waki asked as she collected the meal.

"I want to make a filet-mignon for Helga since today's her birthday," Mimi sighed.

"Well what's the problem? Just copy what Itsuki did."

"But I'm worried I'll mess up. I also heard this meat is expensive and-"

"Here, just try making some. I'll go on break as soon as I've delivered this and order a filet-mignon."

"Th- Thanks Waki."

"Perhaps I should assist her too," Itsuki sighed.

...

"Well?" Mimi smiled.

"You didn't season it enough. The texture isn't as rich," Itsuki sighed.

"Tastes fine to me," Waki mumbled.

"I imagine Helga's taste pallet is similar to my own. Mimi, how does Helga prefer her steak?"

"Think she said medium-rare," Mimi nodded.

"In that case, you just need to perfect what I showed you. I cooked a medium-rare filet-mignon so all you must do is correct the mistakes you made with this one..."

...

As nightfall arrived, Helga strolled into the restaurant. She was garbed in a far more elegant crimson dress and heels and had done her hair and makeup.

"Welcome back to Ryokoma, Helga! What would you like for your birthday?" Mimi smiled.

"Mimi!? H- How do I look?" Helga blushed.

"Beautiful."

Helga's face only got redder as she twiddled her fingers. "F- Filet-mignon. Guess I'll have dessert too since that's all you can make," she mumbled.

"I'm on it!"

...

Mimi returned and placed Helga's meal before her. "Hmm, the meat looks fine and the dessert looks good," Helga growled as she tried the filet-mignon. "Hmm, wonder if Matcha made this."

"Do you like it?"

"It's satisfactory. I can tell this was clearly made by someone that doesn't specialize in meats. That rules out Itsuki, Benihime, Masaru, and Rika, and since you and Zuina don't cook meat dishes, that just leaves Matcha and Waki. Between the two, Matcha's more skilled and more likely to be tasked with making a filet-mignon."

"I didn't know you were a filet-mignon connoisseur."

"I've eaten enough steak to be able to identify the methods and technique used to make it. While this does taste similar to how Itsuki makes hers, I can tell it wasn't made by her, rather someone trying to copy her style."

"Well, happy birthday. I'm glad you liked the steak I made."

"Huh? HUH!? Oi, are you saying YOU made this!?"

"Yup! Though I guess I wasn't able to copy Itsuki perfectly. Guess I should have asked her to teach me earlier instead of this morning. Though I guess if I had asked before yesterday, Ri-chan could have-"

"HOLD UP! You just learned how to make a filet-mignon TODAY!?"

"Yup, it was during my lunch break."

Helga stared in shock for a few moments before smiling. "Heh, you really are a monster. To make a filet-mignon of this quality after being taught merely 6 hours ago? Guess I should have told you my favorite food sooner. Then I'd be eating a lavish feast."

"Glad I could impress you on your birthday."

...

As Helga finished her dessert, another filet-mignon was slammed down before her. "Oi Mimi, I didn't ask- HUH!?"

Helga looked up to see an angry Matcha glaring at her.

"I heard you say I couldn't make a filet-mignon. I may not be able to make the world's best filet-mignon, but I can sure as hell make one good enough to shut you up," Matcha glared.

"Oi, I- Mmph!?"

"It's on the house, so shut up and eat, birthday girl," Matcha glared as she shoved a piece into Helga's mouth.

Helga began to tear up as she ate. "Dammit, it's really good," she glared.

"Huh? Matcha, why are you feeding Helga a filet-mignon? Are you trying to seduce her and steal her away!?" Mimi gasped.

"No, I just overheard her when she claimed I couldn't make a good filet-mignon and was pissed. I have no romantic feelings for a bitch like her," Matcha glared.

"BITCH!? You're the bitch you punk-tea moper!" Helga fumed.

"'Punk-tea'!? Want me to shave all that white hair off you!?"

"Helga looks good with white hair, especially when she ties it up," Mimi pouted.

"Tch. Well, I defended what little pride I have, so I'll take that and leave," Matcha grumbled as she walked away.

"Helga, before you leave, feel like sharing a hyldeblomstsaft toast with me?" Mimi smiled as she placed a glass of hyldeblomstsaft before Helga.

"Sure, Obon's all about paying respect to your ancestors anyway," Helga smiled.