Character Story 11: Yukari, All-You-Can-Drink!
After clearing the way of monsters, Yukari had calmed down.
Yukari
I really am hopeless...
Yukari
Getting you caught up in trouble, Yuuki, and then adding more trouble on top of that because of my no-alcohol rule.
Yukari
... Sigh.
Yukari
At this rate, I'll... Huh?
Yukari
A bright light...? Is this what the beer is doing to me...!? No, I won't give in!
Scene: A dream. A mall in Japan.
Yukari
Thanks for going shopping with me today. Sorry for inviting you on short notice.
Yukari
It's not that I had anything in particular that I wanted to buy, but I'd just felt like I'd been stuck inside for so long...
Yukari
Ah, were you worried about me? It wasn't because I was ill or anything, so don't worry.
Yuuki
1. "Today seemed different from usual."
Yukari
Eh... You noticed!?
Yukari
So that means... I really am always...
Yukari
Huh? Ah... Sorry. I'm getting myself depressed for no reason.
Yukari
You see, I've... quit drinking.
Yukari
Why do you look so taken aback? Is it really that much of a surprise?
Yukari
The thing is... I used to have my relatives' kids come up to me and say stuff like, "Auntie, you smell just like daddy during the holidays!"
Yukari
And, like, they were definitely right... you know?
Yukari
I do enjoy drinking, but to be put on the same level as their vacationing dad does sting a little...
Yukari
Like, I'm still a young woman beneath it all, right? And also...
Yukari
I... definitely wouldn't want you to think of me in the same way, Yuuki.
Yukari
That's why I've been holding off on the drinking for a while. It's been pretty tough.
Yukari
When I'm at home by myself, I'm liable to crack open a can without thinking about it, so I thought I'd spend some time outside for a while, like this.
Yukari
But I'd practically forgotten how nice it was to be out! I feel refreshed and healthy! And there's nothing here to tempt me either!
Employee
Ah, ma'am, how about some of this? A fragrant, refreshing beer will perk you right up! We're holding a tasting of our new products!
Yukari
Oof...!
Employee
W-What's the matter!? Why did she hunch over all of a sudden...?
Yuuki
1. "... She took heavy damage."
Yukari
N-No, I'm fine...! I can handle this much...!
Employee
W-Well, if you say so... Then, once again, how would you like to try? Our new brew is sure to be better than anything you've had before!
Yukari
W-Well, it... does smell nice...!
Employee
Doesn't it? Then, please, try whichever one you'd like!
Yukari
Whichever one... I like...?
Yukari
N-No, I have to refuse. Don't give into temptation, Yukari...!
Yukari
Be strong, my heart...! I have to become a lady who smells like flowers, not alcohol...!
Yuuki
1. "You may as well try some."
Yukari
Huh...?
Yukari
N-No, I can't! Why are you pressuring me... I'm doing this for you...
Yuuki
1. "You smell very nice normally."
Yukari
Wha!?
Yukari
Did you say I smell nice? The way I normally am...?
Yukari
You're not lying, are you...?
Yukari
O-Okay... If you say so, then... I guess...
Yukari
Miss, I'll have one, please.
Employee
Yes, here you are!
Yukari
... Glug.
Employee
Huh? She drained it in an instant...?
Yukari
It's good...! Next one, please.
Employee
Y-Yes...!
Yukari
The sweet aroma is really filling my nostrils! More, please!
Yukari
I can't get enough of this refreshment! Another one!
Yukari
Ahhh, I love this bubbly feeling shooo much...! More, pleaash!
Employee
U-Um... Ma'am?
Yukari
Yeah, let'sh keep thish up!
Employee
... W-What a way to drink...! Everyone around is looking this way... Is this the greatest publicity ever, or what!?
Yukari
Moooore!
After Yukari drank practically everything that was in stock and became completely wasted, it fell to Yuuki to carry her home.
Yukari
Hic... Huh? I can walk on m' own, y'know?
Yukari
Oh, haha, I'm on yer back, Yuuki! Feels goooood...
Yukari
Shorry for bein' trouble again...
Yuuki
1. "It's just as usual."
2. "You're just a little high-maintenance."
Option 1.
Yukari
Heh heh. Well'n, jush' take care of me as usual, 'kay?
Option 2.
Yukari
Oh, cheeky, aintcha? I'm the big shister 'ere, y'know?
End of branches.
Yukari
Hey, Yuuki.
Yukari
Do I smell nice...?
Yukari
......
Yukari
Heh. Thanks.
Yukari
If you shay sho, then... I dun care what anyone elsh shays.
Yukari
Ahh, yer back feelsh sho warm that I could fall right ashleep.
Yukari
Mmm... Wake me up when we're home, 'kay...?
End of dream.
Ames
No, that's way too much to drink, no matter how you look at it.
Ames
Come on, you need to stop her! Why are you enabling her like that!?
Ames
It's true that she seems happier than anytime else when she's drinking, but... Well, I just don't understand it.
Ames
All things should be in moderation, right?
Ames
But in any case, the fact that she was holding off on drinking just for your sake shows you that you're her top priority.
Ames
So make sure she doesn't get herself into trouble, okay? Wait, just what kind of advice am I giving you now?
Ames
Well, anyway, good work, I guess. I feel like I could go for a drink myself right about now...
End of Ames conversation.
Yukari
Mm... huh!?
Yukari
Ooh, no, I fell asleep again... I was only drinking for a few moments, but I feel like I had a lot...
Yukari
Huh? Yuuki, you fell asleep, too? Wait, did you also... No, you wouldn't drink any yourself.
Yukari
Sigh. To think that I'd be that thirsty for beer even in a dream...
Yukari
But I can't give in! I'll never drink again!
Yukari
I'm recovering my dry streak!
Yukari, filled anew with determination, returned to Landsol, and promptly thought to return to the usual restaurant.