The next morning...
Duzki groaned, thoroughly exhausted by the sweltering heat. "Shit... this is so boring. Summer is way too hot, man."
"Yeah, for real," Sushi agreed, wiping his brow. "By the way, do you think Koien is coming today?"
"I don't know, but I'm dying of boredom here," Duzki said as the two of them decided to head out for a walk.
As they strolled down the street, a newly opened storefront caught Sushi's attention. "Ah... what kind of shop is this? The sign says 'European-Style Restaurant'."
Duzki squinted at the building, frowning slightly. "Huh... I've never seen this place around here before."
"Come on! It's way better than sitting at home doing nothing. Let's check it out!" Sushi urged, his foodie instincts kicking in as he dragged Duzki inside.
They stepped through the doors and looked around. Sushi was immediately impressed by the interior. "Wow, Duzki... the decor in here is actually really nice."
Duzki took a seat at a table and called out, "Excuse me, can we get a menu, please?"
At that exact moment, the restaurant owner slowly emerged from the shadows of the kitchen, walking toward them...The owner smiled warmly and introduced himself. "My name is Joseph William."
Sushi leaned in close to Duzki and whispered, "Dude... he looks just like a foreigner, doesn't he?"
"For real," Duzki nodded in agreement.
Sushi looked at the owner and asked, "Could we see the menu, please?"
Joseph chuckled softly. "I think you've got it wrong, my friend... there are no menus in this shop."
"Seriously?!" Sushi looked puzzled.
Joseph observed them for a moment, then walked over to a large wooden bucket, scooped out some water, and set the glasses down in front of them. "You guys look like you're dying of heat. Have some water first."
"Thanks!" Sushi took the glass and downed it in one gulp.
Glug... Glug...
"Wait a minute..." Sushi's eyes widened. "Why is this water so incredibly delicious?!"
Duzki looked at him, skeptical. "What? Is it actually that good?" Duzki took the glass and tried it himself. His expression shifted from doubt to sheer shock. "That's impossible... even the water we drink at home doesn't taste this good!"Joseph smiled, thoroughly enjoying their reactions, and began to explain.
"Why does this water taste so exquisite, you ask? Well, sirs, this water has been infused with wild 'Thabyay' berries for a specific duration. It is kept at a strictly controlled temperature—the kind normally reserved for brewing medicinal elixirs. Furthermore, this is natural mountain spring water, filtered through state-of-the-art purifiers until it reaches absolute perfection."
Sushi's jaw dropped. "Wow! Amazing, man!"
However, Duzki remained curious. "Alright, the water is great. But you still haven't told us why there's no menu."
Joseph nodded slightly, casting a mysterious glance. "That is because... the dishes in this establishment are tailored specifically to the personality, mood, and current condition of the customer. I cook what you need, not what you choose."
Sensing a free meal, Sushi barked out an order, "Alright then, whip up a dish for me! And since this guy is with me, make it two portions!"
With that, Joseph disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Duzki and Sushi chatting at the table. Moments later, accompanied by a faint wisp of purple smoke, the owner emerged holding two covered platters. He placed them down and dramatically lifted the lids... revealing sizzling, piping-hot plates of perfectly grilled fish.
Sushi looked out at the blazing summer sun, then back at the steaming fish, his face dropping. "Are you serious right now, boss? It's literally scorching hot outside, and you serve us a hot grilled fish?! We're gonna be sitting inside this shop eating and sweating like pigs!