The Pure-Hearted Beauty Who Only Dotes on Me Despite Not Being in a Relationship—And How She Became Even Sweeter After We Started Dating - Chapter 70: It Seems That She Thinks This Ramen Shop is Second Best.

It Seems That She Thinks This Ramen Shop is Second Best.

“If I don’t rank within the top 50 in the end-of-year exams, I won’t be allowed to keep my part-time job. Isn’t that a crisis?”

“Is that so…?”

Given the serious tone, I initially thought it was about her father… but maybe it’s related.

“I have so many things I want to buy—manga, accessories, clothes. If I can’t work, I won’t be able to afford them. So, I really need to do well in the next test.”

“So, you want me to help you study?”

She nodded vigorously in response.

“Alright. I have a study session planned with Kana and the others. Can you join us?”

“Yeah, please let Kana know I’ll be joining. You’re aiming to beat Tsuyuzaki-chan and get first place again, right?”

“No, not really.”

Last time, I put in extra effort because of a promise to my father, but I’m not planning to go all out for this test.

“Why not? You’re smart, it’s a waste not to.”

“I do want good grades, but I’m not fixated on being first.”

“Hmm.”

As we were talking, Mizuki finished changing and returned her clothes to their original place. The three of us then headed to the shopping mall for some fun.

───One week later, on a holiday.

“Table for two? Please follow me to your seats.”

(Aren’t those the girls who finished their ramen before the guy last time?)

The ramen shop owner recognized Mizuki and Yua as they entered the restaurant.

(If they’ve come back, it means they appreciated the taste of our ramen. I wonder what portion they’ll order this time.)

“I never expected you to like this place so much, Mizuki. It ranks around second on my list, but it’s really good, right?” Yua said, looking at the menu with Mizuki, while the owner listened in.

(Where’s her number one place!? I’m so curious!)

“Mizuki, will you order the same thing as last time?”

“Let’s see… Yua-san, what’s your second favorite ramen here?”

“Well… I’d say the chashu topping.”

(Chashu topping!? It’s not even a ramen dish!)

“I’ll have the light ramen with chashu topping. Yua-san, what about you?”

Mizuki decided on her order, leaving Yua to make her choice.

“I’ll go with the same, but make mine a large.”

“A large portion? It’s already a lot with the regular size. You’re impressive, Yua-san.”

“Ramen is like a drink. Whether the portion is big or small, it’s the same to me.”

(She visits often, but she always orders an amount that isn’t typical for a girl.)

“Excuse me! Two light ramen with chashu, please. One of them large!”

“Got it!”

Mizuki and Yua chatted while waiting for their ramen to arrive.

“I enjoy visiting different ramen shops, and I really like this place. The owner has a great attitude, and every type of ramen here is delicious.”

“There seem to be a lot of options. Have you tried them all?”

“Yes, I have. I’m a regular here.”

“Here are your two light ramen with chashu toppings.”

As the owner placed the bowls on their table, Yua thanked him with a smile.

Fifteen minutes later, they had finished their ramen. Watching them eat so happily, the owner felt moved to tears.

“Tano-san, the light ramen we had today tasted even better than last time. Has something changed?”

“Oh, you noticed! As expected from a regular. Yes, I made a slight adjustment to the flavor.”

“Hehe, see? I come here every week, so I can tell when there’s even a slight change.”

Yua had grown quite friendly with the shop owner, Tano, over time.

“And your friend here? Is she another regular in the making?”

“Yes, she seems to really like your ramen. You might be gaining another regular customer soon.”

“That’s wonderful to hear.”

“It was delicious. Thank you very much,” Mizuki said, bowing slightly as she paid the bill.

“By the way, regular, could you tell me where to find better ramen than here?”

“Wait… did you hear that?” Yua asked, realizing Tano had overheard her previous conversation. Tano nodded.

“Uh, well, of course, this place is number one! In my ramen ranking, this shop is at the top!”

“That’s great to hear. So, saying this place was second was just a mistake?”

“Absolutely,” Yua replied, laughing awkwardly. She quickly settled her bill and left the shop with Mizuki.

“You and the owner seem to get along well, Yua-san.”

“Well, I come here often, so we just started talking. Now, how about we go get some sweets?”

“Right now? I don’t think I can eat anymore…”

Mizuki was surprised that Yua could still think about eating more after having a larger portion than her.

“Hmm, how about we just go for some tea then?”

“That sounds good… I’d love to have a sweet drink.”

“In that case, I know a place with great strawberry juice. Let’s go there.”

“Yes, let’s go!”

With that, Mizuki and Yua headed to a stylish café.