Chapter 10 – Encounter at the Ramen Shop

After taking a quick shower, we got ready and left the hotel.

In front of the hotel, a black car was waiting for us, with Miyabe-san there to greet us.

The ramen shop we always go to is near our local station, so it takes about an hour by train.

When I mentioned that, Yukimori arranged a car for us.

“Reina-san, thank you very much.”

“I’m sorry, Miyabe-san. I know it was a sudden request…”

“Please, think nothing of it. Now, shall we?”

Urged by Miyabe-san, Yukimori and I got into the car.

This time, the car was different from usual—there were four seats facing each other in the back. It was a fairly large car.

Yukimori and I sat side by side, with Miyabe-san sitting across from us.

The car started moving with no jolt, gliding smoothly and quietly.

“Fufu. Still, I was quite surprised when Ojou-sama said she wanted to eat Iekei ramen.”

“I was surprised too. Yukimori didn’t seem like that kind of person.”

“But it is delicious. That rich, thick broth and the fat noodles. And the thick slices of char siu… Now I’m craving it too.”

Huh, even Miyabe-san eats Iekei ramen? That’s surprising.

Yukimori seemed just as surprised, giving Miyabe-san a blank look.

“Huh? Reina-san, you’ve eaten Iekei ramen before?”

“Yes. Lately I eat it about once a week.”

“Why didn’t you invite me?!”

“Thanks to Inori-sama, we have some time on the weekends now. Recently, the maids have been sharing their favorite gourmet spots with each other.”

Miyabe-san gave me a dazzling wink.

Ah, I see. Normally she sticks close to Yukimori, but on weekends when I’m with Yukimori, they can do the things they usually can’t.

But Yukimori didn’t seem satisfied. She had a pouty look on her face.

“What is that supposed to mean? It makes me sound like a shackle.”

“Are you really the one saying that, my lady?”

Miyabe-san gave me a glance.

Seeing that, Yukimori seemed to realize something and awkwardly turned to look out the window.

“Uh, what are you two talking about?”

“…I see. If he’s not aware of it himself, then he’s still happy, I suppose.”

“Shut up.”

I had no idea what they were talking about.

But Yukimori kept glancing at me, like she was worried about something. Did I do something wrong?

Before I could press the issue, the car slowed down and came to a stop.

“Looks like we’ve arrived. Well then, my lady, Inori-sama. Enjoy yourselves.”

“Thank you.”

“T-Thank you…”

The driver opened the door, and Yukimori got out first, followed by me.

Menya Tokino. A hidden gem ramen shop that Kazuki and I frequent.

But… we’re drawing a lot of attention. I mean, if a guy and girl get out of a black car, it’s going to stand out.

“Oooh. So this is the ramen shop you always go to, Hatsuse-kun…!”

“Yeah. The char siu ramen here is insanely good. You buy a ticket from that machine over there and place your order inside.”

I got my usual: large char siu ramen with extra seaweed and a soft-boiled egg.

Then Yukimori ordered… the exact same thing.

“The large size is pretty big, you know. Can you finish it?”

“I just wanted to eat the same thing as you, Hatsuse-kun… Is that not okay?”

“It’s not that it’s not okay… Well, if you can’t finish, I’ll eat the rest.”

“An indirect kiss, then.”

“You think I still care about that at this point?”

After everything we’ve done, that’s a bit late to worry about now.

When I brought Yukimori into the shop, the familiar old man running the place folded up his newspaper as he noticed us. Still as grumpy-looking as ever.

“Oh, if it isn’t that lad. Welcome.”

“Yo, old man. I’ll have the usual.”

“Yeah yeah. Hard noodles, extra oil, strong flavor, right? And that one over there… huh!?”

He noticed Yukimori and froze, mouth agape. Well, considering her looks, that’s a natural reaction.

“…Well, I’ll be damned. Didn’t think such a lad like you would bring along such a beauty…”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. She’s just a friend.”

“A friend? I didn’t think you had any besides Tomita.”

“I’ll deck you, old man.”

“Bring it on, you little punk.”

Geez, this old man never stops running his mouth.

He looked away from me and gave Yukimori a full-on customer-service smile. Hey, I’m a customer too, you know.

“Welcome, miss. I’m Tokino, the owner of this place.”

“N-Nice to meet you! I’m Shizuku Yukimori…!”

“Alrighty, Miss Yukimori. Let me see your ticket then.”

“Y-Yes! Thank you very much…!”

“First time here, huh? I’ll make everything standard for you, that alright?”

“Y-Yes, that’s fine…!”

Even Yukimori seemed nervous. Well, this is probably her first time in a place like this, so that’s understandable.

As we were about to sit down at a random spot, the old man spoke up like he suddenly remembered something.

“Oh yeah. Lad Tomita’s here too, in the back. He brought a pretty girl with him, too.”

“…What?”

Tomita… Kazuki!?

I quickly scanned the shop.

And then my eyes met Kazuki’s at a table in the back.

And next to him was—Toudou!?

Both of them were staring this way, stunned.

“Huh? That’s Tomita-kun and Toudou-san. Those two are close, huh~?”

What the hell is she saying so casually?

“Hey, Hatsuse. Go sit with Tomita. We’re short on seats.”

“HUH!?”

“Got a problem? Then get lost.”

“Y-You damn…!”

What an outrageous old man! Oh right, he’s always like this.

When I glanced at Kazuki, he looked pissed—his veins were popping and he was curling his finger like “Come here.”

If I ignore him, I’m definitely getting chewed out later… That’s the worst.

I looked at Yukimori to decide what to do. She tilted her head, clearly not understanding the situation.

“Is something wrong? I don’t mind sitting with Tomita-kun and the others.”

“A-ha, yeah, of course not…”

I’m the one who minds…

But oh well. We’ve been caught—no use resisting it now…

With a heavy sigh of resignation, Yukimori and I walked toward Kazuki and Toudou’s table.