[4] Night, Deep Talk, and Ramen

Akira sighed in satisfaction as he surveyed the café on its first day, a soft glow emanating from the decorative lamps that adorned every corner. Three guests had already graced his establishment, each one a delightful surprise.

The first was Kanna, the adorable little dragon from the world of Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon. Her wide eyes sparkled with curiosity, a gentle reminder of the magic that existed beyond reality.

Next was Satoru Gojo-sensei from Jujutsu Kaisen, his presence commanding yet relaxed, an aura of confidence surrounding him like a warm embrace. Akira felt a thrill at the thought of serving such an iconic character.

Lastly, there was Momo Akanegakubo from Shokugeki no Souma, a charming girl with an obsession for all things cute. Her petite frame and playful demeanor reminded Akira of a docile cat, one that begged to be teased and adored.

For Akira, having such a diverse array of guests on his first day was already an accomplishment. He relished the opportunity to converse with them—characters who had once been mere pixels on his computer screen now felt palpably real.

"Oh well, this life is truly fragrant when I think about it," he mused, a smile tugging at his lips.

He felt no worries; after all, he was omnipotent in this world. The multiverse was his playground, filled with beloved characters waiting to be met. Most importantly, he could witness their joy as they savored delicious food and high-quality drinks. 

No matter who you are, hunger and thirst bind us all—and Akira was determined to satisfy those needs to the best of his ability.

"Hmmm, should I make this place resemble a guild from Fairy Tail?" he pondered. The idea had merit, but he quickly dismissed it. Building connections with each character chosen by the blue velvet door felt far more important than rushing into grand themes.

He glanced at the tablet on its stand nearby. 

"It's already 8:15 PM."

Night had fallen softly around him. The conversation with Momo had been particularly enjoyable; she radiated charm and warmth like a delicate flower in bloom. From her expressions, it was clear she had fallen for him at first sight.

Akira wasn't narcissistic; rather, he was attuned to her feelings—a sensitivity that came naturally in this new life. There was something endearing about being admired by someone as cute as Momo. Despite her petite frame—she was indeed in her third year of high school—she exuded confidence and charm.

"Seventeen," she had said during their introductions, her voice brightening when she learned he was twenty. 

The relief that washed over her face spoke volumes; perhaps it eased her mind that there wasn't a significant age gap between them. Yet Akira wondered if her instincts were solely driven by youthful naivety; after all, Momo was known for her spoiled demeanor—a trait that made understanding love seem complex for someone like her.

"Oh well," he muttered softly to himself, "it wouldn't be so bad to have a girlfriend as cute as her."

He surveyed his café once more, its ambiance transformed by the soft lighting. Outside, decorative lamps twinkled like stars along the path leading to the beach below. The entire scene felt breathtakingly surreal—a slice of fantasy come to life under the night sky.

"Hmmm, maybe I should close early," he thought. With no other guests in sight and business hours ending at 9 PM, a warm bath and some gaming on his laptop beckoned him.

But fate has its own playful designs. Just as that thought crossed his mind, the blue velvet door shimmered invitingly—another guest was arriving.

Akira chuckled bitterly at the irony before opening his mouth to greet the newcomer.

"Welcome! May I take your order?"

...

"Sigh... Another failure..."

In a high-class apartment, a woman in her late twenties collapses onto the sofa after returning from yet another disappointing blind date. Her colleague, who had shared the same fate, is nowhere to be found. 

She gazes at the ceiling, pondering why she has never had a boyfriend. It's not that her expectations are unreasonable or that she demands too much from a partner.

Yet, if her colleagues could read her thoughts, their expressions would darken in understanding—after all, it's painfully clear why she remains single.

"Ahh... I want to cry..."

Her mood is especially bleak today. Just days ago, her parents called, inquiring when she would visit them with her boyfriend—or perhaps her future husband.

Yesterday, she attended the wedding of a college classmate. Almost all her peers have found partners; some even have children by her age. The realization hits her like a slap in the face.

"Sigh... Anyone, please! Whoever you are, take me before I reach an age where marriage and motherhood seem impossible."

She bursts into half-laughing, half-crying madness—a reflection of her hopelessness regarding love.

Setting that aside, she also needs to supervise two troubled students. One is a boy who seems to distrust the world; his dead-fish eyes look like they make others hesitate to approach him.

The other is the younger sister of a friend, who has deep hatred for her big sister and a desperate desire to prove she can live independently.

"It's somewhat relieving that another person will join them and bring positive energy; otherwise, I don't know how those two will survive in that clubroom."

She relieved that one of her students was joining between them; she hopes that student will bring the change to the two of them even though it'll take long enough.

Growl~

"...Shit."

Her stomach growls; hunger gnaws at her as she refrains from eating much to maintain her image in front of men.

Little do they know that they barely glance at her while vying for attention from her more flamboyant friend—a woman who revels in wearing skimpy outfits and attracting attention from perverted men.

As for herself, she always dresses in teacher attire, hoping to attract a genuine partner who could be both a lifelong companion and a father figure for her future children.

Realizing her hunger is becoming unbearable, she rises from the sofa to check for instant ramen in her cabinet. 

"Really? Gosh..."

To her dismay, the cabinet is empty—she forgot to do her monthly grocery shopping amidst the chaos of teaching and preparing for midterm exams next month.

"Guess I'll head to one of the ramen shops nearby."

Without changing out of her outfit, she grabs her car keys and wallet, craving something spicy to lift her spirits.

As she approaches the front door of her apartment, something catches her eye—a strange blue velvet door has appeared out of nowhere.

"What the...?"

The door shines with an alluring glow that seems to beckon her closer. Stunned, she wonders if she's hallucinating due to exhaustion and hunger.

Rubbing her eyes doesn't help; the door remains firmly in place, blocking her exit.

Unlike others who might embrace such phenomena, she is just an ordinary teacher—this surreal experience feels overwhelmingly daunting.

Panic rises within her as she considers calling someone for help or simply ignoring the door altogether.

She stands frozen for a moment until the door subtly shifts; words begin to engrave themselves upon its surface.

[This is a door to another world of restaurants; don't be afraid—you have been chosen as one of the guests by fate.]

[You will not be harmed or regret this choice; the master will address all your worries.]

"This..."

She feels as though the door possesses an awareness of her emotions. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she resolves to open it—whatever lies beyond must be faced.

...

Here's an expanded version of your monologue section, focusing on enhancing Hiratsuka Shizuka's thoughts and feelings about the food and drink, as well as her overall experience in the restaurant.

---

Like other guests, Hiratsuka Shizuka was stunned to find herself in an aesthetic restaurant that radiated elegance, making her feel as though she had stepped into a haven reserved for nobility.

The ambiance was enchanting, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over beautifully arranged tables adorned with delicate floral centerpieces.

"Welcome! Would you like to order something?"

The voice pulled her from her reverie. Turning to her left, she spotted a handsome man standing behind the bar counter.

It wasn't that she had never encountered attractive men before, but there was something captivating about him—his confident demeanor and charming smile effortlessly piqued her interest.

Realizing she had been silent for too long, she cleared her throat awkwardly before stepping closer to the man.

"Hello, sorry for asking. Is this really a restaurant? Because there was suddenly a weird floating door the moment I just wanted to get out and grab some food."

Hiratsuka tried to maintain her composure, consciously softening her husky voice in an attempt to appear more approachable.

"Yes, I apologize for the confusion. Before I explain everything, may I serve you a drink first? It might take a little while to get into the details."

His polite tone and genuine smile made Hiratsuka nod appreciatively. She felt a flutter of excitement at the prospect of learning more about this extraordinary place—a restaurant that seemed almost too surreal to exist in reality.

The thought of having a pleasant conversation with this handsome man only added to her anticipation.

"Then... Can I get a cold beer, please?" she asked, her voice steady despite the racing thoughts in her mind.

"Sure, just a moment."

As he walked into the kitchen, Hiratsuka took a moment to absorb her surroundings. Every corner of the restaurant was meticulously designed; it felt like stepping into a dream where every detail had been crafted by divine artisans.

The walls were adorned with intricate murals depicting serene landscapes, and soft music floated through the air, enhancing the otherworldly atmosphere.

She recalled the words etched on the mysterious door: this restaurant was in another world. Could it be true? Was she really in an alternate reality?

Her mind raced back to blog articles she had read about parallel worlds—concepts often explored in American comics where multiple Earths existed within one universe: Earth #1, Earth #2, Earth #3...

Was this place one of those alternate realities?

Her thoughts were interrupted when the man returned, carrying a large bottle of beer that glistened invitingly under the soft lights.

"Sorry for the wait; here's a nice cold beer for you."

Hiratsuka felt a rush of cheerfulness at the sight of the frosty bottle placed before her. "Thank you," she said, her voice brightening as she grasped the handle of the glass and lifted it to her lips.

Splash!

The first sip was nothing short of divine. The beer was crisp and refreshing, its flavor far superior to any brew she had ever tasted before. It danced on her palate with notes of rich malt and subtle hints of citrus—a perfect blend that made her feel as if she were savoring something truly special.

With each sip, she could feel her spirits lifting; perhaps this place was indeed magical.

"Fuu... That was really a nice beer," she said, putting down her glass and looking at the man before her with genuine admiration.

"Thank you for the compliment, beauty," he replied, his gaze softening as a slight smile graced his lips.

Shizuka felt a warm blush creep onto her cheeks; suddenly, he seemed incredibly charming in her eyes.

With a soft chuckle, the man settled into the chair opposite her. "Let's see... This place is undoubtedly in a different space, a dimension—or any word you can think of that conveys the same meaning."

"This restaurant was built solely by me to serve as an escape for those who need to take a break from their usual routines. It's not just a place to eat; it's a hidden gem where you can meet all kinds of fascinating people you'd never encounter in your everyday life."

He paused for effect, then continued, "And why a restaurant? Isn't it obvious? Delicious food and nice drinks are ways to bring happiness. They create connections and spark meaningful conversations."

Hiratsuka listened in silence, absorbing the words of the man named Akira. She was taken aback; as an ordinary teacher, she felt incredibly fortunate to have stumbled upon this utopia—a sanctuary for those seeking respite from daily life.

"Sigh... Hearing what you said makes me think my luck has been depleted over the years. I'm just one of the chosen guests in this extraordinary place," she mused.

She referred to him as "Boss," a term she often used for the owner of her favorite ramen shop.

"Haha, I'd say it's worth using up all that luck just to be here," Akira replied.

His words made Hiratsuka chuckle softly before she took another sip of her cold beer.

"Gulp... Gulp... Fuu... I hope that's true too, Boss."

Akira smiled gently as he watched her speak. He knew well who she was—Hiratsuka Shizuka, renowned among her students as the "Iron-Fist Teacher."

"So, may I know more about you?" he asked.

Hiratsuka savored another sip of beer before raising an eyebrow playfully. "Hmmm? I'm just an ordinary human. My name is Hiratsuka Shizuka, and I'm busy teaching my lovely students about knowledge and life."

"I see. It must be challenging if you have any troublemaker students in your class."

"Hahaha, you're absolutely right about that, Boss."

They both shared a laugh at that moment.

"How about your age? May I call you Shizuka instead of Hiratsuka? You know this isn't Japan; here, it's customary to use first names."

Hiratsuka was momentarily taken aback by Akira's straightforwardness. His honesty intrigued her and prompted a playful glint in her eye. Normally, such questions would infuriate her; age was a sensitive topic for women.

"Hmmm~ What's with this sudden question? Are you falling in love with my beauty, Boss?" she teased.

Akira wasn't one to back down easily; after all, he had already established himself as someone who enjoyed teasing her. Who knew?

Perhaps Lady Luck would smile upon him and grant him the chance to ease this remarkable teacher's worries about finding companionship at her age.

"Yes! Isn't it normal to want to know more about the beauty before me?" he replied boldly.

Hiratsuka was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. She found Akira amusing—a refreshing change from the usual men she encountered.

"Haa. Sorry about that! It's just my first time meeting someone so straightforward—like a fastball expressing interest in someone like me."

Akira simply smiled and responded, "Really? A beauty like you must have had plenty of suitors. You have your own advantages, you know."

Hiratsuka fell silent for a moment, contemplating his words with a soft smile and playful gaze. She rested her chin on her hand as she watched him speak.

"Then tell me," she said coyly, "what are my advantages, you naughty boy?"

Akira grinned and replied, "Well, for starters, you're a teacher. Isn't that an advantage? You have experience handling students—much like managing your own children. They say teachers often become second parents to their students."

He continued with genuine admiration, "From where I sit, you possess an enviable figure that many women would admire. You're tall with a healthy physique and striking features."

"Honestly," he added thoughtfully, "I wonder why those men in your world don't seem to notice you. Perhaps they're too proud or feel inferior next to a career woman like yourself."

Akira spoke sincerely; he believed that if Hiratsuka were real rather than fictional, countless men would pursue her as if she were their ideal woman.

Hearing the words that slipped from Akira's mouth made Hiratsuka feel shy, as if he had a special talent for complimenting women. It was a skill that left someone like her feeling flustered.

She had always thought she was different from others who easily basked in praise, feeling a mix of happiness and bashfulness whenever a man showered them with sweet words. But perhaps it was just that she hadn't felt that way because the compliments hadn't come from the man she truly hoped for.

"This man..." she muttered to herself, recalling the second word engraved on the blue velvet door. The memory made her cheeks flush even deeper, and her gaze brightened with a flicker of hope as she looked at him.

Still, she needed to compose herself; she didn't want to be overwhelmed by this emotional rollercoaster. "Calm down, Shizuka. Calm down," she whispered under her breath.

After a slight, feigned cough, she managed to show him a soft smile. "Oh my, you surely know how to flatter a stranger! Boss, you must have quite the experience."

Akira chuckled in response. "Yup, I've had a lot of experience, you know."

He paused for effect before grinning playfully. "But it might disappoint you to learn that most of my experience comes from dating sim games."

Hearing this made Shizuka smile wryly before bursting into laughter, slamming her hand on the table in delight.

"Hahaha! Oh jeez, you really know how to jest!" she exclaimed, laughter bubbling up again.

"Hey! I'm just speaking the truth!" he replied with mock indignation.

It was amusing for Hiratsuka to see how shameless he was in admitting such things. This only made her view Akira in a better light; he was exactly the kind of person she wanted to get to know.

She couldn't help but look closer at him, feeling as if his image was rising in her heart to another level. It felt absurd and too fast, but maybe luck had finally smiled upon her by bringing this man into her life.

For Hiratsuka, Akira seemed like someone worth knowing more deeply. 

"Hihihi! Oh Akira, you really know how to make a woman happy," she said with genuine warmth.

"Oho? It's my pleasure to hear that!" he replied with a grin.

They locked eyes and burst into laughter together, as if they had known each other for much longer than just half an hour.

"Oh, laughing so hard makes me kind of hungry right now. Nee, Akira, can I order ramen?" she asked playfully.

"Sure! What kind of ramen do you want?" he replied.

"Hmmm. I'll have tonkotsu ramen with double noodles and lots of toppings!" she said, her face lighting up with excitement.

Akira sighed helplessly. "Are you sure you'll finish it?"

"Hehe! No problem at all! And make it spicy; I feel really happy right now," she added with a beautiful smile and affectionate gaze.

This stunned Akira momentarily; his heart skipped a beat. He couldn't help but curse Hiratsuka inwardly—she knew exactly how to use her beauty to captivate him.

"Yes, yes! As you wish, my queen~" he said playfully before heading into the kitchen, leaving Hiratsuka grinning happily—looking years younger in that moment.

She gazed out at the night sky beyond the glass window and whispered softly to herself, "Mom, Dad... I think your wish is going to come true sooner than you think.

...

A/N: I want to ask, what do you think this kind of length chapter? Is it too long or not? Because I had a lot of fun expressing my emotions and thoughts during the conversation with two people from each chapter.

As I previously stated, this story will move at a slow pace, so beware from now on so that you do not bark like a dog at me later because I have already warned you in this chapter. Before you waste any more time, read my story.

Adios!