Kyoto Ramen

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[-Continuation-]

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[-Yukinoshita Yukino's POV-]

"So." I said, clearing my throat. "How's the request going?"

I was referring to the club's current task, and Hikigaya's face scrunched up like he'd tasted something sour.

"Should I say, it's a disaster...?" He gave a thoughtful look.

"You really don't care about this, do you?" I said, a little annoyed.

As we continued our conversation, the sound of footsteps caught our attention.

I looked up to see Ms. Hiratsuka passing by, her coat draped over her suit, and, for some reason, wearing sunglasses, despite the late hour.

"W-Why are you guys here?" She asked, sounding nervous.

I stayed quiet, letting Hikigaya respond. I always felt unsure in these casual situations.

"Just hanging out." Hikigaya responded. "What are you doing here at this hour, teach?"

"M-Mmm... D-Don't tell anyone, okay? Keep it a secret, okay?" Ms. Hiratsuka insisted. "U-Um... I-I was just going to... Go get some ramen..."

Hikigaya and I exchanged a look, one of shared exasperation.

But before I could dwell on it, Hikigaya suddenly straightened up, as if struck by some grand idea.

"Man, you have really gotten obsessed with ramen, haven't you? Poor Ryota." Hikigaya remarked, a hint of pity in his voice.

Obsessed with ramen? And Ryota... isn't that the person Hikigaya introduced as his 'friend' during the summer camp volunteering? But why would he feel bad for him?

Am I missing something here?

"That's not an obsession, Hikigaya. I just took a liking to it. Anyway, it's not something a single tin like you could understand." Ms. Hiratsuka replied, her tone turning from smug to mockingly proud.

"Hey, that's crossing the line." Hikigaya retorted, sounding genuinely annoyed.

It was amusing how being called a 'single tin' could ruffle his feathers. Maybe I should keep that in mind for future reference.

But at that point, I was certain that I was missing some context here, and my perplexed expression must have been clear.

Hikigaya, noticing my confusion, offered an explanation. "I didn't tell you, did I? It's a pretty interesting story. I will fill you in later."

I gave him a nod, one that might have looked disinterested on the outside, though I was far from it.

As we were caught up in our side discussion, Ms. Hiratsuka clapped her hands, drawing our attention back to her.

"Okay." She said her tone was more focused now.

"If it's you two, then it should be fine." She continued, her words taking on a cryptic edge.

"Come again?" I asked, confused, trying to decipher the meaning behind her words.

Ms. Hiratsuka flashed a smile at me, then gave Hikigaya a mischievous grin. "I am sure Yukinoshita will keep to herself, but unfortunately, I can't say the same for Hikigaya."

"That's cruel..." Hikigaya mumbled.

His expression was of - I am definitely not going to tell on you. I don't have anyone to tell though.

But then, his face shifted slightly, a flicker of realisation crossing his features as if he had suddenly thought, 'Wait. Maybe I do have someone.'

Despite his silent reassurance, Ms. Hiratsuka looked at him with a rebellious gleam in her eyes and cleared her throat. "As such, I will treat you to a bowl in return for your silence. So, how about some ramen?"

"Well, if you say so." Hikigaya agreed, to which Ms. Hiratsuka nodded, visibly pleased.

So, he decided to go with her. Hmm, I don't like that, honestly.

But I am no one to comment on.

I am aware they are close despite their constant and disrespectful face-to-face bickering, unlike our(:Hikigaya and mine) sophisticated and ….respectful exchanges, or at least that's what I like to believe, ignoring some awkward moments and his occasional stupid questions.

Anyway, I should be leaving.

But I don't want to…

"Well then, I will be going back." I bowed to Ms. Hiratsuka, and was about to turn in the other direction.

As soon as the words left my mouth, I noticed the puzzled expressions on both Ms. Hiratsuka and Hikigaya's faces. They looked at me as if I had just said something baffling.

Before I could figure out what they were thinking, something unexpected happened.

Hikigaya stepped closer, grabbing my wrist gently.

"What are you staring at in a daze?" He questioned, more out of surprise than annoyance.

Before I could say anything else, he added.

"Yukinoshita, you come along too." His eyes locked onto mine with surprising intensity.

I quickly broke eye contact, my gaze shifting between him and Ms. Hiratsuka. Neither of them seemed to be urging me to leave. In fact, it felt like they were waiting for me to decide.

Maybe... It would be okay to stay?

But… When is he going to let go of my hand?

Just as I thought that, his grip began to loosen. Without thinking, I found myself holding onto him instead, catching the flicker of surprise in his eyes.

Ignoring his widened expression, I dropped my eyes with a troubled look. Ms. Hiratsuka smiled with a grin when she saw that.

"I...suppose I could join you." I said, my voice barely a whisper.

….

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[-Hachiman's POV-]

"Well, if you say so." I immediately accepted.

I mean, who in their right mind would refuse ramen and a can of coffee? To me, rejecting such an offer was almost criminal, something only the truly misguided would dare to do.

….and there is also, my father's teaching to uphold. After all, it's only polite to accept the elders' generosity, especially when it involves food.

And not just any food, ramen.

Particularly, Kyoto ramen. My taste buds were already getting excited at the thought.

??As I was mentally indulging in the anticipated feast, I noticed Yukinoshita standing up, her expression uncertain, almost troubled.

What's going on?

"Well then, I will be going back." She said out of nowhere, bowing to Ms. Hiratsuka and turning to leave.

Hold on, woman. Where do you think you're going? I had so many plans for tonight. You can't just walk out like that.

I shot her an unimpressed look, hoping to communicate my displeasure. But clearly, that wasn't enough.

I had to step up my game.

I quickly walked over to her side, reaching out to gently catch her wrist, making sure not to grip too tightly.

It's okay, right? She won't slap me away or anything?

"What are you staring at in a daze?" I asked, my tone more casual than I felt.

There was no way I was giving her the chance to wiggle out of this.

"Yukinoshita, you come along too." I declared, locking eyes with her to show I wasn't messing around. She shouldn't just brush this off.

This much should be fine, right? Anything more, and I might come off as a creep.

With that thought, I began to loosen my grip, ready to let go. But just as I was about to, something surprising happened.

Yukinoshita didn't pull away. Instead, she tightened her grip on me.

Ignoring my surprise, she looked over at Ms. Hiratsuka, acting like nothing happened.

"I...suppose I could join you." She said softly.

"Oh, you can think of it as extracurricular activities. It's not that late after all." Ms. Hiratsuka chimed in, nodding like a child excited about breaking a small rule.

Sadly…*cough…*cough.

I mean, finally, Yukinoshita let go of my hand.

"But, I feel underdressed as I am right now." Yukinoshita squeezed the loose cuffs on each hand's sleeves and spread my dress out as if she were making a bow.

Hah..! She's got a point. What if she catches a cold?

"Ms. Hiratsuka. Shouldn't you be looking out for your students?" I turned toward our supposed Guardian Angel, eyeing her coat as a solution.

"Sigh…. This kid sure knows how to make moves. Tsk, I wonder where you learned it." Ms. Hiratsuka muttered, clearly amused, as she took off her coat and tossed it to a reluctant Yukinoshita. "Anyway, Yukinoshita, you can wear this."

"There's no room for refusal, huh…" Yukinoshita sighed lightly and wore the coat she was handed in resignation.

"Now then, let's get going."

Taking us along for the trip, Ms. Hiratsuka walked along on her heels, and as the sounds of the heels hitting the floor echoed, she gallantly headed for the night in Kyoto.

….

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[To be continued…]

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