The Hitman and Ramen Girl.

The evening at Hana's ramen shop had been running smoothly. The steady hum of customers and the clatter of dishes filled the cozy space as Aiko stood beside Hana in the kitchen, listening intently as she explained her new job responsibilities.

"So, basically," Hana said, stirring the broth, "you'll be assisting me in the kitchen—prepping ingredients, making sure everything is running smoothly, and eventually helping with the cooking."

Aiko nodded eagerly. "Got it! I won't let you down, boss."

Meanwhile, Kenta was handling the register, taking orders and managing payments while Mei served customers. Just as Hana was about to continue explaining, the bell at the entrance jingled, signaling a new customer. But when she looked up, her heart nearly stopped.

Standing in the doorway was Ryo Kobayashi, clad in a sleek black suit, his sharp features framed by the dim lighting of the shop. His presence alone seemed to draw all eyes to him, and a hushed silence fell over the shop. Kenta paused mid-transaction, Mei nearly tripped over her own feet, and Aiko simply gawked.

"Whoa… Who's that guy?" Aiko whispered to Mei, eyes widening. "He looks like he walked out of a magazine. Cool and serious… but ridiculously handsome."

Mei smirked. "Oh, you have no idea."

Hana, meanwhile, felt her face flush as Ryo's intense gaze landed on her. He stepped forward, his voice smooth but firm.

"Hana. Can we talk? In private."

Hana's mind raced. It had been almost five to six months since Ryo disappeared without a trace. And now, here he was, looking every bit the enigma he always had been.

"Uh… sure." Her voice came out quieter than she intended. "Kenta, Mei, can you guys finish explaining to Aiko?"

Kenta waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah, yeah. We got this."

Mei gave Hana a knowing smirk before turning to Aiko. "Alright, newbie. Let's continue."

Aiko still stared at Ryo, clearly curious. "Seriously, who is that guy?"

Kenta chuckled. "Let's just say he's someone very important to our dear Hana."

Aiko gasped. "Ohhh. Interesting."

.

.

Hana led Ryo into the small storeroom in the back of the shop, her nerves still tingling from the sudden surprise. She turned to face him, arms crossed.

"You disappeared for a long time, and now you just show up out of nowhere?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.

Ryo sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know. I'm sorry. Things… got complicated."

Hana felt a small wave of relief seeing him again, but she still frowned, not pushing further. She knew Ryo wasn't the type to explain everything outright. Instead, she waited for him to continue.

"I didn't want to leave without a word," he admitted. "But I couldn't risk dragging you into things. That's why I stayed away."

Hana felt her frustration wane slightly at the sincerity in his tone. "So why are you here now?"

A flicker of hesitation crossed Ryo's face before he finally said, "I wanted to make it up to you. Have dinner with me. Somewhere nice."

Hana blinked. "Dinner?"

"At an expensive restaurant," he added, his lips curving into a small smile. "My treat."

Hana's face turned red. She opened her mouth to respond but found herself momentarily speechless. The idea of going on an actual dinner date with Ryo was… overwhelming.

"S-sure," she finally stammered. "I mean, if you're really sure…"

Ryo nodded. "I am."

With that, he turned to leave. "I'll pick you up tomorrow night."

As soon as he stepped out, Hana leaned against the wall, covering her burning face with her hands.

.

.

.

Hana walked back into the main shop, trying to act normal, but the moment she stepped in, all her coworkers turned toward her with mischievous grins.

"So…" Kenta drawled, arms crossed. "An expensive restaurant, huh?"

May gasped dramatically. "Ryo in a suit, inviting our Hana on a date! I think I'm going to faint."

Aiko was the most excited. "Wait, wait, wait. You mean that guy? The cool, handsome one? Hana, you're dating a model in disguise!?"

Hana groaned, covering her face. "It's not like that!"

Kenta chuckled. "Oh? Then why are you blushing so much?"

May nudged her playfully. "We heard the whole thing, by the way." Hana let out a whimper. "You guys are the worst!."

Aiko grinned. "No, we're the best. And we demand details after your fancy dinner date."

Hana sighed in defeat, but deep down, she couldn't deny the tiny spark of excitement that fluttered in her chest. Tomorrow night was going to be interesting.