The Hitman and Ramen Girl.

The night was far from over.

Ryo walked away from the alley, his footsteps fading into the darkness. The scent of gunpowder and rain lingered in the air, mixing with the distant hum of the city. Kazuki was gone. Another loose end tied up. Another mission completed.

And yet, something felt different this time.

Ryo wasn't the type to hesitate, but Kazuki's words echoed in his mind.

"You always win."

He tightened his grip on his coat, shaking off the thought. He didn't have time for emotions.

As he turned the corner, a flicker of movement in the shadows caught his eye. Instinct took over. In a split second, he reached for his gun, pressing himself against the wall.

Silence.

Then—a soft meow.

Ryo exhaled sharply, lowering his weapon.

A familiar white cat with a black patch over its eye stared up at him, tail flicking lazily.

"…Taro?"

The cat huffed and padded closer, rubbing against his leg before darting off into the night.

Ryo ran a hand through his hair. Even the damn cat was following him now.

He needed to return to the ramen shop.

Hana hummed softly as she wiped down the counter. It was almost closing time, and the shop was quieter now, the scent of broth still thick in the air. Kenta and Mei were in the kitchen, arguing over the best way to chop green onions. Aiko was finishing up inventory, yawning as she scribbled in a notebook.

The doorbell jingled.

Hana turned, expecting a late-night customer. Instead, her heart skipped a beat.

Ryo stood in the doorway, rain droplets clinging to his suit, his dark eyes unreadable. He looked… exhausted.

"Hana," he said, his voice lower than usual.

She blinked. He rarely said her name like that.

"Ryo! You're soaked! Hold on—" She rushed to grab a towel, pushing it into his hands before he could protest. "Honestly, you'll catch a cold if you keep running around like this."

He didn't argue. He just stood there, watching her.

Hana hesitated. "Is… something wrong?"

Ryo opened his mouth, then closed it. He couldn't tell her the truth. Not yet.

"…No." He shook his head. "Just wanted ramen."

Hana smiled, relief washing over her. "Coming right up!"

As she turned to the kitchen, Aiko stretched her arms with a loud yawn.

"Alright, I'm heading out," she said, grabbing her bag. "Kenta, Mei, you guys coming?"

Mei adjusted her glasses. "Yeah, I need sleep."

Kenta groaned. "I don't wanna wake up early tomorrow. Can we just live here?"

"Absolutely not," Hana said, rolling her eyes.

Kenta grinned and ruffled Hana's hair before dodging a playful slap. "Alright, see you tomorrow, boss."

As the three of them left, the shop grew quiet again. Hana placed a steaming bowl of ramen in front of Ryo and sat across from him, chin resting on her hands. He hadn't touched his food yet. Instead, he was staring at the counter, lost in thought.

Hana frowned. He was too tired.

"Ryo," she said softly.

He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers.

"You should go home."

Ryo blinked. "What?"

"You're exhausted," she said, her voice gentle. "You can barely keep your eyes open. Just go home and rest, okay?"

Ryo hesitated. Home? What even was *home* for someone like him?

"I'll make you ramen tomorrow," Hana added with a smile. "A big bowl, just for you."

For a moment, Ryo said nothing. Then, he let out a quiet sigh.

"…Fine." He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. "But I'm eating first."

Hana giggled. "Of course."

She watched as he ate in silence, his movements slower than usual. His exhaustion was obvious, but he still finished the entire bowl.

When he put his chopsticks down, Hana reached out and gently poked his forehead.

"You're really stubborn, you know that?" she teased.

Ryo raised an eyebrow. "You're one to talk."

She pouted. "Hey, I'm just looking out for you."

Ryo sighed. He could argue, but he knew it was pointless. Hana always had a way of getting under his skin.

"Alright, let's go," she said suddenly, standing up.

"…Go where?"

"I'll walk you home."

Ryo nearly choked. "What?"

"You're half-asleep on your feet, Ryo." She crossed her arms. "If I let you go alone, who knows if you'll just pass out in some alley?"

"I won't."

"You could."

"I won't."

Hana narrowed her eyes. "You really wanna argue with me?"

Ryo stared at her for a long moment. Then, finally, he sighed in defeat. "…Fine."

Hana beamed. "Good! Let me grab my coat."

As she turned away, Ryo shook his head.

Somehow, he had gone from being the most feared hitman in the underworld… to being scolded by a tiny ramen shop owner.

And for some reason, he didn't mind at all.