The Hitman and Ramen Girl.

The sun streamed through the windows of the ramen shop, casting a warm glow over the wooden counters. The usual bustling energy of the restaurant felt slightly different today—quieter, yet filled with anticipation.

Hana stretched her arms with a satisfied sigh. "Alright, everyone! Today's my day off, so I'm leaving the shop in your capable hands!"

Kenta looked up from his bowl of leftover ramen, mid-slurp. "Wait… you're actually taking a break?"

Hana puffed her cheeks. "Of course! Even I need rest sometimes."

Mei adjusted her glasses, nodding. "Don't worry, Hana. I'll take care of everything."

"I know you will!" Hana beamed. "You're super responsible, Mei. I trust you!"

Kenta fake sniffled. "What about me? I work hard too, y'know."

Hana rolled her eyes. "I mostly trust you."

Aiko chuckled as she wiped down the counter. "Just don't burn the place down, Kenta."

"Hey! That happened one time—"

"Exactly."

Hana giggled at their banter before turning toward the door. "Alright, I'm off! Mei, you're in charge! If anything happens, call me, okay?"

Mei gave a small, confident nod. "Got it. Enjoy your day, Hana."

With that, Hana stepped out into the sunshine, excited for her well-earned break.

Inside the Ramen Shop…

Mei stood behind the counter, tying her apron tightly. "Alright, let's get to work."

Kenta leaned against the wall, looking unconcerned. "Relax, Mei. We just do what we always do."

Mei gave him a pointed look. "And that includes not making a mess?"

"…I make no promises."

Aiko stifled a laugh before heading to the kitchen. "We'll be fine. Let's just do our best."

The first customers arrived soon after, and everything seemed to run smoothly—at first.

But then…

"Kenta, where are the extra bowls?" Mei asked, scanning the shelves.

Kenta scratched his head. "Uh… I think. they're in the storage room?"

Mei sighed and pushed up her glasses. "You think? Didn't you restock them last night?"

"I was going to, but then I got distracted."

Mei narrowed her eyes. "By what?"

"…Food."

Aiko groaned from the kitchen. "Why am I not surprised?"

Before Mei could scold him further, the door burst open, and a group of rowdy customers entered.

"Yo! We heard the ramen here is the best!" one of them shouted.

Mei straightened her back, trying to maintain her usual calm demeanor. "Welcome! Please take a seat, and we'll bring your orders shortly."

The shop filled with noise as the customers chatted loudly, banging their chopsticks on the table impatiently.

Mei quickly turned to Kenta. "Alright, let's move. We need three miso ramens, two spicy, and one shoyu—"

Kenta nodded. "Got it." He turned to Aiko. "Think you can handle the spicy ones?"

Aiko smirked. "Please. I can make spicy ramen in my sleep."

The team rushed to prepare the orders, but the chaotic energy of the restaurant made things tricky.

"Mei, where's the extra soy sauce?"

"Kenta, stop leaning on the counter and help serve!"

"Aiko, we're running out of green onions!"

By the time the lunch rush ended, Mei wiped her forehead, exhaling in relief.

"That was… intense," she muttered.

Kenta flopped onto a chair, exhausted. "How does Hana do this every day?"

Aiko leaned against the counter, grinning. "Maybe she's secretly a superhero."

Mei sighed but smiled. Despite the madness, they had survived.

Just then, the door jingled open again.

The three of them turned, expecting another rush of customers—

But instead, Ryo walked in, his usual cool demeanor intact.

Mei blinked. "Oh. Ryo. What brings you here?"

Ryo glanced around the shop. "…Where's Hana?"

Kenta smirked. "She's on her day off."

Ryo's brow furrowed slightly, as if that thought hadn't even occurred to him. "Oh."

Aiko crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look. "Miss her already?"

Ryo shot her a blank stare. "…No."

Mei chuckled. "Well, if you're hungry, we still serve ramen even without Hana here."

Ryo hesitated for a second before nodding. "Fine. One miso ramen."

As they moved to prepare his order, Kenta leaned over to Aiko and whispered, "I bet he's thinking about her."

Aiko grinned. "Oh, definitely."

Mei just shook her head, hiding a small smile as she continued working.