Beagle was supposed to drive you home in his old pickup truck, but you opted for a taxi instead, saying he shouldn't leave his mother alone. Upon arriving home, you found Badboy in the living room playing a videogame with his foot on the glass table, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he had been waiting for you for a while.
"Have you had dinner?" you asked while removing your coat.
"Not yet, and I'm not even hungry," he replied, his voice hinting at irritation, as you notice his intensified button-mashing on the digital game controller. He's like a rebellious child, refusing to admit his hunger despite being famished for a while.
You intensely gazed at him while he played an electronic game, the TV screen's light reflecting off his glasses. Deeply engrossed, he finally noticed your stare and wondered why you'd been watching him. Your scrutiny of his clothes made him self-conscious, checking himself and smelling his beige shirt.
"Would you like to go out?" Your question caught him off guard.
"Why?" he asked, pausing the game.
"I know you're hungry; there's a nearby store selling delicious ramen. I'll head to my room, and when I come down, we'll go immediately," you said, leaving. Badboy stopped gaming, hastily stood up, and accidentally kicked the table leg with his toe. He hurriedly headed to his room while dealing with pain.
When you descended from your room, you wore pajamas and flip-flops, with your hair in a bun. Moments later, Badboy emerged, freshly showered and stylishly dressed, resembling a socialite attending a party. He left his room, glanced at his watch, then raised an eyebrow at your simple clothes, rubbing his forehead.
"Why dress up? We're just going to a simple ramen store, not a luxurious restaurant," you said, suppressing laughter.
"You didn't clarify that our destination was a budget-friendly restaurant," Badboy complained.
"Don't be upset; your outfit is great. Honestly, you're charming, and I'm sure you'll catch someone's eye."
"What's the real plan: are you treating me or setting me up on a blind date?"
You approached Badboy, grabbed his arm and walked him out. He considered driving, but you preferred walking, given the proximity of your destination, and wanting him to reconnect with everyday experiences. As you strolled along the sidewalk, the chill in the air was palpable, despite your jacket. Badboy began to remove his coat to offer it to you, but you stopped him.
However, he scolded you for declining his offer. He scolded you for several reasons: First, you came home late because you helped Beagle with washing dishes; Second, he offered to pick you up, but you didn't respond; Third, you didn't wear warm clothes, making you cold; Lastly, you should've driven instead of walking, given the ramen store's distance.
As he reprimanded you, you found him charming even in indignation, but he remained unamused.
As he settled into the humble diner, his aristocratic presence seemed incongruous amidst the rustic surroundings. His high social standing belied his desperation; hunger had driven him to this unlikely refuge. As he sat, anticipation flickered across his face.
"Rosenthale, old friend," said the waiter, his mole a constant amidst life's flux. Badboy gave the guy a sharp, suspicious look, especially since he's been nice to you.
"I haven't been here in ages. School's been keeping me busy. How are you, Kamizu?"
"As for me, I'm still persevering. By the way, what can I get for you?" You glanced over at Badboy, who was observing the store's surroundings.
"Layvalor, what would you like?" Badboy shrugged off, expecting you to take care of him since you asked him out.
"What's the best food here?" Although the menu board displayed available dishes, Badboy deferred to your decision, expecting you to order for him.
"Kamizu, I'll have two bowls of Tonkotsu ramen, please." The waiter jotted down your order on his sticky note before leaving.
"I dislike that man. His gaze holds a lascivious intent toward you," Badboy said after Kamizu left.
"Really? I haven't noticed anything unusual about his behavior. That's just how he interacts with me," you replied.
"Still, men like him are not to be trusted."
Badboy could have easily walked into a high-end restaurant, but instead, he chose to dine among the common folk. His patience was rewarded when he took a sip of the ramen broth, rich and velvety in texture, which delighted his senses.
"I told you, their ramen is exceptional."
"If only you knew I'm forcing myself to eat this."
"Is that so? Your expression suggests otherwise."
"Indeed, their food tastes great, but I'm unsure about its hygiene standards."
You're scanning the area. Let me guess, finding a potential blind date for Badboy? But you know he's turned off by women with personal hygiene issues.
I know you're still full, and while Badboy was savoring his food, the peaceful vibe was ruined by rowdy monster truck drivers, clad in flashy, fake gold jewelry. They disrupted the calm atmosphere, where patrons had been quietly enjoying their meals.
Their haughty attitude reveals utter disregard for others. One, resembling a hamster, pounded the table, believing his intimidation would cow everyone. Another, akin to a gerbil, incessantly criticized, oblivious to his own shortcomings. Their leader, a beaver-like figure, tolerated their behavior.
Your initial impression of them isn't favorable. They're delinquents exploiting others' fear for personal gain. However, some individuals, like your brave waiter friend armed with a crossbow, stand ready to confront them fearlessly.
"Kamizu, my friend, we're here to dine, not to cause trouble," Beaver said warmly.
"You've visited numerous times, yet consistently neglect to settle your bills," Kamizu reminded.
"I thought our camaraderie entitled us to complimentary meals here. And after all the years we've been eating here, you're only complaining now?"
"What free meals are you talking about? Your actions will be the downfall of my boss's business."
"Where's your boss? Why are you here instead of him? You're still new here, yet your attitude is already appalling!" Enraged, Beaver brandished a sharp knife and lunged at Kamizu.
Before Kamizu could be struck, he squeezed the crossbow's trigger, but Beaver's blade deflected the bolt. Gerbil and Hamster swiftly subdued Kamizu, wresting the weapon from his grasp. The waiter collapsed on the floor, being kicked repeatedly. The ramen store owner rushed out and pleaded with the trio to stop harming his employee.
While the store owner tried to calm the chaos, Badboy noticed your suffering from the crossbow bolt wound in your shoulder. When Beaver avoided the bolt earlier, it flew and hit you. The sight was agonizing, yet you endured the pain.
"You're bleeding," he said, checking your wound. "Stay calm; panic can exacerbate bleeding and shock." You nodded, taking a deep breath to stay calm. Badboy stood up, wielding chopsticks, and swiftly approached Beaver's group.
"Hey!" Badboy's deep voice boomed, grabbing Beaver's attention. "Don't you realize your actions harm many? Just look at what you did to my sister-in-law!"
Beaver was perplexed by his sudden appearance, until Gerbil approached and whispered something, revealing his true identity.
"You're Layvalor Ranguard. Sorry for not recognizing you immediately; the last picture I saw was from your youth, before your weight gain. I've heard rumors about you, but it's hard to believe you single-handedly defeated the Xhinhuan clan with a permanent marker."
"It's up to you to heed or disregard rumors. However, your actions demand accountability."
"You expect me to fear you? Let's test your skills to prove your prowess."
"Firstly, I have nothing to prove to you. Secondly, you'll regret challenging me." With a quick motion, he thrust a chopstick into Beaver's eye, aiming to rupture his eyeball. He then pinned Hamster's hand to the table using another chopstick. Next, he grabbed a bowl of ramen and slammed it into Gerbil's face before smashing it with his fist.
Beaver's wailing grated on the ears. Amidst his anguish, he went berserk. He scattered food, overturned tables, and smashed stools. Summoning his strength, he carefully removed the chopstick lodged in his eye.
Panic-stricken diners scattered in fear. Beaver attacked Badboy with swift cuts, only to be dodged effortlessly. Beaver aimed his blade at Badboy with dart-like precision, revealing an arsenal of hidden knives in various shapes and sizes beneath his clothing.
Burgundy, I saw you hiding under the table. Your strength seemed to be fading, and your face turned pale. Badboy calculated Beaver's weakening movements, discreetly collecting chopsticks for a strategic counterattack. Chopsticks, once mere utensils, became deadly weapons. Badboy's attacks were calculated and acrobatic, delivering full-force blows to Beaver's body.
Beaver resembled an acupuncture patient. Covered in dust, he sat on the floor, like a dog drenched in boiling water, gesturing defeat. Badboy ordered him to leave before delivering the final blow. His friends aided his departure. However, Beaver's type won't back down; he'll keep causing turmoil until he settles the score.
The owner and Kamizu thanked Badboy, but he ignored them, worried about your condition.
No need to rush to the hospital; Badboy can treat you with Kamizu's first aid kit. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my ramen in the corner.