The ramen shop was quieter than usual as the lunch rush had just ended, leaving Hana a rare moment of peace. She leaned against the counter, looking over her schedule for the next few days. With the holiday season just around the corner, she realized she hadn't taken a proper break in ages. It was about time to rest, recharge, and maybe even get away for a few days.
"I think it's time for a little vacation," Hana muttered to herself, tapping the edge of the counter thoughtfully. "A few days off wouldn't hurt."
Kenta, who had been cleaning the tables nearby, overheard and immediately perked up. "A vacation? Are you serious, Hana?" he asked with wide eyes, his voice full of excitement. "Where are we going? I'm in! I've never had a vacation before!"
Mei, who was sitting behind the counter, glanced up from her phone with a smirk. "A vacation? In the middle of the busiest time of the year?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "That's risky, even for you."
Hana laughed lightly, shaking her head. "It's not like we're shutting down forever, Mei. Just three days. I think we all need it."
Kenta's face lit up. "Three days! That's perfect! We could go somewhere with nice food, maybe the beach or the mountains—"
"Calm down, Kenta," Mei interrupted, shaking her head. "I'm assuming you have a plan, Hana?"
"I do," Hana said, her smile growing as she took a seat at the counter. "I've already taken care of everything. The shop will be closed for three days. We'll be able to rest, relax, and get away from all the stress for a little while. What do you think?"
Kenta jumped up and pumped his fist in the air. "I love it! Count me in, Hana!"
Mei, although more reserved, couldn't help but feel a little excited. "Alright, alright, I'll go. I could use a break too."
Hana's eyes twinkled as she looked between her two coworkers. "Great! I'm thinking we could head to a nice spot outside the city. A little cabin retreat. Nothing too fancy, just somewhere to unwind."
Kenta eagerly nodded. "Yes! I can't wait!"
As Hana continued to explain the plan, her mind began to wander. The more she thought about it, the more she realized that she didn't want this break to be just with her coworkers. There was someone else who had been on her mind recently—someone who was always so calm, so composed, yet so distant. Ryo.
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers playing with the edge of her sleeve as she debated internally. She had hardly spent any time outside of work with him, but she knew he could probably use a break as well. And though she didn't want to impose, she couldn't help but think it might be fun to invite him.
Ryo had always been a bit of an enigma to her, but there was something about him—something she couldn't quite put her finger on—that made her feel safe and at ease. Maybe, just maybe, the three-day break would be a good chance to get to know him better.
Taking a deep breath, Hana made up her mind.
"Actually," Hana began, catching Kenta and Mei's attention, "I've been thinking... maybe I should invite Ryo too. I mean, he's been a regular customer, and I don't know, it might be fun. What do you think?"
Mei's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Ryo? Really? You want to invite him along?"
Kenta, on the other hand, seemed more curious than anything else. "I don't know... He's kind of a mysterious guy, don't you think?"
Hana shrugged, trying to keep her voice casual. "I mean, it could be nice. He's always so calm and collected, I think he could use a little fun too. Besides, it's not like we're going to a wild party. Just a peaceful retreat."
Mei let out a thoughtful hum but didn't protest. "I guess it could be... interesting. But Hana, are you sure he'd want to join? He's not exactly the type to go on vacations, is he?"
"I don't know," Hana said, her voice quieter now as she thought about it. "But I'll ask him. What's the worst that could happen?"
Kenta grinned. "If it means getting a few more days off, I'm in!"
Hana smiled at him, then turned to Mei, who simply gave a nod of approval, albeit with a skeptical look.
"Alright, I'll give him a call," Hana said with a deep breath. She grabbed her phone from the counter and stepped to the side to make the call.
As the phone rang, Hana couldn't help but feel a little nervous. She had no idea how Ryo would respond. Would he agree to a vacation with people he barely knew, or would he politely decline? Either way, she figured she would at least try.
When Ryo's voice finally came through the line, she felt a jolt of warmth in her chest.
"Hello?" His voice was as calm as always, yet it still sent a shiver down her spine.
"Hi, Ryo!" Hana greeted, trying to sound casual. "It's Hana. I was wondering… I'm planning a little vacation with my coworkers for a few days. We're closing the shop for three days, and I thought maybe... you'd want to join us?"
There was a long pause on the other end of the line. Hana's stomach did a nervous flip, but she tried to stay calm.
"You want me to join you?" Ryo asked, his voice laced with curiosity but no judgment. "I'm not exactly the vacation type."
"I know, I know," Hana said quickly, her voice light and easy. "But it's just a peaceful cabin retreat. Nothing fancy. We'll just relax, get some fresh air. I thought it might be fun."
Another pause.
"Alright," Ryo said, surprising her. "I'll join you. But only because I need a break too."
Hana's heart skipped a beat. "Really?"
"Yes," Ryo replied, the faintest hint of amusement in his voice. "I could use some time away from... everything. I'll be there."
Hana grinned, feeling a mix of excitement and relief. "Awesome! It's going to be great. I'll send you the details later."
After hanging up, Hana turned to Kenta and Mei, her face lit up with excitement. "He's coming," she said, her voice full of joy.
"Really?" Kenta exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "This is going to be so much fun!"
Mei raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further. "Well, this will certainly be interesting."