Ramen.
Lungmen ramen took on the characteristics of Higashi: bone broth simmered until it turned creamy white, paper-thin slices of chashu pork, and, of course, chunks of green onion.
Red slurped her ramen in complete silence, with impeccable manners.
Kal'tsit had taught her well.
Red was happily gnawing away at her ramen when someone suddenly approached from the direction of the sunlight. Her face was hidden in shadow, but her tousled pink hair and tall fox ears gave away her identity.
"It's fine. Keep eating."
Hoshino sat down across from Red with an easy expression and ordered a bowl of soup.
The chef tore off a piece of dried seaweed, tossed some dried shrimp into the bowl, then ladled in a big spoonful of steaming, rich bone broth. The tough seaweed softened at once, a few flecks of oil spreading across the surface as its savory aroma filled the air~
"I just came to talk to you about something."
Hoshino blew on the bone broth, and another wave of rich fragrance rose with the steam.
"Would you take money from your target?"
She lowered her head and took a small sip of the soup, asking as if the question had nothing to do with anything.
"No."
Red answered honestly. "A target is a target, and money is money. Red won't take money from a target. That would cause... confusion."
"Confusion?"
Hoshino smiled brightly.
She was trying to corrupt an innocent young girl. A truly heinous crime.
"Think it over carefully before you answer."
"..."
Red fell silent.
Everything suggested that she was truly considering the question carefully, just as Hoshino had asked.
Good.
Hoshino felt that Red might actually have some potential.
"I still don't think I should."
"You're wrong."
Hoshino slowly set down her bowl. "Completely wrong."
"..."
"Think