On a bright, breezy morning, the Ichiraku Ramen Shop was exceptionally lively.
It was not because there were many customers, but because Son Goten was "enjoying" his lunch.
He lounged over the counter with his mouth open while Sakura carefully picked up a slice of Chashu beside him, blew on it until it cooled, and only then fed it into his mouth.
"Ah-"
Goten swallowed it in one bite, his eyes narrowing in satisfaction.
"Meat tastes so good when my wife Sakura feeds it to me."
Sakura's cheeks flushed, sweetness filling her heart as she picked up another mouthful of noodles.
Sitting on his other side, Hinata nervously watched the teacup with her white eyes, cradling it in her small hands, ready to pass it to Goten the moment he needed it.
A little farther away, Ino watched with her arms crossed, looking thoroughly annoyed.
"Hmph, Forehead Sakura, all you know how to do is suck up to him."
"What, jealous?" Sakura lifted her chin smugly. "Then come feed him yourself, if you can. See whether Goten even pays attention to you."
"You!" Ino gritted her teeth in anger, but still did not move from her spot.
"All right, all right, stop arguing."
Goten reached out with his other hand and gave Ino's shapely bottom a precise pinch.
Ino's body stiffened and her cheeks flushed, but she did not dodge away.
At the other end of the counter, Ayame wore an apron and watched their antics with a gentle smile.
"Goten, eat slowly. Don't choke."
"Got it, Ayame," Goten answered indistinctly.
In the corner, Tayuya, dressed in the same cook's uniform, was wiping a table with so much force that she seemed about to scrub right through it.
Sensing Goten's gaze, she glared fiercely back at him.
Amid this harmonious