Koki's Hasty Escape

"Oh, right." A hint of encouragement and expectation flickered in Koki's eyes again as he turned to Obito, feigning curiosity and concern in his tone.

"Obito-nii, what were you trying to say to Rin-nee just now? You seemed to have something to say."

Rin was also drawn to Koki's question and turned her gaze to Obito, her eyes filled with curiosity about the answer.

She remembered asking Obito why he had asked her out, but she was interrupted by Koki's appearance before Obito could answer.

Now, she also really wants to know what Obito originally wanted to tell her.

Obito felt a sense of pressure under the watchful eyes of the two.

At this crucial moment, Obito's stomach suddenly protested at an inopportune time, and a rumbling sound broke the tense atmosphere.

Obito, like a drowning man grasping at a straw, quickly changed the subject.

"Oh, right, let's go eat first. I got up too early today, and I'm starving." His tone was relaxed.

Upon hearing this, Lin couldn't help but laugh out loud and nodded in agreement, "Okay, let's go eat first."

Her smile was full of understanding and tolerance, and she didn't seem to be displeased by the sudden change in the topic of Obito.

"Alright." Koki Rin had agreed, Mitsuki could only nod helplessly.

Obito excitedly suggested, "Let's go eat Ichiraku Ramen!"

This was the first place he ate with Koki, and ever since trying their ramen, Obito had been craving it.

"OK."

The three walked briskly on the road to Ichiraku Ramen.

Koki deliberately slowed her pace, bit her lip, and glared fiercely at Obito.

Those eyes held both reproach and endless helplessness, as if silently saying, "Obito-nii, you idiot, you wasted such a good opportunity!"

A feeling of regret welled up in Koki's heart. He knew Obito's deep affection for Rin and felt anxious and uneasy about Obito's cowardice.

Obito sensed Koki's gaze, turned around and gave Koki a fawning smile, as if begging for Koki understanding and forgiveness.

Sighing helplessly, Koki's feelings of blame vanished instantly upon seeing Obito's humble smile.

"Let nature take its course," Koki murmured to herself, knowing that no matter how anxious she was, she couldn't make up for Obito's regret.

Koki's eyes darted around, and she already had an idea in mind.

He decided to pretend to leave early, giving them some space alone.

"Obito, this may be the last thing I can do for you," Koki said silently, watching Obito's retreating figure.

The three of them entered the Ichiraku Ramen shop, and the sound of the curtain being lifted broke the tranquility inside.

Perhaps it was because of the time of day, Ichiraku Ramen Shop was unusually quiet at this moment. Apart from the always smiling Teuchi behind the table, there wasn't a single customer in sight.

Teuchi saw them enter, he greeted them with his signature beaming smile and a warm voice, "Welcome! What would you three like to eat? Today, I especially recommend our tonkotsu ramen!"

Koki looked around, her gaze sweeping across the shop, but she couldn't find the Teuchi's daughter.

He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed; he had thought he would see Miss Ayame this time.

He averted his gaze and gave Teuchi boss a slightly regretful smile.

Obito said, "Uncle, give me a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, it's today's special, I can't miss it."

Lin glanced at the menu posted on the wall and said softly, "Then I'll have a vegetable ramen."

The three looked at Koki, Koki quickly said, "I'm not hungry yet. I probably ate too much this morning, so I'll skip it."

Upon hearing this, Obito frowned and looked at Koki in surprise. He knew how much Koki ate, but ultimately said nothing.

"Alright, two bowls of ramen, please wait a moment!" The Teuchi squinted and nodded, preparing to start making their ramen.

The three sat down, and their mood gradually relaxed as they began to enjoy this rare moment of peace. While waiting for the uncle to cook the ramen, they chatted happily.

"Your ramen is ready. Please enjoy it." With the Teuchi's skillful movements and warm, sunny smile, two bowls of meticulously prepared ramen were gradually presented to them.

Each bowl of ramen is steaming hot and has an enticing aroma.

In front of Obito and Rin, each bowl of ramen was smooth and elastic, immersed in a rich and fragrant broth. The surface of the broth was covered with a light sheen of oil, giving it an irresistible luster.

The bowl is filled with a variety of side dishes, including tender and juicy slices of char siu pork, bright green scallions, and golden and crispy fried garlic chips. Every bite is full of happiness.

These were all side dishes generously given to me by the boss.

For Lin, this was her first time trying Ichiraku Ramen.

She gently picked up her chopsticks and stirred the ramen in front of her, allowing the broth and noodles to fully blend together.

As the first bite of ramen slid into her mouth, the rich broth, chewy noodles, and abundant toppings intertwined, creating a magnificent sensory experience that made Lin close her eyes and savor it all.

"Mmm! It's so delicious!" Lin's eyes lit up, and she couldn't help but praise the owner.

The owner maintained his kind smile, watching them enjoy their ramen, his heart filled with joy.

A satisfied smile graced Lin's face as she savored the ramen, each bite bringing a smile to her face. Her love for the ramen was palpable.

Koki watched Rin savoring her ramen with a satisfied smile, he couldn't help but swallow hard, feeling his stomach rumble and reminding him of his hunger.

His fingers unconsciously touched his stomach lightly, and when he glanced at Obito, he unexpectedly caught Obito's gaze.

Obito wasn't focused on the ramen in front of him, but stared intently at him, his eyes seemingly hiding some kind of sadness.

Obito's ramen bowl remained almost untouched; his entire attention had clearly shifted to Koki, which made Koki feel an indescribable sense of unease.

Koki's heart suddenly tightened, as if all his thoughts were being pierced by Obito's gaze. The feeling of being scrutinized and having nowhere to hide made him feel a little flustered.

To hide her panic, Koki quickly stood up and said calmly, "Oh dear, I suddenly remembered I have some things to take care of at home, I have to go back now."

"Take your time eating." His voice was hurried, and before Obito and Rin could react, Koki had already turned and walked towards the door.