Chapter LXXXIX: The Noodles
The sunlight peeks through the blinds as Tengen stirs awake. With a sleepy yawn, he stretches out his arms and glances at his phone. Messages from Toshiro and Katsu are already waiting for him—the usual invite for a morning session of Flex Legends. He smiles but sets the phone down—his morning routine always comes first.
Tengen makes his way to the kitchen where the familiar sound of sizzling bacon greets him. His younger sister is seated at the table, humming a little tune as she draws pictures with her crayons.
"Good morning, squirt," Tengen teases, ruffling her hair as he grabs a plate.
After breakfast, he spends some time babysitting his sister, building block towers with her and letting her dress their dog, Kuro, in little costumes. He enjoys these moments, as they allow him to bond with her, though it also gives him time to think about the day's plans.
After dropping his sister off with their grandmother for the afternoon, Tengen slips back into his room. He quickly logs into Flex Legends to meet up with Toshiro and Katsu. The excitement of the virtual battles makes him feel like he's escaping into another world where they can be unstoppable together.
"Let's aim for platinum today," Toshiro's voice crackles through the headset.
"You wish," Katsu laughs,
"Last time we got smoked by a bunch of noobs."
Tengen grins as they navigate through the virtual landscapes, working together with ease. Despite the fun, his thoughts occasionally drift back to Hanako—something that hasn't been happening much before. Now, every so often, her image pops up in his mind. He's not sure what it means, but it leaves him feeling unsettled.
After finishing their gaming session, Tengen changes into something more comfortable and heads out to meet his mom at the market. The bustling energy of the marketplace is familiar, with the lively chatter of customers haggling over prices and the smell of fresh produce filling the air.
His mom waves at him from her stall, her face lighting up as he approaches.
"There you are, finally! I thought you'd be stuck in front of that computer all day," she teases, handing him a basket of vegetables to stock.
They work side by side for a while, falling into a comfortable rhythm. Every now and then, his mom glances at him with a curious look, as if she has something on her mind.
"Tengen," she begins, her voice casual but probing,
"How's Hanako doing?"
Tengen nearly drops the basket he's holding. His mom rarely asks about his friends, especially the girls. He can feel his cheeks warm slightly as he awkwardly scratches the back of his neck.
"She's... good, I guess," he replies, hoping that will be the end of it. But his mom isn't done.
"Good, huh? You know, it seems like you two are spending more time together lately," she says with a knowing smile.
"Is there something going on between the two of you?"
Tengen feels a wave of reluctance wash over him. He's not sure how to respond. He doesn't exactly know what's going on between him and Hanako himself. They're friends, sure, but recently things have started feeling... different.
"It's... complicated, Mom," he says, his voice trailing off as he avoids her gaze.
"I don't know. It's like... 50/50."
His mom raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but not pushing any further.
"Well, just make sure you know what you're feeling before you do anything," she advises, handing him a cloth to wipe down the counter.
"Relationships can be tricky, and sometimes they sneak up on you when you least expect it."
Tengen sighs inwardly, feeling both grateful and more confused than ever. He's not sure what to make of his growing thoughts about Hanako, but his mom's words linger in his mind. Maybe it's time to figure out what's really going on between them.
Monday arrives, and after a long day of classes, Tengen is feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He's been thinking about his conversation with his father and how it lifted a burden he didn't even know he was carrying. Now, he's looking forward to his date with Hanako—something they haven't had in a long time, at least not like this.
As the final bell rings, Tengen quickly packs his things. Toshiro and Katsu tease him as usual, but this time, Tengen brushes it off with a smile. He's too excited to be bothered by their playful jabs.
"You sure you're ready for this, man?" Toshiro asks, nudging him.
"Of course, I am," Tengen replies confidently.
"It's just a date."
"Right," Katsu smirks,
"a date you've been planning since last night. Well ain't that gonna be like a planned girl-napping or should I say, girlfriend napping! Hahaha"
"So true, that's one way to make a sussy plan! Girl-napping your girlfriend! Hahaha" (Toshiro)
"Oh Puh-lease"
Ignoring them, Tengen checks his phone. Hanako has sent a message: Meet me at the café down the street? I'll be there in 20 minutes.
"More like you've entered a dirty plan for her" (Katsu)
"I say" (Toshiro)
The two laugh it off. Tengen then heads to the café, his heart beating a little faster with each step. When he arrives, the place is buzzing with students and locals, the scent of fresh coffee and pastries filling the air. He spots Hanako sitting by the window, looking out into the street with a calm smile on her face.
"Hey," he says softly, sliding into the seat across from her.
"Hey," she replies, her smile widening.
"You're early."
"I couldn't wait," Tengen admits, feeling a little shy.
"I was just...excited."
They chat for a while over coffee and pastries, catching up on little things—school, their friends, and everything in between. Tengen feels a warm, comfortable connection with her, like everything is finally falling into place.
After their café stop, they decide to take a walk through the nearby park. The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the trees and pond. They walk side by side, their hands occasionally brushing against each other.
At one point, Hanako stops and looks at Tengen with a serious expression.
"You know, I was really surprised when you called last night," she says, her voice soft.
"I didn't think you'd be so open about everything with your parents."
Tengen nods, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks.
"I didn't either. But after what my dad said, I feel like...I don't have to hide anything anymore. We don't have to hide."
Hanako smiles, stepping closer to him.
"It's nice to hear that. I've always liked how patient you were, but now...it feels different. Better."
Without thinking, Tengen reaches for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers.
"Yeah, it does."
They continue walking, talking about their future plans, their goals, and dreams. Tengen realizes that this is what he's been waiting for—a moment of peace and understanding, where he doesn't have to worry about anything except being there with Hanako.
As the evening comes to a close, they find a bench and sit down, watching as the stars begin to appear in the night sky. Hanako rests her head on Tengen's shoulder, and they sit in comfortable silence for a while.
"You know," Hanako says quietly,
"I'm really glad we did this. I feel like we're starting something new."
Tengen smiles, his heart swelling with warmth.
"Me too."
They sit there for a while longer, enjoying the calmness of the evening, knowing that this is the start of something special between them.
From a seat in the park, Akiko and Kota are also enjoying a nice meal of udon.
Kota: "Damn, I think we need a larger bowl of udon here"
Akiko: "Why?"
Kota: "Look at that!" (he points at Tengen and Hanako)
It turns out that the couple are kissing lips-to-lips.
Akiko: "WTF?!"
Kota: "You can say that again my Ai"
Tengen and Hanako look at each other in the bright moonlight.
Akiko: "Yeah, we really need a larger bowl of udon"
Kota: "Yeah, 'cause the noodles are now kissing in front of us"
As the moonlight shines solemnly on them, Akiko and Kota are amazed and astonished with this, while Tengen and Hanako carry on with what they are doing.