I’m a Shy Loner and I Was Confessed to by a Beautiful Girl Who Has All the Boys in School Smitten, but It Turned Out to Be a ‘Fake Confession,’ So I Politely Declined. As a Result, I Ended Up Learning About Her Hidden Side and She Started to Cling to Me

“This is the place.”

The ramen shop I wanted to go to: Ramen Yarou. Juubei looked at the sign and was at a loss for words.

“This place serves Jiro-style ramen, you okay with that?”

Jiro? What is he talking about?

“Ah, you mean the portion size? Don’t worry, I’m starving. Let’s go in.”

As soon as we entered, all the customers turned to look at us. Well, more like they looked at me. I guess women are a rarity in this kind of big-portion eatery.

I’m glad I came with Juubei.

Hmm, the regular, large, and extra-large servings are all the same price. If that’s the case, I’ll go for the extra-large!

“Are you serious?”

Why does Juubei look so stunned?

I bought the meal ticket and we took our seats.

“Do you know how to order toppings? Want me to tell you?”

“Huh? Don’t treat me like a kid. I can handle it.”

I’ve been to ramen places before.

“Your order’s ready! Sir, how would you like your noodles, vegetables, and garlic?”

…Boyfriend, huh? Do we look like a couple?

“Garlic-free, extra vegetables, extra fat, spicy, with quail eggs!”

Eh!? What’s with that incantation? There’s no way they’d understand—

“Got it! Garlic-free, extra vegetables, extra fat, spicy, with quail eggs, coming right up!”

They understood!?

Wait, this isn’t what I was imagining!

“What would you like, ma’am?”

Wait, they’re asking me already?

“Um, ah, same as him, please!”

“Are you sure, Ningyo?”

“Yes, I’m fine…totally fine.”

I somehow managed to order… but what’s with that incantation? That wasn’t a menu; it was a spell!

“Why are you trembling?”

“It’s just, it’s unbelievable. You know they have a strict ‘no leftovers’ policy, right?”

“Well, of course I won’t leave any leftovers.”

“Yeah, I guess. I’ll just brace myself then.”

“Here you go! One small bowl of garlic-free, extra vegetables, extra fat, spicy ramen with quail eggs, and one extra-large!”

—What?

A gigantic bowl filled to the brim with chashu, vegetables, and quail eggs was placed in front of me.

Is this…ramen? Like, really?

I was completely frozen. Couldn’t move.

“I see, unable to accept reality, huh?”

Juubei looked at me with eyes as if he were seeing a forsaken puppy.

“Juubei, the vegetables are so piled up I can’t see the noodles…”

“Yep, can’t see them.”

“Um, Juubei, I’ve never seen a bowl this big before…”

“It’s extra-large, so yeah.”

“Juubei, is this even ramen? It looks like—”

“Don’t say another word… Let’s start eating before the noodles get soggy.”

“Uh, okay.”

Fine, if it’s come to this, I’ll just do it! I attacked the mountain of vegetables with gusto.

“Puff, puff… Huff, huff…”

Ugh… I can’t see the noodles… Just bean sprouts and cabbage… I managed to reduce it somewhat, but I’m already 5, no, 6-tenths full.

“This is…!”

I finally saw the noodles, and they’re incredibly thick! How can I finish this?

Huff, huff, I began eating the thick noodles with the soup and vegetables.

It’s delicious! It’s a rich, punchy flavor I’ve never tasted before! I can do this! I have to finish it before I feel full!

I accelerated my eating speed toward completion.

30 minutes later, we were resting in a plaza made of grass. The sky had darkened completely, and the street lights and illuminations made for a beautiful atmosphere. There were many couples around, clearly into each other.

“Kouji <3”

“Miyuki <3”

They were all lovey-dovey couples.

This place must be like that. Though in our case, we’re too full to even think about it. Besides, we’re not even a couple.

“I wonder how many calories that was…”

“Don’t think about it if you’re going to that place.”

“But you ordered the small and you still look like you’re suffering.”

“I ate half of your leftover chashu, bean sprouts, and thick noodles.”

“…”

“Don’t look away.”

I guess it’s time to go home; I can move now. I don’t want to be in this lovey-dovey atmosphere anymore.

“Let’s go.”

Juubei stood up without saying anything.

“Yuki-chan <3”

“Nobuhiko-kun <3”

Hey, that couple over there, don’t kiss here!

“Hey Megu, shall we…?”

“Ah, Toji, you’re so naughty.”

Ugh… The couples around us started kissing too.

If I had to describe the air, it would be completely pink. Hearts are flying everywhere. I can’t stand it anymore.

Sigh

“Ah!? Ningyo?”

I suddenly hugged Juubei tightly.

It’s not because I was influenced by the atmosphere, but rather because we’d stand out otherwise.

I could feel Juubei’s heartbeat. Is he surprised, or is he conscious of me?

“…Ningyo, could it be…”

Juubei hugged me back.

My breath stopped for a moment. His hug was strong, and although it felt awkward, that made it even more endearing. I felt like I could—

“Are you going to throw up?”

“…”

“Wait, are you mad? Did I say something wrong?”

“…No.”