ryuwrighthistory | Empatheias IC inbox

. . . [About that. He averts his gaze, scratching his cheek sheepishly.] I got lost handling a task one time.

. . . Somehow, I'm not entirely surprised.

But I wouldn't have found that place otherwise! [That's good, right? They're entering the park area now. There are a few people around also enjoying the weather. There are people ice skating on the frozen lake and a few food stands setup along the path.]

Mmhmm.

[ It's like he's giving him half credit, which is something, at least. Though he's also more distracted by the park itself, smiling just a bit at the sight of the skaters on the frozen lake. ] . . . Well. It looks like it's still nice here, even during the winter.

[Maybe it was the calm atmosphere the park was giving off that causes Naruhodou lean into Asougi. Or maybe he's just warm.]

I'd come here to study sometimes. They always have different food stands on display when I visit.

Hmm. I'm not surprised you'd pick up on that, either.

[ But he's just teasing. Asougi smiles over at him a bit more before his eyes stray again to look around the park. ] Have you tried any of them?

Only a few of them. [He will let that teasing slide, since he's currently looking attentively around for something.] There's this one noodle stand I like to order from. They have a standard menu, but they also have daily specials using different ingredients from the usual. Their turtleduck and seafood noodle soups are pretty good.

Interesting. In other words, it's a good idea to see what they have whenever I'm around here, because it may be different.

[ He raises an eyebrow at him at that, but doesn't question what he's trying to find just yet. ]

Mhmm. [It's cold enough outside today, so surely...Oh!] Ah, it's here today! [He points to the noodle stand just a little further down the street.] Do you want to check it out?

Hmm. Alright, let's give it a try.

[ He chuckles softly at that. He wasn't too hungry right now, but he had to admit that he was intrigued. And besides, Naruhodou seemed happy at the prospect of going, so why not? ]

Ok! [He's totally happy now to have his best friend joining him. His pace even quickens a little to reach the noodle stand faster. The merchant immediately recognizes him as a regular and spares no time telling him what the special was today.]

Ohhh...a curry noodle soup with beef and sweet potatoes? [That sounds spicy, but also delicious? He looks up to Asougi as if looking for a second opinion.]

[ You had him at "beef." He nods firmly, giving him a grin. ]

It's a good choice.

[He nods and was about to order when he pauses to reconsider.] Um, should we just share a bowl instead? It's still too early to be dinner. . . [Also it be cheaper.]

. . . That's not a bad idea, actually.

[ He reaches into his pocket for some sylvs at that. ]

[He'll extend a hand out to takes his sylvs then and orders them a bowl. The smell of spices will soon fill the air when the cook finishes preparing their curry bowl, setting it on a tray with napkins and utensils.]

Ahh, it smells delicious. Thank you very much! [The merchant simply laughs and gives him a wave. "Anytime."] We can sit over there on that bench. [He gestures to the bench opposite from the stand.]

[ He leans in a bit when the tray is pushed over, taking in the smell as well with a grin. ] Hmm. You were right.

[ At that, he picks up the tray with ease, carrying it over to the bench as directed and sits down carefully. ]

Here. Sit close to me, Naruhodou — we can rest it on our laps easily if you do.

Right. [He does as asked without much fuss. He's just ready to dig in.] I'll take the first bite then! [What is waiting? Food is best eaten when hot afterall, though maybe it's still too hot.] Mmf, it's hot! [He breath is visible in the cold air.]

[ He chuckles softly, shaking his head and nudging him lightly. ]

Of course it's hot. What did you expect? [ After a moment, he digs in as well. ]

No ish-- [He takes a moment to finish his mouthful and takes a breather.] Spicy. . .but it's also really tasty. [The struggle.]

It's "curry noodle soup." What did you expect?

[ But he's smiling a bit more at that. ]

A...little bit milder than this? [Spoilers: It is mild spicy.] What's with that look on your face?

This is nice. That's all.

[ It's a simple statement, but he seems content, which . . . has been a rarity for him since he arrived. ]

[He considers him for a moment before smiling.] Yea. . . [He turns back to the curry, taking another noodleful. Still spicy.] Mm, I'm glad we're sharing this. I wouldn't be able to finish a whole bowl.

No, I'm the same. I wouldn't be able to either, but I didn't want to miss out on this either. So it's perfect.

[ He seems totally fine with the spice level, eating calmly. ]

I'm glad you like it! You should definitely try the other noodle bowls next time if you come through the park again. [The area starts feeling warmer, probably from the soup or maybe part of it is from Naruhodou.]

Ahh if anything, the spiciness certainly helps with this cold weather.

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