Chapter #3: Rou Tang Restaurant

"Hey! We have the same name. That's funny," Modoru Jr said.

"Your father named you after him," Professor Kalisto said.

"I was one of your father's best friends, we spent a lot of time together. I am sorry I wasn't there for when he passed, but I am here now. Hopefully we can get acquainted," Modoru said.

"I'd like that," Modoru Jr said as he turned to Professor Kalisto. "Professor, I've finished my homework, can I hang out with Modoru?"

"Good! I'll check it later," Kalisto said. "I think it would be a good idea for all of us to get to know each other. We're going to need each other in time. I suggest we head over to Rou Tang Restaurant. They have really good food there."

"I'm game," Modoru said. The three then headed out from the lab and took a light hearted walk along the streets of Valkyrie City. As they walked, Modoru's stomach rumbled.

"Hmm, I guess I am hungry. So, what kind of food do they have there?" Modoru asked.

"A lot of broths and soup! They're my favorite type of food," Modoru Jr said

"Uh-oh," Modoru said.

"What is it?" Modoru Jr asked. Smiling now Modoru raised his hands up in the air.

"…I don't think we can be friends kid if you like broths over ricebowls," said Modoru jokingly

"But there good! I promise you'll like them," Modoru Jr said.

"Ok. We'll see once we get there," Modoru said.

"You're just like dad," Modoru Jr said.

"We were a lot alike, me and you're dad." Modoru said. "Only later on though, Nokosu and me had our differences as well."

"I'd like to hear some of those stories," Kalisto jumped in.

"For sure, we can eat then talk after," Modoru said. As the three finally arrived at Rou Tang restaurant, they got a table near the window. Modoru let Modoru Jr order for him as the kid said he knew the menu like the back of his hand. Once of food arrived Modoru could smell the accentuated flavors emanating from broth. There were also fresh noodles in the broth and small cuts of beef. All in all, it looked great. Modoru took a sip of the broth before digging in. The kid was right, it was really good. Both Kalisto and Modoru Jr were looking at Modoru in anticipation.

"So?" they both said.

"It's great," Modoru said as he began eating.

"Awesome," Modoru Jr said. 20 minutes of comfortable silence passed as they all downed their dishes.

"So, about those stories…" Kalisto said.

"Right right," Modoru said thoughtfully. Modoru decided that he would tell them when he and Nokosu met Agatha, Modoru Jr's mother. "So, there was this one time that Nokosu and I were eating at our favorite rice bowl place as well, called Fanwan Restaurant. We were in the midst of talking about getting jobs at a company called Shibuya Corporation. I'm sure, professor, you've heard of them," said Modoru with hint of suggestion to what had happened in the past.

"Oh yes, I've heard of them," Kalisto said.

"Anyway, our waitress over hears us and says she wants to help. Two days later, while your dad is having the interview, I tell the waitress that your dad is currently single," Modoru said with a smile. "That waitress ended up being your mom."

"Wow, that's cool," Modoru Jr said.

"Very heartwarming indeed Modoru," Kalisto said.

"If guys can excuse me though, I'll be right back," Modoru said. Modoru then went to outside the entrance of the restaurant and lit a cigarette. Although Kalisto was right and the story was very heartwarming, Modoru touched his chest again. There it was. The same physical ache in his chest when he remembered Nokosu. He really missed them. At least he was doing right by him now. Quickly finishing the cigarette, Modoru headed back into the restaurant just in time to see Kalisto pay for the bill.

"Oh, I could've gotten it," Modoru said.

"It's fine Modoru. You can get the next one. In any case, it's mid-afternoon now and I still have some business to discuss with you." Kalisto said. "We shall once arriving back to my lab"

"Alright, professor. Lead the way."