Chapter 6 : The Unspoken Bond

The following days passed by in a blur of ramen orders, clumsy coworkers, and unexpected visits from Ryo. Hana couldn't shake the memory of what had happened the night she'd almost been robbed. It was hard to imagine life going back to normal after such a close call. She'd been too shaken up to even think about it properly at the time, but now that she had a bit of space, she couldn't stop wondering about Ryo.

He had appeared like some kind of guardian angel, effortlessly saving her without even breaking a sweat. There was something unsettling yet reassuring about him. His coldness, the way he seemed detached from the world, and yet he had still helped her—no questions asked.

That evening, as she wiped down the counter, her thoughts drifted back to him. Was he a regular customer just like any other, or was there more to him than met the eye?

Her mind was interrupted when the door jingled, signaling someone had entered. She looked up to find Ryo standing in the doorway, his usual stoic expression in place. But today, he didn't just walk in as a customer—he seemed... different. There was something about him that seemed off.

"Ryo?" she asked, trying to hide her concern. "Are you okay?"

Ryo gave her a quick, almost imperceptible nod, though his eyes betrayed him. He was tense, his shoulders stiff as he made his way to the counter.

"I'm fine," he replied, but his voice lacked its usual calm. "Just... not in the mood for ramen today."

Hana blinked in surprise. "Not in the mood for ramen? Is that even possible?"

Ryo cracked a small smile at her joke, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. He seemed distracted, and Hana couldn't help but feel a tug of worry. He was usually so composed, so controlled, but today, there was a subtle crack in his armor.

"Something on your mind?" she asked, her voice softer now, more concerned than before.

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze lingering on her before looking away, his expression hardening again. "It's nothing. Just... business. Nothing you need to worry about."

Hana wasn't convinced, but she didn't press. She knew Ryo wasn't the type to talk about personal matters. But still, there was a part of her that couldn't ignore the unease she felt around him. Something wasn't right.

"I'm closing up soon," she said, trying to shift the conversation. "Want me to make you something to eat?"

Ryo paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You don't have to."

"Well, it's the least I can do, after... well, everything." She gave him a small, genuine smile. "Besides, you're always coming here to check on me. The least I can do is return the favor."

Ryo's lips twitched, his expression softening just a fraction. He didn't speak for a few moments, but the warmth in his eyes, even if brief, was enough to make Hana's heart flutter.

"Fine," he finally muttered, as if it was a decision he was reluctantly accepting. "Just... don't make it too much."

Hana smiled to herself as she moved to prepare a quick dish for him, not realizing how much of a difference it made to have him here like this. She didn't want to admit it, but seeing him in the shop, even in his quiet, distant way, made her feel safe in a way that was hard to describe.

As she worked, she couldn't help but glance at him now and then. Ryo was staring out the window, his posture rigid as always. He looked like a man who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, though he would never admit it. There was something in his eyes that suggested a world of unspoken stories, of battles fought and losses endured.

"Hana," he said, breaking the silence. His voice was quiet, as if he was contemplating his words. "I... want to apologize."

Hana turned, surprised by the sudden shift in tone. "Apologize? For what?"

"For what happened the other night," Ryo continued, his voice low. "I shouldn't have gotten involved."

Hana's heart skipped a beat. She wasn't sure what to say. "I'm... I'm glad you did," she replied softly. "You saved me, Ryo. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't been there."

There was a long pause before he answered. "I just... I don't like seeing people in danger. Especially not you."

Hana felt her breath catch at his words. His gaze had softened ever so slightly, but it was enough to make her heart race. She looked away quickly, unsure of how to react.

"Well," she said, forcing a casual tone, "I'm just glad you were there. You're... kind of my hero now."

Ryo didn't respond right away, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. It was almost imperceptible, but it was there. The moment passed quickly, and soon the usual wall he kept up was back in place.

"I'm not a hero," he muttered, looking down at the table. "I'm just someone doing his job."

Hana nodded, though she wasn't sure she entirely agreed. She could see there was more to him than he let on, and maybe, just maybe, she was starting to understand why he kept his distance.

As the evening wore on, the two of them settled into a comfortable silence. Ryo ate quietly, his attention elsewhere, while Hana cleaned up and tried to shake the feeling that something was about to change. She wasn't sure what it was, but the connection she felt with him—though unspoken—seemed to be growing stronger.

When Ryo finished his meal, he stood up to leave, but before he reached the door, he stopped and turned back to her.

"I'll be going now," he said, his voice as detached as ever. "Take care of yourself, Hana."

"You too," she replied softly, watching him disappear into the night once more.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Hana let out a quiet sigh. There was still so much she didn't know about him, so many questions left unanswered. But for now, she was content to let things unfold at their own pace.

Little did she know, Ryo was struggling with his own set of emotions, trying to suppress the feelings that had begun to stir every time he saw her. He couldn't let her get too close. Not yet.

But he had a feeling the day would come when he wouldn't be able to keep his distance any longer.