Part 8

A couple of hours earlier

"Did anything happen? You sounded so happy on the phone.", Daisuke sat down next to her in the small restaurant and also ordered a bowl of ramen.

"You could say that, but it's a surprise.", Eriko tasted her own portion and let out sounds of delight. "I love ramen! Especially in the cold weather!"

Daisuke chuckled at her cute little act. "We shouldn't be eating this late at night. We might gain weight."

"I have no such worries, since I move a lot.", Eriko said with pride in her voice.

"You're also younger.", Daisuke countered.

"Age has nothing to do with it."

"Not to mention your compact size.", He smirked.

"That has even less to do with it!"

"Let's come back to this topic in a year or two.", Daisuke laughed.

Eriko's heart skipped a beat. Did he realize the hidden promise in his comment, or was she grasping at straws? Her train of thought was interrupted by the waiter who brought Daisuke's ramen.

"Itadakimasu!", Daisuke clapped his hands and tried it, also very pleased by the taste.

Eriko stared at him lovingly. Had she been jealous for no reason? She wanted to believe that.

Once done with the late-night dinner, they went for a walk.

"What is your big surprise?", Daisuke asked curiously once more.

"It's nothing all that special…", Eriko tried to avoid the subject. That's when she saw him, "Daisuke-san, watch out!", She jumped in front of the attacker. He knocked her out and headed for Daisuke who tried to fight back, but was also met with the hard cement and rendered unconscious.