Chapter 6: The Ramen Waitress
Author: Geraint
Ever since the day Kaho-san found out I was her fiancé, things had been... tense. A few days later, when I returned to the dojo, she was waiting at the gate with a furious expression—and dragging out a massive truck tire.
"...Kaho-san, don't tell me this is about the engagement?"
She shot me a terrifying glare.
"It's got nothing to do with our engagement. I just think you need more... conditioning."
I sighed. "I was worried you'd be mad about me hiding my identity. I didn't tell you because I thought you'd reject me if you found out the truth."
I grabbed the rope tied to the oversized tire and wrapped it around my waist.
"Alright. I'm ready."
"Wait—Yuu-kun."
She suddenly hopped onto the tire and sat on top of it.
"...Really?"
"Okay! Let's go!"
With a groan, I took off running, dragging the heavy tire—and Kaho-san—around the park.
"Is it just me, or did you get heavier?"
"Shut up! I've been self-conscious about that!"
"Relax. You've just grown taller. And prettier. It's been a whole year since I joined the dojo."
"Eh...? Has it really been that long?" She looked up in surprise. "Hey, Yuu-kun! Want to hang out this Saturday? Are you free?"
"Yeah. I'm not doing anything. You treating me?"
"Of course! Consider it a celebration for surviving my intense training for a whole year."
Her face blushed slightly as she said it.
"You're not asking me on a date, are you?"
"H-HUH?! O-Of course not!! I told you—it's just appreciation!"
"Haha, I'm kidding. Sure, I'd love to go. I'm looking forward to it."
She smiled. I made sure to keep that day open—but when Saturday came, I was standing alone at our meeting spot. Then my phone rang.
My dad recently got me a flip phone in case of emergencies. I gave my number to Kaho-san, and it was her phone calling me now.
"Hello? Kaho-san? Where are you?"
"Huh? Onii-chan?"
It was her little sister, Nao-chan.
"Nao-chan? Where's your big sister?"
"Onee-chan wanted to go on the date, but... she's sick in bed right now."
"Huh? She looked perfectly healthy yesterday during training..."
"Mom said she was so excited that she didn't sleep at all last night. She got sick this morning."
I sighed, disappointed.
"Is she asleep now?"
"Yes. She's resting."
"Alright. Tell her we're canceling all plans today. She should focus on resting and getting better."
"Okay, Onii-chan!"
The call ended.
"...From now on, I'm calling her Aho-san."
(Translation: Miss Idiot)
I turned around and headed home.
Now that I think about it, Kaho-san is a year older than me—she's 15, I'm 14. She'll be graduating middle school soon and needs to prepare for high school entrance exams. I shouldn't burden her too much with training.
While walking home, I passed by a newly opened ramen shop with a sign saying Opening Soon. Curious, I peeked inside to check the menu.
"Welcome!"
A blonde girl with a ponytail, black jacket, and gray shorts walked in. She looked grumpy—until she saw me. Her face instantly brightened.
"Sorry, we're still closed today. Please come back tomorrow!" she said cheerfully, bowing.
"It's fine. I was just looking at the menu."
She looked oddly familiar, but the hair color was different from what I remembered.
"Wait, are you—"
Before I could finish, someone outside started yelling.
"Riko! I know you're in there! You think you can hide from me?!"
"Huh?! How did he find me?!" the girl—Riko—gasped in shock.
Outside, a group of delinquents on motorcycles pulled up. They had wild hairstyles and aggressive expressions—classic thugs.
"Riko! I've been looking everywhere for you!"
The guy in front, wearing black shades, got off his bike and walked toward her.
"Leave me alone already! I never agreed to date you!"
"Don't be shy. Your friends told me you like me."
"I don't! And they're not my friends—they've been lying to you!"
The guy suddenly grabbed her wrist and tried to drag her out.
"Hey! Let go!"
"Let's talk. Just you and me."
"Stop! You're hurting me!"
"You're cute when you're angry. I like you—"
"Move."
I stepped between them and kicked him square in the face. His sunglasses shattered as he flew backward, landing near the bikes.
"Aniki!"
"You bastard! You'll pay for that!"
The delinquents pulled out bats and pipes from their motorcycles and charged at me.
"Quick! Get inside!" Riko yelled. "They're dangerous!"
"Nah. They're not worth worrying about. Just call an ambulance—I'm putting them all in the hospital."
"HUH?!"
"What's this punk saying?! Get him!"
One of them swung a metal pipe, but I dodged and delivered a spinning kick, launching him into their bikes.
"Ugh!"
I grabbed two others by the face and smashed their heads together.
"Who's next?"
Another tried to hit me from behind.
"Behind you!" Riko warned.
I was already moving. I ducked, spun around, and lifted him by the neck with one hand. He gasped for air until I threw him onto the rest of his crew.
They were all moaning and twitching on the ground.
"You took down all of them... alone?!" Riko stared in disbelief.
I stepped on the chest of one who was trying to get up, grinding my heel down to make him regret everything.
"Stop it! If you go too far, they'll send more after you!"
"Let them. I'll be fine."
I looked back at Riko.
"Call that ambulance, Riko."
Then I turned around and walked away, waving.
"...He knows my name?" she whispered.
-------
The next day, the six delinquents I beat up yesterday gathered at the park. Soon after, more arrived—high schoolers from another district—riding motorcycles and wielding wooden bats with spikes, metal pipes, and other blunt weapons.
The beaten guys told them everything.
"I'm telling you the truth! That bastard stole Riko from me! Please, teach him a lesson!"
"Is that all of you?"
"Gyaaah!"
The guy yelped as I jumped down from a tree above them.
"I got tired of waiting," I said with a yawn, cracking my knuckles as I walked toward them.
"Why are you here?!" he stammered, pointing at me in fear.
"I knew you'd be back for revenge, so I thought I'd take the initiative."
"H-He's the one I was talking about! Hurry and beat him up already!"
While stretching, I grinned and charged into their group.
One of them swung his nail-studded bat. I caught it barehanded and crushed it, letting the twisted nails fall to the ground—my hand completely unscathed.
"Huh?!"
He froze just before my fist smashed into his face, launching him into his friends.
"What's wrong? If you don't all come at me, none of you stand a chance."
"Eep!"
They all hesitated, too scared to attack.
"—So it's true... he's the reason the delinquents around here straightened up."
"Don't tell me... he really exists! The demon who hunts punks like us!"
"This is bad! My older brother warned me never to come here! He got beat up by this guy!"
"So the rumors were true?! Everyone—run!!"
"GYAAAA!"
"...Huh."
They all bolted like scared cats. I scratched my head in disappointment.
"Well, I guess they won't bother her anymore." I sighed. "I'll go check in on her today."
When I stopped by the new ramen shop, I saw Riko working as a waitress in her uniform—cheerfully greeting customers. The shop was packed, mostly with guys enchanted by her bright smile. She hadn't changed much since we first met two years ago.
"Good for her."
I smiled, happy to see her doing well. The place had quickly grown popular thanks to her effort and charm. I silently wished her continued success.
As she turned to go back inside, she paused and squinted at me.
"...What are you smiling at? It's creepy and kind of disturbing."
...I froze.
"And stop loitering there. If you're not a customer, leave. You're bad for business," she said coldly.
"Huh?" I blinked, stunned.
"Don't think I'll fall for your stupid tricks just because you helped me from those goons yesterday. I'm not falling for that kind of tricks! I don't trust punks like you!"
"Wait! I think you're—"
She turned and stormed back inside before I could finish.
"I just wanted to repay you for helping me two years ago..." I muttered with a sigh and started walking away.
"Wait!"
Riko called out from behind me. This time, she was with her father.
"Ow! Dad, that hurt!" she whined, rubbing her head where he smacked her.
"You're the one who saved my daughter yesterday, right? I'm really sorry for her behavior!" Her father bowed deeply, pulling her into a forced bow too.
"Dad, don't trust this guy! He's probably in cahoots with the ones from yesterday! I'm not falling for the same trick again!"
"Quiet! You trusted the wrong people and got burned. You even dyed your hair blonde to fit in with those fake friends! Now look where it got you—getting mixed up with delinquents and forcing us to move!"
Riko fell silent, remorseful under her father's scolding.
"I'm sorry again," he said, bowing again. "She's going through a rebellious phase and has become distrustful. She used to be so friendly..."
I didn't say anything—I just smiled.
"...Huh?"
"Heh... must be tough raising a daughter like Riko."
"Well, yeah—haha... Eh?" Her father paused, eyes narrowing. "Wait. You just... called her by her first name?"
"See?! That's what I'm saying, Dad! I don't even know him, but he keeps acting like we're close!"
Oh. That explains it. I called her by name without introducing myself. She didn't recognize me—it has been two years, after all.
"Honestly, even I find it suspicious," her father said. "Riko tends to attract bad guys..."
...Well, he's not wrong. Lilith and I are demons.
With both of them looking at me suspiciously, I decided to come clean.
"Hey, Riko!"
"Stop it! I don't even know who you are!" she got mad at me.
"Since you're the one who didn't remember me, can I be the one who punch you in the gut?"
"I told you, I don't know—wait. Did you say you want to punch me in the gut?!"
Sweat beaded on her forehead as something clicked.
"I remember now! You're that kid we helped two years ago!" her father said, pointing at me.
"Yup, that's me! Now, Riko—get ready."
I playfully practiced air punches.
"W-Wait! Your name was... Seir, right? I remember now! It's been so long that I forgot..."
"And even though I saved you again, you still said all those things."
"Waaah! I'm sorry! Please forgive me! I'll make it up to you!"
"Heh... She didn't recognize you because you've grown up," her father chuckled. "Back then, you were wearing weird clothes, and that girl in the maid outfit was with you. You could barely speak."
"Yeah... we were a mess back then."
"To make up for it, how about I treat you to a bowl of ramen?" Riko offered.
"Sounds good. Give me the best on the menu."
"Alright! Come on in!"
She beamed, then pushed me into the shop.
"For this special reunion, let's have a celebration!" her father said, joining in cheerfully.
-------
The sun was already setting by the time I stepped out of the ramen shop. Riko had treated me to a bowl as an apology for her earlier rudeness. She was still the same girl I remembered—chatty and cheerful. Her parents were just as kind, though they shared how Riko's stubbornness led her down a dangerous path.
It seemed her bright and friendly personality was misunderstood by some boys, who began fantasizing about her. Of course, Riko never intended to lead them on, but rumors started spreading. She became the center of attention—envied by girls and desired by boys. Her so-called friends turned on her, spreading false stories behind her back.
The gossip grew out of control. People began saying she was a slut who dated and slept around with different guys. None of it was true, but the damage was done. Her reputation shattered, she was forced to leave school. Her family moved here to escape it all... but some of the delinquents still managed to find her, since it wasn't far.
"Well, I better head back before it gets dark," I muttered.
"Eh? Seir-kun, don't tell me... are you scared of the dark?" Riko teased with a playful grin.
"I'm not that childish. It's just my turn to take care of my baby sister."
"You have a baby sister? I want to see her! She must be really cute!"
"Yeah. I'll introduce you next time. Anyway, I'll be going now."
"Fufu~ See you soon, Seir-kun!" she said, waving cheerfully.
As I walked along the road, my phone buzzed. A message from Riko popped up—we had exchanged contacts before I left.
[Let's continue our chat here.]
"...Seriously?"
[Later. I'll be busy.]
I sighed and typed my reply. Just after sending it, another message appeared:
[Okay. Goodnight.]
I pocketed my phone and headed home.
When I opened the gate and stepped inside, Yuuka was standing at the entrance with an annoyed look while I took off my shoes.
"Onii-sama! Do you know what time it is?!"
"Hmm... time for me to take care of Fuyumi?"
I set my shoes on the rack and switched into my slippers.
"Wrong!"
"Then what is it?"
"Today is Sunday! I didn't have work at the office—we were supposed to bond today!" she pouted angrily.
"We still have time tonight. What do you want to do?"
"Well..." She hesitated.
"See? You didn't even think of anything."
"Then come with me!"
She grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the living room.
"Hey! What are we doing?"
"Sit right there!" she ordered, pointing to the couch.
Once I sat, she jumped beside me, snuggled up, and leaned her head on my shoulder.
"Don't move. Just stay like that, Onii-sama."
"Okay, okay..."
"Hehe~"
She looked genuinely happy, clinging to my arm.
Suddenly, I noticed someone on my other side—Shiina, sitting with a pout on her face.
"Huh? Shiina?"
She didn't say anything, just leaned her head on my shoulder.
"Hmph."
"Hey, I'm not a pillow. Give me a break, will you?"
The two of them soon fell asleep leaning on me.
"Uwaaaaah~!"
Himiko-san approached, exhausted and holding a crying Fuyumi.
"I'm sorry, Yuki-sama... I'm at my limit..."
"Thanks for your hard work, Himiko-san."
The moment I held Fuyumi, she stopped crying.
"Ugh... I'm going to bed. Taking care of two babies is exhausting..."
"Well, you do have a daughter."
"I have no problem with Ayaka. I'm talking about your dad. Ever since Mia-sama left, he's been asking me to pamper him like a big baby. That man is shameless!"
Her face turned red as she grumbled and left.
"I'm going back to sleep, Yuki-sama. Goodnight..."
"Goodnight, Himiko-san."
With Yuuka and Shiina asleep on either side of me, and Fuyumi in my arms, I sighed.
"Lilith!"
She appeared, kneeling before me.
"Yes, Seir-sama!"
I noticed some sauce on the corner of her mouth.
"...You've been sneaking food from the fridge again, haven't you?"
"Of course not."
I sighed. "You're such a terrible liar."
"Forget it. Just help me out of here."
"Yes!"
Since Himiko-san was resting, I took care of preparing dinner. I woke up the two girls and we ate together. After dinner, I tucked Fuyumi into her crib and quietly left the room. I returned to my room, changed into my sleepwear, and went to bed.
Later that night, I woke to Fuyumi's cries. Still half-asleep, I picked her up from the crib, cradled her until she calmed down, and carried her to my room so I wouldn't have to keep walking back and forth. I laid her beside me and slowly drifted off again.
Knock knock knock!
"Huh?"
Flashes of lightning lit up the sky as thunder rumbled outside. I groaned and got up.
"Kyah! Onii-sama! Wake up! Please let me in!"
Yuuka's panicked voice called from the hallway.
I opened the door and found her standing there with teary eyes, hugging a pillow. She was trembling, dressed in a sleeveless cream blouse and matching shorts.
"Onii-sama, you dummy!" she cried, stepping in and looking around. When she saw Fuyumi asleep on my bed, she smiled softly and laid down next to her.
Moments later, another voice called hesitantly.
"Umm... Yuki-kun?"
Shiina appeared, peeking from behind the wall.
"Scared too? Come in."
She entered just as thunder roared again, and she jumped into my arms in fright.
"Kyah!"
I froze. Something soft had pressed against me. She wasn't wearing a bra, and her chest had... grown quite a bit.
Oh no. Bad thoughts, go away!
I slapped my cheeks and tried to return to reality.
Eventually, I let her sleep beside me. Now there were four of us in bed. Shiina moved closer, resting her head on my shoulder.
She seemed scared... not just of the thunder.
"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, nothing will harm you. Even if it's a ghost or a curse. After all, I'm the demon prince Seir—feared just by name alone."
"Pfffft." She giggled.
"Hey! I'm being serious here. Why are you laughing?"
"You reminded me of this classmate I had who used to say delusional stuff like that."
"...So you're saying I'm delusional?"
"How could I say that, when you're the one who saved me from that generational curse? If you hadn't shown up, I'd be dead. I just want to live a normal life—no more spirits, no more danger."
"It's fine. You can choose that life."
"...Hey, Yuki-kun. Are you really going back there someday?"
"...Yeah. I have to."
"Wouldn't it be better to stay here? With us?"
"Sorry, Shiina. I can't. I have unfinished business back in my world."
...Especially with my father.
Shiina held onto my shirt tightly.
"Even so, I haven't really figured out how to get back. Without a way home, I may have no choice but to stay here."
That seemed to ease her mind. She relaxed, her eyes fluttering shut.
The next morning...
I opened my eyes to find Dad and Himiko-san staring at me.
Both my arms and legs felt heavy.
I looked down—Yuuka and Shiina were still clinging to me in their sleep, legs wrapped around mine. Fuyumi was now in Himiko-san's arms.
"I didn't do anything malicious to them," I said quickly.
(To be continued.)