One month had passed. The ramen shop was back to its normal, peaceful routine. However, something was different. Zael no longer complained about his work. He swept, cleaned tables, and helped Aruna with a faint smile on his face. Of course, he was still arrogant, but there was a warmth he couldn't hide.
Aruna, who was making the broth, turned to Zael. "Why are you smiling?" she asked casually.
Zael, who was cleaning a table, turned to Aruna. "I'm just... happy," he replied. "I never knew that life could be this happy. In my world, happiness is a rare thing."
Aruna smiled. "I'm glad you're happy," she said.
The shop door opened, and Takeru, the friendly demon courier, entered. He smiled and sat at the counter. "One serving of pork ramen, Aruna," he said.
Aruna nodded. "Of course."
Zael, seeing Takeru, immediately became wary. He moved closer to Aruna and whispered, "Aruna, he's back. Is he going to cause trouble again?"
"No, Zael," Aruna replied. "He's just a customer."
Takeru ate his ramen calmly. "Your ramen is getting better, Aruna," he said. "It seems love makes your ramen more delicious."
Aruna and Zael glanced at each other, and their cheeks turned a little red.
After Takeru left, Zael turned to Aruna. "Does he know about us?" he asked with exaggeration.
"Maybe," Aruna replied. "But it doesn't matter."
Zael nodded. He approached Aruna and hugged her. Aruna, surprised, returned the hug. Zael held her tightly and buried his face in her hair. "You know, Aruna," he whispered. "I don't need the recipe. I just need you."
Aruna smiled, her eyes welling up. "Me too," she replied.
The story of Aruna, the ordinary ramen chef, and Zael, the lazy, arrogant demon, would continue. They would face new adventures, new demons, and new ramen dishes. But most importantly, they would face everything together. Because in a small ramen shop, amidst the warm aroma of spices and the grumbling of an arrogant demon, a beautiful love story had begun.
THE END