So that was it… Rin was feeling down because she hasn't been able to eat ramen at her favorite Chinese restaurant.

Had you noticed her lack of energy?

Well, kinda. The last time I visited Otonokizaka, I thought there was something kinda off about her.

I tried to casually ask what was up, but she dodged the question. I thought it'd be rude to press her to answer.

She must've been trying to hide her true feelings to keep everyone from worrying about her.

Yeah. I'm just happy she's perked right up again. The restaurant's owner is feeling better too, right?

Yes. I heard that they've found new employees for the place as well. Both Rin and the restaurant are back to normal.

That's good. Anyway, I was surprised to hear that you and the others were working there. You had to practice making the food there and everything, right? How did that go?

Yes, we did. It was…quite the trial. My cooking was mercilessly critiqued and any confidence I had was stripped from me.

Whoa, seriously?!

I hadn't realized how hard and complicated making ramen could be. All in all, the only thing I was able to master was draining the noodles.

Noodles are as long as life, resting in the soup of the world. Each topping embodies our individuality as people. Ramen is a statement on the world, no, humanity as a whole!

What the heck happened to you, Dia?! Enlightenment?

With help from Ayumu and the owner, we were able to make food worthy of serving to the customers. But one day, I would like to make the perfect bowl of ramen on my own.

I never thought the day would come where you of all people would be interested in making ramen.

I wish I could've had some of yours, though. Man, if only I'd gone during the two days you guys were working there…

You can still eat the same ramen if you go to that Chinese restaurant now. All I did was follow their recipe, after all.

They may even make a special ramen just for you.

That sounds great, but I want to eat ramen YOU made, Dia. Like, say, the one you got mercilessly critiqued on.

Ugh… Who in the world would go out of their way to eat a failed dish?!

Do you have plans to help out at that restaurant again?

Sadly, I do not.

Aww, really?

However, if what you're asking is for me to prepare some ramen for you… I might be able to make some arrangements for that.

What?! Y-You mean, not just going out to eat?!

Correct. I will be preparing it myself.

Woohoo! Lucky me! I get to eat Dia's ramen! So, when are ya gonna do it?

Well, if it's something I'm making for you, I would like it to be something I can serve with pride.

I'll need the perfect flour for the noodles, the right ingredients for the soup…and ramen wasn't built in a day, or so they say. Let's give it five years.

F-Five years?! Hold up, are you planning to get an apprenticeship at a ramen shop or something?!

Now there's an idea! Oh, but if I did, it would interfere in my work with Aqours! Oh no, which shall I choose?!

That's not what you need to worry about! Ugh, why do you have to do everything by the books?!