The Hound's Moon

Scorching Heat

--Chapter 9--
Scorching Heat

The female sat within the florist shop, waiting for more customers to appear. It was late afternoon and there wasn't much going on. She was waiting for the Celtic to appear at her apartment or at least within her vicinity, but nothing occurred at all. It's been two days after that night. What made her more anxious than usual was the unknown presence that lingered before it disappeared. She didn't know who or what it was that kept creeping up on her.

"Yuu-chan, why don't you leave for the day? I can handle the rest of the timing." The manager peeked out from the employee room, holding a potted flower. "Are you sure?" She nodded, smiling as a speck of dirt was spotted on the tip of their nose. "Yep, go on and enjoy the rest of your day. No worries." The raven thought to herself for a moment before nodding. "Okay then, thank you."

The female wore her coat and beanie hat before leaving the shop to head to whatever her eyes led her towards in terms of the restaurant or some sort of snack shop. As she walked around, a spice-like scent caught her attention. The overwhelming yet light scent made her eventually stop at a Chinese-oriented cuisine. She glanced up at the sign; it was a spice restaurant. It smelled so heavenly, she might as well try it out.

A doorbell rang as she entered the restaurant, it was a rather decently sized place. It had simple designed walls painted in a tan-like color, light brown-oriented chairs with matching tables, and the kitchen was in the far back, hidden by curtains. "Welcome!" was the first thing she heard when she came in. A waiter of around their late 50s had a bright grin on their face when the raven entered the place. "Take a seat over here, miss." He motioned the female over toward a table, having her be seated right there.

'The fragrant smells heavenly... I wonder what it is.' The raven thanked the waiter as he handed her the menu. 'Oh, this one here seems interesting. Dan dan noodles... I think I'll try this one.' She waved the waiter down, placing her order. The waiter nodded and disappeared into the kitchen area. 'It's surprisingly peaceful here, when did I not discover this earlier?'

Yuuki sat there patiently, contemplating if she should have also ordered a plate of those jiaozi dumplings. 'All these types of dishes make me want to try them all... If only Cú could at least visit so we can eat together.' The female inwardly sighed, knowing that might not come true with the holy war currently happening. Her heart clenched for a moment as she also knew that he might never come back. The raven bit the inside of her lip, refusing to let her emotions waver.

A blissful aroma filled the female's lungs as she took a glimpse toward the kitchen, seeing the waiter bringing over the bowl of noodles. The waiter also brought over a pitcher of water, placing it onto the table. "You may need this, miss. Enjoy your meal." She thanked the waiter as he eventually left to handle the incoming customers.

The raven gazed down at the bowl of the unusual red colored liquid. She held the pair of chopsticks in one hand and a spoon in the other, eventually eating the intense-looking meal. The first bite she had exploded within her mouth, filling her palate with flavorful zests. The second allowed her to explore the intermingled punch of the meat, garlic and peanuts. As the female continued to indulge herself with the meal, beads of sweat began to form throughout her body. The heat coming from the food slowly overwhelmed the female. 'This is delicious but my goodness... It's making me sweat a bit too much.' She quickly poured the pitcher of water into the cup and drank it a few times.

The female was enjoying her meal until she noticed a specific someone a table across from her. Her spoon dropped into her nearly empty bowl as her eyes widened. An uncanny dark-colored outfit and the creepy deadpan eyes stared down at the menu that was placed in front of them. 'Why... is he here...?!'