SELFISH [Shirou x Reader]

2. Hunger

Author Notes:
Optional music to listen to as you read this chapter: 

https://miamivice.bandcamp.com/track/tropics

[ph] = preferred honorific

[pn] = preferred noun

[ppr] = preferred pronoun

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"Next stop, Anima City!"

Your eyes fluttered open, revealing your bright surroundings. The train was slowing down as it came closer and closer to the terminal. A yawn escaped your lips. The other passengers were beginning to collect their belongings and discuss their excitement for their big move. You got up from your seat and reached into the overhead to grab your backpack. The sounds of zippers and murmurs filled the quiet car. After you gathered all of your belongings, you stood in the aisle and waited for the rest of the passengers to get ready.

You exited the train and made your way towards the escalators. On the way up, you looked at the series of advertisements that were plastered on the walls. They were similar to the ones you had at home, but were more beastkin-centric. They promoted a new romance movie featuring a famous beastkin named Takaki Atsuko. She was a tiger, whose unique features made her an absolute star on screen.

"Look daddy, it's the tiger girl! Isn't she so pretty!" A random child behind you exclaimed.

You've actually seen her in a few human directed movies as well. It was pretty amazing to see how far society has come. You made a mental note to visit the movie theaters here. There were also promotions for Burger Kitty's new whopper, promising 340% more protein in the patty.

Yep, nothing seemed too out of the ordinary in Anima City.

You stepped into a less trafficked area. Other travelers brush past you as they make their way towards their destinations. Panic started to set in as you slowly realized you had no idea where to go. The signage was confusing. Everyone was moving everywhere. You were discombobulated. You checked your phone and realized you barely had any signal down here. No way you were able to Boogle Maps your way out of this one. You were too prideful to ask someone for help so you chose a random hallway to walk towards. You figured that if you kept walking, you would surely find the exit.

And if you didn't, you'll just try another way. Your grip on your backpack straps get tighter as you spot the guards. Just act natural. Don't act lost. You came here for residency. You're not going to get arrested.

The German Shepards on duty eyed you closely as you walked past them. You have somehow left the terminal and are now outside. Breathing fresh air was a nice treat after being stuck in the train for a few hours. Now that you were out, where were you in Anima City一

"Wow." The word barely escapes your lips.

The sunset casted its breathtaking gold, dusty rose, and lavender hues onto your surroundings. The skyscrapers stretched so high in the air that they seemed to go on forever. This made everything back at home pale in comparison: you've never seen anything taller than a cell tower until now. And in between these glass structures were smaller ones plastered with flashy neon signs inviting residents to visit the bars. You arched your back to get a better look above. Everything seemed so endless. This was what you wanted, wasn't it?

Your stomach growled: breaking your trance.

'I should probably eat.'

You looked forward and eyed the distant lights and colors that drew in a crowd. Perhaps there were some shops that you could grab a quick bite from. You walked towards the end of the street you were on and waited for the lights to turn green. The melodic rhythm of footsteps across the pavement brought a sense of comfort, knowing you weren't alone. A group of pretty flamingos strut their way past you, wearing heels so shiny that they caught the attention of every passerby. You couldn't help but smile: noting how quaint they were. They almost reminded you of your friends' flamboyant personalities.

You get closer and closer to the source of the lights and start to pick up the smell of something delicious. Taking a deep inhale, you tried to find the source of this smell. You closed your eyes and continued to sniff until the savory notes of tonkotsu drew you to a small ramen stall. The chef was happily pulling noodles as the large stock pots bubbled with excitement. There were three seats in total. You looked at the other patron who was seated to the far left. The man was slurping from a large bowl and had a beer as an accompanying side. Your stomach growled again, and you didn't hesitate to seat yourself down on the far right of him.

"What'll it be, [ph]?" The chef brushed his hands together, getting rid of the excess flour from the noodle pulling. You smile,

"A tonkotsu ramen please."

You kicked your legs back and forth as you waited for your food to come out. You leaned against the bar top to get a closer look at the chef. Although he was short, he sure had a way around the kitchen. Shortly afterwards, another patron sat down next to you and ordered the shoyu ramen.

"Pretty good day for some fresh noodles right?" The man to your left asked. You looked toward him and grinned,

"Isn't it?"

You looked at the chef who was adding the toppings to your ramen. You were so excited to speak to a local resident of Anima City. This was your first day here and you were already making friends!

"I'm about to get my residency card and move in. But I got hungry, and naturally, had to eat. Found this place by chance!"

"Oh... so you're one of those humans who are taking part in that new integration program?"

"Yep! I'm super excited!"

The chef brought out your food and utensils. You mouthed an 'oh my god', staring at your beauty of a ramen bowl. On the left were three slabs of crispy chashu that rested on the noodles like a pillow on a mattress. Next to this were a heapful of enoki and black fungus mushrooms. Of course, no proper bowl is complete without the soy sauce marinated eggs. And everything was topped off with some freshly chopped spring onions. Okay: no more waiting.

You immediately dug in with your spoon and chopsticks, oblivious to the other patron's leer.  

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End notes: He will come soon, and so will another chapter. ^^;