Chapter 3 - Ramen and Beer

Ryu opened the door to the studio for Yuka to come in first. "Thanks." Said Yuka shyly as she goes in. " Yuka!" Nato greeted as he walked toward Yuka and hugged her. "Guys, this is my cousin Yuka. Yuka these are my bandmates and friends Tomo and Ishi." Nato said. "Hi, Yuka!" Said Tomo. "Nice to meet you," Ishi said smiling from across the room where they were seating.

"We are about to finish the meeting. We are planning to head out and have dinner tonight. Do you want to come?" Nato asked Yuka. Yuka was hesitant to answer. "Of course, you have to. We need to celebrate you moving to a new apartment." Nato said smiling before Yuka could respond. "Did you just move to the city?" Tomo asked Yuka out of curiosity. "Yes, actually she is Ryu's new roommate," Nato explained. Ryu pretended to be busy grabbing things to avoid any reaction seen from him. "Really? You're in good hands then." Tomo said smiling with assurance and Yuka smiled back.

"Nato, you can wait for us outside with Yuka while we clean things up," Ishi said. "Okay. We will wait for you guys outside then." Nato said as he guide Yuka outside the studio. Ryu continued to organize things and not react. He didn't know how he should react. The last thing he wanted to do is make things uncomfortable for himself and Yuka.

Tomo and Ishi knew that Ryu doesn't want to talk about how he ended up having Yuka as his roommate but they both knew that for sure it was all Nato's idea. Nato, Ishi, and Tomo looked up and respected Ryu. He was very talented, creative, disciplined, and cool-headed. The three of them all knew that Ryu dropping out was the best decision for him, as the school would only constrict and limit Ryu's creativity. The band has been earning some small profit from the small projects that Ryu was taking. Ryu wouldn't talk about things but he always has a plan and never miss to deliver what he promised.

The five of them walk going to Mr. Tako's restaurant. Nato and Yuka catch up as they walk while Ryu, Tomo, and Ishi walk behind them. When they arrived at the restaurant they were greeted by Mr. Tako. "Welcome back!" He said smiling behind the counter. "Nice to see you again Mr. Tako!" Tomo said as the five of them took a seat. Nato and Yuka seating opposite Ryu, Tomo, and Ishi.

Mr. Tako went to their table and took their orders. "By the way Mr. Tako, this is my cousin Yuka. She just moved into the city." Nato said. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Tako, my name is Yuka," Yuka said with a smile. "Nice to meet you too Yuka. Come drop by at the restaurant any time." Mr. Tako replied. Nato told Yuka that the four of them have been going here for almost three years now. Mr. Tako was like their mentor and the restaurant was the band's little sanctuary.

All of them ordered ramen and beer. "How did you guys meet?" Yuka asked now getting more comfortable as they drink their beer. "Tomo and I were introduced by Nato to Ryu," Ishi said. "I met Ryu and we became friends when I was still studying Arts. After I shifted to Marketing, I met Ishi and Tomo. I found out that the two of them were in a band in high school, so I asked them if they were interested to join Ryu and they did." Nato added. "At first we were hesitant when Nato asked us," Tomo said teasingly. "But after Nato introduced us to Ryu, that's when we realized the potential of the band," Tomo said. "Not until we met Ryu, we never took Nato seriously," Ishi said jokingly, and they all laughed.

"Until when are you planning to stay in the city?" Tomo asked Yuka. "Probably a year or less. I had to move because of my internship as well." She said. "That's pretty short," Tomo said. "Yeh, I guess." Yuka agreed. "Well, let's make sure that we make the most out of it then." Tomo continued smiling and they all agreed and clink their mugs.

Ishi, Nato, and Tomo continued ordering more drinks. "It's getting a bit late," Ryu said and Yuka looked at him. Ryu realized that they can't go out drinking the whole night when they are around Yuka. Nato looked at Ryu and realized what Ryu meant. "The two of you should head home," Nato said. Tomo and Ishi looked at each other confused. "Us?" Tomo asked. "No, I mean Ryu and Yuka." Ryu looked at Nato. "Aren't you coming with us?" He asked Nato. "No, you should go first. I will take care of everything here." Nato said and Yuka gave Ryu a nod. "Are you sure?" He asked. "Yeah. Just take care of Yuka." Nato said. "Okay, we will head first then," Ryu said as he grabbed his things and stood up. The group said their goodbyes before the two of them left the table. "See you next time Yuka!" Tomo shouted waving as Ryu and she walked towards the door. Yuka waved back and smiled. "Good night Mr. Tako," Ryu said before going through the door.

The two of them walk in silence but grew more comfortable with each other's companion. "Ryu?" Yuka said breaking the silence. "Hmm?" Ryu answered without looking waiting for her to continue. "Do musicians sleep in the morning and work at night?" Yuka asked. Ryu made a small laugh at how random the question was. "I'm not sure. I guess It's different for everyone but for me, I work better at night. Probably because I started heavily creating music before I dropped out of college." He explained. "But doesn't that mess up with your body clock?" She asked. Ryu realized that the alcohol made Yuka loosen up and speak what was on her mind. "It does, not to mention the alcohol and cigarettes that are involved." He said smiling blankly.

After they arrived home. Ryu and Yuka went straight to their respective bedrooms. The two of them were both tired and Yuka was already a bit drunk. Ryu waited a few minutes after Yuka took a shower before he went outside his room and took a shower. Ryu continued to work until the morning while Yuka went straight to sleep.