Crossover: Pen name: Dazai Osamu, Omega Kasumigaoka

Customers chatted quietly or savored their food in peace, creating a space filled with harmony and tranquility.

Kitahara Makoto and Liu Ruyu were led to a seat by the window.

Outside the window, the bustling scene of North Street is clearly visible, but inside the shop, it feels like a secluded little world, with only soft music and gentle breezes for company.

They took off their coats, hung them on the hangers, and then slowly sat down, adjusting their cushions to be in the most comfortable position for the upcoming lunch.

As the waiter arrived, they began to browse the menu, each page a new culinary world to explore.

Everything around us, from the exquisite decorations inside the restaurant to the crowds flowing outside the window, became the backdrop for this wonderful lunch, making this gathering even more unforgettable.

Liu Ruyu took a sip of tea, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. She looked at Kitahara Shin with a hint of amusement in her eyes and said:

"Oh my, Kitahara Makoto, you're being so kind by treating me to dinner today, you wouldn't happen to be... trying to pick me up, would you?"

Her words carried a hint of provocation, as if she were waiting for a good show to unfold.

Upon hearing this, Kitahara Makoto showed no embarrassment whatsoever; instead, the corners of his mouth turned up, and a sly glint flashed in his eyes.

He deliberately drew out his words, replying in a relaxed and teasing tone:

"Oh? You want to seduce me? So what? Are you... scared?"

As he spoke, he deliberately made a "what can you do to me?" expression, his eyes full of confidence and amusement.

Upon seeing this, Liu Ruyu couldn't help but chuckle. Her clear and melodious laughter echoed throughout the shop like silver bells.

She shook her head slightly, her eyes filled with arrogance and smugness, as if to say:

"Hmph, I'm not afraid of you!"

But then, her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression, as she continued:

"To be honest, I was a little surprised that you suddenly invited me to dinner today. Is there something good to tell me?"

When Kitahara saw that she was getting serious, he also put away his joking expression, and his eyes revealed a bit of tenderness and seriousness.

He sighed softly and said slowly:

"It's nothing really, I just thought you've been too busy lately and wanted to get together with you to relax. After all, we're friends, and it's only right that we get together occasionally."

Chapter 507 Using alcohol to bolster my courage? Do I need it?

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyu felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

She looked at Kitahara Makoto with gratitude, her eyes sparkling with thanks and emotion.

She knew that although Kitahara Makoto usually liked to joke around, he could always give her warmth and support in critical moments.

This friendship was priceless to her. So, she smiled and nodded, saying softly:

"Thank you, Kitahara Makoto. It's so good to have a friend like you."

Upon hearing Liu Ruyu's thanks, Kitahara Makoto burst into laughter. His hearty laughter echoed throughout the restaurant, attracting curious glances from customers at the surrounding tables.

He waved his hand and said casually:

"Haha, you're welcome, you're welcome. Because... I still want to woo you!"

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere became subtly tense.

A blush involuntarily crept onto Liu Ruyu's cheeks. She glared at Kitahara Makoto reproachfully, but couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

Liu Ruyu, feigning composure, raised her hand and gently tapped the table, signaling the waiter to come and take her order.

Her movements carried a hint of shyness, but more so, an anticipation for the delicious food to come.

The waiter came over in response, smiling and respectfully inquiring about their order.

"Macrobrachium rosenbergii, salmon, and Ichiraku Ramen."

Liu Ruyu rattled off several dishes she liked, then looked up at Beiyuan Zhen with a questioning gaze.

"Are these okay?"

Kitahara Shin nodded in agreement, then added:

"Two copies each, thank you."

His tone was somewhat indulgent, as if he were giving Liu Ruyu the green light to eat.

The waiter noted down each item, then politely asked if they would like any other dishes. Kitahara Makoto thought for a moment, smiled slightly, and said:

"Let's have another pot of light wine to cleanse our palates."

Upon hearing this, the waiter smiled and introduced the product:

"We have many kinds of sake here. Which one would you like?"

Kitahara Shin waved his hand, appearing easygoing:

"Anything is fine, as long as it's sake."

His answer was simple and direct, yet it revealed his casual attitude towards the lunch.

The waiter nodded in agreement and, as he turned to leave, reminded them to wait a moment.

As the waiter left, Kitahara Makoto and Liu Ruyu exchanged a smile, and a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere filled the air.

As Liu Ruyu watched the waiter's departing figure, a sly smile curled at the corner of her lips. She turned to look at Beiyuan Zhen, her eyes filled with a hint of teasing:

"~ Kitahara Makoto, you didn't order sake just to... bolster your courage, did you?"

Her voice was deliberately drawn out, with a rising tone at the end, carrying a hint of mockery.

Upon hearing this, Kitahara Makoto was slightly taken aback at first, then burst into laughter. He deliberately put on an expression that said, "You've seen right through me," and said:

"Oh, you guessed it. I just wanted to use alcohol to bolster my courage. What, are you scared?" His eyes gleamed with a cunning light, as if he was genuinely expecting something from Wang Zhao Zhao.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyu was not to be outdone. She smiled gently, her eyes sparkling with confidence:

"Fear? That word doesn't exist in my dictionary, Liu Ruyu. However, I'd like to see what great things you, Beiyuan Zhen, can accomplish after you've been emboldened by alcohol."

Her tone carried a hint of provocation, but more than anything, it reflected trust and expectation in Kitahara Makoto.

The two exchanged a smile, and a relaxed yet slightly flirtatious atmosphere filled the air.

Chapter 508 Ruyu, look at your figure!

A short while later, the waiter reappeared at their table with light steps.

Holding plates of meticulously prepared delicacies steadily in his hands, he resembled an artist slowly unveiling the mystery of his creation.

The first thing that catches the eye is a steaming plate of Ichiraku ramen, with golden noodles wrapped around emerald green scallions and bright red chili oil.

It exudes an enticing aroma, and as the steam rises, you can almost smell the perfect blend of the unique sauce and noodles.

On the noodles, a few slices of smoked pork lay leisurely, garnished with a few tender yellow corn kernels and bright green peas, creating a colorful and appetizing dish.

Next, the waiter deftly placed a plate of freshwater prawns on the table. The prawns were plump and had bright, shiny shells.

The shrimp, carefully deveined and arranged neatly, resembled works of art. Each shrimp gleamed with an enticing red sheen.

The surface seemed to be coated with a thin layer of gravy, crystal clear and mouthwatering. A gentle sniff followed.

The freshness of the ocean and the aroma of the seasonings intertwine, filling the air and making you eager to taste it.

Then, a plate of freshly sliced ​​salmon was served.

The fish meat has a clear texture, an orange-red color, and evenly distributed fat, making it as beautiful as marble.

Each slice is as thin as a cicada's wing, with a faint sheen, as if you could see the light behind it through the fish flesh.

The waiter also thoughtfully provided a few slices of lemon and a small dish of mustard sauce on the side so that diners could enjoy their meal according to their personal tastes.

The freshness of salmon intertwines with the salty aroma of the sea, making one feel as if they can be instantly transported to the distant ocean shore.

The waiters' movements were fluid and elegant, and the placement of each dish was just right, showcasing the exquisiteness of the dishes while also taking into account the overall aesthetics of the table.

As the last dish was served, the entire dining table seemed to transform into a vivid painting, vibrant in color and exuding a rich aroma, making one feel intoxicated by this culinary feast.

As each dish was presented, Kitahara Makoto and Liu Ruyu's lunch officially began.

Kitahara Shin picked up his chopsticks first, his gaze sweeping over the table full of delicious food before finally settling on Liu Ruyu, a playful smile playing on his lips.

"Ruyu, look at your figure, you're the epitome of a 'paper-thin' person, you need to eat more."

As he spoke, he picked up a piece of succulent salmon and deliberately waved it in front of Liu Ruyu, his eyes full of mockery.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyu was taken aback at first, then a look of bewilderment appeared on her face. She sighed softly, a hint of helplessness flashing in her eyes, mixed with a touch of self-mockery.

"Kitahara Makoto, you're really talking without thinking. With my constitution, I gain weight even from drinking water, so losing weight is harder than climbing to heaven."

As she spoke, she shook her head, her bright eyes sparkling with a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

Not to be outdone, she picked up a giant freshwater prawn with her chopsticks, gently peeled off the shell, revealing the tender and delicious pink shrimp meat inside.

Then he deliberately chewed slowly in front of Kitahara Makoto, enjoying the satisfaction that the food brought.

"However, although it's difficult to lose weight, I will never miss the pleasure of enjoying delicious food."

Her words carried a hint of pride, as if she were announcing her culinary philosophy to Kitahara Makoto.

The two of them enjoyed the food.

Chapter 509 It's not that you can eat so much!

Just as Kitahara Makoto and Liu Ruyu were enjoying the delicious food, Kitahara Makoto suddenly seemed to remember something important. He gently patted his forehead and said to Liu Ruyu:

"Oh dear, I almost forgot, I still have to drive you home later. Let's not drink this sake, safety first."

As he spoke, he beckoned the waiter over to remove the unopened bottle of sake from the table.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyu smiled slightly, indicating her understanding. Her clear, watery eyes shone with a gentle light, as if they could see into people's hearts.

Her face was small and delicate, with fair and smooth skin, as if you could squeeze water out of it if you pinched it lightly.

At this moment, she was contentedly hugging her swollen belly, a happy smile on her lips, and her eyes were curved into crescent shapes, making her look exceptionally adorable.

"So full!"

Liu Ruyu couldn't help but sigh, her voice filled with satisfaction and joy.

Her slightly protruding belly contrasted sharply with her slender waist, adding a touch of life and authenticity to her appearance.

Her long hair was casually draped over her shoulders, with a few stray strands falling gently beside her cheeks, adding to her gentleness and charm.

Kitahara Shin couldn't help but chuckle at Liu Ruyu's appearance.

"I didn't realize you could eat so much. You're usually so quiet and reserved, but you have quite the appetite."

His words carried a hint of doting and teasing, but his eyes were full of care and affection for Liu Ruyu.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyu glared at Kitahara Makoto as if she were angry, but there was no anger in her eyes, instead they were full of smiles.

"Hmph, this is nothing! You haven't seen my true strength yet!"

Her words carried a hint of playfulness and pride, as if she were showing off her "secret weapon" to Kitahara Makoto.

As the warm atmosphere of dinner gradually dissipated, Kitahara Makoto gently put down his cutlery, his eyes revealing his reluctance to part with the gathering.

He stood up, his movements fluid and elegant, as if every subtle action had been meticulously crafted.

He first turned slightly to the side and gave Liu Ruyu a gentle smile, a smile that conveyed unspoken understanding and care.

Seeing this, Liu Ruyu also slowly stood up. Her movements were light and elegant, like a flower blooming in spring, unintentionally exuding a charming fragrance.

She gently straightened her clothes, her eyes sparkling with anticipation and gratitude, as if this dinner was not only a feast for the taste buds, but also a touch to the soul.

·····Requesting flowers··········

Kitahara walked gracefully toward the cashier, his steps steady and confident, each step exuding composure.

He politely asked the waiter for the bill, then took out a credit card from his wallet and skillfully completed the checkout process.

While waiting for his autograph, he didn't forget to look back at Liu Ruyu, his eyes full of tenderness and reassurance.

....................

After paying the bill, Kitahara Makoto, holding the receipt, walked towards Liu Ruyu with a smile.

The two walked out of the restaurant side by side. It was late at night, but their figures looked particularly warm and harmonious under the streetlights.

Kitahara Shin walked naturally to the car, opened the passenger door for Liu Ruyu, and gently placed his hand above the door to prevent her from hitting her head, a gesture full of gentlemanly manners.

Liu Ruyu smiled and thanked her, then gracefully sat in the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt.

Kitahara Masanori walked around to the driver's seat, quickly and skillfully got into the car, and started the engine.