The owner of Café Leblanc gestured toward the menu board hanging above the counter. "Special today is the Tonkotsu ramen with extra chashu. Been simmering that broth since 4 AM."
"Surprise me," Xavier said, settling into one of the worn wooden booths. The restaurant smelled amazing—rich pork broth, charred garlic, and something sweeter underneath, maybe caramelized onions. "Just make it spicy."
Aurora slid in across from him, her crimson ponytail swinging as she leaned forward. "Same for me, but make mine extra spicy. Like, 'regret my life choices' spicy."
The owner chuckled. "You got it. One surprise and one surprise that'll make you cry." He turned toward the kitchen, then paused. "Coffee while you wait? Just roasted a new batch."
"God, yes," Aurora said. "Black for me."
"With cream," Xavier added.
