A decade has passed since Operation Strix began. The once volatile tensions between the East and West have calmed, thanks in part to Loid Forger's relentless efforts. However, rumors of a new program designed to reignite the hostilities have started...
Please excuse me, but I have to go now," I said, gently pushing through the crowd of eager students. "It's my girlfriend's birthday today."
The younger students groaned in disappointment but reluctantly stepped back. As I made my way towards Anya and Becky, their fuming expressions softened slightly. Becky crossed her arms and huffed, but there was a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. Anya, on the other hand, seemed genuinely relieved.
"Thank you," Anya said quietly as I approached. "You didn't have to leave all that attention just for me."
I smiled warmly. "Of course I did. Today is your day, Anya."
Anya's cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and Becky finally broke into a grin. "You're lucky we're letting you off the hook," she teased. "But only because it's Anya's birthday."
"I would like to invite all of you out for dinner, to celebrate Anya's birthday," I said to the Forgers and our friends. I was planning to go all out for her birthday!
Mr. and Mrs. Forger exchanged a glance before Mr. Forger nodded with a warm smile. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Damian. We'd be honored."
"Oh! Where are we going?!" Franky asked enthusiastically. "I could really go for a good steak!"
"What! No! A divine Lobster with a side of freshly baked mash potatoes sounds delicious!" Becky announced, batting her eyelashes as she began dreaming of her meal. I turned around to face Anya who was standing there fascinated by the continuous bickering between Franky and Becky.
"How about you birthday girl? Ask for anything you want Anya, I know a great prestigious restaur-"
"I want ramen!" Anaya announced happily. The entire room fell silent, we all looked at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. Anya's request was unexpected, but it perfectly captured her simple and genuine nature.
We made our way to the neighborhood ramen shop, the atmosphere roaring with excitement. Franky and Sebastian were challenging one another in an eating contest; who can finish the spiciest ramen first.
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"I got this in the bag, watch and learn Blackwell!" Franky announced enthusiastically.
"Ha! bring it on," Sebastian announced, rolling his sleeves up getting ready. Mr. Forger and Becky shook their heads in disbelief. Within minutes, our food arrived, a group of workers came in carrying the biggest bowls of spicy ramen, the workers were basically sweating just merely holding the bowl.
"Franky, don't do this you know you can't handle -" Mr. Forger began but was interrupted by Franky who pointed his chopsticks at him.
"Can it , Loid, I will prove to you all I am superior," Franky said as he nodded to Sebastian indicating he was ready for their challenge. Sebastian nodded as he cracked his neck, determination written all over his face.
"This isn't going to end well..." Becky announced, rolling her eyes at the two helpless males.
"Alright, ready! on 3," Franky began getting his chopsticks in position. "Give me a countdown birthday girl!"
Anya, who had been eating her ramen in delight, looked up with her cheeks full and nodded. She swallowed her mouthful and raised her hand. "Okay! Three, two, one, GO!"
Franky and Sebastian dove into their bowls, slurping up the fiery noodles with vigor. Almost immediately, their faces turned bright red, and beads of sweat began to form on their foreheads. The rest of us watched with a mixture of amusement and concern.
"I think they might actually catch fire," Becky said with a smirk, taking a sip of her iced tea.
Anya giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "They look like tomatoes!"
Mrs. Forger shook his head, unable to hide her smile. "I hope they know what they're doing."
Within minutes, Franky was coughing and reaching for his water. "This...is...nothing," he gasped out between breaths, trying to maintain his composure. Sebastian, on the other hand, was determined not to show any weakness, though his eyes were watering uncontrollably.
"Come on, Sebastian!" Becky cheered, though she couldn't help but laugh at the sight of the two struggling.
"Damn it! this is horrible
Finally, it was too much for Franky. He threw down his chopsticks and grabbed his glass of water, chugging it down desperately. "I concede!" he declared, his voice hoarse. "You win, Sebastian!"
Sebastian grinned triumphantly, though he was clearly suffering just as much. "Told you I could handle it," he said, though his voice was strained. We all began laughing at the two miserable states besides us. As we finished our meals and prepared to leave, Anya walked beside me, her expression one of pure joy. "Thank you so much, Damian. I'll never forget this birthday."
"It was my pleasure, Anya," I replied, smiling at her. "You deserve it."
With the ramen shop behind us, we strolled back to the Forger's home, the night air cool and refreshing. The bond we had all strengthened tonight felt unbreakable, and I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. With Anya and the Forgers by my side, I felt ready to take on anything the future held.
