The next day, Lila had another plan.

  Elias was beginning to suspect that she always had a plan.

  “Okay,” she said, as they walked down the hallway after class, “today’s lesson is about something very important.”

  Elias glanced at her. “Another ‘fun’ lesson?”

  “Yes, but this one is essential to survival.” She turned to him, eyes serious. “Elias. Do you know how to appreciate good food?”

  He considered the question. “I eat when I need to.”

  Lila gasped as if he had said something offensive. “That’s not the same thing.”

  “…Isn’t it?”

  “No. No. Eating is not just about survival. It’s an experience.” She grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the exit. “And today, we’re fixing that.”

  —

  Lila led him to a small ramen shop tucked between larger buildings.

  Elias had passed by it many times but never thought to enter. He usually just ate whatever was convenient—something quick and efficient.

  Lila, on the other hand, practically bounced as they stepped inside.

  “This place is amazing,” she said. “I come here all the time.”

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  The shop had a warm atmosphere, with wooden counters and the scent of broth filling the air. The owner, an older man with a kind face, greeted Lila with familiarity.

  “The usual?” he asked.

  Lila grinned. “Yep! And—” She nudged Elias. “Give him the special.”

  Elias raised a brow. “What’s the special?”

  The owner chuckled. “Something that’ll change your life, son.”

  Elias highly doubted that, but he said nothing.

  —

  When the bowl of ramen was placed in front of him, Elias studied it carefully.

  The broth was rich, the noodles perfectly arranged, steam curling into the air. Soft-boiled eggs, sliced pork, green onions—all carefully layered.

  Lila leaned forward. “Okay. First rule. No rushing. Take a moment. Smell it.”

  Elias sighed but complied. The scent was… complex. Layers of savory depth.

  Lila nodded approvingly. “Good. Now, start with the broth.”

  He picked up the spoon, scooping a small amount.

  The moment it hit his tongue, something shifted.

  It was… different. Fuller than he expected. The warmth spread through him, the deep umami flavor lingering.

  Lila grinned. “See?”

  Elias didn’t answer. He took another sip.

  And another.

  Lila watched him with barely contained excitement. “So? What do you think?”

  He put the spoon down, considering. “…It’s good.”

  “That’s it?” She threw her hands up. “Come on, Elias, give me something.”

  He thought for a moment. “It’s… balanced. The richness of the broth isn’t overwhelming. There’s depth.”

  Lila’s jaw dropped. “You do have opinions.”

  Elias frowned. “I always have opinions.”

  “Yeah, but you never say them like that.” She leaned on the counter, smirking. “See? You’re learning.”

  Elias wasn’t sure if this counted as learning, but—

  He took another sip of the broth.

  And for the first time, he wondered why he had never paid attention to food before.

  —

  They ate in comfortable silence, interrupted only by Lila’s occasional commentary on the proper way to enjoy ramen.

  She was particular about how to eat the noodles, the importance of egg-to-broth ratio, and why slurping was completely acceptable.

  Elias mostly listened.

  For some reason, he didn’t mind.

  —

  As they stepped outside, Lila stretched, sighing in satisfaction. “Now that is how you end a day.”

  Elias glanced at her. “You talk about food like it’s an event.”

  “Because it is.” She poked his arm. “And you? You actually paid attention to the taste.”

  “…I suppose.”

  She grinned. “See? Progress.”

  Elias looked away. The night air was cool, the streetlights flickering on.

  Lila, as always, was still smiling.

  He still didn’t fully understand why this mattered to her.

  But—

  For some reason, he found himself committing the taste of that broth to memory.