The warm, savory aroma of broth and freshly made noodles filled the air as you, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stepped into Ichiraku Ramen. The small shop buzzed with energy as Naruto practically bounced into his seat, grinning from ear to ear.

“Alright, old man, give me the biggest bowl you’ve got!” Naruto declared, slamming his hands onto the counter.

Teuchi chuckled as he started preparing the order. “Coming right up!”

Sakura sighed, sliding into the seat beside Naruto. “Do you always have to be this dramatic?”

Naruto pouted. “Ramen is serious business, Sakura-chan!”

You laughed, taking a seat next to Sasuke, who, as expected, looked entirely uninterested in the commotion. His arms were crossed, and he barely glanced at the menu before muttering, “Just miso ramen.”

“You’re so boring, Sasuke,” Naruto teased. “You don’t even look excited!”

Sasuke shot him a side glance. “I don’t need to look excited to eat.”

You smirked, nudging Sasuke playfully. “He’s secretly excited; he just doesn’t want to admit it.”

Sasuke scoffed, but the way his fingers tapped lightly against the counter betrayed him.

As the steaming bowls of ramen were placed in front of you all, Naruto wasted no time digging in, practically inhaling his food. “Mmm! This is the best!”

Sakura sighed in exasperation. “Naruto, slow down! You’re going to choke!”

You turned to Sasuke, watching as he picked up his chopsticks and quietly started eating. He caught you staring and raised an eyebrow. “What?”

You grinned. “Nothing. Just enjoying this moment.”

Sasuke shook his head, but there was the tiniest, almost imperceptible upward twitch at the corner of his lips.

Maybe he didn’t say much, but sitting here—eating ramen with you, Naruto, and Sakura—felt… nice.