Kyuu's Spicy Challenge

     “Are you sure about this, miss?” The waiter asked, for the fourth time that day, even despite the small crowd of costumers curiously looking their way. No matter how many times he would pose the question, the small girl in front of him would reply the same:

     “Of course I’m sure!” There was a shine in her eyes, one of the confidence of an expert: “I love spicy food!”

     “A-alright then. Your plate will be out in about ten.”

     “Can’t wait!” Kyuu giggled.

     This was one of the most anticipated parts of her weekly routine. Every single Thursday, in the hours in between her divination and mana class, there was a stand of about forty minutes where there was nothing for her to do— which, to Kyuu, was the perfect time for a snack. She had discovered this ramen shop a while back while on her stroll through the streets nearing the school, drawn in by the aroma of a tasty meal. It was a blink and you’ll miss it type of establishment, a small hole in the wall run by an elderly couple and staffed by a couple of students looking for a side job. It was cozy and private, and for the girl, this was her perfect little paradise.

     She had always been asking for the highest spice possible, a five rating on the hotness scale. She always got a couple of odd looks when doing so, but Kyuu didn’t mind it at all. This place's shoyu ramen was delicious, and it was an awesome treat for her to chow down on— specially in winter, when the heat from the taste helped get her energy back before venturing out into the snow.

     And then, it happened: a poster on the wall caught her eye as she was walking into the room: Flaming heart challenge: spiciest noodles in town— everyone who wins gets a special prize!

     She could not pass the opportunity up.

     “Here you go, miss,” the waiter returned with her order, still giving her an odd look. After all, Kyuu looked to be a bit too small and dainty for such an intense serving of spicy food. Fools, all who didn't know her true nature.

     "Thank you!' Kyuu purred out, admiring the dish in front of her: a serving of rice noodles in red broth, plated in a bright orange ceramic plate that resembled fire. She rubbed her hands together, small gremlin laugh escaping her lips, with a couple of people around her reacting with "oohs" and "aahs" at the challenge she was about to face.

     At the time where she had announced she would partake, a bunch of customers had picked up on the show that was about to happen, and had been expectingly glancing at her table for the past couple of minutes. A couple of students from her own school, a pair of old ladies, and the odd civilian here and there, all of them were as expectant as the waiter when she picked up the chopsticks. When she brought them to her lips, all eyes were on her.

     When the food touched her mouth, she went quiet, her smile dying down. The waiter, nervous as he had been the entire time, eagerly grabbed a previously prepared glass of milk, convinced the poor girl was about to cry. But before the glass could even reach her table, Kyuu looked up to lock eyes with the waiter. For a second where everyone was holding their breath, she held eye contact.

     "Could be spicier," she said, shrugging.

     Needless to say, she won the contest. One month of weekly free dishes-- perfect for the favorite part of her routine.