Rum, Red, Gin, Vodka, and Tank ended up taking Ashley to a convenience store just one bus stop away from their little neighborhood. The five of them sat around a table outside the store, watching her eat instant noodles alongside a few ready-to-eat items she'd grabbed inside.
Her tears had already dried, and her smile had returned as she started slurping the noodles.
The five of them clicked their tongues and shook their heads.
"You feel better now?" Red asked irritably, only to pause when Gin and Rum elbowed him from both sides. "Ahem! I mean — you eat a lot, huh?"
"Anything free is good," Ashley smiled, drinking the rest of the broth straight from the cup. "That hit the spot!"
She turned her head, eyeing three stacks of empty cup noodles.
"Don't tell me you want more?" Red opened his mouth again, only to feel hard pinches from both sides. "I mean — would you like some more, Your Highness? I can buy you some."
