Well, here's another chapter for you all! Thanks to everyone who read the first chapter and feel free to suggest any ideas or criticisms you may have with the story. Any review is greatly appreciated.

On with the story…

"Yukihira!"

Soma snapped out of his daydream almost immediately. They had become quite common over the past few months, where he would zone out of whatever conversations or activity he had been involved in and get lost in his own destructive thoughts. Of course, the main focus of his reverie was her and he always mentally cursed himself for obsessing over her yet again.

No matter what words he used to talk himself out of thinking about her, his subconscious wouldn't obey and he often found himself in situations he had no idea he was a part of. Such as right now.

Soma looked around the Elite Ten Council table, the nine other members staring at him dubiously as he regained his senses. This was how the meetings usually went. Soma, as the First Seat, would bring up the topic of discussion and left the other members to converse about it, while he would unconsciously revert back to his agonising thoughts of the girl who preceded his current position.

"Right, right. Sorry," Soma muttered, his attention focused on the Fifth Seat, Takumi Aldini, apologising as he usually had to, since Takumi was usually the one who had to pull him out of his daydreaming state.

"Jeez, Yukihira, you seriously need to pay attention to these things. The First Seat's the most important after all," Takumi responded, visibly and audibly fed up with his newly acquired job in tethering Soma to reality. He had no idea how the responsibilities had fallen to him and he always questioned why the Second Seat or Fourth Seat weren't the ones to put Soma in his place. They did outrank him after all.

"He's right, Yukihira, you've gotta stop dicking around and actually focus on your duties," Hayama Akira coincidently added, furthering intensifying Takumi's annoyance that the Second Seat really act like he was Soma's right hand man.

"You're the one who ended up on top, Yukihira. You defeated me and Hayama, so you're the one who's gotta take your finger out and actually work!" Kurokiba Ryo growled, clearly still sore of that fact that being the Fourth Seat, he was the loser out of the trio whose rivalry was revered throughout Totsuki.

Takumi always found himself grinning at Ryo's outbursts, as it reminded him of himself when he and Soma first stoked the flames of their rivalry. Well, it was really just him that started it, but Soma had proven to be a worthy adversary. Nowadays, Takumi found himself acting more as a good friend for Soma than an intense rival. He supposed he had Hayama and Ryo to thank for that. Two chefs who matched Soma's intensity and his cooking ability, it was inevitable that he'd be the one pushed to the side. Takumi had graciously accepted defeat, but still held out hope in besting the red-haired First Seat one day.

"Oh, Ryo-kun! Don't snap at Yukihira-kun like that!" Nakiri Alice pouted towards her aide and, more recently, boyfriend. The Third Seat always defended Soma whenever they contested his daydreams, clearly more considerate of Soma's position, being someone who Erina meant a lot to, like Soma. Takumi always wondered how the white-haired vixen fared with Erina's disappearance, never being able to beat her cousin and always being second place to her without a chance for retaliation. Maybe she saw Soma as a kindred spirit, and therefore took his side when it came to Erina, even if meant opposing her own boyfriend. Ryo didn't really seem to mind, however, and merely shrugged and sat back in his chair.

"B-But, you know, Soma-kun…" Takokoro Megumi timidly began. She was always the shy girl the rest of them knew as a first year, but gaining Sixth Seat seemed to really boost her confidence. Even more surprisingly, she had started paying less attention to Soma and a lot more attention to Takumi. He always found himself grinning when he recalled that memory, of the two excitedly celebrating their victory over Central together, the struggle they experienced as rebels furthering tightening their bonds. Eventually, sparks flew between the two and at around the same time Soma and Erina announced their relationship, they had already begun their own.

Takumi winced inwardly. He knew he couldn't mention Nakiri as long as he and Soma were around the others, but still felt guilty when the former First Seat happened to cross his mind.

"T-This has been going on f-for a few months now. I think we're all just concerned t-that there's been no change…" Megumi always had the habit of stuttering and tripping over her words whenever she was trying to debate with the others. Takumi didn't mind, however. Just another thing about her that makes her even cuter, he found himself thinking more often that his pride would let him say.

Soma dipped his head and didn't respond.

"Guys, we really should just drop it and focus on the topic at hand." Arato Hisako argued, her argument replicating Alice's stance in defending Soma, yet again due to her close relationship with Erina. The Eighth Seat was aware of how much Soma meant to her friend and mistress, which was her reasoning for backing him up whenever it was evident that Soma was still hurting. Takumi was curious at how much the pink-haired secretary actually knew in regards to the entire Erina situation, but he knew better than to interrogate her about it. His curiosity would have to go unsatisfied, it seemed.

Hayama gazed at the Eighth Seat, clearly fairly annoyed that his girlfriend had taken Soma's side, yet again. He never held it against her, especially after they had started dating, but he had to admit, it wasn't a good feeling, being undermined by your girlfriend of all people. Hayama stayed silent, having already said his piece in the argument.

"We always drop it, Hisako! Every time for the past few months, we've always dropped Soma's behaviour, but we can't ignore it anymore! It's becoming a huge detriment for the Council," Mito Ikumi exclaimed, her erratic demeanour quite characteristic for her, but Takumi knew better than to chalk it down to mere emotion. He knew the Ninth Seat's passionate outburst was entirely out of concern for Soma's well-being. He had to agree with her, though. Despite Erina's disappearance occurring around four months ago, it was concerning how Soma was still hung up on it. It didn't seem to be improving, either. In fact, considering the conversations he had with Soma, he was convinced he had gotten worse.

"Give Soma a break, it can't be easy having so many responsibilities to deal with. Of course he'd get distracted often," Ibusaki Shun replied calmly, his hair covering his eyes, but his gaze fixed squarely on the Ninth Seat. The recently appointed Tenth Seat hadn't been part of the Elite Ten Council until the start of the second year, when Nakiri Erina's departure left one spot vacant. He had been unanimously voted in, with Soma personally vouching for him. Takumi was unsurprised at Ibusaki's defence of his friend. From helping him claim a Seat in the Elite Ten to being a fellow Polar Star Dorm member, it was clear that Ibusaki would take Soma's side whenever the opportunity arose. He never really spoke much, but when he did say something, it was always something profound and wise. At least he said something, much unlike the seventh Seat.

Mimasaka Subaru leant against his chair, arms folded and eyes closed. To any outsider, it would seem that he was paying even less attention than Soma was, but everyone knew the possessor of the Perfect Trace was more attentive than he looked. He always paid the utmost attention during their meetings and conducted his responsibilities with great aplomb. No doubt he was paying close attention to this discussion too, but decided to stay quiet. Takumi assumed that he felt he didn't really have a say in this situation, and Takumi had to agree with him if that was the case.

It seemed an odd choice at the time for Mimasaka to be appointed to the Elite Ten Council, but his performances during the Central battle basically solidified his place in Totsuki's highest position of power. Nevertheless, it was apparent how out of place Mimasaka appeared in contrast to the other members of the Council, and he seemed to acknowledge this as he rarely said anything during their discussions, preferring simply to work on more of his Elite Ten duties or whatever he felt like. One time, Takumi saw him embroidering at the table. He had fought laughter throughout that entire meeting.

"Alright, alright already! I get it!" Soma cried out, clearly irritated at the situation that was quickly spiralling out of control. "Let's just get back to discussing…whatever it was we were talking about. What was it again?"

Takumi sighed.

"We were discussing the arrangements for the first years compulsory 'Totsuki Friendship and Rapport Training Camp!'" The way he emphasised the name of the camp in the impersonation of an excited fan girl elicited laughs from every person present, excluding Mimasaka, of course.

Soma chuckled along with them and looked at them with a determined look in his eyes. Everyone beamed happily. Soma had regained his usual cheerful persona and appeared totally focused. Everything looked hopeful.

Then Takumi fucked up.

Without even thinking, he blurted out, "That's the spirit, Yukihira! Who needs Nakiri anyway?"

Then silence.

Takumi felt every single cell in his body cry out in anguish as his stupid words seemed to echo infinitely in the large room. He audibly flinched and immediately went to apologise, but Soma's smile had already faded and his fists were clenched and his teeth bared and his face twisted into an angry snarl.

"I've told you before…DO NOT say her fucking name in this room! She is NEVER to be mentioned, EVER!" Soma's face was that of pure hatred and his furious expression drew extra attention to the scar on his left eyebrow. It made him look even more intimidating.

It was frightening to think Soma could become this enraged. He was famous for his good nature and infectious happiness. Seeing him like this, a twisted husk of bitterness, really did not suit him, Takumi noted. Especially now his fury was directed entirely towards him.

"Yukihira! I am so-"

"No, Takumi! Just shut the fuck up! I have said TIME AND TIME again that she is not to be mentioned under ANY circumstances! And what do you do? Say her goddamned fucking name! I am sick and fucking tired of hearing her name! I KNOW she was better than me! I can't stand you guys trying to pretend you understand what this shit feels like! To feel this worthless… I'm done with hearing you guys berate me for having FUCKING EMOTIONS!"

With that, Soma stormed towards the doors of the meeting room and stomped away, leaving the other nine members mute and ashamed, none more than Takumi. He felt an unbearable ache of regret emanating from his chest and he felt like he had betrayed his friend.

Everyone else present, including Mimasaka, stared at Takumi, their anger and confusion clearly visible, causing him to feel even guiltier for his irrational outburst.

"Well," Takumi chuckled dryly, "I royally screwed that up."

Takumi stood outside the door of Room 303, not aware of how much time had passed while he contemplated his options. After he pissed off Soma to the highest degree, Takumi debated whether or not it was a good idea to meet Soma face to face.

On one hand, he had been a loyal friend to Soma ever since Nakiri disappeared, and had helped him out with all of his problems. He was confident that he could be considered one of Soma's best friends, so he had the feeling that Soma would forgive him if he apologised enough.

On the other hand, Soma was pissed. He had lost his shit a few times before, but that was the most volatile reaction he had seen from the red-head. Takumi considered whether Soma could forgive after saying something so stupid, his anger possibly overtaking his other emotions.

Takumi took a deep breath and readied himself. He was going in.

He knocked three times and waited for Soma's voice.

A weak voice croaked, "Come in."

Takumi opened the door and winced at the sight of Soma sitting on his bed, his eyes red and his cheeks stained with tears. Soma looked up at Takumi and smiled weakly.

"Yukihira? I just wanna say I am so-"

"Yeah, I know. Me too, man. I didn't want to rage out on you like that," Soma interjected, his exhausted smile relieving Takumi greatly.

"Nah, dude, it's my fault. I shouldn't have said her name."

"It's fine, man. I wouldn't usually have snapped like that, but with everyone agitating me as well, guess I just couldn't take it." Soma grinned at him and Takumi felt much better. He walked up to Soma and stuck out his hand.

"Friends?"

Soma shook it gratefully.

"Of course, Takumi."

Takumi gave a toothy grin.

Soma went back down to sit on his bed, and Takumi took the chair opposite, next to his desk.

"But, man! How pathetic am I?" Soma laughed, "It's been four months and I'm still not over her!"

"Everyone takes a different amount of time to adjust and cope with grief. I know if something happened between me and Megumi, I'd take a while to grieve." Takumi responded as seriously as he could, hoping his words would finally break the First Seat out of his misery.

"You make it seem like Erina died," Soma smirked, "She's just…gone, you know? That's the worst part about it all, she just…left. I wasn't good enough to make her stay." He added sadly, his head dropping,

"Well, maybe it was something you just couldn't control, Yukihira. Maybe it was urgent."

"I mean, what sort of urgent business would force you to leave the best culinary school in Japan?"

"It was that serious, huh? She never really explained at that meeting why she was leaving. She gave that vague explanation, but I mean, it didn't seem like reason enough to any of us. I think she hid the real reason from us."

"Guess her pride wouldn't let her." Soma smiled, raising his head to flash his grin. For all the times he got enraged at the mention of her name, it was blatant how madly in love Soma was with Erina, even after all this time.

"Suppose so." Takumi returned the smile, albeit more sympathetically, but hiding the fact that Soma basically confirmed that he was hiding something. "Do you still remember that meeting?

She seemed kind of…out of it. You know what I mean?"

"God, how could I forget?" Soma replied, a sad smile dancing on his lips.

"I remember it like it was yesterday, you know?"

Nakiri Erina cleared her throat and looked upon the other members of the Elite Ten Council. She felt her heart pang and realised how much her next words would affect these people. She had grown to respect them all and considered most of them extremely dear friends. She swallowed her trepidation and steeled her voice.

"Everyone, before this meeting ends, I have an announcement to make."

She tried to ignore Soma next to her turn his head in disgust and clench his fists. She seemed to be the only one who noticed.

"What's that, Erina? We've gone through all the other Totsuki business, haven't we?" Alice queried, apparently unaware of Erina's incoming declaration.

"I know, this announcement is about myself."

Everyone in the Council looked at Erina incredulously, confused as to why the First Seat was discussing personal matters at an Elite Ten meeting, with the exception of Soma, who still refused to look in Erina's direction. She didn't blame him.

She noticed Hisako was looking at her, but with a sympathetic look in her eyes. Of course, as her best friend and secretary, she already knew what Erina was about to say. She appreciated her support.

Hayama chuckled, "Are you sure this is really a necessary thing to bring up, Nakiri? You aren't usually one to about yourself."

"I have to agree with him, Nakiri. This is quite unlike you." Alice added, her confusion only growing with each passing second.

"If you'll let me speak, I'm sure I can tell you what-"

"A-Are you sure we have time for this, Nakiri? We'll have to go back to lessons soon…" Megumi said anxiously, her hands fidgeting with the daunting prospect of being late for class. Her timid nature couldn't take it.

"I assure you, it's a quick announcement and shouldn't take longer than a few minutes-"

"Come on then, Nakiri! Don't make us wait in anticipation like this!" Ikumi exclaimed.

"If you'll stop interrupting, I will-"

"But-"

A fist slammed down onto the large table. Soma's fist. Everyone shut up and turned their gazes to him. He looked at them with dark eyes and spoke in a harsh tone, similar to the growl of a wildebeest.

"Let. Her. Speak." He said through gritted teeth, his uncharacteristic anger enough to keep them quiet and paying attention solely to Erina. He sighed heavily and gestured lazily to Erina. "Go on."

"T-Thank you, Soma-kun," Erina stammered, aware of Soma's gaze already turning away from hers. She exhaled in preparation and braced herself to speak.

"Unfortunately, before the start of the second year, I shall depart from Totsuki and study abroad."

The room was deathly silent. Eerily silent. Everyone present was clearly paralysed with shock, with the exception of Hisako, who grimaced and sank into her seat slightly, and Soma, who seemed to be suppressing incredible levels of rage through his bared teeth and furious expression.

Then Alice spoke up.

"W-What on earth are you talking about, Erina? You're leaving Totsuki?" The panic in her voice was evident, and the inevitable tears were already springing up.

"That's what I said, yes," Erina replied calmly, seemingly unfazed by her cousin's tearful state.

"But why the hell are you doing something like that?" Ryo shouted, his anger matching his girlfriend's, his passionate outburst surprising some of the other Council members, Erina included.

"As I said, it's…so I can study abroad. To expand my horizons, and, um, evolve my cooking." Erina's hesitations were not unnoticed by those present, but knew contesting it was a hopeless cause. All except Alice.

"This is ridiculous, Erina! You can't leave Totsuki! You have too much here to leave it all behind!"

"What would you be referring to, Alice?" Erina replied, her amethyst eyes piercing daggers into her cousin's crimson ones, which were filled with tears of anger.

"Who's gonna be First Seat if you're gone?"

"Once everyone hears of my departure, I'll accept any Shokugekis I receive from those who wish to take the Seat. Of course, in the situation where no one beats me, the Second Seat inherits the First Seat and everyone gets promoted along with him."

At that point, everyone in the room gazed at Soma, who looked much calmer, but still not impressed. He had yet to say anything regarding Erina's announcement.

"Yukihira-kun! Aren't you going to say something! You can't let her leave!" Alice shrieked, getting more and more flustered by the second. Soma didn't reply.

"Hey, calm down, Alice!" Takumi said, his efforts to make the snow-haired Nakiri settle down failing miserably, seeming only to agitate her further.

"So that's it? You're just gonna abandon all of us here? You're fine with that?"

Erina hesitated slightly. Just slightly. In fact, it was such an unnoticeable detail that only the most perceptive in the room were able to notice, Alice included. She immediately quieted down.

"Of course not! But this…it's what's best for my future."

"But you don't have to leave, do you? Isn't being at Totsuki enough?" Takumi reasoned, hoping to knock some sense into at least one of the Nakiri women. To no avail, it turned out.

"I'm afraid not, Aldini-kun. It's rather complicated, so I can't go into too much detail, but I assure you all that it's imperative that I do this," Erina's words scalded like lava, but Takumi knew when a situation was hopeless. He sighed in defeat and leant back in his chair.

"S-So…how long do you have left at the school?" Megumi piped up, her own confusion and sadness apparent in her tone of speaking.

"I leave on the first day of summer vacation."

"W-What? You mean…we can't even spend any time with you before you go?" Alice whined, clearly extremely distressed by the sudden turn of events.

"Unfortunately, no. I'll be departing in a week."

"We don't even have any more Council meetings after today's until the end of summer!"

"Exactly. This is my final meeting as First Seat."

No one said anything. They were mostly stunned by this shocking situation, but Soma was merely too enraged to say a word.

"That concludes my announcement. I hereby call this meeting dismissed."

Without skipping a beat, Erina stood up and started walking for the door.

"Yukihira-kun! You've gotta stop her!" Alice exclaimed in desperation.

Soma stayed silent.

"Yukihira! Say something at least, man! You've stayed silent this whole time! You don't have ANYTHING to say?" Hayama shouted, clearly more annoyed with his rival's lack of fight than anything else.

Still, Soma stayed silent.

"Yukihira!" Ryo roared.

"Soma-kun!" Megumi begged.

"Yukihira!" Everyone seemed to bellow at once, all trying to coax Soma into speaking.

Soma stood up. Without even glancing at Erina, he walked over her chair, the one that belonged to the First Seat, and sat down in it with little effort. He stared at Erina, who was now doing the same to him, the both staring deeply into each other's eyes, the emotions emanating from their staring contest indiscernible.

Erina turned and walked out, despite the cries of her former Elite Ten members.

Soma said nothing.

"Yeah, I get what you mean. Usually, she's pretty focused, but she looked more like I do in the Council meetings," Soma laughed, his oblivious nature clearly not picking up on what Takumi was suggesting.

"No, Soma. I mean it was like, she didn't even want to leave. She didn't seem at all happy that she was leaving Totsuki."

"Well, I mean, she was leaving a lot behind, so obviously she wouldn't be thrilled," Soma dropped his head again, harming himself by remembering the times he had with Erina.

"Soma, I know there's something you're not telling me." Takumi stared at Soma with a deadly serious look in his eyes. Soma flinched and sagged. "It's obvious that Nakiri would have told you why, considering how close the two of you were. Maybe Hisako knew as well, seeing as she was close to Nakiri as well. But you're clearly hiding something from the rest of us. The way you acted at that meeting told me that you were properly pissed, especially after you just took her seat as soon as she left it."

Soma didn't move or speak.

"There's something you're not telling us."

Soma inhaled deeply and gazed at Takumi, tears already welling up in his eyes. Takumi immediately regretted his insistence.

"H-Hey, you don't have to say anything! I'm just…it's not the same anymore. I miss Nakiri and all, but I miss you too, Soma. You've changed, man."

"Of course I have," Soma chuckled, "But you're right. I've been hiding it from you for too long. You've been a great friend the past few months, I'm really grateful I have you around, Takumi."

Takumi beamed.

"I'll tell you what happened. How it went down."

Soma took another breath and wiped his eyes.

"How we broke up."

And that's the end of that chapter! Sorry for the sort of cliffhanger, but what else can you do, eh? Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Feel free to review with any recommendations or critiques you may have.

Thanks for reading this story, talk to you guys later!