I have returned, my lovely people! Hope you're having a good day. I certainly am. To make up the shortness of last chapter, here is a longer chapter for you guys. It will give you some insight to what is happening in Iwatobi, but the next few chapters will give you a bit of insight every time. No cooking here, but next chapter there will be.

Thank you to my good friend, Kayla, for loaning me her character Yuski (though this might be a different Yuski than how we roleplay her as so I hope you enjoy this version at least). And thank you to my friend ShiningMoonSlayer for some edits and transferring this story over to me...since Pages has now become a bothersome app.

I don't own Free or Food Wars! And I will warn you that this is where the fan service begins. Nudity awaits you! You have been warned!

Chapter 3 - New Colleagues

It was the next morning and the crisp autumn sun peered through the windows, flooding the rooms with its golden light. She walked throughout the hallway, heading toward the bathroom. Her robe around her body and her clothes in her arms, she was ready to take a nice bath before classes. Her waist-length orange hair was tied in a loose bun behind her head.

It was Yuski Satoshi's daily routine. For as long as she could remember, she had loved taking morning baths to wake herself up and keep herself focused. It was rather hard being in her life, for she knew she had big shoes to fill. That's what you get when you are the younger sister of the seventh seat of the Elite 10, but more on that later.

Despite his odd quirks, Yuski had always looked up to and loved her older brother. After all, he was all she had after their parents passed away years ago. Things at this school were difficult since she transferred there a few months ago, but she always found a way to succeed one way or another. Since she was always shy around others, it was hard to make friends. They always spoke about her behind her back, saying how she lived in her brother's shadow, and they said that she wouldn't make it. This was another thing that discouraged her from making new friends. However, Isshiki always found a way to cheer her up, by telling her to believe in the power of youth...and other things like that.

She opened the door, fully anticipating the warm water underneath her skin. However, something didn't feel right. Water vapour had filled the room. Was someone already taking a bath? Her lips pursing suspiciously, she stepped slowly toward the bathtub. Maybe they were taking too long? But that couldn't be, because she thought that she was the only one who would take a bath in the morning.

Once she was close enough, she could easily see who the occupant was. It was a young man with raven-black hair that was short but long enough to reach his ears. He had bangs that were long enough to cover his eyes. Her eyes moved down to his torso and she blushed at how toned he was. His biceps were even more chiseled. She had never seen such a sight before. Sure, her brother had muscles but nothing like this.

A small bit of drool reached her lips, but she quickly licked it away and turned around quickly. What was she doing? How could this stranger be in the bath at the hour when she should be the one taking the bath? Maybe she could politely ask him to leave.

But when she turned around, he was staring right at her. "I'm sorry, did you need something?" Haru asked.

This startled Yuski as she jumped back with a yelp, throwing her clothes up. Her foot accidentally got caught on her robe, making it fall off her body and expose herself. Haru's eyes widened as he stared at her. He could admit that he had never seen a woman naked before, and he didn't know what to do in this situation. He kept his eyes glued on her baseball-sized breasts as a blush creeped onto his cheeks.

Yuski, on the other hand, was extremely flustered. Her face was beet red with embarrassment as she covered herself quickly and screamed. Haru looked at her confused and then turned around quickly when he realized that he had been staring at her for longer than he should. "S- sorry..." He mumbled.

Footsteps rushed toward the bathroom to see what was happening. "Yuski-san, we heard screaming!" A female voice cried. The source of this voice stopped in the doorway. She hadlong dark blue hair in twin braids and was around Yuski's height. Her blue eyes widened at the sight.

Another girl with strawberry blond pigtails was beside her. Her eyes looked at Haru as she gave a knowing smile. "Well hello... Yuski, you realize that a total hottie is in the bathroom right?"

"Sh-shut up!" Yuski stuttered.

Haru was just as embarrassed if not more than Yuski was. The last thing he needed was more people showing up. In fact, he wished that these people would just go away and leave him be. However, he got the opposite when he heard male voices coming in.

"What's with all the screaming?" Oh god, go away!

A young man with red hair was in the doorway with two others. One had dark hair with side burns and the other had blonde, and all boys were grinning. "Soma-kun! Shōji-kun! Daigo-Kun! Get out!" Yuski screamed as she had scrambled to put her robe on.

"Why?" Shōji asked. "I didn't know that you were so inclined for a relationship that quickly."

"Especially with the new guy," Daigo added. Yuski made a frustrated scream as steam rose from her flushed cheeks.

"Besides, this is just too rich," Soma remarked, as he tried hard to keep from laughing.

"By the way, we should totally get your brother in here," Shōji suggested as much to Haru and Yuski's protests.

Now Megumi was getting nervous. "Y-you think that's a good idea!?" Yeah, that's NOT a good idea! Her brother might get me killed! If he is ANYTHING like Rin that is, Haru thought to himself.

"OIIIII SEEENPAIII!" Daigo called after turning down to the hallway. "SOMEONE IS HITTING ON YOUR SIIIIISSTTEERRR!"

Yuski just about had enough. If he comes to the bathroom and sees all this, there is no telling what would happen. She just wanted this nightmare to end already, and looking at Haru, she was certain he felt the same way. Her brother wasn't like most brothers. In fact, he seemed to be very relaxed. However, what worried her the most was that he would never let her live it down, but she wouldn't be surprised if he did have his protective tendencies. A fiery aura erupted from around her as she glared at the boys.

"Oh boy! Looks like they're about to get it!" Yuki, the strawberry blonde that came in with Megumi, exclaimed. The drama had escalated so much that she wished she could have some popcorn.

Yuski walked toward the boys. "Soma-kun," Megumi said as she looked at him. "You...might want to run."

"See ya, guys!" Soma ran off, not wanting to get in the way of Yuski's wrath.

The other two stepped back, sweating nervously as Yuski towered over them, a look to kill over her eyes. Then the sounds of hitting and punching were heard as the boys were thrown out of the bathroom. "GET OUT!"

Now that was Isshiki's turn to come up to see what was happening. "Someone called? Oh hi sis."

Yuski glared at Isshiki. "It's NOT what it looks like!"

Isshiki smiled. "Ohh, is it?" He suddenly twirled around, grabbing his sister and putting her in a hug. "My sister has finally grown up to be a lady!"

"Uwah?!" Yuski exclaimed in surprise.

Hearing this, Haru was unsure of what was going on. Was her brother actually proud of her? He turned to look at the other girls. Megumi's nervous expression never wavered. In fact, she turned toward Haru and bowed quickly, stammering, "S-sorry to bother you!" Then she ran out of the room. The ravenette just raised an eyebrow before he turned to the blonde girl. He could tell that she was enjoying this for she was holding her sides with laughter. These people didn't seem as different as his friends back home...all except the fact that they seemed weirder.

Suddenly, Fumio's voice was heard. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING, KIDS?! HURRY UP AND GET READY FOR YOUR CLASSES!"

This made everyone cover their ears, especially Haru. Where was that coming from? He stood up in the bath and looked around, water dripping down his chiseled torso and soaking his swimsuit, which he still often wore to the bath. It wasn't long before Fumio spoke again.

"And IF I see any more dawdling from you, you are on clean-up duty for the rest of the WEEK! Do I make myself clear?!" Haru's eyes landed on a few pipes that were attached to the wall next to the tub. So that is how they communicate? What a strange mechanism.

"Hai!" The other students responded in unison. Haru, as always, didn't say anything. His eyes were glued to the pipes as he tried to figure out how they worked.

Yuki was about to walk out of the bathroom when she turned over her shoulder at the man in the bathtub. "I must say," she said with a toothy grin, "you are one handsome fellow. My name is Yuki Yoshino. Yuski's a lucky gal."

Haru narrowed his eyes, "What is that supposed to mean?" Yuki just walked away while giggling. Watching her leave, the former swimmer was confused by what had transpired that morning. He could admit that he never fell in love, as all his obsessions were with water and mackerel. But when it came to women, he could care less. With another sigh, he climbed out and dried himself. Then he got ready for that day.

After eating breakfast and talking amongst themselves with Haru distancing himself from them, especially from Yuski, they set off to the academy. Once again, Haru made sure he was as far back as possible, especially where Yuski was concerned. So this was going to be his first day of classes. He wondered what they would be like. He was sure that the teachers would be as strict if not more strict than Erina. Well as long as no one tries to talk to him, he would be fine and get this day over with.

But to his disappointment, Soma walked slower so that he could walk beside Haru. "How's it going?" Haru didn't say anything, cursing himself how he jinxed himself. "Not a talker huh?"

Soma continued. "That's fine. The name's Yukihira Soma. What's yours?" He flashed a friendly smile.

If talking meant to get this guy off his back, Haru would might as well do it. "Nanase..." he replied, "Haruka Nanase."

"Haruka huh?" Soma repeated. "Now where did that name seem familiar?" Haru just shrugged. "Where did you come from anyway?"

"Iwatobi," the ravenette replied.

Suddenly, Soma hit his palm with his fist. "Ah! That's right! You're a swimmer, aren't you?" The young man next to him said nothing. "What are the coincidences?" The red-head laughed. "I knew you seemed familiar, and that's how I heard about you. Haruka Nanase, the 'ace' of the Iwatobi Swim Club. What are you doing here at school?"

Haru was beginning to get annoyed. What would it take to shake this guy off him? The last thing he wanted to talk about was his past at Iwatobi, especially when it came to... He let out a forlorn sigh.

Suddenly he looked up when a hand was waving in front of his face. "Hello?" Sōma said, trying to get Haru's attention. "Are you awake in there? I asked you a question."

"Change of scenery. I don't want to talk about it." With that, the former swimmer walked away, resuming his reserved state. Soma hummed in thought as he watched his new colleague go. It was clear that this guy was depressed about something and hurting inside. Perhaps he shouldn't pry, but he should also try to be the guy's friend. Maybe that would be the best thing for him at this point.

"Soma-kun!" Megumi called, snapping Soma back to reality. "Come on! We are going to late!"

The red-head smiled at the bluenette in front of him as he jogged toward her. If there was any girl who was special, it was her. She was from a well-off but common family, much like he was, and grew up in a fishing village on the coast. Ever since she set foot in this school, she had been going through anxiety as her performance was very mediocre. However, Soma helped her when her expulsion was imminent and she had grown lightly stronger since then.

"Are you going to be his friend?" Megumi asked once Soma caught up to her.

"That's if he wants," Soma trailed off. "Though I think that he seems to be carrying a huge burden on his shoulders. The reason why he's here is to escape from that."

"But as nice as this place is," The bluenette opinionated, "he needs to understand that the teachers will be way too hard on him. He's lucky that he missed the camp from hell, but things are going to be much tougher from here on."

Her fellow commoner nodded. The Camp from Hell, as coined by most of the students and staff of Tōtsuki, was week-long event where everyone was put through very difficult examinations - from making a gourmet lunch using ingredients from the great outdoors to running a very busy resort restaurant during breakfast hours. If anyone failed to meet any expectations, they were expelled on the spot. That was a fate that Megumi would have had until she proved herself with Soma's help that she belonged there.

Honestly, I'm worried about his chances," Megumi continued, "especially with his current mindset."

"I've been hearing that it was his lack of experience that has people raising their eyebrows," Sōma pointed out, "but you're right. Anyone with little experience can have the right skills to back them up. He just needs to prove that he belongs here rather than just running away from his problems."

Haru closed his eyes as he listened. Even though he was a few feet away, he could still make out what the two were saying about him. So people were talking about him behind his back. Let them talk. He had already started to prove to people what he can actually do. The one question is whether it will go anywhere.

What will Makoto do? What will he say? Makoto... After opening his eyes, Haru softened them, thinking about his best friend. The thought of him, let alone his name, brought nothing but heartache to Haru. No matter what, he couldn't get the image out of his mind. The rain, the blood...the terrible sounds that came with everything... Why?

"You can't live like this, Haru! Get up, straighten yourself, and move on already!"

Haru tensed at the harsh words from Rin Matsuoka, hurt imminent in his eyes. When the ravenette spent his days in his room, his shark-tooth friend always made sure he was up and going through his day. Yet, it felt like he was forceful. Haru wasn't sure if Rin was making him feel better or worse. The two had always butt heads since elementary school, but no one, not even Nagisa who had known them the longest, had seen them fight as bad as they did recently.

As the former swimmer walked to his classroom, he decided to let go of any feelings he had within him...at least for now. After all, he had a plan.

Meanwhile in Iwatobi, Nagisa sighed as he sat in the train. His blonde hair hung over his eyes in shaggy locks. Lately he had been a mess, especially his hair which he had been letting grow His parents had been trying to urge him to get a haircut but he could not bring himself to do so. At least his bangs masked what he truly felt in his eyes. That was the main reason why he decided to have longer hair.

When the bus reached the station, he got off and walked toward the school. Even though rays of sun peeked through the overcast clouds, he felt gloomier than the clouds themselves. His shoulders sagged as he walked. He was worried about Haru. How will he do? Will he ever make it?

His thoughts took another turn. Why did it have to come to this? One moment they were all getting along and hanging out like close friends, like brothers. Then in an instant, they were drifting apart. That realization hurt him the most. Nothing will ever be the same, and there is no reversing it even if they tried.

They all changed since that day, never to be the same again. Nagisa - once a childish, hyperactive young man who was always the little brother type and enjoyed sweets - became a mellow and mature individual. He still liked sweets, but he ate less of them. Whenever Haru and Rin went at each other's throats, the blonde was always there to break them apart. He acted as the mediator when he wasn't so drained. On top of that, he stopped crying completely. It's not like he had any tears left. However, on the inside, he felt hollow.

A stranger smiled and said good morning as he passed Nagisa, and all what the blond could do was politely wave back with a smile. The moment the stranger was completely behind him, the blonde just sighed and frowned again, taking off the temporary mask that he usually wore on a daily basis.

The only one he could truly talk to was Rei, who had been his best friend for a year. After all, the other teen was initially recruited by Nagisa to the swim club. Even though Rei joined reluctantly, he was able to grow and become accustomed to swimming, thanks to Haru. How gracefully he dove into the crystal clear water like a swan, how beautifully his hands carved through the surface as he glided through the waves. Haru was everything Rei aspired to be. Nagisa knew this.

The two as of now were the ones who missed their older friend the most. However, as painful as this may have been for the both of them, it was for the best. The things that Rin was saying to Haru were tearing them apart even further, and it was bad enough that Iwatobi kept generating distressing memories even though some were good. Whether or not they were good didn't matter to the teens. All it did was remind them of their friend.

Makoto.

Makoto... Nagisa repeated the name in his head. That name was enough to break his heart completely. Makoto was innocent, timid, shy...but above all...kind. He was the older brother that anyone would want, and with his leadership, he kept the team afloat - no pun intended. Then when that night came - the night that tore him away and made them all miserable - everything changed. That big brother that Nagisa always looked up to had died that night.

It was an accident, pure and simple, but it turned a night of fun into a complete nightmare. Nagisa couldn't bare to blame the one responsible, even though a small part of him did. His emotions had left him torn.

"Nagisa?" A voice snapped the aforementioned teen back to reality.

Nagisa looked up and saw Rei in front of him. He was dressed in the same uniform as he was, his jacket draped over his shoulder. His wet blue hair hung over his red glasses, and there was a worried expression across the taller teen's face.

Nagisa smiled as he greeted his friend, "Hello Rei."

Rei's eyes softened at the name. "You know there was a day when you would call me Rei- chan."

"There's no need for it. I take it that you were just coming from practice?" Nagisa inquired. Ever since Makoto died, the two younger members of Iwatobi Swim Club decided to take it upon themselves to work even harder, to practice harder. When Haru left, their drive to fill in both shoes was even stronger.

"Yep," was all Rei could say. "Are you alright?"

Nagisa shrugged. "I'm okay. Just thinking, honestly."

"You miss them...don't you?"

"Yeah, you know I do." The blond sighed. "Rei...was this the right choice?"

The bluenette raised an eyebrow as he adjusted his glasses. "What do you mean?"

"Sending Haru away," Nagisa clarified. "I'm beginning to regret that choice. What if he hates us?"

"Hate? Us?" Rei repeated. "Don't be absurd! We did it for his own good! He was suffering and you know that if he is ready he would call us. We said that at the train station."

"Yeah but he hasn't called us yet," Nagisa pointed out. He began walking toward the school, his feet dragging as he walked on the asphalt. "That's what worries me."

"Maybe he's busy. Classes do start today and that school is strict as it's prestigious and..." "Beautiful," Nagisa finished, "I know."

Rei followed behind his friend and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "He'll call, I'm sure of it." Nagisa just said nothing. He wanted to believe his friend's words, but something was preventing him from doing so. He just didn't know what to do. "Nagisa," Rei spoke up again.

"Hm?" Nagisa rotated his head to the side. "You can cry every now and then you know."

"I know...but there's no tears to cry." After gently removing the other man's hand, Nagisa continued to walk away.

Rei sighed. "Stop lying to yourself. You're hanging on," he muttered to himself as he followed. "I know you...far too well."

Back at the academy, Haru's classes were slow and were just basic review. All what they were were just basic skills like cutting and baking, things that the ravenette already knew. Based on his experience, he was put in first year even though he was third year at Iwatobi. That was a huge drawback. It was rather annoying, but if he were to ever make it in this school, then that was how things were going to be.

As classes moved by, Haru just daydreamed through the lectures. When it was time to do hands-on work, he did it without any problems. Some students whispered among themselves as they stared at him, some calling him an "elitist prick who didn't belong there at all". Some were wondering why he was there in the first place. Haru just closed his eyes as he tuned out their words.

"Hey, will you shut up already?" Soma whispered as he glared at them. "He's there for the same reason as any of you are here. So leave him alone."

"Whatever, Yukihira," One student said. He was fairly tall, with blonde hair hanging over his chocolate brown eyes. "Since you are much like he is, how about you two become best friends since you are losers."

Soma grinned. "Is that so? How about a Shokugeki at lunch?" Haru repeated the word in his head. Shoku...geki? He wasn't sure of the meaning of the term. Is that a common thing here?

Before the other student could reply, the teacher threw a piece of chalk at each of their heads. Both boys grunted in pain after the pieces of calcium carbonate struck the sides of their heads.

"You boys can talk about your shokugeki after class," the teacher advised, "That is unless you want detention after school."

Megumi's eyes snapped open in shock as she subconsciously put her hand on his. Soma looked at the girl's hand, confused by her action. However, when he noticed her stern expression, he immediately complied to the teacher's request.

Megumi lingered for a few seconds, making note of friend's soft skin underneath hers. It seemed so gentle. She wondered what it would like to hold his hand for long periods of time; this loving gentle touch was probably what she needed. She wondered what his lips felt like on hers.

"Megumi." His soft whisper snapped her out of her reverie, but also startled her. Her face became just as red as a tomato as she jumped back with a shriek removing her hand from his in the process. The entire class turned to face her, making her even more perplexed. Her anxiety got the better of her as she had dizzy spells.

Soma put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, calm down," He assured, "It's a normal thing, you silly girl. Take deep breaths."

"S-sorry," Megumi breathed as she tried to collect herself. She inwardly berated herself for overreacting to such a small thing such as this. Her friend smiled as he removed his hand. Megumi's hand subconsciously went to her shoulder. Someday, she will return his kindness.

After class, Soma was just leaving the classroom when Haru pursued him. "Hey, wait!"

The red-head turned to him. "What's up, Haruka-san?"

"Why did you do what you did?" Haru inquired, puzzled by Soma's actions earlier.

Soma sighed as he looked at his classmate. "I stood up for you in the best way I knew how."

Confused even more now, Haru scratched his head. How could a complete stranger, whom he had just met and tried to avoid earlier in the day, be so adamant to fight for him? This wasn't really what he needed, and he was still unsure of why the young man standing before him would do such a thing. "Wh-"

"Because you and I are more alike than you realize," Soma interrupted him. "Most of these students are from rich families who own their own restaurants. My father owns a diner, so when I first arrived here, they tore me apart...still kind of do."

"I still don't understand," Haru responded, "How can someone like you, who has been in this world since birth be so similar to someone like me, a guy from a completely different world and is in the middle of a transition? It makes so sense!"

"Does it?" Soma challenged, to which Haru raised an eyebrow. "Lineage doesn't matter. It's the talent that's most important. If you have the talent, then you have what it takes." A grin formed on his face as he outstretched his hand. "And the more friends and allies you have...the less lost you will feel. So what do you say, Haru? Will you be my friend?"

The ravenette hesitated. He knew that he needed some time to think about it, but after what he had witnessed in the classroom, it seemed that this guy had meant well. If he accepted the proposal, then he might have a mentor to teach him how things are done in this place. There is so much that he must learn - like what are shokugekis and the process in which they are made, also more about the Elite 10. It also immensely helped that Soma was in the same dorm as Haru was. So with that conclusion in mind, the former swimmer reached for the red-head's hand. "I suppose I can," he answered. "But you need to teach me certain things."

"Hey, you were put in Polar Star for a reason," Soma grinned. "We help each other; we're family after all." Haru nodded in agreement. "Come on," Soma beckoned, "Let's find our dorm members and have lunch." He began to walk down the hallway, towards Megumi and Yuki who were waiting for them.

"Sure," Haru replied as he followed his new friend.

Around the corner, Arato watched as this event took place. Now that Haru had joined forces with Soma, she was beginning to get concerned. Erina and Soma were bitter rivals, and she was certain that if the two teamed up, then they might run into some problems down the road. However, she didn't understand why someone who wasn't so special would suddenly become Yukihira's friend. So maybe she shouldn't be too worried. However, she still felt that feeling of dread stinging her chest. She took out her phone and dialled Erina's number.

Elsewhere in the academy, Erina had just finished "remodelling" one of the club rooms as the past occupants were immediately removed from the premises. She didn't care if anyone felt remorseful. If a club room interested her and would deem to be useful, she would give the owner some time to fight back by challenging him or her to a shokugeki, a cooking challenge where something is wagered by both participants.

Smirking at her defeated opponent, she answered her phone call. "This better be good, Arato. I'm already in a good mood."

Arato swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. She hated it when her boss's mood is disrupted, as she was at at the wrong end of Nakiri's rage multiple times. "I-I have some news to share...about Nanase-kun," she stammered, trying to find the right words to say to not infuriate her boss.

Erina hummed in response as she glared into space. "From the sound of your voice, it seems that this bit of news is...less than pleasant." The pinkette shivered at the queen bee's icy tone. She took a moment to try to formulate the words in her head but the blonde snapped, "Be on with it! I don't have all day!"

Arato stiffened. She knew she had no other choice but to blurt out, "Nanase and Soma are friends now!"

Erina's eyes widened for a moment and then narrowed them. "I see... And now that that talentless little worm has been put in Polar Star, they became friends too quickly. We will have to do something about that." Since this is the opposite of what the assistant expected, she breathed a sigh of relief. "No matter," Nakiri continued, "continue to observe them."

"That's not all," Arato added.

"Hm? There's more?" Erina inquired.

Arato took a deep breath and said, "Soma had challenged someone to a shokugeki...for Nanase's sake."

"Who?"

"I'm not sure," Arato stiffened once more. "I didn't exactly make out who."

Erina sighed in frustration. "Find out who it is and let me know any information you can find. I might have an idea that would work in our favour."

"Hai!" The assistant exclaimed.

"And furthermore, if you mess this up, then I will have to punish you," Erina concluded before hanging up the phone.

Arato sighed as she also hung up. Whatever her boss had in mind would either kill two birds with one stone...or backfire horribly. And if it backfires, then she will find herself in a horrible predicament. She shook her head, urging herself to focus on her current task at hand. Since she overheard the two talking about lunch, she hurried to the place where they would usually eat their lunch.

It was a slightly shady area in the courtyard, overlooking the splendour of the oak trees and some of the mountains. Benches were arranged in a square formation, facing each other as part of the roof of the school jutted outwards, giving the area its shade.

Once Haru arrived at the location with Soma, he tensed when he saw Yuski with the group. For a moment he had almost forgotten she was part of Polar Star. However, because of that embarrassing moment they had earlier that morning, she was the last person he wanted to see. "I just remembered...I have something to check," He trailed off as he turned and walked away. He thought that she wouldn't notice him either. Boy was he wrong.

Yuski narrowed her eyes at him and shifted uncomfortably. Yuki grinned at her friend. "Your boyfriend is he-"

"Not another word," the orange-haired girl said slowly, icy venom dripping from her words in a threatening tone. Yuki gave a little squeal as she shut her mouth completely.

"Hey, hey!" Soma exclaimed as he grabbed Haru's arm, stopping him from walking. "You said that you would eat with us, so eat with us."

"But I don't want to eat with her," Haru complained. "It's embarrassing." All the girls there except for Yuski giggled at the new student's antics, remembering the events of that morning. Even Megumi had joined them, though hers was softer.

"The feeling is mutual," Yuski grumbled as she faced the other way. She took another bite out of her sandwich, trying to focus on the taste of meat and cheese rather than Haru's presence, but to no avail.

"I understand that you two got off on the wrong foot, but just try," Soma advised. "Besides, the rest of us are here. You have nothing to worry about. Trust me." Haru sighed. Could he take his new friend's advice for granted? Then there were the others here. What if they start teasing him again? As though he could read his mind, Soma said again, "and if those guys from earlier," He eyed Yuki, Daigo and Shoji, "try anything, then they will have to answer to me."

"And me," Yuski added as she gave each three aforementioned students an evil stare, who all tensed and shifted uncomfortably.

However, Yuski's scary demeanour barely phased Haru. You could guess that his former literature teacher, Miho Amakata, and her husband Kagari had something to do with it. Even Rin - to which Haru had sighed at the thought of the name - had his scary moments, if not very few. In other words, he was practically immune to it. "Fine," he replied as he sat down and took out his bento box.

"Good," Soma said as he also sat down and took out his bento.

As Haru opened his bento, he looked around at his colleagues sitting around him. There are those he had seen before like Yuki, Yuski, Megumi, Shoji and Daigo. However, there were a couple others that he had seen a couple of times in the day but never noticed - three to be exact. One was a girl with long, shoulder-length magenta hair and eyes. She was sipping a bottle of kombucha. Haru had admitted that he hadn't seen her nearly as much as the others. Could she be an upper-classman? His eyes turned to a young man with glasses and black hair, as he was trying to explain some things to Yuki, who seemed to be unsure of what happened in one of their classes. Haru was certain that he and Rei might be good friends if they were to meet. Sitting quietly beside Shoji and Daigo, was a young man with messy brown hair that covered his eyes.

"So Haru," Soma spoke up, making the said young man look at him. "You got any questions?"

"Yeah, I have a bunch but I will save most of them for later. However there is one question that I must ask."

"What is it?" Soma asked in question.

Haru took a couple of seconds to think about how to ask his question before looking at the red-head once more. "What is a Shokugeki?"

"I can answer that," Glasses-boy replied. "A shokugeki is a food competition where two contenders battle it out to settle their differences. Each has to wager one thing of equal value before competing, and a shokugeki can happen anywhere they like. Sometimes it's done in front of an audience, sometimes it is done privately. Sometimes it can even have a theme."

"Oh," was all Haru could say. So he's going to be a prize for a competition. Just his luck... Then again, the wagers have not been made yet, so he is out of the woods for now. However, if Soma were to lose, then what would happen?

Daigo grinned as he ruffled the megane's head. "There's our dorm nerd!" "H-hey! Daigo-san! Stop it!" The megane protested.

Haru looked at Soma and asked, "Who was that guy?"

Soma's eyes widened as he had just realized something. "OH! That's right, I forgot to introduce the others to you." He pointed to the megane. "That is Zenji Marui, the smartest of our group." Zenji waved at Haru, to which the latter nodded in reply. Then Soma placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "This is Ryoko Sakaki, she is like a big sister to us as she's in second year."

Ryoka placed her drink down and reached for Haru's hand, "How do you do?"

Haru shook it without hesitation, "how do you do?"

"And you have met Yuski, Megumi, Daigo, Yuki and Shoji," Soma nodded at each of them.

"Hiya!" Yuki chirped cheerfully.

"Nice to meet you," Megumi said courteously. "Welcome to Polar Star," Shoji greeted with a wave. "Ditto," Daigo agreed as he also waved.

Yuski was the only one that didn't say anything. She had no need to respond to him, especially when she was feeling so awkward. Call her rude, but she was just feeling very uncomfortable especially when memories of that morning kept popping up. Haru felt the same way. Being around her was rather annoying as it was, and he was certain that the image of her being naked would never leave his mind any time soon.

"And finally," Soma said as he pointed toward the quiet guy, "that's Shun. He's very mysterious so no one really knows about him yet." Shun just nodded a hello at Haru.

"You're forgetting about me, Yukihira?" A new voice joined the fray, making the group look at him. Yuski was the only one that didn't look up. So he finally showed up.

Haru looked up at the latest member to join the group. He was a tall and thin young man with light orange hair, that almost matched Yuski's. Bangs hung passed warm blue eyes, and a genuine smile was on his face. A white bandana covered his most of his hair. "Didn't think that you would start the party without me, didn't you?" The young man asked.

"We would never start without you, senpai," Ryoka answered as she shuffled to the side to allow the older student to sit beside her.

"Isshiki Satoshi," Soma introduced. "Third year, and is the senior representative of our dorm."

"This the new guy, Soma?" Isshiki asked as he faced the new student. Haru just stared back. Something was peculiar about this guy, and the resemblance between him and Yuski was uncanny. Could it be...that these two were siblings? Haru tensed nervously at the thought. If that were true, then he may be up shit creek without a paddle. The only thing that would ease i his mind right now is if the senior student wouldn't know about this morning.

Then it suddenly hit him:

"SEEEENPAAAIII, SOMEONE IS TRYING TO SCORE WITH YOUR SIIIIISTEERRR!"

Haru quickly glanced at the one who yelled that: Daigo. The aforementioned young man seemed to be innocent right now as he and Shoji were arguing about who would win in a match between two comic book characters Haru had never heard of. Nanase never really cared too much about what those comic books were about, nor did he take the time to read them.

He looked back at Isshiki. That kind and benevolent smile on his face remained as bright as his hair and character. So perhaps he doesn't know? Haru breathed a sigh of relief. He was safe...for now. But if someone told him...

Suddenly, Isshiki was right in front of him, and this startled the former swimmer to the point where he nearly fell off the bench. "Isshiki Satoshi! You must be Haruka Nanase!" The senior student exclaimed happily as he held out his hand. "I heard so much about you. Who knew that Iwatobi's ace would go to our school?!"

Haru scowled at the gesture. If there was anything about this guy he didn't like, it was his obnoxious nature. Perhaps that was why he didn't like Kisumi, a boy he went to middle school with. He felt the same vibes with the older student. However, he knew that he needed to be in this guy's good graces if he was ever going to make it through this school. With a sigh, he took the representative's hand and shook it. "Yeah, must be one of those fateful encounters," Haru quipped. "Nice to meet you."

Not losing his smile even for an instant, Isshiki twirled around with a laugh. "The power of youth resonates in us all!" Something seemed a little different when Satoshi twirled, and Haru just noticed it. For a moment, he had his uniform on, shirt done up with collars neatly folded. Now he was almost completely naked, with only an apron covering his front.

Megumi covered her face and blushed when she got a glimpse of Isshiki's backside. Ryoko and Yuki made uncomfortable faces as they looked away from the sight. "Will you stop stripping in front of us, Isshiki?!" Yuski snapped, face also red from embarrassment if not for herself then for the fact that this strange individual was her brother, "ESPECIALLY the girls! You're such an perverted idiot!"

Her brother patted her head. "Now, now, Yuski-chan," he playfully warned much to his sister's chagrin, "You must learn to appreciate how beautiful us youthful students can be-"

Before he can continue, he was punched in the air with a yell. "DON'T BLUR THE LINES BETWEEN YOUTH AND PERVERSION, YOU FUCKING EXHIBITIONIST!" Yuski yelled as she punched her brother. Everyone blinked as they stared at this scene. Haru could admit that this girl was not someone who could be messed with. He will keep that in mind for the future.

Yuki whistled as she saw Isshiki land face first in the grass a couple feet away. "That must be a new record," she complimented.

"You think?" Yuski questioned as she went back to drinking her juice. "I don't know how we are still in the same family."

"Because you and I have the same mother!" Isshiki responded in a muffled voice before trying to get back up.

"No shit Sherlock," Yuski grumbled sarcastically.

Since the recent scene ended the argument the other two idiots had, Shoji looked at Haru. "Say, you free tonight?"

"Not rea-"

"That was a rhetorical question," Daigo cut Haru off as he glared at Shoji, "You're invited to a get-together tonight and we want you to come." Zenzo silently protested while moving his arms and shaking his head and knowing where this get-together would take place.

Noticing the other ravenette's acts of protested, Haru went back to eating. "I decline," he answered.

"Come ooon," Yuki coaxed. "It will be a lot of fun."

"I said no," Haru refused, this time slightly more irritated than before. Yuki sulked at the new student's answer.

You know what, guys?" Soma suggested, "I have an idea. Since our new friend is a former swimmer, he must like water." Haru twitched at the word. What was he going to suggest this time? Is there really a pool here? That was the only way to blackmail him. Grinning at his new friend's reactions, Soma went on, "Let's ask Fumio-san if we can use the hot tub!" Haru widened his eyes. It may not be a pool, but it was kind of like a pool with hot water and jets. Curse this guy for figuring out his weakness!

"That's a great idea!" Isshiki exclaimed. "We have been meaning to go in that hot tub since last winter!"

Remembering what happened this morning, Yuski huffed as she looked away, hiding her blush. "Count me out. If Haru is going, then I won't."

"Ohhhh?" Daigo teased. "Your boyfriend will be there~" Haru quickly glanced at Isshiki, who had just stood up and cracked his neck. There goes those nervous spells again. He prayed that the older student hadn't heard that, but why was he worried? He and Yuski weren't a couple, and they probably will never be one. So why were his nerves still there?

"He's NOT my boyfriend!" Yuski argued, face flustered. Haru nodded in agreement. He would say something, but he knew that her brother was standing not too far away. With this in mind, he had to hold his tongue to avoid being guilty.

"Leave her alone, Daigo," Ryoko said. "If she doesn't want to come, then that's her choice." Haru twitched again, but this time out of pure annoyance. How come he was coaxed into this, but she has the right to refuse? However, on the other hand, he would never say no to anything that involved water.

"So Haru-san," Soma looked at him, "Do you want to join us?"

Without thinking, Haru replied, "Sure but no more than 5 minutes." He blinked at his answer. He told himself that he wouldn't make any new friends at this school, and now here he is. Why was he so quick to agree? Perhaps the past 6 months had left him wishing to establish a connection to people again. Contrarily, Soma did say that the more friends, the less likely he will be able to be lost, but how long will that last?

Soma smiled, "Awesome! I haven't gone in the hot tub either, so this will be fun for both of us." "R-right," Haru stuttered quietly, partially excited to get into the hot water again.

Megumi gave a shy smile as she finished her lunch. She admitted that she had never gone into the hot tub either, let alone seen it. However, she knew that if Soma will be there then she will definitely be there. The sight of his bare chest in the water with their friends, water vapour collecting and running down those ruby-head strands of water and down chiseled abs and muscles. It was enough to make her squeal in delight and blush madly at the daydream.

Soma raised an eyebrow when he looked at her. "You okay, Tadakoro?"

"E-eh?!" Megumi squeaked in surprise. Did he just hear her? "I-I'm fine, Soma-kun," She assured. Yuki and Ryoko whispered to each other about what they had just witnessed, followed by bouts of giggling.

"Anyway, guys," Isshiki said as he walked back to the group, his smile was slightly more serious than before. "If you're finished your lunches, then head to class. I need to talk to the new student." This made Haru once again stiffen as dread took over.

"See you later," Soma waved as he got up and walked away the group. Megumi followed him with one more wave to Haru.

"Good luck~" Yuki wished as she walked away with Ryoko. Yuski just huffed without another word as she followed her friends.

Once everyone had left and the two young men were left, the smile on Isshiki's face faded completely and turned into a piercing glare as he continued to stare at Haru. The ravenette's breath caught in his throat. This was not going to end well.

Isshiki-senpai is piissseeed! I do apologize for OOC-ness, but if some guy saw your little sister naked even if it was by accident, you would tend to be protective too. Anyway! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. You will find out the identity of the student next chapter as well as a little bit about him. Until then, you know what you gotta do. Let me know what you think and I will see you next time!