Hello, I'm back for more :) so how was the previous chapter? ... Okay never mind it =))

Sorry for not having to update for a while now. :( Exams are up so I had to study for a whole week or something. I really want to update faster but I always run out of time so I'm really sorry! :(


Hinata Shintani's POV

It's a very nice feeling that Suzuna scored the highest place on her event. I'm sure that Minako-san will definitely be proud of her and would definitely wish that she could also watch it live, and not just on tv.

I'll work hard like her too. I want to show off to Misaki-chan that I can be the best as well.

During the 15 minute break, the Seika group followed the Hakusen group back to the inn.

All the boys were together in the boys' common room, just chatting about the games.

"Aaah, Suzuna was really great back there! Until now, I still can't move on from the joy and excitement I felt." Shuroyan grinned.

"She's really different from Misaki-chan in terms of cooking." Sighed Kurotatsu, and the other 2 idiots agreed.

"HO... What was that again? What did you say, you sanbaka?" Usui glared at them.

They all winced at the sound of Usui's voice behind them. "Ah-Ah! Ah Mi-mi-" they were shuddering.

A girl with short hair (probably from Hakusen) cut off their rowdiness, carrying a tray of food and drinks. "Guys, please feel free to eat. There's more where that came from." She smiled cutely. I was gazing at her from top to bottom.

From my peripheral vision, I could see everyone taking their share of food and drinks, while I stood still, my eyes fixed on her.

"Eh? That's weird," Usui realized.

"What is it, Usui?" Ikkun asked.

"Sanshita-kun over there isn't getting food." Usui answered. I twitched and swiftly looked at him.

"It's Shintani." I hissed. I looked back at the girl and flinched as I saw her looking at me too. "Ah! Arigatou for the food." I smiled and bowed my head a bit. I reached for the tray and got my share of food. I blushed and gobbled it all down in 5 seconds.

I looked down at the bowl and winced. "Eh? There's no more left already?" I frowned.

She laughed out loud. "That's cute." she said while covering her mouth to stop herself from laughing. She breathed deeply. "I kinda like guys who eat a lot." She giggled.

Everyone paused from eating and switched their attention to us. My face was deep red in color, rendering me speechless. I was staring at her with my jaw slightly dropped.

"Hmm? What is it?" She raised her eyebrows at me. I tried to cough up words but none came out. My jaw remained dropped even when I felt that all eyes were on me.

"Uh- ah! N-nothing! Nothing at all.." I laughed nervously. I was looking around the room, avoiding her gaze.

She reached out a hand. "I'm Akira. Toudou Akira from Hakusen. These guys are my classmates." She grinned and pointed a finger to the guys in white blazers.

I shakily took her hand. "Hinata Shintani. Nice to meet you."

She looked at the guy named Tadashi and smiled a little and shrugged. His face was gloomy while eating. I wonder what happened..

"I have to go now. You should also prepare already. It's almost time for the next game." She bowed and left the room.

Akira Toudou... What an extraordinary girl... She's pretty too..

"I wonder what the next game would be." Jun said, standing up from his chair.

"Well I bet it will still be about food." Aoi said sharply while rolling his eyes. "This is ridiculous."

My eyes gleamed and excitement filled within me. "FOOD? If it is, then I would want to be in!" I grinned big. "That way, maybe Akira-chan can have more motivation to prepare even more delicious food!"

On my peripheral vision, I noticed everyone from Hakusen High winced, although I'm not sure of what reason.

Tadashi stood up. "I'm sensing someone trying to declare war." His eye twitched as he disappeared behind the door.

I sat there confused. I ran after him and grabbed his shoulder. "Tadashi!" I said. "Is there something wrong?" I frowned.

He glared at me with dark eyes. "'Is there something wrong?' Nothing's wrong." He replied sarcastically.

I put down my hand. "Eh? You sure?" I raised my eyebrows, waiting for him to spill it up.

He hesitated a bit and looked at the floor. "Do you- Do you like Akira?"

I flinched at his question and chuckled. "Wh-what are you saying, Tadashi? Is that the reason why you were gloomy a while ago?" I'm getting nervous about this topic.

"Just answer yes or no." He said calmly.

"I like her because she appreciates my habit of eating. Not everyone is very pleased with that. How can I like like her? We're friends, aren't we?" I smiled big, covering the lies. Woah, I actually almost said the truth. Phew, narrow escape.

"I hope you're sure about that. Ja ne." he waved a hand and walked across the boys' corridor until he was out of sight, leaving me alone.

No sound was heard except the breeze of the wind and the rustling of the trees. I sighed heavily. I placed a hand on my forehead and directed my sight to the landscape.

I grasped the railings tight. "Am I the 'other guy' again?" I said out loud as a tear fell down my cheek.


Tadashi Karino's POV

We all arrived back at the venue just in time. I'm starting to get really tired. I looked up and saw the sky getting darker.

"15 minutes is up! Everyone please go back to your respective counters." The emcee announced. "Our last game for today is about to be revealed."

We all waited anxiously for the next game. I want to bring down that Shintani guy.

"The last game for Day 1 will also be a one-man battle. Again, you will be given only 30 seconds to choose your representatives, and please choose wisely." The emcee grinned. "The game is called, Eating Contest! Yes, as you all have noticed, all the games for today is related to food. Tomorrow, it will also be different. The time to choose your representatives starts... Now!"

Without further ado, I stepped up. "I will do it."

/Yeah, Tadashi is very known for eating a lot! Eating Akira's mountainous food everyday is not a big deal to him at all. For sure, he'll win!/ Megumi smiled sweetly.

"But there's that Hinata guy from a while ago.." Ryuu said, worried. "His friends said that he has a blackhole for a stomach! You better be careful, Tadashi. He's definitely gonna be your toughest opponent this time." He placed a hand on my shoulder.

I'll show that guy that I'm better than him in the eyes of Akira. When I win, I'll win not only Akira's heart, but everyone's praises as well. You'll bow down before me, Hinata Shintani-kun.

We just watched the other teams choosing their competitors until the time was up.

"Time's up!" The emcee halted us and raised a hand. "All competitors for our last game, please march to the center."

I marched slowly with my chin up, symbolizing my confidence. When the four of us arrived at the center, I glanced at each of them. Truth be told, it was Hinata.

"Time to throw somebody out of the bus." I smirked.

"I'll definitely win." Hinata declared.

"I won't lose either." I replied. I could feel sparks coming out whilethe tension between us rises.

He directed his attention in the one behind me. I followed his gaze and my eyes widened with anger. He was actually looking over our counter. Blood boiled inside me. My whole body was trembling.

He smiled foolishly and raised his hand high and waved it. "Akira-chan, look! I'm here too!" He grinned. Everyone stopped and stared.

Akira was flabbergasted. "E-eh?!" She pointed to herself. She swiftly turned to look at Hinata and raised a hand slowly. "A-ah-ahh, hmn." She smiled a little. "G-good luck!"

Hinata grinned and blushed. "Hee-hee."

I snapped out of it. I rushed forward to grab hold of his shirt. Our faces were very near, but I didn't care at all. I glared at him with all my might. I could feel hands and arms pulling me away, separating me from him. I struggled to break free. Even the other contestants on the counters went to the center to halt us.

"YOU- HOW DARE YOU! I WILL KILL YOU! How dare you speak to Akira like that!" I continued to struggle. "How dare you-!"

"I don't care if I die," he stated. "But I won't lose, especially to you."

Okay that did it. I finally broke free and threw a heavy punch on his cheek, throwing him to the floor. A tear fell down my eye.

A lot of people were surrounding us. Some pulling him from the ground, some holding me back.

He stood up and charged at me as well, tackling me to the floor.

"Tadashi, stop it already!" It was Kei.

"Shintani!" Misaki bellowed. "Seriously, stop this nonsense!"

He turned to Misaki and hugged her suddenly. He was sobbing. Everyone from Seika took him away.

The same goes for me. Ryuu and Kei clutched each of my arms and pulled me back.

I rubbed my cheek that made contact to the floor when Hinata tackled me. I got covered in scratches, cuts and bruises on my cheek to my chin to my arm and my head.

"I-uhh, we will postpone the game for 20 minutes. Please settle down first and wait a little longer." The emcee announced, slightly embarrassed.

Back at the counter, only Akira, Jun and Megumi were left behind. The twins were holding her arms on either side. Akira's face was unreadable. When she looked up to see my face, it was blank. She gently broke free from their hands and walked away.

I'm so stressed, I'm so tired, I'm too paralyzed to move, I'm so hungry that I'm already hallucinating. I want to run after Akira. I snapped again. I couldn't control my emotions anymore... So many regrets.

"Tadashi," Kei was treating my wounds. I winced at the stinging sensation of the medication. "Learn to control yourself next time. You almost killed each other back there." He breeathed.

"Gomen ne," I looked at the ground. "I just became good terms with Akira and then it happened again."

"You've been acting weird since we came here." Jun frowned. "That's not even your character at all."

"Try to have fun at least. We still have 2 days to do this. We can't make any more trouble that can damage the name of the school." Ryuu added. "If your mother finds out about this, imagine how much more cuts and bruises will be added there." He chuckled softly.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I caused you all trouble again." I bowed sincerely.

"What are you saying?" Hikari smiled. "We always make troubles so it can't be helped."

"When it's all over, both sides should make up and apologize." Kei smiled and patted my shoulder. "Hear each other out, Tadashi. You're always calm in handling things-that's who you really are."

I looked up and saw all of them smiling down on me. My heart lifted. I felt so calm as I see their warm smiles. I felt even more confident and happy.

"Seriously, guys." I smiled. "Arigatou."

"Uh, 20 minutes is up! I hope it was enough to calm down everyone. To the audience, we are very sorry for the delay. Contestants please get ready for we will now start the third and last game of the day." The emcee announced.

I stood up. "Well, I'm gonna go now." I smiled and faced the center after I received a few pats on the back.

"All competitors for this challenge, please go directly to the table in the center.. The contestants for Game 3: Eating Contest are:

Seika High: Hinata Shintani

Kokusen High: Participant D

Miyabigaoka High: Ichitarou Tomikouji

Hakusen High: Tadashi Karino

The rules for each game is simple. 10 heavy meals will be served. Each meal consists of an appetizer, entrée and dessert. Just because it's simple, doesn't mean it's easy. For every meal that is served, the bowls get larger as well as the foods' quantity. The number of meals you finished will be your score. If you give up halfway, only the number of finished meals will be counted.

Is it all clear now?"

"HAI!" We all responded.

We all sat down on the long table that reaches on both ends of the center of the arena. Four seats were prepared and lined up respectively.

"First full course meal, please bring it in!" The emcee ordered.

Assistants and butlers pushing trays went in and served us an average serving of the meals. I ate it right away as soon as it was handed down to me. I couldn't remember the last time I ate food this much. 30 seconds in and somebody on the far end of the table raised his hand.

I flinched and immediately looked to that direction. It was Hinata. Oh yeah, Ryuu told me that that dude has a black hole for a stomach. Well we'll see. "Next full course meal please!" He smiled as the audience got shocked at his eating speed.

"Yes yes very well." The emcee said. "It is not against the rules when an opponent askes for the next since this is not really a race. It's just waiting for the next opponent to give up. The next meal for Seika! But remember, the amount of the food beinfpg served is getting bigger."

I looked to the guy beside Hinata. I think he was from Kokusen. He's still actually eating with class. Dude, that ain't getting you nowhere.

I gobbled down the last bite and raised my hand swiftly. "Next please!"

It went on and on like that for the next few meals. I was already at my fifth meal course. As expected, the bowl is as big as a pot.

"It- it's impossible- ack!" the dude from Kokusen raised his hand and forfeited the game.

"Kokusen is awarded 4 points for game 3." the emcee announced.

Ichitarou Tomikouji was already at his limits too. He was shakily holding the last spoonful. He slowly took a bite and swallowed it whole, then raised his hand. "I-i can't anymore..." He slumped his head on the table as his classmates dragged him to their counter. They get 5 points, then.

"Next please!" Hinata raised his hand again. What the? Doesn't he feel naseous or something?

"AH, someone here is still motivated for the next round! Bring in Shintani-kun's 7th full course meal please." The emcee was in front of him. "Will Karino-kun also be motivated for this match?"

Everyone was looking at me. I raised my hand and nodded. "Next please."

"His 6th please."

Later on, I barely lessened the amount of my 8th meal course. My stomach's starting to hurt. I looked to my right and I could see him still gobbling his 10th course like his previous meals were nothing. What kind of stomach does he have?!

I managed to make it until the ninth course. Hinata was almost done with his last. I could feel myself wanting to throw up. I don't want any more. Take them away now. I lied my head on the table and rested. I was able to finish my ninth course but I know I couldn't make it to the tenth, fine I take it now.

"Oh! Hinata Shintani from Seika gets 10 points! He was able to eat all the meals served!" The emcee declared happily. "It seems Karino-kun forfeited the match. But nevertheless, Hakusen still is awarded with 9 points!"

That was the last thing I heard before I dozed off to sleep in the middle of the arena.


I woke up and found myself in a dimly-lighted room. I was brought to the room I picked within the boys' corridor. I tried to sit down on bed but I suddenly felt the blood rush to my head. Ughh head rush. I still feel like throwing up. I slowly stood up and held on the nearest furniture for support. I went down the stairs to the common room, but halted myself when I could hear people conversing with each other.

"Akira-chan, I just wanted to tell something to you." Someone said. I tried to pick up the voice. It took me a while but I realized it was Hinata.

"Go ahead." Akira replied.

"I just wanted to let this out of my chest.." He breathed. "Akira-chan, I like you. Ever since I saw you today, I couldn't even stop thinking about you. During the game, I won because I was thinking about how you would show me your smile as a reward, and it made me feel motivated." He paused.

I felt a sharp pang of jealousy. I refrained myself from barging in and ruining everything. I was just clenching my fists, preventing me from doing anything rash.

"Ah- Hinata.." Akira said nervously. "You see.. I appreciate your words and kindness but I already have a boyfriend so I.. I can't accep-"

"-it's okay, Akira-chan" he sighed. "I already knew. I mean, I noticed that since the start and I don't even have the intention of ruining it. I just wanted to confess to you even if it's pointless. Tadashi is a very lucky guy to have you, Akira-chan. And I believe you're also lucky to have a guy like him."

My eyes grew. Guilt was flowing within me.

"Akira-chan, please make up with Tadashi. I'm sorry for being a wall to your relationship." he breathed.

"Hi-hinata.." Akira murmured softly.

"I really think we're just destined to be friends.." Hinata sobbed. "You and Tadashi are meant to be, and I just stepped into your lives and almost ruined it."

He's really sincere and sad. I could feel an even stronger guilt.

"But you know, Akira-chan? Even if it's just very shallow and fast, during the competition at least just for a little while... I became number one in your eyes." He sobbed louder and exited the room.

I showed myself in the common room. Akira stood there, not moving. Her eyes glistened with tears. As soon as she saw me coming down the stairs, she slowly stepped towards me.

"Akira?" I held her cheek, stroking it with my thumb. "Why are you crying?"

She nudged me playfully but softly and smiled. "I just realized how people are so nice to me. I feel so guilty that I couldn't even pay them back." She looked up to me. "And also, I realized how much I would turn down just to be with you."

I hugged her tightly and whispered to her ear, "I'm sorry Akira.. I did it again.."

"I'm sorry too, Tadashi.. I almost got angry at you without knowing the real reason again.. I promise I will never make you feel jealous ever again." she whispered back.

"Eh? Who said I was jealous?" I pulled back a little and raised an eyebrow at her.

She glared at me in return. "Huh?! Weren't you?!"

I chuckled out loud. "I'm just kidding, I'm just kidding!" I tightened my hold on her waist. "I love you, Akira." I said seriously. "and this time I'm not kidding anymore."

Her face turned deep red in color. I left her speechless again, and also I didn't give her a chance to reply since I leaned down to press my lips on hers.


Hello! I hope this was worth the wait (I think.. I guess not quite..) I'm very sorry! I'm still studying for exams so.. :( anyway, I'm also working on a new Yahiro-Megumi story so I'm doing double to work. Please look forward to it! Lastly, I'm not sure when I would be able to post the next chapter. I'll try my very best!