Erina dragged Soma behind her and locked her bedroom door. Giggling, they continued kissing until Soma saw the bed.
He knew he liked Erina-hell, he thought he even loved her. But he had no idea how deeply she felt about him and taking this next step together would be something they would never be able to undo.
"Erina," he breathed after pulling himself away, "I need to ask you something. What are we exactly?"
Erina looked conflicted. She ran a hand through her hair, hesitantly saying "I don't know. I do like you, Soma, but I do not think it would be wise for the first and second seat to be seen dating. Every decision my family or I make that affects you in the slightest would be scrutinized under a microscope to check for unfair treatment."
Soma nodded solemnly, "Yeah, I can see that. But if they really doubt my skills they can just challenge me in a Shokugeki!"
"Of course everyone at Tōtsuki knows you earned your seat on your own merit, but for the people who haven't heard of you? It might seem a little suspicious. There's a lot of political behind-the-scenes stuff that I don't want your future to be affected by."
Soma watched her shuffle awkwardly and suspected there was another reason she didn't want to date him. "Are you embarrassed of me, Nakiri?" His amber eyes burned with anger and he couldn't hide the hurt in his voice. Every single day, he had worked his ass off to grow as a chef and he knew he had progressed leaps and bounds ahead of every other student and his former self. The thought that Erina still didn't see him as a first-rate chef solely because of his background enraged him.
Erina's eyes widened, "Soma, no! That is not why!" She reached out to him but he flinched away from her touch.
Soma turned so that his back was facing her. "Don't lie to me. I know how important that pedigree is to you. Your family would be humiliated if the God's Tongue was dating a diner boy like me." His tone was cold and mocking.
Erina groaned and circled him to look him in the eyes. She needed him to understand this. "I know we got off on the wrong foot, mainly because I was a bitch to you and still under my father's influence, but I am not that same person. I've grown now because of everyone at Polar Star but especially you! You saved me. I can't thank you enough. You have to believe that I would be proud to be your girlfriend!" Erina started softly crying; she couldn't help it. The thought of Soma hating her for her past self was too much to handle.
Soma released the breath he didn't know he had been holding in and wiped a tear away from her soft cheek. His face visibly relaxed after witnessing her sudden burst of honesty. "Okay, I believe you. But I know there's another reason you don't want to date me. I can see it on your face."
Erina turned her face away, unable to fight the guilt that was rising in her. "Everyone at school puts me on this untouchable pedestal with these crazy expectations and if I'm seen doing normal things, like holding your hand… I'm afraid that if I'm treated like a normal girl, I'll become one. And normal isn't good enough for me. Soma, I do like you. However, I can't afford any distractions right now. Cooking is and always will be my number one priority."
Soma was at a loss. He tilted his head to the side, repeating, "Everyone would think you were normal because you were in a relationship? I don't get it. And I wouldn't have to be a distraction! We can help each other grow! Erina, you are the reason I've progressed so much as a chef. I know we could-"
Erina cut him off, "I know it sounds crazy but if I can't shake the feeling that if I let my guard down even a little bit, I'll fail. And failure is unacceptable." Her voice began to falter, betraying the emotionless façade she had tried to put on. "Besides, the idea of showing this vulnerable side of me to everyone I know is terrifying."
Soma kissed her forehead, starting to follow the conversation. "Yeah, of course being vulnerable and showing your emotions to the world is scary. But Erina, if you don't, you'll be the "Ice Queen" forever. No one will ever see the real you…and I think that might be worse."
Erina nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest. She allowed herself this small comfort before declaring, "You're probably right. But for right now, I know this is the decision that's right for me."
Soma dropped his head down so that his chin rested on her head and he hugged her tighter. He understood where she was coming from, but that didn't make him feel any better. "I guess I understand. I also want you to know that I'm willing to wait for you. Seriously, as long as you need. I'm not going anywhere." She untucked her face from his chest and smiled at him. "Thanks, Yukihira. I'll keep that in mind."
Soma laughed awkwardly, "So on that note, I guess I'll be going to my room. Goodnight, Nakiri." As he turned to leave, he felt a slight tug on his shirt.
"Wait!" Erina had no idea why she was doing this. She supposed she just wanted to pretend for a little while longer that she could be an average girl. "Don't leave. Stay with me tonight, please? Not as my boyfriend or anything like that!" She added hurriedly, not wanting to get his hopes up for the second time tonight. "It's just… the storm! It's still raining really hard and I'm afraid!"
Soma tried his best to contain his happiness at her words. "Anything for you," he smiled.
Despite the loud thrashing wind and tumultuous claps of thunder, Erina and Soma slept better than they had in a long time.
Erina woke up early while it was still dark outside. The heavy rain was almost a comforting presence now that she was tucked away in Soma's protective embrace. She was still feeling conflicted about her eventful night with the boy next to her.
Her mind told her if she were to take a step back and relax, everything she had worked so hard to achieve would be lost. The God's Tongue couldn't just relax. She had an obligation to the cooking world and to her family.
Her heart wanted to be his girlfriend- she wanted to go out on dates with him and joke about the latest dumb meme and do all the things that regular couples do.
Her body… Ever since their incident a few hours ago, it was like every one of her nerves was amplified. Erina was somewhat familiar with the concept of arousal from when she dared to read some of her more scandalous romance mangas, but this was on a whole new level.
She could feel Soma's hot, steady breath on the back of her neck and his gentle exhales were sending shivers of delight rolling down her spine. One of his arms was under her pillow, while the other was strewn over her torso. His lower half was pressed tightly against hers, causing her pulse to rise. The feeling of being so physically close to someone was completely new to Erina, and she loved it. Every sensation this sleeping boy was unknowingly sending her way was working in perfect harmony. She unconsciously pressed her thighs together to stop the tingling sensation that had been growing ever since she had woken up and became aware of how close he was.
Soma moved a little in his sleep, drawing her even closer. His free arm had come closer to her chest, and she felt his light touch on her breasts. His lips were now barely grazing the back of her neck. It was practically damp from his sultry breath while Erina's mouth had gone dry, her breathing becoming erratic. Just go back to sleep, just go back to sleep, she begged herself. Why did I ask him to sleep here?! Being so close to him reminded her of earlier that night when they had been in the laundry room and her nipples grew hard at the memory. She bit her lip in frustration. This idiot even found ways to aggravate her in his sleep!
She couldn't help herself. She slowly lifted Soma's hand to cup her breast and he reflexively squeezed. She let out small whimpers of pleasure as he continued with her hand guiding his. But wait- what was that down there? She could feel his erection growing through his sweatpants and it was pressing against her-hard. Was he awake? Does he know I moved his hand?!
She waited a bit for a sign, but it never came. His steady breathing continued, indicating he was still heavily asleep. He must be having a dirty dream, the pervert!
She then mentally slapped herself for being a such a hypocrite.
Erina could feel him press harder into her from behind, while his fingers began lightly tracing her nipple. She exhaled sharply and pressed her ass back, unable to fight the feeling in her lower region anymore. She arched her breast into his hand to grant him easier access, and he took it.
Suddenly, she felt kisses on her neck. His once-steady breathing was now erratic like hers, hands moving faster and harder than before. He was awake.
Erina moaned softly and let him continue his attacks on her body while grinding her ass and legs against groin.
Soma's voice came out in rasps against her neck, "I'm sorry, I think I started when I was asleep…" He trailed off as he continued kissing her neck and letting his hand fall down to her waist, gripping it hard. "But now that I'm awake… I just can't stop. Look at how perfectly we fit together, Erina." As if to emphasize his point, he forcibly pressed his lower half against hers, causing her to moan loudly. The wetness between her legs was unbearable.
She finally turned around to face him and their faces crashed together, an instant battle erupting to see who would dominate. Hands fiercely gripping, nails scratching, lips biting, and heavy panting ensued. Shirts came off and Soma took the opportunity to bring his lips to her heaving breasts. Erina squirmed and moaned in pleasure, gripping his hair in an effort to release some tension.
Both teenagers were groaning and grinding against each other selfishly, using the other's body for their own pleasure. They were driven by pure lust and instinct. Their heads were too cloudy with desire to think straight. Just as it seemed they were going to cross that line…
*Knock knock knock*
Soma and Erina froze in her bed, staring at the door.
"Hello?" Asked the voice on the other side, sounding worried. "I know you're awake, it sounds like you're working out."
Erina screamed at Soma with her eyes, immediately grabbing him and shoving him in her bathroom. She called out, "Just a sec!" while she hurriedly changed into some workout clothes. Her bright pink blush, sweaty face, and tousled hair only supported the lie.
She opened the door to find Alice, sporting her usual coquettish smile. "Hey, what's up?" She tried to ask as nonchalantly as she could.
"Just wanted to let you know breakfast is ready! Do you usually work out in the mornings?" Alice peered inquisitively at her cousin.
"Uhh, no not usually but I guess I was just feeling a little restless this morning, you know." Erina tapped her fingers against her thigh restlessly, wanting Alice to leave her as soon as possible.
Alice smirked, "Ah I see. You wanted to look your best for Yukihira!" She laughed at Erina's face, which somehow managed to get even more red. "I'm just kidding, dear cousin. You know I love you!" She yelled while skipping down the hall towards the dining room.
When the door was safely closed, Soma poked his head out of the bathroom. Grinning, he said, "Aw, Nakiri, you wanted to look your best for me?" He avoided Erina's punches easily.
Soma reached for his shirt which thankfully had been hidden from Alice's sight and pulled it on. "I guess I'm gonna go take a quick shower in my room and make it look like I slept there." He then leaned in closely to Erina's ear and whispered, "Let's continue this later though."
Erina whisper-shouted as he left, "We most certainly will not!"
Soma came out his very cold shower and remembered to check his phone. Wow, 23 missed messages!
He had forgotten to tell his friends at the Polar Star dorms that he wouldn't be there. Megumi alone had sent 14 texts, hoping he was okay and urging him to let them know he was safe. He quickly responded "All good, stayed the night at the Nakiri mansion thx to the flood. See u later today." He quickly changed and met the rest of the Nakiris and Kurokiba in the dining hall for breakfast.
The meal was delicious, as to be expected from the most prestigious cooking family in the world. They had eggs benedict, which brought a smile to Soma's face as he remembered this was one of the dishes Erina served at the Friendship and Rapport Training Camp. He also thanked Sanzaemon Nakiri for letting him stay the night and offered to return the favor if the old man was ever in his hometown. The grandfather laughed heartily and agreed, shaking Soma's hand.
Erina walked Soma to the garage where his bike had been stored overnight.
"So…when can I see you again?" Soma smiled, taking her hands in his. "Tonight?"
"Yukihira, listen to me. This morning was a mistake. It will not happen again. We're just frien—You know what, scratch that. We're more like acquaintances." Erina tried her best to look intimidating and cold, but Soma could read her like a book at this point.
Soma just smirked at her, "Whatever you say, Nakiri. I know you enjoyed what happened between us just as much as I did."
Erina glared at him; partially because how dare he have the audacity to say such vulgar things, and partially because he was right.
Soma put on his helmet and kicked his bike to life. He shouted over the engine, "Oh by the way, I think a bunch of us were going to hang out tonight if you want to come! Hisako's going so I'll probably see you there!"
Erina couldn't deny the twinge of excitement she felt in her heart at the excuse of seeing him later. She cleared her throat, "Well if Hisako is going then I will accompany her."
Soma grinned and yelled, "Then it's a date!" before speeding off on his bike, leaving Erina yelling behind him, "No, it isn't!"