Chapter Five- Small Talk

Senzaemon drank his tea quietly. He stared out of the window, his face filled with serenity. The sun was out and morning came like any typical day, but the only difference was the heat emitting from outside. Summer had come and the student's vacation were around the corner.

-Knock knock-

His eyes gazed at the doors as they opened. It was Erina. She was wearing her summer uniform, her face wearing a serious expression. "Good morning grandfather, I've come like you've requested yesterday."

"Yes, yes. But this chat will end quickly, you need to go to school just like everybody else."

Erina nodded and walked towards his desk. "Then lets get straight to the point, what do you know about...my mother." Her amethyst eyes stared intently into his.

Senzaemon sighed and chuckled. "Just like your mother, always straightforward at times." He took out an old envelope and dropped it on the desk. "This was addressed to you, before Emiko had past away."

Erina took the old envelope gently and saw her name on it. She didn't know what to say or what to do, but had this urge to open the envelope to see what's inside. Many years had past since she had seen her mother's face, better yet, she had forgotten how her mother had looked like. All of her childhood memories seemed to have disappeared - most of them did, happy ones.

"Why are you bringing up about my mother now, grandfather?" asked Erina, "You never wanted to talk about her ever since...that day."

Her mother, Nakiri Emiko, was gone long ago when Erina was still young. Senzaemon had told her many times, when Erina was young, that she was a splitting image as her. They were similar in many ways but different as well. Nakiri Emiko, the only daughter of Nakiri Senzaemon, was the heiress in the Nakiri family. The only one capable and only one talented enough. But that all changed and the responsibilty was given to Erina, though she has still a lot to learn she knew the weight that was placed upon her shoulders.

"I'm sorry Erina, but this conversation is over." said Senzaemon, turning away from. "You'll be late for school if you keep on wasting your time in the mansion."

Erina knew he was correct, the time was already 7:30. She had 30 minutes left to make it to school and getting here to there would take about 15 minutes. "I'll take my leave then." She mumbled.

As Erina was walking out of the mansion, her thoughts were all filled about her mother. No recollections have crossed through her mind about her, but there was only one - her mother's funeral. The memory was hazy but Erina had remembered that was the last time she'd ever shed tears. That was also when the responsibility was placed upon her shoulders, and it was also when...she began to live with her father.

'...I need to forget about these things for now. Nothing well help if I try to reminisce childhood memories.' Erina thought to herself. 'Maybe I should think about the vacation that's coming up.'

"Erina-sama?!"

Erina looked up and saw Hisako, wide eyed. "Good morning to you too, Hisako." Erina replied. "I thought you would be in school by now."

Hisako smiled. "I was just about to go. But I'm glad to see you here again Erina-sama. I was worried about you ever since you moved somewhere else from the short break. Does that mean you'll come back here and start working?"

Erina sighed and shook her head. Even she wished that was true, but her grandfather has yet to say anything about that. It was strange, she wanted to come back to the mansion as soon as possible but not a single feeling of homesickness seem to cross her. "No, seems like I'm going to continue living over there."

Hisako's smile faltered a bit but understood. It was sad to not see her friend as much as before, but it's good that Erina is taking a break. Her health is important and Erina is the type of person that is hardworking or more like a workaholic, that she would forget about her health in most cases. She was glad but hoped that they can work together again.

"Friend? Is that what you really think?"

Hisako blinked and glanced around. Her mind must be playing tricks on her.

"I know what your true intentions are, and it doesn't involve in being concerned about Erina."

What was she thinking? Why is she recollecting these words today? Hisako clenched her fists and tried to think about something else. Those words will never affect her, or her goal. She must keep calm and forget about them, vanish...just make them vanish.

"Looking from your expression, I guess I am right after all."

No...no! She isn't right, she's wrong about everything. Don't let it get into your head. Hisako walked with Erina, trying her best to maintain a calm face. Her top priority is helping Erina, as her aide and friend.

"Don't be overly friendly to Erina, she's not stupid. She'll find out your true intentions in a blink of an eye."

Maybe it was that one sentence that made Hisako's mind snap. The words, the voice, and the sentence just kept on repeating over and over again. It made her feel sick inside. 'Remain calm, Hisako. This isn't the time to think about such useless words.'

"Oh right, Hisako." Erina called, turning around.

"Yes, Erina-sama?"

"How about coming with me to a summer villa during the vacation?" asked Erina.

Hisako beamed a bit. "Of course I'll go. But when?"

"July 1st, during the morning."

-Tootsuki Academy-

"Souma-kun, where did Nakiri-san go?" asked Megumi, sitting next to him. "She wasn't here when we all woke up."

Souma glanced at Megumi. "Who knows, I guess she came here earlier."

Megumi nodded and took a quick glance at Souma. They haven't talked to each other as much as before after Erina had began to live in the Polar Stars. Somehow she felt worried about Souma. For a few days whenever she would secretly stare into his eyes, those golden orbs seemed to wander somewhere else - somewhere that was from a distant. He would look worried at times at something...or someone. Guess she was thinking too much...

XXX

Soon it was lunch and all of the Tootsuki students were either sitting down eating their own lunch that were made by their chefs, or buying those high-class lunches that were made by the Tootsuki chefs.

The Polar Star gang were sitting on their own table, talking about their plans for the summer and eating their lunch. After everything that happened in Tootsuki they finally had a long break and enjoy their time in the summer.

Alice and Ryou approached to them with a small smile on her face. "Great news everyone. I have something in plan for all of us," said Alice, placing her hands on the table. "My grandfather just bought a summer villa for us to spend for the summer, we can stay there as long as we like. What do you guys say?"

Everyone looked at each other and nodded. But they agreed that they will only stay for two weeks.

Souma noticed the Aldini brothers and grinned. "Hey Takumi. Want to join us?"

Takumi turned around and crossed his arms. "What do you want this time Yukihira?"

"We were just talking about where to go for the summer."

Alice smiled. "You can join us too, the more the merrier~" Her red eyes then wandered only to noticed Ikumi standing there. She seemed to look embarrassed and somehow seemed hesitated for some reason. Ikumi's eyes would look at Souma every few seconds and then her eyes would quickly evade from him once again. This of course did not go unnoticed by the sly Alice.

A smirk formed on her lips. "Nikumi, how about joining us?" Alice asked sweetly, waving her hand.

Souma turned around and grinned. "Oh Nikumi, nice seeing you here."

Ikumi quickly looked away, her face turning red. She slowly walked towards them. As her blue orbs fell upon the red-headed chef, a small blush would appear. It was obvious to Alice that this girl had feelings for Souma, she was experienced with this kind of thing and she knew exactly how Ikumi was feeling.

"Hey Nikumi, how about coming with us?" Souma grinned.

Ikumi looked at him. "G-go where?" She asked.

"We were just planning on going to a summer villa that my dear grandfather bought." Alice smiled. "I'm sure there is plently of rooms for everyone, if not we share."

Ikumi was obviously happy that Souma had asked her to come with them, but she didn't want to show it. Instead of expression her happiness she tried to sound "okay" with it. She tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear, her face heating up. "W-well, since I have nothing else to do for the summer... I guess I'll go."

Souma grinned and when Ikumi looked at him with a timid face, she felt her heart skip a beat.

Alice let out a small smile, noticing all of the expressions Ikumi had placed. She knew that the fun had just began but there something she needed to figure out first. But for now she should just play along and plan some schemes later on. 'Fufufu, just as I've thought...this really is beginning to be amusing.'

-After School-

The day seemed to just fly by and the school day was over.

"Erina-sama, are you sure you can go back home yourself?" asked Hisako. "We can drive you back if you want."

Erina sighed and nodded. "I know I'll be able to Hisako. It's not far away."

Hisako bit her lip. She felt insecure about Erina's safety. Erina had never went back to the mansion by herself. They were always driven back to the mansion with a car. What if Erina gets kidnapped!? W-what if someone were to attack her!? Perilous thoughts began to float inside Hisako's thoughts. "N-No! I'll walk you back home!" Hisako exclaimed.

Erina chuckled a bit, she knew Hisako was worried about her. But Erina knew that she was capable of going back herself. As her loyal aide, Erina trusted Hisako. She had done many things for her, always preparing the things she needed, getting the materials she needed, Hisako always knew exactly what she wanted.

"Okay, if you insist." Erina sighed.

XXX

Hisako stared at the building and inspected the exterior. It looked fine but she wanted to know how it was like inside.

"Well, bye Hisako." Erina said, opening the door.

At that moment Hisako felt this impulse. She wanted to run into the building and see if there was anything hazardous. But she kept it in for she knew that the people who were living under the same roof with Erina are kind - which was what she wanted to believe.

"Take care Erina-sama." Hisako said softly.

-Night-

"Erina, you should have told me that grandfather bought a summer villa for us to enjoy." Alice pouted.

Erina gave a fierce glance at Alice and crossed her arms. "You looked through my things?!"

Alice smiled and shook her head. "Not 'looked' or 'through', but simply read." she explained, "I happened to find the letter on the table - opened. So I decided to take a little peek and made a huge discovery."

"...You told all of them didn't you?"

"Of course I did! Why, it wouldn't be fun if none of our friends join us right?"

Erina felt slightly irritated but sighed. After everything that's happened, she guessed it was okay to let this slide. She needed to keep her thoughts away from the talk from the morning and erase her thoughts about her mother. Erina gently pushed Alice out of the room. "Go and take a shower." She said.

"Alright, alright, I'll go~"

Once Alice left, Erina sat down on her chair and took out the letter that Senzaemon had given. Her fingers touched the old paper and felt intrigued. Her mother had used this paper to write to her - her final moments were all written in here. Just as Erina opened a bit of the envelope, she felt a sudden pause on her movements.

Did she really want to know what her mother wrote? She kept her mother in her heart, locked up. Her memories with her mother just seemed to disappear, not remembering how she really looked like, not knowing how she really acted. Nothing was left in there but sorrow, the despair she felt on that day.

Erina stopped and placed the envelope down. She touched it gently and a small smile appeared on her face. "I'll...read this some other time." Erina murmured, placing the envelope inside her desk. 'I'm sure whatever mother wrote...was something that we once experienced.'

The days dragged on and soon it was the last day of school and then soon it was July 1st.

-July 1st-

The Polar Stars were quite bustling in the early morning of July 1st. They were all waking up and getting ready to go and have fun. All of them were packed and ready and the delivery truck that comes everyday in the shopping area were kind enough to drive them to the express station. Everything was all going well and smoothly and then the problems started to arise, once the others had arrived.

Ikumi looked at Hisako and then looked at the Polar Stars gang.

"How come she's here?!" Ikumi exclaimed, pointing at Hisako.

"Please explain this, Erina-sama." Hisako said, slightly irritated by Ikumi's reaction. "Even I have to say, why are they all here?" She pointed at Souma. "Especially you, Yukihira Souma!"

"Nakiri Erina?" said Ikumi, surprised that she was here. "What is she doing around here?"

"It's a long story, but lets just say that we live under the same roof." explained Erina, trying to be calm the best she can.

Hisako froze and gaped at Erina and Souma. Those two...l-living together under the same roof!? Unacceptable! How could the Director do this without looking at the students living there?

"Y-you two...l-l-living together?" Hisako asked quietly. She was beyond shocked.

Even Ikumi was shocked as well, and gave Erina a furious look. She had a grudge on Erina on what she did. Erina had ditched her out of her faction due to one loss in a Shokugeki with Souma. Ikumi could never forgive Erina, due to the fact that she used to respect Erina. Now everytime she would hear Erina's name, she wanted to scream and shout and inflict all of them on the one that betrayed her.

Erina smirked as she looked at Ikumi. She never would have thought that Mito Ikumi would be a type of person that would befriend such commoners. To think that she even let her join her faction. 'I guess it really was a good choice to kick her out.' Which was what Erina would have thought, but she wasn't as different as Ikumi. She, too, had also befriended most of them - most of them.

"Anyways, pushing that all of aside. I think we should go or else we'll be late." Takumi said, looking at his watch.

XXX

There were two vans that was parked outside of the gates. Each truck had six seats. Fumio grinned, taking out 14 sticks. "I wanted to make this interesting. Each stick has two different numbers: 1 and 2. The stick you pick is the number you get and the van you'll go to."

Everyone of course did not like the sound of it. They were all nervous, due to the fact that they didn't want to sit next to anyone that they disliked. Hisako wanted to sit next to Erina, she didn't want that red-headed chef to be closer to Erina than he already had.

Fumio took the first one and on the bottom of the stick was a number. She got number one. Then she went to each person, making them pick a stick. Once it was done, Fumio smiled. "Now, show your number."

Everyone placed their stick out, placing the side where it would show the number. Most of them were disappointed and the others were fine with it. Either way, they got on to their destined van.

Truck One: Fumio, Alice, Ryou, Megumi, Yuuki, Erina, Souma, and Shun.

Truck Two: Satoshi, Ryouko, Takumi, Isami, Ikumi, Hisako, and Marui.

-Truck One-

Fumio turned around from her seat and smiled. "Everyone comfortable?"

Most of them nodded. Erina placed a small scowl on her face. Out of all people, she had to sit next to Souma. Erina was sitting on the last row, on the left corner. Souma was sitting near the window with her next to him, then it was Megumi and Yuuki. Well she couldn't complain because she didn't have much of a choice.

Up front were two seats. Shun was sitting on the right one and Alice and Ryou were sitting on the other one.

"Alice..." Erina called quietly.

Alice looked at Erina and smiled. "Yes?"

"I'm surprised to see you on a man's lap." Erina replied. "Though I'm not surprised that it's Ryou."

Alice smiled. She didn't have much of a choice, but she didn't mind one bit. "Erina, we talked about this before. You know, last summer."

"Last summer...?"

Alice nodded and took a tape recorder. She giggled and waved it a bit. "Do you remember this?"

Everyone looked at Alice, wondering what she was talking about. But Erina knew exactly about what Alice was saying. A faint blush appeared on Erina's face. "A-Alice, you better put that thing down or you won't see the end of it."

"Hmm, a tape recorder?" Shun asked.

"You used these before?" asked Alice, turning to look at Shun. "I've always kept one just in case something happens."

Then Alice and Shun began to make conversation about a tape recorder. Erina gave Alice a deadpanned look and sighed, lying back. She couldn't believe that Alice would still keep that thing. Erina just hoped that she still doesn't have that recording.

"What's wrong Nakiri. You look tired." Souma commented. "Didn't get enough sleep?"

"None of your business Yukihira-kun." Erina said bitterly. She felt her eyelids closing a bit. But he was right, she didn't get enough sleep due to her exploding thoughts. 'I guess I'll sleep for a bit.'

-Truck 2-

"No! Why did this have to happen?" Hisako cried, sitting on her seat. She was utterly devasted. She had swore herself that she will protect Erina from that man, but look at what has happened! Hisako shook her head and groaned. It was getting agitating, just thinking about him sitting next to Erina it was terrible.

Nikumi glanced at Hisako and rolled her eyes. "Get over it already. No need to worry so much about that spoiled princess."

"Do not insult Erina-sama, you weakling!"

"Hmph, aren't you one youself? Remember your match against Hayama Akira?"

Hisako stopped and felt her mood falter. That was right, she had lost against Hayama Akira during the Election. She felt like a loser, a person that was too weak to support Erina. The memory of her loss would flash in her mind, the feeling of being weak came up again. However, though she had lost Erina forgave her and gave her one more chance. It felt like a dream and of course she can once again start the goal again.

"Too think that you would lose again someone like that, Hisako! You've brought shame to the Arato family. Now Nakiri-sama will never trust you as her aide, and mark you as a second-rate chef. Look at what you've done!"

Her eyes widened as those sentences flowed into her mind. A second chance... That was something Erina had never told anyone. But why to her? Was it because she was the closest to Erina?

Hisako let out a small chuckle. "At least Erina had decided to give me a second chance. This time I will never make mistakes and beat Hayama Akira in a Shokugeki once I improve."

Nikumi only laughed out loud. Was she really serious? Just because Erina has given her another chance, it doesn't mean anything. That ice queen will always be the same. "Whatever you say. But I wouldn't be surprised if she ditched you like the way she did to me." Nikumi commented.

-2 Hours Later-

"Hey, Nakiri. Wake up." a voice whispered.

Erina felt comfortable. She didn't want to move at all. But it was a must, so she slowly opened her eyes. A soft yawn escapes her lips. If she wasn't drowsily she would have noticed earlier that everyone was staring at her. "W-what?" Erina asked.

"Ah, your finally awake Nakiri. Man, you were sleeping on my shoulder...it feels sore now." Souma began massaging his shoulder and yawned.

Yuuki and Alice snickered, making Erina blush. "...I...slept on your shoulder?" She questioned lowly. Somehow it bothered her only the slightest, only irritated by the snickers and smirks that were coming from Alice and Yuuki.

Souma nodded his head and then the door's suddenly swung open. "We're already here." He said.

Megumi smiled at Erina. "Shall we go, Nakiri-san?"

"Y-yeah." Erina replied hesitantly.

Megumi glanced at Erina and couldn't help but feel envious of her. She had just realized her feelings for red-headed chef but was unsure if it was true or not. But the more she sees Erina and Souma interacting with each other, she couldn't help but wish that she could be the one talking to him. It was selfish of her to think this way, but the feeling of envy would reappear everytime she would look at Erina.

A girl that has everything that she doesn't. Megumi was jealous. She lacked confidence, skills, beauty, and knowledge. She was a normal girl that was able to get into a school that was totally out of her league. While Erina was a girl that had everything. She was beautiful, skillful in what she does, confident, strong, and knew a whole lot. Megumi wanted to be like her, but that was impossible.

They were both different and Megumi knew that she couldn't change herself to who she wasn't. Megumi knew that, yet...even so she wanted to make herself stronger.

"Tadokoro-san? Aren't you coming out?" Erina asked, who had already stepped out.

Megumi flinched a bit and giggled. "Coming, Nakiri-san."

-Express-

Everyone made it in time for the express at the last minute, if it weren't for Takumi's quick dash. They've all placed their luggage and such away and sat on the comfy chairs that provided tables.

"Look at that scenary." Megumi gasped, pointing out of the window. Ryouko and Yuuki looked out and gasped in amazement. Even Erina and Alice looked out.

Alice took out her camera and grinned. 'I'm so glad I didn't forget to take you with me.' She began to looked through the pictures and the first one she sees was the one she had taken with Ryou. Though it had been a few weeks since this photo had been taken, it felt as if this was taken yesterday for Alice at least. 'I should take more photos with him.'

She continued to look through and smirked when she saw a few photos taken from a few hours ago. 'A sleeping Erina is a cute Erina, she is so sly~' Alice couldn't help but giggle everytime she looks at the photos she'd taken.

XXX

"Erina-sama! I was so worried for you!" Hisako cried, taking Erina's hands. "I-I couldn't believe that you had to suffer through that ride with that man!"

Erina chuckled nervously. Hisako knew how much she hated Souma, but ever since those experiences her hatred meter for him has slightly lowered. But it wasn't as if it'll lower to the point she would befriend him. Geez, that man makes choices that he likes without considering it to others.

"Your my friend aren't you Nakiri?"

Erina clenched her teeth. She couldn't believe she would remember such words. He thought the two of them were friends? Absolutely not! They were rivals and nothing more. Souma is such a naive man that he is completely blind about her hatred for him.

"It's fine Hisako, I'm fine." Erina said reassuringly.

Hisako stopped and sighed in relief. "I see, I'm glad." She muttered. "But if anything ever happens to you I don't think I can ever forgive myself." Those words flowed out of her mouth like it was foreign and strange. It didn't sound straight from the heart but hollow words. She looked at Erina and let out a smile, though it felt as if she was just trying to strain her lips.

XXX

Yuuki was annoyed, very annoyed. The only reason for her irritation was Megumi's shyness in confronting Souma. The blue-haired girl had told her feelings for Souma to them, but wondered if it was just admiration. Yuuki knew how shy and timid Megumi is and knew that talking to the person you like is difficult. But whenever she sees Megumi and Souma talking, Megumi would look very happy and seemed so natural. Souma was the reason for her shyness to simply walk away and let her confidence step in.

But it felt vexing now. Megumi would shy away from Souma whenever the two of them had a chance to converse privately. Ever since Erina had moved in, Megumi and Souma had talked less. Their relationship had not changed more than friends or less than that. Yuuki feared that the more Erina and Souma talk, the more Megumi is going to just lay low on the background. She needed to help Megumi for she was her precious friend.

"Go and talk to him." Yuuki urged, tapping Megumi on the shoulder.

Megumi blushed and glanced at Souma who was across from them in a distance, talking to the guys. She didn't know how to confront him. It felt so long since they had talked to each other without anyone else. Of course it wouldn't bother Souma, that she knew, but for her...it was as if she was trying to climb through mountains.

"I don't think I can do it, Yuuki-chan!" cried Megumi, "I'm hopeless..."

"Ahhh, you don't have to you know. There's always another chance." Yuuki grinned, patting Megumi on the back.

Everyone had something to do until it lasted til night. Dinner was served and then after that, they've all went to sleep. They all knew the excitement that was going to start once they've reached their destination.

Everyone was asleep, except for Erina.

She looked out of the window and saw the dark sky. A lot of things have happened and she hoped that things would calm down soon. Erina touched the soft blanket that was wrapped on her body. A soft sigh escaped her lips and she quickly fell asleep.

And so the fifth chapter ends here! Hey guys, it's me again - the no talented writer that loves to write story (Ironic right?)

Anyways, since it's almost the end of summer vacation... (I'm crying inside, really. I love summer. I dislike school, due to the fact that I'm going to a new one.) I've decided to super speed write a new chapter. Pretty long chapter right?

Summer flew by so quickly just like the school year. Now a new year is going to come soon. (Gosh... I'm turning old.) I hope everyone pray that I will have a good school year with good grades this time and pray for my writing skills to improve, and pray for my art skills to improve.

Well, if any of you miss summer just come talk to me. We'll cry together and recollect the good old times.

To be honest, I was adding points of view with the characters that was going to be the most crucial in the summer plot. But to me, it felt more like just adding words to make it longer. For some reason it didn't feel right in there. Please tell me whatever that seems weird in the story, like mistakes and such. (Thank you!)

I would like to thank everyone for giving me courage to continue this chapter. Really, I couldn't have done it without you guys. I'm kind of like in-between Megumi and Erina. I'm usually timid and write most of my stories in my word pad. But then I like to make lots of stories, most that I do not finish.

Lets hope that I'll be able to finish this story, because I'm loving it so far.

Thank you:

fan: Thank you so much for you compliment. I'll update as many chapters as I can. I hope you continue reading my story till the very end.

MarronAaron: Thank you for reading my story and I hope you continue reading it. It makes me happy that people read my story.

Nox-san: I thank you for reading my story. Gives me a lot of confidence.

CambodianNinja: Hehehe, thanks for viewing my story. I hope you read more.

There might have been a lot of names I've forgot to add but I want to thank you guys. Sorry for adding irrelevant words, but thanks.

Miss you summer, hope everyone enjoyed themselves.