I started to wake up, feeling my eyes flutter open. As they did, I shut them again quickly.
"… Too bright…" I mumbled out. I turned my body, making sure I faced away from the light.
"Sōma…?" I tossed my arm over, expecting it to hit the firm body of my boyfriend. I didn't expect my arm to hit the mattress. As soon as I didn't feel his warmth, my eyes shot open.
"Sōma?" I called out, wide awake at this point. I sat up, pointlessly looking around the room for my redhead, as if he was just hiding somewhere in my room.
I felt my body tense with worry. Did he leave already? He couldn't have, right? He still had to say goodbye to everyone…
He still had to say goodbye to me.
But was he lying? Did he already say goodbye to everyone else, leaving me alone?
Was he saying that he didn't mean what he said yesterday?
Before I could fall further into self doubt, the door opened, revealing those golden eyes that could never fail to entrance me. I felt myself already losing my worries in his eyes.
"Morning, Erina." He said softly, aware that I just woke up. He had a small smile on his face, and I couldn't deny that he looked absolutely beautiful.
"Morning." I said back, getting out of bed with a similar smile. I walked over to him, and gave him a small peck on the lips. As I wrapped my arms around him, I sighed as he reciprocated, wrapping ourselves in a small hug. My head was tilted, snuggled into his chest.
"… I don't want you to leave." I whispered, and I imagined a sad smile forming on his face.
"I know, and I'm sorry." I leaned in, as Sōma moved a hand from my back to my head. "But I don't think staying here while I can't do anything will help much." He teased.
"Yeah… I just…"
"Stop." I was cut off, my boyfriend continuing his actions.
"You don't even know what I was going to say…" I pouted, looking into his eyes.
"Yes, I do. You were going to try and blame yourself, even though I told you not to. So, I'm stopping you before you can say anything." He explained, smirking. I felt my face flush, knowing he was right.
"… So?" He laughed, and soon after, I joined in.
"The reason I was going to say that was because I would just love to stay like this." I spoke as we stopped our fit. He hummed in agreeance.
We were standing in my room, nothing heard but the sound of our breaths, and the occasional chirp from the birds outside. We were swaying back and forth, and my mind went to all of those… in all honesty, stupid dances I had to attend. Boy after boy would take my hand, and we would be on the dancefloor, some slow music playing in the background, as the plebeian would start to rattle off accomplishment after accomplishment about himself, as we dully moved back and forth.
All of those times, I could only imagine wanting to do anything else, just to get away from those idiots. To think they could wow someone of my status was laughable, but I had to keep a straight face, lest I ruin a relationship between the Nakiris and the brat's stupid family. I never enjoyed myself in those moments.
But right now… I was doing something so similar, and in a setting that wasn't even half as classy.
Even so, the feelings I had were something magical. I classify those idiots as simply "business partners". Try as they might, they could never impress me. But as I stayed in Sōma's arms, swaying back and forth, no words being spoken between us…
It felt so intimate. Really, the reason I was so bored with those "business partners" was because no matter what, no matter their high-class background and "worthy" accomplishments, they could never compare to my redhead. Sōma is one of the only people that I can say has done some "worthy" accomplishments. No one I could think of can give so many hope, give so many people energy.
No one I know could go through the same struggles as the diner boy I held in my arms.
…
No.
At that moment, I decided to stop.
I would stop referring to my boyfriend as some "diner chef". Something I regret to this day is that I ever thought of him as some "simple diner boy". It was that mentality that ultimately led to the end of his career. And I knew, that he was so much more than that title said. He could never be that kid from the diner I criticized when we first met.
He was my hero, my saviour, my one true love.
He was my Sōma.
Huh.
My Sōma.
It was odd to think about. Using that term would mean that I was possessive of Sōma; that I would get jealous of anyone getting in the way. But was I really like that?
Thinking back on it, I guess some signs were there. When he had that match with Tsukasa-senpai, for example. When I had to declare the former first seat as the victor, there was this feeling of dread in the back of my mind; I was going to lose Sōma forever, and he would be shaped into another member of Azami's army of sheep.
Luckily, that didn't happen. And because of that, he saved me, and our friendship started.
During our Regiment de Cuisine. When I saw him battling Tsukasa-senpai once again, exhaustion written on his face, after going through 4 matches prior… I was terrified. Not only at the thought of us losing, undoing everything Sōma tried so hard to achieve, but also the thought of something horrible happening to Sōma.
But when the judges decided…
I was amazed and elated. Sōma won. He beat Central, and saved my life, and Tōtsuki. But when he went to shake our senpai's hand… and he collapsed… my fears almost came to light. Even if the doctor said that he would be fine, I couldn't shake the terrifying feeling that Sōma would die, after doing so much for myself and everyone else. I made sure to stay by his side, to make sure nothing would happen to him. To make sure that he would become a second year, beside me.
And as petty as it was, I now saw why I was so nosy about Sōma and Hisako's relationship. I was jealous. I was angry that they were becoming so close, even though we were closer already. I wanted Sōma to myself.
I couldn't stand to lose him. Not to Azami, not to expulsion, not to my closest friend… not even the grim reaper. I didn't want to lose him to anything.
As we stayed in our spot, keeping our embrace, a thought popped into my head.
"Sōma?" His hands stopped moving for a second, acknowledging me calling his name.
"How… how did everyone else react to… to your forfeit?" I asked meekly. I was terrified at how everyone would treat me because of all of this. So I wanted to at least know how everyone felt.
"…" A bout of silence worried me.
"Sōma?"
"Let's sit." He moved me back, looking into my violet eyes. "Ok?"
I nervously nodded, fearing the outcome even more. As we sat back on my bed, shoulder to shoulder, he wrapped an arm around my waist, and grabbed my hand, drawing circles into the skin. The actions calmed me down in an otherwise tense environment.
My boyfriend let out a sigh, preparing to tell this story.
"Well…"
Flashback, Sōma POV
I lost huh? Well… I guess Erina got her wish. I'll finally be gone from Tōtsuki.
That thought hurt a lot more than it usually did. And I doubt she even feels that way anymore. But right now it doesn't matter. I have one final failsafe.
I just have to get back to Polar Star.
"Lady Nakiri has left, relishing in her victory!"
I let out a dry laugh. I highly doubt that. I saw the look in her eyes, as she realized that she won, and realized what that meant. I felt that weak handshake.
She was devastated. I know how she's feeling. She thinks that she betrayed me, that this was her fault. I couldn't let those horrible thoughts plague her mind.
Her beautiful mind.
She's been through enough already. I have to get home quick, so I can tell her that she's wrong, that this wasn't her fault.
I had to comfort her.
"Our second seat has give me permission to reveal his forfeit to all of you beautiful people!" I could hear the cheers come from the crowd, and thought to myself. It was weird, being so welcomed by Tōtsuki, when 2 years ago, they hated me. Guess all of those doubters flunked out or something. Honestly, good riddance, they were too focused on hating to cook well.
I saw gramps give Urara the envelope revealing my fate, as promptly dropped her mic as she read the contents. The feedback screeched through the arena, and people were talking after it died down.
'What could it be?'
'Did Lady Erina force Yukihira to do something embarrassing?'
I laughed inwardly. No, this was nothing embarrassing, and she certainly didn't force me to do this. I wanted to do this.
I looked to the announcer, and she had a look of shock and doubt evident in her eyes. I nodded, signifying that this was real.
"S-starting tomorrow…" she announced shakily. The murmurs continued, as they heard Tōtsuki's normally charismatic and confident emcee sound worried for the first time.
As she was trying to get the words out, I thought of something.
I might have been the last expected person to enter Tōtsuki, I know that. Despite pop's legendary status, I wasn't much in comparison, being born in a background that wasn't as high class.
Even so, there were so many people who looked up to me, even before I was announced as Asura's son. Some people would come up to me, and say that I inspired them to do their best, that if I could be so successful, they could be too. It was nice, being an inspiration to so many.
Shame it had to end like this.
"Sma Yukihira… will quit being a chef forever." The murmurs stopped. Actually, everything went dead silent.
"H-he swore to never stand in a professional kitchen ever again. He will drop out of Tōtsuki, effective immediately. When he does leave, he will never wear his diner uniform or anything cooking-related…" As she said those words, there was something unsaid, that was left in the air, resonating through everyone's mind.
'He will be nothing but a commoner.'
The murmurs started quickly once again.
'We just saw the end of Yukihira-kun's career?'
'W-what will happen to the elite ten?'
I looked to the VIP room. I could see the shock and anger written on everyone's face except for Hisako and Alice. I focused my eyes on my 2 accomplices. Even with the pain I felt that came with losing my career, I still kept my eyes sharp, and they both nodded. They turned around, talking to the rest of the group. I walked from the arena, heading to the elite ten meeting room.
I need to finish this meeting quick.
I have to get home.
1 hour later, Elite Ten meeting room
I was sitting in Erina's usual spot, feeling everyone's confused stares go through me. A sudden slam on the table brought me back to my senses, looking into the turquoise eyes of the ninth seat.
"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU, YUKIHIRA-KUN?!"
Nikumi was scolding me, in a way similar to when I risked my career against Mimasaka. It was a lot harsher, likely due to the fact that it actually did happen. I stayed silent, letting the blonde speak her mind.
"WE TALKED ABOUT THIS 2 YEARS AGO! YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR AS A CHEF AND YOU THREW IT ALL AWAY?!" I didn't say anything. I didn't want to risk revealing everything that led to this. For Erina's sake, I wouldn't do that to her.
"DOES COOKING HAVE ANY VALUE AT ALL TO YOU?! DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT THE BONDS YOU FORMED BECAUSE YOU CAME TO TŌTUSKI?! DO YOU?!" Well, of course I care. Cooking… was my life. And the friends I made are the closest friends I have anywhere.
But.
Like I told Erina, the only thing I value more that cooking is my friends. And one of my closest friends is unhappy. As long as I can get her to smile again, then it'll all be worth it. As long as I could make her smile, I would gladly give up cooking.
There are only 2 people who I would do that for: Tadokoro and Erina. My "little sister" and my best friend.
…
Oh, who am I kidding?
I can't lie to myself anymore.
I care too much about Erina to call her just my best friend. I could call Tadokoro my best friend, but Erina was more than that.
I love her.
Her hardworking nature, her sharp tongue, her tendency to get embarrassed easily.
That beautiful smile.
Everything about her.
I have to protect that. I have to protect her.
The silence I left hanging while I had my epiphany didn't please Nikumi, as her hand started to shake with anger. She turned away from me, going to the exit. "Fine then! You just want to give up like that, go ahead! … Obviously, you don't give a damn about any of us."
The ninth seat stormed out of the room, leaving me getting questioning stares from everyone else, from the elites to the polar stars.
This feels very awkward. Other than Hisako and Alice, no one saw this coming. Well, before I go and comfort Erina, I have to clear up as much as possible.
"So, anyone else want to yell at me?" I asked the room. They were still silent. I let out a sigh.
This isn't going to be easy, is it?
"Ok, I know you guys think I did something really stupid." I was met with nods from everyone, bar Hisako and Alice. Well, everyone agrees on something, I guess.
"But since this is the last day I'll be here, we might as well clear up everything, right?" I smiled. I noticed out of the corner of my eyes that Erina's cousin and secretary were deadpanning.
But why?
"Well for one," Takumi spoke up. "You did this for something, right? I know you wouldn't give up your career for something small." Well, he was right.
"Yeah… Well, I felt that something was off about Nakiri. Yada, yada, yada, I challenged her, you guys know the rest." Yup! Seems about right. Now, to leave and-
"You're dodging the question." Everyone's questioning stares were directed at the third seat. Damn it. Someone noticed. Makes sense that Hayama noticed, though. He seems like Alice, although not as chatty about his observations.
I chuckled. "You pick up on stuff with more that just that nose, don't you Hayama?" He stayed quiet, sniffing that cinnamon stick he kept with him all the time.
"Well, what I was talking about with Nakiri… I had a feeling that this wasn't just some small thing, because she had a big shift in mood when we got back from break."
"Yeah…" Yuki chimed in. "At the party we celebrated at the beginning of the year, Erina-cchi was a lot more distant, like she was distracted by something."
"And it didn't look like she paid any attention in our classes." Ryōko added. "I know that Erina-chan keeps an intense focus during classes, but she seemed to be totally out of it." As my Polar Star friends were trying to figure out more clues linking Erina's behaviour change, they realized something that I said, their eyes widening.
"Hold on a second, Sōma-kun… You challenged Erina-cchi?" Yuki asked, stunned.
"Well… yeah." I rubbed my head. "You guys know how stubborn she could be. I had to at least try and help her before it got any worse."
The girls thought to themselves, humming in contemplation. Close to them two, I saw Tadokoro, and she was distraught.
Man… if there was anything I regret by going all in, it was making her sad. I know I mean a lot to her, and this would be devastating. When I said she was like my little sister, I meant it. She would always support me, and try anything I made (well, most of the time). Before I leave, I have to make sure to comfort her as well. While I couldn't see her in the same way I see Erina, I still felt the need to see her smiling as well.
She jumped a bit when our eyes met, and she was hesitant to talk. "S-Sōma-kun… w-what are y-you going to do now?" She asked, and it left me in a tight spot.
What could I do without cooking?
"… I don't know. I honestly can't tell you guys what I plan to do now." Even if this was my fault for setting this up, I still felt lost. I wanted to win, just to say to Erina that I was more than my background. I don't even know why that came up.
…
Did she not see that I was skilled enough?
"But I did what I wanted to do. Erina's been opening back up these past few weeks, right?" Nods came from the girls, which made me smile. "That's all I wanted. I wasn't going to stand by and watch as one of my friends closed herself off from the world she prospers in." I stood up, getting ready to head out and comfort my crush. "Don't be too hard on her, ok? None of this was her fault, and trust me, I don't think she's taking this well either." I looked at the time.
7:30 PM.
"Well, it's getting late. I have to pack, so ask Arato or Nakiri if you have anymore questions!" I walked out the door, and left the office, getting to my scooter.
I need to check on Erina.
Flashback End
"And yeah. After that, I pretty much came to Polar Star, and went to your room." He finished, winded after his long story.
I didn't interrupt, respecting that he didn't interrupt me last night. But as I listened, I felt bad about how everyone felt.
From my knowledge of mangas, Mito-san had a crush on my boyfriend. Very much so.
And Tadokoro-san… I felt so bad for her. I know Sōma would tell me till the day I die that it wasn't my fault, but it was still saddening that her best friend would no longer be with her, and the feeling that it was my fault still lingered, although much further back in my mind, thanks to Sōma's kind words.
"I… I see." I said after a bout of silence.
I felt Sōma's hand on my shoulder, and warmed up at the feeling. "Trust me, Erina. They won't be mad at you. Alright?" He smiled, that warm smile that brought that raw feeling of bliss.
"O-ok." I nodded. Another thought came into my head.
"Um… do you know how we'll still see each other?" I whispered out. He chuckled.
"Yup. I talked with gramps and Hisako." He turned me, as we looked right into our eyes.
"Erina, I limited the number of tastings you can do to 2 a week, and only go to 1 party a month." He grinned.
…
"WHAT?!" I yelled, making him jump.
"Why are you deciding to control so much of my life, huh?! I told you that I still want to taste! DID THAT TELL YOU ANYTHING?!" I ranted. I know he's my boyfriend and all, but to do something like this… it was ridiculous!
"Now hold on, hold on." He lightly shook my shoulder, calming me down.
"I didn't say I'm stopping you. I just wanted to limit it a bit." He explained.
"But why?" I asked. "I'm happy to taste food. It excites me that I can crush the hopes and dreams of people with one taste of their cooking." I said timidly, looking down at my hands.
"Jeez, you sure are weird, Erina…" I looked at him again, a challenging smile on my face.
"What was that, Sōma?"
He waved his hand. "Oh, not much… well anyways…"
He ignored me! I want to be mad at you Sōma, damn it!
"… You told me you were getting too stressed out and tired from the constant work, right?" I nodded.
He smiled again. "So, I'm still letting you do what you love… just not as much. I don't want to hear that you burned out again. After all," He smirked. "I won't be here this time."
Well, when he said it like that, it made sense. I still get to taste, more time gets opened up for me to test dishes, and I wouldn't have to worry about doubting my passion for cooking. It was a great plan.
…
Well, now that I think about it, my reaction made me sound like a total bitch, didn't it?
I felt the blush coming to my cheeks, embarrassed beyond belief.
I'm so stupid. My boyfriend is doing all he can to help, and all I can do is yell at him. Good job me.
"I'm sorry Sōma…" I shuffled back to his side. "I just haven't had anyone do this much to help me…" I wrapped him in a hug, hoping that it could show how sorry I was. "Thank you."
"Ah, it's nothing." He patted my head. "Anything for my girlfriend."
I felt my arms let go of him, and a tingling sensation as his mouth neared my ear.
"Besides… it leaves enough time, so we can see each other much…" he leaned in, nibbling at my ear lobe.
"More…" A lick made my body shiver in delight.
"Often." He whispered huskily into my ear. I soon melted into him, as he captured my lips in a passionate kiss.
Such a charmer.
We made out for a few minutes, enjoying each other's taste, before breaking away for air.
"For stuff like that… I have to… thank you, Sōma. For giving me more free time." I spoke, trying to catch my breath.
He grinned, similar to the grin he gave me last night that made my knees weaken. "No problem. Now…" He got up, offering me a hand. "I have to say goodbye to everyone. Care to join me?"
Those words sobered me instantly.
Oh, right.
Sōma has to lave Tōtsuki.
The thought still saddened me deeply. Sōma gave up his career to help me.
Even so…
I felt a bit better, knowing that I created a near unbreakable bond with the school's former second seat.
I love him.
And he loves me.
I took his hand, getting up from my bed. "O-of course. I would love to join you."
We were walking a steady pace, heading towards the front door. As we neared the stairs, Sōma lifted his suitcase off the ground one-handedly. As for the other hand…
"Sōma! Let go!"
He was giving me a one-armed hug. While the warmth coming from his body was very comforting, I wanted to get out of his grasp, because it would be embarrassing for us to be seen like this.
"Nope. No can do." He teased, as we started walking down the last set of stairs.
"Come on! You should use both hands to lift your briefcase!" I scolded. I didn't want him to get hurt, but I still didn't want to be seen like this. Not because I would be ashamed to be with him, because that just isn't true. It's mainly because this should be done in private, not in front of everyone!
"Why? I can hold it just fine." He lifted the case up and down. I started blushing again, as he put a hand on my head.
"I just want to hold my girlfriend. Is that so bad?" He whispered into my ear, and my struggles stopped immediately.
"You're really unfair, Sōma." I pouted, making my boyfriend laugh, as we continued to approach the front door. "I don't understand how you do that."
He grinned, shrugging his shoulders. "I guess I just have that effect on you. Don't tell me you didn't like it though."
I rubbed my arm, my blush holding strong. "Well… I guess so." My eyes widened at what I was saying. "Wait, what am I… shut up Sōma!" I yelled, my blush only getting deeper.
After he finished laughing at my embarrassed state, we stopped in front of the doors leading to the outside of Tōtsuki.
I looked to my redhead, and wrapped my arms around him.
"Are you ready?" I asked, looking up at Sōma. He gave a simple nod, and a peck on my forehead. Soon after, we opened the doors.
The rush of the morning air blew past us, and I let out a shiver. I broke from Sōma's hold, and ignoring the cold feeling, walked over to Alice and Hisako. And I stood there, watching everything unfold.
Sōma went to the Polar Stars, thanking them for everything they did for him. The guys gave their best wishes to him, and Yuki and Ryōko were tearing up a bit. But what really hurt to watch was seeing Sōma and Megumi say goodbye. The blue-haired girl was sobbing, and Sōma was trying his best to comfort her, similar to how he did the same for me.
It hurt to watch because deep down, I knew that this was partly my fault.
I didn't feel anything but sympathy as I saw them hug. Seeing Megumi bawl, holding onto Sōma, shaking her head…
"Erina-sama? Are you ok?" Hisako asked, as she pulled out a tissue. I quietly thanked her, and grabbed the tissue, wiping the tears forming in my eyes. I didn't hear Alice say anything, thankfully. She probably didn't want to say anything that could make me feel even worse than I already did.
After Sōma and Megumi released their hold on one another, Sōma said his thanks to the rest of the Elites. I noticed Mito-san wasn't here, probably too angry and sad to see Sōma leave. It saddened me a bit, but she was acting very selfishly. She could have given Sōma a proper send-off, at least.
Eventually, he made his way to the girls who were the most involved with all of this. He started with Hisako and Alice, and I was close enough to hear their conversation.
"So, I guess this is it, huh?" I saw them pout, and Alice whacked Sōma on the head.
"This is your fault, Sōma-kun!" Alice chided, and I raised my eyebrow at my cousin calling my boyfriend by his first name.
…
Ugh, seriously. Alice already has a boyfriend! Stop feeling so jealous, me!
Her pout turned into a smirk. "Although, you did get something out of all of this, didn't you?" She teased, making Sōma blush.
"M-maybe." He coughed out.
"Now Sōma-kun, while I approve of your relationship with Erina-sama, I don't want to hear that anything inappropriate happened between you two, alright?" I saw his blush darken a bit, and I felt some heat rising to my cheeks. Even if my friend was more versed in romantic stuff, I still understood what she meant.
"Y-yeah… N-no problem at all." He stammered out, making Alice laugh and Hisako chuckle.
"Good." My pink-haired friend surprised Sōma and I when she suddenly wrapped her arms around him.
"Thank you so much, Sōma-kun… I'm so glad you were able to help Erina-sama, and all of us. What you did was very noble… and I'll be forever in your debt." She said, tearing up a bit. I was awestruck. I guess my reluctance to say anything to her was deeply affecting her.
My boyfriend let out a chuckle. "Hey, don't worry about it. I just need you to promise me one thing." He then whispered something into Hisako's ear, and after he finished, she nodded eagerly.
"O-ok! I promise."
"Good." They released their hold, only for Alice to stand in front of him. "Alright, Sōma-kun. I'm very thankful that you helped Erina. And I totally saw you guys getting together eventually. But if you hurt her, I swear, I will make your life a living hell." She pouted. Sōma just laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry. She's the best thing to come into my life; I'll never break her heart." I felt a smile show up on my cheeks, as they shared a grin.
"I know. Just wanted to warn you." She then also embraced my boyfriend. "Thank you so much for doing this." Her grip tightened. "I'll make sure Erina doesn't do anything stupid." They laughed, as I pouted at Alice's comment.
As they broke their hold, I saw Sōma look to me. It was finally my turn. He gave me that smile, the smile I loved to see on him. I was going to miss seeing that smile everyday. I was going to miss our late-night cooking sessions. I was going to miss our playful banter.
…
I was going to miss him.
"Sōma!" I ran the short distance between us, right into his already outstretched arms. I could only cry and savour the warmth he gave as he returned my embrace, moving one hand to my head, stroking it affectionately.
Sure, as soon as I was declared the winner, I knew that this would happen. I know Sōma keeps telling me that it wasn't my fault. I know that everything that happened resulted in us becoming lovers.
But it didn't stop the regret I had.
Everything that led up to this, the good and bad… was my fault. And in this moment, as I shared Sōma's loving embrace, I regretted everything. I regretted not saying anything and closing myself off. I regret those stupid words I told him that convinced him to risk his career. So many things, and even if they brought us together…
I regret all of it.
"I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry." I whispered out. I didn't care how I looked in front of everyone. This was Sōma: my saviour, my hero, my best friend. My one true love. At that moment, I only cared about my Sōma.
"It's ok…" We held each other for a bit longer, as I drenched his shirt with my tears.
"Besides," he whispered. "This isn't the end."
I was confused. I looked to him, the emotion evident in my face.
"But… this is the end of us seeing each other everyday… the end of-"
"That's fine. But I told you, it'll be ok." He smiled. "'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' That's a thing, right?" He asked, and I softy giggled through my tears.
"Yeah… I guess." He kept that radiant smile.
"See? This isn't goodbye. This is just an 'I'll see you soon'. Ok?" I nodded, and we parted, my left hand intertwining with his right.
"Well, it's been fun you guys… but I got to go." He declared to our group of friends. "I don't want to hear that anyone else had to leave, so fight on! I'll try and drop by from time to time."
We walked over to the car waiting to carry him away, listening to the well wishes and goodbyes directed at him.
As we got to the car, he gave me a peck on the lips. "Now, don't overwork yourself again. I know I set up those things to make sure that that wouldn't happen, but I don't want to hear anything bad from Hisako or Alice, ok?"
I nodded shyly. "Ok. T-thank you again, Sōma. I'll never be able to pay you back."
"Oh, it's nothing!" We shared a laugh. As we calmed, I kissed him back.
"Be sure to call when you get home, ok? I want to know that you got back safely." I whispered.
"I will. I want to hear your voice as soon as I get back." He teased, and I could only blush, hitting his shoulder lightly.
"I-idiot… stop saying things like that." I muttered, and he grinned.
"Like you'll get old of it." He countered, and I could only shake my head, a small smile etched onto my face.
"… Sōma?" His head looked to me. "… I'm sorry."
He rubbed my head again, as I moved into it. "Don't be. I'm just so happy to see you smiling. Be sure to smile for everyone, ok?" I nodded.
"Alright, I have to go." He kissed me again. "We'll talk soon, ok?"
"Ok. I love you Sōma."
"I love you too, Erina."
And then he went into the car. He waved as it started to drive off.
I could only watch as Sōma finally left. That was it. Tōtsuki's bright flame was extinguished. I let reality sink in, as I fell on my knees, crying softly. Seeing Sōma leave Tōtsuki, a place where he's shared so many memories with so many people, a place that he changed for the better was crushing. And I felt worse because I allowed this to happen.
Even so, I forced myself not to think like that. I wanted to make sure Sōma's efforts to make me smile were not wasted.
I saw Ryōko, Yuki and Megumi near me, and instead of the faces of anger I expected, I got looks of sympathy.
"I… I'm sorry everyone." I spoke through my tears. "This is all my fault."
"It's not all your fault, Erina-cchi." Yuki spoke up. "Yukihira-kun was also wrong."
"That's right, Erina-chan. Sōma-kun acted impulsively when he made that challenge to you." Ryōko added, with a comforting smile. "However, these last few days should have taught you something."
I looked at her, confused. "Taught me something? W-what could it have taught me?"
"We only heard about what was wrong with you from Sōma-kun, just now. We all care about you, Erina-chan. You don't have to hide your feelings. We're here for you." The purple-haired girl said to me.
"Yeah! We've got your back Erina-cchi! You can talk to any of us!" the bubbly orange-haired girl added.
"T-thank you everyone… I don't deserve your kindness." Everyone was so understanding after everything I did… it was really nice to hear.
"Nonsense! You're our friend, Erina-cchi!"
"We all make mistakes, Erina-chan." The girls gave me a smile. I felt better that I wasn't going to be yelled at. While I did mess up, I felt a lot happier and comfortable that I was forgiven so easily.
Through our discussion, however, someone was silent.
"T-Tadokoro-san…" I called out to the blue-haired girl, who head shot up to look at me. I could see her tear-stricken eyes, and I felt a pang of guilt once again.
"I-I'm s-so, so sorry, Tadokoro-san…" I sniffled.
I didn't know what to expect. Sure, Megumi was a very shy and timid girl, but it didn't mean she couldn't do something out of anger or sadness. She could have ran, yelled or even hit me… but I was ready for it. I was prepared to accept whatever came my way.
When I felt my body being hugged, I hesitantly opened my eyes, only to see Megumi wrapping me in a hug.
"I-I'm sorry, Nakiri-san."
Huh?
What for?
"Tadokoro-san?"
"Sōma-kun told me that he challenged you so you could de-stress. I'm so sorry that I didn't notice. I could have helped you, if I was only more attentive." She said between sniffles.
I was shocked. I didn't expect to hear apologies. It's not like I deserved it.
"N-no, it's not your fault. But… you're not angry?" I asked, very confused. She shook her head.
"No… well, maybe just a little. But I mainly feel bad that only Sōma-kun tried to help you." She said, like she was hurt that she didn't try her best to help a friend.
"I'm sorry I put everyone through this. This is just one big mess…" I said wistfully. Megumi tightened her hold.
"Nakiri-san…" she said, as I looked to her. "Just promise me one thing."
I nodded eagerly. I wanted to try and make things better. I was willing to do anything to atone for what I've done.
"Just please… don't do this again. I… I already lost Sōma-kun… I don't want to lose you too." She whispered.
I felt my heart clench.
"We're that close?"
She nodded, making me relax a bit.
"O-of course! I really respect you, Nakiri-san. And you make Sōma-kun so happy." She smiled.
"T-thank you, Tadokoro-san." I bowed to her, but she shook her head.
"N-no need for that, Nakiri-san! J-just… you can call me Megumi if you want."
"O-only if you call me Erina… Megumi." She nodded happily.
"Let's get through this year, Erina-chan. For Sōma-kun."
In this moment, I made a promise to be more open with myself, so something like this could never happen again.
"For Sōma."
After going back inside the dorm, I was back in my room, eagerly waiting for Sōma to call. We've only been gone for just a few minutes at this point, but I already miss him so much.
God, I sound like a lovestruck teenager. If this is how that feels, then I couldn't be any happier.
*Knock Knock*
"Come in!" I called, and as the door opened, I saw the pink hair of my friend.
"Hisako?"
"Hello Erina-sa-… Erina."
"Hisako? Is something the matter?" I asked. This was the first time… I think ever, that I haven't heard my friend use a suffix to call for me.
"N-no. W-why do you think that Erina-s-… Erina?"
Again, she didn't say it. I could tell that her reflex was calling to her, begging that she call me as her master.
There was only one reason this change could have happened.
"Hisako… what did Sōma tell you?"
Her face started to go red, and she was looking down.
"U-um…"
Flashback, Hisako POV
"… and I'll be forever in your debt." I said, tearing up a bit. I was so happy to see Erina-sama looking so happy. And it's all because of the man I was hugging, who gave up so much just to see her smile.
He chuckled. "Oh, it's nothing! Just promise me one thing." He leaned in closer, cupping a hand over my ear as he started to talk in a quieter tone.
"As long as you guys have known each other, Erina hated the dynamic between you and her. Even though you are her best friend, she wants more than the "master-servant" dynamic. I remember telling you that you should stand beside her. But if there's one thing I want… please, treat Erina like your friend. She doesn't want a servant as her best friend… She wants a best friend."
My eyes were gradually widening as I heard this. I didn't know she felt that way about it. God, I'm a horrible friend. But if there's one thing I can do, it's to try and treat my best friend as an actual friend. Not just to fix my relationship with Erina-s… Erina. This was also for Sōma.
I nodded eagerly. "O-ok! I promise."
"Good."
Flashback End
I had a joyous smile on my face, small tears prickling my eyes, as I heard Hisako's story. Once again, Sōma went out of his way to help not just me, but my long-time friend.
I walked slowly to her, and wrapped my arms around her.
"Hisako…" I whispered.
"Y-yes, Erina?"
"Tell Sōma that he's an idiot the next time you see him…" I tightened my embrace, feeling even better when I felt my friend's arms wrapping around me.
"… And thank him. You don't know how much I've been waiting to hear that from you." I smiled, and simply let the responding 'thank you' hang in the air, as I relished in our renewed and repaired friendship.
Chapter End
A/N: Hello Everyone!
School is winding down (for the semester, joy), so I wanted to get this chapter out to you guys.
Honestly, I don't know how to feel about this chapter. Don't know why I'm feeling some doubt, but it's not as strong to me as the last chapter or the chapter before it. But it did hit on all the points I wanted to for this part, so I hope you enjoy it!
Speaking of, please leave a review! I would really love to see what you guys thought of this. Anything at all, drop a review, and I'll be glad to respond!
Also, about that last part I put in last AN, about this being the last chapter…
Yeah, no.
There's one more time I want to hit on before the epilogue.
In other words…
One more chapter is incoming! It might be obvious as to what time I want to hit on, but if you don't know…
Well, you'll see. ;)
But yeah! One more chapter, epilogue, done! (I say for the second time in this story :p)
Not much more to say, so…
Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you again!
Night Changes Ch 8: I'll See You Soon - Uploaded 11.27.2017
(Guest Review:
Jules: Hello again!
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, and I appreciate the kind words.
While yes, Soma can't cook professionally anymore, he can still cook at home. Hopefully a future story will be the daily lives of the two after marriage (because there's no way in hell that they won't get married in this universe I created), which will have Soma cooking food for his beautiful wife!
I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, although I'm not too sure how it came out. And to expand on your last point... I'll think of something. :))