Soma Yukihira, a 17 year old boy with spiked up red hair and yellow eyes, wearing the school uniform of Totsuki High School that he's on his way to by foot, backpack on and hands in his trouser pockets. He enjoyed the beautiful day, shame he has to miss it because of school.

Suddenly a girl with blond hair and purple eyes pushed him from behind, wearing the same school uniform as he with a skirt instead of trousers and different style shoes. Her name is Erina Nakiri, also 17 years old and rival of Soma. Erina is always in first of everything while Soma is second. She rudely said after he recovers from a stumble. "You're in my way."

Soma asks in confusion, after half turning to make eye contact. "Why did you push me like that?"

Instead of an answer, Erina walks on with pride, leaving Soma to mumble. "Geez. Why is she always so cold to me?" Since there's no one to gain an explanation from, the redhead shrugs it off before he continues on his way, being sure to keep his distance from the blonde up ahead.

Totsuki High School

School starts and Soma is sat next to Erina in their assigned classroom, the former able to make conversation while the teacher isn't looking. "Hey, Nakiri. What are you doing after school today?"

Erina replies with eyes forward. "It's none of your business."

Their small chatter reached their teachers ears, a reason to turn round to call them out. "Silence! Yukihira and Nakiri, stand outside the room while holding a bucket of water for the duration of class."

Time goes forward to the final bell ring, a signal for everyone to go home unless they have club activities.

Soma and Erina walked together, going the same way that made the former smirk. "You always seem to follow me home."

Erina scoffs, head turned to avoid his expression. "I'm not following you. I just want to meet Saiba-sama."

A fake pouted Soma said. "I thought you wanted to spend time with me."

Erina responds, now looking at him enraged. "No way would I ever spend time with someone like you! Because of you the teacher punished me!"

Soma spoke up in defense, both hands held up at front. "It wasn't my fault!"

Soma and Erina arrived at Restaurant Yukihira where it was packed as usual thanks to delicious food made by its highly skilled owner.

Passing people to be served or eating, Soma calls out. "I'm home!"

Saiba Joichiro, father of Soma and owner of Restaurant Yukihira, hurriedly said while at work, attired in uniform. "Soma, can you handle the customers!"

Soma said. "Okay!" immediately going for a notepad and pen to take orders after his schoolbag was put away.

Joichiro says after noticing who entered with his son. "Oh, Erina-chan is here. Hey, Soma, give her a chair!"

As said boy did so by cleaning a vacant area at the counter, Erina blushed, though didn't accept. "Thank you, Saiba-sama…"

Erina spoke her reason to not accept the offered chair, a successful attempt at not being nervous. "Saiba-sama, I want to cook in the restaurant today."

Joichiro didn't see a problem with it. "Okay, Erina-chan. Soma, help her get setup."

Unlike Joichiro, Soma thought opposite, though had no choice but to accept. "Okay, but Nakiri isn't my boss."

The rest of their busy day came to an end, all customers are gone, only occupants left are Soma and Erina since Joichiro departed earlier to rest, both teens offered to cleanup. After it was all taken cared of, Soma asks. "Do you want me to walk you home?"

Despite their differences, Erina didn't allow his kind gesture go to waste. "Okay."

Once they got outside they found night had gotten chilly, not enough to need coats though. Soma and Erina walked the empty streets in silence, a car passed by now and then to ruin it until Erina decided to curiously ask out of the blue. "Are you afraid of ghosts?"

Confused at first, Soma answers anyway. "I never thought that much about it really."

Nearly to their destination, wind started to blow all of a sudden followed by a storm where thunder boomed and lightning struck a tree.

Erina screamed, blindly going for Soma's arm to hold onto tightly. It made him blush as her chest rubs against it, also blood circulation may cease should her hold increase. "Nakiri, you're holding me a bit tight."

Erina blushed before pushing Soma away, being a first time this happened between them. It is now Soma notices Erina has grown to become a beautiful girl, a reason why his heart began to speed up. Not just that, Soma also noticed Erina's shirt is soaked, transparent enough to show her bra, reason why a deeper blush formed.

Unfortunately Erina saw, at first confused till her eyes went to where his are focused on. She hastily turned away, mentally wishing she buttoned her blazer earlier instead of doing so now. "Don't stare at me like that, Yukihira!"

Although still red, Soma tried to avoid further embarrassment by laughing it off. "Nakiri, you're totally wet!"

Not a wise move to make because a still mad Erina spun round to say, blazer now blocking the view of her chest. "Stop it!"

Doing so, Soma waves as he turns to walk away. "Okay, your home is up ahead anyway. Take care, Nakiri."

Seeing that he's right, Erina mutters. "Thanks." Being on her way to a fancy styled house, knowing what's to come if her father's home.

Nakiri Mansion

Azami Nakiri, father of Erina, sat waiting for his daughter in the living room, chair positioned so he'd have a good view of the foyer. Hearing the door open, he frowns as Erina enters. "Why are you so late?" He spoke in an angry voice.

"I'm sorry, father." Erina replied apologetically, a brave face shown despite being nervous. Drops of rain dripped onto the floor, her soaked appearance going ignored.

Azami had a hunch, not going to keep to himself. "It's that red haired boy, correct?" He hates Soma because he believes he'll ruin Erina life. Azami wants Erina to pass her exams, enter a top university and take over the Nakiri family business.

Although not actual friends with Soma, Erina wasn't going to allow him to take blame. "No, it's my fault!"

Azami wasn't going to allow it. "No excuses! Now go to bed, you have lots of work tomorrow."

Tears formed before Erina ran to her room, collapsing face down on her bed and cried the entire time until sleep took over, one last thought made while sobbing. "Why was I born into this family…?"

The Next Day

Erina was walking to school at a steady pace, tired and still depressed from last night, although something else seemed not right.

Soma passed by Erina, noticing she looked very tired that it made him ask out of concern. "Hey, want happened?"

Face red, tired expression and the way she is breathing along with sweat she just wiped off, it gave off signs of a cold, though unsure how bad it is. It made Soma think. 'It had to have been last night's rain?'

Soma stopped them after taking hold of Erina hand. "Nakiri, you're not well. You should go home and rest today'

Erina's head shook. "I don't want to go home… It's like hell to me…" Her vision blurred before she fainted, Soma being quick to catch her.

Some that saw stopped to see if help is needed, but the red haired student kindly denied, saying that he's a friend and he can take care of it. After thanking them, Soma worked to get Erina on his back with help. Since she didn't want to go home, only one other place came to mind.

Soma says with a gentle smile. "I guess neither of us are going to school today."

Restaurant Yukihira: Soma's Bedroom

Purple eyes open to an unfamiliar room, a bedroom to be precise due to a quilt over her and a soft pillow beneath her head. Confused, Erina began to sit up till a pair hands were on her shoulders.

It turned out to be Soma, smiling in relief at her being awake. "Stay lying down, Nakiri."

Still confused, Erina asks with a blush that can be mistaken as part of the fever diagnosed earlier. "Why?" clearly forgotten how she ended up in this predicament

Soma replied while gently laying her back down. "To rest. You fainted along the way to school because of a fever, so I brought you to my place since you didn't want to go home. I was able to give you medicine, best to have more later."

With that explained, Erina allowed to be laid down due to still being tired, and Soma observed for a while after her eyes closed, a single thought to describe what he is seeing. 'Asleep like an angel.'

Some time later, Erina is sat up in bed, rested but not over being sick. She almost couldn't believe Soma of all people helped her since they're not technically friends, but doing so added with last nights memory in the rain made her blush before the redhead opened the door.

It made Soma smile at her being awake, though a little concerned at her redness. "Hey, do you need more medicine? You're still a bit red."

Erina shook her head. "I'm fine, baka."

Deciding to change the subject, Soma asked after taking a seat at his desk. "Nakiri, do you remember when we first met? You looked like a selfish princess to me." unable to help the small laugh that escaped before he continues, ignoring her glare. "I remember it very clearly. You came into our restaurant with your grandfather and ordered a lot, treating me like a servant."

Erina replied. "No, I was just a kid."

Soma didn't mind her response and added. "It's been ten years since our first meeting."

Erina let it slip out a little. "Yes, and you're stupider now than you were then." Proven she did remember some at least.

Although the first he allowed, Soma wasn't going to with that insult. "And you're still a rude princess who knows only eating and shopping."

Erina had enough of being in his presence. "Thank you for taking care of me, I feel better enough to leave. Goodbye, Yukihira." She got out of bed, grabbed her bag spotted earlier and left after putting on her shoes without running into Joichiro.

Once she got to the houses porch, Erina took a deep breath before she entered, her father coming down the stairs, a book in hand. He stops to stare at Erina, eyes closed before said. "My dear daughter, take care of yourself."

After he departed for the living room for a read, a confused Erina went to her bedroom, deeply nervous on why Azami didn't punish her.

The Next Day

Everyone was seated after their teacher entered and took his spot at the desk. "I have been told to give an important announcement. Some students will get the opportunity to gain a scholarship to study abroad, and they will transfer this week."

He allowed those that are in shock time to recover, Soma and Erina being two of them. At the end of class a sheet of paper got placed on a notice board at the back wall, having everyone go up to search for their name.

Soma saw his wasn't there, but he did see Erina's. 'Erina is going to transfer to a university in France?' sadness can be felt along with a slight pain in his heart.

When he looked at said girl behind him she seemed to be in shock. It made him ask out of concern. "Are you okay?"

Instead of a verbal answer she balled both fists then ran out of the classroom. Soma gave chase, being faster to catch up and grab her hand. "Hey, what was that about?"

Erina replied, already figured it out. "It wasn't the schools decision to make, it was my fathers! He hates you, in belief you'll ruin everything he has plans for me in order to gain the family business. Thinking it's best to send me to another country since being here isn't a good thing." Tears fell continuously, adding after turning round to embrace him. "I don't want to leave."

Although it pains him to say it, Soma did so anyway. "Maybe this opportunity is best for you."

It made her very angry that she pushed Soma hard it made him stumble to the floor, making him nervous at her scowl and strong glare. "I thought you understood me after ten years." Leaving him there as she turns to run away.

5 Days Later: Restaurant Yukihira

Both haven't talked since that day, it made people at school worry yet gave them space to sort it out themselves unless they it need to step in.

Joichiro is one of those people, finally asking Soma while they work. "Do you know why Erina stopped coming over?"

In a cold tone of voice, Soma replies. "Maybe she doesn't like this restaurant anymore."

Brow raised, Jochiro said. "You look like a fool, son."

Soma replied in admittance. "Maybe I am…" ending their talk by departing for his bedroom without another word said between them.

Soma's Bedroom

Soma laid on his bed, eyes on the ceiling with hands behind his head, remembering Erina being sick and he gave her his bed to sleep on. With a smile, he thought. 'I can still smell Nakiri.'

It didn't take long to occur to him there's only 2 days left for Erina till she leaves. He didn't want things to end the way they did at school, therefore Soma had to see her despite it being night some time ago.

Nakiri Mansion

Soma left the restaurant without a word to his father, running the whole way till his legs got tired. He didn't knock until breath returned, but after doing so nobody answered. Soma waited a bit before he tried again, a third time after that to gain no response still. Impatient, he tried yelling. "Please open the door, Nakiri, I want to see you!"

Finally he received a response by the door suddenly opening, and what Soma saw took his breath away. Erina stood attired in a beautiful, light purple night gown that went well with her eyes.

Not happy at him disturbing the peace, she asks. "Why are you here at this time yelling at my door?"

Soma gave a sigh of relief, glad she answered instead of someone else despite her mood.

Arms folded, Erina said. "I thought you didn't care about me."

Eyes down, a guilty Soma apologized. "Sorry, Nakiri "

Since he came all this way in an exhausted state, Erina didn't want him to go without rest. "Come in. Nobody else is here so you can rest for a while."

As both entered, Soma took notice of the interior as they go upstairs. "You have a nice home."

Erina replied, not proud or thrilled to boast. "It's big and empty, like me…"

Instead of a guest room, Erina took Soma to hers. It has furniture and decorated like a girls room should be, but it has no lights on and deathly quiet as if from a horror movie. Soma couldn't help but ask. "Why is your room dark?"

Erina replies while taking a seat on the bed after turning on a lamp on the nightstand. "It's like my life, empty with no joy. When I was a kid I never thought life gave out happiness, but after I met you, you made everything different. Now I'm leaving so my life will go back into darkness… I wish we never met, that way I wouldn't feel way."

Although sad to hear that last part, Soma let out a fake laugh. "Sounds like you're not going to miss me, huh?"

He regrets it because it may have been why Erina burst into tears. He took a seat next to her so he can embrace the girl, not being rejected by how tight she returned it. He said softly while a hand strokes her hair. "Tears don't suit you, Erina."

They stayed like that for a while till it was time to separate a little, eyes now staring lovingly into one another without releasing their grip. Erina asks. "Will you kiss me, Soma?"

Said redhead did so by going for her cheek, inching his way till their lips met, eyes closed as they enjoy the passionate feel. For Erina, although a big step to take, didn't want it to end with just a kiss.

It confused Soma when she broke it, a little breath still in them to continue. His explanation came without words, resulting in being stunned as Erina got up to remove her nightgown, only undergarment on are violet underwear. Although red in the face that matched his hair, Soma didn't look away, finding her body irresistible to do so as light from the lamp helped add to the allure.

Nightgown dropped, a blushing Erina returned to her spot, took Soma's hand to place where her heart is that's going at a fast pace. "That's how you make me feel right now."

Still speechless, the teen looked from his hands position to her eyes, seeing in them they reflect what she feels. Words were not needed as they went through an unforgettable night that'll lead to happy times for how long they have left before Erina.

When that time came they stood outside the mansion where he wanted to personally say goodbye. Yesterday, since she accepted to go abroad for better education away from distractions, her father allowed Erina to be with friends after her belongings were packed. It was a tearful farewell from those that weren't able to hold their emotions in, but a good party regardless held at Restaurant Yukihira, Joichiro having closed it to make it a private one. When it came to it being alone time for Soma and Erina they made it best as possible.

Now they stood with smiles, knowing this isn't goodbye forever. A car waited by the road, driver not going to interfere to remind Erina of how long they have left.

Though she didn't want to say it, it must be said. "Goodbye."

Soma's response came as a reminder. "Not forever though, right?"

A verbal reply didn't come, but her smile was enough, although she did start to cry that made Soma comment after a small chuckle. "Come on, don't cry, Erina. You look awful like that."

Eyes being wiped, Erina said, still smiling. "You still know nothing about girls."

Soma grins. "Maybe you're right, I know nothing about girls. All I need to know is everything about you."

Blush ignored and eyes closed, Erina playfully insults him. "You are a dummy."

Moving in close, he gently cups her chin. "I love you though." before a kiss is initiated that she humbly accepts, both hands on the back of his neck.

Breathless after they parted, she said with her on his shoulder. "There's still time to change my mind."

Soma thought of a couple reasons out loud to reject that suggestion "I know, but this is important to you. Also your dad will kill me if he finds out I'm the reason you decided to stay. But don't worry, we'll meet again after you come back, I can promise that. Who knows, maybe I can convince your father to like me to keep me busy."

A good laugh is shared for both before Erina said. "That's a challenge an idiot would attempt."

With a grin, Soma jokingly asks. "Isn't that what you call me a lot?"

Another laugh is shared, this one short due to it being time. Unfortunately it waits for nobody in real life unlike worlds of fantasy, so after one last kiss Soma assists her into the cars back seat. Making a promise to stay in contact through social media or letters, the car began to drive off to the airport, leaving Soma to pocket his hands and continue to smile, one thing being said.

"I'll be waiting… Erina."

Time had gone where everyone is now in adulthood, each finding their place in life or aim to get qualifications to get there. For Erina it was longer than expected, but she pulled through thanks to support from friends back home, especially her boyfriend Soma. Her body grew into a model like figure, hair still long and is wearing a white buttoned shirt, black skirt and heels. It got a lot male attention, unfortunately for them she admitted to be in a relationship. Long distance couples don't normally work out, but Soma and Erina were able to keep theirs going for years.

Now back in Japan, Erina went to see Soma who still works and lives at Restaurant Yukihira. After she arrived, it was easy to notice some changes made, also in magazines how popular it has become. There was even a back to back picture of father and son in a pose, a knife in one hand for Joichiro and Soma with a prepared plate in his.

When she got inside there were a lot of customers that it's a good thing an expanded room became one improvement to allow more tables and chairs, though it meant buying next door to make it happen. Fortunately they were relocating their business to another part of the city, a reasonable deal worked to make it happen.

Erina spotted Joichiro come out of the kitchen to serve a couple, both smiled after he noticed she is at the door. After plates were put on their table, he kindly told them to enjoy before going over to greet the young woman.

"It's good to see you came back safe." He politely said, embracing Erina who happily returns it. After separating he adds. "My son wouldn't shut up after you told him when you're coming home."

At the mention of Soma, Erina assumed he was in the kitchen since he isn't helping customers, though couldn't see him in there either, thus asks. "How come I don't see him anywhere?"

Arms folded, Jochiro replied. "Last week he got annoying, so I suggested he go see a friend of mine in Hokaido to learn a few cooking skills. Should be back today if he remembers your return. You know how he can be."

Erina became sad he isn't present to welcome her. It made Joichiro gain an idea to cheer her up. "Hey, if you're not in a rush, grab an apron and give me a hand. I remember that used to get you excited, unless that's changed."

Although studying was a main focus, time was taken to gain cooking skills of her own like Soma, that way Erina can be ready for something like this. So with a smile, she agrees to help while waiting for the man she loves.

…

Soma stood on a bridge in deep thought, attired in blue jeans, white shoes and t-shirt, a grey jacket over it. A case in one hand that holds his knives, the other holds the strap of a light blue duffel bag that contains clothes and a few souvenirs.

A smile went out to the view for what he mentally said. 'I wonder if you're back, Erina.' Soma chose to rest at home for a bit before going to find out instead of call. It wasn't easy to get on Azami's good side, tough to find to begin with, the man actually admired Soma's perseverance without admittance, especially at one particular part.

He dug into his jacket pocket to bring out a closed red box, its content being a symbol of another step in life ready to be taken. That is if she accepts, but he has no lack of confidence thanks to support from friends and father that helped plan it out. Putting it back, Soma breathed in deep, unable to wait see the look on Erina's face after asked, unbeknownst the visitor that waits for him at home as he began his walk.

Their relationship didn't start out as friendly, but it doesn't have to because love has a funny way for a person to find his/her special someone. It could lead them down a path of problems like everyone else goes through, and if fate is kind they go through marriage that'll eternally bind them, lead to children to carry on their name as they grow up in life similarly as their parents to a point they explore their own love life.

While apart it wasn't easy at first for Soma and Erina, but a routine was sorted for online chats and holiday visits were made to make their relationship keep going until her permanent return. Now Soma is ready to take the next step, forever to be with the one he loves until his last breath.

The End!