"The room number is on the back of the key," Fumio said, handing it to Soma. "Welcome to Polar Star Dormitory, brat."
Soma pocketed the key and smiled. "Thanks, Fumio-san. I'm looking forward to staying here."
Fumio smiled. "You should put down your belongings in your room while you still have the chance. Your dorm mates will want to meet you soon. As a word of warning, they're quite the rowdy group, so don't say I didn't warn you."
"I'm sure it's nothing I can't handle," he said, grinning. "They probably want to tear my head off for my speech at the opening ceremony today."
'Like father, like son,' Fumio thought to herself. 'Making such quality food with limited ingredients. You are definitely the son of Asura, Yukihira Soma. Will this be the second resurgence of the Golden Age?'
With a quick wave to the dorm mother, he walked up the stairs wondering just how strange his new dorm might be. He had gotten trampled by what appeared to be a wild boar when he opened the main door, and the second floor was filled with smoke, which caused Fumio to yell into one of the pipes leading to the person responsible.
'Polar Star Dormitory,' Soma thought, 'The place where Pops stayed. Let's see...Room 302...Room 303."
Stopping in front of his room, he fished out his room key and went inside.
Not bothering to turn on the lights, Soma threw his bag on a nearby chair and immediately jumped onto the twin-sized bed. Resting his head on the pillow, thoughts of the events today swirled back into mind. He closed his eyes, revisiting those memories that he had put off. Senzaemon had introduced him to the rest of the 92nd generation — the transfer student who was able to gain the headmaster's approval. The students, realizing that he was a worthy opponent and not just a random chef who made it in by luck, had whispered to themselves how strong his culinary skills might be.
And then his introduction.
My name is Yukihira Soma. To be honest, this school is nothing but a stepping stone to me. My transfer here was kind of unexpected but I don't plan to lose to people who have never even stood in front of a customer.
So what I want to say is, if you have got what it takes to beat me and my experience from cooking in a real environment, I will accept any challenge that any of you throw at me. Otherwise, you would all be competing for second place. That is all.
His words had shocked the entire student body, many of which gave him a deadly stare and shouted challenges towards him. The headmaster himself had an amused look from his declaration and nodded his approval.
'No regrets,' Soma thought, 'Gramps did mention that the mediocre and the inept are sacrificed to hone the final one percent. What better way to prove myself by challenging the entire year?'
He was also intrigued by a pretty silver-haired girl that gave him a radiant smile and wink after his speech. She had a mischievous look in her eyes, and he had smiled back at her when he walked off the stage, ignoring the shouts and jeers from the crowd. It wasn't until he told Hisako about the girl, that he realized it was none other than Nakiri Alice.
'Another Nakiri,' Soma sighed. 'How can two people with the Nakiri name have such a sharp contrast to one another?'
Soma opened his eyes and got out of bed. He allowed his thoughts to think of the other girl. He had let his emotions play out against Nakiri Erina, and stormed away before she had a chance to speak. Feeling the darkness outside envelop him, Soma wondered if he had made a mistake. He should have known better than letting his self-control break. This isn't who he is, not how he was taught when he grew up.
He was pulled out of his thoughts when he felt a vibration from his coat pocket. Taking out his phone, he smiled slightly at the caller ID.
'Hisako.'
Swiping to connect the call, Soma greeted her.
"Hey Hisako," he said.
"Hey yourself. How did the test go? I can bring a sleeping bag if you failed the dorm mother's trial" she said teasingly.
"Oh come on, give me a break, Hisako!" Soma shook his head, "Of course I passed it, I made a mackerel burger with next to no ingredients. Made her lose her mind."
"Hm? Lose her mind?" she asked questioningly. "What did she do?"
"Uh...well...she tried to kiss me," Soma said, the thought of what had almost happened making him shudder slightly.
Soma heard Hisako choke and stared at his phone in amusement.
"What! What do you mean, she tried to kiss you?" she asked, still coughing over the phone.
"Well, I don't know how to explain it. One moment she was taking a bite from my dish, and then the next moment, I found myself screaming as she got closer and.." Soma trailed off when he heard giggles coming from the speaker.
"It's not funny. Things like that tend to scar people for life, you know." Soma muttered.
"It's kind of funny,"
"It's not." he sighed when he heard her laughing. He can tell she's imagining the scene.
"It is."
"It's not! Oh..wait hang on! Do you want to come over? Fumio-san said that the rest of the dorm wants to celebrate me joining Polar Star! You can join us, I am sure they would like to meet you too!" Soma said excitedly
"Why are you people having a party on a weekday?" Hisako questioned incredulously, "It's almost 9 PM, and we have classes tomorrow!"
"Come on! When was the last time you ever went to a party? You would love it!" Soma exclaimed.
There was silence on the other line.
"Like never. I don't remember the last time that I went to anything like a party. Maybe banquets or formal meetings. You don't have a chance for those when you are an aide." Hisako responded, her tone dejected.
"Then you should come, you will enjoy it. I promise!", Soma said.
A sigh came from the phone. "Fine. I should be able to get a driver to give me a ride there. Meet you outside your dorm in...half an hour?" she asked.
"Sure! See you Hishoko!", Soma grinned when he heard a huff of annoyance.
"Stop calling me Hishoko. Ugh never mind. I will see you soon Yukihira." Hisako disconnected the call.
Soma gaped when he saw a black luxury sedan pull up to the dorm.
'Damn, and to think I only have a moped. Then again, this is the Nakiri name we are talking about.' he thought.
Waving away the driver, he extended a hand to the girl after pulling open the door.
"Milady," Soma said in a mocking tone.
"Idiot." Hisako gave a small smile and took his hand, stepping out of the vehicle.
Soma watched Hisako nod to the driver and informed him she will call when she's done. He noticed the anticipation in her eyes when she turned back to face him. Glad that he was able to convince her to come, Soma can't help but grin slightly when she got closer.
"Come on in, Fumio-san is waiting for you," he said, pushing open the main doors.
The two teens entered the building, where Fumio was waiting for them at the dining hall.
"Ah, you must be Arato Hisako. Yukihira told me that you will be visiting, please make yourself at home and stay for the party." Fumio said.
"Thank you, Fumio-san. I will try not to be too much of a bother," responded Hisako, bowing to the dorm mother.
Fumio nodded approvingly at Hisako's polite manner, "Yukihira can learn something from you about manners. I believe he called me an old bat earlier, the boy is just like his father."
Soma spluttered, "That's because you were trying to kiss me! It's not like I would call you that out of the blue, Fumio-san!"
"No excuses, boy! Keep him in check, Arato, otherwise, he will get into trouble. The rest of these brats are in Room 205. Let me know if you need anything." said Fumio.
Soma grabbed Hisako's wrist.
"Let's go! It's time to celebrate my entry into Polar Star!"
With a mischievous expression, he pulled Hisako up the stairs.
"Soma! I can walk there myself!" Hisako shouted.
"You would take too long!"
Fumio watched the two disappear and smiled slightly.
'Kids these days. If I didn't know any better, I would think they are more than just friends'
"Soma, wait," Hisako said quietly.
Soma felt her wrist tense and looked back at her. Hisako was looking at him, her expression conflicted.
"Yeah? What's wrong?" he said.
"I am wondering whether this is a good idea," she muttered, "I haven't been to a party before, remember?"
Soma shook his head, "You are overthinking things, Hisako. It's a party, not a place where you have to prove to people that you belong."
Hisako looked away, "You are right. It's just that this is something new to me…" her voice trailed off.
Soma gazed at her, waiting for her to collect her thoughts.
Hisako looked back at him, "This is strange to me. I was always content in walking behind Erina-sama and providing whatever she needs."
She took another breath, "I have never really thought of anything else that I want to do other than tend to her needs. Nor have I done anything that Erina-sama hasn't done. Parties included."
"This is not something I should be doing." she gestured to her surroundings.
Soma met her stare, "Why does it matter what you do, when it's your own time?" he asked.
Hisako replied, "As Erina-sama's aide, it's a priority to put her needs ahead of my own, I can't be out having fun if she suddenly nee-"
"And since when can an aide not be allowed to do things that they want?" he interrupted firmly. "There are enough people on the Nakiri payroll that already stand behind them and do their every bidding. You don't need to be one of them."
Her eyes widened in surprise, "What are you saying, Soma?"
Soma looked at her, "I am saying you should change yourself. Stop standing behind Nakiri. Stand beside her, as an equal."
He can see Hisako open her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She had a shocked expression on her face from what Soma said.
Soma continued, "I think she would rather you stand beside her as a friend. Someone that she can rely on and think for herself, instead of someone that follows her every whim. Wouldn't that be better?"
The two shared a look, and he could see Hisako shaking her head, before giving him a soft smile.
He scratched his head, "Also, maybe just call her Erina, instead of Erina-sama. It sounds weird when you keep calling her that. Think you can start calling me Soma-sama as well? Has a nice ring to it." he gave her a quick smirk.
Hisako gave him a playful nudge.
"Not a chance. I will keep what you said in mind, Soma. Thank you" she said, smiling lightly.
"So...party?" Soma gestured towards the room just ahead and grinned when Hisako nodded.
Soma knocked on the door for Room 205. It was immediately flung open — an amber-haired girl greeted the both of them.
"Welcome! Come in!" the girl squealed, pulling the both of them in.
"Hey, all! Thanks for the invite." Soma grinned, "I am the new transfer student here at Totsuki, Yukihira Soma, nice to meet all of you. I hope we can get along well together!"
A spectacled boy nodded, and adjusted his glasses, "Considering you just challenged the entire student body, you are more relaxed than I anticipated. If it was me, I would have died from the pressure", he said and introduced himself as Zenji Marui.
A girl with fuchsia hair giggled. "That's with everything you do, Zenji. Welcome to Polar Star Soma-kun! My name is Ryoko Sakaki" She gave the two visitors a quick smile.
The amber-haired girl cut in enthusiastically, "And I am Yuki Yoshino! Let me introduce you to the rest of them! This emotionless person," she pointed towards an auburn-haired boy who nodded at the introduction "is Shun Ibusaki."
"These two.." she continued, pointing at two boys that looked like they are ready to fight each other, "are Daigo Aoki and Shoji Sato."
"And this" she gestured to a blue-haired girl, "is Megumi Tadokoro."
Catching Soma's eye, Megumi gave a timid smile, almost like it was forced. There was a sadness in her eyes, and Soma can tell that something was off. Resisting the urge to ask her, he opted to give Megumi a warm smile, while making a mental note to keep an eye out on her later.
Noticing Hisako standing shyly behind him, Ryoko addressed Soma. "Um Soma, aren't you forgetting someone," she said, smiling at the girl behind him.
"Oh! Everyone, meet Arato Hisako, my first friend here at Totsuki! She may look scary, but she's approachable once you know her better!", Soma said with a laugh and was promptly nudged hard by Hisako.
"Hello everyone. A pleasure to be your acquaintance. I look forward to knowing all of you" Hisako bowed her head in greeting. Everyone looked slightly taken aback by the formal greeting.
"Hey Hisako, you don't have to be so formal, we are all friends here", said Soma amusedly.
"He's right," Ryoko smiled warmly "Any friend of a Polar Star is a friend with all of us. You are welcome to join any of our get-togethers, Hisako!". Everyone else nodded in agreement.
"Follow me, Hisako-cchi! Try some of Ryoko's rice juice!" Yuki grabbed Hisako's arm and dragged her away, pointing at various snacks the dormmates had made "And some of Shun's smoked cheese and jerky. Oh! Or Daigo's fried vegetables!"
"W-What! Um, yes..of course," Hisako stuttered, taken aback by Yuki's enthusiasm. Soma can tell that she was flustered by the nickname Yuki had used and wondered what she would do to him if he called her Hisako-cchi. The thought was enough for him to chuckle while he watched her being pulled around by the enthusiastic Yuki.
Soma saw Hisako gaze at him, the expression on her face radiant with warmth. Giving her a grin, he nodded back at her and watched her refocus her attention on Yuki, who was happily pouring a cup of rice juice for her.
'See? It was the right choice coming here' he thought.
The celebration lasted long into the night, with highlights ranging from Shoji and Daigo breaking Zenji's bookshelf and Shun, at Yuki's insistence, trying Soma's new dish. The dish, which was a combination of squid legs covered in honey and black sesame, had completely overwhelmed Shun, and he laid passed out on Zenji's bed.
"Looks like the party's finally dying down," chuckled Soma, gesturing at the still figures of Shoji, Daigo, and Zenji, who had all fallen asleep fixing the bookshelf.
"And she looks asleep too", Ryoko pointed at Yuki, who was leaning against the bed, snoring softly.
Soma looked over at Hisako, "Think we will be fine for class tomorrow?", a slight grin on his face.
Hisako checked her phone, "It's almost midnight, I should start heading back to the mansion soon. Wouldn't want to start the first lesson with an E grade due to lack of sleep."
Megumi, who was sitting quietly during the entire party, went red from Hisako's words. Noticing the change, Soma looked at her with a concerned expression. He leaned forward and addressed Megumi.
"Hey Megumi, you okay?" he asked.
"I- It's nothing, Soma-kun. Please forgive me, I think I am going to turn in for the night too," Megumi stammered. She quickly excused herself from the three.
"Was it something I said?" Hisako said anxiously, her expression clouded with worry.
Ryoko shook her head, "You wouldn't have known, Hisako. Megumi hasn't been doing well in her cooking tests. The school board sent her a letter that her grades are unsatisfactory, which means…" she faltered, lost in thought.
Soma scratched his head in confusion, "Which means what? Detention? Summer school?"
Hisako looked at him, exasperated. "Expulsion, Yukihira. The next unsatisfactory grade will mean immediate expulsion for her".
'Oh.'
Why was he even surprised? Senzaemon mentioned that 99% of the 92nd generation are sacrificed to hone the remaining one percent. It never occurred to him that the 99% may include people in this dorm.
"Let me go talk to her," Soma said. "I have a way with words that will be sure to get her back on her feet!"
Hisako rolled her eyes, "Soma, you told the entire student body today that they are stepping stones. And you dare say you have a way with words?" She gave him an annoyed glare, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"Ah, right," Ryoko giggled. "I nearly forgot about that, you definitely have a way with words."
"He had three different versions of notes given to him during the ceremony that he could have used for his introduction," said Hisako, shaking her head.
"Soma-kun, you had that? What made you think that saying, good luck being in second place, was the best option?" Ryoko asked incredulously.
Hisako nodded, "That's why I called him an idi-"
"Idiot." Ryoko finished.
The two girls shared an amused look before giggling together. Shaking his head, Soma raised his hands in mock surrender before smiling sheepishly.
"I suppose it could have gone better," Soma said "But knowing me, I would have said something else to annoy everyone anyway."
He paused. "So what about Megumi?"
He saw Ryoko shaking her head, "She needs time to herself. The only thing we can do is to be there for her, and help when needed. Megumi is a great chef, she just has stage fright when cooking."
"But," Ryoko continued thoughtfully, "Maybe you can help. Soma-kun. You don't have anything like that, today's ceremony was proof of that", she winked at him, "Show me your schedule."
Ryoko studied his and Megumi's schedules, and Soma saw her relax and smile slightly.
"Well," Ryoko said, "It seems that you are in a majority of Megumi's cooking classes. Maybe you can partner up with her, she could use the confidence boost." She looked at him expectantly,
Soma chuckled, "I am pretty sure I will have difficulty finding a partner for those classes, with the speech I gave. I will partner with her, assuming she's willing."
Hisako gave him a teasing look, "I am more worried about you failing the theoretical classes, Soma. You seem to be the type of person to sleep in class."
He smirked back at her, "That's why we are friends, Hisako. I know you will help me in passing those."
"Oh?" Hisako looked at him innocently "And why would I want to do that?"
"Well, obviously, you don't want me expelled for failing a culinary theory course." Soma grinned. "And, it's not like you are the only one I can ask. Ryoko here can help me!"
Ryoko gave him a sly look, "Hm, I don't know about that. Why would I want to help someone that treats me as a stepping stone."
"That's right." Hisako said playfully, "We would rather have this someone be in second place. Right Ryoko?"
"Right." The two girls shared a mischievous look.
Soma scowled at the two girls, "You two are never letting that go huh."
"Never," they said, in unison.
"Figures," Soma muttered.
The three stared at each other, amused, before breaking into laughter.
The three chatted for another hour before Hisako indicated that it was time for her to leave. Soma watched as she wished Ryoko a good night and exchanged contact information before she excused herself from the room to give her driver a call.
Soma gave Ryoko a grin, "Mind if I keep her company? I will come back to clean up."
She returned his smile, "Take your time, I will put blankets on these sleepyheads for now."
Soma nodded and left the room. Hisako was standing a few meters away, talking to the driver on her phone. She disconnected the call when he walked nearer.
"He will be here in around 25 minutes," Hisako said, stifling her yawn.
"It must be nice to have a driver on standby, even at 1 in the morning." Soma chuckled. Hisako gave a reluctant giggle at his comment.
"It's not intentional, I lost track of time," She shook her head, "I can't remember the last time I stayed out this late."
The two teens stepped out of the dormitory. The moon shone brightly, illuminating the night sky. With the dormitory being far away from Totsuki and the city lights, an endless amount of stars twinkled brightly overhead, while the sound of crickets can be heard. The sight was enough to stop them both in their tracks.
Soma heard Hisako sigh in contentment from the view.
"You do know that you can see this every time you visit the dormitory", said Soma. "It's not like this will disappear."
Hisako smiled, "Nothing wrong with enjoying the moment, Soma."
Soma stood next to Hisako, staring at the blinking stars — both falling into a comfortable silence.
"I used to do a lot of stargazing back at Yukihira's," Soma said softly. He can feel Hisako glance over at him. He continued, "I think I might start doing that again soon, to be honest."
"Why?" Hisako asked.
"Stars are great listeners. It gives me a chance to reflect, reminisce, to clear my head. And unlike the people here at Totsuki, they won't judge you for who you are," he said, still looking at the sky
Hisako looked at him softly, 'Again with his straightforwardness...but at least he doesn't lie about his emotions'.
She returned her gaze towards those shimmering lights, "Well, if you ever need company, just ask. I will try to make time whenever possible." she said gently.
Soma felt his mood lift from her words. He thought about how far they had come since they first met.
A nagging thought came back to Soma's mind. He didn't want to ask Hisako the entire night for fear that it would ruin the mood. Running a hand through his hair, Soma felt uneasiness wash over him. He turned his gaze towards the nearby forest, debating whether he should follow through with his thoughts. Shaking his head slowly, he took a deep breath and addressed Hisako.
"I am surprised you didn't ask," he said.
"About?"
"Nakiri. You must have known that something happened between us at the ceremony." Soma looked at Hisako. "Why didn't you ask?"
Hisako returned his stare, "It isn't in my place to do so. This was something between you and her. Would it have changed anything if I did ask, Soma?" she stared at him intently, "What reaction did you want me to have? Did you want me to console you or say you are wrong?"
Soma gritted his teeth, "She was going to insult me back at the ceremony, Hisako. I said what I needed to say. I don't see how I can be wron-"
Hisako interrupted him, "No. You think that she was going to insult you."
"It's not thinking, I know that's what she wanted to say!"
"How can you be so sure?" she responded. "Did you hear her say that, Soma?"
Her tone was still light and controlled, in sharp contrast to Soma's irritation and anger.
"It's Nakiri Erina, Hisako! What else can she possibly say other than insults? You saw what she was like!", he said coldly.
"I know what she's like, Soma. Believe me, I know," Hisako replied. "Can you just hear me out?"
Frustration built inside him, and his anger threatened to take control again. Thoughts of Nakiri Erina came rushing back, and part of him wanted to confront Hisako for what she was implying. About how he can be wrong. He fought back that feeling, to resist himself from shouting at the girl that had stood with him since he came to the academy.
Soma took a deep breath and stared at Hisako, who gazed back at him. Her determined expression did not waver, and her eyes had a knowing glint.
"Tell me something," she said quietly, "Did you tell her fully how you felt?"
"Yeah, I did." he snapped back, "I told her before she can say anything back."
"And?"
"And what?" Soma can see the disappointment in her eyes.
"Does it make you feel better?" she said softly.
He gaped at her. He felt his frustration dissipate from her words. His mind was justifying the argument he had with Nakiri Erina, how his actions were reasonable under the circumstances.
'Why wouldn't I feel better? I stopped her from breaking me again, I had walked away before she caused any more damage to me. I had hurt her back. I won...but this isn't me. Pops has always told me to express myself through my cooking, not with words. '
Soma snapped out of his thoughts. Hisako had never broken her stare and he knew she was waiting for him to respond. To gauge him on what he is about to say next. There was an understanding look from her gaze, and Soma realized that they both knew the answer to her question.
"So? Does it make you feel better?" she repeated.
"No," Soma muttered, "I can't shake the feeling that it was a mistake."
Hisako nodded and gave him a small smile. Soma can see her lost in thought, and he can feel his body tense. 'Why does it feel like I am missing something…' The same feeling of uneasiness came back, and part of him feared what she would say.
"She told me last night that she wanted to apologize for what she said. She realized that it was a mistake," Hisako said quietly.
Soma's eyes widened in shock "She said...what?"
'Nakiri wanted to apologize?'
"No," Soma said. Hisako looked at him, surprised by his forceful tone "That's impossible, Hisako. You are telling me Nakiri Erina is capable of apologizing to people? That's ridicul-"
"Soma, stop." Hisako cut him off. "As a favor to me, just think back to the ceremony. What did you hear her say? What did you promise me the first day we met?" she said softly.
Frowning at Hisako's words, he nodded grudgingly and closed his eyes, bringing back up the memories that he wanted so desperately to forget. He remembered the anger he had felt the moment he saw her. He remembered that urgent look in her eyes when she tried to speak. He remembered the words that she managed to say.
"You don't understand, I j-just need to t-tell you th-that-that"
"That's n-not what I w-want to s-say, p-please I j-just-"
Soma felt his body turn cold. He felt sick. Her words had finally sunk in, and he realized that Hisako was right. Erina had tried to apologize. He had disregarded everything that she tried to say. He had thrown verbal daggers at her every chance he could. He had walked away from her.
Erina makes mistakes...just like anybody else. She is more vulnerable than anyone else. When she does approach you, don't walk away from her. Just let her say what she has to say. Can you do that for me?
Hisako's words that day came rushing back, and he stiffened. He can feel Hisako move closer to him, a concerned expression on her face. Soma can't bring himself to stare back, and he turned away.
His hands shook.
Soma now realized the extent of the damage he had done. He felt a pair of soft hands linking with his own, and he relaxed from the reassuring warmth. Soma turned to see Hisako giving him a knowing smile — she understood exactly how he's feeling.
"It's okay," she murmured, giving his hands a light squeeze. "At least now, you know."
"Nakiri..." he said, "How is she, is she alrig-" Soma's voice caught in his throat.
"That question is not for me to answer, Soma," Hisako said softly. "If you want to know, you should ask her yourself."
Headlights illuminated the area in front of them. Hisako's ride came into view. Coming to a stop in front of the dormitory, the driver came out and held open the door, waiting. With a quick nod to the driver, Hisako guided Soma to the car, their hands still intertwined.
"Remember what you said to me before we saw the headmaster?" she asked quietly.
Hisako turned around to face him. She looked up at him expectantly and he allowed his mind to travel back.
If you need to talk to me, I will always be there for you. No matter how big or how small your problem is, I will be there. That's a promise.
Soma felt Hisako squeeze his hand again. He understood.
"I mean it." Hisako said, "Just ask."
The two traded smiles and he can feel the weight on his shoulders lift slightly.
"Thanks for the invite, Soma. I had fun today", she leaned forward and gave him a quick hug, "Try and get some sleep. Good night."
"Night Hisako," he responded. She smiled and got in the car, with the driver closing the door behind her.
Soma watched the car pull away, and he stared until its taillights faded from view.
With a sigh, he took one last look at the night sky.
'What should I do…?'
The twinkling stars blinked on innocently, leaving his question unanswered.
Hello! Hope you enjoyed this new chapter! Thank you for taking the time to read it, and an additional thanks to the people that left their reviews or favorited/followed the story. I do read all of the reviews, and of course, any constructive feedback or your opinion on how the story should go is always appreciated! Looking forward to providing a new chapter soon. -Mobius
Thank you to 'iamyourloverboi' again for taking the time to beta this chapter and providing guidance/recommendations/critique. Couldn't have done it without you!
Disclaimer: I do not own Shokugeki no Soma