"I can beat Saiba Asahi, Erina! It may be tough, but I'll get through him guaranteed!"
"No You Can't, Yukihira"
She's addressing me by last name? Huh, that's weird, it's practically just us in the room.
"Cmon Eri… Nakiri," I grinned stupidly. "I can totally beat him and knock his ass out of the semis. I'll be- "
"This is no laughing matter "
Well yeah, this whole ordeal is anything but comical. I'm guessing my comedy this time isn't helping her cope with what's going on. Her voice sounds cold, and her eyes look.. dim? I'm guessing she's taking this situation a lot more seriously than I thought. I'll stop with my playful persona for now I guess.
"Yeah, sorry. I'll be serious."
"And You've already lost to him, Yukihira"
Yes I have, Nakiri. However, I hate losing more than anything. Out of the two years since we've met, did you not know that about me?
"But that was an unofficial shokugeki. The results will be different this time. All you gotta do for me Nakiri is Belie-"
"Maybe he's the one"
Is she even listening to me?
"The one?"
"The one… who can save me and mother… from our God Tongues."
Did you even realize that I saved you from your Father and Central control? And yet… Here you are, putting your trust on an "instructor" who came all the way to Totsuki to ask for your hand in marriage. Wait, don't tell me, have you been considering… marrying Asahi?
"What are you trying to say, Nakiri?"
"I asked you to meet me here, so I can say… Yukihira, let's break up."
Wait. What? Break up? How do I even describe how my heart is feeling right now? It feels heavy. A stinging sensation had formed, as if a thousand arrows had pierced through my body. 6 months of being together, and just like that, we're over?
"You did really well though, going this far into the competition and getting into the semis… especially as a diner boy."
JUST a Diner Boy. That's what you still see me as, huh. Being runner up at Both The Autumn Election and Moon Banquet Festival, and beating half of the former Elite 10's… I thought I proved my worth to you as a capable chef, a chef that will stay by your side and cook for you forever but,
"But, Sorry, Yukihira, it's not enough."
I'm not enough.
Looking down on the floor, Yukihira Soma stared, eyes in disarray. He did not know what to say. Likewise, Tadokoro Megumi, his best friend right beside him, was left speechless. Her eyes were wide open, trying to comprehend exactly what just happened the past minutes. She knew Erina had not been herself ever since the start of the BLUE Competition. But to be breaking up with Soma, her boyfriend of 6 months (and possibly consider marrying Saiba Asahi)? Nothing seemed wrong between the blonde and redhead. Sure, they had their plentiful moments of bickering and teasing in Totsuki, during passing periods and Elite 10 meetings. But, well, that was just how they were. The playful banter between the two was just their natural way of communicating with each other. It was like they were speaking in a different language, a language only them two could understand. Their continuous squabbles showed how healthy their relationship was, being able to go at it with name calling and insults to no end, without ever feeling hurt. If anything, at the end of each day, they were grateful for each other, although one of the two would never openly admit. They were known by the students as being the "power couple" of Totsuki. The week they started dating, the front page of the weekly newspaper article was titled "Sorina has sailed." The sales to the weekly paper reached an all time high in newspapers sold in the history of the Newspaper club. They were the talk of the school for months!
Not to mention their skills as cooks in the school. One is the headmaster, and the other is the first chair of Totsuki. Barely halfway through graduation, they have been sought by various prestigious restaurants around the world to cook and be executive chiefs. They are unstoppable, Soma and Erina are the fire and gold of the Jewel Generation. And now.. They have broken up.
The silence lasted for a couple of minutes before Erina decided that it was time to go. Walking past Yukihira and Tadokoro, and not bothering to give a last glance at Yukihira, Erina offers her farewells.
"It's getting late now. I'm going to prepare for my semi-finals. Good luck to you, Yukihira Soma. Do what you can against Asahi, even if it may not be...much"
-Erina has closed the door and left the building, leaving Tadokoro and Yukihira in the room-
Yukihira Soma could not believe what just happened. His purpose for cooking, his cooking partner, his lover. She had just left him.
'May not be much?' How low do you think of me, Nakiri…?
Not knowing what to say, Tadokoro tries her best in comforting him.
"Souma-kun." Tadokoro says delicately in her light, subtle voice.
"I'm sure Erina didn't mean most of what she had said. She's not been herself lately. She's probably just stressed. Yeah, i'm sure that's it! So Souma-kun, don't worry too mu-"
"Hey, Megumi." Yukihira replies back, but in a low, monotone voice.
"You're the best friend any person could have. And I'm very thankful for that. But... for now, I just want time to myself. If that's okay with you."
-Yukihira gives Tadokoro his signature smile, but instead, this time, it was a very forced smile, a smile that looked very disingenuous.-
Megumi knew Souma was hurting badly. Living with him for two years, she could see through his outside persona. Knowing this, however, she thought it was best to give him the space he wanted.
"If you need anything, Souma-kun, don't hesitate to call me. I'll be there for you."
"Yeah. 're the best Megumi-chan. Haha…"
"But please Souma-kun, take it easy."
Instead of getting a verbal response Tadokoro had been anticipating, Yukihira gives her another half assed smile.
Another smile like that, Souma? I know you're suffering in the moment, and I really want to help you and be there for you like how you've always been there for me. I promise that I'll get you through this, Souma-kun. But For now, it seems you need some space.
-Megumi leaves the room-
Laying down on the floor, placing his right arm onto his head, covering his eyes, Yukihira Soma Whispers to himself,
"Not... enough..."
