Partings
Selam, everyone!
Alright. I hope you guys are ready for this one. A random idea again, but somehow, those seem to be my specialty at this point, huh? One minute I got nothing, and the next, I have too many ideas to even count.
Anyway, I really hope you'll enjoy this one. I'm really sorry it took me so long to write something again.
And as always, thank you all so very much for all your adorable reviews for all my other stories! I swear, they make me so happy! I'm really grateful! Thank you!
Now then! Without further ado, let's jump right into it. Stay safe, everyone.
And take care!
If anyone asked her what she thinks of Yukihira Soma, she would say that she hates him. Unconditionally. Period.
After their second encounter at the entrance ceremony, she knows that much at least. She doesn't want to be anywhere near him. Ever. She hates him.
But for some twisted reason, fate doesn't seem to agree with her. Bumping into him at the training camp – right when she's about to let her guard down. Sitting next to him in the car on their way back. Having to endure his painfully casual chatter when he joins her in the VIP room during the autumn elections. Being forced to see him over and over again after that. What the hell?
She just prays that today would be different. The three back-to-back taste testing appointments didn't go as smoothly as she would've liked, and her mood couldn't be worse after eating one excuse for a refined dish after another. If she were to run into him today-
"Yo, Nakiri!"
"What?!" -she would snap.
"Whoa, someone's in a bad mood today. What's up?"
Holding her stomach, Erina hisses. She's in no condition to deal with him. Not right now. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with."
"Eh… Is something wrong with your-"
"I said don't bother, didn't I? What do you want from me, Yukihira-kun?"
He ruffles his already messy hair, his wide grin turning into a sheepish smile when he squints at her, "Nothing really. Just wanted to ask if you know how I can get some more ingredients to practice with."
"…Practice? What for?"
"You seriously forgot, Nakiri?"
"Forgot what? Get to the point."
The hand on the back of his head lowers, and before Erina can comprehend the situation, Yukihira crouches down and unzips his bag. He searches around for a good minute, taking so long, the heiress considers leaving him be. But then, "Aha," Yukihira pulls out a notebook. A surprisingly tidy one. "Found it."
"What are you doing, Yukihira-kun?"
He comes up to his feet, grinning again as he hands her the notebook. Why her fingers curl around it so willingly, she doesn't know. "You might wanna take some time to study this, Nakiri. You know, for the health education test next week."
"Health education…?" She arches a brow at him, looks down at the notebook, then back up at him. Again and again. Until her eyes grow wide. "H-health education! The test!"
"Yep. Glad you remembered."
She hasn't studied for a test in health education. The classes have been a pain, even for her, but she still had managed to keep her head where it belonged. In her books. She should have remembered. She should have.
Turning around, she hurries down the hallway, trying not to think about her aching stomach too much as she picks up the pace. But then, she halts, whirls back around to face the redhead, and bites her lip in guilt. Unexpected guilt. "What are you going to do if I take this?" she asks, holding up the notebook only to see Yukihira waving her off.
"Don't worry, it's fine. I'm more of a trial-and-error-type of learner. There's not much theory involved there. You can have the notes. And in return, I get those ingredients I was talking about earlier. What d'ya-"
"Alright then. Thank you!" And she runs back the way she came from, leaving him standing in the middle of the hallway with a small grin on his face.
What an odd person this boy is. A complete mystery. She hates him, she really does. She wants him out of this school. She wants him to finally know his place. But sometimes…
…
Moon banquet festival. One of the busiest and most stressful events at Totsuki. During this time, Erina has no precious brain cells to lose thinking about those close to fail. She has her own restaurant to focus on, her own customers to serve. Everyone should be able to deal with their own struggles or else, they have no right to call themselves students of the Totsuki academy. Erina has no reason to help any of them.
And yet, "Yo, Nakiri! You got a free table for me?!" for some reason, she can't say with upmost certainty that she will refuse should one of them ask for her help. "Sorry for the short notice and all, but I really wanted to try your food. I mean, not to compare it to Tsukasa-senpai's or anything."
"Didn't I tell you to get a bunch of pine tickets before coming to my establishment? And to focus on finding a way to beat Kuga-san first?"
"Oh?" From the corner of her eye, she can see Tadokoro Megumi waving her hand shyly and entering the restaurant behind him before her focus shifts back to the grinning boy walking over to her. "I didn't think you'd be this worried about me, Nakiri. I'm touched."
"M-me? Worried?! Not on your life, Yukihira Soma! You would be the last person on this planet to cross my mind right now, trust me!"
"Sure." He grins wider, interlacing his fingers behind his head. "So about the tickets… We really can't eat here without 'em?" Why does he have to sound so disappointed about it? These are the rules of the festival.
"It's not just about the tickets, Yukihira. Did you forget that we take reservations only? You can't just barge in here and expect us to give you a table when there are other customers waiting." Erina sighs when she watches her friend frown at him. Not that she doesn't have a point, but…
"Don't worry about it, Hisako." Another sigh. "You can give them the free table over there."
"B-but, Erina-sama, that's-"
"It's fine. I owe Yukihira-kun for the other day anyway." The notebook that still needs to be returned to him hasn't left her memory even once. Those ridiculously detailed study notes… As much as she hates to think about it, she's indebted to him. The table she always made sure to reserve for Saiba-sama is going to be used by someone else for the first time. "I hope this is compensation enough, Yukihira-kun?"
"Huh? Oh, eh… Yeah?" Rubbing the back of his head, Yukihira smiles sheepishly. Odd choice of smile, but for some reason, it makes her feel… satisfied? Comfortable? She doesn't know. No need to give it much thought anyway.
Her hand rises to direct them over to Saiba-sama's table almost automatically. Like it's just right. Like he belongs there. Ridiculous. "Could you get them the menu, Hisako?"
"Y-yes! Of course, Erina-sama."
"Thank you. I will personally tend to your meals. I'm sure that's what you want, isn't it, Yukihira-kun?" She doesn't wait for a response. There is no need to get her suspicion confirmed. She dares to say she knows what this boy is after.
So she turns to head back into the kitchen, trusting her friend to guide the pair through the menu. Because she's sure Yukihira Soma won't know half of the French dishes listed in there.
"Hey, Nakiri? You mind if I watch?" She should have known better.
"…What?"
He ruffles his messy hair, the gesture all too familiar at this point. "Just for a bit. Don't worry, I won't get in the way."
How much longer does she have to tolerate this? How much more can she take? He must be close to failure with his sells hitting the red zone today, right? She sighs. "What about Tadokoro-san? She's going to sit here alone if you leave."
When she nods in her direction, Tadokoro begins to wave her hands frantically, shaking her head. Never looking at the heiress directly. "Ah, d-d-don't worry about me, Nakiri-san! Please. Soma-kun was so excited to come here, I already figured he would want to watch you cook. I-it's no problem at all, really."
"I will also be here and keep Tadokoro Megumi company, Erina-sama. She won't be alone."
"I… see," she clears her throat, blushing. "Fine then. I'll leave it to you, Hisako. As for you," she gives Yukihira a stern look, "Make sure you don't distract me."
"Got it."
Clearing her throat again – because once wasn't enough to regain her lost composure –, Erina turns her back to the group. She takes a step and waves her hand for Yukihira to follow. Almost completely certain that he will follow right away.
He does. And only when they're inside the kitchen does Erina turn to face him again, finger pointed at him. "So," she says calmly, "what do you want to know?"
"What?"
Folding her arms, Erina shifts her weight to the left and taps the floor with her other foot. She has no time to waste on his idiocy. "You heard me. It's about Kuga-san, isn't it?" Bullseye. He scratches his head, sheepish grin in place.
"O-oh… Guess I was a little too obvious, huh?"
"Yes."
Silence. Then, Yukihira lowers his hand back into his pocket. "Okay, here's the deal. I need to come up with a different menu item for tomorrow. I did kinda get some help from Takumi and the others today, but I wanna win against Kuga-senpai on my own. Can you… gimme another quick lesson on Chinese cuisine?"
"…Why is it that you keep coming to me for these kinds of things, Yukihira-kun?"
"'Cause I think your opinion is priceless." That was… fast. Certain. She blushes.
"And why do you think I would help you all the time?"
"Eh… I dunno. I was actually just hoping you would." She would. Damn it. Why would she do an idiotic thing like that anyway? For him of all people. She sighs.
"Take a look at the menu card over there and tell me what you want to eat first. As soon as Hisako hands in Tadokoro-san's order, we will begin with your lesson."
"Alright! That's what I'm talkin' about! Go, Nakiri!"
A smile. Not sarcastic or evil. Just a smile. A sincere one. She still hates his guts, but sometimes… It feels like she's warmed up to him enough to tolerate it. Maybe.
…
Totsuki's hallways are surprisingly empty this afternoon. Erina passes one classroom after another and has yet to find a single student in one of them. Club activities, she assumes. Nothing like the Ten's work. More fun probably.
"Where the hell are you, Kuga-san?" Another empty classroom. Erina grunts. She's tempted to just go back to the meeting room and inform the others that Kuga is not available. Simple solution.
But then, from the corner of her eye, she spots red hair. Red, messy hair. And she stops without thinking, looking through the window wide eyed. "What the…?" Hisako too? She watches on with confusion as her friend gives Tadokoro Megumi a nervous look, both about to be judges in what must be the oddest Shokugeki in the history of this academy.
Yukihira Soma versus the Ten's First Seat, Tsukasa Eishi. A match that is bound to end in Tsukasa's favor. Surely, everyone in that classroom knows that as well.
"What does that fool think he's doing?" Erina's fists are clenched before she can comprehend it, the small hairs on the back of her neck standing up. The food is being served in front of both girls, even though only one of them is most likely to perform the actual judging. Hisako, Erina assumes.
But as fate would have it, Yukihira's narrowed eyes land on her. And just like that, all the tension in his shoulders seems to disappear, his brows shoot up, his lips curl into a large smile. Genuine. Happy?
Instead of serving them, he puts the two plates back on the counter and rushes out of her sight to open the door. Erina is surprised at how fast it swings open – either that or she's just overwhelmed at being face to face with the boy so abruptly. "Nakiri!"
"W-wha…?" She takes a step back when his nose is too close to hers, blinking rapidly, "w-what's going on here, Yukihira-kun?"
"Ah, you know, the usual. Playing Tsukasa-senpai's assistant in his substitute class earlier, chatting for a bit about this and that, and now, we're havin' a little match. You've just made it in time to try some of the food too! Come on!"
'Wait…' Hadn't he looked grim and uncomfortable just a second ago? Is this some sort of facade he uses to cover it up? It's like a switch has been pulled and now he's back to being mister sunshine. Maybe. But for whatever reason, Erina has a hard time believing that he's this good at acting.
"You wanna be a judge too? Then we'd have three in total. Nice and fair."
Folding her arms, Erina stares past him inside the classroom – directly at the First Seat – and frowns, "I'm pretty sure I will regret asking this, but… what happened exactly?"
"Ah, eh… don't sweat the details. I'm just not into playing someone's dog, that's all. No big deal."
"So you're telling me you are not causing any trouble again? Like challenging Tsukasa-san the same way you challenged Kuga-san the other day?" Her question is waved off, her brow twitching.
"Nah, not like that. Anyway, let's go in already. I swear my dish is gonna blow ya away this time, Nakiri."
It did. But he's the last person on earth she will say that to. Looking at both Hisako's and Tadokoro's faces, she can tell they have trouble keeping it together too. And who can blame them? The coffee idea was just brilliant.
But not brilliant enough to beat Tsukasa Eishi. As easy as it should have been to declare him as the winner, Erina felt an odd ache in her stomach when she chose that dish over Yukihira's. Why, only heaven knows.
The redhead is pouting, Hisako is yelling at him, and while Tadokoro is trying to calm both of them down, Erina makes her way back outside. To confront the retreating winner. Or to find out where this sudden discomfort is coming from.
"Did you pity him?" She throws the words out there without thinking them through, arms folded again and eyes narrowed. And Tsukasa Eishi? He doesn't even bother to face her properly, only turning his head enough to see her. Somehow, for the first time since she's known him, it annoys her.
"Pity?" he asks chuckling, "absolutely not. I assure you, Nakiri-san, I did not retract my offer out of pity."
"And the offer being…?"
"I wanted him to work as my assistant once he graduates. He does have the potential to push my cooking further than other people can."
So his bluntness is what got on Yukihira's nerves. Understandable. "Alright. Then what was the real reason you took that offer back?"
"Well… Perhaps… I just realized that he is no one I have to fear yet. I don't need to restrain him. He's no match for me. I mean, in other words… I'm relieved enough to let him off the hook for now? If that makes sense?" His hand taps his chin like he's still contemplating his answer. Like he's mocking her with it. Why does this guy irritate her so much today?
"Are you telling me you're afraid of Yukihira-kun beating you someday? Is that it?"
"Hm… It's true that I didn't like the idea of him surpassing me at first… But after witnessing his skills today, I saw for myself that there was no need to get stressed. Not right now anyway. I shouldn't have let those rumors get to me."
"Rumors." She holds back a hiss. "Then hypothetically speaking, should these rumors turn out to be true and Yukihira-kun is a better chef than you are tomorrow… Would you plan on doing something about it? Like getting him expelled from Totsuki?"
"Don't be silly, Nakiri-san. If I wanted Yukihira-kun gone, I would have submitted my challenge and faced him in an official Shokugeki today. No, getting him expelled is not my goal at all. Although, I will say this; the moment he becomes a real threat to my cooking, that's when I will take action. A different type of action. For now, though, I don't have any reason to worry about anything other than those piles of paperwork Rindou refuses to help me with. It's horrible." His head lowers dramatically, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. She knows his anxiety face already, but right now, it seems misplaced. Very displaced.
Her fists clench against her arms. She's not sure what's going on, but taking a deep breath to calm down doesn't feel like the right option here. "Is that so?" She needs a different plan. "Be careful that you don't feel threatened by the wrong person, Tsukasa-san. You never know."
"What's that? Are you… challenging me, Nakiri-san?"
"I'm just stating a fact. What you do with it is up to you."
"…I will keep that in mind." He takes a step. Then, suddenly turns back to her, "By the way… Correct me if I'm wrong, but you seem oddly protective of Yukihira Soma recently. I didn't know you two became so close. Especially since you were the one who wanted him out of this school right from the get-go."
"I," This actually catches her off guard. Is that really how it looks like? Her protecting him? "I-I… I'm not doing anything of the sort…"
"Really? Are you sure?"
She is. Isn't she? Her lips part but no sound comes out. Why can't she defend herself? She should say something – anything. Not just stare at the guy wide eyed. Probably pale too.
Tsukasa Eishi smiles and turns back to leave, one hand raised as he slowly walks down the hallway. "I'll see you later, Nakiri-san." She doesn't answer him, only tilts her head to look back through the window. Watching the still arguing duo with what must look like concern to bystanders. Maybe even worry? To Erina, though, it would be nothing but a daze. Her being too deep in her own thoughts. Not actually worried about him. Not protective.
When Yukihira turns his head, rolling pouting probably because Hisako called him an idiot again, their eyes meet. His gaze serious, hers confused. She doesn't know what it is, but at this moment, Erina can tell that something has changed.
What did change? Did she really warm up to him without even realizing it? She had a goal ever since she first saw him. Does that still apply?
Does she still want him out of Totsuki?
…
There's no real reason she chose to watch this particular Shokugeki today. That's what Erina tells herself anyway.
She's been avoiding Yukihira ever since that staring contest through the window the other day. He's tried to talk to her countless times, she knows. But somehow, Erina can't find it in herself to be face to face with him. Nerves? Discomfort? What is it that changed?
She's indifferent towards him at this point. No hate, no irritation, no disgust. He's here to stay. That's just how things are now. She's accepted it.
And that's probably why she's here, watching his Shokugeki with an indifferent expression on her face. It's what she tells Tsukasa Eishi when he asks about her relationship with the redhead. It's what she has to say to avoid any confliction within herself.
Sighing, Erina crosses her arms. She's been thinking about this for the past week now, and so far, no luck. She should just stop and focus on things that really matter. Like, Elite Ten work.
"Nakiri-kun?"
She should go back to the meeting room. The pen and clapboard in her hands need to be returned, her notes on the research societies enough to be handed back in.
"Ehm, Nakiri-kun?"
He already won the match. His friends are already surrounding him. Celebrating. She should stop acting weird and just leave. She should-
"Nakiri-kun!"
"Yo, Nakiri!" His voice startles her, so much so, she drops the pen in her hand. Her wide eyes immediately focus on him, taking in that happy grin, those sparkling irises. Then, she notices her pen falling down the balcony. "Oh!" It happens so fast, she's unsure what's more important to pay attention to. Him or that pen.
Or Isshiki Satoshi calling out to her through the doorway of the VIP area.
Her outstretched hand can't reach the pen anymore, and looking at Yukihira longer than she has to is making things awkward. So Erina turns to face the Seventh Seat instead, still confused.
"S-sorry, Isshiki-san. Did you need something?"
He chuckles. "Only those notes that you took. I was asked to go through them in Nene's place."
"Oh. Of course." She steps away from the balcony and hands him the clapboard, pen forgotten. Yukihira Soma still in mind.
"Thanks. You seemed distracted back there. I'm sorry if I scared you."
"No, it's alright. I wasn't… I mean, I didn't think about anything in particular…"
"Is that so?" Isshiki smiles, turning to head back through the door. "In that case, would you like to join me? If you don't have more important things to take care of, I mean."
"I," she takes a quick glance back, catching the redhead still looking up at her before she faces Isshiki again, "I would love to." No way is she going to hold that gaze. That shift from happy to disappointed is sure to haunt her for at least two nights. She will not risk running into him while trying to find that lost pen.
There are many more in the meeting room anyway. No need to go get it.
…
To Erina, the only thing that makes summer trips worth the while is a nice watermelon. Cold and sweet, and so, so delicious. She can't wait to get a bite out of this particularly big one right in front of her, savor the taste, and forget everything around her for just a second. Which would be a marvelous achievement, considering the group she's taking a summer trip with. The group forcing her to take that trip with them.
"How do you ride this thing anyway?"
"Eh, well… To be honest, I sucked at riding it when Grandfather taught us. Pretty sure Erina knows how to do it though. She's gotta be a pro at this point. Hey, Erina! Erina!" She keeps her gaze on the fresh watermelon, doing her best to ignore Alice's obnoxious voice. "E-ri-na! Get your butt over here and show Yukihira-kun how to ride a Jet Ski, would you?!"
"Why should I?! Go teach yourselves! I'm busy!"
"With what? Staring at that watermelon? I think you've been doing that for the past five hours. Don't be so greedy and come over here already! We'll eat that all together later." The words spilling out of that vixen's mouth sometimes…
"It's not been five hours!" Appalled, Erina rises from her chair and picks the watermelon up off the glass table. "I'm not going to waste my time with you. I'm taking this back inside."
And just as she's passing the doorframe, she hears both Alice and Yukihira snicker behind her. "She really wants to eat that watermelon, huh?" Yukihira's voice echoes in her ears the loudest, his laughter being the less irritating of the two. She doesn't dwell on it, getting back into the summer residence as quickly as possible to avoid hearing any more of their mocking.
It's not like she's stopped speaking to him completely. She's just minimizing their interactions. Surely, he's given up chasing her by now anyway. Things are back to how they should be.
Carefully placing the watermelon into the overloaded fridge, Erina can't help but smile at it. No thoughts of Yukihira Soma can distract her from the beauty that is right in front of her in that fridge. Her eyes light up replacing his face with a delicious watermelon slice. Her smile gets wider. She really can't wait to eat it already.
"So I was right, eh? You like watermelons."
She jolts, gasping and frantically throwing the fridge door shut. "Y-Yukihira-kun! You startled me." When she whirls around, his hands shoot up in front of him.
"Sorry, sorry. My bad."
The following silence isn't making things any better for her. It's awkward now, and Erina doesn't know how to handle it. It's been too long since they properly talked to each other. She would do it now too. Avoid him and get out of this place as fast as possible.
But she can't. Too many people insisted on her being here, and if there's one thing Erina is not, it's rude.
"Well then. I will see you later-"
"Nakiri?" His grip on her wrist is loose. She could retrieve her hand if she really wanted to. She could, but somehow it feels wrong to do that when the look in those golden eyes is so strained. "Why're you so hell bent on avoiding me?"
Oh. Straight to the point. As always. "I'm not avoiding you, Yukihira-kun. Don't be ridiculous."
"You aren't? Really? 'Cause to me it feels like you've stopped talking to me ever since that Shokugeki with Tsukasa-senpai. It's been two months, Nakiri. What's going on?"
"I didn't know you two became so close. Especially since you were the one who wanted him out of this school right from the get-go."
"I," she swallows, trying to get rid of that annoying lump in her throat, "I was busy."
"…Busy, huh?" A nod. Barely a nod. "Alright then, let's go."
"W-wait, hold on, Yukihira-kun. Where are we-"
"Jet Ski riding."
She doesn't even try to resist the tug on her hand. The fact that it's been two whole months since she last spoke to him properly has her frowning already. It's not fair to him. It's not his fault if she can't sort out her thoughts.
"I thought you didn't know how?"
"I don't. But you do, right? You can teach me how to do it, and in return, I give you my share of the watermelon. Deal?"
She sighs. "…Deal." There's no point in denying it anymore. He's growing on her. He has been for a long time.
She would say that she hates him. But hating a friend does seem a bit contradicting, doesn't it?
…
Sometimes, her duties as a Ten member are too much of a pain to even speak of. Close to the advancement exams in Hokkaido, Erina shouldn't have the time for anything else. She'll be a second-year soon. She has things to prepare.
"I don't get it! How're we supposed to pass these exams?! This stuff's too hard!"
"No choice but to study our butts off. Don't worry, Yuki. We'll be fine."
"Isn't there anything else we can do? Come on, Yukihira! Don't you have any ideas? You always have an idea."
Slowing down, Erina takes a glance inside an empty classroom. Odd how the sound of these people makes her smile nowadays. Their vacation together at the Nakiri family's summer residence has left her feeling… attached. She's fond of them. All of them.
"What's going on here?" She's throwing the question out there, arching a brow when Yukihira jumps up and rushes over to greet her, followed by the rest of his friend group.
"Yo, Nakiri!"
"Erina-cchi! It's a disaster! We won't become second-years if we don't pass these advancement exams! What're we gonna do?!" Yoshino is the first to throw her arms around her. Then, Sakaki, then Marui, then… She can't even see past the dark hair anymore. The momentum almost causes her to fall backwards, all the clinging making it hard to breathe. She can hear Tadokoro trying to calm everyone down – as always – and Yukihira chuckling beside her.
"W-why do you guys think you won't pass?" Sheer force of will is what makes her talk. Or whisper. Or choke.
"They're desperate. It's like nothing the textbook says makes any sense to 'em."
"Don't act like you're not involved, Yukihira! You don't get it any more than we do!"
"Alright, alright." His hands are up in front of him the second Sakaki's glare lands on him. It's comedic, the way he knits his brows together nervously, but Erina isn't in a position to laugh about it.
"Guys?" Inhale, "Can you please let go of me?" Exhale. "I can't," inhale, "breathe." Exhale.
"Oh, sorry!" They release her in a heartbeat. And she takes a deep breath to recover all the oxygen lost.
"Now then. You said you have trouble studying for the advancement exams?"
A unified "yes" echoes through the room, making Erina arch a brow again.
"Alright," she says, crossing her arms, "I will help you."
"…What?!" Another simultaneous reaction. As Yukihira said; are they really this desperate?
"Are you seriously gonna help us, Nakiri-san? For real?" Tadokoro folds her hands together in front of her, looking hopeful.
"Y-yes, I will."
"You think we can actually do it, though? Because I'm not so sure…"
"I have seen your skills back at the summer house, Sakaki-san. If anyone can pass, it's all of you. Your cooking will carry you through the Hokkaido exams, trust me." Yes, they can do it. And she will do whatever she can to make sure they're well prepared. Not that she has any plan in store… This decision was way too spontaneous. Especially for her. "Don't worry. I will teach you everything you need to know."
"Whoa… I didn't even have to ask ya this time. What's up, Nakiri? You feelin' generous today or something?" The grin on Yukihira's face makes her want to punch him, his squinted eyes leaving her cheeks hot to the touch.
"Hmph. It's not like you would need any of this, now is it, Yukihira-kun? From what it sounds like you're all set."
"No, wait! I need this stuff too!"
"I don't know. Do you?"
"Obviously!"
"Well, too bad. For some reason, I don't feel like teaching you anything, Yukihira-kun." She crosses her arms and turns her head away, nose up in the air. Why should he be the one messing with her all the time?
"Oh come on! That's playing dirty, Nakiri!"
"Hold on, hold on, you guys." Pushing his glasses up, Marui steps in between them. "Does that mean, you'll come over to the dorm to study with us too, Nakiri-san?" She shrugs.
"…I suppose?"
"Yes! We'll have a slumber party every night! This'll be amazing!"
"Yuki-chan… you do know we still have to study, right?" Erina nods, pleasantly surprised by Tadokoro's words.
"That's right. My tutorials won't be easy, so be ready. If you like, ask Yukihira-kun. He can tell you all about it."
"Oh boy, you don't even wanna know half of it, guys. She's brutal."
Alright, that's it. Closing her eyes, Erina reaches out and pinches the redhead's cheek. "That's enough out of you, Mister."
"Ow, ow, ow! Let go!"
"Hmph. You do realize you're being quite rude, don't you? I was generous enough to personally teach you all about Chinese cuisine, remember? I don't think this is how you should thank me." She pulls a little harder, making his face follow suit.
"Hey, ow! Nakiri! C'mon, seriously! Cut it out!"
"Eh… Okay, I gotta ask. Since when are you two so close?" Ibusaki tilts his head, arms crossing.
"We're not!" And that makes it the third simultaneous response today. Erina's face feels hot to the touch. Standing too close to Yukihira makes it a bit awkward. And the sudden silence… damn this never ending silence.
She turns away, embarrassed because he seems overwhelmed with the situation too.
"I… should head out now."
"What? Already?" Tadokoro steps forward, shoulders dropped.
Erina nods, the disappointment in everyone's eyes putting a warm smile on her face. "I still have some work to do. I shouldn't have stopped to chat in the first place."
"Ah, damn. Sounds like a real pain. You'll be okay, right, Nakiri? Don't overdo it."
Turning back to the redhead, she gives him a small smile. And to no one's surprise, he returns it immediately, interlacing his fingers behind his head. "I'll be fine."
"Okay then." A little longer. Just a few seconds. Then, she breaks their eye-contact and turns to the door again, waving everyone goodbye. "I'll see you guys later then. Make sure you have your textbooks and a few potatoes ready tomorrow."
"Sure!"
"You got it, Nakiri-san."
And when she closes the door behind her, still sporting that smile, all she hears is one last sound of confusion and a small voice addressing the group again, "Wait… Why potatoes?"
Oh they will find out tomorrow.
…
It's time for the advancement exams in Hokkaido. The final step in becoming second-year students.
She's confident in her teachings. Confident that the Polar Star residents can pull their weight. Their talents will help them more than she ever could. They're safe to pass. She has faith.
But then… Who will have faith in her? Erina knows, if there's one person who shouldn't be underestimated no matter the circumstance, it's Tsukasa Eishi.
She did sort of warn him months ago to watch his back. Now he's ready to show her that he understood.
The real threat is not Yukihira Soma, it's her – the new Eighth Seat.
No one is supposed to know that one of her exams consists of beating Tsukasa in a Shokugeki. A private request made to her grandfather.
"You were so against me having an official match with Yukihira-kun, I figured I fight you for permission first. If I win, he'll be my next opponent. No questions asked. I hope you don't mind my terms this time, Nakiri-san?" he had said in that office. And as proud as the director is of his granddaughter, he'd immediately accepted. Without asking for her input. Without considering what it would mean if she loses.
But she's fine. She always is. 'It's okay.' She can beat him. 'It's okay.'
Alone in the waiting room, she presses her thumbs together, crossing her legs to one side, then to the other. 'It's okay. It's okay.' She inhales deeply. Closes her eyes. 'It's okay.'
And then, the heavy wooden door to her right is being thrown open so forcefully, it almost makes her fall from the chair she's sitting on.
"Nakiri! What the hell is going on?! You're having a Shokugeki with Tsukasa-senpai?!"
"Wha… Yukihira-kun?!" She jumps to her feet. Fast enough to actually make herself dizzy. "W-what are you doing here? How did you even know-"
"Arato," he frowns, closing the door behind him and walking over to her, "What's this about? Ya can't tell me this is legit part of the exam."
Hisako… She will have to give that girl an earful later for passing on sensitive information. 'Honestly. Why Yukihira-kun of all people?' How is she supposed to explain herself to him?
"No, it isn't," she starts, releasing a long breath, "but Tsukasa-san made a request. And since he is the First Seat, this is how my exam will go now."
"Wait. Can he really do that?"
She shrugs. "The First Seat can do almost anything at Totsuki. Did you forget?"
"No, but… that's not fair!"
"Yukihira-kun-"
"Why did no one ask me? I wanna fight someone from the Ten! Can't Gramps replace one of my exams with a Shokugeki too? Why did Tsukasa-senpai make a request like that anyway?"
"…That's private." What else can she say? This doesn't involve him. Not directly anyway. "I'm sorry."
Her shaking hands interlace behind her back, her eyes not meeting his. Her Shokugeki is about to start, and she's trembling like a leaf? No way is she going to stand in front of Tsukasa Eishi like that. No way is she going to show him-
"Nakiri? Are you… nervous?"
"I'm not!" Too fast. "I'm not…"
He arches a brow and steps around her, taking one of her hands in his. She wouldn't have let him if it weren't for the spark of concern in his eyes. Damn those eyes.
'Why, Hisako?' No one was supposed to know. No one.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
"Nakiri…"
She sighs. "I might be… a little nervous." Wouldn't have been better to be quiet? To grin and bear it?
"Gotcha." Yukihira smiles at her, squeezing her shaking hand before he pulls something out of his back pocket. A silver pen. Her silver pen. "I think this is yours. You dropped it a while back in the main stadium, remember?" Oh. He found it for her? "Sorry it took me so long to give it back, but to be honest, I always forgot about it whenever we ran into each other. Maybe it'll bring ya some luck for your match. Not that you need it. You'll beat him easily."
Taking the pen, Erina rolls it between her fingers, eyes wide at first, then squinting. And suddenly, she doesn't feel herself tremble anymore. Like the pen has given her some sort of confidence boost. Like he has given her that confidence boost.
"Thank you, Yukihira-kun," she whispers. And she means it. It's always him drawing a smile to her face, isn't it? Always him. Whatever magic he's using, it works perfectly on her.
She squeezes the pen in her hand, then his hand. "I will come out of this as the new First Seat, Yukihira-kun. Before Tsukasa Eishi-san graduates from Totsuki academy, I will take that top spot from him."
"Damn straight! Go, Nakiri. You seriously know how to light a fire in my gut every time!" He releases her hand, pumping a fist in the air with a grin. "There's no way in hell I'm gonna sit on my ass! I'll catch up, just you wait!"
Her smile widens along with his, an unspoken promise made with their eyes. "I'll be sure to watch you fall."
"Or watch me take that First Seat from you."
"Hah. I would love to see you try."
"Oh trust me, you will."
They stare at each other for a few more seconds before the masks fall off and they burst into boisterous laughter. It's refreshing, energizing even.
"I'll be going then," she says in between snickers, "you should head back to your group as well, Yukihira-kun. The examiners here don't take kindly to those sneaking out of class."
"Ah, don't worry about it. I'll be fine. Kurokiba's covering for me." His thumb shoots up as he turns to head back out the wooden door, grinning brightly. "You just make sure you kick Tsukasa-senpai's butt, 'kay?"
"Of course. Don't insult me."
Another chuckle. "Later, Nakiri." And he's out just as quickly as he'd come in, leaving Erina to herself again. The only difference? She has a silver pen as her new good luck charm. And no more doubting thoughts to deal with.
…
Second Seat, Yukihira Soma. She still can't believe he pulled that off. Confronting her grandfather like it's no big deal. Demanding a Shokugeki with Kobayashi Rindou as an exam replacement. Actually winning that match.
It's unbelievable.
"Told ya I'd catch up. Now there's only you standing between me and that sweet top spot, Nakiri. How's it feel to be under so much pressure, hm? You scared yet?"
"If by scared you mean nervous, then no. I don't. Honestly, the only thing I feel is pity for those who have to call you 'Yukihira-senpai' now. Those poor freshmen have absolutely no idea who they're dancing with. Challenging you as soon as the new term begins? That's just ridiculous."
"Ah, who cares? It's all in good fun, right? No one's getting hurt."
"You say that now, but I highly doubt those parents will like seeing their children rolling in agony because of stomach pain."
Yukihira chuckles, interlacing his fingers behind his head and walking a bit faster to catch up with her. "It's just a little bit of Squid with peanut butter and garlic. Nothing to freak out about."
"…I hope you lose those matches. Seriously." The sheer horror on his face, so sudden and unexpected, actually makes her want to laugh. He's halted his steps to stare at her wide-eyed, hands dropping to his sides.
"You don't really mean that," he says, "do you?"
"Hmph." Flipping her long hair back, Erina gives him a cold smile, "I meant every word. You deserve it."
"What? Why?! What did I do?!" She laughs when Yukihira practically runs after her to catch up again, repeating the same question over and over.
And while they walk down the long path from her office to the main school building, Erina realizes they've become much closer than she would've ever thought possible. Closer than recent rumors describe them to be. But maybe, just maybe… even this is not good enough.
Maybe, it's because Erina has long since realized that she has a soft spot for this boy.
"Stop disturbing me and get to your Shokugeki already. It's rude to make your opponent wait, no matter who it is."
"Fine, fine. You're gonna step by to watch me later?"
"I suppose. If I can find the time."
"Make the time! I definitely wanna show you somethin' new there!"
She snickers behind her fist, silver pen between her fingers. "I see what I can do." And she watches him wave a hand as he runs down the hallway to their left.
Yes, somewhere along the way, Erina has fallen in love.
…
"C'mon, Nakiri. Try it. You won't die from just one bite, I promise."
"Absolutely not! How dare you ask me to eat this, Yukihira-kun?! Have you no respect for the God Tongue?!"
"I do! And that's exactly why I wanna find out what happens so badly. You're the only one who hasn't tried any of my gross dishes yet. Come on."
"I refuse!"
"It's just one bite. Please? I swear, the Squid is freshly bought too."
"And you honestly think that makes a difference to me?! Get that disgusting slop out of my face right now! I refuse to put that anywhere near my mouth!" She pushes his hand away for the umpteenth time, left eye already twitching with anger.
"Don't be such a scaredy-cat. Everyone else tried it."
"That's because they don't have a choice. You practically shove that abomination into their mouths before they even get the chance to react."
Yukihira chuckles when she waves his hand off her face again. It's impressive how that squid piece still hasn't fallen out of his hold yet. Those chopsticks are too robust for their own good, apparently.
"If you keep on insisting, I will leave. You can take care of the rest of the paperwork yourself." She rises to her feet and takes a quick look at the time on her phone before stretching both arms up behind her. "I still have something else to take care of anyway, so this works out perfectly for me."
"No, wait!" in his haste to keep her seated, Yukihira falls from his chair, landing face first on the floor in front of her. "Ow." It leaves her arching a brow at him, arms crossing and lips curling into a smile. "You can't dump all that shit on me, Nakiri. I got things to do too."
"Oh yeah? Like what?"
He sits up cross legged on the floor, one hand rubbing his nose. "Takumi challenged me to a Shokugeki. He said he needs his mezzaluna back for a lecture."
"And I'm supposed to care because…?"
"C'mon, Nakiri. I know you're not as heartless as you want people to think you are. Let's hurry up and finish these files together. The faster we do, the faster we're outta here. Don't make me do it alone, I'm beggin' ya!"
Valid point. But puppy eyes alone aren't enough to convince her. And he knows that all too well. "Make me a better offer and I'll consider helping."
"…Okay, how about we-"
"Erina?" Both Erina and the redhead turn to face Totsuki's director as he enters the meeting room. "My apologies if I'm interrupting. Since there was no response to my knocking, I figured it wouldn't be a bother."
"Oh, no, Grandfather. It's alright. I'm sorry I didn't hear you. Were you looking for me?"
Her grandfather nods, "I need you to come with me for a moment, Dear." Then, his gaze lands on the now standing Yukihira, "I hope you don't mind, Yukihira Soma?"
"Huh? Me? No, not at all."
"Is something wrong, Grandfather? You look… pale."
"…We can talk about this on the way, Dear. Just come with me, will you?"
Okay. Now she's anxious. If Nakiri Senzaemon is speaking to her in such a gentle voice, it usually means something very unpleasant has happened. She has a bad feeling about this. It's too early for horrible news.
"Okay…" She exchanges a quick glance with Yukihira before following her grandfather out of the Ten's meeting room. Couldn't she have properly said "see you later" to him first?
…
If there's any perfect timing to tell him how she feels, it would be now at their graduation party, right?
Wrong. She remains seated at the bar on the other end of the ballroom, a glass of water in one hand and a plane ticket in the other.
She'll be out of here before he even notices. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.
Nakiri Mana's funeral is going to be held in three days. In San Francisco of all places. Far, far away from Japan.
Her death, despite being so sudden, hasn't hit Erina as much as she'd thought it would. The woman had left them so long ago, she barely even remembers her. All Erina feels now is apathy. Cold, dark, and empty.
Lonely.
No. Even if she barely talked to her, to know that she still had a mother somewhere far away always gave her a sense of serenity. She'd felt safe.
Now, that serenity is gone, and she just feels sick.
Downing her glass of water, Erina gets off the bar stool and puts the plane ticket back inside her bag. Staring holes into it won't make her situation any less painful. It won't bring Nakiri Mana back.
She would've liked to stay longer – just to bid them all farewell – but she can't. Time is running short. And if she stays so much as ten more minutes, Yukihira is bound to notice something. Parting with him, even from afar, is hard enough as it is.
So she slips out of the ballroom without anyone's notice, the only indication that she'd attended the graduation party being the empty glass of water sitting on the wooden bar table. Nothing else.
'Bye, everyone. I'm sure we'll meet again someday.'
And if she's still in love with the redhead by the time she hears from him again, she's going to tell him. Hisako can hand him the recipe book she's left for him in her room now. There's no point in Erina doing it herself anymore. She's the one leaving first, after all. It's not worth calling the book a parting gift now.
'I believe there is going to be at least one or two recipes that you can use for your pedestrian cooking, Yukihira-kun,' she smiles, 'and maybe, I will get the chance to taste them as well soon.'
If he'll actually want to cook for her again, that is.
Aaaaaand cut!
Nothing much to say about this one, I guess. BUT you sure can expect a sequel to this. How it will turn out, well… who knows?
Until then, I say be well, guys.
Take care!