I do not usually look forward to our Totsuki 92nd generation gatherings, unable to show my face after divorcing Soma.
This time is different.
"Erina-cchi, you came!"
"The Queen has arrived!"
"Try my cooking!"
A chorus of voices greeted me as soon as I walked in.
We got a ball room for the event, being that it would have been too disruptive to the current students in the Polar Star Dormitory.
I took some time to entertain everyone's request and talk to catch up, realising that we have all grown; looking more matured and self assured about our place in the culinary world.
What was a clear indicator that we were not the youths that we were in Totsuki was the presence of kids running around, uplifting the atmosphere with laughter and cheer.
Similar to their father, Soma's children were the centre of attraction, coming up with games and ideas that only they could come up with. What was surprising was that it was not Tatsuo who everyone wanted to buzz around; it was his sister, Tomoko.
Tomoko has grown into a fine girl of 5 years. Deep pink hair and light brown eyes with facial features so much like her mother. While her brother is more an observant planner like Hisako, what she got was her father Soma's energy and charisma.
Tomoko now led the rest of the kids to see who can collect the most types of flowers, prompting every child to scramble and gather whatever flower they could find.
"Mother," I looked to find Tatsuo standing in front of me, proudly holding up a flower, "For you."
Tatsuo has grown into a fine boy. Sharp witted and a thinker, he is also quite capable of reading the room and a person's emotions. He shines when it comes to helping in the kitchen, with a high interest in nourishing food through experimentation.
He can be a stickler for rules too, and will firmly react to indignation…
So much like Hisako.
Of course, I graciously accepted his flower, which he insisted to help put above my ear, before giving me a hug.
"Just like mommy!" he said with a grin, gesturing across the room. Tomoko had likewise placed a similar flower for Hisako, and pointed over.
Oh, these two.
Hisako's eyes met mine from across the room, and we both grinned brightly.
We have come a long way together.
Someone once said that the arc of the moral universe is long. The relationships we have today is evidence of that.
I have a good relationship with my son and ex-husband; most importantly, an even closer one with my best friend, who has a daughter that knows I am someone special in her parents life.
Mistakes were made, hearts were broken, but most importantly, amendments carried out.
"Let's liven this party up; It's now time to have fun on the dance floor!" Isshiki Satoshi called over the speakers.
Though technically not in the 92nd generation, no party is complete without him. At least he has the decency to keep his shirt on… not so much his son as his wife, Kinokuni Nene, chased after the naked child around the room, demanding him to put them back on.
We danced the night away, starting with energetic songs to help burn the excess energy of the young ones, before switching over to the slower romantic ones for the adults.
I ended with Soma for one of the songs, with Hisako at the sidelines watching on with her blessings.
Unlike the last time, we were more accommodating with each other. A push and pull coordination, but we managed a small chat as we moved around the dance floor.
"So, Nakiri, have you tried the dish I made today?"
"The Transforming Furikake? It has been awhile since you made that."
"Tatsuo insisted on seeing how it's done; Figured I might as well make it for all to try."
I giggled; That is so him.
Yukihira has made a name of himself around the world. Regularly travelling about and discovering new things to add to his cooking repertoire. His ambition was to have ownership of a 1000 restaurants, each a different cuisine, each a different challenge to overcome.
What he really loved, though, was to cook meals for his family. All the hours spent in the kitchen honing his craft were just for them.
Soon, our song ends. It was followed by the instrumental beat of a certain song that signed the end of the night, and him raising a hand out for Hisako to join him.
That was my cue to move to the side, giving an appreciative hug to Hisako as we passed each other.
"You haven't told me what you think of the dish." Soma called from behind.
A smile formed on my lips, "Same as the first time you made it." I turned to him and gave him my honest reply:
"It's delicious."
He chuckled while gently taking Hisako's hand into his, another on her waist, holding her closer than he ever did for me.
The perfect couple.
Looking tenderly into each other's eyes, they danced the night away to their song.
So don't forget who's taking you home
Or in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
