SUP Guys~~Hehe~~I kept my promise this time and it will exactly be 21 days since I uploaded the last chapter. Boy was it rough adjusting the time due to me watching Euro's(I support Belgium btw). Cough...Cough... If you may not know, I live in Asia which means the matches are mostly around 3am. Now imagine having to attend classes at 8am...Oh boy... Anyway, I thank everyone for voting their prefer pairing. Takumi x Megumi came out on top but reading back on the previous chapter, I was focusing more on Ryo x Megumi so it was tough for me to change it halfway. So, I'm sorry to the one's who wanted Takumi x Megumi but the chemistry was lacking in the previous chapter. Who knows~~~Maybe the next story I write is Takumi x Megumi with Megumi exploring the world during her childhood.

And again thanks to everyone who follow and favorite the story~~ We're now at 339 Favorites 414 Follows~~~


Onto the review corner and god damn 16 reviews?! This is the second highest since chapter 9~~~ As always, don't be shy to review anything since I will reply to everyone.

Joshiewoshy: Thanks for the review and hope you like this chapter as well~~

NinjaFang1331: Nice to see you again man. Thank you for the review and hope you like the twist and turn in this chapter as well~~

CincyRail: Sup man, nice to hear from you every chapter. Hehe~~thanks for the kind words, don't worry Eizan will be hoping he never crossed swords with them once 'that' battle starts. Stay safe yourself and hope to hear from you again~

Guest: Thank you man. Hope you continue to like it.

Arraia: Thanks for the review and vote man... Sorry about this but I decided to go for Ryo x Megumi. Reading back, I had already lay down the platform and it was hard for me not to use it. Hope you will like what I came up with for this couple.

Monkey D. Conan: Thanks for the review and vote man.. But again... I know that Takumi and Megumi are in canon a great pairing but from the flow of this story I just feel a bit off here. Hope you don't mind the Ryo x Megumi pairing and continue liking the story.

AniKong: Thanks for the review and vote man, this chapter is mainly a filler for the Autumn Selections as we touched on some rivalries. Sorry about this not being Takumi X Megumi as it was really hard for me to come out with a plot in this specific story. Hope you don't mind the pairing and look forward to the Autumn Selections.

Darth David The Simp: Thanks for the review and vote dude~~ Glad you like the twist and the appearance of some characters from the Oregairu series~~ Yup about your question...I messed up haha. I was first gonna use Yui an employee then I change it to Shizuka and I unfortunately messed up the edit so no wonder u felt confused when reading. My bad _ Glad you like Ryo x Megumi and hopefully their development is to your liking. Take care yourself and looking forward to hearing from you again.

Jeojachinwash: Thanks for the review and vote man~~ Glad you are liking the story. Another Kurokiba x Megumi shipper I see, well fortunately for you that is the exact pairing I'm working towards. Nah, your English is fine man. Language is all about communicating not proper use of words~~ Hope you like the pairing and looking forward to hearing from you again.

E.T.2000: Thanks for the review and vote man, ya in canon we could already Eizan suck at cooking. He can't even beat Soma before his training so it really is shocking to me how he was still in the Elite 10 after the central arc. Don't worry about the 1 on 1 scenes as you will getting them in the upcoming chapters~~ Just a spoiler: Alice will come first. Glad you like the pairing of Ryo x Megumi and your guess was not far off with water.

Dragon King Ryouga: Uuu...(In Megumi's voice) sorry about this but I decided to go for Kurokiba x Megumi since I already had the platform lay out in earlier chapters. Maybe the canon one is too intense but hopefully the one in mine is enough for you to accept them. M is Masochist haha.. Glad you like the fun chapters and looking forward to hearing from you again.

JintoLin: Sup man, well its been 3 months and nothing has change.. Still confined at home like prisoners in prison. Heck, they can go out and have a game of football or two... Hmm~~I think you will like how Eizan will end up. Lets just say he will never appear again once one of the three utterly destroyed him. Hehe pick your guess~~ Yup, I decided to exploit on her story as a baseball fan and glad to see everyone liked it. Hahaha got you there, I have some other characters as well in this chapter so I'll just leave who they are for you guys to google easier. Bruh... them teasing Erina would be the end of her I tell you. Yup, Megumi did know who she way and acted out of kindness like the angel she is(Erina wrote this reply). The last part cough cough yup, it was just food no horny bonks here~~ Hopefully you like my version of Kurokiba X Megumi though, and maybe just maybe. You could see a Takumi x Your fav character in here. Looking forward to hearing from you again my man~

F8ZEPHYR: Thanks for the review and vote man, welp you don't have to wait any longer haha. Sorry if the pairing is not to your liking but Megumi x Kurokiba flows smoother in this story.

IndraAshura: Sup My G~~Hope you been doing well, glad you got your studies out of the way while I'm stuck in the first four weeks. Urgh... Anyway, looking forward to your updates man and don't worry about jinxing anything haha. It wont come when you expected it to come. Hmm~~~lets just say its a character from Canon. No more spoilers about that since I want to keep an element of surprise~~ I can just picture the scene in my head of Soma mocking Eizan like when he invited him for tea in Canon. Good o'l Soma never change haha~~ Yes, they are still sleeping with clothes on. No, they haven't gone past that stage YET and the additional prize will be another question for you to wait and see haha~~~ Yes, yes I did. Shizuka is second only to Yukino in Oregairu for me. It was nice to read stories of what if Shizuka was younger and a student. I have some characters from other series in this chapter as well~~ try your best to figure them out without looking at the link I put below~~. Don't worry, you'll be seeing them perform in the Autumn Selections before the festival~~ Yup... that was my mistake, its a long time since I rewatch that scene so I messed up the sirname a bit. Eizan is sending message to someone and its not Kinu~~ Good guesses though, they will be appearing earlier than in Canon so look forward to that~~ Thanks for the review and looking forward to hearing from you next chapter My G~~ stay safe as well

NANLIT: Sup man, glad you enjoy the chapter as much as I enjoy writing it. Eizan's face when he lost to Soma will forever be remember in Anime history haha~~ Yup, its the place that change them after all. Don't be surprised if the town make another appearance further in the chapters~~~It really work out for me as the characters are so versatile in Hoseki that I can involved them in different events. Well, it was you who convince me to go down the Kurokiba x Megumi route as I went back to read the previous chapter after your review so thanks for that and props to you haha. Damn, you got 1 right and 1 wrong haha guess we're even then~~ Thanks for the review and looking forward to hearing from you in the next chapter~~

ZeroX: I mostly upload within 3-4 weeks so stay tuned whenever its around those times.


"Hmm hmm hmm~~~"

"Looks like Alice is in a good mood." Soma smiled wryly as Alice has been humming all along the way.

"You do know its not a vacation right Alice? You both still need to figure out what dish you two are gonna make…On second thought…Maybe not…" Erina said at first before changing her mind as she had no doubt that they will be able to cruise through the preliminary stage.

"Hehe~~Why don't you lighten up Erina~~ We're going to an Onsen (Hot spring) after all~~~ It's a good thing we can change our plans of going to the public pool~~~I don't want anyone else other than Soma to look at my body~~~ Alice said happily.

"Well, I do agree about that…" Erina said as she shuddered in thought of how uncomfortable they will feel if they did go to the public pool.

"Don't worry, I'll get naked and run around the pool if I need to drag those horny bastards away from you." Soma said immediately without giving any thought.

"Pfft~~~You just basically admit you don't mind men in swimsuits running after you~~~ I didn't take you for someone like that Soma~~~" Erina teased.

"?!"

"Our knight in shining armor, pulling out his Excalibur to save his distress princesses~~~Hahaha~~" Alice said as she joined in on the teasing.

"Argh!" With Soma's cried of embarrassment, the quiet jet was now filled with noises.


"So annoying…" Kurokiba complained as he was woken up from his siesta by the loud ruckus.

"They are always having fun haha…But why do I feel so dizzy" Megumi said as she was slightly shaking in her seat.

Battling an eye towards the girl seating next to him, Kurokiba could make up that she was either plane sick or suffering from her usual case of nervousness. Sighing lazily, Kurokiba stood up and left.

After a while, Kurokiba came back with a cup of milk and some easy to eat crackers as well.

"Tadokoro Megumi, here." Kurokiba lazily said.

"Eh eh?" Megumi looked on dumbfounded as she thought Kurokiba was just gonna have some fresh air after napping for an hour.

"Sigh…You're nervous right? This is your first time riding a private jet after all. Or maybe you are indeed sick." Kurokiba said as he leaned in closer to Megumi.

"Awawa..." Megumi was fully flustered at Kurokiba's face was in such close proximity with hers.

"Temperature same…No fever detected…Face flushed?" Kurokiba muttered as his hand was now on Megumi's forehead.

'Uuu…This is embarrassing… But Kurokiba-kun is really caring isn't he hehe…' Megumi thought in her mind as she laughed lightly.

"? Is there anything funny?" Kurokiba asked as he tilted his head to one side.

"Hehe~~I was just thinking that you are really kind after all." Megumi replied.

Seeing the confusion of Kurokiba's face, Megumi explained to him that he was the first one to acknowledge her as a rival. "Even thought your dish was clearly superior to mine, you still wanted to face me again…That really helped my confidence…Urm…I'm not saying we are actually rivals since your target is Soma-kun and Alice-chan but it made me feel that I'm not lacking behind."

"BAM!"

"OUCH?!"

"Cheh, what are you saying…me and you are already rivals. I don't care what you think about yourself but I have already recognized your cooking." Kurokiba said as he removed his hand from Megumi's head.

"Kurokiba-kun…Hehe~~~That's why I said your kind. You helped me with the decorations Soma-kun wanted and even now you are trying to cheer me up. I'll say it again, Kurokiba-kun is a nice person." Megumi smiled towards Kurokiba.

"Urgh…all these words about kindness is making me sick." Kurokiba complained.

"Hehe~~~If that's the case, then it will be my turn to take care of you." Megumi chuckled lightly.

"Cheh, do as you like." Kurokiba said as he tilted his face but Megumi could see a light smile on his lips.

As the atmosphere started to mellow between the two, Megumi took hold of the opportunity and started another conversation.

"You know, those words you say really reminded me of where I was."

"…"

"I was satisfied being confined in my little bubble but Erina-chan gave me an opportunity. An opportunity that was too good for an average girl like me." Megumi said as she began reminiscing on how she and Erina first met.


5 years ago, in a small port down in the Tohoku region, there was a famous yet modest inn housing to only 12 rooms called Shoukeien Ryokon. Inside the inn, there was a serious discussion was unfolding between the owner and an esteemed guest.

"What do you think Hikari-san?"

The girl asking the question was no doubt an unparalleled beauty, the way she carried and operated with proper etiquette was enough to tell Hikari that she was some sort of royalty.

"I'm grateful for the offer Nakiri-sama."

Yes, the one Hikari currently was talking to was none other than Nakiri Erina. Dubbed the God's tongue by many in the culinary industry, one could say she's the pinnacle of the cooking world. Why was such a big shot here in such a remote place? Well…

"But, its not my place to make the final decision. She herself has the freedom to choose." Hikari said truthfully.

"Of course, it was the precise reason that I inform you of my decision first." Erina replied as she elegantly sips her tea.

"Nakiri-sama, could I trouble you with a question?"

"There's no need to be so formal Hikari-san, you can think of me just like any one of your normal guest. If you don't, then I will feel bad for being too informal with you" Erina smiled lightly.

"Hehe, then I'll take up your offer then Nakiri-san." Hikari smiled as well.

"Nakiri-san, why Megumi?" Hikari asked with serious eyes.

"Because she has something I don't."

"And that is?"

"Hospitality"

Seeing the confuse face of Hikari, Erina explained with a smile: "Until recently, I never cared about what people thought of my food. There's was no way I would make a mistake, my food would always be the standard until two people came into my life and straighten me out. Looking back on it, it truly was a lonely way of cooking."

"Nakiri-san…"

"When I tasted Tadokoro-san's dish, I instinctively knew that I won't be able to make such a heart-warming dish. I maybe able to perfectly recreate the dish by recipe but the care and tenderness is something I can't emulate. It's a unique trait that belongs to only her. Hehe~~ It's been a while since I have finished a dish served by someone other than 'them'. You have a lot of talent, Tadokoro-san." Erina said as she glanced at the slight gap between the doors.

"?!"

"Why don't you join us Megumi? In the end, this is your decision to make." Hikari said softly to her daughter.

"Erina-san, I am extremely grateful for the offer but…but…I don't think I will able to cope." Megumi said as she felt her legs shaking.

"Megumi…" Hikari looked on as if she has something to say but she was beaten to the punch by Erina.

"Hehe~~ there's no need to rush for an answer Tadokoro-san. I will be here for another 3 days so you can take your time and sort your feelings out." Erina said as she stood up and prepare to leave.

Reaching the door, Erina turned back one last time and told Megumi: "It takes a lot of courage to change, the challenges you will face ahead will be more gruesome than now but…the result is worth it. Tadokoro-san, you're a strong and dedicated girl, I felt that when I tasted your dish. So, don't looked down on yourself, you are someone that I Nakiri Erina whole-heartedly approved off.

"Looking back on it, it was as if she was talking about herself." Megumi said nostalgically as she finished her story.

"You're still the same even now, too ignorant to recognize your own talent." Kurokiba bluntly said.

"Urgh…" Megumi said as her shoulders slumped.

"But I don't hate it." Kurokiba said as his eyes were now locked onto hers.

"Kurokiba-kun…" Megumi said as her eyes widened.

"I don't really care what you have change. Be it your personality, confidence or whatever. What I can see is your cooking is still the same as it was before and its something that you hold great pride in. That is where you are at your strongest." Kurokiba told her up front.

"Kurokiba-kun…En…I get it now…You see…I once asked Erina-chan a question that was always on my mind…Why me…why such an average and timid girl like me…" Megumi said next.

Seeing that Kurokiba was struggling for an answer, Megumi lightly chuckled and said: "Why not you?"

"Hmm?"

"Now I know what she means by that, there's no need to label myself as someone other than myself. I don't need to compare myself to others, I just need to be myself. Be the Tadokoro Megumi that always serve her food with hospitality." Megumi said as her eyes shined in realization.

"Heh, finally got through that thick skull of yours…You did good struggling to get this far." Kurokiba said as his lips formed to a light smile. Raising his hands slowly, he petted Megumi and praised her for getting this far.

"Arigato, Kurokiba-kun." Megumi smiled as she relaxes herself and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Seeing that Megumi was now lying on his shoulders, Kurokiba could not help but sigh in resignation and cover the blanket over the two of them.


While the two were blatantly flirting with each other despite them being unaware themselves, 3 pairs of eyes were silently watching their interaction.

"Neh~~Should we start calling them MeguKiba or KuroMegu? While Alice were thinking of nicknames to call the pair, Erina was threatening to expose their cover and let Kurokiba have a piece of her mind

"Hands off me Soma! Can't you see an angel is getting defiled?!" Erina growled.

"Where can you see that? They are only sleeping." Soma said exasperatedly as he held onto Erina.

"Is this the secret personality Erina has hidden? The overly protective siscon?" Soma asked to no one in particular.

"Hehe~~~you could say Megumi-chan is the first normal friend she met outside of us and Hishoko, so it's no wonder she protective of her." Alice revealed.

"But still…Kurokiba and Megumi… Heh, it's no wonder you brought him along for the trip Alice …" Soma said which unintentionally fuel Erina's anger even more.

"You knew this would happen Alice?! Is this another part of your pranks Alice?! Erina growled as she struggled even more.

"Hehe~~~what do you mean Erina? I brought Ryo-kun along to carry my luggage that's all." Alice say as she feigns ignorance.

"Is this how I look when I'm with the two of you?" Soma asked Alice's opinion in which Alice nodded in response.

"En~~you have this menacing looks that sends shiver to whoever threaten us and also to us as well~~" Alice purred in Soma's ear.

With him keeping tabs of one girl on one side and another seducing him on the other, Soma chuckled to himself and thought back on how this whole 'vacation' started.


"Neh~~~why are we heading to Shiomi Seminar~~~?" Alice whined as she was not a fan of walking through such muddy paths.

"Well the first thing is to meet Tou-san's kouhai and the second thing is to find out more about Hayama Akira." Soma answered.

"I did not take you to be someone so preparative Soma" Erina said in surprise.

"Heh, its not about being prepared or not. I just don't want my date with Alice in the finals to be disrupted by someone else." Soma said which caused his two lovers to chuckle at his possessive side.

"Hmm…that means you acknowledge him as your closest threat huh…I wonder what your self-proclaimed rivals will feel when they find out."

"Heh, I'm looking forward to facing them too you know. I really wonder how much Takumi has grown since then."

"Enen~~~I really want Ryo-kun to improve as well~~~His dish only consists of punches after all." Alice said as she threw some punches and jabs at the air.

"I believe Hisako and Megumi could give you both a good run for your money, there are the two that improved the most from our sessions together after all." Erina said as she was immensely proud that her two dearest friend were able to break off from their shells.

"If we defeat them, will we get a shot at the boss?" Soma said cheekily.

"Why would you want to embarrass yourself after winning?" Erina replied cheekily as well.

"What would happen if we actually have a chance to face the boss~~" Alice teased which earned a look from Erina.

Unaware that his lovers were planning something behind his back, Soma reached the doll first and held it open for them to enter in first. Placing their foot Inside, they could already smell the lingering taste of spices in the air as this whole building was dedicated to the research of spices and herbs. And the one in charge is none other than "Authority of Spices Shiomi Jun".


"Moshi moshi~~~is anyone home~~~?" Alice called out as they look inside a dimly lit-up room.

Inside the room, they could see a 'junior high school student' wearing a lab coat busy grinding some spices. It seems that is she lacking in more departments than the most obvious one.

Deciding to try again, Alice smirked evilly and said with a deep tone that makes Soma wonder is she is some sort of Yakuza leader: "OI! WHERE IS THE GOD DAMN MANAGER OF THIS PLACE?! DO YOU WANT US TO STRIP OFF YOUR SPONSOR HUH?!"

"EIIII! I'M SORRY!" The 'student' said as she leaped from her spot and started bowing and apologizing.

"…"

While Soma and Erina were left speechless by Alice's bizarre but effective way, Alice went on and said cheerfully.

"Hehe~~~don't mind about any of that. More importantly, where is the manager of this research club?"

"Urm…I'm the manager…" The Chibi girl muttered softly.

"Hai…?"

"Urm…I'm Shiomi Jun... I'm the one in charge of this club…" The Chibi girl said to everyone's surprise.

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"Well that's good then~~~We've been looking for you~~~." Alice said cheerfully which earned instant tsukkomi from Erina and Soma.

"At least act that you're surprise darn it!"

Amidst the ruckus, a young boy with white long hair and dark skin was slowly walking towards them as he heard the commotion from the back garden. Feeling confused on why the normally quiet seminar was suddenly filled with noises, he walked a bit quicker and saw the infamous couple trio looking shocked at his benefactor.

"What is going on here?" Hayama asked bewilderedly.

As Hayama's arrival was a timely intervention, the group was now sitting on a sofa and enjoying some tea prepared by Hayama himself.

"So? I doubt this is just a friendly visit to a place you never been before." Hayama said as he looked at the trio.

"Heh, can't your rival drop in for a simple greeting?" Soma replied with his trademark smirk.

"You're just in the way of my greater goal, once I defeat you, your girlfriend is next." Hayama said confidently.

"Hmm? Me?!" Alice asked while tilting her head.

"…His other girlfriend…"

"Oh~~~say it clearer, won't you?"

"Tch!"

"Well, there's no way that will happen. If you by chance did, then I'll put you back into place. Before that, here's one piece of advice" Erina said before pausing for a second.

"Don't get too submerged in your talent, it will backfire one day." Erina warned before elegantly seeping her tea.

"Quite ironic considering that you are the god's tongue herself." Hayama sarcastically said.

Sensing the atmosphere was a bit tense, Soma light-heartedly said to Jun: "I heard were the kouhai of my father Shiomi senpai, ah my father is called Joichiro…"

But, what welcome him was a fist straight to the face…Or so she though as Soma calmly held on to her fist and said: "Wow, you got some power Shiomi-senpai but my face is off-limits to other girls haha."

Shocked by the sudden events, Jun snapped out of her thoughts and began apologizing for lashing out at a student which Soma light-heartedly wave away.

"It seems your relationship with Dad was not as smooth-sailing as he said haha."

"Grr…that devil…Who welcomes a junior by serving a squid tentacle with strawberry jam?! Who uses a junior as a lab rat for his sick experiments?! Who doesn't contact someone when he disappears huh?!" Jun vented out in anger.

"Yup…that sounds like pops all right." Soma said.

"You don't have to look so proud you know…" Erina voiced out her complaint.

As the conversation flew smoothly after the tense confrontation between Erina and Hayama, Shiomi decide to held out a lecture course in her 'lecture mode' which the trio escaped due to Hayama offering them a tour of the facility.


With the kitchen as their final destination, Hayama offered to serve them a dish in which the trio had no reason to not agree to. As the trio chatted with each other, they did not fail to notice that Hayama was not even looking at the pans. It was as if he could tell when the ingredients are prime and ready.

"So, this was the talent you were speaking off huh. He can cook from just smell alone." Soma said as he saw that Hayama was now cooking with his eyes close.

"Hmm~~? How did you know Erina? Did you have a match with him before? You seem quite annoyed at him though~~~" Alice asked as she was laying on their laps.

"It's nothing personal. But, considering everyone one has been whispering that he has the potential to reach me since middle school was just plain annoying." Erina explained briefly.

"Hoh? He was that good since middle school huh…This makes our match even more interesting."

"So~~~how good do you think he really is~~~" Alice asked Erina but a new voice interrupted their conversation.

"Why don't you find out for yourself." Hayama said as he places his curry dishes in front of them.

"Is this chicken with curry?" Soma asked.

"Yes, this is chicken meat Kozhi Varutha Curry. It's a pretty standard dish in Southern India." Hayama explained.

"Hmm~~~this dish is similar but a bit watery." Alice pointed out.

"For this dish, I decided to use plain water to boil instead of the soup stock for the first one."

"And for your third dish, you decided to serve two bowls of Goan fish curry huh? Erina said as she took a bite of each.

"Yeah, this dish came from Goa. It is a state located in the West India region of the Konkan. It uses white-flesh fish like salmon and swordfish as its main ingredient."

"Hmph! Glad you didn't disappoint Hayama Akira. This shows why you're so confident after all." Erina said as she finished tasting the dishes.

"For the first dish, you emphasize the used of fresh spices rather than dried spices. By using the curry leaves aroma as a starter, the spices of cayenne, chili peppers and onions leave a stinging flavor on the tongue." Erina explained.

"Hoh~~~so this second dish you served shows the concept that the more varieties you add, the more individual flavor of each ingredient loses. So that's why you use plain water to sharpen the strength of the curry spices." Soma said as he recalled overhearing this from Jun's lecture.

Not one to be left out, Alice who was somehow now dressed with a white coat said: "Here here~~~ this third dishes that Hayama served have the exact same ingredients and spices but one has roasted spices as the core which helps blend the ingredients better."

"Now I know why you're the only one in this club. You're the only one capable of applying the concepts Shiomi-senpai thinks off." Soma said as he was impressed by the three different dishes.

"Hehe~~~it was like you were made for each other~~~" Alice teased which caused Hayama to break character as he has a slight blush on his cheek.

"Shut up!"

After having a light laugh, Erina asked her lovers: "So, what do you think Soma, Alice? You're playing right into his domain after all."

"Honestly, I'm even more excited now. I can't wait to make you taste a curry dish better than yours. You're using aroma as your weapon, right? Well, two can play that game." Soma smirked confidently.

"Ma~~~if it was any less disappointing then I would have cast you aside but considering that you have the knowledge and skills to back it up. Hehe~~~I wouldn't mind playing with you~~~" Alice smirked confidently as well.

"Hmph, if you two have cower from just this then its safe to say you two were nothing but all talk. Now, seeing that you two are arrogant enough to think that you can beat me makes me excited to remind you who will stand on top of Totsuki." Hayama said confidently as he was not fazed at all.

"Once that's done, you're next Nakiri Erina." Hayama said as he looked at the imposing figure of Erina.

"Do your best to struggle, you'll need it." Erina replied with her usual cold tone.

As the four have their rivalry ignited to the max, the trio bid goodbye to Hayama and Jun and headed back to the dorm. Once they gotten inside, they saw Megumi slowly wandering towards them.

"Yo, busy preparing for the Election Tadokoro?" Soma greeted first.

"En, I was thinking of making something close to home." Megumi replied as she greeted the trio.

"Hoh~~~that's a splendid idea Megumi-chan~~~Good to know that you are already working on your dish~~~Good girl good girl~~" Alice said as she went on and hugged her.

"Hehe~~That tickles Alice-chan" Megumi laughed as Alice was rubbing their cheeks together.

"Is Hikari-san well? You've been exchanging letter with each other, right?" Erina asked.

"En! Okaa-sama has been doing well, I'm planning on going back during the summer break." Megumi said cheerfully.

"That's great, send my regards to her as well." Erina smiled in reply.

"Ano…if you all don't mind…would you like to follow me…" Megumi asked shyly.

"Hmm/Huh/Eh" The trio had a surprise reaction.

"Urm…Okaa-sama was asking if you all would like to visit our inn since my letter has been all about you all…" Megumi explained with a red face.

"…"

"But if you have plans already then its ok you know…there's no need to force yourselves…" Megumi said in panic as she thought the three are thinking of polite ways to reject her.

However, what she did not expect was Erina and Alice enveloping her into a hug and softly felt her up.

"Uuu~~~what is this adorable creature~~~" Alice said as she continuously pets her head.

"Alright, I decided! Megumi-san, you will be my second assistant. Now, let's get going and get the procedures done." Erina said in a trance like state which left Megumi completely dumbfounded.

"EH EH?!"

"Tadokoro"

"Hai?"

"Thank you for the meal."

"HAIIIII?!"


"To everyone on board, the jet will be landing in Sendai International Airport in 10 minutes, please remain seated until the jet has come to a complete standstill. We thank you all for flying with us, have fun Erina-sama, Alice-sama and their dear friends."

As the announcement brings Soma back to reality, Soma could see Erina was sulking in her seats while Alice constantly teases her. Bringing a smile to his lips, he softly ruffles her honey blonde hair which helps brighten her mood.

After getting off their private jet and bidding goodbye to the pilot crew. The group were welcomed by a swarm of fans as it seems their arrival has reach the locals. Seeing the situation they're in, there was only one thing to do.

"Ryo-kun go!"

"Hai Ojou." Immediately complying his mistress wish, Kurokiba put on his bandanna and scared off the fans. But unexpectedly, they were some who were breathing heavily with blushes on their face which even make Kurokiba drawback. On what faces they were making…let's just say it is not suited for this fanfic.

With this twist of event, Soma grabbed both his lovers hand and dashed into the dogpile while Kurokiba forcefully scared off anyone near him and Megumi. After what seems like an endless parade of people, they found their salvation when Megumi spotted her mother waiting for them in her van.

Immediately grasping the opportunity, the group dashed into the van and Hikari slammed the pedal full throttle leaving behind the 'hungry' fans.

"Hahaha, you're still as popular Erina-san. It's a good thing your secretary inform me beforehand what time you all were arriving." Hikari laughed at the tired group.

"Haa…haa…that's not a laughing matter Hikari-san but it's good to see you again." Erina said while catching her breath.

"It's good to see you as well Erina-san, oh where are my manners. I'm Tadokoro Hikari, it's a pleasure to meet you all and welcome your stay in our inn." Hikari politely introduced herself.

After the group exchange their pleasantries, Hikari look at her daughter and proudly smiled.

"Good for you Megumi, you managed to find yourselves some close friends and possibly a boyfriend as well." Hikari smiled warmly at her daughter which earned a loud reaction from her.

"Okaa-sama?!"

"Hehe~~~you two were sticking so close to each other~~~It made me blush seeing you two like that." Alice can't help but tease.

"Alice-chan?!"

"Good going Tadokoro! It's good to see you on the offensive for once." Soma said with a smile.

"Soma-kun?!"

"HMPH! Don't worry Megumi-chan, I won't let that beast lay a hand on you." Erina said which earned chuckles from the group.

"Uuu…Erina-chan…" Megumi muttered in embarrassment as this conversation just solidify that she has an interest at Kurokiba.

Tilting her face to look at her interest, she could see him boringly looking out of the window as if this conversation was none of his business. But, with someone as detailed in paying attention like herself, she could spot the light smile on his face.


After an hour ride with Megumi at the center of attention, they finally reached the place they were going to be staying in for the summer break.

"Welcome to our inn, Shoukeien Ryokan. Please enjoy your stay with us."

"Thanks for having us~"

As soon as the group got off the van, they were warmly welcome by the locals which brought a smile to everyone's faces. Some greeted Erina as Erina did meet them before while most were swarming at their hometown idol Megumi.

"This is a great place." Soma said as he enjoyed the scenery.

"Yup~~~it's a place where we can be ourselves~~~No names, No stature. Just us~~~" Alice said as she breathes in the smell of nature.

"The sea is peaceful. Its good." Kurokiba said as this reminded him briefly of home.

"You know Ryo-kun, you should enjoy yourself fully on this trip. I will relieve you of your duties here so you can have some fun." Alice said which cause Kurokiba to widen his eyes in surprise.

"Hai…Ojou." Kurokiba replied with his same monotone voice.

"Mou! Well whatever~~~Onsen here we come~~~Eh?" Alice was about to run off but she was held back by Erina grabbing hold on the collar of her shirt.

"Don't you think its common courtesy to pay respect to the shrine first before enjoying ourselves fully? Now come along." Erina said as she pointed at the shrine a few distances away.

"A shrine? I thought Tohoku is famous for its nature and high-quality rice." Soma asked as they set foot towards the shrine while enjoying the view along the way.

"Why it is always food with you Soma…Its true that the rice here is the best in Japan but it also hosts the the memorial for Tokugawa Leyasu." Erina explained

"Hmm~~~? The shogun?" Alice asked amazed.

"Yes, the shrine we are heading now is Toshogu Shrine. He in enshrined there as the Deity Tosho Daigongen, "Great Deity of the East Shining Light." Megumi explained in place of Erina.

After the brief walk, the five arrived at the shrine and were welcome by the lavishly decorated shrine complex within the forest. The numerous wood carvings and golden leaves left a sight to behold to them.

"This is one of the only shrines in Japan that has this much complexity behind its design." Megumi said as she acted at the tour guide.

Once they got their tickets and went inside, they were attracted by the wood carvings of monkeys and elephants.

"Hmm~~~why did they chose these two animals?" Alice asked as she was intrigued.

"Alice, the monkeys have a deeper meaning that means "see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil" while the elephants are called Sozonozo Elephants (Imaginary Elephants). They were made by the same artist who has never seen an elephant in his life." Erina explained to her cousin.

"You tell me he was able to carve out a creature perfectly without seeing it once, damn that is talent." Soma praised

"Hmm? Dragon?" Kurokiba asked as he looked at the ceiling of the hall.

"En, that is called the 'Crying Dragon'. It resembles the bright sound it makes when they are priest coming to visit." Megumi explained with a smile.

As they slowly took in the sight of the shrine, they arrived at the main building which is the Haiden (Praying hall). Deciding to pay their respect, the five head in and pray to the spirits of Tokugawa Leyasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Minamoto Yoritomo. Once they finished their prayers, they walked out and ascended the stairs of the Sakashitamon Gate to gaze at the famous carving of Nemurineko (Sleeping cat). With that done and paying one last respectful bow towards Tokugawa Leyasu's mausoleum, they headed back with a newly refresh mind and clear thoughts.


"Haa~~~this is the life~~~Our future home need an Onsen like this~~~" Alice said as she relaxed in the soothing water.

"I agree~~~Guess we found out the first thing our house needs. Make in outdoor as well with some nature around." Erina said as she secretly is the one who likes Onsen the most.

"Ya, the view is stunning as well." Soma said as he just finished cleaning himself.

"Mou~~~Hehe~~~Do you like the view of the 'mountains'~~~?" Alice teased as she raised one part of her body.

"I would like to mount those 'mountains' one day. Hey!" Soma said cheekily which earned a splash from Erina.

"Sit down would you? We already know you are not embarrassed of showing off your thing to others especially men." Erina teased as she brought back the topic on the jet.

"Too bad they won't appreciate the magnitude of this, guess I'll have to ask the opinion of two beautiful ladies." Soma continued the banter as he squeezed in between the two.

"Hmm~~~I'll give it a solid 9 out of 10, I won't give it a 10 until it proven that it works~~~" Alice said sultry.

"You don't have to be so adamant to follow the deal you know~~We are ready whenever you are~~" Erina joined in as she was intrigued on how much self-control Soma has.

"Haa…You both will be the death of me one day you know. But there's no rule that says I can't do something prior~~~" Soma joke as he softly rubbed their shoulders.

"Mmm~~~you sure know how to work those hands Soma~~~" Alice continued to push the limits.

"Mmm~~~Don't take it too far Soma or else the whole building will hear us~~" Erina said bolder than usual.

Stopping his hands for a second, he reached out to the sake bottle he brought in and poured it into three small cups before giving them to his lovers.

"How about some wine to make this even more interesting~" Soma offered to the two of them.

"Hehe~~I bet you forgot that Alice and I are Nakiris you know, we have been trained in alcohol tolerance to prevent situation like this~~" Erina lightly chuckle.

"But~~~I don't mind getting drunk for once in my life since I know you will take good care of us~~~" Alice smiled as she downed it in one go.

Softly ruffling their wet hair before embracing the two closer, Soma sweetly whisper to the two: "When the day comes, I will make it the best days of your life. Before that, this is just a prequel to our live together."

As they felt shivers tingling down their spines, Erina and Alice boldly sandwich themselves between Soma and gave him a heartfelt kiss on the lips. Lying in comfort of each other's company, the trio continued to flirt with each other while enjoying the scene with sake in hand as well.


While the trio were busy spending their time exploring the Tohoku region by going hiking, having picnics by the lake and visiting the numerous landmarks, Megumi was still stuck on phase one of preparing her dish. It has already been 6 days since she returned home and yet she still can't come up with any inspiration for her dish. Seeing her downhearted daughter, Hikari told Megumi that she needed a change of pace and asked her to handle the morning groceries. Thinking that a market loaded with ingredients would help inspire her, Megumi readily agree and set off the next day.

Arriving at the market, Megumi could spot the locals she knows waving at her with smiles on their face. Deciding to head there first, Megumi arrived at the fish vendors and brought out the list of fish their inn needed. All was going smooth sailing until someone the town universally hated arrived.

"Oi, I pre-order these fish last week. You best get your hand off those if you know what's coming." The man rudely said.

Turning around, Megumi could see someone that even an angle like her would revolt from his near presence. Maybe noticing Megumi's gaze, the man grinned sadistically and called out to her.

"Why if isn't the next-door poster girl. Heh, I was wondering the commotion was about but it seems it was only just a little pup running back to her mother."

"Tucker-san, its good to see you in good health." Megumi replied while gritting through her teeth.

"Stop with the act missy, it makes me want to puke on how people want to hide what they truly feel. If you hate me just say it." Tucker said with a grin as he saw the fury behind Megumi's eyes.

"Oh, my bad. I forgot that you have an inn reputation to hold hahaha. What do you say, if you come to my place for a day, I'll think about lending you some customers." Tucker continued with a sickening expression.

"That's enough Tucker! Here's the fish you wanted, take it and leave now!" One of the vendors said as he came to Megumi's rescue.

Grabbing the fish bag handed to him, he looked on with a blank expression before chucking them to the ground.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" The vendor asked furiously.

"That's what I'm asking you, don't you dare give me fish touched by someone else. The freshness will be ruined! Move over before you contaminate any more of money." Tucker replied before pushing Megumi to the side with the intention of making her fall.

However, Megumi stood firm and glared at him with eyes filled with fury. Licking his lips like a total creep, Tucker felt interested that someone would dare defy him this upfront.

"Hoh? I change my mind about you. Looks like the little Chihuahua have some bite in her. Why don't you ditch your lousy inn and come work at my place? You should know that my inn is twice as big and more famous than yours. And who knows? You maybe able to pick up some 'skills' when I'm done with you hahaha!" Tucker laughed with a twisted expression.

But, it all change in the coming seconds as he felt a stinging pain on his right cheek. Slowly bringing up his trembling hand, he wiped his lips which had a small speck of blood and widened his eyes in pure shock.

"Haa…haa…" While Megumi was heavily breathing as this was the first time ever did she raised a hand against someone.

"YOU BITCH!" Tucker cried in absolute fury as he bypasses the vendors standing in front of Megumi protectively and raised a fist towards her.

Feeling that she had no reason to run, Megumi stood firm in front of the incoming fist and brace herself for impact.

"Haa…that's why you are a pain in the ass…Why don't you just run…" A voice suddenly resounded from behind her.

Recognizing the voice without even needing to open her eyes, Megumi softly said: "Isn't that what you told me? Stand firm with your decisions with no regret. Face everything head on without any regret."

"Heh…you're unbelievable" The voice said with a smile as he held the fist even more tighter until some cracking sounds could be heard.

"Now stand back, its been a while since I let loose."

"Don't wanna"

"Huh?"

"We're rivals aren't we, you should be asking me to stand beside you."

"Heh…Smartass"

After they finish their little flirting session, Kurokiba now stood beside Megumi and looked on at Tucker with an emotionless expression. It was something he picked up from Alice and Erina as they often have this face when looking at specks of dust.

"Grr! ARGH!" Tucker cried in pain as he could feel his fist turning white.

"So? What's next? Is this all you got?" Kurokiba said with a voice full of ridicule.

"Hands off me boy! Do you know who you are messing with?!"

"Crack! I could care less. So? What's next?" Kurokiba repeated his words

"ARGH!"

"Shut your mouth, its getting annoying. Crack! Is that all you got?" Kurokiba repeated for the third tie.

"I'm…sorry! If you want money, I'll give it to you! If you want an apology, I'll say it right now!" Tucker cried out loud like a sorry criminal.

"Annoying. Crack!"

"…"

"?"

"…"

"Kurokiba-kun, I think he fainted from the pain." Megumi pointed out as he saw Tucker had his eyes rolled back.

Wordlessly removing his hand from the "insect's" fist, he picked up the list Megumi dropped and handed it back to her before turning around to leave.

Seeing that Kurokiba was about to leave, Megumi called out to him: "Kurokiba-kun! Could you help me with my shopping!"

It sounded more like an order than a request but Megumi did not know what came over her as she didn't want Kurokiba to leave her so soon.

Stopping in his tracks, Kurokiba wordlessly turned around and headed for the fish stalls before turning to Megumi. "Let's get this over with."

Happily smiling that Kurokiba stay for her, Megumi hurriedly ran up beside him as they headed for their first 'date'.

The 'date' went off smoothly as Kurokiba was in charge of the fish and meat while Megumi was in charge of the vegetables and fruits. Megumi was surprised to hear that Kurokiba has been coming to the market since day one but that was not all as Kurokiba chose all the best fish on sale by simply touching it. On the other hand, Kurokiba was surprised that Megumi was able to do the exact thing with vegetables as a simple touch was enough to choose which has ripe at the right time and which was adjusted to make the outside look better. However, what brought a smile to his lips was Megumi pointed out the bad ones to the hawkers to prevent others from buying the rotten ones.


As they finish their little 'date' at the market, Kurokiba to the surprise of Megumi initiated the conversation.

"Who was him? It looks like your place has some history with him."

"He is the owner of the inn next to us. Even though he's only been here for the past two years or so, his inn was build significantly larger than us and its common for tourist to head towards a much larger and nicer looking inn."

"I see."

"His inn attraction is mainly about 'Night services' However from what I heard and see is that he puts on this fake façade and attract the local girls to his inn. And the next day, they are 'willingly' working for him." Megumi said with a light scowl.

"I heard enough."

"Eh?"

"Enough of that, why did you come to the market in the first place? You were not here for the first few days." Kurokiba said as he diverted away from the unpleasant topic.

Before Megumi was able to reply, the duo heard a loud commotion coming from the inn. Rushing back immediately, they could see the man from earlier facing up against Erina, Soma and Alice.

"Another bitch in the way?! But goddamn this inn has some beautiful girls." Tucker looked on perversely at Erina and Alice.

However, he had yet to realize that he has awoken a beast far scarier than the one he faced earlier.

"Gfuu?!

Yes, it was the noise a pig would make after falling over and it was exactly what he did. He was send to the floor by a straight kick to the stomach by Soma. Grabbing his hair up, Soma looked at him with a death glare.

"I'm not as nice as Kurokiba. One more word and you're done." Soma threatened.

As if was the grim reaper himself holding onto him, Tucker immediately apologized to Erina and Alice.

"Soma-kun, what happen?!" Megumi asked as she ran back as far as she could.

"Hmph! He was about to destroy the stage we set out for your performance today." Erina replied with venom in her voice.

"EH?! Performance?! Me?!"

"En~~~Hikari-san told us that you were performing your annual tradition today~~~I'm so looking forward to it~~~" Alice said excitingly.

"Fueeh?"

"Hurry up Megumi~~~you don't want to leave your fans waiting~~~" Hikari called out to her from the kitchen.

As Megumi was still processing what is happening, Kurokiba forcefully grabbed her hand and brought her to the kitchen.

"Okaa-sama! What is happening?!

"It's our tradition remember? On the seventh day of each month, we will hold a speciality show where we will be cutting hanging goosefish/monkfish."

"It's that day already?!"

"Hehe~~you silly girl. Go and get dressed, your Otou-sama is waiting." Hikari said which ignited Megumi even more.

After getting fully dressed in her chef's outfit, Megumi headed out to the backyard and saw more than 50 people lined up in wait with some of them from the media as well. Taking a deep breath, she looked around the crowd and saw Alice, Erina and Soma giving her a thumb up while Kurokiba was leaning on a tree with one eye open giving a nod to her. Last but not least, the loudest cheer came from her dear family.

"Good luck Megumi!" The father and mother called out to her.

Even though she has been performing this act for years, Megumi can't help but feel that the stakes this time around were higher than ever. Searching for the charm that had always help her out, Megumi dig around her pocket and saw a little note.

"You really are hopeless, when were you the one stressing over what ingredients to use? Just do it your way."

Widening her eyes, she looked at Kurokiba who was now directly locking gaze with her. As time seems to stood still, Megumi could make out that Kurokiba took notice of her struggling with her dish. But when? Was it their conversation earlier? But she did not tell him anything. Was he always looking out for her? Megumi could not find an answer to that.

Deciding to leave the thoughts behind for now, Megumi focus solely on the task at hand and delivered a masterful showing that could leave experienced chefs in the mud. After placing the last part on the tray, Megumi bow to a rupture of applause from the crowd.

On that day, the Shoukeien Ryokan earned the recognition of many tourist while the inn next to it swiftly close down due to investigations from the police. It was needless to say the inn's reservation was now packed full for the same date every month which cause a headache for the head of Tadokoro family as it seems he can't be slacking off any longer. But, let's save that story for the Autumn Selections, shall we?

Somewhere away from the party, we could see a lone man sitting at the dork enjoying the slight breeze from the wind and the smell from the sea. Having a longing face, he softly muttered out to no one: "What it's like to have a family?"


And Cut! So, tell me how did you like how I incorporated the starting of Kurokiba x Megumi. Once again I'm sorry for the ones who choose Takumi x Megumi but the chemistry I felt from them was lacking in this fanfic.

The next chapter will be at the end of July since I'm now at the busy schedule of studies with assignments and projects. Don't worry I'll make your wait worth it with the long-awaited Autumn Selections. I'll do the preliminary in one go and maybe 1 of the first elimination battles we'll see.

PS: Here are the characters I use in this chapter

Hikari: I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace Hikari/Neun

Tadokoro Father: I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace Miyama Kaito

Tucker(Scumbag): Fullmetal Alchemist

PS: I read the webnovel I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace 700+ chapters in 4 days. It was refreshing to see a Harem with MC that is not Op in strength but in other ways and how every heroine is S+ Tier.