Author's Note:

Hi everyone!

I apologize for this having taken so long once again! This chapter was a little challenging and in addition to that I got swept up in several internships.

Sometimes, in these long gaps of inactivity, I do see a little bit of worry of me having discontinued the story in the reviews, so I want to use this author's note to say: I do not plan to discontinue this story any time soon! It's my baby and something I continue to be very excited for & I am so thankful to know that there's people who are interested in it as well.

As a possible suggestion, I'd like to bring your attention to the fact that I have a tumblr and a twitter account. Whenever any of those longer breaks occur and you might get worried over me having abandoned the story, I can recommend you to take a look on either my tumblr or my twitter because I assure you that I am constantly brain-rotting over my Shokugeki OCs and that they continue to dominate my mind even when I have troubles finding the time to write the main story.

My twitter username is ice_cold_sea and my tumblr's is polar_stars

One warning though: I do also mention and talk about characters that have yet to appear and even allude to some future story beats as well sometimes. If you don't want to get spoiled at all, then it might be better to stay away.

Lastly, before I finally let you off the hook, I also wanted to mention that during my break "Shokugeki no Kimiko" actually had it's 5 year anniversary! It's insane for me to know that I managed to stay committed to a project of mine for such a long time and it gives me a lot of hope for future ideas of mine.

"Shokugeki no Kimiko" has grown very dear to me and we still got a lot more in store, which I am very excited for!

The next two upcoming chapter kind-off act as a little (very late) "thank you" to all of you for sticking around and supporting this little, big fic of mine.

Thank you so, so much for all the support and feedback! And now, finally, without further ado...the newest chapter!

"Onee-chan?" Kazuo called out, first looking at the toast with smashed avocados, feta-cheese and a poached egg on top before directing his gaze towards his older sister. "You're awake this early?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Ran chuckled. "It's rare for anyone in this house to wake up before dad." She proceeded to finalise her breakfast with pepper and salt. "But I have some business to take care of this morning." Once she was done she held up a plate. "Want one too?"

Kazuo smiled, thankfully taking one of the toasts off the plate. "Is it related to the short-term Elite 10 meeting you called in yesterday?" "I can call myself lucky that my recent demotion didn't take away my right to do that." Ran smirked, a soft laughter escaping her. "But the first seat was able to adapt to my spontaneous plans and so we also got to take care of some Autumn Election related tasks that were initially reserved for the next scheduled meeting."

Her smile grew and she took a step closer towards Kazuo. "I hate to spoil the fun, but you will get a letter today." As Kazuo's eyes grew wide in curiosity, Ran gave him a pat on his shoulder. "I am so proud of you."

She winked. "And I know you're going to like the announcement."

—

The 20th Plate - Dreams, Plans and Schemes

—

Hiroshi woke up very early. Even for his standards.

He decided to make the best of it, which meant: making a couple of the Onigiri he loved so much as a child and filling a thermos bottle with boiling hot lemon-ginger tea. Hiroshi then went out into the chilly morning air. The sun might still be hiding behind the trees at this early hour but he knew that once it will rise it would make for a beautiful, clear day. He took a deep breath and made his way to the Polar Star gardens.

He got through the salads and half of the tomatoes before he finally heard the familiar sound of Yasu starting up his chainsaw in the distance.

Meanwhile, inside the dorm, Kimiko was awakened by the rustling of the speech pipes. "Kimiko-chan~ Good morning~" Satoshi chirped.

Kimiko groaned as she sat up. "What's the deal, Satoshi-san?" After having rubbed some of the sleep out her eyes, she scowled at the pipe. "I don't have field work today." "That is true." Satoshi agreed with a hum. "I'm calling you on this beautiful, bright morning because there is someone here who wants to see you." Sliding out of bed with a frown on her face, Kimiko asked. "At this hour? Who?" It couldn't be Hiraku, that's for sure.

"It's a very polite, young lady." Satoshi answered. "Her name is Mimasaka Ran."

"Oh", Kimiko exclaimed and just a second later she was already rushing to her closet. "Give me a minute, I'll get dressed." She quickly put on a red, casual dress and her white neckerchief. Finally she tied her hair into the signature pigtails and rushed out of the door afterwards.

Coming down the stairs, she saw Ran waiting in the dorm's main hall, holding a motorcycle helmet and wearing a black leather jacket. "Good Morning, Kimiko-san." She greeted as soon as Kimiko was close enough. "I am terribly sorry to bother you this early but I've got some news to share."

"Mornin' Mimasaka-senpai!" Kimiko jumped down the last couple steps. "That was fast." Ran smiled at her, before eying the little group of middle schoolers that peeked in from the dining hall, curious over the question what an Elite 10 member was doing in their entrance hall. She gave them a subtle hand wave, which instantly made the children's eyes go wide in awe. Chuckling, Ran turned her attention back to Kimiko. "Why don't we go talk outside?"

"Sure." Kimiko agreed with a nod.

Once the door had closed behind them, Kimiko swung into Ran's direction and beamed. "So, what do you got? Is there something we can do to help Hiroshi-kun?" Not intending to push her obvious curiosity further, Ran answered. "There is." Kimiko's face lit up instantly. "For real?"

"I was able to get the idea I've had rolling." Ran nodded. "But for it to work, Aldini-Tadokoro needs to accept the help. So I want to fill him in." "He's probably on the fields." Kimiko bounced forward, eager to tell Hiroshi about the news. Ran watched this with a cherishing gleam in her blood-red eyes before saying. "Alright, let's go visit him then."

Kimiko didn't need to be told twice. She ran ahead, while Ran behind her took slower steps in order to take in her surroundings some more.

—

At the same time the news that an Elite 10 member had visit them spread like wildfire inside the dorm.

"Mimasaka Ran is here…in our garden..? And you're still having me on cooking duty?!" Hideyoshi complained. Mercilessly Satoshi smiled down at him. "But of course. Your classmates have to eat and, after all, you've got Daisuke-kun to help you out as well." "But..BUT…This is an excellent chance for me to make some connections." Hideyoshi argued back.

Daisuke took a step forwards. "She's here for Yukihira from what I've heard." He recalled what he had caught from the middle schooler's gossip earlier. A pout appeared on Hideyoshi's face. "Man, wish I had a sibling in the Elite 10."

Satoshi laughed, while patting Hideyoshi's head. "Maybe she wants to breakfast with us. And she shouldn't be greeted with nothing if that's the case, no? So I suggest you get going into the kitchen while I go through the mail- Oh!" Just then he caught the sight of Chieko standing by the door frame. "Chieko-chan! Good morning! Why don't you help me organise the mail?"

With an apologetic expression Chieko shook her head while holding up her mobile. "Sorry, Satoshi-san but I have to call my mom back. She's been trying to reach me this entire morning."

—

"Hey Ibusaki!" Kimiko called out once they reached the shed that Yasu was typically working at. Hearing his name, he looked up in surprise. "Is that….5th Seat Mimasaka Ran?" Was the first question he asked when Kimiko came to a still in front of him. "You know how I was at the Elite 10 Building the other day? To ask about Hiroshi-kun?" Kimiko gestured into Ran's direction. "She's here to help! So we want to talk to him about it. He's on the fields, right?"

"Yes…Yes, of course…He is." Yasu stammered, looking back to Ran who was coming closer and closer. He leaned in a little. "So there is a chance to get Tadokoro into the Elections? That's awesome." Yasu lowered his voice some more. "Would it be alright if I join the talk?" Kimiko swore she saw his cheek turn a little bit red. "I am curious."

"Sure!" She grinned right when Ran arrived. "Mimasaka-senpai", Kimiko then looked upwards to meet Ran's eyes. "This right here is Ibusaki Yasu, one of my dorm mates." "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mimasaka-senpai." Yasu nodded before Kimiko continued. "He'd like to join our talk with Hiroshi-kun."

And after Ran's "But of course" the trio got moving.

Together Kimiko and Yasu lead Ran to the vast, blooming fields of Polar Star, which earned an impressive whistle from the fifth seat. And of course it wasn't all too difficult to spot Hiroshi's blue hair in-between all the green.

Poor, unsuspecting Hiroshi nearly fell backwards as the three appeared right next to him.

"You're Tadokoro-Aldini Hiroshi, right?" Ran greeted with one of her warmest smiles. "You're Mimasaka Ran!" Hiroshi shrieked while hastily jumping up in order to face the group better. "That's right." Ran continued. "Sorry to surprise you like this but there is something I want to talk about with you."

"…Me?" Hiroshi looked back and forth between Kimiko and Yasu, his blue eyes full of a thousand question marks. "You see…", Ran began, "Yukihira-san was in my office the other day." As Ran made a pause Hiroshi threw another look at Kimiko, this time with a million question marks in his blue eyes. "It was about the Autumn Election Premlins."

"…What?…Ki…Kimiko-san!" Hiroshi stammered.

Yasu hastily interjected. "I asked her to do so." "Guys..!" The idea of his friends bothering Elite 10 members just because of him drove the color out of Hiroshi's face. Before he could faint however, Ran chose to take over again. "Listen Hiroshi-kun, your dormmates are all in agreement that you should be getting the chance to participate in the Autumn Election Premlins. I decided to look into your case and came to the personal conclusion that you are deserving of another shot. So I came up with an idea and discussed it with the rest of the council."

Hiroshi took a step back, simultaneously starting to fumble with his hands. The more people were involved in this fuss just for him the more the knowledge weighed down on him.

"Aldini-Tadokoro-kun", Ran began with a calm, understanding voice. But Hiroshi did not let her continue. "I'm terribly sorry for causing you so much trouble!"

This caught Ran a little bit by surprise (something that really doesn't happen all too often) but after it had fade, she gave Hiroshi one of the most earnest smiles he has ever seen. "Don't worry about it, really." "Please hear her out, Hiroshi-kun." Kimiko spoke up.

Being the center of such a tumult was a thought that still intimidated Hiroshi but he figured that all of it would be completely for nothing if he ran away now. So he gave an unsure nod.

"So, Aldini-Tadokoro", Ran began anew, "I am sure you're aware of the Annual Misummer Ball at the Nakiri Mansion." Hiroshi's response to that was "Yes, of course." Kimiko however turned her head towards Yasu. "A ball at aunt Alice's place?" "Do you not know about it?" Sheer disbelief swung in Yasu's usually so monotone voice. When Kimiko responded with a nonchalant shrug, Yasu elaborated further. "The Nakiri Family's Annual Midsummer Ball is one of the most acclaimed and sought-after events within the culinary world. The industry's fattest cats are regulars on that ball's guest list." Yasu exhaled deeply, seemingly exhausted from so much talking. "Chi-chan and her mother are crazy over it." He then excused all the knowledge he had on the ball.

"All the Elite 10 members will be there." Realizing that Yasu wasn't cut out to deliver exposition the ever-gracious Ran took it over for him. "Most of the current members are part of the Culinary Elite, so they are expected to show up as representatives for both their families and the academy. Which ties…" She looked back at Hiroshi, a slightly playful smirk on her lips. "…to my plan."

With a couple of confused eye-blinks Hiroshi urged his upperclassman to continue.

Ran folded her hands together and calmly explained. "Aldini-Tadokoro, if you want to participate in the Autumn Election premlins you have to convince the Elites that you're deserving of it." She watched how Hiroshi's pupils shrunk in fear after hearing that sentence, so Ran laid more encouragement into her voice. "And the ball is your chance to do so!" Kimiko meanwhile could barely contain her curiosity and instinctively leaned forward so she could hear better. "As I took a look on the guest list already, I know that your parents as well as your uncle and aunt got an invite, so I take you will be on the ball as well." Hiroshi nodded two times, the first one was a little hesitant while the second was a lot more firm. "My parents never go but I know that aunt Ikumi is going each and every year. I could accompany her." "Perfect!" Ran clapped her hands. "Because the Elites are willing to see you on the ball and taste a dish of yours. If they like it, you get into the Premlins."

"I have to cook for the Elites?!" Hiroshi's voice shifted one octave higher. He took another step backwards, almost falling in the process. "…I…I.." He stammered. "…I can not possibly waste the Elite's time like this…" "Tadokoro, you wouldn't waste anyone's time." Yasu interrupted him. "Your dishes are delicious!" "This sounds like a big chance!" Kimiko brought up.

Hiroshi looked back and forth between Kimiko, Ran and Yasu before lowering his head. Several minutes passed as he wagered what was worse: embarrassing himself in front of the Elite 10 or the disappointment in his friend's eyes if he would decline. Not to mention, the knowledge of all the trouble Ran had went through for him.

With a heavy sigh, Hiroshi made his decision and lifted his head back up to meet the eyes of his friends and the upperclassman between them. He tried his best to surpress the lingering doubt in his voice when he answered. "Okay, I'll do it." All three faces in front of him lit up, Kimiko's in particular giving the sun some serious competition.

"Great!" She exclaimed. Before the ball sounded like just another one of Totsuki's exhaustingly extravagant spectacles and therefore wholly uninteresting to Kimiko. But the prospect of seeing Hiroshi step in front of the Elite 10 and earn his participation in the Autumn Elections? That did spark interest in her. "I should ask Aunt Alice if I can go to the ball as well!" "Oh, you don't need to." Ran pointed out. "This year, the participants in the Autumn Election Premlins and their families get invited to the ball as well. The headmistress wants to make this a new custom I heard."

—

While Hiroshi's destiny was being discussed over on the fields, Chieko was having a call close to the dorm's entrance.

After she dialled her mother's number she let her gaze sweep over the surrounding trees, waiting for her mom to pick up. A small woodpecker between the rich, green leafs was her last calm sight before her mother's bubbly, high-pitched voice reached her ears. "Chieko, dear! Finally!"

"Mom, good morning!" Chieko answered. "Why did you call?" That question acted like a wrecking ball breaking the dam and making Chieko's mother spill a waterfall of words. "Oh, my precious little pumpkin, you wouldn't believe it! You better sit down! Or not, because you can celebrate better when you're standing! Then again, what if you..No, whether you're sitting or standing isn't what's important! Chieko! Dearie! You know what was in the mail today? All official? With the Nakiri's family crest?!" Chieko was left with exactly one second to debate on wether that question was rhetorical or if she was actually supposed to answer it. Right when she opened her mouth her mother was already squealing however. "We got an invitation to the Annual Midsummer Ball!"

Chieko's mouth remained open but not a single word would come out. All she could manage was a gasp. Enough for her mother. "I know right? This is amazing! And guess what? It's all because of you and your participation in the Autumn Elections! Oh, I am so excited!" Finally, Chieko regained her speech. "Yo…You're kidding…" She stammered, which her mother only answered to with laughter. "You have to come over as soon as possible! We have to pick out a dress, and talk about your hairstyle, and your make up! Oh, there's still so much to do! But I am beyond happy, sweetie! We're going to have the night of our lives and right after you're gonna rock those premlins!"

Chieko remembered the mail that Satoshi was going through and once her mother was finally pausing in order to catch her breath, she took her chance. Though her voice was audibly weak with her still trying to process the news. "Mo..Mom, I have to see this for myself! I am going to check the mail…" "Do that, do that!" Her mother cheered. "And call me back later, my dear!" "I will!" Chieko quickly agreed. "Bye, Mom."

After hanging up, Chieko instantly swirled around and stormed back into the dorm.

"Satoshi-san!" She called out as she ran into the dining hall. "I am going to help with the mail." And before Satoshi could even begin to say "How nice of you, Chieko-chan", Chieko was already at the table, tossing all letters intended for the middle schoolers aside. Satoshi watched Chieko's idea of "organizing mail" with confusion but she didn't mind, completely consumed by her feverish search.

After a bit of digging, she held a letter with Yasu's name and the Nakiri's family crest in her hands. Underneath there was one for Kimiko. And after putting that aside, Chieko finally saw what she was looking for.

Not able to contain it any longer, Chieko took the letter in her hands and began jumping on the spot, squealing just like her mother had done earlier. Seeing this, Satoshi wasn't able to contain a chuckle. "Seems like good news." He understood that Chieko probably didn't have the concentration to organize mail at the moment. Given how rare that was, he decided to let her have this moment and simply continued to go through the mail by himself.

—

Later when Hiroshi, Kimiko and Yasu returned back into the dorm Chieko, Hideyoshi, Daisuke and Mika had already gathered at their table. While eating, they were avidly discussing. And they were only able to snap out of it when Kimiko greeted them. "What's all the fuss about?"

Chieko and Hideyoshi both simultaneously opened their mouth, however whatever Chieko wanted to say seemingly got stuck in her mouth as soon as her eyes fell on Hiroshi. And so Hideyoshi got to it first. "Where's Mimasaka Ran? I heard she was with Yukihira."

Kimiko raised an eyebrow at him while Yasu sighed. "She already went home."

Hiroshi figured that whatever Chieko had wanted to say probably was the actual answer to Kimiko's question. He was also sure that it was something she felt uncomfortable saying in front of him. Which meant there was only one possibility. "Marui-san, is this about the Autumn Election Premlins?" He then asked with a gesture towards the letter Chieko was holding.

"Uhm…uh…" Obviously Chieko was trying to come up with some excuse but her face made it clear that she was busted. And so, Hiroshi put up a small but encouraging smile. "It's okay." That smile quickly made way for surprise however when Kimiko gave his side a little nudge. She grinned. "Tell 'em!"

"Ki…Kimiko-san..!" Hiroshi's face flared up but he couldn't say anything more as, of course, Kimiko's comment had ignited the curiosity of the rest. "Tell us what?" Hideyoshi then voiced the question that was written in each of their faces. "Hiroshi?" Mika leaned forwards.

"Well", Hiroshi lowered his head, "…I've been given the chance to cook for the Elite 10 on this year's Midsummer Ball." One after another a jaw dropped. "And…and if they like it…." Hiroshi lifted his head again and in the face of his expecting friends, who were pretty close to bursting, he gave an unsure shrug. "…If they like it, I can participate in the Autumn Elections!"

Mika was the first one to jump off her seat. "Are you for real?!"

"That's amazing!" Daisuke gasped and followed Mika's example. Hideyoshi did so too. "…And a massive chance! Woah, Tadokoro this is awesome!" "Congrats!" Chieko clapped.

Mika meanwhile was overcome with a rush of relief. A rush so intense that it robbed her off any other words to say. And so, all she could manage was to pull Hiroshi into a tight hug. Hiroshi was a little surprised by it at first but soon enough he returned the hug, patting her shoulder lightly as well.

The rest of the gang actually wanted to grant them their moment for a little while longer. Hideyoshi however did not get that telepathic memo. "And you know what, Tadokoro?" Using the opportunity of Chieko looking away, Hideyoshi grabbed the letter that she had been holding in her hands. "Aldini, Yukihira, Ibusaki and Marui got their invitations to the ball today! As participants of the Autumn Elections! Meanwhile yours truly-" "Not just you!" Daisuke interjected. Hideyoshi's haughty tone faded and made way for a groan as he rolled his eyes. "Fine, me and this guy-" This time it was Chieko interrupting him: "This guy and I." "Jeez! This guy and I were invited on behalf of the president of Totsuki's Journalism division."

"So…we'll all be there." Yasu wrapped it up.

All the annoyance over the several corrections his classmates had been subjecting him to was swept out of Hideyoshi's face as he simply grinned. "Awesome, isn't it?" Seeing how Hiroshi parted from Mika, Hideyoshi took the opportunity to reach out and give Hiroshi a light shoulder pat. "We'll all be there when Tadokoro knocks the 10 out of the park."

Yet again, Hiroshi's face took on a pink shade. "Ho…Hold on…I have to come up with something to serve first."

"Whatever that will be, I am certain it's gonna be delicious, getting you into Premlins for sure!" Chieko encouraged, receiving agreeing nods from the rest. "And you don't have to worry about those either! Aside from the invitation to the Midsummer Ball, we also received a letter of the Elite 10 which informs us what this year's topic for the Premlins is!"

"Theme?" Kimiko perked up. Before Chieko could answer however, Mika promptly declared. "It's noodles." For a moment Kimiko thought she saw a thunderstorm rumouring in Mika's eyes once she glared at her. "Thanks to his mother, one of the three Gems of Japanese Cuisine, Hiroshi is well-versed in all kinds of Japanese noodle dishes." "Totally!" Chieko agreed and began swooning. "Tadokoro makes the best Shio Ramen by a long shot!" Had she taken off her glasses after saying so, she might would have mistaken Hiroshi for an actual tomato at this point.

"As for me…" Mika's gaze was still pinned on Kimiko. In preparation for one of her long, challenging speeches she took a deep breath. But Kimiko was faster. "Pasta, right?" She laughed innocently. "You surely got lucky with that theme!" "This isn't something you should be happy about!" Mika shouted. "I'm going to stomp you into the ground!"

Hiroshi allowed himself a small smile before he went on to urge his cousin to calm down.

For now things seemed back to normal.

—

The following weeks were spent with preparations for the Premlins as well as the highly estimated ball.

Hiroshi, having more in his plate than the rest, disappeared in his room the moment he returned from school. The rest of the gang always had to send someone to get him out of his room for dinner at least.

Mika wanted to go up to him. That special Aldini-magnetism running through her veins dictated her to do so! But Satoshi always held her back from it, saying that Hiroshi should take care of this one himself.

Luckily enough, Mika received various distractions. Some good, like that article in Totsuki Sport's gossip section speculating on what kind of type Hiraku Yukihira might have, and some less good, like the exhausting amount of boys asking her out to the ball. She barely ever talked to any of them before and they sure did came up with a lot of ways to make her roll her eyes.

"This isn't going to happen." She interrupted the most recent contender's stuttery poem-reading. "So save your breath." Beside her, Chieko waited for the distraught boy to storm out of the room first before saying. "You do have a point. I hate to say it but the poem wasn't all too good."

"Who cares about the poem?" Mika huffed. "I've never seen this guy in my life! Does he seriously believe I want to spend an entire night with some stranger?!" "Oh, we know who you'd like to go on the ball with." Chieko giggled and watched Mika's face taking on that typical crimson red shade afterwards. "I do…don't know what you're talking about!l

"I mean, I would say there is a chance!" Chieko mused and nodded towards the door that the most recent victim to Mika's brisk charms had just gone through. "You're not exactly invisible." She paused then, a little hesitant over teasing Mika any further. But she simply was not able to resist . "Adding to that, you've gotten such good friends with his little sister recently." Quickly Chieko then hid her face behind a book as Mika loomed up in front of her like dark clouds right in front of a storm. "I am not friends with Yukihira!"

"'What makes you think I was talking about Yukihira?'" Chieko heard Hideyoshi's voice ring through her head but she decided to spare poor, burning red Mika from that one.

Unbeknownst to the two girls, they were being watched from the back of the classroom.

"This constant frowney-face on your face isn't a good look! Just ask her goddamnit!" "ssSSSHHH!" Hastily Kazuo sealed Takayuki's big mouth by pressing his pointer finger on Takayuki's lips. With all the curse words he still wanted to say being stuck in his mouth now, Takayuki ended up looking like a puffer fish. He threw his buddy a scowl. Kazuo however was unaffected by that. "What if they hear you?" He hissed, the panic for this scenario being evident in his red eyes. Kazuo released Takayuki then and ended up burying his head in his hands. "I can not possibly ask her out! It would be a disaster!"

Takayuki rolled his eyes over this miserable display. But just a second later he raised his hand in order to pat Kazuo's back. "You won't know if you don't try." Watching how his friend's head only sunk downwards further, he decided to attempt a change of topic instead. "How about you help me with my plan for the ball then?" And just like that Kazuo's head was back up again, all doubt and fear having evaporated from his face and replaced with pure excitement. "Do you have someone you want to ask out, Takayuki-kun?" "Fuck no!" Takayuki barked before Kazuo could possibly grab his hand and pull him into some overblown musical number about the beauty of love. "I've got business to take care of on that ball!" He clarified while puffing out his chest. "I've heard that Min Jiang is going to be on that ball."

"Min Jiang?" Kazuo blinked away the romcom-filter on his eyes. "Who's that?" "A former teacher from the biggest, most prestigious culinary academy in China!" Takayuki exclaimed. "Shanghai's School for Culinary Teachings, SSCT for short! With the reputation they have, they would only employ the best of the best as their teachers and I've heard about Min Jiang already: he's said to be an avid study of the Four Great Traditions and an astonishing multitalent! He quit on his own behalf and rumors say the director went on his knees, even offering Min his summer residence, just to have him stay." Once having finished the epic tale, Takayuki smirked. "So you know what my job is." Kazuo didn't answer. He did know what Takayuki would say next, but he wasn't quite sure what to think of it yet. "I am going to recruit that guy for Hojo-Ro!"

Kazuo gulped. His best friend wasn't exactly known for outstanding negotiation-skills after all. "Maybe you should find out why Min Jiang quit in the first place…" He then guardedly argued. "What if he already has something else? Or isn't interested in a new job at all right now?" "Please." Takayuki waved off. "I'll be able to convince him, just you wait!"

—

The two upcoming events truly were an omnipresent topic within the 115th Generation. Even if, when put into scale, only a small portion actually got to attend.

One of those poor souls uninvited from this grand spectacle was Yori Tanaka. With all of his average grades and standard performance in class, not even his position as heir to one of the most popular barbecue places in Sumida could grant him the right to participate in the Autumn Election Premlins. But Yori did not let his father's angry calls nor the pitiful looks of his three friends, that did get into the premlins, ruin his good mood. Because Yori Tanaka had a plan. A flawless one at that! (In his mind at least)

However when he finally elaborated his grand scheme to his friends, the first reaction was utter disbelief. "You're going to what?!" "Are you insane?!"

Now, Yori Tanaka wouldn't be Yori Tanaka if he would let himself be discouraged by something like that. So he only leaned back in his chair, a smug smile on his face, and simply repeated his genius ploy. "I am going to ask Mika Aldini out."

"We heard you." His best friend retorted. "And I ask once again: Are you insane?!" "Not at all." Yori gave a nonchalant shrug. "We got paired to do a barbecue dish the other day, a task that the two of us handled with perfection of course." His smile grew a little thinking back to the day and all of the jealous glares he had been getting then. "She knows me. And since she has an invitation to the ball, I am just going to ask her if I can come along as her date. We have our next class together."

"Just having worked with her once is not enough." One of his other friend brought up. "Ever since the invitations to the ball were handed out, the girl has been asked out on a daily basis! And she rejected each and everyone of them! What makes you think you're so different?!"

Yori was about to open his mouth, but it seemed like even fate was siding against him as just in that second it sent a distressed boy through the door. Not just any distressed boy but the latest victim to Mika's brutal honesty:

Instantly he ran into the arms of his own friend group, crying about rejection and heartbreak, audibly mentioning Mika's name multiple times.

Yori Tanaka and his gang watched, one of them quickly recognizing this display as the example he needed. "See?"

Seeing up close what the end result to asking Mika Aldini out could look like did lead to a crack in Yori's perfect vision. But he wasn't quite ready to admit that yet. Rather he insisted. "Oh come on, I am not a nobody like that guy!" "Oh yeah? Ever since your introduction the narrator spelled out your entire name five times to make sure the readers wouldn't forget it in an instant."

"Ah, shut up!" Yori waved off, his grin having disappeared off his face however. "I have to go to my next class."

Yori had honestly expected his friends to back his plan. To hear that this wasn't the case did chew on the confidence for it. To make things worse it seemed like the students he passed on his way to the room of his class only had one topic of interest at this very moment. And that was the boy who was currently lamenting in the arms of his friends.

"Did you see the poor guy? His face was devoid of any color!"

"I mean what did he expect? Mika Aldini is a notorious heart breaker?"

"'Break' might be too light of a word."

More and more doubts started to creep their way into Yori's head, so that once he arrived at the classroom not much of his initial confidence was left.

Was it really enough to have worked with Mika once? Or was his friend right in saying that there wasn't much that differentiated him from all the other guys that had tried their luck with Mika already?

Cautiously Yori lurked into the room. Most of his classmates had already showed up, including Mika. She stood firm and proud with her hands on her hips and daringly close to what should be the teacher's place. Where all eyes were on her. And judging by her furrowed eyebrows and the rant she was giving to some girl sitting in the front row, Mika wasn't in the best of moods right now.

Yori had no choice but to admit that this was probably the worst possible time to ask her out to the ball and it would probably only reduce the little chance he might have had to zero instantly.

The plan he had proudly bragged over just a few minutes ago has essentially been set on fire. Understandably frustrated, Yori grit his teeth.

He began walking, not towards Mika but reluctantly passing her. While doing so however, he suddenly took a notice of someone else! The girl that Mika has been talking to the entire time to be exact.

Briefly halting, he really took in her sight. In Yori's mind she looked like the direct antithesis to the shiny presence that was Mika Aldini. She had rainy black hair, wore her uniform accurate to a tee and used every opportunity of Mika taking a breath in her excessive rant to speed-read one sentence in the book she was holding before directing her attention back to the blonde. Yori estimated her to be very timid, meek and used to Mika soaking up all the attention.

Even long after sitting down, that girl still was on Yori's mind. And as he kept on pondering over her a new plan began to form in his mind: one that would get him to the ball and the chance to spend that evening with Mika, without having to ask her out and having to deal with any competition.

—

Whenever Kimiko gazed upon the Nakiri Mansion, she found herself baffled anew by the fact that she actually knew people in there. The building looked like it belonged in a museum, placed within idyllic green fields and right behind a golden picture frame. Inaccessible and unreal.

She sighed before venturing forwards.

After a maid had led Kimiko upstairs (despite all of her "I can handle myself"s), she found herself in a library. Looking around, she suspected it to be bigger than the tallest house in the Sumiredori Shopping District. All of the many high shelves were packed to the brim with books and it would probably take two eternities to get through even half of them. Though Kimiko was certain that Chieko would be more than up for that challenge.

Kimiko wasn't left much time to inspect the place in detail however. She could only read the title of one book in the shelf right next to her before she already heard a familiar voice calling her name. "Kimiko!" Lola chirped while getting out of the leather armchair she had been sitting in. "What a surprise to see you turn up here." Somewhere in the back, Mona turned her head away from the bookshelves she had been inspecting to raise a hand at Kimiko.

"Hi Lola….Mona…", Kimiko nodded before getting right down to business so that Lola wouldn't start interrogating her on the current state of Kimiko's cold war with her brother. "Is aunt Alice home?" "She's currently giving a speech at the Tokyo Institute of Technology." Mona informed her. "I am sure whatever you need to ask her", Lola smirked, "I can answer it as well."

Ran had requested Kimiko to ask her aunt if she could provide the Elites with a special quiet room on the ball, for the evaluation of Hiroshi's dish.

"I just wanted to know more about this…upcoming ball." Kimiko shrugged. "For real?" Lola raised an eyebrow, as she genuinely had not expected that claim. "Does that mean you're coming?" Even in Mona's monotone voice there was evident surprise.

"I guess I am." Kimiko smiled in the same manner someone would telling their friends they're fine and not to worry while missing an arm. "I want to know the full extent of extravagance and superficiality that I'll be subjected to." "Oh dear!" Lola made a dramatic hand wave. "The Midsummer Ball is the event of the year, Kimiko. Nothing on this earth can be compared to it. And you've come just to the right person to ask about it." "Lola and I help out with the preparations for the ball every year, since we're six." Mona informed.

"Just try to have fun." With a cheeky smile, Lola gave Kimiko three light shoulder pats. "The ball is like a wonderland! Just waiting for you to explore: only the best of food, fine decoration, stuck-up guests vehemently reminding theirselves to be on their very best behaviour…which usually just builds for the very best scandals happening-" "Sounds just like my type of event." Kimiko let out a sound that was half chuckle and half sigh. "Oh- and the business opportunities of course! There's so many fellow chefs and other big names of the industry attending!" A light frown appeared on Mona's usually so blank face. "Sounds like you already targeted someone from the guest list."

"Min Jiang." Lola broadly proclaimed. "An Ex-Tutor from Shanghai's School for Culinary Teachings…who is going to be a future professor for Chinese cuisine at the Totsuki Culinary Academy, after I had a little conversation with him at the ball." "And what if he isn't interested in a new teaching job?" Mona questioned which Lola only answered with another dismissive hand wave. "Come on. You know of my persuasion skills."

Kimiko shook her head before venturing to the armchair. "Well, I still have to wait for aunt Alice to come home. So I am ready to hear more about this so-called wonderland."

—

Meanwhile in the west side of the mansion Hiraku Yukihira was doing something he only did once in a blue moon: reading. The newest volume of the Totsuki Sports to be exact.

"There's an entire page in the gossip section theorising what my type of girl is." Hiraku wondered aloud. Whenever he thought that he had adjusted to the popularity he gained on Totsuki, something came along that blew his mind anew.

"Well", Akio began, looking up from the Elite 10 paperwork he was doing, "a lot of people are, how do I say, interested in that question." He scratched his head, all the love mail for Hiraku he had been going through flashing in front of his inner eye. "You're the type of person that people want to know the details of: what you're going to wear and who you bring to the ball to have a dance with…" "Dance?!" Hiraku repeated, almost sounding somewhat shocked. The suddenness of it made Akio slightly flinch before unsurely explaining. "Well…now that you have driven so much attention on yourself…and also as an Elite 10 member…you're kind off expected to…dance." When he noted that none of what he said made Hiraku relax, in a last ditch effort, he added: "Simple Waltz would be enough", of course not aware that the only dance Hiraku knew how to do was the chicken dance.

Hiraku didn't like the idea of embarrassing himself with clumsy dancing skills in front of all eyes that would be on him that night. He tilted his head as he began pondering over this sudden inconvenience.

"Hayama? You know that thing Eizan always does?" He made a hand motion, pretending to hold an invisible phone onto his ear. "At Elite 10 meetings? Calling Umino and being like: 'Umino, find out everything there is about the newest president of the Chocolate RS.' Could you do something like that for me?" "Excuse me?" Akio asked, non-understandingly.

"Hayama, I need you to find out who the best dancer on this academy is." Hiraku said. "I am gonna need the most talented to teach me the dances that are expected of me." "O…Okay…" Akio stammered, still taken aback by that unusual request. "I'll see what I can do."

—

A few days passed and it continued to be rare for any other topic to be brought up other than the Premlins or the ball. But once in a while it did happen.

Like on this particular sunny afternoon in Polar Star Dormitory.

"We found out about this night market in the city! Tanaka-san is going to pick me up later so we can go check it out. Do you guys want to come too?" The ends of Chieko's mouth nearly reached her eyes which were glowing like two polished emeralds. Mika chuckled as she shook her head. "No, Chieko-chan." Pleased over not being at the receiving end of the teases for once, she grinned. "I have a feeling this Tanaka-guy and you want to be to be on your own for this one." Chieko's cheeks turned notably pink.

But before Mika was able to bore deeper, a group of boys entered the common room. Hideyoshi, Daisuke and Yasu to be exact. "I still have yet to understand how you could turn down that girl from math class! Do you know where her mother works?!" Hideyoshi was leaning so close towards Yasu while acutely gesturing that one had to worry for Yasu to either get Hideyoshi's hand or the back of his head in his face. "I don't know and it doesn't matter anyway." Yasu sighed. "I unfortunately don't feel the same way about her as she does about me. It wouldn't be fair to her to pretend otherwise." "Her mother runs a coffee shop chain with stores all over the world!" Hideyoshi insisted, ignoring all of Yasu's arguments.

"Keep your trap shut, Kawashima!" Mika loudly chimed in while leaning back in her chair. "Ibusaki don't listen to him!" With an encouraging smile, she added. "Just wait for the right one to come around."

Behind his blinding bangs, Yasu's gaze lingered on Mika for several heartbeats before lightly pressing his lips together and murmuring. "Thanks Aldini, I know."

The boys moved to another table then to play a round of smart, while Mika and Chieko moved their conversation to what dresses they would wear on the ball.

A bit of time had passed as suddenly the group were distracted from their activities by a knock on the door. The culprit of the disturbance turned out to be Satoshi who stepped into the room announcing: "Mika-chan, a young man came to talk to you."

Expecting yet another face unknown to her testing his chances of getting to go on the ball with her, Mika's first reaction was to roll her eyes and let out an audible groan. "Seriously? Now they can't even leave me in peace in my dorm?! Satoshi-senpai, tell him to get lo-ahh..ha-" The remaining chunks of her tirade got stuck in her throat when she actually ended up turning her head towards the door and saw none other but Akio Hayama at the doorframe. "Ha-Hayama Akio!"

Somewhere behind Mika, Hideyoshi was abruptly jumping off his chair. "For real?!" Neither Daisuke nor Chieko could prevent their jaws from hanging low. The only one capable of shielding any emotions over this surprising visit was obviously Yasu.

"Good afternoon and sorry for the disturbance." Akio nodded. His gaze fell on Mika, who's eyes nearly popped out of her skulls at Akio's following words: "I'm here on Hiraku-sama's behalf." "Hi-Hi-Hiraku-sama?!" Mika stammered, the pitch of her voice heightening with each syllable resulting in a shrill screech towards the end. Hideyoshi's eye began twitching, Daisuke froze, the ends of Chieko's mouth went upwards and even Yasu seemed to actually start paying attention. Uncharacteristically rapid looking up from his cards.

"Yes…You see, Hiraku-sama tasked me to investigate on who the most talented dancer on this academy is, so that someone can teach him a couple of ballroom dances in preparation for the Midsummer Ball and my research lead me to you, Aldini-san." Akio explained, trying to make this silly request of Hiraku's sound as formal as possible. But even if he had used street slang to get it across it would not have stopped Mika's face from turning as red as a ruby. Knowing that Mika was probably not capable of forming even a single word right now, Chieko took over by clearing her throat. "Aheam, I can confirm that this is correct, Hayama-senpai." She assured. "I don't know anyone who dances better than Mika-cchi does! Right guys?"

It took a couple seconds for Daisuke to snap out of his trance after that inquiry of Chieko's. "Hu…Huh…? Oh yes! Absolutely!" He then ended up nodding violently. "Yeahhh…" Hideyoshi stretched his arms over his head in pronounced unbothered manner. "She hasn't been invited to the shooting of a music video yet but she's pretty good still." "You weren't invited to a shoot either." Daisuke frowned. "You just showed up and got thrown out by the bodygua-" "SUSH!" Hideyoshi hissed before shifting his attention to Yasu. "Say something as well, Ibusaki!"

It was only when he heard his name that Yasu noticed he had been staring at Mika for the past few seconds. He then lowered his head. "Your research lead you to the right place, Hayama-senpai. I have never seen someone who's so at home on the dancefloor as Aldini is. She's…a natural…who moves as graceful as a swan."

"That's good to hear." Akio's face lit up before looking directly back on Mika, who seemed close to overheating. "Aldini-san? Would you agree to giving Hiraku-sama some dancing lessons?"

Still not quite being able to speak, Mika let out some unidentifiable sound at first. Slowly, she started stammering. "I…uhm…" Every single breath felt like an exhausting effort. "…well…" She didn't like sounding like that! It wasn't the strong, unshakeable Mika that everyone else was used to. "I…will….see what I can do…" She crossed her arms in slow-motion trying to sound as confident as possible.

"Oh, thank you so much!" Akio exclaimed and hastily began searching his bag for his laptop. "If you don't mind, I would like to discuss the details with you so I can include the lessons into Hiraku-sama's schedule as quick as possible."

"Su..Sure." Mika nodded. "Let's go into the dining hall for that."

"Elite 10 members have been going in and out the dorm lately and yet I still don't have any invitation for one of headmistress Alice-sama's private tea parties." Hideyoshi complained once Mika, Akio and Satoshi were out of the room. Daisuke simply countered. "Get over yourself." He redirected his focus back to his playing cards wanting to continue the game.

Yasu wanted to do the same but it felt like the symbols and numbers on his cards were starting to blur in front of his vision.

"Want to join our game, Marui-chan?" Daisuke meanwhile called over to Chieko who had gone from happily looking at the door Mika had gone through to staring at her phone instead. "No….sorry guys, I'm about to bounce." She then beamed before jumping off her chair.

—

Yori Tanaka was waiting outside in front of the Polar Star Dormitory.

Ever since he approached Chieko in the library and asked for help with his homework, he had talked to her almost every day. Today was their first, you could almost say, date.

The door of the dorm opened just a few minutes after he had sent Chieko a text message. A smile appeared on her face as soon as her gaze found him standing at the gate. She had put on one of her favorite dresses and held a matching cardigan in her arms, in case it would get colder later on. And were those hints of gloss on her lips?

"Hey." Chieko greeted once she had hurried to him. "How are you?" "Better, now that we're going to this night market." Yori fawned which made Chieko sheepishly look to the side. "I read up a lot on it on the web." Yori continued. "I am so excited!"

"Same." Chieko nodded, eyes glowing. "Let's not waste anymore time then." Yori winked.

They walked. Talked about school, movies they saw, animals and mangas until they finally reached the small talk topic that Yori had been waiting for: Totsuki Sports.

"The article I was looking forward to the most wasn't that good in my opinion." Chieko argued after Yori had asked what she thought about the newest issue. "I'd have liked it much more to learn about the original idea behind the Midsummer Ball and how it evolved throughout the years, but all the article discussed was the guest list and the recent gossip surrounding the attendants."

Yori remembered liking the article and thinking of it as very insightful. "Yeah, I know what you mean." He took on a swooning tone then. "But the pictures were pretty! The ballroom of the Nakiri mansion looks truly marvellous."

"Like right out of a fairytale movie." Chieko agreed and lifted her head to look into the glittering stars. "I am so excited to find out what it's like to be there." "Oh right! You're invited this year!" Yori feigned to be surprised. "That's awesome! You must be looking forward to it."

"I am, yes." Chieko smiled. "It's a dream come true."

Unseen by her, Yori was clutching his fist in anticipation for his plan finally being so close to fulfilling itself. "You gotta tell me all about it once it's over."

"Oh." Chieko turned to him. "Tanaka…are you not in the Premlins?" "No.." Yori answered with a bittersweet smile. "Unfortunately I wasn't considered. So the ball falls flat for me as well." "I see." Chieko murmured and pushed up her glasses. A couple seconds of silence flew by until Chieko halted, prompting Yori to do the same.

"I have an idea." She beamed. Yori tried to act all patient and curious, as if he wasn't nearly bursting of excitement for the few words he's been waiting for this entire time. "How about you….come along?" Chieko shyly looked at her feet, resisting the urge to fiddle with her fingers. "…as my guest?"

"For real?" Relief spread through Yori as he finally allowed the grin that has been burning in his cheeks to grace his lips. "I'd love to…!"

Chieko looked back up to him. A gentle, little smile of purity and genuine joy on her lips.

"Thank you for the offer, Marui-san!" Yori laughed. "I promise I'll look for a suit to wear as soon as tomorrow."