To most people this is a usual spring day. A bit after all the cherry blossom get washed away by hourly showers, signifying springs arrival. Normally it was sunny and most people soaking in filtered sunshine after a long harsh winter. But it was different for Soma at least today was, though not just for him but for his dad too. On a sunny day at the beginning of May, many years ago Soma's mom succumbed to leukemia.

And its around this time that people notice him getting a bit quieter, spending more time alone and try to avoid big crowd of people. His normally bright amber irises turn a mellowed out yellow as if he was staring into the past. Wanting to change the unchangeable.

And during his second year at Totsuki, a certain headmistress caught on his mood, well most people did but did not speculate further into why he was acting like this. A simple "I'm just not feeling well right now, but I'll be fine" was the most they would get out of him. Most would have dropped the topic to not upset him further.

As if that answer could satisfy Nakiri Erina! Of course she was worried about Soma, it was obvious to her that her boyfriend was...

1) Not "fine"

2) Hiding something from her

And she was going to get to the bottom of this before the day was done. Now here she is at her desk in her office formulating a plan on how to confront him. From his body language the topic is very sensitive to Soma, and shouldn't be treated lightly. It has nothing to do with school since she would have been the first to hear about it. So it had to do with something outside the school.

Erina got up from her desk and went to the coat rack. 'Well staying here thinking about it won't fix anything, I guess I'll head over there'.

" Hisako I'm heading over to the Polar Star dormitory, so you can have the rest of the day off" Erina put on her coat heading to the door to be stopped by Hisako's next comment.

"Oh Erina sama if you're looking for Yukihira, he said he had some errands to run. So he probably not at the Polar Star dormitory right now."

'Errands my ass, if he's not there then he probably went home. I guess make stop there a to see if he's really alright.'

_

The Sumire District it's been so long since I was last here. Occasionally, Soma would take Erina to his home to give her the "commoner's experience". He would make her food from the Yukihira diner secret menu, she would savor the food and the little time she had alone with him. Either kissing and snuggling while watching old romantic comedies or star gazing on the roof eating s'mores, talking about future ambitions.

She enjoyed being being in the Sumire District and not just because Soma brought her here from time to time. There was a certain simplicity that her current life lacked but when she was here she was just 'Erina'. People here were down to earth and so friendly, most would tease Soma "like how did he get such a beautiful girl to date him when he always he can't even get a good blessing fortune on New Years."

She snickered remembering this, finding herself in front of her destination, the Yukihira diner.

"Hello is anybody there" she slid the door opened not to find Soma but Yukihira Joichirou standing in front of her. The older Yukihira looked worn out, like he hasn't slept in days.

"Erina chan, if you're looking for Soma he's headed out before me. I was just going there now too. Wanna come with?"

"Where exactly?" she questioned a little confused. Joichirou then put on a small knowing smile as if he could see just how worried she was about Soma.

"Don't worry, I'll take you to where he is"

_

About a half an hour drive out of the city, to a small town that she didn't know the name of. The drive was silent not a single word was uttered, not that Erina minded. Joichirou parked just outside a small cemetery, taking out a bouquet of white lilies out of the back passengers seat.

They walked beyond the entrance, passed by tombstones until Erina spotted crimson hair that only belonged to the one she loved. He was sitting on a bench underneath a large oak tree. They strolled up to him.

"I'm going to her, though it looks like you two need to exchange some words so I'll leave you two." Joichirou voice was a bit humorous wanting to raise the mood yet still wanting to be serious. Then he left them.

Erina was lost. She wasn't used to comforting other people, she was especially lost with Soma. How do you try to raise the spirits of someone who was always trying to make you smile? Wait… should you start the conversation with a greeting? Or maybe

"Erina" his husky voice took her out of her thoughts.

"I'm sorry" was all he said, look at her with a sad smile on his face. She couldn't take it anymore, she jumped and hugged him. He was shaking just a little bit, like his emotions were held back by a single tether. Yet he welcomed the hug, his face in the crook of her neck.

"I'm the one that should be saying that you idiot" she murmured kissing the top of his head. He raised his head up, his citrine eyes meeting her lavender ones.

"No, I should have told you that today was ten years since my mom died." he whispered taking her hands into his. "I actually didn't want you to see me like this" he starting drawing imaginary shapes on her palm.

" Well I don't mind" she whispered back, leaning forward pecking him lightly. "Would you like to see her with me?"

"I would be honored to meet your mother Soma"

When they headed to the tombstone, Joichirou was just about wrapping up. He smiled at the couple "Looks like you two finally made it here"

"Yeah, just wanna introduce Erina to mom before we go"

"OK well take your time"

Soma took Erina's hand, squeezing it every now and then as if he was taking some of her courage, when his was running low. He drew in a long sigh before he started " Hey Mom I want to introduce you to my girlfriend, Erina. She the headmistress at Totsuki, even though she a grouch most of the time and doesn't want to say my food is delicious, she is really special to me. And I love her."

Now it was Erina's turn, " Uh...Hello my name is Erina..." she started out awkwardly. "...and I am not a grouch like your son says I am…" she looks at Soma giving him a look.

" We both know how disorganized your son is, he constantly tries to get my approval for all his dishes. He loves to stress himself out, staying up late testing recipes and getting himself into shokugekis where his expulsion on the line. He loves to drive me up the wall to see my reactions but he means a lot to me. I'm new at this love stuff but I love Soma and I promise to look after him for you." she felt Soma squeeze her hand in agreement to her little speech.

He came closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist smiling "And I'm going to hold you to that Nakiri Erina".

_

A bit of dessert

Erina (embarrassed): Could you kiss me?

Soma held her close to him, kissing her forehead.

Erina (frustrated) : Not there

Soma (playfully): here

He kissed her cheek lovingly, liking the cute pout on her face. Finally he kissed her on her lips, Erina deepened the kiss leaving both of them breathless. Erina backed up a smug smile on her face.

Erina: Right here