Check it out and leave commentary. This chapter is mostly set-up anyways.Chapter 2: The Journey Begins
Isshiki was up to his usual morning routine out in his apron and tending to his beloved garden. The sun was just peeking itself over the horizon, and Ishhiki couldn't help but be amazed at this sight every morning. Although he had such a strong nature for calm and serenity, deep down he was very thankful for the little wonders in life such as a rising sun over a garden filled with extreme care and passion. Isshiki raised his hand to cover his eyes, as the sky began to break into a warm orange hue. He closed his eyes with his rake in hand and let out a long yawn. The others weren't aware, but the Elite Ten were called to a late-night emergency meeting. They worked tirelessly through the night to prepare the directors new initiative.
Every remaining first year was about to get an exclusive ticket to a new country to test their skills against international prodigies. The goal in mind was to challenge each student to be able to discipline themselves mentally to uphold the Totsuki standard, even if they were elsewhere in the world. A chef must learn to make their way no matter where in the world they may be. Not to mention, Japan has always had a noble custom of honor and dignity when in competition with other countries. The studemts of Totsuki must learn how to not only defend the prestige of Japanese cooking, but also be considerate guests to the cultures of others around the world. This was a test that had many layers, and the preparations were set to judge the very core of each student at Totsuki. It was the Elite Ten's job to determine where each student would be tested, and develop the itenerary's for their younger classmen.
A black car was parked right outside the front entrance to Polar Star. A man in a black suit delivered multiple manilla colored envelopes into the mailbox, promptly left. Isshiki looked over and sighed with a slight grin. It seemed cruel that his friends he had grown attached too, about ready to be sent across the world. However, he had an innocent faith to know that each of them would return to Totsuki a much better chef than when they left. This meant that Isshiki would have to hone his own skills as well. Everyone could tell that the first-years were prodigy calibur chefs, and as their senior, he knew he couldn't let them overwhelm him. Isshiki's ambitions were a well kept secret. Beyond his inviting demeanor was a dark passion to be the best. While he loved the idea of youthful adventure, in his heart he knew that his classmates would be eager to challenge him with their newfound knowledge. Isshiki would not be so easily cast aside; but for now he still felt the solemn quiet of what would soon be an empty dormitory.
The members of Polar Star were rudely awoken by Fumio's insistence that they all hurry to the dining room for an important announcement. All their student visas and passports had arrived, and their information packets outlining the next months trip were ready to be revealed.
"Fumio!!! It's too early!!" Yuki whined loudly as she continued to rub her eyes.
"Oh, what's this? Are these our vacation packets!?" Yuki said, snapping into a rejuvenated form awakening chipper as ever.
Yuki reached out to pick up the envelop with her name only to be met with a hard slap over her hand by Ryōko.
"Yuki, we should could call everyone over to reveal our destinations together!!" Ryōko said sternly, flipping her phone open to send out a mass text to invite everyone over to Polar Star for breakfast.
A loud knock was heard at the front door prompted by loud shouting with the only audible word being emphasized 'Yukihira!' It was Takumi and Isami, who must have already assumed that they were meeting at Polar Star. Takumi was a self-proclaimed rival of Sōma, and he wanted to know exactly where he'd be going. Ikumi had arrived within seconds later, also worried that her an Sōma would be split apart after just confirming their relationship. As it happens, Akira also wandered by to size up the rest of the gang. He too was interested in where his competition would be going. Alice and Ryō also managed to drop by, with Alice wondering why Ryō insisted they visit Polar Star. Secretly, Ryō was concerned with where Megumi would be heading.
Megumi shuffled to the door opening it to find a large crowd with anxiety at having to wait for their introductions. Megumi was startled as they all shoved their way through the door. Each of them had their envelopes on their hand still sealed. It appears they all had the same idea to wait for their revelations.
"My my my, I should start charging for food if we are going to have so many guests all the time." Fumio said with a teasing contempt.
The crowd of students all encircled the dining table, with most of the Polar Star dorm still waking up. Each of them held their envelopes with uneasy anxiety. It was the first time most of them would be going on a trip, much less out of Japan. While each of them were sitting in quiet anticipation, anothrr knock came at the front door.
"Erina Nakiri? This is indeed suprising!" Fumio said, irritated that even more guests were showing up.
"Erina, what are you doing here?" Sōma asked innocently.
Ikumi's blood pressure spiked, hearing Sōma be so casual talking about Erina. Although she had resolved herself last night to be strong, Erina was still a percived threat to her new relationship.
"How can you address Miss Nakiri in such
a casual tone! Erina can go where she pleases." Hisako uttered loudly.
"Hisako please. I just wanted to see your reactions to your destinations. I did spend a considerable time last night deliberating with the other Elite Ten members where to place you." Erina said cooly.
"Oh? Isshiki did you pick me someplace good? I'd love Paris!" Yuki asked gleefully.
"I think you'll all enjoy your visits, but I dont think there will be much time for you to go sightseeing. This is, afterall, a test of your skills against other cultures. The Director emphasized that the Shokugeki rule still applies outside of Totsuki, and you will be judged by your foreign instructors on how well you do. Failing to learn their prominent culture and devise cooking that satisfies their standards, will surely result in immediate expulsion." Isshiki said with a warm smile.
"Hmph. I guess it can't be helped. Totsuki wouldnt invest so much on sending several students abroad without assurance it was worth the cost." Zenji stated, touching his glasses.
"My, my, you must all be so anxious to find out where you are going! Well don't wait, check them out for yourselves!" Damian said abruptly.
Fumio was now clearly annoyed as another guest arrived unannounced.
"Where did you come from? You better pay up if you plan on staying!" Fumio shouted aggressively.
"Aww, Fumio. You should cherish this moment, because your dorm will be empty soon. Don't you want to see them off properly before they go?" Damian asked with a heartfelt smile.
Fumio crossed her arms and mumbled to her self in quiet contempt.
The rest of the students looked at their sealed enevlopes. Nobody had opened theirs first, and there was a quiet anticipation to see who would see where they were going first. Suddenly, fresh ripping sound was heard from Akira's seat and he pulled out his itenerary.
"Akira! What'd you get!? Where are you going?" Yuki asked as she interjected her sharp voice to a few feet away from his face.
"It appears I have two destinations... Thailand and Vietnam." Akira said plainly.
"Ooohoo hoo hoo. That's way cool Akira; You'll learn lots about spices there!" Zenji stated with intrigue.
"Ehhh??? I got Thailand and Vietnam too!" Hisako stated plainly.
"Wow, that's a great place to learn about medicinal food as well! Way cool Hisako!" Alice stated enthusiastically.
"Thailand has a long history of cultivating spices from their lush tropical jungles amidst very heavy rainfalls in the monsoon seasons. Several cooking spices have been known to originate in both Thailand and Vietnam." Akira stated.
"That'll be good for you then Akira, since you know so much about spices already!" Ryōko said with a smile.
"Eeeeeeeeek!" Yuki squealed loudly, bursting with excitement.
"Where'd you get placed Yuki?" Ikumi asked.
"Australia and New Zealand!" Yuki excitedly stated.
"Wow, a natural fit for you Yuki. Australia has some of the best wild game in the world. It's rugged outback will definitely suit you!" Ryōko stated, happy for her friend.
"Oohh, Shun is going with you Yūki!" Diago stated loudly, putting him in a headlock.
"It would make sense, I'm sure there is a lot to learn about smoke cooking from Australia." Isami interjected.
"Where are you going miss?" Ryō asked plainly.
"Let's see... oh? Russia?" Alice asked, confused.
"I got Russia too?" Takumi asked, also confused.
"Oooh Russia, sounds really interesing Miss Nakiri!" Ikumi stated.
"What's so great about Russia?" Alice asked innocently confused.
"They are known for making very hearty meals. It is a rough environment that has cultivated some really interesting cooking techniques. I'm sure you'll learn lots there!" Damian answered.
"Ryō, where are you going to be? Did you get Russia too?" Alice asked.
"Germany. Belgium." Ryō answered.
"Oh Ryō, I got Germany and Belgium too!" Megumi stated warmly.
"Ooooh my, Megumi in a lederhosen! Can you imagine how cute she will look!?" Isshiki stated loudly, cupping his hands to his face at the image of a cute Megumi in a lederhosen outfit.
The rest of the table started to get flushed with the thought of seeing Megumi in a lederhosen. Megumi's face blanked out, as she stood motionlessly embarrassed that all her friends were thinking something of her that was not ladylike. Ryō's nerves got slightly unsettled, hearing the news that he and Megumi would both be in Germany.
"Oh, brother I got Portugal and Spain." Isami said.
"Ohh Isami, me too!" Ryōko added.
"Oooh, it's so pretty in Spain! Ryōko I'm jealous." Yūki said enviously.
"Isami, many Italian techniques have crossover from Spain, I'm sure you'll learn much there. Make Trattoria Aldini proud!" Takumi said enthusiastically.
"Let's see where I am going! Ehhh? Brazil? Argentina?" Daigo said, opening his packet.
"Hehe, Rio De Janiero and Buenos Aires! Party city Daigo." Shōji stated with excitement.
"Hey, I bet you I can get more chicks than you Shōji!" Daigo taunted.
"What did you say? Bring it on!!" Shōji answered aggressively as he brushed up against Daigo trying to size him up.
Zenji sat in between them, whimpering because he also got Brazil and Argentina. He could imagine how little sleep he was going to get between the two.
"Sōma, Ikumi; you haven't opened your envelopes yet. Where are you going?" Hisako asked sternly.
"Yes, Sōma where are you going to be placed?" Takumi demanded.
"Haha, you all had such cool places I bet I'll get somewhere cool too! Let's see..." Sōma said lightly, entertained by all the commotion.
"Ikumi, you haven't opened yours yet either!" Megumi stated with a soft warming tone.
Ikumi was praying that her and Sōma got the same place. It could be Paris, the city of love. Or in Venice, the city of beauty. Her heart was hopeful for a romantic place, but nervous she might not get placed with Sōma which would be devastating to her.
Sōma opened his packet and had a blank, clueless expression.
"Where'd you get Sōma?" Everyone at the table looked over, waiting patiently.
"America!?" Ikumi shouted loudly in shock.
"Oh Nikumi, I got America too! Haha, what are the odds!?" Sōma said innocently.
"AMERICA!?!?" The group asked loudly.
"Ahh yes; San Fransisco and New York City. I think that's a good fit for you Sōma." Damian answered.
"What's so great about America? They don't have any real gourmet food of world renown!" Alice stated pompously.
"If you think that is true, then I dare any of you to challenge to me to a Shokugeki and I will show you the true innovation of American style food!" Damian stated with a large amount of pride.
"America is my homeland, and of all of you, Sōma got a great pick. San Francisco is the pinnacle of modern cuisine and food styles imported into a giant melting pot of cultures. And New York City is world renowned for its food culture incorporating nearly every style of food world wide. From common eatery out of food stands, to premiere gourmet food of all kinds. It truly is the sister city of our beloved Tokyo." Damian continued proudly.
"Oh my, sounds like a fun adventure awaits all of you! It will be magical, and more importantly you'll all grow to new heights by being subject to unique cultures around the world!" Isshiki stated gleefully.
Ikumi breathed a sigh of relief, she got her wish and would be traveling with Sōma afterall, even if it was to America.
"Ikumi, your family gets several of it's meat imports from America right?" Ryōko asked.
"Oh of course Ikumi, if you want to learn of the true masters of meat; try and see if you can find a Texas Steakhouse style restaraunt. I guaruntee you'll learn a lot from true meat masters." Damian winked.
"Ehhhh??? My flight leaves tonight!? Sōma we have to hurry and pack quickly!!" Ikumi shouted while violently shaking Sōma.
"Huh? Oh, my flight leaves really early tomorrow morning!" Ryōko stated.
Everyone at the table began to panic. The news that theyd be away in foreign lands for the next month finally hit them.
"Wait!!!!" Isshiki yelled loudly.
The room stopped everyone dead in their tracks.
"Before you all leave, I just want us all to come together one more time and make a pact. That next month we all arrive, passing this international test we've been given. This next month will be difficult, and we can only rely on the partner that you have been paired with!" Isshiki said sternly.
"That's right! Sōma, when I get back from Russia I want to be the first to challenge you to a Shokugeki! I will not be beaten by you ever again!" Takumi stated confidently.
"Ryō, you won't be going with me. But that doesn't mean you get to slack off! I will face you when I return as well." Alice stated aggressively slapping Ryō on the shoulder multiple times.
"Ok Miss." Ryō stated.
"Miss Erina; I will work to earn my place at your side. I will learn all I can prove myself worthy to you!" Hisako stated confidently.
Erina looked at Hisako with a slight sadness that her best friend felt beneath her. She protested vehemently to the others about sending Hisako off instead of defending Totsuki with the others who would not be traveling. however, it was argued that she would indeed have to travel if she were to gain any improvement.
The rest of the first years all nodded in agreement. This was going to be their chance to pull ahead and grow in learning and experience. They no longer thought it a vacation, but a pilgrimage to new levels! They all quickly scurried away, hoping to prepare their things before each of them went their seperate ways.
Sōma was in his room gathering all his clothes he brought with him, which wasn't much. Mostly his Yukihira diner uniform, Totsuki jacket, and undergarments. Surprisingly it only took a few minutes to gather all his stuff. He blankly thought about his situation, wondering what sort of lessons he'd be learning in America. Sōma was never into entertainment or cultured in worldly things, so he knew very little about America. Even more concerning, he hardly knew any English!
Sōma quickly shuffled over to Zenji's room, hoping his friend would have American-style cook books, or a travlers handbook for English. Sōma was sure that it was Totsuki's intention that students would be going to foreign lands without an active knowledge of the culture or custom. This international trip was a layered test that incorporated several challenges to an aspiring chef. Thinking even more on his way to Zenji's room, he thought about giving his Dad a call to ask for advice.
Sōma took out hia flip phone and scrolled to find his Dad's name. He noticed that he had an unrrad message from Imumi, and quickly found himself flustered for not noticing it earlier. It was sent two hours ago, and it means he never made mention of it to her before hand. He quickly opened it to read what message she had left him.
Sōma, I don't know where either of us are headed in this next stage; but I hope we both do well so we can continue what we have. I know you'll do great, and I won't be left behind. I promise wherever I go I'll do my best :)*
Sōma felt at ease for the slightest moment, then overwhelmed with crushing anxiety. They had only recently confessed to one another, but he had no idea how to feel about a relationship with someone. He knew he felt deep feelings for her, but his whole life has been consumed by cooking that he knew little of how to handle a romantic relationship. Even more worrisome now that they were both being paired up to go to America. What if he messes things up, what does he say, how does he juggle Ikumi and his ambitions? His mind started flooding with heavy questions that caused him to choke up with extreme anxiety. Pressure never seem to bother Sōma when it came to cooking, but love was totally different.
"Hello!? Sōma! Hello!" Joichirō spoke over the phone loudly, and mildly irritated. In Sōma's panic, he called his Dad without knowing.
"Uh... Dad! Hi...Hello...Uh...Hi!" Sōma replied quickly, nervously trying to remember what he wanted to call his Dad for.
"Good job in that Shokugeki, managed to catch a little bit of it the other day. What's up? Have you gotten any better yet?"
"Yeah Dad, it was great. Uhmm, I... I have a question about this next challenge the school has given all the student's. See, they are sending most of the First Years off on a world contest to random destinations to compete. I got America, and I don't know anything about it. Do you know anything about America that could help me?" Sōma asked.
"America huh? Tough break kid, America is a tricky place to get used to. But i'm not a travel advisor or a translator. I don't have much time to talk, so let me leave you with this advice. One, if it looks shady, it probably is. Two, if you order food from a restaurant, leave a tip. Three, America is a very diverse place, learn as much as you can. You'll find that a lot of the Yukihira style cooking, comes from American influence. Good luck, and stay out of trouble." Joichirō said quickly.
"Wait, Dad before you go. There's something else... I wanted to... uh... ask you." Sōma said nervously.
"What's up kid?"
"Dad... I... Uh... I have a girlfriend now, I think. What do I do?" Sōma asked, embarrassed that he actually managed to open the question to his Dad.
"Oh? My Man! Look, you'll have to figure that out on your own son."
"But I have no idea what to say, or do! Whatever, just forget I bothered asking." Sōma huffed, preturbed that his Dad was being unhelpful with such a delicate topic.
"Okay Sōma, listen carefully. If you're really serious about this young lady remember this: Honesty is the best policy. Say what you mean, and don't let her question how you feel. Everything you do for her, do it as if it were the last time you'd ever have the chance too. Just like cooking Sōma, you leave it all on the line everytime. I wish I had more time to talk, but I am proud of you kid. Keep reaching fod new heights Sōma, but also enjoy the journey while you pursue it. Keep working hard, you've got another battle to lose to me yet!" Joichirō said sincerely.
"Bye Sōma."
Sōma ended the call, and his mind was completely consumed by millions of thoughts. He never had a close relationship with his Dad, but this small conversation somehow put him at ease. His Dad has always been somewhat distant from his life, but that last message was very sincere. It confused Sōma, but at least for the moment it set his mind straight and he clapped his hands together, resolving to focus on the next step.
Joichirō looked down at his phone, realizing the phone call had ended. This was a tough moment for him. Joichirō had never been the engaged parent to Sōma that most kids usually have. Of course he made sure he was clothed, fed, and did well in school; but they never really had a close relationship. When his wife passed away, he thought the best way for his son to grow up, was on his own and learn his own way. Sōma was always the naive goofball kinda kid, who never took interest in anything other than cooking. Yet this moment rendered Joichirō melancholy.
It had become a new revelation to Joichirō just how grown up Sōma was becoming, and now he wondered if he really did what was right concerning Sōma's growth. His son was going through some big changes in his life, and where was he? Halfway across the world with no time to have a serious conversation with his son about growing up. At this thought Joichirō felt a sad emotion build up in his chest, and a remorse came over him. Sōma was about to embark on a journey to a new land, with no knowledge of the real world, about life, love, or anything of that nature. Joichirō was never concerned about Sōma in the conventional sense, but the thought that he sincerely told his son "do everything as if it were the last time you'd have the chance too" really hit him hard.
Joichirō was missing out on his son's life, and the powerful emotions started to bring out a tear in his eye. He loved his son, truly he did, he just never how to do it in any meaningful way. He had always acted like Joichirō Saiba around Sōma, and not as someone who loved his son. He was more like a friend, or a rival, and it was a revolutionary moment for Joichirō. If Joichirō kept up this laxidasical attitude towards his son, he may not have the moments he wouldn't want to miss with Sōma.
Joichirō looked at his hand, a ticket to South Africa, with a boarding time of now. He brushed the tear out of his eye, and slapped his hands together.
"Okay Sōma, it's time to show you the real way a man acts." Joichirō thought to himself, as he crumpled up the ticket and proceeded to leave the airport. Joichirō looked up Gin's number, and wanted to ask him where Sōma was going to be in America.
"New York City huh? Alright, I can stay for a little bit longer." Joichirō smiled, feeling a sense of purpose and pride. He knew that the only way he was going to reach his son, was through cooking.
The Polar Star gang all arrived at the Tokyo International Airport, getting off the bus with luggage in hand. Each of them had their itinerary's and boarding passes in hand.
"You'd think with the level of prestige Totsuki has, we could have at least gotten first class!" Alice huffed sadly.
"Hey, it's a free vacation! Don't be sour." Ryōko stated happily.
"It's going to be so much fun! I'm going to Australia! Ooh, I wonder how many handsome rugged men I'm going to meet! Hehehe!" Yuki said enthusiastically.
"This isn't a vacation you guys, take this seriously! You all have your pocket guides and translation books? It's a good thing I was able to acquire them from the library before everyone else got them!" Zenji stated, touching his glasses.
"Woah dude, the only language I need to know is all right here in the bod!" Daigo stated, puffing out hsi chest.
"Oh yeah dude, I'm going to catch more ladies than you any day bro!" Shōji stated, puffing his chest back at Daigo.
"Would you buffoons relax? It's a competition of cooking, not how many times you can rejected!" Hisako stated sharply.
Both Shōni and Daigo felt an aura of gloom over them, as their confidence was shot down entirely.
"Everyone is going to do great! I hope I can do well. I don't know German, did I pack my knives? Did I pack clothes? Oh no! Where's my good luck charm? What if they don't like my cooking? I'm going to fail, and be sent back home! Oh my, oh my, oh my!" Megumi started out positive but slunk into panic mode.
"It'll be alright miss." Ryō stated softly, placing his hand on Megumi's shoulder.
Megumi instantly became flustered, but managed to snap out of her panic mode.
"Hey Ryō! You be nice to sweet Megumi! Don't let anybody bully her, or i'll beat you up! You got that!!" Yuki yelled aggressively at Ryō, while hugging Megumi with tears in her eyes.
"Would you all just get real! This is no time for silliness! You aren't on vacation, and it's certainly not a dating service! These chefs you'll be learning from and going up against, are very prominent prodigies, much like yourself. Totsuki rules still apply, and you fail just once, you will literally be flown home instantly and expelled immediately! Take this seriously" Erina snapped at them.
"Chill out Nakiri! Are you worried one of us mighy not return? How thoughtful!" Sōma said teasingly.
Erina got flustered and wanted to reply, but was shocked at the pure defiance of Sōma's words. Ikumi felt a surge of anger that Sōma was so casual with Erina, that she wanted to scream; instead, however, she just gritted her teeth for a slight moment.
"It's alright, nobody has anything to be worried about. It's going to be an exciting adventure. We have eachother to rely on least. Let's all finish together and meet up in a month!" Isami stated leisurely.
"That's right Sōma! When I get back, you're my first challenge! Got it!" Takumi stated with fiery passion.
"Eh?" Sōma looked back with a blank, simple expression.
"Well, this is it guys. Oh my goodness, look at the time! Sōma, Ikumi, your plane is boarding in five minutes! Hurry!" Isshiki yelped.
"Good luck everyone! See you in a month!" Sōma said cheerfully.
The rest of the Polar Star gang moved in for one last group hug. It was the next step of their journey, but this was a sad moment that they'd all have to split up for the time being. Hopefully they could reunite soon.
"Well. Gotta go! Later!" Ikumi yelled loudly as she grasped Sōma by the collar and darted quickly towards their gate.
"Those two will be fine. I have no doubt about it!" Isshiki thought to himself with a smile, as he waved at the ever smaller couple disappearing out of sight.
Ikumi was practically flying through the airport, and Sōma was haphazardly following behind with a concerned look. He couldn't get over the fact that Ikumi's titan like grip, refused to let up on his hand. Ikumi in her quick speed, took a short second to notice she was holding Sōma's hand. She would've like it to be in a more intimate way, but time was not friendly towards them.
As their gate quickly approached, she came to a near dead stop and what would seem like an unnatural gust of wind blew past them causing everyone standing in line to take notice of them. Ikumi realizing this looked down, flushed with embarrassment still holding Sōma's hand.
"Welcome to flight 682, to San Francisco! May I have your boarding passes please?" The attendant said with a wide smile.
"Here you go!" Ikumi handed them over, crumpled up.
The Attendant scanned them and motioned them to step onto the boarding ramp. Sōma had never been on a plane before, and was amazed at how condensed everything was. It was a very large Airbus, with ten aisles in the center, and four aisles on each side of the center. The economy class had 26 rows of seats, and the second class had 12 rows, with firat class having eight rows of large recliner like seating.
Sōma and Ikumi made their way to the back of the plane, where it appeared that they had the window seats on the left side of the aisle.
"Oh! Nikumi, we got window seats! How neat!" Sōma said with childlike enthusiasm.
Ikumi was finally realizing the gravity of the situation they were in. She was about to be confined to a nine hour flight with Sōma as her partner! This would be the longest they'd have to be next to one another, since they started their relationship. She got flushed with embarrassment.
They both took the time to place their carry-on bags in the overhead compartments above their seats. Ikumi was wearing a green turtle neck and white pants, but her large chest was hardly hidden underneath. As she stretched to place her bag in the compartment above, her mid section was exposed and Sōma's eyes couldn't help but notice. Where once he wouldn't have noticed such things, his newfound feelings for Ikumi opened his mind to the more perverted nature of a young teenage mind. His gaze seemed locked in as she struggled to fit her bag tightly into the conpartment. Her bust went noticed by two gentlemen who were in their seats behind theirs. Their female seat partners were not so impressed and nudged them very sternly in the ribs, as the two men quickly cleared their throats and looked down.
Ikumi's eyes looked down quickly at Sōma, who was still gawking at her figure. She felt a surge of confidence and embarassment as she shoved her bag into the compartment.
"Sōma, you've never been on a plane right? You can have the window seat if you'd like." Ikumi said shyly, trying to shift his focus so it wasn't so obvious where his eyes were.
"Uh...Uhm, yeah! That's so cool of you Nikumi! Thank you!" Sōma said cheerfully as he slide over to the window, seemingly unashamed of his perverted gaze.
Ikumi felt confident knowing she was attractive enough for Sōma's eyes, and now she felt even more relaxed at the thought that this trip would just be her and Sōma. Enough time to seduce Sōma enough to never even remember who Erina was! Her mind became decious in nature, thinking of the intimate situations they could find themselves in. Only, once the reality hit her of what was really going on her chest tightened up, and anxiety started to set in. She was still in a competition! Sōma's skill was sure to get him through, but what of her own skill? Was she worthy enough to keep up with Sōma?
It relieved her once she sat down, and remembered that Sōma was her partner. Not only in hopeful romance, but also in this school trip. She could learn more from him, both personally and proffessionally. Maybe she could even show him some of her own talent. This trip was going to be a challenge, but great memory for the newly established couple.
As the plane began to prepare for takeoff, Sōma was gazing out the window in awe. He had never flown, but the movement of the plane and the engines whirring louder and louder, reminded him that he's never flown before. He snapped his head forward, as the rumble of the plane started. Ikumi noticed his nervousness, and instinctively held his hand softly with both of hers. Sōma held onto the arm rests as the plane rumbled faster before it started to tilt upwards. The slight bump before it was airborne unsettled his stomach something fierce. Yet, Ikumi's warm hand holding his, made his unease melt away.
He glanced over to see her golden short hair and crisp blue eyes. He may not know what to do in a relationship, but being in this simple, everyday moment, made him realize that this was something special for him. Traveling to a new land, with no knowledge of what it would be like, his beautiful partner was holding his hand softly supporting him subtly. He closed his eyes and smiled assured that she was special, and that he would have to learn how to move forward to his ambitions with her by his side like they were in this moment. Flying towards a new journey, hand in hand, with a woman he felt connected too.
It's been a hot while, but it happens. I really like that my previous story still gets followers and views. I just wish I had feedback, because it would keep my head in the game with writing this fanfiction. I know alot of this seems summarized, but the emphasis on what I want to accomplish on this Arc should seem clear. Yes, obviously the pairings are set. Don't like it? Shoulda left a comment. Anyways, it's marked M for a reason. Writing a teenage romance is going to get very steamy. I consider the plot secondary to the development of these characters on a realistic level. I mean they are teenagers maturing into adults. Their experiences involving romance are going to be realistic, and I really need an excuse to write some sultry erotica. I'll label it clearly tho so you can skip it, if it's not your cup o tea. As for me, this whole arc is about emotional growth for a lot of characters. Stay tuned for more. Thanks for reading!