. /yumepati_

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Chapter 3- The meeting and competition

Ichigo and Satisuki met in front of the coaches and checked their seat numbers as they entered. Since they were the only ones representing St Marie (Japan) the got to choose where they sat since the coach was empty, it would make stops to other culinary schools around Japan.

Ichigo had read her recipe book until Satisuki got frustrated and snatched the book out of her hand and said "Ichigo-chan, relax and do what you do best; make people smile", Ichigo looked at Satisuki and her frowned brows relaxed as her distinctive features fell into a soft smile.

"Thanks, Satisuki- kun, I don't know what I'd do without you" said Ichigo in a happy and earnest whisper to Satisuki –Kun. It was true, he had been with her when Kashino left her, supported her even after that and through her phases. After that, both had cuddled and fell asleep in each other's warm embraces.

When the bus came to a halt, Ichigo and Satisuki gathered all their things and luggage and tugged it to the hotel lounge and receptionist had directed them to a massive ballroom. It was covered in red and white drapes as well as other things. The room was full of people and Ichigo noticed there was a stage in front of the crowed of people.

Suddenly, everyone quietened down as a teacher's voice boomed a welcome to the guests, she introduced a certain person that made Ichigo breath caught in her throat. "Kashino Makoto-san is the wonderful person who is hosting many of the events in the competition as well as representing our school from New York," she paused, smiled and continued, "if you have any queries or problems please see either the staff or Kashino-san, now Kashino-san would like to give you his welcoming words as well," at that she concluded and passed the mic to Kashino. While Ichigo was paralysed with shock and other feelings, she just stood there blocking out all the noise just staring at the very face that taunted her every night. Until the end of the speech Ichigo stood staring while everyone walked around her.

It wasn't until Satisuki tapped her shoulder she snapped out of her trance she looked at Satisuki and saw that he too was pale and distraught. They silently went to their assigned room and sat on their twin beds, their minds still the in a state of shock.

Suddenly, Ichigo snapped out of her state of mind and broke down in tears. Satisuki alarmed, moves towards the crying figure, understanding her reason for the tears. Slowly he cradled the crying girl in his arms while whispering comforting words. Soon she calmed down and finally smiled, "thank you, Satsuki-kun you know you mean a lot to me, right?" asked Ichigo.

After those heart felt words Ichigo and Satsuki got ready for the dinner party. Ichigo wore a pretty peach pink dress which was knee length, she wore pink strap heels to make her simple dress look more sophisticated and she wore a little bit of eye makeup since her eye were red and sore from all the crying. While Satsuki wore one of his black suits with a light blue tie. They left the room arm and arm, the entered the ballroom again with everyone's eyes on them as they continued walking arm in arm.

During the dinner party Ichigo kept close to Satsuki but he knew despite her closeness her eyes were searching for a certain person. Kashino Makoto. He understood her need for closure, so he gracefully ended the conversation he was having currently and steered Ichigo in the of Kashino who was in a deep conversation with his fiancé; who was still unknown to the couple. She looked up to Satsuki with her eyes smiling and thanking him, silently. He nodded, he was probably more nervous than Ichigo. What if Ichigo jumps into kashino's arms and tells him how much she missed him and he loses his love twice to the same man. But whatever mad Ichigo happy he was willing to live with. During the conversation Ichigo stayed strong, and you could say she was being civil to kashino's fiancé, other than snapping at her a few times.

At the end of the party Ichigo had the same flame in her eyes she thought she had lost a long time ago. But this time it wasn't for Kashino it was want, a need to win the competition to show the man that she once love how much she had improved, not to win his affection she couldn't care less about that. That night she didn't weep, she didn't sob she thought "game on, game on"

Zee: R&R people. Thank you to all those who have reviewed and are supporting me. Also school is back on so I might not update very often. Love you lots. See you later!