Hollow
Chapter 2
Yukihira Sōma
Raising her hand to knock on the office door, Hisako turned to Erina and gave her a quick questioning glance to make sure her Erina-sama was ready. They come here every now and then when business calls for it so this was nothing new, but it was kind of like their tradition; something they did just in case to remind themselves just who they were dealing with. Even though things have changed and he no longer had the power he once held, the past was something hard to forget.
Erina let out a deep breath and calmed herself. Then putting on her typical ice-queen persona, the one most people knew all too well, she nodded to Hisako, letting the pinkette know she was ready.
"Ok," the blonde said.
Hisako smiled at Erina and nodded her head in return. Then without further delay, she knocked on the wooden doors waiting for a response on the other side.
"Come in…" a stern yet smooth voice could be heard from behind the oak doors. Using this as their sign to go, Hisako enters first holding the door open for Erina who follows in closely behind her.
"Father…" Erina said.
The dark haired man working feverishly behind his desk looks up from his work and greets the two with a warm smile. Too warm for Hisako's liking, which sent a small shiver through her. How anyone could smile and look so cruel, she had no idea. But Erina's father had perfected the art; his cold demeaning eyes, sharp face, and a pristine cut all gave off one vibe… but his smile… it counteracted everything about him.
In Hisako's mind, he was akin to an anglerfish. His smile was the bright lure that the fishes dangle in front of themselves in the deepest and darkest parts of the ocean. Giving off some warmth and light, only for an unsuspecting victim to come close and be gobbled up into nothing. This man… he was not to be trusted.
"Ahh my daughter! And her trusty bodyguard Hisako! What can I do for the two of you today?" Azami beamed. He was his typical self, cheerful to a degree as always.
Erina decided to let his sly comment about her best friend slide for the time being. She need not get caught up in his mind games. Instead, she was in a rush and they needed to catch a plane within the next few hours. She wanted to make this as straight forward as possible with minimum conversation.
"I'll be leaving to Demark to visit my cousin today. The daily operations of the Nakiri family fall under your responsibility for the time being." Erina searched her father's eyes for any form of ill intent at this news that he was going to be in charge while she was gone. "You are ONLY in charge of overseeing the operations during my absence. You will work under the rules and standards that I have set. ANY and ALL executive decisions that must be made have to be approved by me first. Are we clear?"
Azami chuckled at his daughter, and just shook is head disappointingly.
"Straight to the point as always I see. How come you only come here for business? You never even visit me if it's not for work…"
"Are we clear?" Erina asked again. She had no room for getting side tracked or let any of her personal feelings show. Any slipup, she was sure he would capitalize on. She had to make sure they were on the same page here. She was the one in power, and that's the way it would remain. It was no longer the other way around.
It's funny, he's lucky to even be working for the Nakiri family, let alone hold such a high position. He was lucky that some part of Erina, even if it was the smallest of pieces, still loved him. He was her father after all. Nothing could change that. No good or bad deed could hide the fact that he helped brought life to her. He was an extremist, a radical… one that leaned towards the dangerous side.
But in some twisted way, he did it for what he believed was right.
And as much as her grandfather had wanted him gone and banished, Erina thought it better to actually have him work for the family. She thought maybe that could ease the tensions. Especially after his dramatic return during her high school years. After she was appointed the next head of the family, her first act was to bring back her father. It was a bold move, one that shook the very core of the Nakiri household. But Senzaemon believed in his granddaughter. And even though he advised not, he did not try to sway her. In Erina's mind, no matter how many times they banished him, he would just find another way to return, like he always did. There was no meaning for the word banishment if that just meant he would be back. In fact, it was more like he just goes on vacation only to return at some point later. At least that's how she described it to her grandfather.
And Senzaemon could only smile and look at her endearingly after he heard that. His granddaughter, for all the evils her father has done, she still loved him like any daughter would.
"Yes daughter of mine… we are clear," Azami said, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. His daughter was clearly not in the mood for his games, though he did wish she would stay with him longer. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have work that needs to be done, and preparations to make."
"We'll leave you to it then." Erina turned to make her way out the door. "Hisako."
"H-Hai!" the assistant responded swiftly and followed Erina, making sure to close the door on her way out.
After Erina was sure they were out of earshot, she decided to speak as they continued their walk back.
"What do we have left that's on the agenda?"
"Umm…" Hisako hummed, pulling out her smartphone and checking their to-do-list. "From what I have here, everything is done Erina-sama. All we need to do now is make sure all of our things are packed and to make our way to the airport. Check-in has already started and we need to board within the next three hours."
Erina nodded. "Ok, let's get going." She couldn't wait to see Alice, even though she feigned not having interest. The last time she saw the red-eyed queen, it was at her wedding. And what a wedding it was… she smiled inwardly at the memory. She had never seen Alice so happy in her life.
"My dear cousinnnnnnnnnn!" Alice screamed! "It's been soooooo loonnggggg!' Seeing Erina at the door, Alice couldn't help but scream in pure joy. She was prepping for this day the minute she heard Erina was going to visit.
"Why have you taken so long to come and see me!" The ecstatic woman squeezed Erina tighter. "We have so much to catch up onnnnnn!" Not even giving her cousin a chance to say hello, the white haired vixen wrapped her arms tightly around the blonde and dragged her inside.
Erina wanted to say it hadn't been that long. They may not have physically seen each other for over a year, but they Skype and Facetime regularly. Though she didn't have the heart to say that. Instead, she let her cousin sweep her away into her home and she just let out a small laugh in return.
Hisako smiled wearily and looked towards Kurokiba who was also at the door and waved. He looked as entertained as Hisako was, and he returned her smile.
"Alice hasn't changed much," Hisako commented. "Life must be pretty exciting huh?"
"Everyday is like no other," Ryō commented dryly though Hisako could tell there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "So I take it we're going to be the ones bringing in the luggage?" he said.
"When you say we, you mean "you" right?" Hisako teased.
Ryō let out a light chuckle, another sign of his transformation since getting married to Alice. Even without his headband on he can be caught giving off some forms of emotion now. It made Hisako smile knowing Alice was having a positive impact on him. "Don't worry, I got it." With little effort, the more than built man grabbed Erina and Hisako's things and brought them inside their home.
The rest of the morning into the afternoon consisted of Alice and Ryō giving the two girls a tour of all the things in their life. From their luxurious home that was big enough to fit five families, to Alice's personal laboratory that she kept secret from the public; all was shown with much excitement and pride by the pair.
More so Alice than Kurokiba.
Erina had already seen most of the things through Facetime and such whenever they chatted. So it wasn't really that new to her, but everything did look better physically. However there was one area she had yet to see, and it was Ryō's own personal treasure.
They were now taken to visit some big lake in the couple's backyard, where Ryō had started his own fish farm. He was proud to let them know he had some of the rarest fish in there, and he was breeding them and growing the fish so he could have arguably the best quality fish in the world.
"We no longer have to go to the market to buy our fish anymore," Alice said proudly. "Though…" she turns and gave her husband a teasing glare. "He still likes to take the trip down there, even though the quality of fish we have in our backyard is ten times the ones he will ever find down in the market."
Ryō grinned at his wife knowingly. "True, however nothing can replace the commotion and feeling of actually being in a market. Surrounded by all those people trying to find the best fish available from all the sharp sellers trying to get the most from their product… I can't replicate that feeling in our backyard."
Alice laughed lightly. "I would hope not! I don't want all those people in my terrace!"
Ryō walked over to her and wrapped an arm around his wife lovingly, and smiled down at her. "Why not? It could be fun."
"No is no. We've had this conversation before hun," Alice said, not falling for his smoldering look. He has tried this on her so many times before. And even though it was hard to resist, there was no way she would jeopardize secrets from her lab escaping out to the public. Especially since her lab was right next-door to his fishery.
Erina and Hisako shook their heads at the pair, small smiles forming on both of their faces.
"So this is what a couples argument is like?" the pinkette whispered. "They're so cute together!"
"Not sure," Erina whispered back. "And yes… they are cute," she found herself saying. The blonde was truly happy for her cousin. Seeing Alice so full of joy, she couldn't believe her cousin could be happier than what she used to be. But there was no doubt about it. The way her red orbs danced whenever Ryō looked her way, she was definitely the happiest Nakiri in the family.
"How do they all co-exist in there?" asked Hisako, changing the subject as she took a closer look at the pond. The medical chef was definitely interested in how all the fishes coexisted in the same habitat, especially when there seemed to be so many different and exotic species. Surely they could not all survive in the same lake under the same conditions? Right?
Ryō pointed to his wife, deciding that he should let her answer this one, and Alice in turn grinned wickedly.
"Let's just say a little bit of science goes a long way," the ruby orbed queen beamed.
Erina and Hisako shook their heads a bit playfully while the white haired scientist laughed somewhat hysterically, overly proud at her achievements.
Erina then took a more serious stance. "Just remember Alice, we're not all meant to play god. Sometimes nature is best to be left alone."
Alice gave Erina a bored look. "Yeah, yeah my dear cousin." She then made her way over to the lake and pointed at some long pike looking fish at the deeper end. "Say what you will but look. Those are the fish Sōma-kun told Ryō about and they only prosper in the colder waters. Yet through my lab, I was able to genetically help them prosper at even room temperature. I haven't changed anything to them other than give them a small advancement in evolution!"
Alice continued on to explain how she was able to specifically evolve the fishes without really changing anything about them but Erina had tuned her out at the moment her cousin mentioned his name…
Yukihira Sōma…
Just his name alone was able to put her in a reverie. Even here, all the way out in Denmark, his name was being mentioned. She should have guessed it anyways; Ryō and Sōma are pretty close. In fact, since the Autumn Election they had this kind of brotherly rivalry. She had braced herself for this, knowing he would be brought up every now and then. However, even with all the preparation, just hearing his name still caused her to zone out.
She started to wonder about how he seen these fish. Did he catch any and she pondered if he even made a dish out of it? It probably tasted plebeian at best; though she blushed as other memories of the times she tasted dishes for him flooded her. She then thought about where was he now? Was he still in the same place or has he moved on since then. So many questions… no answers, at least that she knew of. She was sure the ones he considered friends knew of his whereabouts.
She guessed that answered one of her previous questions.
They were not friends…
Having finished her explanation, Alice realized Erina was in a whole different world. Her face looked so distant and sad. She had not seen her cousin look this way since their high school days when the blonde's father had made his return to Tōtsuki.
"Earth to Erina? Are you there? Is it something I said?"
"Eh!" Erina jumped by surprise, caught completely off guard as she now found Alice directly in her face snapping her fingers. "Oh! N-Nothing, just thinking to myself is all… A-Anyways, I need to use the bathroom. Be right back!" Not waiting a second, Erina walked off back to the house leaving Alice, Ryō, and Hisako behind.
"Did I say something wrong?" Alice asked to the aide, confused at the sudden change in mood. All day long they were enjoying each other's company, and now… she just zones out and walks off? It just didn't make any sense. "I didn't mean to offend her. The fish is natural and has remained untouched. All I did was give them a genetic boost to–"
"It's not that…." Hisako cut her off. "It's…" The aide wasn't really sure how to say this. Erina had never really outright told her, but over the years, Hisako had seen it enough times to know whenever she's mentioned the scar-browed boy, Erina would freeze up and zone out. It didn't take a genius to realize this. It was beyond obvious. And when she was around others and his name was mentioned, the blonde tried to act strong and ignore that she's heard his name. But Hisako knew. She could see the pain in her mistresses' eyes. Even if she was never told so.
"You mentioned Sōma-kun…"
"Sōma-kun?" Alice raised a brow. "I know she's always been a bit testy around him but I didn't know it would make her go in total shut-down mode."
"Yes… Erina-sama gets like that whenever anything Sōma related comes up." Hisako looked down and couldn't help but feel a bit of pain for her dear friend. "Can you please just not talk about him while we're here. It was my idea for Erina-sama to go on vacation since she seems to never have time for a break anymore. And I thought what better place than yours? I just want her to enjoy herself. So if possible, could we not mention Sōma-kun?"
Hisako then ran off to catch up with Erina, hoping Alice and Ryō would abide by her request. The couple stood there looking at each other not sure how to proceed.
Fortunately for Erina, the rest of week went along quite Sōma free, as Ryō and Alice tried their best to abide by Hisako's wish. It was a bit hard, considering Sōma was a big part in their lives and actually helped them all to connect more, but they resisted the urge of mentioning his name even once. Though at times, they did find themselves in compromising situations. Nonetheless, they had managed to not directly mention Sōma's name since their very first day. However, Alice could tell she was still thinking about him.
Even if Erina wouldn't say it, everything seemed to remind her of that red-haired idiot.
Case and point, the night before Erina and Hisako's vacation ended Alice grabbed her pillow and blanket, and went looking for the two deciding that she wanted to sleepover and just hang out like old times.
She sneaked into Erina's room only to find her missing. Thinking that she was in Hisako's room, Alice made her way there next, however to her dismay, Erina was nowhere to be found. Worried, Alice moved towards the sleeping Hisako and gave her a slight nudge, eventually causing the teen to stir awake.
"Hisako, Erina is missing!" she whispered.
"Hmmm?" Hisako looked at Alice wearily. "She's not in her room?"
"No!"
"Then she's probably at that place again…" Hisako then turned back over, weary from today's events. "Don't worry, she's fine."
Normally if Erina was truly missing, Hisako would have been in complete panic mode. However, after noticing her Erina-sama missing on their first night, the dutiful aide found her by the lake. Hisako had questioned her why she wasn't in her bed and Erina answered saying she just wanted some alone time.
The pinkette knew it was something far deeper than that. If she wanted some alone time, she could of easily just stayed in her room. But she didn't question it. She believed in Erina more than anyone in the world.
But she knew the blonde was suffering. And worst of all… she knew, deep down inside, there was nothing she could do for her.
That's what hurt the most. Erina's pain was completely out of her control. She clenched her fists, frustrated at how useless she was. How come whenever Erina really needed help, she always ended up being inadequate?
"Alice-sama…" Hisako started. "I may not be able to help Erina-sama. And even though I am probably the closest person to her, there are just things I can not do…" Hisako took a deep breath. Just admitting this hurt. "B-But, maybe you can help. She's in the backyard near the lake, looking at the fishes again…"
Alice smiled down warmly at Hisako and gave the girl an unexpected hug from behind.
"Don't worry. I'll see what I can do. You've done all that you can Hisako." Alice rubbed the girl's back as she said these words, comforting her. "I thank you for taking care of her while I'm not around. I'll go see what's up, you sleep tight."
Hisako nodded and relaxed, feeling as if so much weight had been lifted off her shoulders. If it were anyone that could get through to Erina not named her, it would be Alice.
Making her way into the backyard, Alice saw Erina sitting a few feet away from the lake, knees pulled up into her chest as she watched the moonlit waters rise and fall. Alice's pillow and blanket stilled tucked in hand, she approached the blonde and plopped down right beside her, all the while making herself comfortable.
Erina, thinking it was just Hisako checking up on her again, was a bit surprised when she saw her cousin.
"Alice? What are you doing out here?" She said.
"That should be my question," the red-eyed vixen started. "You're going to catch a cold you know…"
"It's alright. I just wanted to see the fishery one last time before I head back…"
"I didn't know you liked it that much," her cousin noted. "Though something tells me it's not really the fishery that you like per say…"
Erina looked at her cousin and gave her a weary smile. She wanted to just act as if she had no idea what Alice was talking about, however something inside of her told her it wouldn't really make a difference. Alice knew her better than most. She probably knew the real reasons for her being here anyways. There was no point in lying.
"It's not fair…"
"What's not fair?"
"Everything…" The blonde looked back at the pond. She liked the way it glimmered in the night. "Since the moment I found out those fish over there were somehow related to him… I… I can't stop coming back to look at them."
She knew it. This was about Yukihira Sōma. Alice kept quiet however, feeling like if she were to speak now, Erina would stop and close up again.
"It's stupid, I know… I'm not even all that fascinated with fish… but just knowing that they're here because of him makes me feel like if I'm here by them, …then maybe, …I'm also by him?"
Alice watched as Erina started to shake a little.
"I don't know what's come over me lately… it seems to get stronger as time passes. But even now, when I know I'm the last thing on his mind, he's always the first on mine…"
The distant look Erina had in her eyes was just too much for Alice to bear. Seeing her cousin like this, it just wasn't Erina! She wasn't the type to mope around or get depressed. She was a woman of action. But looking at her, so helpless and feeble, Alice couldn't help but feel pain for her. Erina was the closest thing she had to a sister, and though they had their differences, she loved her dearly.
"Alice," Erina mumbled. "I can't believe I'm saying this but… I'm a bit jealous of you."
"M-Me!" Alice shrieked. She squeezed her pillow in shock. "What's there to be jealous of? Erina I'm jealous of you!"
The blonde raised a brow unsure why Alice would envy her, and let out a sad tormented laugh. "I have nothing for you to be jealous of cousin… everything I have… all my fame and power. I would throw it all away to even have half of what you have with Kurokiba-kun."
"Erina…" Alice could feel her chest tighten.
"It's true," she pulled in her legs tighter to her chest. "I'm glad you've found love cousin. At least one of us knows what that feeling is like..."
Alice was breaking as she continued to listen to Erina. With every word spoken, it felt like her heart was shattering piece by piece.
"I remember," she continued. "When we were little girls and we spoke of love. You said we would both find our prince charming, and that even someone as hopeless as I would find someone to cherish and care for." Erina was now staring deeply into Alice's eyes, as sad amethyst ones clashed with tearful ruby ones.
"What you have right now, your special person. Don't lose him… like how I have. You have nothing to be jealous of me for. I'm the one who's jealous of you."
"Erinaaaa!" Alice was now bawling uncontrollably as she grabbed the blonde and started to cry in her chest. Erina was at first surprised but hugged her cousin and rubbed her back trying to remain strong. Much like Alice below her, she wanted to cry. It reminded her of that time after Alice had lost to him, the red haired boy. When she had criticized her, for crying selfishly. How completely stupid of her to even think such a thing. Here, at this moment, Alice showed more than anything else, she could cry for others. Erina squeezed her tighter feeling somewhat relieved.
She couldn't cry. That was not something she was afforded to show. As head of the Nakiri family, tears was something she could not own. But through Alice's tears, she could weep. She could cry through her cousin. She would do the crying for her.
The next day flew by so quickly. Erina and Hisako were taken to their family's private jet and Alice and Ryō saw them off. After the two girls parted ways with the couple, Alice immediately jumped at Ryō, hoping he would be able to help. She didn't want to ask when Erina was around, knowing the blonde would hate that she was meddling with her affairs. Erina had already taken a risk opening up to her. But Alice couldn't help it. She couldn't see her cousin like this anymore. And the fact that she was far away pained her. She hadn't felt so compelled to help Erina since uncle Azami had returned to school.
"Ryō-kunnnnn! We must do something!" Alice started pounding on his chest comically. "I can't have my cousin suffer like this!"
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Quit being an idiot! Jeez! Sometimes your just as dense if not more than Sōma-kun!" She looked up at him with pleading eyes. "It's Erina! She wants to see Yukihira-kun! You and him are close right! Do something!"
"How do you know this?"
"She's my cousin that's how! I can just tell!" Alice puffed out her cheeks and Ryō couldn't help but find her cute.
"Hmm…" the raven-haired man pondered, as he placed a calming hand around Alice's waist. "Maybe there is something I can do. I can't be sure but maybe."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I can see, somehow, if I can arrange a visit…"
Alice squealed in pure joy! "I love you!" Wrapping her hands around his neck, she pulled him in for a quick but passionate kiss. "You never cease to amaze me…"
Ryō turned his face slightly blushing, having never really gotten comfortable with showing public affection but none-the-less still loved it when she kissed him.
"When you beg me like this… how can I not do something."
Alice grinned at him. God she loved this man.
"…"
"?"
"…"
"So… you're saying I need a reservation?"
"Of course you need a reservation! You can't just come in here and expect a table! As of the moment there aren't any seats open, and won't be for some time. The waitlist is over half-a-year long!"
"Really? Wow! Now I'm even more interested in what kinds of dishes are served here."
"Listen you! You're already coming in near closing time, and I've checked the list twice and there are no more guests showing up booked for today. The fact that you don't even know that you're in the most famous restaurant in Japan is disrespectful as is! I would politely ask you to leave and come back at a reserved date."
"…But I was told I could just walk right in."
"W-Who told you that!" The receptionist sighed, defeated. Clearly this guy was not taking no for an answer and he was pretty adamant about being allowed to come in. "Fine, hold on. Let me check if we're expecting any unexpected guests with my manager." The receptionist stressed the word "unexpected," as there were never ANY unexpected guests.
EVER. PERIOD.
Everyone was planned and accounted for, and if there were any last minute special changes to the schedule, all the staff would be informed. And today, they're showed no changes to the guest list.
The receptionist left her counter and entered the large and beautifully Victorian dining hall in search of her manager. Having spotted the pink haired manager checking up on some of their guests, she made her way up as fast as she could to inform her of their current predicament.
"Hisako-sama! There is an urgent matter needing your attention."
The pink-haired woman nodded to her receptionist, and turned to her guests.
"Pardon me, it seems something has come up. Please enjoy your meal and the rest of the night." Giving them a bow, she approached her staff member.
"What is the matter Yume? Something urgent?"
"Well yes mam… sort of," Yume began. "There's some guy at the front desk trying to get in, however he is not on the guest list."
"Send him on his way, it's already about to be closing hours," Hisako answered swiftly. She need not be bothered by something petty like this.
"Well that's the thing! He says he was told he did not need a reservation."
"Everyone needs a reservation…"
"I-I know Hisako-sama," Yume said. "But he seemed pretty adamant about it. Oh well, I knew I shouldn't have bothered you. He looks like a ruffian anyways, probably pulling a prank. With his red hair and scarred eyebrow… I'll go tell him to be on his way then."
"W-Wait!" Hisako shouted. "Red hair and scarred brow…" She mumbled to herself. It couldn't be! There was no way! "Where is he now?" she asked anxiously.
"At the front desk still mam!"
"Ok, I'll handle this," Hisako said, leaving Yume confused as to why the sudden interest now. Swiftly making her way to the front of the restaurant, the manager noticed a patch of all too familiar red hair standing by the receptionist desk. She had to blink twice to make sure, but sure enough it was he. The man who's haunted her mistress since the day he left. And here he was at the front of their shop, messing around with some of the decorations on Yume's desk.
"S-S-SOMA-KUN!"
Sōma looked up to see Hisako burst into a sprint and tackle him onto the floor.
"Sōma-kun! It's really you!" she screamed, gripping and pulling on his cheeks to make sure he was real.
"It's me, it's me!" Sōma said, trying hard not to laugh, and using his hands, pulled Hisako's pinching ones away. "It's good to see you too Hisako. You're looking good. I'm guessing this is your place? Wow, pretty snazzy."
Hisako blushed at his compliments. "I just can't believe you're here! Wait until…"' Hisako gasped to herself. 'Erina! She got off the boy and then yanked him to his feet. "Follow me at once!"
Still holding his hand she dragged him into the dining hall towards the direction of a small isolated table. It was all by its lonesome near a window view, decorated very simplistic in nature. Only a small vase with a black rose adorned the table, and two chairs on opposite sides. Nothing else.
"I thought there were no more spots left?"
"There aren't," Hisako answered smoothly, and grinned at him wickedly. "This one's special. You sit here and make yourself comfortable."
Seeing Sōma comply, Hisako rushed off towards the kitchen with speed that could rival the Flash. Arriving, she called out to Erina but the blonde could not be found. One of the kitchen staff then told her Erina was at the Hibachi station, performing a live cooking session.
This was one of the biggest pulls of their restaurant. Not only would they taste heavenly food, but they witnessed it cooked by a goddess as well. Being one of the first high-end restaurants to successfully include this Teppanyaki-style of cooking, Erina's restaurant became number one in japan and rated five-stars globally.
The Hibachi station itself was designed as an open-view kitchen, and circular in nature. There were seats all around the station, so no matter where you were seated, you had a good view of Erina. Normally this area would be jam-packed and completely filled, but it was already near closing time and Erina had finished cooking all the meals about some time ago.
Hisako could see she had turned off all the appliances at the station and was now taking a break, probably trying to relax after a long day.
"Erina-sama! Erina-sama!" she called out frantically.
Though tired, Erina immediately looked up, sensing some sort of urgency in Hisako's voice. It's been a long time since her friend got this wound up.
"Yes Hisako?" Erina said and gave her a calming look. Normally this was enough to appease the girl, Hisako normally finding comfort in Erina's confidence and presence. However the nervous yet excited look that still existed on the face of the pinkette started to get Erina curious. "What seems to be the matter? Is everything all right?"
"He's here! He's here! I've placed him at your special table!"
"Who's here?" Erina asked. "And you did what!" She screamed. "Hisako! You know better than anyone else that seat is reserved for-"
"Jōichirō or his son, Sōma. Yes! I know. But he's here! Sōma-kun is here!"
"W-WHAT!" Erina felt her heart stop. Was this true? Was Yukihira Sōma actually here, visiting her restaurant? The same guy that has not written, or called, or done anything to show he actually cared about her! This isn't a prank right? She clenched her chest knowing that after it's sudden stop, it was now beating uncontrollably.
"What is he doing here?" The blonde ojou-sama shouted. "That idiot is actually here and sitting at…" Erina's face then burned up. He was sitting at her special table. That table was only reserved for her idol Jōichirō! Who told Hisako Sōma could sit there! Certainly she didn't! She never once said it. Yet… Hisako knew. The only other person she would ever allow to take that seat other than Jōichirō…
It would be that man. His son.
Yukihira Sōma.
Hisako was always looking out for her. Even if she never said anything, she must be transparent in her aide's eyes. Her warm feelings for Hisako were short lived however as Erina realized she had turned off all of her appliances and put away all of her cooking material. She would have to get her machines up and running and figure out what he wanted to eat. And then, she had to get dressed! Oh god! She looked nothing of the part. Of all days, why did he have to come now?
Hisako started to see the worry on her face and could tell easily what she was thinking. Grabbing Erina's hand, she yanked her mistress out of the station and took her place.
"I'll make the course. You freshen up."
"B-But-"
"No if, ands, or buts! I'm the second best chef here after you Erina-sama. Let me handle the dish tonight."
"You know better than anyone else, I have no problems with you making the course Hisako. But I also don't have any clothes either! All I have is my chef uniform. I was not expecting to see anyone!" Out of all days, it would be today that she didn't pack a spare dress with her. A woman of her demand, she always had a change of clothes somewhere. So why today, she decided she did not need any!
Hisako placed a calming hand on her shoulder, trying to relax Erina. The blonde was beginning to freak out and even though it was a bit cute, she could see Erina was going to kill herself over this. Who would of ever thought, Nakiri Erina would be fretting over how she looked for her mortal enemy.
"Erina-sama! Get a hold of yourself… Yukihira Sōma does not care about what you're wearing. Hell! If anything, he might even find you more appealing in your chef clothes and your hands all covered in cooking oil!"
Erina looked at Hisako's reassuring look and sighed in defeat.
"Erina-sama, you could make wearing mud look attractive," Hisako said with no shame; openly admitting she found Erina beautiful, causing said girl to redden a little.
"Y-You're right… I guess I am over thinking things."
"Of course I'm right! When am I ever wrong? Also, the Erina-sama I know has people fawn over her. Not the other way around," she winked. "Though I guess Sōma always did have a knack for making girls fluster…"
Erina reddened even more. "H-He does not! He's… He's… I don't know. Anyways fine! I'm going."
Hisako gave a lighthearted giggle as she watched Erina slowly make her way over to the dining room.
'Jeez…' the pinkette thought and couldn't help but smile to herself. 'She's been wanting to see him for so long, and now here he is in her restaurant and she's finding all the reasons in the world not to see him. Typical Erina-sama.'
Erina went to the restroom first, washing her hands and straightening herself up in the mirror. She didn't look that bad. Even when wearing her chef hat all day, she barely had hat hair. She just wished she could of prepared more. She wanted to wow him! But Hisako was probably right… he might like her looking like this best. If he even likes her at all… She decided to drop that train of thought instantly. It was only going to put her in a bad mood.
All that mattered was he was here now. In her restaurant, at her special table! Her heart started to pick up pace as she thought about it. Them sharing a dinner at her reserved seat, it was starting to create butterflies in her stomach. Pleased with how she looked, Erina then decided she would sneak into the dining hall. She didn't want anyone seeing her and risking that they would call out to her. She did not want to be distracted. She was focused. She needed all attention to be placed on the task at hand.
Successfully infiltrating her own dining hall without so much as a glance from others, which surprisingly she found she was quite skilled at considering she was a bright blonde figure, Erina hid behind one of her restaurant's scenic pillars and took a peek at her special table. And sure enough, he was there. Red hair, scarred brow, golden eyes… even his signature white clothe was present that he kept around his wrists. It really was Yukihira Sōma, sitting at her special table playing boyishly with his spoon. So many questions flooded her. Why was he here? Why now? It made no sense. Though she couldn't deny the over joyous feeling she was having. Nothing could match it. She felt alive again. She hadn't felt this way in so long.
Her heart was jumping, her breathing was ragged, and she couldn't help but now feel like she looked a total mess even after freshening up. This man, he had no idea how much she thought about him… Clutching her shirt and biting her lip, Erina steeled herself and made her way to the table.
"Y-Yukihira-kun…"
"N-Nakiri?"
Edit 1/5/2016 3:15AM
OMG! I'm so sorry to the last 5 people I left out in my comments section! I don't know how I missed it. I truly apologize! I had answered most of the reviews during my draft, and completely forgot to finish it when I had completed my final edit. I truly am sorry if you have read the chapter already and did not see any response from me. I really am sorry, and hope you know I am sincere in my apology.
Also made the edit to Hisako being mentioned as a teen. Thank you RL!
Intangibly Yours: You could call me whatever you prefer Intangibly mines ;p Thank you for your support friend! Also! I need more of your storiessss!
Forest Gazebo: Like a druh huh? So I guess that makes me a dealer? LMAO. I never thought that's how I would end up in the drug trade. Damn you fanfiction lmaoo.
Johnny Walker 21: Hahah! I wanted to do something of that nature, but idk. When writing the plot I did not take into consideration the time of year lol.
Chikikuto: I know! Wow, so much support! And thank you! When I write, I try my hardest to think, what would this character think or do? Are they proactive, are they passive? How are they feeling in their current situation? I think that really helps when creating a good fic.
Guest7: Thank you!
Edit 1/5/2016 1:07 AM
What will I ever do without you Kusabi? And want to know something that annoys me so much? I proofread like 3 times every single time before I post. How could I miss so many things! Ughhh! This is why writers need proofreaders. You just can't see everything. Made edits where Kusabi pointed and also found a couple more myself. If anyone finds anything else, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Authors Note: I know. I know. Don't kill me. What a cliffhanger right? It's a double-edged sword. We could either wait until I finish writing that part and further delay an update, or just end it here and I post now. Obviously I chose the latter lol. This chapter is long already, so I think this is a good point to stop. So Erina and Sōma meet! I wonder what will happen ;p Also I added Azami because I have plans for him. There is a reason he is mentioned and why that scene is included.
ALSO OMG! Erina Arc BABY! PLS give her more moments with Sōma in the manga! I need my Sorina fix!
Now, I want to thank everyone. LIKE OMG! You guys… for one chapter, over 40 F&%*ING Reviews! WOW, I really do feel special. I don't understand why, but I honestly thank everyone for being so supportive of my stories. Really, I feel so loved. In fact, I'm going to respond to each review just to show my appreciation. I won't too much but I'll write just enough.
Guest1: Thank you! I am flattered.
Anonymous: Your opinion does matter! I love your humbleness. Thank you for your review.
Guest2: Thank you! I wanted to make something powerful. Show what life would be once she realized he was gone. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.
KL2789: Haha Thank you! I try and I'm glad you like it. Thank you for your kind words.
Soul Puker: Hahah. Thank you! Much like all of you, I'm a die-hard shipper XD
Guest3: Thank you! I get excited just writing about them haha.
Ridwan-Sama: Ahh! That's what inspired this story! I thought, what if Erina realizes too late her feelings and Sōma's gone. What would happen? Also thank you Ridwan! Your always giving me your support and I thank you for that.
Maail99: It doesn't work huh ;( I can see what you're saying haha. I knew it was a risk but I wanted to try. Hope you enjoy this chapter more than the last! ^_^
ChaosFox60: Hey you! I'll try. If it's half as good as Y3 I'll be pleased.
Justinsj5: Ayy! Only one thing I can say. Thank you!
ChaosOmega8: Yup, they are the same. And thank you! Haha. I'm sad Y3 is done too. But I'm glad I finished it. There is never enough Sorina to sate us ;p
Japonis: Thank you friend. Keep at it, and you will reap great rewards. Practice makes perfect. Don't aim to be as good as me, aim to be better.
Guest4: LMAO. Ask and you shall recive.
Guest5: Haha. Here you go.
Saint Danielle: Hey Danielle! Hope all is well! Thank you for your support! I appreciate it friend.
Eramis8: Lmao. I wonder why he left too… hmmm… ;p
Strikefreedom20a: Thank you!
Cat McHall: Haha. Heya Cat! Thank you for your support friend!
Alzeno: Thank you.
Shriayle: Lol. I try not to. It's hard when you have so many people expecting great things haha. I know you know the feeling ;) Thank you for your support Shri!
Sorina: Ahh my good friend who still has not made an account! Haha. You've been with me since Y3 and now here you are in Hollow. Thank you so much! I really do appreciate your support. You're always reviewing my work and it makes me so happy to know I will always have your support. I tried to update around Chirstmas but I just was not happy with what I had. Sorry, I really did want to give everyone a nice christmas gift but it just never materialized.
Xienrhose3: Lmaoo! Hype! Haha. I know the feeling. I feel the same!
A.K.A. Kusabi: As always, thank you friend for your tireless work. From Y3 to now Hollow. I appreciate your support greatly! I thank you.
Guest6: LMAO! Ahh that story wink* wink* ;p Imagine if this was. Lol. No, that was a one-shot.
Sym: This is Hypocrisy huh? LMAO. Your words are too kind. Thank you ;)
Raydark182: Thank you Ray! And you're probably right haha. I'm not sure why I put two brackets lol. I just thought it looked cuter that way LMAO.
Hinate: Wow! You get confused between canon and fanfic when you read my stories! I'm honored! Thank you! I try to make it as real as possible! ;)
Charlie: Who knows why Sōma left. I hope we find out soon lol. And Thank you! Haha. I feel the same way when I see authors I love write.
Gokai Red: LMAO. Easy there Gokai haha. This won't be one of those stories ;) Don't worry, we'll have enough of that in SSNS. This one I want to keep for all ages.
MJJK46: Thank you! I worked hard on it to set the mood so I'm glad it paid off.
Wacko12: I don't know, we'll have to wait for Erina to ask him now won't we? Lol
DusDes: Hahah. Darn, what you said makes plenty sense lol. I should of done that. And I'll see. It normally takes me that long because I write, re-write, edit, sleep on it, read again when it's out of my mind, then post LMAO.
Kensie-kun: I know kensie. I could of probably done more on Y3. But as I writer I was starting to hit a roadblock. That story was only supposed to be a short one anyways. I actually made it longer than it was supposed to be lol.
Mr. Mrs. MDF: Here is our man! Hahah. Too bad we'll have to wait one more chapter. Sorry about that ;(