Secret Spice, a shokugeki no soma/食戟のソーマ fanfic

Warning: This is purely fiction, driven out from my favorite fandom/s. I do not own or profit from its characters, the places familiar to the fandom nor the ones in the 'real world.' If there are places that are unfamiliar; Therefore, I take credit together with the characters I personally made which would be addressed by the end notes.

Salamat for reading! Please leave a kudos, favorite, follow and reviews!

Part 1

Chef's Kiss

The current chair woman and granddaughter of Totsuki Academy's eyes sparkled after receiving a notification from her phone, with a gasp, "He's going live!" She has a secret she's been hiding and that's following an amateur chef that can only pass up as a 'home cook' in her rule book.

Yes the man owns multiple- but popular bistros and diners, but still he did not receive any formal culinary education. Not that she directly knew it was a fact.

Quickly retreating to her office, "Hisako-chan, can you make me some tea and snacks?" She politely asked her secretary who happily smiled and went to get her some. Hisako, her closest aide and confidant knew the head mistress loves to watch 'that guy's' show as it was trendy and legitimate.

Once she got the iced tea and some homemade chips they sat down in her office and screen shared it over her mistress' huge television, "Its a Q and A!" They looked at each other and felt excited. The waited for a few minutes before the live came on, the amateur chef is as usual in this trendy yet professional-home-test-kitchen but this time comfortably sitting down to one of his high stools by the island counter with Japan's pop-icon and granddaughter of the country's top celebrity agency LME.

"Oh my gosh! It took me ages to get you on my show! I'm glad you agreed!" The girl could not help but squeal, "I wanna thank Otsukinoji-kun for helping me out! " And the camera panned towards the back of the lounge where the tall blonde guy that always appear in the Chef's upload is sitting.

The chef gave a polite yet soft smile to the camera and towards the lady, "It is an honor to be in your segment, Takarada-san. And besides, I let the big man make the call, he's my lawyer and good friend after all." he chuckled. After the merry greetings, Takarada Maria proceeds to make the introduction question by pulling out a card for the chef.

Taking the strip and revealing the question, "Who is Soma?" The chef chuckled and straightened in his seat.

"Well, I am an only son of Jouichirou and Tamako Yukihira. And I grew up in a small diner owned by the grandfather and mother located in Sumiredouri District, my father a very talented chef and help run the Yukihira diner." He explained, pulling another strip, "When did Soma learned to cook." He wore a very fond look on his face, "I started to hold knives when I was three, and ever since I was my old man's sous chef." He revealed.

Maria jumped into the opportunity to ask a relevant query, "Can you tell us about your dad?"

Soma leans his his arm over the island counter and thought, "Well, my old man is a prodigious chef with a laid back personality, quite the romantic-" He chuckles fondly, "Mind you... he's the one who taught me all the juicy stuff.-" He and Maria laughs, "And he is known as a world class chef, recently he's around Europe, Paris France specifically; and assisting Shinomiya-senpai." He explained, "Though, it was the old man that motivated me to be better, and precisely told me that I still lack in skills and motivation. Still the old man gave me a little clue on how to help myself.." He felt a little amused to what he's about to say since it always sounded sappy, "I need to look for someone who'd make me cook for them forever."

Takarada Maria, granddaughter of the infamous showbiz Love Monster of LME Agency squealed hearing the popular pop-culture-icon-chef declare he is looking for love, "Cringey as it is, it's what Jouchirou said and I believe him." He snorted.

They paused for a second and then the chef pulled another tab, "How did you start recording?" Turning his head to all his friends sitting with the blonde, with the camera panning at them, they waved, "It all started when our friend 'Shin' had a little happy accident." He laughed, Maria knew about it since she's often hanging out with them.

The backstage voice, "A very welcomed, happy accident!' Mind you!" Shin interjected and they all laughed.

Soma continued, "The poor man did not know how to cook and at that time I was in Sumiredouri District and cannot give him a hand after his wife was craving karaage in the middle of two in the morning." Again with the round of laughter.

"Why do women like to crave in the middle of unholy hour?" Another asked and the boys just slapped a hand to shut him up.

After the interruption, "After sending the instructional video, Hajime-kun accidentally uploaded it to his account and sure enough after an hour being put up, it took off gathering a massive views and likes. His wife then suggested to make more of it and create a channel that can help men handle the kitchen with a bit of basics, thus the name: 'Basics for Dummies" He joked.

Right after more than thirty minutes of live, the current Queen of Totsuki was shocked to know that the 'home cook' chef she called is affiliated with Totsuki's alumnus; Shinomiya and his father is actually a world famous chef. Hisako with a smile of assurance told her mistress she'll have to investigate. The secretary knows, despite her lady boss does not admit, she has a huge crush towards the internet's favorite chef.

In confirmation, Nakiri Erina was shocked to know that the chef she was infatuated and looked down on after the lack of proper culinary education and degree is actually the only son of her cooking idol, Saiba Jouichirou and the young man learned directly from the man himself and landed multiple first hand experiences during his younger days to his teens with multiple Totsuki alumnus, including one of her company's directors and general head chef.

Now she's on a mission and currently in Kyoto, to one of the young man's infamous restaurant, to her shock it wasn't as fancy as she taught, it was like a whole in the wall general diners, "Now that I remember... He's making it as authentic as possible." she internally giggled recalling his humorous explanation during his live.

Entering the establishment, she was greeted with the packed state of the shop, Erina frowned when she found no place to sit while scanning the place. She was surprised when a man appeared from behind and ushered her to a seat by the counter; her eyes grew wide when it was the owner and chef himself looking at her with a boyish yet charming smile.

"Please, what would you like?" He asked and Erina did not know what to ask since she did not see the menu.

With a nonchalant shrug, "Surprise me?" She treated the diner like one of those high class restaurant and the chef's smile grew wider.

"Then please, give me a moment." He said and excused hopping over the counter and started to fire up his personal stove. Erina was in trance watching him do his magic and felt a little sad that he's already finished and handed her a small tray with one bowl of classic furikake gohan, "Please try my family's secret menu, the transforming furikae gohan." Erina was a little bit insulted.

The dish looked to simple, glaring at the chef, "Don't look like that, go and take a bite?" He leans in comfortably over the counter with his arm and watches the beautiful woman take a spoon full of the delicious dish and took a bite. To Erina's shock it was divine, of course she should have expected it since she's been following and watching the man's channel for the longest ever since he only had few subscribers, but her pride caused her to deny the chef, especially when he stares at her with his handsome yet cocky smile.

With a pout she just whispered, "It's adequate." with a humph.

Soma finds it adorable and knew about her, "It's lacking something does it?" He asked and Erina who did not find anything lacking just played along, nodding.

He lets out a long sigh, "You're the first to let me know, thank you." Of course Erina also knew his reason why he said it was lacking, not that she realized she was not wearing any disguise or cover and it dawned to her that Soma recognized her.

Keeping her embarrassment, Soma suddenly asked, "So, why is the Queen of Totsuki and the woman who owns the best palate in the world visiting my little hidey-hole? Are you perhaps looking for my old man?" He asked.

Doing her best not to glow red, she shook her head and acted egoistic, "No, I just came to try what was the hype about and it failed." she said in a hushed tone. biting the inside of her cheeks for saying a lie, when in fact the food was delectable.

Her comment made Soma shocked, yet thrilled that he was up for a challenge. With a chuckle, "Then allow me to cook for you next time, and by then I'll make sure it'll match your palate." He declared.

That declaration made the woman blush, at the same time delighted that her crush will personally make her another dish next time, "Well, then... I'll hold you to that." She gave him a smirk.

Soma snorted and came out from the bar counter, "Since you are done with your meal, my lady... Are you leaving now?" He asked.

Indeed, Erina that day was on her way to a meeting and just came early to at least try one of her crush's food. Even though she lied that it was just adequate, she was glad she tried and ate some since it was really good, "Yes, I am on my way to a meeting." Checking her watch, she breathed in relief that it was still early.

"Then please, allow me to accompany you to your car." Soma was aware the woman was loaded and always accompanied by luxury vehicles. Erina took his hand and they went out, ignoring the looks that the young ladies were giving them.

Right after she left, "So, what that the infamous Nakiri Erina?" One of Soma's friends came out to stand with him and watch the retreating figure of the limousine.

With a nod, "I vow to make that woman say my food is great." He grinned and went back to his shop, "By the way, I'm be heading back to Sumiredouri District tomorrow, let the big guy know." he informed and his geared buddy chuckled.

"Sure do, brother. By the way, can you send some congratulatory presents for Yuuto-kun and Haruka-chan for us? It seems Sicily and I will be a bit delayed." He awkwardly chuckled.

Soma gave him a thumb's-up, "It's cool, and congrats too! You gonna be an old man too!" He laughed and the other just scratched the back of his head with amusement.

It has been a week after Erina gave Soma's restaurant a visit and now her palate is looking for his flavors, it seems there is no chef that can satisfy her flavors not unless it was the Yukihiras, her secretary helping out kept making take-out orders from the main branch from Sumiredouri since it was the nearest, of course the secretary was very careful and used another address and name for the orders to spare her lady boss' pride.

It pleased the queen when she knew it was Soma himself making the dishes and he's permanently staying in Sumiredouri despite his bad childhood memories of losing his mom and grand-father in that very shop.

Swallowing a bit of her pride, she went without any disguise and again, Soma came to greet her and gave her the prime seat by the counter, unlike the Kyoto and other bistros he has this one is very exclusive and has few customers; mainly the regulars from when he was growing up and the locals.

The older ladies teased Erina since she seemed close to their Soma-boy, they were really cute by telling her stories and misadventures of the young Yukihira, indeed the queen loved the attention as well as the stories. Soma instead of being embarrassed he was retorting with reasons which caused the older men to tease him some more.

With his usual amused and charming smile leaning close and watching her eat, "Verdict?" He asked.

She shrugged and continued to play along, "Still not good." biting her lower lip from slipping.

Soma laughed, "The next time, it's a date." This caused her to blush, "I'll make sure you say my food is great." he again declared.

"It seems our boy finally found his other half." The older people looked at Soma fondly.

One even chuckles, "He sounded like Jouichirou-chan when he was younger declaring his love for dear Tamako."

Surprisingly they exchanged numbers and even followed each other on social media, of course Erina this time used her personal and official social media. She has an alternate that follows the chef but will forever keep it a secret.

She enjoyed the exchange of pictures and messages they share, she was even introduced to Soma's 'The Goodbois Co., ' the men that was often featured on his channel especially his blonde-lawyer friend they call the 'Narnia or homeless Dude' Erina has been wondering why, till Soma explained with twenty minute long video.

Apparently, the man owns a magical- well technically a very beautiful forested backyard that he transformed into a trail with a cabin with fruitful forested property, which sometimes Soma freshly harvests and uses as his ingredients from his recordings and that their blonde friend was roped or literally rigged with an action camera to his chest or head whenever he was out and doing some solo-camping with his puppy.

Currently, they were in Kyoto and hanging out with the bois as what their wives and partners calls them. Erina basking under the warm rays of the spring sun with the other lady, immersed in an amusing conversations about their partners. While Soma was again creating a content with his crew, this time however Erina made her debut as "Baby," It all started as a joke made by the ladies.

His hilarious cooking content now has a running skit where he is challenged by his 'baby girl' with complicated dishes, and he would make them with a twist. And to make things interesting and even more humorous, some of his make friends would dress up as Erina complete with the wig and dress, imitating a girlish voice too.

While leaving the men to be chaotic with their recording, "Say, Otsukinoji-san, why dont you show your face when you upload your content?" Erina finally asked.

The blonde stopped from editing his recent recording for a moment, "No particular reason. It just came to be since its much more comfortable to attach the action camera to my chest and see what Im actually doing." he explained.

The ladies were amused knowing he liked to work smart rather than hard. "But maybe one day, I'll show my face when I get the chance." he added.

"Please, many are curious about you, and by the way? I love the recent upload. That pesto pasta looked divine! I wish I could have tasted it." Shin's wife pouted.

Otsukinoji chuckled, "I'll make some later." The girls were holding themselves from squealing since the boys in the background are still working on the recording. While they were busy chatting another famous figure joined them, "By the way, this is Tenjou Yuuya-san." the man is the current famous model and action star, second to Tsuruga Ren. Erina blushed and took his hand, "I'm the big man's neighbor, I own the forested land next to Mogami-san's reserve." Yuuya introduced.

Once Soma and tge men finished and took the finished food for Erina with a sweet kiss and a quick 'thank you babe.' the boys made an impromptu introduction to Yuuya as one of the Narnia men, and as usual Otsukinoji's face was hidden to agitate their viewers.

Wrapping up, they talked about the next skit for the intro of their video and they included Otsukinoji as suggested by the ladies, instead of Soma rummaging the refrigerator, Otsukinoji was demanded to go through a window and hand Soma the ingredients, it was something like a collaboration video which as expected raked another million views and like.

Erina has become a staple in Soma's contents and even had the man show up in her Academy to help out or create videos in her private kitchen. But of course, Erina has been having a tough time turning down the man's persistence and food reviews as his food are improving considering he found his motivation and inspiration.

After months of dating, the two finally moved in together and Soma in usual work days would give his woman the best tender, love and care after a hard days work from her office, "Good job, what do you want for snacks?" he stood gave her a kiss, took her bag, helped her off her heels and assisted her to sit.

With a sigh of content, "Surprise me?" she asked and Soma chuckled giving her another sweet kiss.

"Of course, my lady." He winked, "By the way, babe. The boys and I are planning to have anither weekend gathering in Kyoto." It wasn't asking her for permission, rather he was informing her.

Erina grew thrilled, "Really?" she loved the place and the company with them, it made her feel normal and found her sense of belonging.

Soma got her some cold drinks first, "Yep, and it seems Otsukinoji-kun made some few more improvements in his garden, it'll be a 'pregnant and baby safe' area as how Yuuya-kun explained." He laughed, "And pops has been bugging me about our wedding schedule, sorry."

Erina blushed, "It's okay, besides we're already in a rush." gently caressing her belly. Soma smiled and kissed her and her belly.

"Who would've though you're the secret spice I need?" he laughed and rested his head on her belly as he kneels beside her.

Erina petted his head, "Oh hush, you're turning into like tour dad." rolling her eyes.

-To be continued?-

A/N: Hello! Its still me (cousin next door or better known as NerdyInu) I just created a new account for some reason and wanted to make new works with connecting plots to other fandoms I'm working on, I do apologize for being MIA for a year? (or even more), my life is in a bit of a mess, lately; I'm both a full time caregiver for my mom who had a relapse in cancer, and Im about to take the BAR this September 17, (I hope I pass) The happy news is that I finally got my Juris Doctor degree.

To those who read my SNS fanfiction back in my NerdyInu account, thank you so much. Your kind reviews and follows did not go unnoticed, don't worry, that account is still active and I might update the fics or just edit them ro be at least decent.

With all appreciation,

-M.A.X

Crossover Characters:

Shin Wolford and Sicily: both are from the light novel/ manga/ anime adaptation Kenja no Mago;

Tenjou Yuuya: He is the main character from the isekai light novel/manga and anine adaptation I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too;

Tsuruga Ren and Takarada Maria: Both characters respectively are from the manga/anime Skip beat as well as LME Agency;

Nagumo Hajime: Is the main character from the light novel/manga/anime adaptation Arifureta: From Commonplace To World's Strongest;

Ayase Yuuto and Nogizaka Haruka: the main OTP couple from the manga/anime adaptation, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu.

Mogami Otsukinoji is my personal character.