Chapter 4: Nighttime Enjoyment

PopNina250: Hi everyone! The story of these two romantics is sure to heat up now. ;) Also, I'm trying to do more of a first person POV, instead of a third person perspective for Shun and Ryoko, in this chapter. I'll probably change it back for the next chapter. (BTW the M rating is for explicit content coming up in the future).

Anime Show: Shokugeki no Soma

Genre: Romance/Drama

Pairing: Shun Ibusaki and Ryoko Sakaki

Overview: After conversing with their friends, the third-years hangout in Zenji room for the night, where moments are shared and surprisingly interesting events take place.

Shun:

I guess sitting next to Zenji after the little outburst he had wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. His blabbering about something he read in his research society seems to be pretty standard for him. I never was too interested in the different aspects of cooking. I always thought I would be a one-trick-pony, with all my smoked dishes, but with him around, he really gives me a hand when it comes to trying something new.

I zone out a lot when he speaks, though, so I like to take in the looks of the other conversations. I looked around and found myself examining Ryoko and Ikumi, who were both seemingly talking about something interesting. I saw Ryoko's face become redder and redder as Ikumi talked with a weird, smirking look on her face.

I suddenly watched as Ryoko got more red with fury, as she stood up and walked away from Ikumi. Damn, I wish I could read lips. I had never seen Ryoko get that angry before. Honestly, I thought she had a decent control over her emotions. When Central took over the school, everyone at Polar Star threw a fit and some even showed very depressing emotions, but Ryoko seemed to keep her composure, even when Yuki would bawl her eyes out on her shirt.

Watching Ryoko quickly disappear behind the kitchen door, I wondered if Yuki had anything to do with her current behavior. I mean, they were very close friends, and although it would seem like Ryoko would always comfort Yuki, perhaps Ryoko also needed Yuki for comfort. That girl was very rough around the edges, personality-wise, but she had a spark of joy and charisma that was very uplifting to the dorm in more ways than one.

"Shun! Are you listening to me?" I turned my head to see Zenji in complete frustration. I guess I zoned out longer than I thought.

"No... sorry, I just got lost in thought."

"Ugh! No one ever listens to me! Am I boring you this much?!" He's already ticked off enough. I wish I could tell him what's been on my mind, but Zenji isn't the sympathetic type of guy.

"You're not boring me… I just happen to have a lot on my mind today."

"Oh… do you want to talk about it?" Well, this is a first. I thought Zenji would tell me to empty my thoughts and listen intently. I guess he's not as stubborn as I expected today.

"Well, I've just been thinking about the dorm members lately. We haven't really had any gatherings in your room like we used to."

"Thank God for that! I hate having to clean my room after you guys mess it up!" Zenji exclaimed, sounding quite relieved. For a guy with such a big brain, he could be so naive at times, especially when it came to understanding someone's feelings.

"Yeah, but don't you miss being with everyone?" I asked. "I mean, we barely hang out with each other, let alone see one another anymore. And I know I can be a bit of an introvert at times, but I still miss it. I especially miss hanging out with our third-year companions...like Ryoko." There was a silence between us. I probably startled him with how much I talked just now. He adjusted his glasses and put a hand on my back.

"Shun... I'm sorry I haven't really been there for you. As much as people can bug me and keep me away from my studies, I appreciate the company as well." He stood up from his seat and looked down at me. "Say, how about all of us third-year students get together in my room tonight? You, me, Ryoko, Ikumi, and the Aldini brothers. We can reconnect and socialize once again."

I couldn't help but have a slight smile on my face. It might've been the most thoughtful thing he had ever said. "That sounds fine with me." He smiled back gleefully and pulled my shoulder, forcing me out of my seat.

"Terrific! I'll set up the games in my room right away!" He turned his head towards Ikumi, still wearing his prideful smile. "What do you say Ikumi? You want to join us?" The short-haired blonde turned towards the boys with a confused look.

"Join in on what exactly?" She raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm hosting a hangout for all of us third years in my room tonight. We can talk, play cards, play board games, have some late night snacks, and...OH! OH! OH! Maybe Ryoko could bring some of her rice juice for refreshments. That would really put this party over the top!"

Zenji's rambling caught Ikumi's attention, and her smirk in response to it reminded me of how she smiled when she spoke to Ryoko. The smirk seemed a bit sinister. I couldn't help but wonder what they had been discussing that caused Ikumi to react like that. Additionally, Ryoko's expression didn't seem as nonchalant as usual. What did Ikumi say to Ryoko that caused her to storm off?

Ryoko:

No way was I going back to the dining room after hearing Ikumi say such ridiculous things. Thank goodness our kitchen had a side door leading straight to the hallway. I knew I'd dodged Ikumi this time, but I knew she was going to bring up the same comments again.

II mean, what was she thinking, saying such scandalous things? And all this time I thought Yuki was the only troublemaker in my life. God, if Shun heard a word of what she said, I for sure would've passed out!

As I began to unlock the door to my room, I heard footsteps coming towards me. They sounded very hurried. I turned to see Zenji running after me.

"Uhhh, do you need something Marui?" He caught up to me and panted dramatically.

"Hey Ryoko!" he said, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Do you want to hang out tonight with the other third years? I was hoping you could bring some of your special rice juice." I'm definitely not in the mood for a get-together, but I know everyone would worry about me if I didn't show up.

"Sure, why not?" I replied with a slight smile. Maybe it'll be a good thing for me to mingle with others. We haven't had a get-together since the unexpected expulsion.

"Terrific! We're meeting in my room at 9:00 p.m. I'll see you there!" With a wave, he ran back down the hall. I don't understand why he's hurrying so much, but I'm just going to assume he's excited.

I hope Ikumi doesn't bring up the conversation from earlier. Shun is my friend, and I shouldn't be thinking of him as anything more than that. Besides, he probably only sees me as a friend as well. I mean, after the incident this morning, I can't blame him for finding me a bit weird.

I went into my room with a sigh to prepare myself and my drinks for the evening.

9:00pm with Shun:

As I walked over to Zenji's room, I found myself thinking about who I would see there. I knew it was going to be weird without the others, but I hoped at least Ryoko would enjoy herself.

All my memories of Sakaki always had her with Yuki. You couldn't imagine one without the other. It was hard to lose someone like that. If she needed it tonight, I guess I could try to comfort her, even though I'm not the best at the comforting thing.

I approached the door and Zenji immediately opened it. From the outburst this morning, it was surprising to see him so hyperactive.

It appeared that I was the last one to arrive. Isami and Takumi were sitting on the bed, each holding a cup in one hand and playing cards in the other. Ikumi was in the corner with a mini charcoal grill. She seemed to be cooking beef strips and hot sausage.

My eyes then landed on Ryoko, who was sitting up against the bookshelf, close to Ikumi. She was wearing a light pink, off-the-shoulder sweater and black jean shorts. Her legs were curled up to her chest, her hand holding a cup, which was presumably filled with rice wine.

Next to her stood one of the many board games Marui kept in his closet. For someone who didn't like people coming into his room, he certainly had a lot of fun activities for them to do.

"C'mon in, Shun! You can join in on Yahtzee! Me and Ryoko will restart for you." We proceeded towards her. She looked up at us with a smile. But it wasn't her usual smile. It seemed almost forced.

Before the party with Ryoko:

I got dressed for the party. It wasn't one of my best outfits, but it would have to do.

Before I headed out, the phone started to ring. I picked it up and saw Yuki's number on the screen. Immediately, I answered it.

"Y-Yuki? Is that you?"

"..."

"Yuki? Are you there?" I heard a deep breath on the other end of the call.

"Yuki, listen," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I know it's you. You don't have to cut me out of your life like that. We're friends! Don't feel bad about getting kicked out! I know we had the big picture of us graduating together, but..." Tears began to form under my eyes. My breathing became more uncontrollable. "Don't stop cooking! Don't give up on what you love! You can't give up, I won't let you!"

I hung up the phone and the tears rolled down my cheeks. Dropping to the ground, my hands rubbed my puffy eyes and damp cheeks.

Back to the party:

I tried my best to smile as Shun and Zenji approached me. I wondered if they bought it. I've gotta keep myself together tonight. Just play the board game and don't seem at all bothered.

Midway through our game, Ikumi came over with what she had been cooking.

"Eat up everyone, while it's still hot!" She brought the plates over to everyone, allowing us all to get a juicy piece of her meat.

When she got over to me, she moved her mouth to my ear and whispered, "So, Shun's probably looking better to you than this meat right now, don't you think?"

I madly blushed and gave her a withering stare. The last thing I needed from her tonight was to mess up one of my friendships. Taking the piece of meat, I looked over to my side, where Shun was sitting. He was looking at me. Shit, had he heard her?

"Is something wrong Ibusaki?"

"No, nothing at all," he answered my question rather quickly. I swear, I hope Ikumi didn't freak him out.

Shun:

Her face turned red again, like a repeat of what had happened at dinner. What was Ikumi saying that was causing her such upset?

Ryoko caught me looking at her. I told her nothing was wrong, but I held back what I really wanted to say to her. I want her to tell me what's been bothering her, without being too pushy about it. There has to be a good moment to bring it up.

Eventually, we finished playing Yahtzee. Zenji wiped the floor with us. I barely got any points. Being done with our activities, we all gathered together in a circular shape arrangement. Ryoko gave us another round of drinks, and there was a bit of a silence at first, until Ikumi spoke.

"Well, what should we do now? I hate for things to be silent. I don't know how all of you prefer things to be, but awkward silence makes me uncomfortable."

"You tell me, if you're the one so bothered," Takumi replied to her rather bluntly. They were never really two peas in a pod.

"Alrighty then, how about we play spin the bottle?" She gave a weird glance over at Ryoko when she said that. Things just got stranger and stranger between them.

"Tch, what are we just going to end up kissing everybody? You say your uncomfortable and you pick a game like that. Come on! Pick something less gross." As usual, Takumi was throwing another fit.

"Okay, fine then! What about 7 minutes in heaven, with a twist?" Ikumi glared at Takumi smugly.

"And what would that twist be then, hmm?" He crossed his arms, prepared to refuse her proposal.

"How about we play poker to determine who goes in the closet? The person who loses will have to spin the bottle to see who they end up with. The person who wins gets immunity for that round, and they're safe from being picked by the bottle."

"Mmmm, I guess we could play that," Takumi gave in.

"Sounds good with me! I'm in!" Isami said happily.

Me, Zenji, and Ryoko all agreed to join. I was a bit hesitant giving in. I honestly don't want to be thrown into an awkward position, but they would just all whine if I didn't.

"Alrighty then, let's begin!" Ikumi dealt out the cards to us, and we quickly made our strategic moves.

When we finally put our cards down, it was Ryoko who had the highest hand and Isami who had the lowest. Isami spun the bottle and got Ikumi, leaving them to share a few moments in Zenji's closet.

The game went on like this for a while, with two random people spending time in a closet. I had done well from the beginning, but my luck finally dropped when I got my first low hand.

Ikumi grinned at this. I couldn't tell if she was grinning because of me losing or her winning. I shrugged it off quickly though.

"Alrighty Ibusaki my man! Spin the bottle and choose your fate!" Zenji was already drunk off rice juice. I'm surprised he could still speak in sentences.

I spun the bottle, scanning each turn it made... until it stopped. I looked up to see who it pointed towards.

"...Ryoko."

Concluding Statements: Sorry this chapter took a bit longer to come out!I'm planning to have at least one chapter come out every two weeks now, since I have a lot of school work to do. Stay tuned for the next chapter!!!!