-ALDINI TAKUMI-
Aldini Takumi loved Valentine's Day. As a true-blood Italian casanova, it was his favorite holiday—except for his and Isami's birthday, of course. It was why his favorite color was red, for love and passion. He loved the romance of grand gestures, the serenading of a personal amoré, the endless sight of red roses and pink carnations, the endless cupid and heart decorations that inundated shops and buildings around town, and the way heart-shaped chocolates only felt right to give on that day.
This is why he was standing in front of Kyokuseiryō's front door alone on a Sunday—Valentine's Day—with a bouquet of the freshest dozen red roses his sizable Elite Ten income could buy four hours earlier than he should've been.
He took a deep, nervous breath and rang the doorbell.
Then he waited.
And waited.
And waited.
'Maybe I should knock?' He thought to himself, trying not to lose his nerve to shyness. He'd been told by Yuki Yoshino, the dorm's social committee chairperson, that the Lonely Hearts party started at eight p.m., so maybe no one was home or too busy to notice an early arrival. He shook away the overthinking and knocked on the thick wooden door.
But it swung open before he made contact.
"Takumi-kun?"
"Megumi!" His heart sped up. "Hi! Happy Valentine's Day!"
Megumi blankly stared at the blond-haired, blue-eyed boy. "E-Eh?" She replied with an awkward head tilt, eyeing the roses swallowing his head and his very on-brand outfit.
"Oh!" Takumi blushed, thanking the heavens the flowers were concealing how much. "These are for the Lonely Hearts party guests!" He pushed out the vase holding the long green stems and poked his head from behind it with the most charming smile he could muster, which wasn't too difficult. Even wearing wrinkled grey sweats and messy pigtails, Megumi looked like Cupid's favorite. She made him nervous.
"But the party doesn't start for another four hours," she flatly noted. Takumi felt foolish.
"I-I know! I just figured you ladies could use some help setting up—you know, for the party."
Megumi's face warmed. "How thoughtful of you, Takumi-kun. Please, come in."
Finally! Takumi didn't know which he was ready to stop holding more—the awkward standing outside or the weight of the water-filled vase. He crossed the threshold into the large front entrance and placed the vase on a small circular table in the center of the clearing.
"Where's Isami-kun? I'm surprised not to see him with you."
"Well, it is a 'lonely hearts' party," he joked, but by the confused look on Megumi's face, it didn't land. "I-I mean, he's on his way. He had to run a last-minute errand for the holiday, so he'll be here just in time for the festivities."
"Gotcha." Megumi started to make her way back up the stairs. "I believe Yuki and Ryoko are baking cookies and brownies in the kitchen." At that moment, the fragrant whiff of dark and milk chocolate stole his senses. "I'm sure Yuki has a laundry list of tasks waiting to be done."
He watched her take the first step up the winding staircase and panicked. "Oh, you're not helping them?"
"Nah," she sighed, "I'm not really in the lovey-dovey Valentine mood." With her shoulders slumped, Megumi pushed her feet through her fuzzy bunny slippers another step.
"Oh! This is for you!" He pulled a rose from the bush and sprinted to meet her. Megumi turned around, surprised, as he handed her the rose and a small heart-shaped box of chocolates with a Valentine card taped to its top. Megumi studied the gifts being extended to her.
"Oh, Takumi-kun, you shouldn't have!"
"Of course! It's what the holiday dictates. I would not be a gentleman if I did not come bearing sweets for a sweet girl like you…" Takumi tried; he really tried to make that sound as suave and charming as he could.
"Well, thank you. Is that why you're dressed in a tuxedo with a tailcoat?" She giggled, taking the items and eyeing his attire once more.
Her question embarrassed him for thinking his choice proved Yukihira wrong about refusing the choice two hours ago. 'I can't believe you have a fan club dressing like Tuxedo Mask.'
"Uh…yeah." He sheepishly scratched the nape of his neck. "I thought it best to dress on theme."
"Well, you look dashing," she affirmed. Smelling the rose, she bowed and thanked him again before making another step up the staircase.
"I hope you like your gifts," he jumped to say.
"Yes, I love roses. Funnily enough, I thought you'd brought the entire dozen bouquet for me when I opened the door. I thought I heard the doorbell ring while leaving the kitchen."
"Well, it's more like a dozen-minus-one," he frowned, to which Megumi squinted at him questioningly.
"Yukihira swiped the twelfth rose earlier when he was at my apartment borrowing a suit."
Why did he say that name? Why did he share that needless piece of information? Because as soon as he did, the darkest cloud of sadness overshadowed Megumi's eyes.
"Oh…" Megumi said softly and continued her ascent. "Good to know." She let the rose hang at her side. Takumi watched as the stem loosened in her grip with every step, threatening to fall right on the landing. And just then, it all clicked why she was in sweats, not in the festive mood, and rushing back to her bed.
Tadokoro Megumi was heartbroken.
-TADOKORO MEGUMI-
The very last thing Tadokoro Megumi wanted to think about was love. What a humiliating twist of events that the day after she lost the most agonizing Shokugeki to Cupid's most favored over a boy's heart ushered in an entire month of love. She felt absolutely, positively sick of love.
No, she was nauseatingly sick of heartache.
She just wanted to wallow and lick her wounds in peace in peace. She had a shattered ego and a broken heart to mend back together. So, forgive her, but she did not want to smile in front of her friends about crushes around school and giggle about celebrity couples hard-launching on social media. She did not want to sing sad love songs, or even happy ones, at that. She did not want to see a single red or pink-hearted thing—especially not red. Since her first day of high school, she thought of only one person whenever she noticed that color. That fiery red hair had so much character and life of its own that it could be seen blazing from any side of campus.
No. All she wanted to do was curl up in bed with her monkfish plushie, watch a documentary about anything unrelated to love and romance, and sleep the holiday away. As a matter of fact, Cupid and her vicious bow could kiss her bony ass for all she cared!
But when Ryoko kindly brought her a mug of spiced hot chocolate with giant toasted marshmallows floating on top just the way she liked it, she kind of wanted some more, y'know, to drink her sorrows away in the chocolatey goodness. Chocolate was the one thing she was not willing to boycott today.
She dragged herself out of bed, tiptoeing out of her room, careful to quickly pass by Room 303, and headed to the kitchen to fill her mug.
"Megumi!" Her spritely friend cried out as she entered the tornado of their dorm kitchen. There was flour everywhere, bowls overflowing with chocolate and dough, an overflowing sink, and endless ingredients spread out on every open surface. "You came down!"
"Yes, I wanted some more hot chocolate." She held up her empty mug. "It was delicious, Ryoko, thank you."
"Ooo…yikes," Yuki responded with an awkward smile. "I just gave the last cup to Fumio-sama." Megumi's face dropped.
"B-But, I can make you a fresh cup!" Ryoko rushed in to save the day.
"No, no. It looks like you two already have your work cut out for you. Sorry, I can't be much help…" she lowered her head and wiped a tear.
"There's nothing to be sorry about at all," Ryoko comforted. "Your heart is healing. Give yourself time."
"That's right, Megumi-cchi! You take all the time you need! …until eight p.m. Because only you can work the dorm's karaoke machine."
"Yuki!" Ryoko scolded.
"No, it's okay, Ryoko. It's the least I can do. You got it, Social Chair!" We gave a small smile, eyes watered.
"Oh, Megumiiiii!" Yuki pounced on her feeling-blue bluenette friend's chest in a tight embrace. "Just cry it out, girl. It's going to be okay."
They heard the hurried steps of feet racing down the staircase. Megumi knew those steps like her own, and the awareness made her heart squeeze and ache. The door slammed shut. She was tempted to look out the kitchen sink's window to confirm her suspicion, but Yuki drew her closer and held her tighter. Ryoko came around her back, and before she knew it, Megumi was swallowed in a bear hug by the two girls she loved the most.
When they broke free, the oxytocin from the hug cleared her mind enough to be of more help. "Don't worry about the dishes, you two. I'll get to them once the party's over." Yuki wept at the offer.
"Awww, Megumi! Even in your anguish, you're so good to me! I love you so much, girl!"
"Thank you so much for that offer," Ryoko warmly added. "I love you, too, Megumi."
"I love you girls, too."
The doorbell rang.
-8-
Megumi returned to her room, mugless and miserable. She plummeted into her duvet still, though barely, holding Takumi's Valentine's gifts. Her head rolled to stare at the single rose. Its petals were lush and vibrant.
'Yukihira swiped the twelfth rose earlier when he was at my apartment borrowing a suit.'
The statement and its implication rang in her ears.
It had been two weeks since her loss to Nakiri-san, and every minute since felt like it just happened. She seriously believed she was going to win. She sincerely thought she had a chance. But whenever she closed her eyes, she was haunted by Soma's expression when he placed his vote. It was weird; he both had a face of unbridled ecstasy after eating Erina's dish—filet mignon-stuffed Ravioli de Langoustine—and a pained glint in his eyes when he looked Megumi's way. Before they made eye contact, Megumi saw Soma drowning in love, and for a split second, she foolishly thought it was directed at her dish, at her. But then she followed his gaze—behind her—to Erina's smug stance, arms crossed, one leg pointed out as she shifted her weight on a hip and stared directly at him. It was like he was under her spell.
Soma was the last of the three judges to vote and looked at Megumi when he pushed Erina's button like he knew he'd just sealed all three of their fates and maybe even their friendship. Of course, she got swept three-to-zilch by the crown princess of Tōtsuki. They'd both chosen beef as their protein of choice and made pasta dishes. But, of course, her comforting bowl of spaghetti bolognese wasn't enough to measure up to a surf and turf pasta made to the highest levels of fine dining's standards. Megumi hasn't eaten lobster or beef since. She can still taste the lemon black garlic-white truffle crème fraîche lingering on her palate because, of course, Erina made her taste her dish.
Megumi's stomach churned, and she clutched it in agony. Her fate was all her fault; she should've never challenged Erina. She, the lowest Seated member, versus The God Tongue. Her chin quivered as another tearful assault threatened to accost her. She let the rose roll out of her hand and placed the chocolates on her nightstand. She just wanted to sleep and forget the last six weeks of her life. But her brain refused to cooperate.
Unrequited love sucked.
-ALDINI TAKUMI-
Takumi had just finished hanging the last Cupid-cut streamer in the doorway to the first-floor dorm room when the first party guests came. Since he was also on door duty (thanks to Yuki flat-out letting him know it was the only way he wouldn't look like a total douche for wearing ruffles with a tailcoat), he climbed down the ladder and dashed to the door.
"Welcome to the Lonely Hearts Club! Your attendance is much appreciated. Sweets, treats, and drinks are located in the dining room." He fanned his way open to reveal an overdecorated foyer.
"It looks like Cupid vomited all over the place," Mito Ikumi commented, stepping into the house. "And you look like Tuxedo Mask." He frowned and looked at the boy behind him. Isami shrugged, knowing his brother's handiwork without needing to be told.
"Sorry, Nii-chan, but she's right."
Takumi's eyes shifted bashfully. "Sh-Should I take some of the heart lights down?"
"Nah! It'll ruin the vibe," Isami assured his twin with a supportive pat on the shoulder. He smiled at his brother and closed the front door. He pulled his best friend to the side.
"Hey, so how'd your errands go?"
"Good," Isami smirked. "She really liked her first gift. Almost choked me with a hug."
"Yeah?! So the tennis bracelet with her birthstone wasn't cheesy after all?" Takumi raised his eyebrow.
"What can I say? My brother is quite the romantic," Isami winked. A burst of laughter came from the kitchen.
"Nikumi-cchi...! THAT BRACELET!" Yuki squealed.
"I know, right?" Ikumi giggled.
"Aw, how thoughtful," Ryoko said with warm approval.
The twins side-eyed each other before doing their twin-bond handshake at a mission accomplished. "I plan on giving her the second gift after I walk her home."
"That's the Aldini way, my brother!" Takumi cheered as they embraced.
"Am I interrupting a bromance moment, my young fellows?" Isshiki walked into the foyer carrying a stack of handmade Valentine cards.
"Always," Isami chuckled, dapping the third-year up. "Don't tell me you've been shot by Cupid's arrow, too, senpai?"
"…Maybe."
The twins glanced wide-eyed at each other.
"Isshiki Satoshi, do tell!"
"Let's just say, Brothers Aldini, that Takumi is not the only romantic poet at Tōtsuki." He winked and strolled into the kitchen. Moments later, high-pitched, giddy squeals erupted through the main floor.
"Isshiki, you sensual devil!" Ikumi blushed.
"Omigod! Isshiki, This is absolutely adorable!" Ryoko cooed.
"I feel so loved! Hey-why isn't mine the only one?" Yuki whined.
"Happy Valentine's Day, lovely ladies." Isshiki's sultry tone could be heard melting the three girls like ice on a humid day.
"The man is simply irresistible," Isami said, feeling one-upped. "Even against your charm, bro." He shook his head and left his brother standing gobsmacked. Takumi plucked three roses from the center table and ran into the kitchen.
-8-
Takumi realized his outfit was gauche by the time the party was revving up. Even the girls from his fan club had a difficult time supporting his execution. One even apologetically told him, "You're my favorite lover boy, but I don't really like the shirt with the ruffles and cuffs. Looks pretty lame." When two-thirds of the girls agreed, he wanted to be swallowed up by the earth. They loved everything he did. He stuffed his tailcoat into the hall closet and threw his ruffled dress shirt on top of it. He hated how much his rivalry with Yukihira Soma made him do the most questionable things.
Everyone was adamantly instructed by Yuki to only grab drinks and Jello shots with the specific color that described their relationship status: red for 'taken' ("Although NONE of you should be at this party if your tongue is red!" She scolded), yellow for 'in a situationship, so open,' green for 'single and ready to mingle,' and blue for 'ethically non-monogamous.'
Takumi's tongue was still very naturally pink.
He watched his brother hand Ikumi a red and a green plastic shot cup. The sun-tanned girl in a black-hearted bralette looked at the cups and then coyly at him before taking the red Jello shot to the head. Isami and Takumi smiled in twin unison. He was happy for his brother…until he saw her take the green one, too. He could feel Isami's heartbeat skip. The busty temptress laughed with the squishy gelatin in her mouth and gave Isami an open-mouthed kiss.
Okay, now Takumi was confused—why didn't she just pick yellow? So that meant it was time to mind his business.
Just in time, too. The lights were cut off and exchanged by red bulbs in lamps. Slow jams started blaring through the speakers. Ibusaki Shun took over djing after Zenji wouldn't stop playing Michael Bublé. There were almost an equal amount of single girls and boys, and the queer students showed up to the Lonely Hearts party already coupled (which he found rather show-offy). People pulled each other close or pouted about their crush being fetched first. He walked to the only unoccupied corner on the first floor, near the staircase, and saw Yuki sulk beside him.
"You okay?"
Yuki yelped. "Dammit, Takumi! You scared me shitless! What are you doing holing up in a dark corner? Isn't, like, half your fan club here?"
"I should be asking you the same thing. This is your party. Why-" And just then, he saw why. Isshiki walked past them with Tōtsuki's Ninth Seat, Kinokuni Nene in tow. The latter looked blushing, eyeing the boy firmly gripping her hand through the thick crowd, but it was difficult to tell how much against the red lighting. Lucky her.
Isshiki turned around and winked at her, poking his tongue out. From the party's outer edge, it wasn't easy to decipher whether his tongue was coated red by the Jello or the heart-shaped red lights. Even so, Takumi couldn't deny how sexy Isshiki looked, crossing the darkness of the open space. The two second-years in the shadows followed the third-years with their eyes as Isshiki led Nene up to the second floor. "Oh," Takumi whispered, stunned. "I didn't know they were back together." Yuki slumped to the ground, her voice as small as a mouse.
"Yeah, you and me, both."
He'd noticed them slow-dancing earlier but thought nothing of it. Guess he was wrong ."Welcome to the Lonely Hearts Club, amirite?" He wryly smirked at her. Yuki scoffed and ran to her room.
Ironically, all alone now, Takumi knew he shouldn't trespass on the resident floors, but he didn't know if he could handle much more of the snog-fest before him. Even a lover boy had his limits.
Besides, there was someone he wanted to check on.
He slipped to the third floor before realizing he didn't know which room number belonged to Megumi. He knew Soma's was Room 303, but he'd be a fool to knock on each door on either side so late at night. So, he chose to hang out on the veranda instead.
-TADOKORO MEGUMI-
Megumi needed air. All the crying and loud music were making her brain throb. There was no point in staying cooped up in her room.She moped around Room 302, tidying up until she found her house robe and shuffled her feet to the door. She stepped into the hallway and instinctively checked beneath Room 303's door.
Why would she do that? She needed to let him go.
'Even if the light was on, Megumi, what would you do? Knock?! Don't be a stupid girl.' Self-pity washed over her, and she went to one of her favorite places in the dorm.
Megumi opened the veranda's French doors.
"Oops! I'm sorry!" She tightened her robe. "I thought I'd be alone."
-ALDINI TAKUMI-
He turned around to find exactly who he was looking for, wishing for, walking toward him. His heart skipped a beat.
"Megumi, hey. I thought the same. I can leave if you'd like."
"No, no. It's good to share air with a friend."
His heart fluttered to his belly. "Can't argue with that." She approached the stony rail beside him. "Are you feeling better?"
"No," her head lowered, "I couldn't sleep. The love songs are seeping through the speaking tubes in my bedroom."
"Ah…"
"Yeah, so I thought a breath of fresh air would be-"
"A breath of fresh air?" They shared a laugh. "I'm sorry about your last Shokugeki loss." He saw a subtle shake jump out of her body. Dammit, Aldini!
"Thank you, Takumi-kun."
She finally said his name. He loved the innocent, country tilt she pronounced it with. But he knew he'd struck another nerve. "Oh no, I-I'm sorry."
"Please stop apologizing. I'm sick of people pitying me. I lost. I'll live."
Takumi was making a mess of things. He seriously needed to sharpen his discernment. "I'm not trying to upset you. I just wanted to let you know I feel your pain."
"How could you possibly feel my pain?" She sounded offended but leaned on her wrist to listen. Takumi tensed up at the sudden undivided attention.
He wasn't brave enough to tell her the truth. Ironically enough, it just didn't feel like the right time for a crush confession. He was uncomfortable telling Megumi that his rivalry with Yukihira extended to her. Maybe she would pity him for wanting the person he rejected.
There was also a repressed layer of shame about feeling second-best to the courageous teen. They were good friends, close enough to call a second brother, but still a large chasm apart in many things. This felt like another thing. Takumi never thought he'd meet someone more Him than him, and sometimes it felt like a hamster wheel chasing after the guy. But he couldn't deny that he'd grown as a chef (and person) being hot on Yukihira's heels. He knew Sōma's approval meant too much to him.
Maybe that's why he was drawn to Megumi.
"Look. I just don't like seeing a good friend down. It's even worse to see it on my favorite holiday. Did you like the chocolates?"
"Not yet, but thank you again. I plan to make a cup of hot cocoa with them once everyone leaves. I'm on closing kitchen duty."
"I'll help you!"
"Oh, you don't have to do that, Takumi-kun!" Megumi nervously shook her hands the way she did whenever she was too modest to accept help.
"No worries, bellissima. It would be my pleasure." Megumi sheepishly nodded, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. Takumi wished he could do it for her."…And my Valentine's card?"
Megumi blushed, shaking her head. "I didn't even remember to. I'm sorry. But your rose stem is in a small vase on my windowsill."
"Keeping love alive." He moved closer.
She moved back. "Takumi-kun, I-" The front door burst open, and droves of chattering guests hauled out of the house. "Oh! Looks like the party's over. Better go bust those suds."
Leaving him alone again.
-TADOKORO MEGUMI-
Megumi was halfway through the pots and pans when Takumi joined her. The entire first floor was an utter mess, but the kitchen was near-sparkling. Her hospitality background taught her how to make quick work around all parts of the kitchen.
"Wanna take a break?"
"Oh, no. The mechanics are a good distraction, but thanks for offering. You're very considerate, Takumi-kun."
He turned his head to hide his blush and pulled on the clean pair of latex gloves on the counter she'd left out, just in case. He took the sudsy quart pot in her hands and began scrubbing away. "You know, if you ever want to talk—about anything—I'm here, Megumi."
"I'll keep that in mind," she noted with a gentle smile. "But, right now, I'm not in the talking mood. At least, not about that." She hoped he understood. Takumi nodded as though he did. Megumi picked up a dirty cookie tray. "So, did you like the party? I don't see your tongue any color."
"Heh-it was quite the party. But I didn't feel like drinking," he mentioned, rinsing the pot and taking the soapy tray from her.
"Good for you. I heard Shun-kun was involved with the batch used during Ryoko's fermentation process. That kid has the stomach of a goat." She shuddered. "I already know how people will feel at school tomorrow morning."
"Aw, yeah? How's that? Because I saw several triple-cuppers and multiple shots going around."
"Worse than I do right now."
Takumi sighed and placed his wrists on the edge of the sink. "Now, you see, you can't go on saying such sad things to me and not open up even a little," he teased. But she saw the sincerity in his sea-blue eyes. They kind of reminded her of the waters at the docks in her hometown's seaport.
"Sorry about that. I just…"
"It's okay. Let's just finish these dishes, use that box of chocolates, and make some delicious hot cocoa!"
'Delicious.' The word smashed into her mind. It was such a loaded word for her now. Talk about the worst twist of fate for an aspiring chef.
-8-
After stopping by the coat closet to get Takumi's tailcoat (but not the ruffled dress shirt) and by her room to grab Takumi's Valentine's card, they returned to the veranda with two cups of spiked hot cocoa.
"Why did you take off your ruffly shirt anyway?" Megumi inquired.
"Because I looked silly."
She couldn't help but laugh. "That's why I thought it suited you."
"Ow! You wound me, Donna Fatale!" He sniveled, gripping his heart. Megumi giggled as they settled beside each other, sipping their drinks and enjoying their shared silence, staring at the sky. They could see the band of the Milky Way dusting across its ink canvas. Megumi loved listening to owls, crickets, and cicadas making a forest band in the still of the harrowing night air. It felt the same way, being lulled to sleep by the sea pulling and pushing the tide after a long day of honest-to-goodness hard work back home. Wow, she's feeling homesick but still wants to stay in Tōtsuki. If only she could freeze time right here forever. Even her hot cocoa was the perfect texture and temperature. She took a deep exhale, sucking in the fresh night air.
"Ahhhh…" she released, eyes closed.
"Feeling better?"
"A little bit. Thank you for the cocoa. It feels like a hug."
"Then I succeeded!? Excellent!" He high-fived her, holding onto her hand.
Megumi felt the air stilt around them. Her spidey senses tingled.
"Would you like a hug?"
The air shifted into a wisp. She hesitated, thinking about it. "Mhm," she admitted to her friend. Takumi wrapped his arms around her and placed her head on his chest. It felt good to be held—comforting. But maybe that's because she's feeling touch-deprived.
"Thank you, Takumi-kun. This feels nice. I needed it.
"Any time, mi amica."
She looked up to smile at him because she always found it endearing when he switched from Japanese to Italian. She needs to pay more attention to what each phrase means.
Then, she felt Takumi's lips on her lips. He leaned in and softly pressed deeper—her first kiss.
Their lips parted to embrace, and Megumi relaxed her mind and body for the first time in two weeks. She liked how Takumi's tongue slowly played with hers and how their mouths melted into each other. It felt nice. Like exactly how she'd hoped it would feel on New Year's Eve.
With Sōma-kun.
Megumi pulled away.
"Oi-Takumi-kun!" She freaked out, uncertain as to why she felt so embarrassed when he kissed her—she simply fell into it. But she did. Looking at her feet, Megumi said as clearly as possible, "I-I can't do this. I'm just not ready. Right now, I need my friends with no strings attached. My heart and mind are tangled enough already."
Her throat closed up, seeing Takumi's eyes dilate as he gave her a sad, understanding expression. "Got it. I will be the best friend you deserve right now." He brushed her windswept bangs out of her face and stared into her eyes, still holding her. This silence was uncomfortable. "I should go," he softly smiled, giving her a slight peck on the cheek.
Leaving her alone again.
Her heart hurt again. She returned to the dark forest and noticed Takumi's Valentine's card under her mug. Conflicted, she opened it.
It was a card from the drugstore's greeting card section. A fuzzy cartoon caterpillar wrapped itself on the left side of a heart-shaped cocoon on the front cover. She opened the card to see what it said, then quickly closed it. A pressed white daisy fell out; she picked it up and opened the card again.
Only one question, handwritten.
~Tadokoro-san,
Will you be My Fuzzy Valentine?
-ALDINI TAKUMI-
Aldini Takumi's last thought on his favorite night of the year was, 'Room 302.'
a/n: 'twas the night before Valentine's Day...i love to spread love, so i present to you a v-day gift: a different pairing! this is a takumegu flashback from the first v-day chapter as sorina are doing their own thing (chapter 11: erina's valentine's surprise-feel free to re-read that chapter as a refresher/reference). thought i'd drop a new chapter the night before the love fest for anyone in a sentimental mood or who needs some heartfelt love to get them through the red-hearted day. but if no one tells you this on the 2.14, just know, dear reader, i love you! thank you so much for reading this story! it means the world to me.
also—wow! realized I crossed the 100k word count with 'whole heart'! it's an amazing milestone for me, but also the only way I seem to know how to write a story—long-form. [one day i'll write shorter stories.] but here is a shout-out to readers who have previously left reviews over the last year and a half [mind-blowing:
[famedwitch (!) babysorina, kotonoha mari-chan, peltingrain, just a fan, loamia, lumberzacks, dewa1990, several 'guest' users, zancrowe…with special appreciation to francesco capogna for leaving this story's very first review.
Thanks for hanging around!
p.s.: as always, i love reading your comments, so pls leave a review, follow, favorite, and share with someone you think would enjoy reading it, too!
-you're welcome!-
8.20withlove
-i do not own the rights to Shokugeki no Sōma, wah wah wah
\_(ツ)/