Disclaimer: It's a work of fiction and just having fun with my favorite SNS pairing

On the last chapter, I guess Koganei did cross a line somewhere. But I hope she isn't too far for redemption.

Your reviews and feedback are really great motivating factor to get me writing this one! In fact, it's because of the response that it got me to get onto the this one faster! I really do appreciate that you take time to give me feedback and the motivation they give!

Many had asked what happened when we returned but seeing a limping Koganei supported by Moriyama and me basically answered the question for us.

"But we heard a male screaming too?"

"Oh that… will be Okuma." Moriyama explained, "The poor chap had Koganei's nails dug into him."

Due to her injury, Koganei was swiftly sent to the nearest medical center to make sure all is well.

Despite herself, she did not wish to be a damper as such things do happen and was still insisting that the barbeque and night event continue without her. My cynical thought was that she was still committed to having her plans of more interaction between Kurase and Soma come to fruition.

Unfortunately for her, she had not counted on a stubbornly concerned Kurase jumping into the transport van to accompany her.

As for me, I was getting praise from everyone present after they heard how I fixed Koganei's ankle as well as my knowledge for medicinal plants. I explained that being trained in first aid is part of my duties as Erina-sama's secretary while my medical knowledge of plants and to fix the dislocation came from lessons that were part of my family's Traditional Chinese Medicine education curriculum.

These topics were great icebreakers; suddenly I was the center for attention, of which was not really my thing. Thankfully, Soma probably noticed and called out that he needed my help in food preparation, which served as a good way to keep conversations short.

"Seems like everyone likes you. That's good." Soma looked proud of me for getting accepted to his group of friends.

"Not as much as you, Mr Popular." I replied teasingly, referring to how he left me alone to talk with his friends. "I thought I had to find my own way back tonight ."

"Oh, you will need to call a cab for that."

I gaped, pausing from preparing the mushrooms, "What?" When he did not respond immediately, I asked him again, "What do you mean?" Still refusing to say, "Are you staying here tonight?" Okay, I really need to know, "Yukihira?!"

"Naw, I was referring to the case IF you need to find your own way back tonight, you will need to call a cab." He broke into a toothy grin, "The last bus comes around this time, so there won't be a bus to bring you back then."

With a twitch of my lips and an eye roll, I flicked drops of water from my hands towards him. He playfully dodged them with a laugh.

"I am kidding, of course." He smiled reassuringly as we shared a gaze, "You know I will never leave you."

My ears pricked, keeping my eyes on him while he returned to food preparation. Was that a slip of the tongue? Or did I hear that wrong?

Or was it... in a hidden part, deep within me... like a bud nurtured over time… stemming from the accumulation of little interactions… was something I wanted to hear?

Whoa. I turned back to what I was doing, lest I got caught staring.

Whichever it was aside, I wholeheartedly trust and believe that he meant those words.

…

...Oh.

Oh wow.

I just realised how my attitude to Soma has evolved in a span of a few weeks. Granted, Soma has a way about him that people naturally gravitate towards him. Additionally, his easy going attitude provides flexibility for anyone to gel with him.

Perhaps I was just caught up with his personality and anyone would have felt the same way as I am now should they go through the same things we did.

Perhaps even Erina-sama's impression about him may change if she were here. Maybe then she would be more naturally paired with him? After all, with her higher status, exceptional talents, and unrivalled beauty, she would, logically, be the preferred female main character of a story.

Soma would be the protagonist of said story and -

I was but a secondary character: Erina-sama's assistant.

Wait, w-where am I going with this?

… My chest feels uneasy.

'Have you ever thought about what Yukihira-kun thinks about it?' Those words cut through and dispersed the fog.

What Soma thinks about…

Being inexperienced, I don't really know how to put it but: till now, it felt that we were building to something.

Everything could be clear if we just… talked.

Maybe I could just ask him casually now?

A glance over found him in his usual happy-go-lucky self, humming a tune as he did his magic on the dishes. He was thankful for the Ayu fish we shared and seemed to be in a better mood. Now, he is in his element and having fun.

I could not help but smile at that.

I have come to appreciate and enjoy these small little things. Let's not spoil the moment.

We can save the talk for later.

Soma and I got a lot of praise for the food we made.

I mean, it is expected that the food has to be delicious: we chefs have our pride and reputation to uphold.

The only thing that was steered clear from, though, was the experimental fish guts ceviche: Cleaned and finely chopped Ayu fish guts, fine chilli slices, aromatics, all pickled in lime & vinegar, followed by sugar, salt and pepper to taste.

A highly experimental dish and not recommended for general consumption. However, considering the Ayu fish feeds mainly on moss and lives in pristine waters, thus making the risk of parasites low, I gave it a go.

I will say it goes well in a warm rice ball wrapped with a mugwort leaf.

It was a great conversation starter as everyone wanted to know how it tasted but needed to know if the two chefs in training were doing alright before some braver ones tried it themselves. I got to say, it felt exciting to see their reactions.

Perhaps that was the goal behind the Chef Specials back at Yukihira Family Restaurant?

Evening gave way to night and the walk of courage which was the final event for the night. Soma was keen about it and I thought to try it too

"Alright, does anyone else need a lightstick? ...No? Great." Okuma, being the game director, turned to point into the woods, "Just follow the path and turn at the instructed points which have light sticks to mark them; It's a simple loop so you can't go wrong. Just a reminder, a loop means you'll be circling back here." as he gestured, he jumped his eye brows at someone, likely making a reference to some event that happened in class, which elicited laughter.

"Nonetheless, for safety: If you're lost, give me a call; and if, in the unlikely case, you're hurt, give me a call. In short, if there's anything that you need help on, what should you do?"

"Give you a call." the crowd recited, followed by excited chatter.

He then added, "One more thing: We're all young adults so I'll just say it." His words immediately grabbed attention. "If you are diverting from the course on purpose for some privacy, *wink wink*, do drop me a message so we don't have to send a search party after you and find you 'busy'." He gave a knowing grin, "Awkward for you, awkward for us too so let's avoid that."

That drew a few snickers.

"So, any questions? No? Alright then, pair up and we'll start shortly!"

Soma, who was about an arm's length away, stepped close. Well, it would be natural that we would be doing this activity together.

I am not sure if he was aware, but his eyes darted toward Moriyama as he did so.

It was a pretty interesting observation.

Moriyama, oblivious, at that moment looked over to me, gave an encouraging smile and nod as he paired off with a friend. I gave a polite acknowledgement in return.

Soma shifted stiffly, "Shall we?"

We were the third pair to set off.

The atmosphere at night was starkly different from the day: The still air heightened the earthy scents of nature, while also keeping warmth and humidity to the ground to stave off the chill. The flow of the river was now the baseline to the rhythmic cicada chirps and frog croaks. Under the pale moonlight, the mind naturally interpreted shadows and shapes differently compared to the day.

Soma and I walked in silence, footfall in sync as it usually does on a path illuminated by a simple light stick. Though I had promised myself that I would speak with him, knowing that there may be to be a jumpscare anytime made this walk barely appropriate for that.

And sure enough, even though I thought that I would be immune to such things, there were a few that really startled me. In a particularly unexpected one, that was the first time I heard Soma yelp and jump along with me. Despite himself, he had pulled and physically moved me behind him in a protective stance.

From then on, he held onto my hand.

I appreciated the sense of security that it brings.

We soon reached a wire suspension bridge that crossed the river. There, a masked heavyset game staff pointed to the instructions next to a stack of cloth strips: One of us was to be blindfolded while the other was to guide them across. The bridge was a typical park bridge, straight with wooden planks suspended by wires from either side, just wide enough for two abreast. For safety, the gaps below waist level were too small for even a toddler to fall through.

Simple enough, so I volunteered to be the blindfolded player in the game.

With Soma beside me, holding on my hand, guiding me forward while I held on the side for additional stability, I thought this was a simple task to do.

However, midway through the walk, the bridge began bouncing. Blinded and surprised, I squealed the moment I felt the bridge fall from under me. My hands instinctively flew to Soma, who pulled me close and held onto me tightly till we found our footing again.

"You alright?" Soma breathed, "I got you."

"I think s-" the bridge now rocked laterally, I hung onto whatever was on hand for dear life.

"Steady… steady." Soma's calming voice soothed my nerves, "focus on my voice and we'll get through this together."

Through his lead, we made a steady pace to cross the remaining distance. Not before a final bounce that sent me falling forwards, right into Soma's arms, chest pressed into his embrace. His close proximity brought scents of smokey barbeque with lingering notes of sandalwood.

Soma responded by keeping an arm around me and removing the blindfold. I naturally looked up into his eyes, my racing heart beat faster at that.

"Well done," the red head grinned.

"Could not have done it without you," I replied self consciously, still warm from our close physical contacts as we continued the walk, hand in hand.

One jump scare later, we got to the next challenge.

This time we have Soma blindfolded and I was to guide him through a maze without talking. Our strategy is to communicate through a combination of taps, squeezes, and guidance. Over a boulder, under a web of tape, and island hopping, we got through all of them relatively quickly due to Soma carrying out my cues without hesitation. This game is meant to build trust between the walker and the guide to pass the obstacles.

I guess we evidently have a healthy level of trust.

Near the end point, returning to the places with lights and the other pairs ahead of us, our last event was to draw a sketch of the other, as a keepsake of the event.

Soma was effortlessly working on my sketch. Seems his artistic abilities extend beyond cooking. I mean, it may be a simple pencil drawing, but it was done with respectable quality that I could identify myself as the subject.

Compared to mine…

This was a challenge that I am not highly confident in. I mean I can write, organise, or even negotiate a complex schedule. Drawing, however, is definitely not my forte; The extent of my artistic ability is limited to calligraphy writing, like the one I did for the Mitamura emergency meeting.

Soma noticed my difficulty as soon as he completed his sketch, "Need help?" He sat next to me to check on my progress… which was as good as a blank piece of paper and a few tracing lines. The empty tanabata paper incident came back to me. However, this time I did not feel that I needed to hide my issue from him.

"It's a good start, you got the outlines out." Soma said encouragingly and he coached me on how to proceed from there. With a rough shape, add in the lines of his mussy hair, tapered chin and adjusting the cheeks. It is followed by the details: lively eyes, nose, a wide grin…

In all, it was a fun activity that we barely noticed a snapshot taken by the class photographer.

The product turned out better than I expected. Placed side by side, and due to Soma's coaching, they seemed to complement each other.

We were happy with what we made together.

With the drawing in hand, we got back to the gathering point. There, Okuma congratulated us for completing the course and suggested we head back first on the count that we have to open the restaurant tomorrow.

Okuma and crew deserve great praise for organising this night's event.

Just before we left, he remarked, "You know, I thought you'd be one of the couples that will be sneaking off for some private time." he winked at us.

Soma chuckled lightly at that. I knew what he was thinking: that we have our own place if needed...

Then again, I am, indeed, seeking some private time with Soma.

However, on the count of the time and how tired we were when we got back, I decided to postpone the discussion till tomorrow.

The next morning was a bustle of activity as we rushed to catch up on preparations for the net meal service. Things were going smoothly as we fell in sync with our respective roles in preparation.

Throughout the prep, I had one matter weighing on my mind: the topic that I wanted to talk about with Soma. There never seemed to be a right time to talk about it. More accurately, I had no idea how to bring up the subject.

Either way, we had work to do.

"Thanks as usual, Kondo-san." I leafed through the delivery list, "I see that you've added in some additional items?"

"It's an omake," he loaded his push trolley back with a friendly smile, "don't worry about it."

"Oh, wow, thank you very much!" I added a small bow for sincerity, "and here's the payment."

"It's my pleasure, lady boss."

Those words give me pause, "Lady boss?"

"Yeh, I was not sure at first but the word on the street is that Soma has brought his girl back." Kondo-san got into his van, "I think it's great that you're here. As a supplier, we thought this family restaurant needed some organisation. " He gave an acknowledging nod, "Tamako would have approved."

Watching the van drive away, I was not sure what to feel about that,

However, hearing the word "boss" was an ego boost.

Soma noticed that too, "Something good happened?"

"We got some extra items from the wholesaler." a pause to put the poultry in the sink, " Kondo-san can really joke, he called me 'lady boss'."

"Oh, all the suppliers do." Soma chuckled, "seems my old man was messing with us on the district store owners' group chat."

"What? Really?"

"Yeh," Soma glanced over, gauging my response before adding, "don't mind these seniors' gossip. It's just harmless teasing."

"Oh, no, no, I just find it amusing." really, I did.

As amusing as the fact that I did not feel offended by it.

We worked in silence as we completed the remaining tasks before the shop opened. All the time, there was a part of me mulling if this was the right time to speak to Soma on the question: how he thinks about… us.

After all, I had put it off yesterday.

"Hey Soma…"

He was pulled out of his thoughts, like he does in repetitive tasks. "What's up?"

"I want to ask…"

"... yeh? You know you can ask me anything.""

Just ask it: What do you think about our relationship?

"What do you think about…" stop stalling, "sharing your special recipes?"

"What?"

What?!

"Moriyama mentioned that you managed to win over some landsharks by cooking for them? That was amazing, the way you can hold yourself in that situation, despite having limited ingredients..."

Where am I going with this?

Breathe, I am rambling.

"I guess what I want to say is… I was wondering if you'd share your recipes with me. Or maybe even your methods."

...Coward.

Oh shush, inside voice.

Seeing that curious look on Soma trying to catch what I just said, I should sell this, "I was thinking, we should exchange ideas to beat Hayama."

"Let's make him cry uncle one day." Soma recalled what he said at the end of our stagiaire. With a sly smirk, he bounced subtly in excitement, "Hisako, the Yukihira cooking style is to trek into the endless wilderness of cooking; a wilderness dotted with innumerable good and bad flavors."

Is… is he monologuing?

"Those dishes I made, those dishes you tried, are but a sampling: Distilled from hours in the kitchen, trying every palette combination, trying every technique in the culinary world. The Yukihira cooking style is going to challenge you. There's going to be ups, there's going to be downs, reshaping what you THINK you know about cooking."

Ok, he is definitely monologuing. "You're being melodramatic." I deadpanned, but struggled to keep a straight face.

Soma could barely keep it together too but continued, "you have to be sure and ready to commit to the path" taking off his bandana from his wrist and holding it in front of me, "are you up for it?"

I bit my lower lip to stifle a grin, allowing myself to get caught in the zaniness, considering him for a moment before taking the bandana from my own wrist and holding it up close to his, "Yes." my eyes flicked up to meet his, "I am ready."

Soma beamed at me, lifting my bandana from my hands, placing it around my neck and tying a loose necktie. "I look forward to sharing my creations with you, Hisako."

I ran my hand over the material, the strip of cloth that I have worn since the beach. It now seems even more meaningful than before, and will be there ever since, "I look forward to learning them, Soma."

We locked eyes, having a moment between us.

We broke into light laughter. "Let's start with thinking of a Chef Special for the day." Soma said as he tied his bandana on his forehead, his passion for cooking emanating in a fiery aura.

With practised synchronization, we carried on with the food preparation while discussing ideas on what to make for the Chef's Special. I actually enjoy the choreography that we have formed over the time together; the way that the workload was shared between us, effortlessly handing off our product for the next step in the process, eventually turning out great dishes.

We make a great team.

More than anything, it just felt nice to... belong.

"This is delicious." Koganei remarked while digging into the bento. She was stuck in bed with her injured ankle in a cast elevated with a few pillows, "Thanks for bringing this."

"Wanted to check up on you earlier but we could only come over after the night service though, so hope you don't mind helping to clear some leftovers." Soma replied,

"Leftovers? At Yukihira Family Restaurant? Ha, Somehow I doubt that." Koganei took a sip of tea. "Yours is the restaurant where a scuffle almost broke out over the last serving of chicken Karaage."

"It was one time," Soma answered me before I could ask, "a family with two growing boys, so it was not surprising. Boys will be boys." He turned back to Koganei "What was surprising was for your dad coming to the restaurant to look for Hisako."

Koganei looked over to me, "Dad did that?"

I have not decided on Koganei's attitude to me, but I felt that some hostility has tempered since I saw her yesterday.

Now I am a guest in her room.

Even so, that is no reason for me to buddy up with her that quickly, lest this is another tactic of hers. I simply nodded.

"Well, Dad did ask who helped in applying first aid after the doctors in the hospital remarked that it was thanks to those actions that my ankle should get better faster; compared to one that simply waited for the ambulance." Koganei gave me a respectful nod. "The doctors were so impressed that they even asked if there was a doctor that carried out the 'restructure'."

"Reduction." I corrected politely, "It's just something I learnt."

"You learnt medical techniques while in culinary school?" Koganei's expression was a mix of awe and incredulous. "I'm impressed."

"Hisako sure is amazing, isn't she? She even knows self defense moves!" Soma had pride in his voice, which made my cheeks warm from the unbridled compliment.

Koganei quietly thought for a moment, "Hey Yukihira, would you mind checking if Mayu needs help? She seems to be taking some time in the kitchen." She then glanced up to me, giving me a subtle eyebrow lift, signaling that she would like to speak with me.

"Sure!" Soma cheerfully complied with the request, closing the door behind him.

"So," Koganei started the moment she felt Soma was out of earshot, "I guess I should start with a thank you. I was quoting the doctor when they said you really helped me there."

"My family is involved with fixing such injuries." Technically true, "They had made it a point for me to learn such things." I did not see the need to tell her about the full extent of my family's involvement with the medical industry. "It was best to fix it before the swelling complicated the procedure. Was there a fracture? A cast is not usually needed otherwise."

"Thankfully no, but dad was just being over cautious." Koganei said airily, "You said 'They'?

"My parents."

"Yeh, I get that. I just noticed that you used that word instead of 'We'." She hooked her light chestnut brown hair behind her ear, "sounds like they have high expectations for you. "

Whoa, she is sharp.

That was a slip on my part. The use of 'They' suggested a separation between myself and them. While not inaccurate, I am not really up for discussing my personal matters with Koganei.

"That aside," she continued when I did not respond, "I want to apologise for my actions."

You Should apologise, I thought, folding my arms, letting her continue.

She sighed lightly, "Mayu spoke with me. Hearing from another perspective made me realise how inexcusable my behaviour was. So I'll stop." She shifted awkwardly, "I'm sorry."

My first thought was to be cautiously suspicious; she had earned that. Thinking back on all the ways she behaved towards me, the ways she wronged me, would easily justify me dismissing her. However, I have no intention to hold a grudge, much less on a friend of Soma's. Additionally, she is quite prideful, so apologising like this is not a small thing for her. "Alright. I accept your apology. We'll let the past be water under the bridge."

A knock on the door announced the return of Soma and Kurase. "Sorry for the wait, Aki-chan. Your mom was in the kitchen and had insisted on bringing up some snacks that she needed to search for." Kurase said as she made way for Soma to place a tray of foodstuff on the table.

"Thanks, Mayu." Koganei gave Kurase a nod.

"Ah, yes, Arato-san, Aki-chan's parents would like to speak with you, just to say thank you personally." Kurase beamed angelically, "Would you come with me to meet them for a few words?"

"Wow, they don't have to. I'm just happy to help." It was a token protest but nonetheless, I followed her out of politeness while Soma helped Koganei with a drink of her choosing.

"I know what Aki-chan did," Kurase began as we made our way downstairs, Kurase was taking slow steps to allow us more time to converse. "While I'm thankful for her intentions, she has agreed to stop her efforts." Kurase stopped, turned to offer me a small bow, "as the cause of this, I apologise if you suffered any offense."

"It's alright, Kurase-san." She is such a polite person. "I think she just wants what is in your best interests."

"She does." she covered a giggle. "This leads to the matter of Yukihira-kun: Ever since he left and everytime he returned, he seemed further and further away from my reach. However, there is a part of me that simply can't let go without trying, or at least letting him know." She smiled wistfully, "You know what I mean?"

"I understand." Although, I have no experience on that...

Kurase continued, "I wish to see him happy, no matter his choice. That being said, I will do my best!" She pumped both fists with determination, "... and I hope you do the same, for your own happiness."

Not wanting to spoil her momentum, I nodded. Even when declaring a friendly rivalry, she's still so friendly. You are a gem to this world, Kurase.

"No regrets!" Kurase smiled, continuing to escort me down the stairs.

I had a question that I had to ask, "How did you ask Koganei-san to stop?"

"Oh, I asked her if she thought I was unable to handle Yukihira-kun on my own. Aki-chan understood after that." right at those words, I could have imagined crouching tigress in the grass, waiting for the right moment to pounce.

Oh.

This was the first time that we spoke between us, yet I could not shake the feeling that she may not be as simple as she seems.

It was already late evening by the time we returned.

Fresh out of the shower, I found Soma flipping through one of the food magazines with a piece of paper filled with scribbles of his notes. "What are you working on?"

"Making a list of dishes we will be making together." his eyes sparkled as he replied, "I've so many things I'd want you to try."

"I'm interested in how you came up with these ideas: today's Chef's Special is quite eye opening."

"All in good time. First, we will start with the dish I made that defeated the landsharks: Gotcha Pork Roast!" He tapped a lower portion of the paper, explaining the other parts of our journey for my induction into cooking Yukihira Style.

As he enthusiastically shared with me future ideas to explore, I noticed he used "We" in his statements. I listened intently, pitching suggestions to improve, or streamline for efficiency, feeling pleased to be part of his plans.

Then it struck me.

Ask him, NOW.

… Alright. I have been putting it off for long enough.

No time better, I guess.

"Hey, Soma…" Courage.

"Hm?" He was focused on his materials.

Well, my next words should grab his attention:

"What do you think about our relationship?"

A/N: Shared experiences make great memories, and now there's another keepsake to add to it. Koganei steps back while Kurase isn't giving up! Is Hisako going to make a move?

Once again, thank you for your reviews! They do let me know if I still got your attention and it keeps me writing; as long as there's a healthy amount of interest, I'll continue writing!