A/N: Thanks for the reviews! And now, we start with the final arc of the series!

The Nakiri Mansion was where Totsuki started, a building that housed the Nakiri Family from the time they settled in Japan. The prime land within the Tokyo metropolis where Totsuki is situated was a huge forested area with a lake and flowing stream, granted by an Emperor of long ago as a boon to the family who were charged to maintain a steady supply of food produced within the lands for the imperial court.

Over time, the lands developed as it grew in reputation as the world's foremost culinary school: from the kitchen stadium, to the different buildings of designs from distant lands to bring a piece of their respective inspirations, and administrative buildings to support the whole organisation…

The Nakiri mansion is the heart of it all.

A building of neoclassical architecture that extrudes timelessness, grandeur and, of course, authority.

It was something I could not help but be in awe of it everytime I walked through its wide halls with high ceilings. The highly polished granite floors and shiny surfaces were made to impress the most illustrious of visitors intent to use the services of the school.

Some would even call it the White House of the East.

The moment I got to the top floor, where Erina-sama' room was situated, I was immediately greeted with a hug, "Heya, Hi~sho~ko-chan! It's been awhile!"

"A-Alice-sama." I was taken by surprise. While she was not as reserved as her cousin, this was a first for me. Ryo, her ever-present aide, was leaning on the wall, observing us with a slightly intrigued look on his face.

Now that is rare.

"You're…you're crushing me." I gasped.

"Just wanting to delay you a few more seconds," Alice-sama muttered aside before pulling back, "That was something you showed us on the steps." She said with a light smirk, "So, it's official then?"

Delay? "Yes, it is. He proposed last week…and I agreed." I am quite pleased with myself for not blushing when talking about it. In fact, I felt proud about my new relationship with Soma. "He even met my parents."

Alice-sama did a double take, "Wh- He did?" She grinned upon my nod, "I take it that it went well?"

"Really well." While amusing, I am not going to tell her my steps into adulthood, nor about what we did in the plane.

That belongs behind closed doors.

Nonetheless, I must have expressed something that made Alice-sama's smirk even wider. "I'm happy for you, congratulations!" She pulled me into another hug, "We just arrived an hour ago. Erina-chan is waiting for you," She muttered, more carefully now, "she is a little...emotional."

Emotional?

"She was on a call when she saw you and Soma. I didn't really hear what it was about though, but I think something got to her." Alice-sama pulled back, giving a glance back to the doors of Erina-sama's room. "She should have calmed a little now." With a supportive smile she broke away and made her way down the stairs, "We can chat later. Good luck!"

Ryo followed her… and actually gave me a nod in respect.

Coming from a passive guy like him, that is a curiosity.

Standing outside Erina-sama's room, this is the first time I actually felt a reservation entering. I would have preferred to have the reassuring presence of the bandana that had been on my wrist for the last weeks but I decided to take them off for now.

No need to raise more questions at this time.

Deep breath, a knock, I pushed the door open like I always do.

Oh.

The usually immaculate room was a mess. Papers strewn all over the floor, and stationary were scattered next to the work desk, likely swept off with a swipe. The curtains at the window where she stood earlier were down, and even a few pillows were thrown across the room.

Whoa… so that was what Alice-sama meant by delaying me.

Erina-sama in her usual summer uniform, lying sideways on her bed, her back to the door. "Erina-sama, I'm back."

She visibly shuddered.

Not expecting a reply, I got to tidying up her room: An automatic response that I could not resist doing. After all, I wanted her to be the best she could be and only a tidy room would be befitting of her.

"Leave it." Erina-sama said, without moving from where she was.

"Erina-sama?"

"Leave it." she repeated, this time with more conviction, "You don't have to pick it up!"

I have known Erina-sama for many years. This seemed to be one of her temper tantrums. Though it got rare as we got older, I am pretty used to seeing it.

And knowing how to manage it.

"Yes, Erina-sama." I complied with her order. "Could I get you anything?"

"No."

I nodded understandingly. "I will have your schedule ready on your desk first thing in the morning."

She did not respond, as expected.

Staying on the topics that we usually cover felt safe for me, and is a warm up to the topic that I should talk about. Now that those are exhausted, I guess it is time.

"Erina-sama, I feel that I should inform you… that Yukihira Soma and I-"

"Why is there an Aida Shion crowd outside the school gates?"

I was taken aback, I thought she would be more curious to ask about what Soma and I displayed at her front door. "I don't know."

"They were calling for you." Her words sounded like a critique.

I did not really have a response to that. I did not ask for such attention on me nor am I involved with whatever those people at the gates were trying to do. Typically, as a show of being above all these petty distractions in the form of protests at our gates, Totsuki would simply not dignify them with a response and subsequently outlast the longevity of those calling for our attention. This, however, was not for Totsuki to resolve... it is mine, "I'll handle it, Erina-sama."

A few seconds ticked by, "it is one thing to say you'll handle it," finally meeting my eyes with a frown, "it's another thing that the Nakiri family can accept."

The Nakiri fam-…what? "I don't-"

"Totsuki is the Nakiri family's jewel. Protests outside the gate are not unheard of; but the stunt they are putting out there is not the usual demonstration that Totsuki can ignore as an institution… as it was a personal matter."

My blood ran cold at those words. What does that mean? Are they going to expel me over this?! "I will resolve it quickly." I promised; my mind raced with a myriad of possible solutions.

She shook her head, "The family cannot overlook a student's private life disrupting the school's operations: If they overlook one, they will have to overlook all of them." The flash of her eyes to the mess at her desk, the out-of-place phone. "The matter is beyond me."

The finality of her words brought dread.

"Am I… expelled?" Those hard words sounded odd coming from my lips.

"The board wanted to…but I objected to it." my nerves calmed at those words. "It was decided that it was not a matter to warrant an expulsion if it can be resolved before the school reopens. Meanwhile, this allowance cannot be seen as favouritism." Her eyes hardened getting to the point of the conversation, "In short, I have to disassociate with you."

I felt the wind knock out of me.

"And…"

And what? With this new development, I could not imagine what other news I can take.

"Why didn't you tell me?" The disappointment in her voice was heart rendering.

"Why…didn't I tell you…?"

"I saw you… out the window… with Yukihira."

Oh…

There was a pause as the words hung in the air. Not sure where this will lead to…

"When?" her voice cracked a little.

"...a week ago." Even though I came in ready to announce it to her, now that I am confessing how long it took for me to tell her made me feel guilty about it.

"A week ago…" Erina-sama echoed, bitterness in her tone. A flash of hurt and she turned away. "Your services are no longer required."

I stood in shock. I understood that somehow, indirectly or otherwise, I had made it awkward for me to continue in my role as her assistant.

But I never thought it would lead to this…

"E-Erina-sa-"

"Just…" she held up a hand, still facing away from me, "just go."

Dumbstruck, and knowing that whatever I say now would not likely get through, I turned to make my way out.

"I thought we were friends." I thought I heard her mutter with disappointment which made me turn around.

At least I hope that was what I heard. It must have been my wishful thinking as her back was still to me, clearly not in the mood to talk. I gave her a slight bow and gently closed her bedroom door.

The click of the handle sounded the finality of the end of our relationship.

I was in a daze.

It all happened so fast.

I barely recall getting escorted out the mansion by security, and a staff member telling me that arrangements will be made for my items to be moved to an address of my choosing.

Walking aimlessly away from the mansion, I was trying to wrap my mind around the situation.

With some distance, it gave me perspective as to the stance that the school board took against this private matter affecting the school. Thank goodness that Erina-sama was there to stand up for me, buying me time to resolve but it required us to be disassociated. Right as she did that, she found out that I was keeping something from her…

Some friend I was supposed to be.

Anyway, It is clear that I have to address the crowd quickly.

Which also means I would likely need to reach out to a certain someone…

For now, I have a more pressing question:

Where can I go?

I only ever know of the academy and the Nakiri mansion.

…

Oh… right.

Fishing out my phone, I called the one person that I can rely on.

"Hey babe, how did it go?" Soma's voice came over the line after picking up less within two rings.

"Babe?" I was confused as he had never used that before.

"Yeah, just trying it out. For some reason, I thought calling you by your name seems... odd.'' His unabashed reply pulled my lips to a smile in spite of myself.

He may have a point: first names at this point of our relationship feels weirdly formal. With warm cheeks, I replied "I see. I like it." I then shifted my phone and explained the pressing matter that transpired during my meeting with Erina-sama.

I felt appreciative that I have someone whom I could freely speak my mind with.

Deciding to meet up first, Soma wasted no time to pick me with with his scooter and brought me to the one place that I could stay while away from the Nakiri Mansion:

The Polar Star Dormitory.

It was a good sized building of western design with ivies grown unchecked all over its weathered walls. Looking at it through the gate of tarnished cast iron, it gave off a feeling of mysterious history and foreboding eeriness.

The craw of an unseen raven did not help with easing the atmosphere.

Nonetheless, there was a certain subtle charm to it once I got over my initial reservations. It may have been due to the assuring presence of Soma who confidently ushering me in through the doors to reveal a surprisingly well maintained interior that is on par with most hotels.

Besides, knowing that this is my boyfriend's home away from home, it actually felt… homey.

"You must be the assistant of the Nakiri princess." An old lady with grey spikey hair held back by a red hairband said from the top of the grand staircase.

"Yes… or I used to be…" I replied, before offering a polite bow in greeting to a senior for good first impressions, "I am Arato Hisako. I hope I'm not intruding."

"Oh, everyone is welcome to enter the Polar Star Dormitory," She replied while making her way down the steps. "I'm the dorm mother, Daimido Fumio."

"Pleased to meet you," I nodded, "due to circumstances, I would like to stay a few days while I settle some matters."

Her brows raised while the sides of her lips lifted, "Then I'm sure you've prepared your ingredients."

Huh? Ingredients?

Confused, I looked over to Soma, who was observing our interaction with curious amusement before speaking up for me, "Is it really necessary?"

"You are aware of the rules." the old lady replied with a slight smirk, 'it's my duty as Dorm Mother to make sure only the best may stay here."

Soma and I looked at each other, before he explained that I have to make a dish for the dorm mother to approve. As he finished, I saw the confidence he has in me. "I'm up for the challenge." I declared.

First, we had to gather the ingredients.

I had decided not to take the easy route of shopping for what I need. Not wanting to disrupt the residents' respective items, nor take the produce that were growing in the dormitory's garden, I opted to take a ride to a nearby area with Soma.

"How are you so confident that you can get ingredients on school grounds?" Soma asked as I led the way when we arrived.

"I basically grew up on these grounds." I explained how Erina-sama and I used to be driven around the vast lands of Totsuki, exploring the different surprises this land could offer, including the legacy of many generations of Nakiris making their own contributions through vanity projects… that may sometimes get lost and forgotten to time. Even now, there are many places that contain hidden gems, like…

"Is this mushroom heaven?" Soma remarked as we arrived after a short ride from the Polar Star Dormitory.

"It's an old project that we stumbled upon some time back." Under the shade of mature trees, near a pond, and off the beaten path in a hidden area, were logs of different trees leaning on a fence, on the ground, and even piled vertically into the ground. On them, mushrooms of different species grew merrily in this ideal environment.

We walked over the thick layer of mulch, stone and pine bark that had very effectively prevented grass growth, seeking for a certain ingredient that grew in the grass.

"Oh, what luck."

"That's HUGE." As Soma stood impressed by what he saw, I had to use both hands to pick up the sizable white puffball. Without prompting, Soma helped me with it, "It's heavy too."

"Puffballs are rich in protein and low in calories. It lowers your cholesterol, increases your cardiovascular health, and boosts your immune system." I explained, as I gathered some black fungus growing on an oak log, "these also lowers cholesterol, are good for your liver, and boosting gut health

An appreciative smile grew on Soma, "I love how well versed you are with the health benefits of ingredients. From Totsuki's secrets, and healthy cooking, I am finding out, and learning a lot from you!"

I felt a swell of pride from his honest words. "There are actually many more places like this on Totsuki grounds. We can explore them together."

I am aware that I was expected to cook a dish, and that was accomplished flawlessly, leaving the dorm mother feeling light and in the pink of health; She was actually surprised that I had correctly surmised, from the mild yellow of her eyes, that she had a little problem with her liver. As such, I had suggested adding black fungus to her diet to treat that issue.

What I was not expecting was the presence of spectators in the form of whomever happened to be in the dormitory.

Of course, it is more of a curiosity of circumstance than the challenge.

I kept the story vague, of how I met a certain idol on the train, and how he invited me for dinner and the subsequent stage performance… and how I rejected him in the end. I speculated that it was either he may have leaked the fact I was in Totsuki, or someone in Totsuki connected my name to the article and leaked it.

Both are not situations that I find positive.

"I knew it! I called it, dude!" Aoki Daigo exclaimed to his blonde friend, Sato Shoji. "I thought that name was indeed familiar when I read it!" He sat back down when he realised all eyes were on him for his interruption, keeping silent until I finished telling them of the conditional dissociation with Erina-sama imposed upon me until I resolved the matter.

"That's rough, Hisako-cchii." Yoshino Yuki said sympathetically.

A chorus of agreement and condolences rippled through the long table.

"So what do you plan to do, Arato-chan?" The Seventh Seat asked, "Sounds like you've a tight timeline."

I have a rough idea of what needs to be done:

The most direct solution, besides engaging private security to chase them away (which seemed excessive), would be to address the people at the gate, and politely ask them to leave. However, it may not be very effective as they are very likely simply a collection of fans volunteering for their idol.

Aida Shion.

Sigh. That would be the most likely solution that I will have to resort to.

The room fell silent as each gave thought of my plan to speak with the crowd.

"Oh yeah," Sato raised a hand, "side track: the article mentioned you were with a staff member, perhaps they help clear this matter up?"

"You got to show me that article later, Shoji-kun. Anyway, you said they could clear the matter up? How so?" Yoshino asked.

"Well, they can pretend and say that Arato is already dating someone."

"Ohh, that sounds like it can work! If the demonstrators continue, it only seems like they are trying to break up a couple." Yoshino looked at me, "So, Hisako-cchi, who is it?"

With everyone at the table looking at me, I felt self conscious, not really liking to be the centre of attention. Under the table, a hand got over mine and gave it a reassuring squeeze. I looked to my side, and found strength in Soma's confident smile.

"That's a great suggestion; Hisako won't be addressing it alone." Soma piped up, drawing everyone's attention. "I will be there every step of the way."

"Eh?... EHHH?"

"Wow, that's the first time I hear everyone in sync." Soma mused.

"You're the person mentioned in the article?!"

"Wait a minute… when you said you were going to the beach during the Summer, that was where you meant?!"

"Both of you were spending the summer together?!"

We let the questions and comments flow until the room settled down. For some reason, this kind of familial atmosphere was quite pleasant and informal.

"Yes. We were at the aforementioned beach, we also spent time working at my family restaurant…" Soma lifted our hands up and brought them to his lips, "I even met her parents."

….

"So…does this mean… you're both…"

"Dating?!"

Soma and I exchanged looks. Then with a wide grin, Soma puffed up his chest. "Yes, we are."

A/N: Hope you like the start! Basically, I was on the line of though that Erina would be hurt to think that Hisako did not think of her enough as a friend to be open about her. Perhaps there is also certain complication to that too? What about the situation with Aida Shion? Can it be that simple to resolve?

I hope to hear your thoughts on what you think!

On another note, I have taken in the suggestions in the last chapter's review and have plans to weave it in too, so look out for it!