Affection is a weird thing: it is a feeling of liking and caring for someone, or something. For the target of your affection, you may do things that you may not do for anyone else, often time at personal expense.

Of course, in a perfect world, affections are reciprocated, everyone is happy, paired up in twos, and it is always all sunshine and rainbows.

However, reality is often disappointing. Just because you picked up your courage, just because you spent your last dime, just because you let yourself be vulnerable, no matter the length of time, does not automatically guarantee you a return of investment.

And that would make anyone feel empty.

And that may make any onlooker feel a sense of injustice.

From that perspective, despite myself, I can empathise with the mindset of Aida Shion's fans

And the logic of Aida Shion's proposal:

A date with him, and it will be over and done with. He would do his best to win me over then but that is not the point…

In a way, perhaps it is for him to get his closure.

At least, that is what I assume.

Soma came in shortly after I hung up my phone to find me staring into space; It was a call that gave me much to think about after all.

"Heya, are you alright? Looking a little pale there." I peered up to Soma, who was setting down a pile of freshly laundered clothes. His teasing demeanour dropped into concern, "Did something happen?"

I took a few seconds to consider what I should say, before deciding to start with the reason for my contemplation by lifting the phone in my hand, "Aida Shion."

Soma's eyes widened, before narrowing into a subtle frown, "Oh, him .. how did it go?"

I like the fact that we are so in sync that Soma did not even need to question the "why" of the call, "He asked for a date."

Now that made Soma's eyes widen in surprise again, "He did?" I am not sure if Soma noticed but there was an undertone of growl within his voice. He then muttered something that came from off field: "Is he an idiot?"

Oh…that is the first time I ever heard Soma call someone that.

"I think what he needs is closure."

"What closure? What does it mean? Going out with him?!"

"He was saying how it would also take away the reason for the people at the gates to be there."

"...Don't tell me you actually considered going for it?!"

"I'm just saying: thinking from his perspective might help in understanding his thought process." I was trying to run that logic.

"So what? Why even care what he thinks?" There was fire in Soma's eyes as he began to pace a little, looking antsy about it. "Why should we bother about him?!"

I got up and approached Soma, reaching for his now shaking hand, fully understanding his current reaction of another guy having the gall to ask his girl out. In a primal way, I found it quite heartening that he was willing to fight for me.

Logic dictates we resolve things civilly, of course.

After a bit of hand holding to settle down, Soma blew out a breath, "...so, did you agree to it?" His hand tensed at the mere thought.

I looked as if he had asked a ridiculous question, well he actually did, "Of course not."

"Oh." There was a visible relief coming over my boyfriend. "Sorry. I don't know what came over me."

Seems like he was aware how uncharacteristic his reaction to the thought of someone trying to chase me. "Affection is a weird thing." I muttered, breaking into a reassuring smile.

"Hmm?"

"Er, nothing, just a thought." I finally shared what was actually bothering me. "I was just thinking if he would do something in response to my rejection…again. I don't know if I somehow made things worse, but giving it some thought, maybe he just needed closure… like the people out at the gates."

Soma gave my words a thought, then said something unexpected, "Let's go for a ride."

"Now?!" It is incredulous that he had a mood for that at this time. While I acknowledge our libido, I have yet to chastise him about what Tadokoro informed me this morning.

Then again, part of it was from me… NOT the point!

And…not like I am against that idea…

"Um hm. Maybe going out for some fresh air would get our mind off that guy for a while."

"Oh, you mean an actual bike ride." I blurted before I could help myself.

"Yeh, bike ride… what else did you think I mean? …are you unwell? You look red"

I did not give a proper response to that; For the way he resisted to grin made it clear he knew where my mind was.

We took a leisurely ride around the school, exploring places and admiring the myriad of views that our school offers:

We observed a Danish Windmill rotating lazily in the breeze, the field of high tech greenhouses which supplies all kinds of vegetables year round, and we even went close enough to touch Wagyu cows grazing in an undeveloped wide open field, finally settling at a cafe on the food street.

Before you say it: Yes, even culinary schools would have a food street for daily eats.

The backdrop of forests in the distance, as well as cobbled stone streets and themed signboards, made it feel like we were in a quaint Barvarian town.

One can barely imagine that this is on a vast land within the Tokyo City limits.

I never imagined that I would be able to slow down and appreciate Totsuki like this. Through all my years here, I would always be in a car with my attention on a notepad or on a call to coordinate the meeting after the next one.

Having this change of pace, this idea of going for a ride, to just spend time and enjoy the company of someone special, was really nice.

However, the way that others whisper to among themselves upon spotting us remained as a constant reminder of an issue I have yet to address. Nonetheless, it seems that Soma and I are getting used to them. Thank goodness those gossipers exercised discretion to leave us alone.

I can only imagine the confusion between what they may have read, and what they are seeing when they witness Soma and I being close.

Now, those took the backseat.

"Here, try this," Soma offered a spoonful of gelato.

I leaned forward and tasted it, noting a pair of students immediately whispering in low tones.

Called it.

"Mmm, I prefer my gula Malacca on avocado… at least I know how formaggio e funghi flavour tastes now."

Soma chuckled, taking a spoonful using the same spoon he offered his gelato from earlier, "it's an acquired taste… I like it!" earning a playful eye roll from me.

A warm light summer breeze breathed past us as the shade from the surrounding buildings shaded us from the harshest midday rays.

"Warm today again." Soma remarked about the weather, "I should have gone for the sorbet."

"Yeh, that will be ideal for warm weather like this. I feel grateful that the shop gave us an extra scoop each."

"I feel like they have earned my future support, so let's come back again with other flavours."

"I didn't know you were so easily won over," I joked.

"Free and good food is always a win in my book." Soma smiled as he took another scoop, "I like how they are brave enough to try unconventional flavours."

Then a thought came to mind, "Remember how popular our drink was at the beach?" I observed the creaminess of my gelato, "I wonder if we could turn our drink into a sorbet."

"It would be a gelato, though, because we used coconut milk in it."

"Or we could tweak the recipe to make both? Like using coconut water instead?"

"Great idea! Let's share it with the folks back at the Polar Star dormitory; they would love to try it!"

Soma's enthusiasm was infectious, "I think it would be good if there are more people to let us know if they like it though…"

It suddenly clicked, and our eyes met. Seeing that twinkle in his eyes, it was clear we both instantly thought of a group of people to try it.

"I am amazed how quickly you got the permit to do this." Soma remarked, looking over the paper in his hand.

"It helps to know how to reach the decision makers; and Saezemon-dono backing us also helps move things along."

"Still, you never fail to amaze me by getting it all done overnight."

"So do you;" I filed the paper back on my clipboard, "Although, while grateful, I can't really say I approve of the way you managed to secure the gelato machines in short notice…"

"Hey, the results of a shokugeki is absolute in Totsuki." That disarming grin, "Besides, I promised to return them."

I could only be awed as to how casual he was about participating in a shokugeki.

Well, what's done is done.

"Fair enough." I looked through the checklist, just to make sure we got everything we needed. "Let's do a final briefing with the rest."

We entered the dining area of the Polar Star dormitory. The gaggle from the fellow tenants settled down once Soma and I took our positions. We took a moment to scan through everyone present, heartened by each eager and enthusiastic face.

All ready to help our plan.

And, Tadokoro was not in attendance.

"I would like to start by thanking everyone for being open and welcoming to me when I arrived." I began, adding a slight bow to express my sincere gratefulness. "I am also thankful for all of you agreeing to help us on this plan on short notice."

"No need to stand on ceremony, Arato-chan," Isshiki-senpai, the de facto leader of the residents, said over the cheers, "the Polar Star dormitory supports each other!"

"Thank you." I could not help but break into a blush from the warmth. "Now that I have secured all the required paperwork, Soma confirmed the preparations are complete, the briefing done, and the food inspector is here. I trust we are all now ready to go?"

"Yes!" A resounding response, verbalising our high morale.

It was with that high morale that we got to the gates where the gaggle of Aida Shion fans still remained,

The midsummer sun was bearing down on us, and despite the issues they caused, I got to hand it to them for their tenacity.

As expected, the crowd clamoured towards me as the gates opened. The security did a fine job to manage the crowd as I got into a position where I can be clearly seen by everyone.

Deep breath.

I took a few seconds to survey the crowd while a portable speaker system was being set up. The din gradually died down once it became clear from my posture that I was going to address them. I have a final glance back to Soma, who gave an encouraging nod in response.

Slow exhale.

"Hello everyone," I greeted, pushing down my nerves while putting up a brave front. "I have to confess that I made a mistake the last time I came out here to speak to you." As expected, a murmur spread through the crowd.

They were confused, but it caught their attention.

"The last time I came out, I admit that I was naïve and thought of simply requesting a dispersal, which was why my last address was short." I started with a statement to express mea culpa, to gain rapport. "I am, after all, still a student, and this is a scary experience to me."

My carefully chosen words should have impressed how vulnerable this situation is causing me.

I allowed some time to let the crowd settle down. "However, from what I've read after that, and upon some reflection, I realise it is hard to accept that I came out here without properly addressing the burning questions that you're still here today under the hot sun in the middle of summer." That was the cue for the Polar Star team to start distributing the gelato and drinks that we prepared. "So, to combat the weather, my friends and I have prepared some refreshments for everyone here while I answer a few questions. I hope that we can be reasonable and will respect my request for privacy after this."

The crowd seemed to be more receptive as they hungrily received the treats from the Polar Star food distribution team. With increasing interest, it did not take much for the crowd to clear everything out.

After all, not many could resist food prepared by Totsuki students; the positive expressions would testify to that.

Time to kick the main event off: "I'll start by reiterating my last address: I am not and have never dated Aida Shion. Though I acknowledge the fact: that I am Arato Hisako from the photos, and the articles."

Being the first time I openly acknowledged the fact, the crowd rose up with a mix of questions that I had to raise my hands to call for restraint, "One at a time, please."

"How did you meet Aida Shion?"

"On a train ride." Short and to the point for no misinterpretations.

"What did you do with Aida Shion for him to keep mentioning you?"

"I can't speak from his perspective, but I did treat him to a meal as repayment for holding on to my phone as a favour when I accidentally left it on the train. We then went out for dinner for what I had assumed to be as platonic friends, nothing more. The third time we met was when I firmly rejected any further advances."

I saw the crowd look at each other, looking unsure what to think from my revelation.

That is a good sign.

"How is the boy behind you related in all of this?"

I looked back and exchanged a look with Soma.

Go ahead. He nodded.

"I do not wish to say too much for privacy reasons," I said firmly. "But to address that question I will say…" I glanced back to hold onto Soma's hand, and positioned him next to me, our fingers intertwined, "He is my boyfriend."

Those few words opened some eyes widely. Considering what I said would have made this whole thing too complicated and would have made their presence here awkward, I understood their reaction.

"What about the injuries on your face?" The aforementioned spot prickled at that question.

"Sports accident.", 'Not mistreatment', I wanted to add, but it would be superfluous.

The crowd was visibly sated with my answers, and even seemed to be questioning what they may have been told or have read about me.

Then something positive:

"What is this that you made? Is this the reported 'Shinko Matcha'?"

"Yes, it is. My boyfriend made it." Even crediting Soma brought me a satisfying sense of accomplishment for him.

"It's only because she started experimenting in making a new drink!" Soma piped up, "It's something we made together." There is something about Soma's natural charm that drew a few chuckles and smiles from the crowd when he spoke.

"Are these new products that will be going on sale?" Someone else asked, drawing a murmur of agreement that the food was positively received by everyone.

Soma and I exchanged looks. Thoughts in sync, he answered, "You really liked it, eh? Well, thank you for your interest! We will be looking into it."

"Whew, that was an experience."

"Yeh," I agreed, feeling similarly fatigued once Soma and I settled back in his room after a celebratory dinner where the Polar Star enjoyed a spread of herbal dishes with my sincere appreciation.

Well, except for Tadokoro Megumi; No one had seen her since yesterday.

She claimed, over a wellness call, to be busy at the Nakiri mansion and had gone out early and returned late. I assured the others that those kinds of hours are typical and that she will be looked after by the Nakiri staff.

That aside, all in all, today was a day of achievement.

And, the issue of my potential expulsion is over, and it will surely be a distant memory in time.

All these can only happen when I have finally learnt that I cannot solve everything by myself; that it is ok to ask for help.

Silver lining: This whole experience contributed to my growth.

Footage of my address have been sent to my family's PR team as a standby to be "leaked" anonymously if needed, but social media was already spreading the word and have began to turn the narrative to my favour.

I had even got in contact with the local newspaper reporter in Oarai to get her to my side and be a witness to what actually happened at the beach should Aida Shion pull another public stunt.

I hope this is just the end of it, and I can focus on getting back my secretary role.

Ah, by the way, it seems like Shinko Matcha is gaining mentions on social media.

For now, I have someone to enjoy our recent win with.

Or, so I thought:

"What do you mean?" Soma asked Yoshino Yuki, the resident wild game specialist, amazingly keeping his cool despite how deep he was into what we were doing before the interruption.

"I am saying Eizan-senpai is literally at the front door looking for you."

"Did he say why?"

"Dunno, I was sent up to call you while the rest stopped him from entering. I would say, he looks more smug than usual."

Soma glanced back at me, expressing that he will go check it out.

I nodded in agreement, tidying up to follow.

"Humph, took your time eh?" Eizan Etsuya, Eighth seat of the current elite ten, sneered. Despite physically being at the bottom of the steps leading to the entrance, he still seemed to be looking down on us present. "So, this is where you live," Venom accompanied his words as he gestured to the Polar Star building, smirking. "Appropriate."

How obnoxious that he would make neutral words sound like a critique.

Soma and Eizan-senpai stared at each other for a good moment. "Well, let's not just stand around and talk." Soma said, "Please come in and have some tea."

Smirk faltered into confusion.

You should have seen it.

"I don't wish to spend more time than needed here." and the sneer was back. Reaching into a pocket, Eizan-senpai pulled out a piece of paper.

A typical gesture, and a paper that all Totsuki students are familiar with; some even dread it.

With the words:

"Yukihira Soma, I challenge you to a Shokugeki."

A/N: So on this chapter, I hear your feedback and had originally thought to make her at least attempt to give Aida Shion his closure, but thought it too messy, and perhaps would be a little out of character.

Nonetheless, the originally planned event of them winning over the crowd was still aligned to my planed plotline! How was it; was it believable?

And, would you have expected to see an openly jealous Soma? I tried to keep him within a reasonable level for his easy going personality, but I do wonder how much I could push if someone trying to chase Hisako does tick him off.

How you think of the story so far?

Now, we are at the mid point of the last arc of this series; it is ending soon!

So would like to extend sincere thanks to you readers for sticking with me till now.

And a very special thanks with your reviews and feedback so I know what you think; I actually write for you guys, so thank you!