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

Thank you for the reviews! I appreciate that you take time to give me feedback and the motivation they give!

I stared at the door.

It's funny: a door is just an object that we take for granted, using it without a second thought to grant or deny at our leisure.

Now, behind this door would be someone that I left last night due to something petty on Yukihira's part. All I did was forget about my phone, left without a word, and came back late with a new dress and shoes -

….Okay, when we put it that way...

No. Does he have a problem with Aida-san? I had never seen this side of him. Shouldn't his hands be full, pun intended, with that Fujiwara floozy?

Let's be fair: I never complained when he left at night whenever she called for him.

Although… There seems to be a shift in their relationship since that time she and I had that conversation in her family's restaurant, Yukihira seemed more distant while she compensated by being more sticky. Is that what we call Summer Love?

*Shrugs* I got a bad taste in my mouth… then again, it may be just the fact that I'm yet to brush my teeth.

Anyway, whatever I do in my free time should not be a concern by that person behind this door which I could hear the motions of breakfast being prepared. My stomach growled in protest.

Urgh, darn it.

With a twist of the knob, I stepped into the common area. Yukihira looked towards me, greeting with a muttered "mornin'" before returning to do whatever he was doing at the sink.

Of course, after what happened yesterday, his reaction won't be out of place. Still, that did not mean I can't be disgruntled. I tightened my lips and got to the washroom to freshen up.

On the surface, Yukihira wears his heart on his sleeves: cheerfulness was his default. If he's challenged, he'll face it head on with a poker face, come hell or high water. Over time, I have noticed his small mannerisms: like how he would lightly bite onto his tongue when he's focused on intricate work; or that he is a bad prankster, in a lousy sense, in that he tends to be unable to hold in a smile as the prank was set up; or that he becomes quiet and preferring to busy himself with repetitive tasks when he was in deep thought.

That Yukihira in the kitchenette was the latter. Our thoughts should be on the same matter:

Where do we go from here?

Back out in the living area, Yukihira was already sitting at the table, pouring me a cup of tea as soon as I opened the door, clearly waiting for me, poker faced with a breakfast spread waiting for me. It was quite a spread, which included fresh uni that he must have caught during his morning swim. He seemed to have remembered my preference for that seafood. Was it a peace offering?

"Let's have breakfast," he said simply while gesturing for me to sit at my usual spot.

"Thanks."

My spot was on the left of him where we shared a corner. It has been this arrangement ever since that morning after I got drunk and sat that way to avoid eye contact; which was fitting as it was as similarly awkward as that day.

Both of us were waiting for the other to break the silence.

It's been a better part of a fortnight that we shared a table daily. We would always start the day with a light chat and planning for the day. Yukihira would then always bring life to the table by bringing up random topics for us to discuss. From silly jokes to light debates on the best way to remove seeds off a strawberry.

Which made the lack of our usual small talk painfully obvious and awkward.

Guess it was true: we only realize what you got when it's missing.

Please say something.

"These two weeks have gone by quickly." Yukihira initiated the conversation, casually as he could.

"Yeh, it did."

"Too bad we haven't got to finish our swimming lessons."

I allowed a wistful smile, "You are a great teacher, just that we had not enough time."

"There was a volleyball competition for one thing,"

"Looking after the restaurant this week…"

We stopped short of mentioning Fujiwara and Aida-san.

"Time flies."

"Time flies."

Silence returned. The elephant was still in the room. We were clearly avoiding the topic we wanted to talk about.

Yukihira suddenly clicked his fingers, "Let's not forget our new product: Shinko Matcha!"

"新幸… sounds like a good brand name."

"We can create a line of foodstuff under that name." He grinned, "I'll handle product development!"

"I'll handle the business side of things." I quipped, joining in the fantasy.

"Of course, we won't have it any other way."

We laughed lightly at that. The room's atmosphere had lost its gloom. I had come to like these moments of casualness between us.

Besides, I am unable to stay mad at him.

"I'll keep you posted on any new product ideas when I'm back at my restaurant."

Oh yes, he did say that he'll be spending a month running it. "Will you be running it by yourself?"

'It should be alright. The last time I was back there to air it, I was able to manage a short reopening. I even created a new karaage dish with my shopping district and Nikumi."

Nikumi? Meaning Ikumi Mito? I was not aware you had spent a stint with Yukihira.

"So, what do you plan to do after this week?"

Good question. "I'm basically free till the week before school reopens; Erina-sama would be back for the Elite-10 meetings."

"What do you usually do in summer?"

I shrugged. "Just time to myself. Mainly reading and experimenting."

"Then we should continue to experiment for Shinko's future!" He raised a toast and I responded in kind.

There was a natural dip in the conversation, but as much as I hate to spoil the moment, it still must be said, "Hey... I want to apologize for yesterday. I didn't mean to say those things."

"I'm the one who should apologize. I get that you don't appreciate that I'm prying into your business. I was just concerned when you suddenly disappeared."

"No. It was not your fault. And you were right to be concerned-"

"How was it?"

"It?"

"The… date."

It was rare for Yukihira to cut in but I guess I could share my experience.

While I appreciate the thought of getting me new clothes, I thought it was a tad more than what is expected from an acquaintance.

Taking a step back from the moment had given me perspective.

"He said he was interested in me."

"..."

"..."

"… how did you respond?"

"I didn't really have anything to say to that… I mean, he's a nice guy and all. Being friends is fine but…" I paused to word my thoughts, "I'm… neutral about it?"

"...So what does it mean?'

"Generally, if you don't feel something is worth pursuing, why continue it? It's not fair for both parties."

"That's it? Just going to say "no"?"

I'm not sure I follow his train of thought but I shrugged.

To which, Yukihira seemed pensive.

After a pause, he then picked a yellow gold piece of uni from its shell and placed it in my bowl. "I remember you liked these." He actually remembered and went through the effort of getting them.

I am really grateful for his easy going nature

We finished our meal and got to our day.

Later, while I was ready to head down to the restaurant, I noticed yesterday's laundry that I had left behind when I stormed to my room was now washed and hung out to dry.

It's easy to figure out how it got there.

Surprisingly, I do not find it something I was uncomfortable with.

Late lunch service. Western Restaurant Mitamura was busy as we were deep into the summer holidays.

With Yukihira in the kitchen, me at the front of the house, and both of us supported by our two eager part timers, we managed the crowds. Now that the rush was over, we had time to catch our breath.

Shinko Matcha gained traction over social media ever since Aida-san uploaded it online. It seems to be what almost everyone ordered. I knew influence over followers was effective, but to be honest, I did not expect it to reach this extent.

Just a scan around, we can see many people are snapping a photo of their drink and posting it.

We should rethink what restaurant marketing is about; it seemed more targeted with a willing audience as compared to handing fliers on the street or broadcasting.

Wonder if there's any way to build the Shinko brand recognition...

"Hey you."

"Aida-san, good afternoon," he had kept a cap on and dressed down, a stark contrast to his yesterday's attire that effectively blended with the crowd. "here for lunch?"

"Here to taste your cooking," a boyish grin as he settled himself at a table with a view into the kitchen.

Well, he did say something to that effect, and I kind of owe him a meal, "I can only prepare what's on the menu though."

"It's fine."

"I'm in the middle of service. If it's alright for you, you'd have to wait."

"I've got time. Don't let me hold you back.'

That's what he said but having his gaze follow me around was pretty distracting to me. To be clear I do not mean distracting in a bad sense.

Neither was it... flattering, I guess?

I cannot quite put my finger on it. I mean last night we seemed to be quite alright, but now... I know it may sound crazy to admit but honestly: I don't really see him going further with me than a friend.

I mean I felt the usual feelings that come with experiencing something interesting and new. However that feeling had cooled and turned to something platonic…

That was pretty sure of that when I saw him again.

Was this… normal?

Yukihira has evidently noticed Aida-san and remarked as such as I stepped into the kitchen, "He's here." almost deadpanned.

"He's here."

Yukihira slid an order of noodles for pick up, "any order from him?'

"Not yet," I replied as I noted the sparse ticket queue due to the late lunch hour and the fact that the kitchen was already closed for new orders. I poured a cup of lemon tea for Aida-san, "but I'll be cooking for him."

I picked up the order and proceeded to bus it to the table, barely hearing Yukihira's "What?'

After dropping off the noodles, I head over to Aida-san for his tea, "Thank you for waiting."

"Busy day?"

"More than last week, It's the middle of summer holidays and there's the festival tomorrow."

"Ah, that's true. Must have been tough." He took a sip of iced tea, "Would you join me for lunch?" He began to reach out to hold my hand.

"I think it should be fine. What would you like to have?" I took out the order pad; subconsciously avoided his intent. I was surprised at my reaction but played it off with subtlety, as if I had not noticed his motion.

He may have bought it, "whatever on the menu you feel like making, I'm sure it'll be delicious."

"I'll bring a house specialty." I obliged him a polite smile.

And I felt gaze following me all the way back to the kitchen.

And there was where Yukihira asked to clarify, "You're cooking for him?"

"As thanks for his help in the past week… Ayasaki-kun, help out in front, thanks."

"Take table 6's order. Last ticket." Yukihira called out, then stood there, looking confused while I removed my straw hat, "So what's going on?"

I paused mid way putting on my apron, "What do you mean? I'm making lunch." Finishing the knot at the back, "hand me the pasta, would you?" I got to cooking.

All the while, Yukihira was stealing glances. However, I was focused on cooking so I did not ask him about it.

First starting with frying the aromatics, garlic and onions, infusing the oil with base flavours. Chicken pieces are next as it takes some time to be ready, followed by mushrooms and bell peppers. Once the onions are translucent, in goes the pasta and our unique tomato based sauce. And just a further cooking on high heat for the sauce to set, our restaurant's main dish is done.

Between the waiting times, I made a tamago mentai, waiting for the right moment to carefully flip each roll while I whipped up a fresh batch of mentai: a perfect balance of quality pollock roe, fresh mayonnaise, tomato sauce, custom seasoning that Yukihira and I created while experimenting. Plating it neatly, with a dash of mentai on top, the side dish is ready.

An additional bowl of clam chowder completes the meal.

Placing everything on a tray and removing my apron, I brought the meal out, past a quiet Yukihira, stopping by the counter with the order slip informing the other part-timer Katsura-san that I'll be settling that bill later. "Oh, Fujiwara-san is here."

And so she was, trying to make conversation with Aida-san who was clearly trying to be polite but not very keen about it. Though, he brightened when I approached the table. "Excuse the interruption. Thank you for waiting. Napoleon pasta, Tamago Mentai and Clam Chowder. Enjoy your meal."

"These look excellent," Aida-san remarked, "and smells delicious."

"It's not Michelin level though."

"You made it. That makes it even better."

I didn't really have a response to that. He spoke words of flattery as naturally as he breathed. One may wonder (or would not be surprised) if he used those kinds of lines often to other girls.

"I guess it's thanks to that cooking school." Fujiwara's cut in was timely.

Despite those words may be easily interpreted as condescending, as her wording usually does, I brushed it off without a thought being used to it. However, I took it as an out to this conversation by pretending to be offended and walking away.

"Heyyy, don't go," Aida-san stood up and caught my bandana bound wrist, "we were supposed to have lunch together. I've got something to talk about with you too." he then addressed Fujiwara, "it's nice to meet you but Arato and I -"

"Please do not touch our staff." Yukihira inserted himself into the situation. Unlike the last time with the ruffians, his tone was more firm and demanding.

He had taken off the apron to not cause visual alarm in the restaurant. His tanned and toned physique on full display. I may have seen it often in our work and in our residence; but this time, it was different as his presence is felt and he seemed...

Manly.

Whoa, what's that?

Aida-san studied the other male, his light smile unfaltering, unintimidated. He eventually obliged, "My apologies. I would like to speak with Arato-san."

Yukihira did not budge. He glanced over to me, to which I responded with a nod 'it's alright'.

But he did not comply, "We're in the middle of service. Please wait till the end of it. Excuse us." a professionally courteous response. With that, he got between Aida-san and myself before escorting me back to the kitchen.

…I know that the kitchen was already closed but we still got to the back, hidden from view.

"What's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me? I should be one asking that. What's going on here? Weren't you going to reject him?" we hissed at each other.

"I didn't say I was going to reject him."

Pause… "you implied as such."

"...Implied?"

"And cooking lunch for him?"

"It was for helping me for the whole of last week, and last night, he had bought me dinner too; it was the least I could do. Besides," I folded my arms, "you cooked supper for Fujiwara; You didn't seem to have an issue with that."

I could see the wheels in his mind turning. It was almost amusing to see a flustered Yukihira if the moment wasn't so dramatic. "Th-Those are two different matters."

"How are they different matters?" A thought came to me that I could not help but blurt out, "are you jealous or something?"

That caught him on the back foot. He seemed hot under the collar, "I'm looking out for you. He just grabbed your hand." Yukihira Soma was deflecting. This was another rare side of the happy-go-lucky chef that I can't help but find amusing enough to commit to memory.

We stared at each other. There are many ways this conversation could go but it may just complicate things if we don't keep our cool.

Sigh, "Thank you for your concern. I would still need to speak with him." I did not wait for a response and made my way to the service area, off-handedly dismissing the two part timers' and their concern.

Aida-san was still being polite with Fujiwara while he had already consumed most of the meal. Either he really enjoyed the food or, if I'm reading the body language right, he couldn't wait for the meal to be done.

Whichever it was, he looked relieved when I approached his table.

"Sorry for the interruption, we had some things to settle before the afternoon break." a white lie.

"Well, it's not too late to join me." He turned to Fujiwara and requested for privacy. She looked between us incredulously before leaving in a huff. "Now that's out of the way…" He considered me for a moment while I settled into a seat across him, "I wanted to have lunch with you."

"Sorry, I was on the clock," another white lie. "But I hope you enjoyed the food?"

"It is as perfect as I imagined it to be." he smirked lightly, putting on a charm. "The noodles are well seasoned; tamago is light, fluffy with balanced sweet and savory; and the soup isn't too heavy which goes well with the others."

"I'm glad to hear it.'

"I love to see you in your element." Aida-san leaned forward, "And I invite you to see me in mine. Come to the stage this evening."

"Before we get any further, how far do you think we will go." I decided to ease in and frame the issue between us.

"However far you'd like to. Perhaps an all expenses paid trip as my companion?"

What? "Travel? This is- that will be moving too fast."

"As I said, I'm interested in you. Life is too short. If we want something, we should go for it."

What he said may sound understandable, but let's face it, Yukihira had brought up a good point: "We have an age gap."

I mean, it's just a few years but I have my preferences.

"We're not doing anything illegal, are we?" He smirked lightly, "unless you want to."

"What? …No!"

His cell started to vibrate.

"I kid… I kid. I would have to get your family's permission first." I could not decide if he was joking or not.

He gave a short chuckle as he picked up the call. A few words were exchanged and he subsequently hung up. "I got to go." He reached into his wallet and took out some cash to settle up and refused my insistence of a treat. "I'll see you tonight. I've something to show you," he said with a wink.

I think… I think I am starting to feel bothered for some reason.

But at least Yukihira and Fujiwara had already left, and were not here to add to the situation.

Small blessings, I guess.

A/N: We're approaching the end of the first arc of their summer!

Aida Shion, local celebrity with means is interested in Hisako! However, it takes two to clap...

On the other hand, what's going to happen for Soma and Yumiko?