A deep breath, followed by a contented sigh with a full bodied stretch, my eyes fluttered open.

Morning light streamed through the gaps of drawn curtains. It was well into the morning. Despite the hour, I really do not mind spending a few more minutes right here.

Well, that's what happens when we stay up late… with good company.

Turning to the side, under the soft lights that we neglected to turn off before drifting off to sleep in each other's arms, I found Soma snoring lightly, looking so peaceful and innocent. Even though I was admiring his handsome features up close all last night, I still cannot get enough of it. I poked his cheek, tracing a finger over his brows, nose, and lips, eliciting a smile in his sleep.

I giggled lightly at that.

While I wanted nothing more than to stay in the warm generously sized bed with the person I would want to be with, I know I have to get up.

We are returning back to Japan today.

It may have been a short week with my parents, but we have to return back to Totsuki and settle in before the school term starts. I have duties to carry out as the assistant to Erina-sama too.

…Oh.

Erina-sama…

We have been in contact ever since her meeting portion of her family gathering was complete. As usual we would talk about her schedule upon her return and I would listen to her rants, observations, and thoughts on any topics that got her interest that day, only responding to the questions she had for me.

It may have been just coincidence or ignorance that she had not asked about Soma ever since the beach.

So my new relationship status has not been updated to her.

I did agree with Alice-sama to inform her cousin once we are official… and last night should be as official as it gets.

How am I going to break this news?

…

Guess we will cross that bridge when we get there.

A stir next to me, announced my boyfriend's rousing .

Our eyes met, and a little giggle came from sharing a memory of a magical night.

"Good morning."

"Mornin'." He sat up, pulling me into his lap, "I haven't slept in for a very long time. Seems you managed to wear me out."

I blushed at his words, giving him a symbolic slap on the arm for his teasing. "We should get up before our parents start gossiping."

He chuckled, "I don't think the time we go down is going to be a factor," his arms tightened comfortably around me, giving butterfly kisses to my nape.

Despite the tempting warmth and pleasant tingle, I reminded him we have a program for the day.

Unlike Soma's…free-spiritedness, I wrapped the blanket around me for decency, stopping by the table where that black clutch bag was left.

I looked through the contents, then deciding to play it safe, took one of the items.

…What? Last night was a special occasion…

(ﾉ≧ڡ≦*)

A little later, we found mother nursing a cup of tea in the dining room.

Acknowledging our greetings with a nod, Her lips pulled into a subtle smirk the moment we came into view.

I could not help but feel subconscious and embarrassed at that. You know, that kind of feeling when your parents know you did something…

"Your father will be having a sleep in this morning, Hisako." Mother explained his absence, "Guess he was unable to hold his drink." Turning to Soma, "Your father, though, is already up and preparing breakfast."

"Oh, I will help!" Eager to give Mother a good impression, as well as cooking, he left for the kitchen.

I sat myself, noticing my mother's eyes following me, "how are you feeling?" She took a drink as a sign of casualness.

"Quite refreshed…surprisingly." I thanked the staff who helped me set the table and pour me a cup of tea.

Oh, mint.

Mother's brows arched up slightly, giving a little nod. "That's good to hear. Oh, for your information, we will be renovating the house while you're away."

That is sudden. "Huh? Why?" The house looks perfect the way it is.

"I think it will be good to have additional sound proofing."

What does she mean by-

…

Oh.

My hand flew up to my mouth.

Ohh!

"It's perfectly natural dear. Don't think too much about it." Mother said with a hidden smirk, as if talking about the weather, before taking a long drag from her tea cup. She is clearly milking the moment… enjoying the tease.

Her next words were not forgiving either, "was the bag useful?"

I ran my hands over my face and hair. Since it came to this, no use hiding.

"Um-hm, very good." Mother nodded approvingly, satisfied with my reply.

I could barely meet her eyes right now.

Fortunately for me, the awkward atmosphere was interrupted when Soma and his father came in with our breakfast. The room was filled with the smell of tomato, eggs, and… saffron?

Interesting.

There was also another dish of lamb. This one had a mix of spices. I detected cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, turmeric, dried limes, and cloves.

"As expected from a Totsuki student; That's impressive, Hisako." Soma's father praised. The change in the way he calls me was more familial, in deference to my new relationship status with his son. "There is one more ingredient. Can any of you guess it?"

We took another whiff. He is right.

There was a floral hint, an unexpected ingredient. Soma picked up on that too and we both exchanged looks, putting our minds together on it

A short back and forth later, we got it: "Dried rose petals." We said simultaneously.

"Excellent work, both of you!" The veteran chef was visibly proud. "I seasoned the lamb with advieh, something I learnt while in Iran. Use the barbari to pick and drip."

Iran? Wow, he really gets around.

One would assume that lamb would be too heavy for breakfast. The addition of rose petals gave the dish a floral bouquet that cut through the usually high fat content. The way it was cooked also minimised the density of the dish, making it easy to have seconds.

Surprisingly, it seemed exactly what I needed after a… busy night.

…

That flash of his eyes to the both of us, that light smirk on his lips.

He knows too.

"Oh my, this is good, Joe." Mother remarked, "Even my daughter seems energised by the spice mix, look how red her cheeks are."

"I'm sure Soma would be able to keep that healthy hue." He patted his son on the back heartily. "His cooking has clearly improved since the last time. Last night's dinner was perfect."

It was true.

Soma went all out yesterday: using all the lessons and experiments we did together, through all the laughs we shared from the failures, and celebrating the discoveries on how to make our creations better.

The food he made was delicious. Something we can enjoy everyday.

"Like you said, Dad," Soma looked to me tenderly, reaching for my hand, "I found someone I want to dedicate all my cooking to."

My heart fluttered with joy at his words.

Eating Iranian cuisine for breakfast was a new experience for us. There was something about breaking barbari and picking food from a shared platter that made us feel closely connected.

As a family.

"Yo, Hiroyuki, good morning!" The rest of us turned to where Soma's father was calling out to, and found Father looking as if he had a migraine. "Oh, I know that look: Hangover eh?" The older Yukihira grinned.

"I don't usually drink, Joe." Father replied with a weary smile. "But it has been awhile since I had such a fun evening."

Soma's father raised his tea cup, "good wine and good company; I look forward to being in-laws with you and have many more opportunities to hang out."

Those words have Father chuckling in spite of himself. He raised his tea cup too, "to being in-laws."

Both Soma and I looked down bash fully. Fathers do love teasing their kids.

The older Yukihira observed Father for a moment, who still looked a little green in the gills, "You know what? I have a suggestion on how to cure that quickly."

"Oh?" Father deftly lifted up his tea cup like a gentleman, pinky slightly up, "What is it?"

"Anchovies."

At that word, Father snorted into his cup of tea, breaking into a coughing fit from laughing. While Soma's father chuckled along, the rest of us were a little out of the loop.

Whatever it was, it must be an inside joke between the two men.

"It's good to see you two fathers getting along." Mother remarked. "Once in a while is fine." Mother remarked with a deadpan, "remember to drink in moderation, dear."

Surprisingly, Father looked guilty and agreed, scratching the side of his temple. "Yes dear, I will."

Mother then gave a look to Soma's father, and he immediately got the message to not go overboard with a similarly bashful grin.

Evidently, a pecking order is beginning to form.

Seeing how well we can connect with each other, I am certain we would get along fine as a family.

"I hear you guys plan to fly back soon?" Soma's father started another topic.

"Yep, I have a ticket booked for today." Soma replied, "We figured to return back to Totsuki a week early to settle in before the school reopens."

"Hisako has a ticket too? Not sure about international flights, but if it's any indication, even the domestic flights are packed; I had to take the bullet train here."

"We will see if we can get a ticket for Hisako at the airport."

"A last minute ticket? During the peak period of the holidays?" Father sounded sceptical. "It may be difficult. You'd be on the waitlist."

"Oh." Now that is a problem. "We shall need to reschedule then."

A short pause, "Not necessarily." Mother said, looking up from her cell phone.

"Whoa…"

Soma's wide-eyed stare was to be expected.

After all, it is not common that one would get to stand in front of a private jet, much less ride in one.

While we do understand that private jets are not as eco-friendly as compared to the commercial option, we still have one due to the nature of my family's businesses, needing to travel at a moment's notice, size of the holdings, as well as cutting down on logistics and time costs for medical supplies.

There was once a heart needed for transplant was transported this way.

Fortunately for Soma and I, there was a scheduled pick up back in Japan; Some R&D drugs, materials needed transport to Australia.

"Alright, let us know when you reach back in Totsuki."

"I will… mom." I pulled her into a hug.

She lightly pulled back, happy that I used a more affectionate way of addressing her, before turning to Soma, "We may not always be close to her, so we entrust our daughter to you, Soma." Mother placed my hands in Soma's. "You have our blessing."

Dad patted Soma on his back, "Take care of my girl, son."

"I will." Soma replied, while giving my hand an affectionate squeeze.

As the plane taxied away from the car, I turned to Soma, "So, I think now would be the right time to discuss with you… on how we should be back in Totsuki?"

My boyfriend looked me in the eyes, and held onto my hand, "I'm open to announce it to everyone."

"Naturally; no big gestures?"

"Oh… I was thinking of taking on a shokugeki and announcing it once I won!" Soma grinned at my eye roll, "yeh alright, we will just tell people if they ask. Else," He kissed my knuckle, "we just keep doing what we are doing."

I am glad we agree, "before that, I would like to speak with Erina-sama first. I feel she should hear it from me."

"Hmm, fair enough. On a separate note, you're still calling her 'Erina-sama'. Wasn't it… something that you wanted to change?"

Soma was right: from the time of stagiaire, he did suggest that I should consider how I want my relationship with Erina-sama to be. Until now, it still does not seem to have changed, it could be a sign that I am resisting a healthy evolution, of thinking that I still am her second place.

I can see what Soma is concerned about.

"I want my girlfriend to know how awesome she is. To me you should and will always be in first place."

I giggled at how cheesy he could be. "It's just…we have been that way since elementary school. I always admired her talent as the one with the God's Tongue, and the way that a room snaps to attention when she walks in. I wanted to see her shine. To change the way I address, or look at her is not something I can do easily. "

There was a pause in the conversation. I could see Soma was sincere from the way he thought through what I told him. "You know, I think there is a way."

"What is it?"

"Beat her in a shokugeki."

"Beat her in a- Are you kidding?! We are talking about Erina-sama, the one with the God Tongue!" I was astonished at that suggestion, "She can basically create the perfect dish by the second iteration."

"Hmm, that is true; quite a hurdle to overcome." Soma then smiled, "That's why beating her will be more satisfying."

"Soma…"

"Yeh, yeh, I understand," he chuckled, rubbing the back of my hand on his cheek. "Still, it would be amazing to do so."

We sat in comfortable silence as we flew through the air, thinking of what is to come when we arrive back in school.

I will be staying back in the Nakiri Mansion like I always had, and he will be back in the Polar Star dormitory. This means it would be hard for us to continue the living arrangement like we did for the past month.

Much less, like last night.

Then a thought came to me, a certain fantasy of mine; a life bucket list item ever since I heard of the existence of a certain club in the air.

Fueled by youthful libido.

"Hey Soma…"

"Yeh?"

"You know," I glanced up to find the cabin crew had gotten behind the privacy curtain, leaving both of us alone once we got to cruising altitude, "It's a three hour flight. And this plane has a private bedroom, exclusive for my family's use…"

"Oh? My dear Miss Arato," Soma seemed intrigued, "what do you have in mind?"

He had attempted to keep his voice flirty but It was obvious that he understood what I was driving at.

I looked in his eyes, and a rove lower shows that he was keen.

Really, really keen.

With playful grins, we unbuckled our seat belts and made our way to the back of the plane hand in hand.

We stayed there until we landed.

What I did not expect the moment we approached the gates of Totsuki was a moderate group of people standing outside.

Being a high profile school, it was not unusual for groups of protesters or astroturfed movements wanting to leverage on the school's exposure: From animal rights groups, to corporations that were turned away for any reason, it was a common sight.

But what was first, were people trying to look into our taxi, and pointing at me upon recognition. "It's her! She's here!"

What the-?

"Hey, that's a face I haven't seen in awhile." Soma remarked.

Then I saw it, a large sized poster of him held up by one of the crowd: Aida Shion.

Awww F-

Soma pulled me close, a protective arm around me that provided comfort and safety.

Thankfully, while the crowd gawked at our ride, we managed to pass through the gates without further incident, and I was dropped off at the Nakiri mansion.

"It was good we turned down your family's ride." Soma remarked as he helped unload my luggage from the boot

"Didn't want to attract attention." I replied, unthinkable to imagine what other gossip may come with us arriving in a limousine. I am glad that both Soma and I do not care about putting on airs.

"That's true," he nodded. He then lifted my hand and gave it a peck, "Drop me a message after you speak with Nakiri, alright?"

"I will." We still have the mystery at the gate to discuss.

"Great. See you later." He opened the door and paused before getting in, "Remember: you're always my first place!"

I bit my lower lip to suppress a laugh at his blush-worthy words while watching the taxi head towards the Polar Star dormitory.

Turning back to the Nakiri Mansion, I instinctively glanced towards Erina-sama's window to find it lit… and her silhouette within the frame for a moment before pulling back.

She must have seen my interaction with Soma.

Well, looking positively, that seemed like a way to start the conversation.

A/N: And we now enter the 4th and Final Arc of this series! I appreciate all your support of reading and reviewing which brought this story this far!

In this chapter, I wanted to show that the two families are able to get along with each other very well. Additionally, I think the two late teens would do what they are naturally programed to do :)

I like to hear what you think will happen in this arc. If its a good challenge to add into this, like a phrase, or short scene, I'll see what I can do!

Thanks and look forward to your reviews!

Update on the list of inspirations of the sweet things couples do:

1) Having pillow fights

2) Listening to music together

3) Supporting each other during tough times

4) Greeting each other then we get home from work

5) Dancing together

6) Enjoy being lazy together

7) Cooking together

8) Fooling around in the kitchen

9) Traveling together

10) Going for walks together - Rain or shine

11) Enjoy the moment when we're reunited

12) Spending the day in town together

13) Reading together before bed

14) Falling asleep in each other's arms

15) Having breakfast together each morning

16) Snacking together late into the night

17) Cuddling

18) Going on dates

19) Enjoying the quiet moments together