Disclaimer: Shokugeki no Soma is a cooking manga.

I cannot really say I knew Tadokoro Megumi personally.

In fact, I cannot recall if I had directly interacted with her despite us being in the same 92nd generation of Totsuki students. Though, from what I hear from others and observing her cooking, I would believe that she is a nurturing and kind person.

You may even imagine her to be similar to dear Kurase Mayumi back in Sumiredori.

Which was why I found it a little out of personal expectations that she was looking at me intently from across the table. It was not a look of studying, nor healthy curiosity; It was the kind of look that you may even describe as staring.

Naturally, I went through the possible infractions I had wronged her, along with the fact that this is my first meal with all the residents, I tactfully conveyed to Soma the first thing that I thought to ask: the usual dining table seating arrangements.

"Oh, yeh, Tadokoro usually sits here." referring to where I was at. "Sorry, Tadokoro, we thought you were unable to make it."

Tadokoro blinked, finally catching herself, "Oh, it… it's fine.. it's not really an issue."

"It must have been tiring to travel all the way from Tohoku, isn't it?" Sakaki asked gently from beside me while filling Tadokoro's plate like a responsible and caring older sister.

Tadokoro muttered thanks, "Yes. That's right." She then proceeded to turn her attention back to me, "So both Yukihira-kun and Arato-san are now dating?"

I think that was the second time she repeated that question from the moment she sat at the table. Although, this one sounded more like rhetoric...

"Oh yea! We were promised a story on how both of you got together!" Yoshino exclaimed, drawing the whole table's attention to us. "Come on, tell us!"

Soma and I exchanged a look, and with my light nod, he started the tale of how we got together. It was interesting to hear things from his perspective as he talked about how we were briefed of the beach restaurant opportunity from our Stagiaire supervisor, how we got a free can of green tea powder from a kind old grandma, and created our drink, the customer who gave me a bruise, the volleyball match…

He unabashedly confessed that he disliked Aida Shion the moment they met, and thought that the idol gave off vibes of a creep.

Imagine that: the sociable Yukihira Soma thought someone was a creep.

I felt a sense of vindication, in that it was not just me that had that nagging feeling at the back of my mind when I was with the idol.

Or, as Aoki put it, "it's simple, dude: you were jealous."

Another round of teasing rose from those words, followed closely by laughter. Although, I could not help but notice Tadokoro's lack of reaction.

Hm…Maybe she was just passive?

Soma piped up to explain that we were not together yet then, before continuing with the tale of how he broke up with his first (and only) summer love. "I just thought I'd give dating a try, but it did not work out." He gave my hand under the table a squeeze, a charming smile as he looked over to me. "If anything, I have learnt a few things…"

That it was the beginning of his feelings for me.

"I think I WAS jealous… just that I didn't understand what it was then."

Soma went on to express how thankful he was that I joined him at his family restaurant after our stint at the beach, how I left my mark there by handling the business, and how we got into a daily routine…

"Like a married couple." Sato injected, drawing laughter.

Tadokoro coughed into the cup that she was drinking from.

"I guess." Soma did not deny it. "You know, during a class gathering, when I thought one of my friends was hitting on Hisako, it really did not sit well with me."

Oh, so, he was jealous.

"We found out that Hisako was able to fix a sprain too, as well as identifying different wild plants for their medicinal properties. She's so cool, isn't she?" Soma was promoting and being proud on my behalf.

"Is that so, Arato-chan?" The Seventh Seat Isshiki-senpai asked.

In an instant, all eyes were on me. Most expressions were attentive, curious to know more about their new dormitory resident. "Yes, I know first aid and plant identification." I replied with some humility, "There is much to learn and I am still learning though."

⁰You're awesome; You know, the customers back home felt so much healthier ever since you came in to improve the dishes by introducing nutritional considerations."

"Oh, oh, oh, let's collaborate on a menu, Hisako-cchii!" Yoshino raised a hand, "we'll make it a wild theme: I'll bring the wild game, while you're in charge of the wild herbs and vegetables!"

"Sure, we can do that." It does sound interesting.

"And since you know first aid, would you be alright if we look for you should the need arise?" The Seventh Seat smiled to show it was not obligatory.

Of course, I agreed.

As well as to a chorus of requests for future help to look into the nutritional balance of the respective chefs dishes. It was heartwarming to feel that I'm getting integrated into the Polar Star Dormitory family.

Tadokoro, across from me, sat listening and had not said a word.

Soma continued on and described how slowly, but surely, he recognised the emotions he was feeling which culminated with him formally asking me to be his girlfriend in front of a campfire.

"And a week later, I met Hisako's parents." Soma decided to gloss over the circumstances leading to, and the meeting with my parents.

When he told the story like this, in hindsight, it was clear that we came a long way from acquaintances.

"It seems like a dream doesn't it?" Soma, oblivious as ever, brought up my bandana bound hand with his own, and brought it to his lips, giving me butterflies in my stomach.

That action was greeted by sounds of teasing, "Ehhh, that's so mushy!"

Mirth ensued.

Tadokoro stood up, drawing attention to her. Suddenly conscious of everyone, she excused herself, muttering an explanation that she was feeling tired from travel and will be heading back to her room.

She was gone before anyone could remind her of her untouched plate.

Fresh out of the shower, I found Soma seated on my bed, back resting on the wall, reading a previous volume of our light novel series. I left him to his devices while I carried out my nightly routine in comfortable silence.

It just felt natural being together, doing our own thing in the same room.

"Today was quite a busy day, isn't it?" Soma casually remarked while reading.

It sure was.

Though, all things considered, using "busy" to describe it was putting it lightly.

"So, what do you think of the Polar Star Dormitory?"

"It's very welcoming." I replied, as I applied moisturiser on my skin. "Everyone is pretty open minded."

Soma chuckled, "In a place filled with culinary geniuses, open mindedness is a common factor."

"I'm curious though," I looked over to him, "is Tadokoro usually that quiet?"

He looked up, puzzled, "why do you ask?"

"It's just… a mismatch of expectations, I guess."

"Mismatch of- what?" Confused, he set his book down.

"Or perhaps I was looking too much into it," trying to downplay a gut feeling, "I just thought she would be more… friendly."

"Is that so?" Soma thought for a moment, "I didn't really notice it. But Tadokoro is a nice person, maybe she's just tired."

"Maybe." I echoed, turning my attention back to my routine, deciding not to dwell on the matter.

I heard movement on the mattress, followed by a pair of strong arms around me. "Don't think too much about it, we have plans tomorrow."

Yeh, perhaps I was just looking for something to distract.

I hope by appealing to the sensibilities of the people at the gate, the matter will be resolved once and for all.

And get back to Erina-sama's side, The dutiful voice inside reminded me.

… That too.

In another part of me: What does Nakiri Erina think of Soma?

Meanwhile, Soma had other things in mind. Taking a deep breath buried in my freshly washed hair, he muttered, "You said 'later', right?" sending a pleasant shiver.

And I was only human to let my hormones take over and follow him.

And soon, we continued what we were doing in the afternoon.

In the few times we "got together", I noticed he has… gotten better. In that he spends time setting the mood. Guess the experience he got as an experimental chef could apply on other matters.

He seems to have found that I'm quite sensitive around my neck and ears as he focused his attention accordingly.

I responded with suppressed mews.

As he ran a hand up my oversized shirt, a knock came from the door.

Instinctively, I pulled away and immediately made myself presentable, as did Soma. In sync, we helped each other tidy up.

My heart was pounding, all the while, my mind raced to remember if I had locked the door. Brushing my hand over my clothes, I cleared my throat, "Y-Yes, who is it?"

"Arato-san, it's me."

"T-Tadokoro-san?"

⁶Are you available for a chat?"

One hand on the door knob, I glanced over to Soma, who had picked up the book and opened to a random page. "Coming!" I waved a hand to catch his attention and gestured to let him know that his book was upside down.

Opening the door slightly, so as to keep Soma out of sight, just as a precaution, I found an apologetic looking Tadokoro fidgeting, "Good evening, Arato-san. I hope I'm not-" her words stopped as she looked me over.

Having rushed to the door, I could only imagine how I looked.

Is it the hair?

"Sorry, I just…came out of the shower." I ran a hand through my hair, forcing down my breathlessness.

Tadokoro was not really paying attention to my ad hoc grooming effort, instead was staring like a deer caught in headlights.

"May I help you?" I asked gently, still keeping the door tight against me.

"Oh, erm, I want… to apologise for my behaviour during dinner."

Now, that was a surprise. I guess she even noticed how odd she was at the table. To allow the conversation to move on, I provided, "It's alright, I reckon you may have been tired after a long trip."

She nodded, but her expression still seemed pensive, as if unsure how to follow up.

Not wanting to stretch an awkward moment, I prompted, "I would love to have you over but I just moved in so my room is in a mess." A white lie: I am usually quite spartan with my living so there was not much to put away.

She nodded again, "Another time, then." With some subtlety, I noticed her eyes flashed to my neck momentarily, "Good night."

I gave a polite reply as she retreated back to her room, shut the door and went straight for the mirror.

!

I turned beet red the moment I saw what Tadokoro was looking at.

Shooting Soma a stern glare, I decided we needed to set some restrictions from now on.

"Good morning, Arato-chan. Oh my, that's a nice turtleneck." Isshiki-senpai seemed to be a rightfully morning person.

"Good morning, Isshiki-senpai. Thank you." Frankly, I would rather be in my usual school uniform. However, I was not really intent on elaborating lest it invited more attention, and walked in silence down the flight of stairs.

"We're happy to have you here, Arato-chan, we look forward to learning nutrition tips from you."

"You sure know how to be welcoming, senpai." I acknowledged politely, "I'll be more than happy to."

"That's good to hear. So, you plan to meet the demonstrators today?"

"Yeh. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but it's better if it's resolved quickly."

"I see. Not just you alone, I trust?"

"Soma insisted on coming along; Though, it would be better if less people were involved."

"True." Isshiki-senpai gave a supportive smile, "Well, should you need help, the Polar Star Dormitory will be available to back you up."

His words took an edge from my nerves as we entered the dining room.

The dining room was as happening as the night before, with everyone sharing their breakfast creations with everyone else, while a few breakfast staples were placed in the middle for those who would rather have a quick bite.

Soma had woken earlier, as per routine, and had already settled in, chatting with Tadokoro at her usual seat next to him.

From what I understood, they helped each other for a considerable amount of time to overcome the many challenges the school threw at them.

The most significant one that came to mind was the Moon Banquet Festival where they overcame the odds together, climbing from the bottom to the top, even beating out a team led by an Elite 10 member.

No small feat.

So, it should not be unexpected that they would have a connection. The way they chatted with each other seemed so natural…

… and close.

…

Ouch, my chest.

"Good morning!" Soma greeted, "Saved you a seat." He pulled back the free chair next to him, He then proceeded to load my plate up with food.

Tadokoro, on the other side of Soma, gave a soft greeting, eyes darting to my turtleneck blouse before going back to her food, looking neutral, a contrast to how jovial she was while chatting with Soma.

It felt awkward to speak with her.

Hmm.

Returning the greetings, I settled in to begin my meal. Soma had prepared a century egg in pork porridge, and oven baked dough sticks, served with a cup of tea made of a personal bend that he learnt from me.

Soma then began to strike up a conversation with me, suggesting that we check out a place in the kitchen where I can set up my medicinal ingredients.

"That way, you can give us advice on what we can add or use to enhance our dishes!" Having waited for me, he got to consuming his food.

"Sounds good," I replied, digging into my breakfast, tasting just the way I like it: a century egg lightly seasoned with vinegared ginger flowers, tender lean pork slices, and finely minced meat bits in thick porridge. Red dates were used to help sweeten the dish. The wok breath in the dish elevated the dish to another level.

There was care in making this dish.

While I ate, my sight naturally went to Soma and, by our positions, Tadokoro. It seemed as if she found herself in an odd position like she was a third wheel.

Well, being friends with Soma, I guess it would be better if we became better acquainted.

Perhaps a question would get the ball rolling, "So, Tadokoro-san, which part of Tohoku are you from?"

She glanced over at me, considering me for a long moment.

…What?

"Good question, where do you live?" Soma joined in the query.

For some reason, I thought Tadokoro seemed more open when Soma asked for it. "Asahikita." Her reply with Soma between us made me realise how awkward conversing while sitting in a line was.

"Asahikita?" Soma asked, curious.

"It's a small port town. I don't think you have heard of it."

"Can't say I do." Soma chuckled, "Though I admit I'm guilty that I haven't thought of asking after so long." He gave me a nod to acknowledge my query.

"It's alright, Yukihira-kun." Tadokoro waved her hands, "It's nothing compared to Tokyo."

Soma, coming from a similar small town, thought otherwise, engaging her in a conversation about the particularities of living in small towns, and their respective flavours as compared to the generic cookie cutter built-up cities.

Now, I know Soma was just being friendly;

I know that it's nothing more than a casual conversation…

But, for whatever reason, I felt something gnawing within me as Soma's attention was on the girl beside him.

I felt odd; That feeling was not there when he was with Fujiwara, nor with Kurase.

… I do not understand.

"So that's why you're so skilled with cleaning monkfish." Some then looked back at me, "that was a great show, wasn't it?"

That startled me a little, as I had assumed, to be out of the conversation. "Y-yeh, it's a great performance."

"You alright?" Soma asked, concerned.

"Huh?"

"You seem to be thinking of something."

"Oh." Soma really became apt at reading me. Not about to admit my currently unreasonable emotion, I replied, "Just about our plan today."

Soma observed me for a moment, then broke into an encouraging smile, "It'll be alright. After all," he placed a hand on mine, "I'll be with you."

His words brought immediate assurance.

Of course, I had some awareness of how sappy the moment was in a public setting, so I added, "Thank you. I think I'm just nervous."

"You know what is good to calm our nerves? Some light exercise." Soma suggested, "And we would have a round of ping pong to let out some steam."

I noticed Tadokoro, behind Soma, perking up at the words "ping pong".

Perhaps it would not be bad to try something she likes; who knows, it may help break the ice and make us less awkward with each other.

At the ping pong table, with other interested Polar Star members joining in casual attire, we took turns to play an informal tournament.

I just learnt that I do not really have the talent for this game. All I could manage was to serve, and then try my best to hit it back over the net. Nonetheless, I appreciated the idea of some physical movement to relieve some tension and nerves

One thing that stood out though: Tadokoro was in a sports attire, stretching like an athlete.

"Tadokoro-chan, as enthusiastic as ever." Isshiki-senpai remarked in a loin cloth, his gentle demeanour unchanged. "Rematch?"

Rematch? So there was a previous one?

Curiously, I saw the others take a slight step back away from the table at those words. Even Soma reached over to usher me back, shaking his head: careful.

"Just give me a moment to prepare." She pulled up a paddle, using a seasoned cloth to give it a wipe down, "After all, if we don't get ready properly, " she held the paddle up to check its profile, "You can't play for real.'

CRACK!

And they are off. We were treated to a spectacle of the two players exchanging high speed shots. It was a battle for the books; a ferocious phoenix versus an unrelenting dragon.

CRACK!

Each shot was hit with precision and agility. Each trying to best the other by hitting with different styles and changes in speed as well as direction.

CRACK!

Impregnable defense; a spring across the breadth of the table; a feint to throw off their opponent's game.

CRACK!

The spectators let out a small gasp with every nail biting moment the little plastic ball impacted the paddle.

That's when it happened:

Tadokoro had a glint in her eye, in the split second our eyes met, right as her paddle struck the ball.

CRACK!

It seemed like everything was in slow motion as a blur of white got bigger and bigger while I barely had time to process, much less react.

SMACK!

A/N: Thank you for the reviews! I really appreciate them as one review is one support and motivation to hurry!

And I love hearing what you think as it helps me gauge if I have written just the right amount to build the scene and thoughts while not revealing what the other person is really thinking; just like you being there and interpreting the other person's motives and thoughts.

You help make me a better writer with your reviews! So please and welcome to drop one!

In this chapter: What do you think of Tadokoro? Think she should play a big part between our couple (DRAMA!), or something else? Let me hear it!

Hope you like this chapter!