(3rd Person's POV)
It was night-time, the dark clouds were roaming in the sky as the final match was taking place.
Soma against Erina, the 'God Tongue'...
After everyone wore clothes again, and you wore your black chef attire, you stood with everyone else to watch the match.
"I will be the judge for the finals. The theme is...'A Dish the World Has Never Seen'. Give it all you have. Begin cooking!" Mana declared.
Soma sighed as he put a hand on his chin, and the other rested on his hip. "Good grief. First, a dish using the 'Five Grand Cuisines', and now, 'A Dish the World Has Never Seen'. Let's see...What should I mash together?" he grinned evilly.
Meanwhile, Erina has already begun chopping her ingredients with tremendous speed.
"Wow, she's fast" Kuga spoke, smiling. "She already knows what she's gonna make?", "Way to go, director!" Shoji and Daigo both cheered, holding the 'Polar Star' flag.
Takumi frowned suspiciously, "doesn't something seem wrong with her?". Megumi nods, "it's like she has no idea where she's headed, but something's pushing her to cook".
It was true, the way Erina's expression were visible, even if her back was facing the audience. You could feel the intensity in her.
-
Meanwhile...
(Senzaemon's POV)
"After Mana left the mansion, I came to this realization. That the tragedy that befell the prior 'God Tongues' and Mana would eventually befall Erina, too" I began explaining to chef Dojima as we were both watching the match.
*Flashbacks*
"I will not let Erina outside of Totsuki. I will enrol her in Totsuki from middle school" I spoke.
"What?" my son, Nakiri Soe asked.
"If we train Erina's skills to the fullest as a chef, we might be able to save her from being swallowed up in the storm" I said, crossing my arms.
"But father, it's always been custom to raise the Nakiri children outside of-...".
"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT CUSTOMS!!" I shouted angrily, facing my son as he gasped.
"I need you to gather the rocks that will help refine Erina's skills! 'The Generation of Prodigies'!" I demanded.
-
"Professor Hayama...I heard that Shiomi-Kun found a rather interesting boy overseas. Why don't we nurture this boy in Japan, at our school?" I asked.
-
My son then helped me gather everyone who are worthy in helping with my plan. Kurokiba Ryo, the Aldini brothers, Tadokoro Megumi, Mito Ikumi, Ibusaki Shun, Mimasaka Subaru, Yoshino Yuki, Sakaki Ryoko, and everyone, including Yukihira Soma...
And Eguchi (Y/N)...
"Mom! Dad! I wanna be a chef!".
Those were the words I heard when I was talking with one of their housekeepers on the phone, as I was about to request Eguchi Masahi. But since that day, I knew that her own feet dragged her to Totsuki, as destiny called her and Yukihira Soma.
*End of Flashbacks*
I was well aware that this was an arrogant plan that favoured my own flesh and blood. But I didn't care what I had to sacrifice. I would turn Erina into hope!
How do you like that, my daughter?! There is hope in cooking! I did all this to make you see that!
"I can truly sense your love for your daughter and granddaughter" chef Dojima said. "I'm nothing more than a doting parent and grandfather. And in the end, all I did was set the stage" I stated, seeing Erina breathing heavily.
-
Meanwhile...
(3rd Person's POV)
"Well, this is pretty boring" said a certain red head with an unimpressed look on his face after trying the honey-blonde girl's broth.
"How the hell am I supposed to be happy when I win if you look like that when you're cooking?" Soma glared at her, while she stared at him in disbelief.
He turned away and put on his headband. "All right, I know what I'm making. Just you wait, Nakiri Erina!" Soma declared with determination.
He quickly began cooking, as the girl stared at him with a frowning face.
"Seriously, what's with that fucking face of yours?" Soma mused.
"Better remove that irritating face of yours, Erina" you mused, glaring at her on the screen.
"We all know you're not like that" Soma thought.
"You're that bitch who always looks down on me and Soma from on high and provokes us!" you thought, clicking your tongue.
"That's who you are! That's been our whole history together! I'll wake your ass up, Nakiri. I'm making this dish just for you!" Soma thought, continuing his cooking.
-
Later...
"Sorry to keep you waiting" Soma served his dish, plainly. Not even a single spark of his usual goofiness was in sight on his face.
"Tell me. What is this dish?" Mana asked from behind the curtains.
"I'm glad you asked. It's a tempura bowl with egg as the main ingredient" Soma answered, as Erina softly gasped.
"Is it the dish from before?" Erina mentally asked herself.
*Flashback*
It was when she used to live at the 'Polar Star' dormitory during the Azami madness. When she was in Soma's room.
"Here you go, Nakiri Erina-dono. Today's the day I'll make you say 'delicious'!" Soma announced, as he served Erina his dish.
"It's a 'Chicken Egg Tempura Bowl'!" he presented proudly.
*End of Flashback*
"I made two bowls of this dish, so I'd like the bookmaster to eat it..." Soma said, then slowly approached Erina. "And you as well, Nakiri".
Erina blinked twice, flinching. "This isn't the same dish you had before. I couldn't make you say it was delicious the last time. I've actually been secretly...thinking about how I could change up the dish for a while now" he said, smirking.
"I call this my 'Soma-Style Eggs Benedict Over Rice Fit for a Queen'!".
Erina's eyes widened, "e-eggs benedict??". She remembered her egg dish from the camp of hell.
"Dig in" Soma said.
Erina hesitantly took the bowl, and she and Mana took their first bite.
*FOODGASM*
"How...How can this be so delicious?! The sauce that covers the whole dish...This is a Japanese-Style Hollandaise sauce accented with yuzu salt and soy sauce" Erina mused with a flustered face.
"Then there's pork grilled to a crisp that's balanced perfectly with the light flavours of the shio kombu and shiso leaves mixed into the rice" Mana thought, smiling.
"The star of the dish...the crispy tempura egg that melts on the top of your tongue...He must have deep-fried it after making it a poached egg" Erina thought.
"The egg white couldn't possibly be any softer...The yolk is velvety smooth, to the point that it's almost raw..." Mana thought.
"But the fact that he was able to bread that soft-boiled egg...and deep fry it while somehow retaining its shape...That's utterly impossible unless the chef has superhuman skill! Just how much did he actually improve?! And just for this dish..." Erina's thoughts were soon interrupted.
"The 'Eggs Benedict' takes you back, doesn't it? Instead of a muffin, I used the mixed rice you'd find at a Japanese diner, then I modified the poached egg, bacon, and Hollandaise sauce to fit my style" Soma said, crossing his arms.
Erina didn't respond, as she kept staring at the red head.
"Nakiri...Right now, you've completely forgotten who you're cooking for. Honestly, all that whining and whimpering...it's not like you at all. Quit worrying about pointless things and be true to yourself" he continued, then gestured to Mana as his golden orbs are still on Erina.
"Who do you want to cook for more than anyone in the world right now?".
Erina stayed silent the whole time, the only thing she did was eating the food in front of her like she has to.
Until a new sound of banging started to echo...
-
Meanwhile...
Asahi was standing a bit far away from the whole arena, wearing his clothes and his suitcase next to him.
It was only him until he heard footsteps crashing onto the grass...
The black-haired boy averted his gaze towards the person, but he wasn't surprised at all.
"What? Why're you here?" he asked, gazing back at the match. You approached and stood next to him.
"I wanted to keep away this time. I don't need to deal with the Nakiris gifting, again" you groaned with crossed arms.
Asahi glanced down at you and noticed that you're still wearing the black chef attire, and the red scarf around your neck.
"Why're you wearing that? You're not a 'Noir' chef anymore" he said with a serious tone. "Oh...I um...I like it. Can I keep it?" you responded, slightly blushing as you scratched the back of your neck.
Asahi's eyes widened; a tint of blush was on his cheeks as well.
"D-Do whatever you want...it's yours, anyway" he muttered, pouting.
In a moment, you saw everyone loses their clothes again. "Hahaha! Thank God I came up here! I can't deal with this gifting thing anymore" you chuckled.
Suddenly, an explosion stopped your laughter, making your face fill with shock.
Asahi didn't move a muscle, as he stood calmly, while you started freaking out. "WHAT THE FUCK?!!" you screamed. "Heeeeh?" Asahi smirked.
People were screaming, thinking that something's dangerous had happened. The next thing you knew, the dark clouds disappeared like magic, and the sky was clear, and the moon was shining above the building.
"Yukihira!", "Nakiri-San!" Takumi and Megumi called. "You've finally made the 'God Tongue' quiver!" Takumi cheered.
"That's amazing, Soma-Kun! You finally made Nakiri-San say something's del-..." Megumi said.
"It's disgusting" Erina blurted out. Shocking everyone.
"Ouch..." you muttered, holding in your laughter.
Erina slammed her palm on the counter, gaining her old, arrogant self-back. "It's utterly disgusting in comparison to the dish I'm about to present! Just you wait. I'll let you taste the best dish the 'God Tongue' has ever created!".
"Hehehe!" Soma had a sly smirk on his face. "WHY ARE YOU SMIRKING LIKE THAT?!!" Erina shouted angrily at him.
"Well, I mean...You're probably just going to be like that forever" Soma simply said. "I'M JUST LETTING YOU KNOW YOUR PLACE!" Erina yelled.
"Anyway, I still don't plan to let you beat me in the future, either!" she added with a determinant voice. "And I'm not planning on giving up, either. Not until I make you say 'delicious'!" Soma smiled smugly.
"Hmph!" Erina scoffed and continued cooking.
-
(Y/N's POV)
"So, what are you going to do now that you lost to Yukihira-Kun?" Asahi asked me.
I didn't respond as I thought about it for a moment, humming.
"I guess...nothing" I answered, he looked down at me. "What do you mean?".
"I reached the end of the road, Asahi. There's nothing for me to continue. Maybe after I graduate, I'll leaves this all behind. But my journey's over now" I said, a small smile made its way to my lips.
I felt Asahi turn to me and glares down at me. "You're telling me that you went through all the cruel trainings, the tough Shokugekis and camps until you reached the biggest championship in the world of culinary...just to stop?" he asked in a stern tone.
My smile faded as I looked up at him with a blank face. "And what's wrong with that?" I asked.
Asahi smirked, "then, I'll make sure that you never stop. I'm going to take you with me on the road and continue exploring forever".
"Tch, and how're you gonna do that since you're leaving?" I asked, scoffing and pointing at his suitcase.
He chuckled, "we'll meet again soon".
I smiled again, "you know, I hope so...". Asahi cleared his throat and took his suitcase.
"Goodbye, dandelion".
-
Later...
Erina won the 'BLUE' and held her trophy happily. Soma was pretty fussy about losing, but he couldn't hide his sweet smile.
While everyone was congratulating Erina, I ran towards Soma, who's back was facing me. And I hugged him tightly from the back.
"Woah! What the-...Who're you??" Soma asked, trying to look behind.
"It's me, silly Soma!" I said, giggling, and letting go. He turned to me, and his eyes widened, "E...".
I smiled; my eyes became teary all of a sudden. "Soma, I'm so sorry...for everything I did. I was just trying to keep you and everyone safe, and-...".
Suddenly Soma pulled me in a tight hug, I then heard him sniffing.
"I-Is he...crying??" I mentally asked with wide eyes.
"I-It's okay...I'm just glad you're safe" he choked, burying his face on my neck. I couldn't help but let my tears fall as I hugged him back, smelling the strong aroma of spices on his clothes.
We backed away a little, as I saw his golden eyes for once drowning in their own tears. I smiled as I cupped his cheeks.
"Soma, I'm so proud of you" I said, soothingly. He then smiled and hugged me again.
And we both cried in each other's hug...
-
Later, at the 'Polar Star' dormitory...
"All right, let's celebrate Yukihira's hard work!" Yuki announced loudly.
"CHEERS!!!!!" everyone yelled.
Everyone was chatting and laughing together. We made big feast to celebrate the huge success. Even though Soma lost, but we were still so happy for him!
But...
"Yukihira-Kun seems to be in a bad mood" Ryoko said, sweat dropping. "I can understand how he feels" Shun agreed.
"Soma~, sweetie. Why so grumpy~??" I asked, slightly pinching his cheek. "Damn it..." he groaned.
"Now, now, Soma-Kun", "Let's go all out tonight!", "You got 2nd place! You should be proud!" Megumi, Yuki, and Niku tried to cheer him up, too.
"Dad!" Soma called his dad, who's in the middle of a conversation with my dad.
"I'm gonna re-train!" Soma announced with a clenched fist. "I didn't achieve my goal of taking the top at the 'BLUE', so I'm not fit to take over 'Yukihira' just yet!".
"I mean, you've already got my approval, but..." his dad said, smiling.
"Once I get stronger, I'll come back and ask you to let me take over!" Soma declared, huffing his cheeks.
"Actually, you can take over already...Not that he's listening" his dad muttered. My dad chuckled, "you have a pretty persistent son, Joichiro".
I then heard Isshiki-Senpai talk to Nene.
"You worked so hard, Kinokuni, even though roughhousing didn't seem to be your thing" he said. "More importantly, why are you the only one here naked than that stupid apron?! You idiot!" Nene complained.
Isshiki-Senpai happily wiggled his ass, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"You idiot...idiot...Y-Your butt...idiot!!" Nene became a stuttering mess, as I kept laughing.
That's our stripper!
-
The next day...
I was sweeping the dorm's floor angrily, growling at anyone who walks near me.
I can't believe he would just fucking go like that!
"Bastard...Idiot...Asshole...Stupid..." I grumbled.
*Flashback*
I was with Takumi, Megumi, Niku, Alice and Ryo outside at the balcony, when Soma's dad showed us a letter.
From Soma...
I quickly took the paper and read it.
"
Yeah, I'm gonna be training overseas or something.
Probably for several months.
Yukihira Soma.
"
My eyes widened, and my hands started shaking.
"WWWWHHHHHAAAATTT????!!!"
*End of Flashback*
I kept sweeping the floor, as I felt something stream down my cheeks.
I was crying...
I wiped them away as I continued what I'm doing.
"Soma, you bastard...You better call" I muttered, silently crying.
-
A few days later...
We found out that Asahi was actually Erina's brother.
Wow...
And to think he wanted to marry his own sister. But the good thing was they're not exactly blood-related, since he's from another mother.
They've taken him in, and he's Nakiri Asahi...
Erina wouldn't leave me the fuck alone, as she kept insisting that I should be an elite ten member. Eventually, I agreed and now I'm the current 2nd seat of the elite ten.
Things are hectic as usual. There're students who request me for a Shokugeki, and I never fail to win!
I'm also trying to search for good universities, since I'm planning to go to college after I graduate Totsuki. I was considering a business major.
Everything's happening so fast...
-
6 months later...
(3rd Person's POV)
You're now a third year. And since that day, you haven't heard from Soma...
It pained you how he never called or texted you. You were in your school office, rummaging through papers, as the sunset was lighting the gloomy room, filling it with warmth like it was hugging it.
*Ding*
You gazed at your phone and saw that you have a text message. Probably from one of your friends, since you gave up hoping that Soma will ever send you anything.
But oh, were you wrong...
You gasped sharply as you stared at your phone, the hand holding it was shaking. You wanted to ask the person if this is some kind of a sick joke, you wished it was a dream that's lying to you.
But what was in front of you, was so real...
-
Soma: Meet me at 'Yukihira's Diner'
-
Instantly, you got up and stormed out of the office, running like it'd be too late if you didn't move any faster. Ignoring people's calls, dodging any obstacles that were in your way, until you reached the shopping district.
Your heart was beating so fast, you were sweating, and you were almost out of breath.
But you didn't stop...
You won't stop until you reach the wooden door of that diner...
And finally, you did...
Sliding the door open with all your might, you see a certain red head with two golden eyes, standing behind the counter.
He turned to look at you with a big smile on his face.
"Ooooh, E! Glad you're here, I'm making some food right now" he casually spoke.
"S-Soma...is...is that r-really you?" you choked, tears streaming down your cheeks. Your legs were so tired that you fell on the ground.
You then heard him move, coming out from behind the counter, rushing to you. "Oi, you okay?" he asked, frowning.
You panted as you bit your lips, thirst was drying up your mouth. You looked at him, as you felt rage building up inside you.
"Okay? Do you think I'm...okay?" you asked, whispering angrily. "Huh?" Soma had a puzzled look on his face.
"I'M NOT OKAY!! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I WAS?!! YOU NEVER CALLED! YOU NEVER TEXTED!! SO HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO BE OKAY?!!" you snapped, slapping him everywhere.
"OW! OW! OW! I'M SORRY!! I'M SORRY!!" he cried.
"THAT IS ENOUGH!!" you heard Erina shout, which made you stop. You looked up at her, and sighed deeply.
"Ugh, fine. Help me up, Soma" you held out your hand, but Soma groaned and carried you bride-style, which surprised you. Placing you on a chair, he handed you and Erina two glasses of cold water.
"So, what would you two ladies like to eat?" he asked with a soothing voice. You and Erina looked at each other, and smiled.
"Let's see what you've got" you said, smirking. "We'll take the chef's special" Erina added with crossed arms.
Soma wore his white headband, "comin' right up". He began cooking, while you and Erina waited.
It was peaceful inside the diner, and cosy. Oh, how you longed for this day...
"Welcome home, Soma-Kun!" you heard Megumi say. You turned your head and saw everyone.
"Hey, looks like everyone's here" Soma said, smiling. "Do you have enough ingredients?" Erina asked.
"So, this is the Yukihira's home, the one I've heard so much about" Marui stated. "It's a nice place, just as I imagined it'd be" Shun added with a warm smile.
"That shopping district out there is awesome!", "There was a cutie at the bento shop, too!" Shoji and Daigo said.
"You've got some nerve leaving behind your elite ten duties" Hayama blurted out. "We had to do your work for you, Yukihira-Kun! It was such a pain!" Alice complained.
"Though you basically made us do it" Ryo said, nonchalantly. Alice huffed her cheeks.
"For now, why don't you guys have some appetizers while you wait?" Soma asked.
"Oooh, I want some!" Yuki said, impatiently.
"Here, squid legs and peanuts soaked in coffee, habanero sweet and sour pork style, stewed in mint sauce" he suddenly showed an unbelievably revolting dish.
"OH GOD, NOOO!!" you suddenly shrieked.
Soma's face turned into pure evil, "come on, no need to hold back!". He shoved the gross squid in everyone's mouth.
*GROSS FOODGASM*
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"
"DISGUSTING!" Erina yelled. "Yukihira-Kun!" she called, angrily.
"Well? Isn't that disgusting on another level?" Soma chuckled with crossed arms.
"I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS, SOMA!!" you shouted, shivering at the gross taste.
The red head grinned, "glad you liked it! Hehehe".
Despite the grossness you felt on your tongue...
You didn't want this moment to end...
-
Chapter End.