[Your Point of view]
** alarm ringing **
I woke up and rubbed my eyes. I then went to take a bath and wore my Totsuki Uniform. I went downstairs then heard the door bell ringing.
Ah! it must be Mitsuru! that shorty from Journalism Club. I then looked at Soma who was walking towards the door.
“Ohayou! Soma.” I greeted then smiled.
“Oh! (Reader)-chan Ohayou!” Soma greeted and winked at me before opening the door.
I then peeked behind Soma.
“Yukihira-senpai, Yamaguchi-senpai! The real deals. Wow!” Mitsuru said; his eyes were beaming. Soma pushed him on the floor trying to break his arm.
“Ittai!! What was that for!?” Mitsuru cried out so I walked to him and pinched his cheeks.
“Wahhh! Soma look at him. Isn't he cute?” I asked.
Soma scoffed, “Gomen, I thought you're one of Mimasaka's spies.”
“I'm Sotsuda Mitsuru. I'm a 3rd year in Totsuki's junior high division and a member of the journalism club!” he said handing Soma a newspaper.
“Gah Soma he's really cute! Neh Neh Mitsuru-chan I want to make you my keychain!” I squeaked and pinched his chubby cheeks again.
“Uwaah Yukihira-senpai tasukete! Yamaguchi-senpai is scary.” Mitsuru cried out then Soma laughed and pulled me beside him.
I pouted. “Boooooo don't be like that!”
“The entire campus is buzzing with talk about you, Yukihira-senpai!” Mitsuru said. “So, I have a favor to ask. Can I get exclusive rights to your story this week, until the Shokugeki happens? When I first saw you at the prelims, I was so impressed.” he added.
“Woww! Soma has a fan.” I said poking Soma's side.
“I never get big stories because I'm still one of the junior high underlings at the newspaper, but I bet if I could write a good story about someone like the both of you, I'd become a legit journalist!” Mitsuru said then beamed.
“Gah! A kawaii attack!” I yelled as I cover my nose.
“Please!” Mitsuru plead but then Soma pulled me inside.
“Yada.” Soma told Mitsuru before closing the door.
“Ah! Senpai please wait!” Mitsuru yelled outside.
“Soma you shouldn't treat kawaii kouhais like that.” I said while Soma groaned.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“Yukihira-senpai! Yamaguchi-senpai!! Please let me write about you!” Mitsuru said bowing while holding a camera.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“Please!” Mitsuru said bowing while holding out a towel to Soma.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~ ( 🍽 ) ~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“I'm begging you!” Mitsuru said still bowing while holding out a lunch box to us.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~ ( 🍽 ) ~ ( 🍽 ) ~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“Arigato Gozaimasu!” Mitsuru said. “I'm so happy to get to write a story about you!”
“Kawaii!!!!!” I said then went to get something from my bag. “Neh neh Mitsuru-chan, can you wear this up?” I asked while showing a maid's uniform.
“Ehh!? No please.” Mitsuru said which made me pout. Soma on the other hand, pulled me by my hand.
“Calm yourself, (Reader)-chan.” Soma said laughing as I sat down on the stool grinning.
“Alright, I'm going to play for a while.” I said and took my phone out.
“Everyone else has practicums in the afternoon so, it's helpful to have someone who can be an objective taste tester.” Soma said.
“So, you'll finally be testing your beef stew recipe!” Mitsuru said. “It's a dish that rests in two pillars, simmered beef and demi-glace sauce, so it may sound simple but...”
“Some restaurants that specialize in Western cuisine simmer the demi-glace sauce for 2 weeks.” Soma said.
“But you must be pretty confident, since you still picked this dish.” Mitsuru said.
“Hmm, let's let you have a taste to see if I'm actually confident!” Soma answered. He then sprinkled pepper on to the meat then placed it in the pan.
“It already smells heavenly.” Mitsuru commented.
“If you gather parsley, thyme, bay leaf, and tarragon into a bouquet garni, it's easy to remove them after they've already flavored the dish.” Soma said.
“Oh, what a nice color!” Mitsuru beamed; I was pretty sleepy so I decided to take a nap.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~ After 20 minutes ~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“Hey (Reader)-chan, wake up.” Soma said so I did. “Does anyone else we know have a good sense of taste?” he asked.
I yawned and stretched my arms. “Erina.” I replied.
“Oh right!! Let's go Mitsuru, (Reader)-chan.” Soma said then dragged me with him as I lazily walked. When we were outside the Nakiri's gate, we met Kuro and Alice.
“Yukihira Soma and (Reader)-chan!” Alice beamed and hugged me as I hugged back. “What are you doing here?”
“We're here to visit the other Nakiri.” Soma replied.
“Oh? Erina? She's inside.” Alice said and gave us the directions.
“Thanks, you're a great help.” Soma replied smiling.
“By the way, Kuro congratulations on winning.” I said. Kuro looked at me and pinched my cheeks. “Ittai! What the-!”
“Smile.” Kurokiba said which made me frown.
“(Reader)-chan, Ryo-kun is just worried about you. Ever since Aldini Takumi lost you weren't your usual self.” Alice said so I looked at Kuro then pinched his cheeks too.
“Aww~ Kuro is worried about me that's cute.” I said then laughed when he pushed me softly. “I'll see you around.” I said waving at them.
When we got outside Erina's house, Soma rang the doorbell. Then we saw the door bursted open revealing Erina smiling.
“I've been waiting for you!” Erina said then her smile quickly dispersed.
“Really? That's perfect!” I teased which made Erina blush.
“Hey, if you're not busy, can you taste-test my dish?” Soma asked.
“Yu... Yu.. Yukihira Soma?!” Erina screamed. “Yamaguchi (Reader)?!”
“Nice smile!” Mitsuru said showing us the photo he just captured.
“Yeah, I'm glad she's so happy to see us.” Soma said.
“She's probably expecting someone else.” I replied grinning.
“Why are you here?!” Erina asked us. “Why didn't the guards stop you?!”
“Well, we met your cousin in front of the gates, and she said we could come in.” Soma said.
“To think that Nakiri Erina-senpai, the one who possesses the God Tongue will taste-test your dish!” Mitsuru beamed.
“I heard you've had a conversation while riding in the same car before.”
“Stop joking around!” Erina yelled; obviously pissed. “Listen! Before I do a taste-test for anyone, they have to follow a--”
“Let's trade.” I said smiling.
“H-hah? Do you have any money on you right now?” Erina asked.
“I know someone in my dorm who has a complete set of that manga.” I said pointing the manga she's holding.
“R-really?” she asked so I nodded. She then flipped her hair while blushing. “I could try your dish as a special favor, for today only!” Erina said.
“Okay thanks for the help!” Soma said.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~ Kitchen ~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“I simmered beef rib meat with herbs. The demi-glace sauce is homemade.” Soma said. “The secret ingredient is--”
“White miso.” Erina said. “I would ask you to not underestimate me. I can tell that much before I even taste it.” Erina said looking at Soma.
Erina then put a spoonful of it in her mouth. “How is it?” Mitsuru asked. “Isn't it amazing? I was so impre--”
“It's not any good.” Erina commented. “I'm sure it's good enough for a diner catering to the general public, but you are competing in a festival of gourmet food.”
“This is out of question. It's a joke.” Erina said looking at Soma. “You don't understand anything about the match's topic.” she added.
“Well, I must ask you to leave.” Erina replied.
“Wait. Nakiri-senpai, what do you mean?” Mitsuru asked. “Why is the beef stew out of the question?”
“It's just like I said, the dish is as if...” Erina then stopped. “Never mind. I don't have anything more to say to you. Excuse me.” she said then closed the door.
Soma and Mitsuru sighed but then Erina opened the door again.
“Regarding compensation for the taste-testing service, I'll consider it done if you can lend me the rest of this series.” she said showing us the manga.
I stared at her before giggling, which made her face even redder. We were now heading towards the dorm.
“I didn't think that she'd flat-out reject it. I could've kept on eating that beef stew forever because it was so tasty!” Mitsuru said; looking gloomy.
“She really did trash my dish, huh?” Soma asked.
“She had nothing positive to say! She didn't even give you any helpful hints.” Mitsuru said; looking frustrated.
“Oh? She did.” I said making both of them look at me.
“Yes, what Nakiri said... Something bothers me about it.” Soma added while deep in his thought.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~ Another Day ~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“Hmm...” Soma hummed while sitting cross legged on a stool.
“U-um, Yukihira-senpai!” Mitsuru called out. “Why don't we go for a change of pace?” he said then showed us the Totsuki newspaper.
“Look! In the most recent edition of Totsuki Sports, there's an article about the judges in the semi-finals!” Mitsuru added.
“Oh, so Dojima-senpai, Mizuhara-senpai, and Hinako-senpai are all coming.” Soma said so I peeked behind him.
“All the former second seat of the Elite Ten are going to be there.” I said while holding my chin.
“Heeh... It's been a while.” Soma said.
“Come to think of it, Hinako-senpai's topic for us at camp was a Japanese main dish. It's kind of similar to this match's topic.” Soma said.
Then we all turned our heads when the door opened. “Nikumi? / Oh Iku-chan!” Both Soma and I greeted. “What's wrong? Did something happen?”
“Just a care package.” Nikumi said handing a bag to Soma. “It's only because of our ties to Don RS! It's not that I'm trying to root for you. I just don't want a bastard like Mimasaka winning, that's all.” Iku said looking away.
“Thanks, Nikumi.” Soma said so I walked to Iku and pat her head.
“You're so cute Iku-chan, you could be honest sometimes you know.” I said grinning.
“L-like I just said, It's not for you! Anyway, I won't let you lose to that jerk or quit being a chef okay, Yukihira?!” Iku yelled blushing.
Soma then smiled while waving at Iku. After Iku disappeared from our sights Soma opened the package. “Oh, there's beef rib, tenderloin, and even beef round.” Soma said then I picked Mitsuru by his collar.
“Yamaguchi-senpai?” Mitsuru asked me then I threw him outside the door.
“I'm grateful to you, Mitsuru. I'm glad you've been around. But from now on, no journalist allowed!” Soma said then I waved at Mitsuru before closing the door.
“What?? Oh no! What about exclusive rights to your story?” Mitsuru said knocking on the door so I giggled. “Senpais!”
~ ( 🍽 ) ~ Another Day ~ ( 🍽 ) ~
Late at night, I was in the kitchen accompanying Soma while he's cooking. “Shouldn't you sleep (Reader)-chan?” he asked so I shook my head.
“Nah, I'm going to accompany you.” I said smiling.
“Arigatou.”
( 🍽 ) ~ Day of Semi Finals ~ ( 🍽 )
Soma and I went to Takumi and Isami's place. I decided to wait outside their door while Soma went ahead of me.
I sat on the floor beside the door and leaned on the wall.
I looked at the time using my phone. It was already late; the match is already halfway then suddenly the door opened.
“Huh / Oh?” Taku and Isa's surprised face looked at me.
“Ah, Finally I was waiting for the both of you.” I greeted. “I've come to pick you up.” I said then smiled.
We then rode a car sent by father. I was busy playing with my phone then Taku suddenly talked. “Do you think Yukihira will win?” he asked.
I smirked then looked at him. “Yep, especially when he's determined to save a friend.” I said. Taku then looked at me surprised. “Ah, I lost.” I mumbled.
“Yamaguchi-sama we're here.” the driver said so I nodded.
“Thank you.” I said before opening the door and exiting.
~ ( 🍽 ) ~
“So, light! So tender!” Inui-senpai commented.
“This flavor goes far beyond the realm of possibility with profiling.” Mitsuhara-senpai said.
Then the crowd went wild when the judges commented. I sat on the railings while looking at Soma. Mimasaka then laughed maniacally.
{ New Mission Unlocked: ??? }
A screen said popping out of nowhere.
'Question Mark?' I asked then suddenly my hand moved on its own.
“Watch out-!” I yelled when my hand shot a knife at Mimasaka as his braided hair fell down.
“How foolish, Yukihir--”
'Holy Crap- What the hell?' I cursed inside my head. I felt my throat became dry.
“Ahh! / Mimasaka just got a haircut! / Who is it? / It's Yamaguchi-sama! / Is she rooting for Yukihira?” the students murmured.
My body moved on its own again and jumped off the railing and ran near the stage. 'Crap Crap Crap- Make it stop!'
{ “Granted” }
I sighed relief when my feet stopped. “Yo Soma.” I said raising my hand so he smiled. “Oh? Mimasaka!! N-Nice haircut!” I said smugly.
“Tch.. Don't get cocky because Yamaguchi-sama is rooting for you. It's the last dish you'll ever serve to a costumer.” Mimasaka told Soma then Soma smirked.
“You make me sad, Mimasaka. See, I also had faith in you. I also thought about you all last week.” Soma said so I decided to break the tension.
“Ah, Soma! You like Mimasaka?” I asked which made everyone froze.
“Ehh!? No, I don't!! I didn't mean it that way!” Soma said then the tension dropped and the crowd was filled with laughter.
Then Soma smiled and gave me a thumbs up before doing his thing.
“Well, here you go... Enjoy. It's the Yukihira-Style Beef Stew- The Autumn Election Special!” Soma said as he presented his dish.
“This'd better not be a joke. I've never seen a beef stew like thi-”
“What do you mean? It is beef stew. That's all just garniture.” Soma said.
“All garnish? / The smoky fragrance of charcoal... / It's cooked just right.” the judges said. After they ate it...
“Impossible. How could he improvise that?!” Mimasaka asked.
“To be honest, I was thinking along the same lines as you. About using a strongly flavored garniture like smoked bacon to strengthen the flavor. But that wouldn't be right. That wouldn't be my own cooking. I wanted something where a wide range of flavors and ingredients would gather into a single dish.” Soma said.
“We'll now enter the final assessment. This concludes round one of the Autumn Elections' Semi-Finals, and the Shokugeki! Judges, please cast your vote!”
“Now, what is the outcome?! A unanimous vote! Candidate Yukihira Soma has won the Shokugeki and will proceed to the finals!” the emcee announced.
“Glad you enjoyed it!” Soma said then took his headband off. I then raised my hand then he gave me a high-five.
“Good job Soma!” I said smiling.
“Impossible, no one can escape my profiling!” Mimasaka muttered.
“If that's what you think, you should taste this too!” Soma said as he gave Mimasaka a plate.
“With this Shokugeki, Mimasaka Subaru has lost all rights to these tools. Yukihira Soma, I understand you wish to return all of them to their former owners. Is that correct?” the judge asked.
“Yup.” Soma said.
{ New Mission Unlocked: Console Mimasaka and Befriend him. }
{ Reward: New Ally }
'What? I just threw a knife at him though. But he'd be useful in the future so-'
I went to Mimasaka as he looked at me. “What? Are you going to laugh at me too?” Mimasaka said as he stared at my eyes. So, I smiled and pat his head.
“I'm sorry... It must've been hard for you, right? You just wanted your father to appreciate you but instead he judged you.” I said then he teared up. “Let's be friends alright, Mima-kun?” I asked sincerely.
He then nodded as tears comes out from his eyes. “Thank you, Yamaguchi-sama.” Mimasaka said.
“(Reader) is fine.” I said so he nodded while wiping his tears.