Final Part: A Clash of Feelings

"Well, well, it has been a few years since a Shokugeki has ended so interestingly," Nakiri Senzaemon guffawed at the scene that had unfolded. Slamming his foot on the desk and resting his exposed arm on his thigh he grinned at the pair. His disrobed state was the last remaining proof of the tense atmosphere of the contest as well as the fact that both cooks had given their all.

The crowd hushed from its initial excitement, which had them focusing on both contestants skills as the famous transfer student and a runner up of the august election who had captured the hearts of the judges. The screams and cheers quickly died down as the contestants presented their plates and preceded to hand each other a portion much to their own surprise as they mimicked one another. Even the audience had raised a few brows at this action. It was not uncommon for opponents to taste the specialty prepared by their rival but to actually prepare a dish just for the other was unusual.

"Tadokoro's mango chutney was a fresh addition that took the chicken by hand as if it proclaimed its love in its truest form," he explained knowing well the contestant's mind was elsewhere, "That is, the ability to push forward the brilliance of one's love, the chicken's taste was emphasized, and my excitement rivalled the day I first held my grandkids,"

He waited, having already captivated the audience whose focus shifted from the chefs to the dean before adding the next part.

"When I first realized I was in love with my wife I was filled with a fresh sense of understanding and juvenile giddiness, that was what the apple in Souma's dish made me recall, the discovery of something wonderful truly is thrilling," he chortled acknowledging the fact the neither the young girl nor the lad needed to win this contest anymore, probably, "And since my fellow judges have come to a standstill, my vote goes to both, this is a draw that should be settled between these promising youngsters with a quick talk,"

Meanwhile as this entire scene unfolded, said couple had not moved since the first bite into their dishes. Souma had felt the typical warmth from Megumi's dishes, only tenfold this time and his hand reached for his chest as he felt his heart pulsate wildly.

BADUMP

He felt the weight of her emotions compel him and it sent him flushing with all the thoughts beginning to whirl in this state. This dish scrapped away all of his tiredness and spoke to him loudly. An image portrayed itself in his mind and Souma was very sure he could not just see but feel Tadokoro take his hand into hers, which were softer than his but still showed the signs of weariness only someone used to working in a kitchen could have. He was brought back to reality by the sensation of a fluffy, warm texture pressing onto his cheek. Blinking away his surprise he noticed they had been Megumi's lips.

'Ah,' the boy squeaked placing a hand on the nap of his neck feeling rather sheepish and locking eyes with an equally red faced Megumi. The girl was too darn cute, so much so his heart skipped a beat once more.

Megumi was incredulous herself as she patted her back. The sensation of Souma's hand on the small of her back was still vivid. He had appeared with offering her a basket of apples, which was silly enough to be just like him. She had giggled as he moved her closer, pressing a hand on her back and positioned himself next to her. Then he had offered her his arm and the fact that he was offering this dish to her came to hit her like a fresh summer breeze.

"Cook for a person you hold dear…I see…" a small smile spread across the transfer student's softening features.

"Huh?" Megumi grunted in question to the mumbling of her rival and precious one. He had brought her out of her dream like state and confusion repeating the words she had once confided to him.

"I didn't even realize I was cooking for you this whole time," he grinned raising his hand in offering, "I think I get it now, why your cooking is so special,"

'Megumi cooks thinking kindly of her clients, and she delivers by thinking hard if her special someone would adore her meal,' he nodded before passing a hand through his hair in an awkward and joyful manner, 'It's me, she brings out this awesome taste thinking of me!"

"I…" Megumi stuttered feeling her eyes all prickly, warning her of her emotional state.

"I like you too," he blurted grinning as she took his hand.

"I like you so much Souma," she replied bursting into tears, "I'm so glad…I'm so glad it reached you,

In one quick motion Souma pulled her into his arms and he squeezed down on her tiny frame as the laughter escaped. He didn't know how to feel with all rollercoaster ride of a showdown they had. He could only laugh and soon his boyish chortles were accompanied by his partner's quiet and girlish giggles.

"Stupid, your dish told me loud and clear," he mumbled into her hair. Her smell invaded his nostrils, a mixture of mango, chicken and a homely scent he couldn't quite place. Souma wanted to drown in its comfort.

The crowd was still watching them all but forgotten however they most certainly could not ignore this confession. It would spread quite quickly thanks to the schools newspaper, the news of the Shokugeki that brought out love between students and many couples would emulate it. The prize was completely disregarded yet the way the polar star dorm students congratulated the two firmly and with much fervor told Megumi and Souma they might have won something better this time.

Then again, it wouldn't be Souma if he didn't nag her to make her dish again so he could figure out a way to improve his style. Megumi sighed but happily complied, for what greater joy is there than for the person you're in love with to admire your cooking and watch them eating with almost childlike enthusiasm.