Amnesia

Summary: She wasn't supposed to lose her memories, much less move into the same dorm of the person who caused it. She was supposed to live her life on a high pedestal far away from him. Instead, she fell for him...harder than she's willing to admit.

He wasn't supposed to be the cause of her amnesia, much less share his room with her. He was supposed to live his life far away from her. Instead, he stirred her feelings...oblivious while doing so. But he wasn't immune to her presence either.

Disclaimer: I do not own Shokugeki no Soma or its characters.

Prologue: First Meeting

It was a lovely day. The birds chirping their merry tunes as the sunlight revealed a grand mansion. The windows reflected off rainbows, coloring the morning dew that clung on the nearby branches. The immaculate, green lawn surrounding the mansion seemed to stretch on for miles. Despite the picturesque setting, a tiny figure could be seen, scurrying and paying no mind to the scenery. Instead, she furtively glanced around while clutching a file to her heart as if her life depended on it. As she glanced around, her pink hair swung wildly. Looking ahead, her eyes brightened and couldn't help the excitement bubbling inside her from spilling through her mouth.

"Erina-sama! Erina-sama, I have the file you want ‒" the figure half cried, half whispered before being hushed.

"Hisako, quiet down! I don't want to attract unnecessary attention." interrupted a soft but firm voice. The voice belonged to another girl of the same age as Hisako. She had honey blonde hair that complemented her unique magenta eyes. Despite her young age and the playfulness residing within her eyes, her demeanor was regal.

"Gomenasai, Erina-sama. I was too excited." replied the pink haired girl, her eyes lowered.

"Erina is just fine, Hisako," replied Erina, her eyes softening slightly.

"But ‒" protested Hisako.

"Hisako…," warned Erina, her voice containing a slight edge.

"E-Erina…" stammered the poor girl, her face red.

"See, that wasn't too hard," Erina smiled as she took the file, "Did anyone see this?"

"No, I made sure of that," Hisako replied proudly. She looked over at her friend, observing Erina's countenance.

"Yuki-hi-ra...Joichiro…? Why is it not Saiba?" Erina questioned, her brows furrowed.

"The information was not there," Hisako explained.

"Why would Saiba-sama, no, Yukihira Joichiro-san lie?" the blonde mumbled to herself. Her eyes clouded slightly as gears spun. What could a grown man gain by lying to a little girl? There weren't any advantages when a lie is discovered, at least, not if Nakiri Erina discovers herself being lied to.

"I've decided, Hisako. I'm going to question Saiba-sama of his intentions." Erina said, her eyes determined.

"Erina, you're not going to…," Hisako replied, realizing the direction this was going.

"Yes, we're going to make a trip to the Yukihira diner," Erina said, affirming her friend's suspicions. However, her determination decreased a little when she realized a problem. How was she supposed to arrive at the said location without anyone finding out?

As if reading her mind, Hisako offered slowly, "There is this thing call a taxi."

"Ta-xi?" Erina questioned, her mouth trying to get used to the foreign word.

"Hai, taxi. It's a commoner's style of having a driver to go to a place. However, I heard that they have to pay after their ride according to the distance." Hisako explained.

"Heh….to think that there's such a thing in this world. Though it is for a commoner, I guess I will...aboard...this taxi to find the truth." Erina replied firmly. But first, she'll have to find some clothes that don't scream 'ojou-sama'. Also, she needed to verify her allowance. Hopefully, the hefty amount she spent on her shoujo manga left her enough for this trip.

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Ignoring the suspicious glances the taxi driver shot in her direction, Erina gazed past the windows. It hadn't been difficult to shut any questions the driver had with her coldest stare. Besides, the numerous bills she seemed to carelessly grip didn't hurt either.

She hadn't been foolish enough to call a taxi service right outside of her home. She didn't doubt that her grandfather would notice her disappearance sometime soon. However, she had finished her taste tests for the day, so this shouldn't be a big problem. After all, Hisako ‒ the poor girl was sweating bullets ‒ was right next to her. Her grandfather trusted Hisako enough despite both girls being only four years of age.

The blonde's eyes glazed as she thought back to her first meeting with the unique chef a few months ago. The image of sunflowers and warmth was still etched in her mind. She didn't realize that food can contain such... richness. She had eaten more than her fair share of exquisite dishes to know that Saiba/Yukihira Joichiro was no ordinary chef. He had aroused her passion for becoming a chef with one dish. He was the chef that she wanted to become. She still feels giddy as she thought back to their promise. Even if it took years, she'll make a dish that will be worthy enough for her adored idol to taste.

"Erina-sama, we're here," said Hisako, interrupting Erina's thoughts abruptly.

"Ah," Erina blinked, "So we are. I'll get out alone." Knowing that there's no use in arguing, the pink haired companion nodded. Before putting on her shades, Erina gave her friend a reassuring smile and opened the taxi door. As she closed the door, she fixed her gaze towards the red sign that read 'Yukihira'. Despite its humble size, the blonde was able to hear the laughter and buzz from the diner. This confused her to no end. With the talent of Joichiro, he should've been able to have his own luxurious restaurant. Why is he working here? Determined, Erina released a breath. With trembling hands, she slid open one of the sliding doors. She didn't want to draw any attention, so a tiny crack was enough.

The scene playing out before her seems foreign. The wooden furniture and counter were unlike the rigid, classy restaurants she's dined before. Instead of a quiet setting, the diner was noisy with harmless chatter as the warm glow of the lights accentuates the warmth drawn from the scene. Realizing her lips have drawn to a slight smile, Erina forced herself to remain her poker face. She was a girl on a mission, not a girl losing her mind from a scene.

It didn't take long for her to spot her idolized purple-headed chef. He seemed relaxed and content. Erina wasn't sure how she should take it. Reluctantly, she told herself that she had confirmed what she wanted to know. Saiba-sama is Yukihira Joichiro, and he is the chef she acknowledged. Intruding anymore would make her nosy. Besides, she had left her wallet with Hisako in the taxi. It wasn't like she could go in there penniless. However, it wouldn't hurt to take a picture. Without a second thought, Erina focused the camera lens on her phone. As she clicked, a voice startled her, forcing her hand to lower abruptly. After struggling to grasp her phone, Erina looked up to find a pair of golden eyes staring at her. Realizing her predicament, Erina hardened her eyes, staring right back with her magenta eyes. Whoever this boy is, Nakiri Erina isn't one to back down, especially if the person had a stupid look on his face.

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It was a typical day for the Yukihira Diner. People buzzed in and out while enjoying their share of food. There were smiles painted on the faces in the diner. One of those smiles belonged to a four-year-old boy with shocking red hair. He was the son of the chef who owned the place. Despite his age, the little boy was carrying dishes from the kitchen to customers.

"Yo, Soma," a customer said, "How's it going?"

"It's going great!" smiled the boy, identified as Soma. Soma walks towards the customer as he is currently free from handing out orders.

"That's good. Tell your dad that his food is the best around here, no, the best in Japan!"

"No problem!" exclaimed a proud Souma.

"Thanks, buddy. Say, Soma, that little ojou-chan has been standing by the doorway for a while." pointed out the customer.

Soma directed his eyes to the entrance of the diner. There was indeed a little girl. Despite her features being covered by a hat, shades, and scarf, her dress gave away her gender. With her shades on, it was hard to determine which direction she was looking at until she drew out a phone. Suspicious of her actions, Soma walked towards the girl in a brisk pace.

"Hey, what are you up to?" asked Soma, staring at the startled girl. He was slightly amused at the girl who was trying to get a firm grip on her smartphone. During her struggle, her oversized shades slid to her nose, revealing a shock of magenta. He was intrigued as the girl hardened her eyes and stared back at him, challenging him.

"That's none of your business." the girl replied, her voice clipped. The tone of her voice made it seem as if she hadn't been caught peeping a few seconds ago. Refusing to back down, Soma responded back.

"It's my business if I see someone peeping at my family diner."

"I wasn't peeping!" the girl replied indignantly. Her calm facade seems to be cracking.

"Well, do you want to come in then?"

"Wha ‒ come in…?" the girl asked as if the thought never occurred to her.

"Unless you're too scared…" Soma goaded. He could see her mask crumbling. It was slightly funny to tease the unknown girl.

"How dare you assume such ‒ hey!" she exclaimed as Soma dragged her to an empty table. The boy didn't seem to notice her annoyance as he handed her a menu.

"Here's the menu. Pick what you want." he grinned.

"B-but…" she said hesitantly.

"It's okay, everything on here is delicious. I'm not just saying this because my dad's the chef here!" Soma replied reassuringly.

"But I don't...have any money." she murmured quietly, her face turning rosy.

Soma blinked before smiling his signature smile. "It's okay, I'll make a dish for free." He wasn't surprised when the girl looked at him as if he grew another head.

"You can cook." replied the girl, her voice lacing with doubt.

"Of course! Although I've just started learning a week ago, I know how to make one of the signature Yukihira dish. Wait for me." he said before rushing off. Soma was oblivious to his dad's questioning look as he prepared his dish. He was aware of his dad's worried glances as he fiddled with the pan with much vigor. No doubt, the older man was worried about his son being burned. However, Soma was too excited to think about the potential dangers he's putting himself in. The girl would be his first customer, and if he was lucky, she'll be the first person to experiment on a new dish he had invented. If he was going to win against his dad, he'll need someone to feed his dishes to. Soma finished adding his last touches and walk towards the girl he had dragged in. As he walks towards her, he noticed that she has removed her scarf and shades. He noted that she could be classified as 'cute' before setting the dish in front of her.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Here's the 8th dish of Yukihira's Secret Menu: Transforming Furikake Gohan. Dig in!" Soma watched excitedly as the girl in front of him hesitantly took a small bite. He watched as her eyes widen slightly with surprise. The simple gesture caused the redhead to grin. "So, how is it? It's delicious, right?"

"Well...it's not the worst, but this is a far cry from being delicious," she replied, her eyes narrowing with concentration, "You can tell that the dish is immature. The rice is slightly overcooked, and the taste of the chicken is slightly overpowering. Try and add a little bit more water, so the rice won't be as hard. Overall, I'll give it a five out of ten."

Soma stared at the girl, surprised. The girl was blunt and didn't bother to sugar-coat anything. Although she seemed as if she made a mistake, Soma brushed it off. "Are you a taster or a chef?" he asked, his dish forgotten.

"...I'm an aspiring chef," she replied, her eyes glancing in the direction of her idol.

"Hehh….You're not from here, are you?" Soma stated.

"No, I'm not."

"Why do you want to come here?"

"Because I wanted to see Sai...I wanted to experience new things as a chef." she corrected, hoping that the boy didn't notice her slip of the tongue. Despite catching her slip up, Soma decided to not press the issue any further. It seems as if the girl had experiences tasting dishes. This was better than he had hoped for.

"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that this," he said, pushing another dish forward, "is a new dish that I've invented." The girl looked slightly squeamish as she stared at the new dish. It looked offending with the shiny squid tentacles all squished together. She missed the predatory gleam of the companion in front of her as she slowly forced one tentacle past her lips. Disgusting!

"It's disgusting, right?" asked Soma, his voice filled with excitement. He was oblivious to the glare the girl sent towards him as he blabbed about the dish. "You see, I added these squid tentacles with pineapple juice and ‒ hey, where are you going?"

"Home." the girl emphasized with a glare as she recovered from the potent dish. She hurriedly snatched her belongings and dashed out the diner, giving a cold shoulder to Soma.

"But you forgot your...scarf." Soma trailed off, as the girl was already out of the diner. Slightly crestfallen, Soma picked up the dishes.

"Hey Soma, what did you feed that girl for her to rush off like that?" asked the customer who had pointed out the girl in the first place.

"Oh, you want to try? It's my new dish." Soma replied, his eyes brightened.

"Sure. By the way, who is she?" the customer asked, eating one of the squid tentacles.

"Saa… I forgot to ask." Soma replied, glancing at the entrance. He was oblivious to the paling face of the unfortunate customer as he went back to the kitchen. The rush hour has started, after all.

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Erina ran out of the diner as fast as her legs could carry her. The feeling of those slimy tentacles remained. How can one feed another person that thing? If only she hadn't let her guard down and let that boy drag her into the diner, this wouldn't have happened.

"Erina, are you feeling okay?" Hisako questioned, her face worried.

"I'll be alright in a minute or two," Erina reassured, motioning the taxi driver to drive. She pondered over the latest events during her ride home. At first, the red-headed boy had piqued her curiosity. After all, he is the son of Saiba-sama. Yukihira Soma was his name; at least, if she remembered correctly from the file Hisako had given her, it should be his name. She was mildly surprised that the boy who's the same age as she can cook...until he gave her that disgusting dish. She should've known that the taste was questionable with the atrocious display. All she had wanted was to take a picture. Speaking of picture, Erina fumbled in her pockets for her phone. She didn't have time to check the picture she had taken yet. She opened her lock screen and stared at it in disbelief.

Staring right back at her was a boy with shocking red hair. Erina felt tick marks forming as she trembled with anger.

'Yukihira Soma, I hate you!' she thought viciously, her eyes flashing dangerously.

From the diner, a boy with red hair felt a chill down his spine. It may have been spring, but the weather doesn't seem to agree with this fact.

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Hey guys! I'm finally back with the revised version. First things first, thank you so much for all of your support and understanding! I'm glad you guys were willing to wait. Hopefully, this chapter is satisfactory. Special thanks to Laury Rose (you may know her) who has been guiding me the past few days. I couldn't thank her enough. ^^

As you guys can guess, this is the first meeting between Soma and Erina. This is set in the time period slightly before Erina was taken away by Azami. I want to be straight with you guys. This time, Amnesia will have a more serious tone than previously written. It will be more psychological than I had thought. Also, I want to focus this story more deeply on the actions between Soma and Erina. Therefore, I'm not sure if I will incorporate any love rivals yet. I guess only time can tell. I'm sorry to those who really wanted this.

To wrap this rant up, I want to say thank you, once again. I really miss interacting with you guys and I hope you will enjoy Amnesia. Don't hesitate to message or give me feedback!

~Aqua :D

Thank you Eramis8, anzlie, MariTami, wtf, Alex-Grey-Fullbuster, Meazm, er kebbabaro, maddiesmt, susansalsabila15 for your reviews and support. ^^

P.S. I also realized that some missed the chance to read my note about revising/redoing Amnesia. My reason for doing this is because the direction it was going was confusing me. I don't know where it was going. I didn't want to create any confusion with readers, and I want to share my best work.