Author's Notes: The events are inspired by Chapter 230: Aim for Victory, and even if you haven't read the manga, I think it's a nice read for a bit of Megumi X Shinomiya fluff. :)

Background:

Tootsuki is currently in turmoil with the new school administration as Azami Nakiri tries to create what he seems to think as the perfect world of culinary cuisine. Most research societies in the school have been shut down, and a dictatorship on classes and exams have been catered to fit into Azami Nakiri's unrealistic vision. Majority of the gang failed the promotions exams as they were considered as rebels of the academy. Soma, being one of the few who passed, made a bet to have everyone be re-admitted to the school if they win through an irregular shokugeki against the new elite ten. Megumi was also fortunate enough to be one of the few who passed as she can be an additional member to Soma's team. Now here they are being trained by renowned chefs, Jouichirou, Doujima and Shinomiya Kojiro.

Restraint

It was grueling to be trained up to the core especially if you're under the wing of the Magician of Legumes, Shinomiya Kojirou. Megumi froze the moment she found out that Shinomiya will be directly training her in preparation for the Regiment de Cuisine. The memory of their unofficial shokugeki at the training camp still haunted her, but if she were to win a challenge against the elite ten, she had to go through him...

Weeks have passed and the last day of training ended. While everyone left, Megumi stayed in the now empty kitchen. She sat down on one of the stools in-front of the counter, hands almost praying as she reflected on her lessons with Shinomiya. One ingredient after another, one cooking technique after the next, and even through a wave of scolding, she was in utmost joy as soon as she was able to finally present a dish that made her mentor speechless.

After a daily surge of adrenaline over the weeks, her body was finally aware of all her exhaustion from the training. The pressure that comes with their plans of saving her friends and Tootsuki have been reawakened. The burden was there, and she was uncertain if she was strong enough to carry over this.

If it was any of the other girls, it wouldn't be this stressful... Erina... Alice... Nikumi... They have much more confidence. Yuki always has that unwavered positivity regardless of the situation... but they're not here... and they're completely relying on me now…

The exhaustion, the pressure... They were about to come out through her eyes… Before the new wave of thought came, a scent of cranberry tea wafted through the air. The detoxifying smell abruptly cleared her mind. She followed the source which made her turn right up and saw Shinomiya about to serve her a cup.

"Are you saving your worries so you can lose and ruin me as your mentor?" he said coldly placing the cup of tea infront of her.

"No, that is not my intention at all!" she quickly replied flustered.

Shinomiya glared at her and sighed. "Drink" he commanded.

Megumi nodded. "Yes senpai... Thank you for this..." said Megumi blushing with embarrassment as she picked up the cup and inhaled the sweet aroma of the cranberry infused in her drink.

Shinomiya sat down on the stool beside her. He brought his own cup to his lips, and as he did, his eyes caught Megumi drowning once again in her thoughts. Not very long ago when he arrived, his presence made Megumi nervous, and now, she seems to have gotten used to him.

"Are you still able to remember the techniques I taught you?" Shinomiya asked.

"Yes senpai… I've tried to learn them by heart" she responded.

Shinomiya continued to ask her numerous questions, and Megumi answered all of them diligently.

Shinomiya-senpai… He looks like he's challenging me with what I know, but coming here despite his schedule, he must have really wanted to support us with our plans… but…

Megumi remembers the pressure of the the Regiment de Cuisine. If in any way she causes for the team to lose, the others will be dropped out of Tootsuki. Everyone's effort… Everything they've worked hard for... will go down the drain because of her...

Shinomiya continued with his questions. "And what would happen if you mix..."

"I'm really sorry Senpai..." Megumi interrupted. Her nerves spilled uncontrollably. Her whole body was shaking. "I can't help but think that I might disappoint everyone..." she blurted out with all her worries poured.

"I know" he replied casually. "That's a given"

"I'm sorry…" said Megumi once again with her voice trembling. "It's just that... Everyone believing in me… They believe in me so much, it scares me..." her voice echoed her fear.

"All the more reason that you should win." he reasoned. Shinomiya took a sip from his cup then continued. "A country bumpkin now turning to some rebel who plans to save her friends… You don't justify their faith in you by looking down on yourself."

Megumi's eyes widened with full realization. Shinomiya-senpai is right... I shouldn't return their trust with self-doubts.

"Senpai..." Megumi looked up at him. Shinomiya stared down at Megumi with much pride with what they both have accomplished as teacher and student.

"Tadokoro, this challenge might be tough, but you already did your job strengthening your chance of winning by going through this training." he said.

Megumi showed a determined look and nodded. "I promise to do my best." she said enthusiastically.

"I expect no less." he grinned and went back to his cup to take another sip.

"Will you be watching us?" she asked with much hope, her fists balled up on her chest.

"Unfortunately I can't." he said sternly.

"I see..." Megumi lowered her head disheartened. It was only normal for Shinomiya to be busy with his new restaurant, but she somehow wanted him to be there. Shinomiya is a little scary but she wanted him to see her flourish through the challenge because of their effort. She wanted to show him that coming over to train her was not a waste.

"Tadokoro..." Shinomiya turned to fully face her and cupped her chin up so their eyes can meet.

"To witness how much you've grown... perhaps it was worth the trip." he said.

Megumi's heart pounded as Shinomiya's palm rested on the side of her face. Her doubts were replaced with the warmth and comfort of her senpai's touch. Megumi's heartbeat quickened with her blood rushing up to her as her senpai brushed her cheek with his thumb. They gazed at each other for a while. Megumi's mind thought that this should not be happening... but it feels... right... and pleasurable...

"If Tootsuki ever fails to keep you, then I will take you as my responsibility" he said with much empathy.

"Senpai..." she barely uttered. She broke their gaze and his hold by looking down and nodding. "Thank you..."

Shinomiya smiled and tapped Megumi's head. "I should head off then. Clean this up for me" he said imperatively. He stood up and shoved the empty cup towards her. He started walking towards the door.

Megumi had so much to say. Is thank you enough? It might be some time before she sees him again.

She took a deep breath and with courage she called out. "Senpai!"

Shinomiya looked back.

"Shinomiya-senpai… When I win, please promise to come back..." she pleaded. "Come back so we can cook together..."

Shinomiya smiled "I'll see you soon then." and he walked out of the room.

Megumi touched her cheek then took a few more sips from her cup.

At the halls outside the kitchen, Doujima was waiting for Shinomiya. His arms crossed and his back resting on the wall.

"You don't seem to be ready to leave" Doujima teased.

"I've stayed here for too long" answered Shinomiya passing by him.

"Don't worry. We'll take care of them. That includes Tadokoro."

Shinomiya just smirked.

Author's Notes: So I recently watched the anime and realized the difference.

SPOILER COMING THROUGH

In the manga, Shinomiya was not there to watch Megumi's bout at the Regiment de Cuisine. In the anime though, it was different, and I'm glad they made that change. Watch it! I've written the chapters here in accord to the timeline and events in the manga though, not the anime.

Anyway, watch the anime and read the mange to see the full difference.