Chapter 17

Soon after they all had their fill of Soma's monkfish platter, Himiko thanked and praised the boy for delivering such a performance and saving her from a crisis before heading to the back to sort out further arrangements. Erina, naturally, refused to acknowledge Soma's efforts when Soma shot her an overzealous sneer. With a loud "Hmph" she simply directed his beet-red face towards another direction, making the redhead chuckle. Suddenly, Takuya started pulling on Soma's jeans. Squatting, Soma listened intently as the smaller redhead whispered into his ear once more. Piquing Erina's attention, she watched as Soma suddenly stared at her intensely. Flinching from his piercing gaze, she felt her face burn up once more.

"W-what are you looking at?!" Erina stammered. His cold silence began to unnerve Erina as she tried to avert her gaze from his.

"W-would you quit it? You're starting to freak me out" Erina stuttered softly. Soon after, she watched in confusion as his expression softened into a wide grin before giving the little boy a thumbs up.

"Yeah, you can say something like that!" Soma said with a laugh, making Takuya laugh. Practically feeling her vein pop out of forehead, her explosive rage erupted.

"Would you two stop talking behind my back?!" Erina shouted in dismay, only to be met with even more snarky laughter. Letting out a defeated groan, she watched as Himiko emerged from the back room.

"Okay, a friend of mine is letting me borrow some of his chefs. Thankfully, he had some debts to repay me, so it all worked out in the end" Himiko said with a sigh of relief.

"I'm glad everything worked out in the end" Erina happily responded.

"Honestly, what is it with you Nakiris and always showing up and saving my behind in the nick of time?! Must be a genetic strand from your grandfather" Himiko laughed before turning to Soma.

"And of course, I can't forget about you, Yukihira-san. I will forever be in your debt" Himiko continued before bowing. Soma being his humble self, started waving his hands frantically.

"Hey, you don't have to bow or anything, really! If anything, I should be thanking you!" Soma exclaimed, earning a confused look from Himiko when she stood straight.

"Me? What are you talking about Yukihira-san?" Himiko questioned. Suddenly, Soma enthusiastically gave her an eager thumbs-up with a beaming smile.

"I got the chance to try out some new dishes because of you!" Soma exclaimed. Dumbfounded by Soma's gleeful and confident tone, speaking as if his reaction was obvious, she simply smiled back. With a soft and brief chuckle, she simply shook her head.

"Of course. What else could I have expected from a Totsuki chef of your caliber?" she finally said with a warming giggle. Hiding it, Erina couldn't resist the urge to smile from Soma's response.

"Anyway, we should probably head back, yeah?" Soma said, gaining Erina's attention. "It's getting pretty late, I think everyone has already on their way back to campus" Soma continued, flashing his phone screen. Erina read the number "7:57 PM", nearly giving herself a heart attack.

"What?! How is it so late already?! I'm so sorry, Himiko-san, but we must depart right this moment!" Erina exclaimed, quickly bowing and bring Takuya into a big hug.

"Wait, Erina-chan- "Himiko started before Erina interjected.

"Thank you for everything, really! It was so nice catching up, please do come to our upcoming Totsuki Gala, everyone missed you last year! Servant, let's go!" Erina shouted urgently, grabbing Soma's wrist as she dragged the confused redhead out of the restaurant. The last thing the baffled Himikos heard was Soma shouting "Hey, hey servant was never in the First Seat contract!"

Quickly, the two dashed across the entirety of the aquarium, of course with small interruptions as Soma got easily distracted much to Erina's frustration. In due time, they made it to the parking lot where Soma's bike had been awaiting their arrival.

"I can't believe I lost track of time like that…four hours?! How could I have lost track of four fuc-"started Erina before a low hum emerged from the redhead's lips.

"Hey, hey, watch the language! We're not in the kid-free zone just yet" Soma snickered, irritating the already disheveled blonde.

"You! Why didn't you say anything?!" Erina shouted, catching the helmet that Soma once again tossed without any warning but was nevertheless prepared.

"What do you mean? I told you back the restaurant. Don't you remember?" Soma asked with genuine confusion.

"That's not what I – UGH. Talking to you is like slamming my head into a brick wall" she exclaimed in frustration, quickly hopping on the bike as Soma tightened his fingerless-motorcycle gloves.

"Aw, Erina you crack me up!" Soma said with a laugh that Erina could only register as mockery. Her suppressed growl turned into a startled squeak as Soma turned on the ignition, allowing the bike to roar to life. Hopping on, Soma quickly made sure to get a good grip on the handlebars before looking back with a sly smile.

"You know, eventually I'm gonna stop asking if you're ready and just go" Soma cheekily remarked.

"Hmph, you speak as if I'll get on this dreaded thing ever again. I simply humored your idea of being my chauffer, but clearly that's also an occupation you fail to qualify for!" Erina insulted, hesitantly snaking her arms around Soma's stomach.

"You know this is way more fun than your boring old "Oh, where were you like to go today mademoiselle Erina'" Soma responded, putting on a poor impersonation of an old, haughty Frenchman. Out of Erina's control, a small giggle erupted from her. Quickly catching it, she gently bit her lip in order to suppress it as a wave of crimson washed over her face. Erina's grip tightened around Soma as she felt the powerhouse of a vehicle move only for it to slow down once more. Soma let go of the handlebars and looked up into the cloudy sky.

"What is it no- huh?" Erina started before she saw a small liquid droplet crash onto the visor of the helmet. And then another. And another.

"Shit…huh?!" Erina thought as Soma quickly took his blazer off and threw over Erina's body. Unsure of how to respond, she grabbed a hold of it and shoved it back to Soma.

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing?! Do I look like a coat rack to you, you mongrel!" Erina started, anger reaching higher levels that she didn't even think were possible.

"Put it on, Erina. The last thing I need is you shivering like a dying cat" Soma replied with a concerned gaze, making Erina's purple eyes widen in surprise.

"B-but…it's yours!" Erina stammered as she thought back to the most recent shoujo manga she had read with this very situation, causing heat to swell in her cheeks. "And what about you?" Erina asked, much more softly and with a tinge of worry. Shooting her a reassured smile, he simply responded:

"Hey, a little rain isn't gonna hold me down! What do you and the other guys call me all the time…hot-headed, right? Guess that'll come in handy now, huh!" Soma exclaimed.

"Soma, do you understand what the term hot-headed means?" Erina asked with a sigh and unamused blank stare.

"It's a joke, Erina. So on edge, jeez. You're going to die before thirty at the rate you're going" Soma mocked, revving up the engine once more as the rain began to fall harder.

"Why you! Take that back! And while you're at it, take this back too!" Erina exclaimed, shoving the jacket towards Soma once more. With a soft yet serious gaze, Soma met Erina's eyes. Clearly caught of guard, she slowly retracted her arm as Soma softly whispered.

"Please? I'll be fine, really. And hold on tight, the road's gonna be a little slippery" Casting her gaze down, she simply nodded and slowly slipped on the blazer over her own. Smiling, the redhead turned his head back and slipped on his hood. Once he overcame the feeling of Erina's arms tightly wrapping around him, he let out a deep sigh and drove out of the parking lot, onto the main road. Erina made sure to hold onto Soma as tightly as possible as she leaned into him, pressing her body against his back, deathly afraid of falling off which suddenly became much more possible due the circumstances. Unaware of the shivers that she sent up the boy's spine and the redness that began to infiltrate his originally stoic expression, she slowly closed her eyes with a smile, trusting in Soma that he wouldn't let anything happen to her. She began to reflect on the entirety of her day; mostly focusing on her time at Himiko's aquarium. Though she wouldn't dare to admit it, she knew today was going to be one she would always fondly look back on. The sheer majestry of the splendid creatures was breathtaking, and the pure beauty of it all only enhanced the feeling. Despite this, no matter how much of a dense and irresponsibly foolish boy Soma was, she knew that he easily made up a large chunk of why today had been so enjoyable. Slowly being lulled to sleep by the low hum of the motorcycle combined with the pitter-patter of the rain, a pleasant smell began to envelop her.

"Citrusy...I like it…" Erina thought to herself as she let the warmth of Soma's jacket caress her to sleep.

"…Aww man…I could carry…guards would kill…maybe Alice?" were the words that began to re-invite Erina's consciousness. Unlinking her arms from Soma's abdomen, she went to rub her eyes only to be met with the thud of her hand hitting the helmet's visor. Coming to, she took off the helmet and set it on her knee, releasing a soft yawn. Her vision unblurring, gasped at the dark night sky that coated the familiar scene. To her left stood the regal Nakiri Mansion, her home.

"Oh, you woke up! Good timing, you should really help me wake up for class some time" Soma laughed. Erina hazily looked over to Soma, gasping at the utterly soaked redhead. Hopping off the bike, she looked Soma up and down. He looked as if he had just crossed the pacific twice as droplets of water dripped from his red locks that clung to his face.

"S-Soma?! Just how long was it raining for?!" she asked, taking off Soma's drenched blazer. Somehow, it had absorbed the majority of the water, leaving her relatively dry aside from the slight dampness of her leather jacket. Soma looked up, thinking to himself on how to answer.

"Uh, pretty much the whole time you were sleeping…It just stopped now, so I'd say like" Soma started before looking up. Erina watched as his face soon contorted into one of discomfort as he began to count on his fingers, making Erina sigh in disappointment.

"Hour and twenty, give or take?" Soma said with uncertainty, still counting on his fingers.

"An hour and twenty?! You were…driving…soaking wet…for an hour and twenty minutes?" Erina exclaimed, in utter disbelief of Soma's nonchalant attitude.

"Uhh, I guess so? I dunno, I was kinda zoned out the whole ride" Soma said with a laugh. Erina couldn't find out what was more worrisome; the fact that Soma could potentially get pneumonia or the fact that he had the audacity to 1) zone off while driving, 2) zone off while driving in the rain, 3) zone off while driving in the rain with a passenger, or 4) zone off while driving in the rain a passenger that happened to be Erina fucking Nakiri. Pushing those thoughts out, she shook her head and stared back at Soma with worry glazed across her amethyst eyes.

"Soma! You can borrow Kurokiba-kun's clothes or something, whatever! I'll arrange whatever, but you need to get out of those clothes!" Erina exclaimed only to be met with a curious expression from Soma.

"Uh, why? I can just drive home, it's like…I dunno-"Soma started, beginning to count on his fingers once more.

"Forget it!" Erina frustratingly shouted, grabbing ahold of Soma's hands to stop him from overworking his brain with simple arithmetic.

"You're going to get sick if you waste anymore time!" Erina exclaimed.

"Really, Erina. It's fine! I can just- "started Soma before Erina cut Soma off, infuriated.

"Soma, it's not always 'fine'! You can't just keep recklessly pulling stunts like this!" Erina exclaimed, surprising Soma. What shocked him the most was the plea in her shaky voice, as if she were begging the boy; certainly a first for the blonde. Taking in a deep breath, he relaxed his eyes and gave the princess a reassuring smile.

"Erina, thanks for looking out for me, but honestly. I promise I'll get out of these clothes and take a shower as soon as I get back. I wouldn't want to cause any trouble" Soma softly said in hopes of calming the riled-up girl before her down.

"You're not causing any trou- "Erina began to cry out before Soma interjected.

"I will be okay, okay? I promise, I'll even text you when I get back, okay!" Soma happily exclaimed without a single ounce of worry or doubt.

"Why do I care so much..." Erina thought to herself, a blush burning into her cheeks.

"Very well…you better not forget like all those tasks you're responsible for as the First Seat! And you better head straight the bathroom and take a warm bath…and change out of those clothes! Then straight to sleep, understand?! No cooking, no experiments, no nighttime escapades!" Erina exclaimed, handing his noticeably heavier jacket back to him. Soma grabbed it and set it behind on, making a loud "plop" sound. Soma and Erina both looked at and then back to each other. Silence briefly filled the air between them as they tried to suppress their laughter, only for both of them to fail at the same time, releasing a short giggle.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" Soma exclaimed, digging into the pocket of his jacket. Curiosity aroused, she watched the redhead who furiously dug through the jacket pocket until he pulled out a small trinket.

"Here! I think you attach it on your phone, or something. I dunno, I kinda just grabbed it without really looking at it, but hey its pretty cute!" Soma exclaimed, dropping the charm into Erina's hand. Erina observed the small accessory. A short silver chain-link that looked like it could attach to something. At the end of the silver chain was a small, smiling cartoon sea turtle. Erina couldn't help but be overwhelmed by its cuteness but soon suppressed that feeling as she looked back up to Soma, who was getting ready to put on the helmet.

"When…when did you get this?" Erina asked, puzzled.

"Remember when I said I went to go to the bathroom? Well, I kinda got distracted and went to the gift shop first. A little souvenir never hurt anybody, right?" Soma laughed.

"So you lied to me?" Erina responded, raising an eyebrow.

"I swear I just got distracted! Come on, Erina, have a little more faith in me" Soma explained, rubbing the back of his head, unintentionally shaking water out of his hair.

"Every time you give me reason to have faith in you, you do two stupid things that makes it regret it" Erina said with a sigh, prompting the redhead to laugh.

"Oh come on, you're just being overdramatic" Soma said as he waved his hand dismissively with a dopey expression.

"Anyway, I just figured you might want something to remember your first time at an Aquarium, you know? Anyway, catch you later!" Soma exclaimed, putting on his helmet and driving off. Erina watched him until he soon faded into the distance before looking down at the charm in her hand. Smiling fondly, she held it firmly in her grasp.

"What a fool…"

"Alright, that concludes this meeting, I suppose. Is everyone aware of their current assignments in preparation for the annual Gala?" Erina announced, picking up the pile of paper in front of her and gently tapped the bottom edge against the table, straightening it. The nine council members before her all simultaneously chanted "Hai" before organizing their own piles of paper as well.

"Actually, I have one more request, Nakiri-san!" Megumi said, raising her hand.

"Yes, Tadokoro-chan? What is it?" Erina asked softly, giving her a comforting smile. No matter what how hard she tried, she couldn't help but have a soft spot for Megumi. There was not a single thing the blunette could do to disappoint or aggravate her, which makes her a unique one among the rather rambunctious council. Not only that, but Erina considered Megumi a close and reliable friend, always showing her love and compassion even when they had first met.

"I actually got a text from Soma-kun earlier…" she started.

Correction: she could never aggravate her until now. However even then, Megumi herself wasn't the culprit. Rather, it was the mention of the one member of the Elite 10 that was not currently present.

"It was a request that he was going to propose today but since he couldn't make it, he asked if I could propose it for him" Megumi continued. Her soft smile turned into a nervous one as she felt Erina's devastating and infuriated aura thrash about, prompting every single member to scoot over to get as much distance as they good from the ticking time bomb of a headmistress. Realizing the dangers, Megumi quickly added to her statement.

"A-and although it's his request, I, myself, would like to second this request!" Megumi quickly stated. Hearing this, Erina's twitch had come to slow, allowing the rest of the remaining members to breathe a sigh of relief.

"…Very well. I trust your judgement, what is this proposition?" Erina asked, calming down her temper.

"We'd like to host a fundraiser of sorts at the gala! Soma brought up the idea of raising money to renovate the kitchen area and overall dorm quality of Polar Star Dormitory, in case of new student arrivals! That, and because a lot of our equipment is rather outdated…but we'd host the fundraiser independently without having to pull from Totsuki's resources!" Megumi pitched as she stood up and clasped her hands together.

"Hmm…" Erina thought to herself, debating whether or not she should allow this.

"As a Polar Star resident myself, I think it's only natural that I also back this idea. As much as I adore the boy, Soma has certainly worn out the lifespan of our equipment by at least twenty years. Such dedication to his craft is both a blessing and a curse" Isshiki laughed.

"Hm, if he's pulling his own resources, whatever that may even mean, I suppose it wouldn't be a horrible business move. Totsuki as an academy doesn't necessarily lose anything whether the fundraiser flops or not. I suppose if I had to make a choice, I'd back it" Eizan mentioned.

"Ohohoh, what's this? Rich coming from the man that once tried to tear down the dorm" Alice chimed in, much to Eizan's dismay.

"T-that was a different time and you know it, Nakiri-chan" Eizan defensively stated, pushing up his glasses, making the council laugh.

"Well, I for one will always back that little fireball of a cutie in whatever he does, so Soma also gets my vote!" Kuga enthusiastically exclaimed.

"No one here is voting, simp" Nene mocked, enraging the blond and brown-haired boy.

"Well, if we're all putting in our two cents, what about the rest of you?" Erina asked, folding her hands and leaning in, eyeing Hayama, Ryo, Alice, and Takumi.

"I suppose it's only fair that I back it as well considering the support Yukihira-kun provided when I proposed my idea for renovating the Shiomi Seminar HQ" Hayama calmly stated.

"I don't really care about what it's for, I'm sure it'll be entertaining nonetheless! Count us in, isn't that right, Ryo?!" Alice enthusiastically added.

"Sure" Kurokiba muttered, nodding in confirmation.

"And you, Takumi?" Erina asked, caught off-guard by the sudden explosive flare that filled the blonde's eyes.

"Anything to make sure he remains worthy of being my rival!" Takumi explained, raising his fist the air. Everyone, including Hisako who had been patiently standing next to Erina, sighed.

"Very well, I suppose I'll allow you to commence with your proposal" Erina calmly stated before standing up. A wide smile formed on Megumi's face as she turned towards Isshiki, who was smiling right back at her, holding both of his hands out. Megumi gladly slapped his hands, high-5-ing the two hands.

"Very well done, Tadokoro-chan" Isshiki said, making the blue-haired girl blush.

"Erina-chii! Try this one, try this one!" Yoshino shouted, shoving a platter towards the blonde.

"Wait no, try mine first!" Daigo exclaimed before feeling a crashing fist strike him on the cheek.

"The hell you think you're doing, asshat? Wait in line, bub!" Shoji shouted, riling up Daigo as they proceeded to fight.

"You fools! Did any of you even look over the notes I gave you from last time?!" Erina exclaimed, slamming her hand on the table.

"Oh, right. I forgot about those. I'll take a look after this session!" Yoshino exclaimed, sticking her tongue out. Erina simply sighed as she slumped back into her seat.

"I hope you know they very much appreciate your help, despite their rowdiness" Isshiki stated, taking a seat next to the stressed out blonde.

"Ahh, yes. It's very evident" Erina sarcastically responded, making the apron-clad boy laugh. Ever since the Regiment De Cuisine, the Polar Star Dorm members insisted that they continued their training and schooling sessions with Erina, especially when they found out that fellow members Soma and Megumi made it to the Elite 10, further motivating the remaining members.

"Where's everyone else?" Erina asked, watching Yoshino laugh at the two who had proceeded to commence in an all-out brawl. Standard Polar Star things.

"Tadokoro-chan is in class right now, I believe. Ibusaki-kun, Sakaki-chan, and Marui-kun are still in the reviewing your notes and applying them to different dishes. They've truly improved under your guidance, I can't thank you enough" Satoshi explained, slightly bowing his head.

"O-oh, of course! Don't bow, please Isshiki-san! It's just the only way I can think to repay them for everything they've done for me…" Erina said, casting her gaze down. Despite being Headmaster, she still looked up to Satoshi as a guiding figure. His skill is only matched by his wise words and maturity; he perfectly fit the role of the Polar Star older brother. Even if his choice of attire was…questionable, Erina thought.

"You know they don't see it that way at all, Erina-chan. There's no exchange of debts; you're family now. That's all there is to it" he said softly. A smile formed on Erina's face as she looked back at the three rambunctious chefs in front of her and the three that were just barely visible through the kitchen doorway. Never had she felt so truly wanted; not for her God Tongue, but for her. It was an exhilarating feeling.

"…Isshiki-san, do you know where Soma is by any chance? He's usually running around helping everyone while changing every single critique I give" Erina stated in annoyance, thinking back to all the previous sessions she had with the Polar Star Dorm where Soma had either completely Soma-fied everyone's dishes and assaulted her with enough food to cure world hunger, only amplified by ten-fold since his loss to Asahi.

"Uhh, I don't know. I haven't seen him since last night when came back home pretty late. He stayed up until two in the morning cleaning up his bike, I believe" Isshiki said. Suddenly, Erina slammed her fist against the table, catching the attention of nearly everyone in the dining room and even some glances from Shun. Daigo and Shoji, who were holding onto each other by their collars, watched in fear as Erina began to tremble in range.

"Oh no, Yukihira-kun! Run while you can!" Yoshino exclaimed, watching the blonde pound up the stairs.

"Forgive me, Yukhira-kun. I will be sure to visit you at your wake" Isshiki nervously thought, feeling sorry for selling the boy out for something he clearly shouldn't have been doing.

"It's fib after fib with this boy?! Is he not mentally capable of following simple directions?! I tell him to go to class, I end up agreeing to chaperone him. I tell him to not abuse the customers at Himiko-san's restaurant and he goes and pulls out off-brand orange juice. I tell the bastard to go home and get some rest, and he doesn't even show to our Beginning-of-the-Week planning meeting for his stupid little toy! When I get my hands on him-"Erina thought, fuming as rage coursed through every vein in her body, speeding up the more she entered the vicinity of Soma's door.

"You absolute trash-basket, just who the hell do you think you are, Soma?!" Erina exclaimed, kicking the door open and stomping in. Expecting to see him fiddling around his pathetic excuse of a kitchen, she was taken aback seeing him nowhere in sight. Her surprise transformed into panic as she rushed over to his bed, where the redhead laid.

"Soma?!" she shouted, running to his bedside. Erina kneeled on his blanket, which had been tossed to the ground, to get a closer look.

The collar of his shirt was drenched in sweat as beads of perspiration rolled down his face. His breathing heavy and irregular and his body was tense. His face contorted and scrunched up, clearly in discomfort. Hesitantly, she reached her hand out to lay it on his forehead. Immediately, she retracted the arm as a scalding heat burned her on contact, staggering her.

"You..!" Erina thought, panic soon taking over her body. Soma was the embodiment of absolute willpower, a indestructible wall. Yet here he was, burning himself away as he struggled for air.

"You idiot!" she shouted while running out of the room, dashing down the stairs. Speeding past, Isshiki and the other, they immediately something was awry. Rushing into the kitchen, the four met with Ryoko, Shun, and Zenji, who had equally puzzled expressions.

"Erina-chan? What's wrong?" Isshiki asked, steeling his voice as he watched Erina dash around, grabbing a roll of paper towel and a bowl. Running to the sink, she pulled the right handle, letting freezing cold water fill the bowl.

"It's Soma! He's in really bad shape…" Erina stated while trying to think.

"Think, Erina, think! What would Hisako do? Last time Alice was sick, she helped Ryo take care of him…" Erina thought to herself. Pulling the handle back, the cold water ceased to flow. Bringing the bowl of water to the table, she grabbed a cup and filled it with ice. Dumping the ice in the water, she watched as the water began to become even colder. Looking for the paper towel, she realized Satoshi had grabbed it and was already on his way out of the kitchen. Giving her a knowing nod, she grabbed the bowl once more and slowly made her way out of the kitchen, followed by the others. Trying not to spill any water, she carefully made her way up the stairs and towards his room.

The group soon walked in, shocked to see Soma in such a weak state. He had turned to his side, coughing and still heaving for air.

"Right now, the most we can do is cool him down" Isshiki sternly stated, freeing the roll of paper towel from its plastic restraints. Erina nodded, ripping off four sheets at once and folding them over each other to make it thicker. Placing the paper towel in the bowl of iced water, she waited until it was full soaked before removing it. Quickly, she took the drenched paper towel and rested it on Soma's forehead. Although not completely curing him, they noticed his breathing had stabilized, even just a little bit, and his face of discomfort soon softened.

"The poor guy…he's in pretty bad shape" Ryoko said, feeling his still burning cheeks.

"He must be going through hell right now…" Zenji added while opening windows to allow in the fresh breeze.

"What happened to him? How did he get this sick?" Shun asked, deeply concerned. Before Isshiki to add, he quickly caught onto Erina's distraught expression. Taking a moment to think, he soon got up and put on the most believable smile he could.

"Let's not crowd him so much, yes? I believe Erina-chan can handle this, so let's give him some space! I'll start cooking up lunch, will you guys help me? Maybe we can whip something up to help Soma recover a little faster" Isshiki said, shooing the group out of the room. Gripping the doorknob, he looked back towards Erina's doubt ridden expression.

"Calm down, Erina-chan. I put my little brother's health in your hands; I trust you" Isshiki reassured with a smile before closing the door behind him.

Nothing but Soma's irregular breathing bounced off the walls, lingering in Erina's head for seconds after they halted. Staring at the redhead, she felt a throbbing pang in her chest. Placing her hand over her heart, she watched helplessly as the redhead's face would randomly contort into distress and then back. She lifted the paper tower off Soma, surprised by how warm it had gotten just from the few minutes it rested on his forehead and dipped it back into the freezing water. Resting it back on his head, her eyes widened as Soma muttered something.

"…I'm fine…mom…I swear…" Erina clutched her chest as if a surge of electricity had to just struck it. Trembling from guilt, she couldn't bear the see the boy in such pain.

"I should have been stricter…I should have give his jacket back…I should have called a car or something…this could have been avoided. It's my fault…" Erina thought to herself, drowning herself in shame as she rose up. It was always like this. The mentality that her father had implanted into her.

"You are worth more than a hundred of those pathetic excuses for chefs. They will never amount to you, don't you dare give them a chance to think that their ways hold a candle to yours"

The thought of that mentality still plaguing her to this day sent chills down her spine. The constant mutters she'd overhear to this day.

"It's the Ice Queen…run!"

"Did you hear she shut down a club just to get another kitchen?"

"Honestly, I know she's practically royalty and all, but an ego can only be so big"

Her breathing soon matched Soma's. Wild, uneven, and panicked. She felt it; it was another panic attack. Frequenting even more ever since she was crowned headmaster, her muscles numbed at the feeling of the walls closing in on her. She couldn't be here; she couldn't look at the results of her ignorance. Her persisting ignorance, even after everyone had fought so hard. It's true, her father's influence was wavering on the Totsuki, but it could never truly waver on Erina.

Getting ready to leave, unable to face the boy, she gasped as she felt a searing sensation wrap around her wrist. Turning around, she noticed Soma's hand had loosely caught her wrist, gently pulling her back.

"Erina…? Is that…you?" he weakly asked, coughing between every other word. Struggling to listen to him, she refused to meet his eyes. How could she when she was directly responsible for his critical condition?

"Please…" he continued, catching her attention. Slowly turning back, she watched in horror as her anxiety reached an all-time high. He slowly opened his eyes, ever so slightly.

"Don't…leave…" he muttered before shutting his eyes again and letting go of her wrist. Returning to his irregular breathing, Erina dropped to her knees, trying to comprehend the words he had just said.

"Please, I beg you for mercy! Don't destroy everything I worked so hard for!" a voice shouted in Erina's mind.

"Don't leave"

"What more do you want?! You've taken everything!" another voice shouted.

"Erina…is that you?"

"Not another one…am I cursed for all eternity with this filthy tongue?!" a familiar voice shouted within the confines of Erina's mind. A voice she hadn't thought about in so long.

"Please…"

"No more, please…who do I listen to?!" Erina screamed, gripping her head out of frustration, struggling to think clearly. In that moment, as if an angel had answered her burning questions, Isshiki's words from before made an appearance, bouncing around her head. Taking in a deep breath, she watched Soma's chest rise up and down, sometimes quickly and other times much slower. Immediately thinking back to all hardships he had pushed through, from constantly facing the threat of expulsion for other people, to being constantly ridiculed by his fellow classmates, including herself. Despite that, he pushed through. He never wavered. Never allowing it to be known, she envied that titanium will he had. Even with his own emotions that could never be fully settled, he never let his strength waver, because he knew people counted on him. And now, it was her turn to do the same. Taking in a deep breath, she eyed the bandana that loosely wrapped around his wrist.

"Alright Erina…if there was ever a time to pay back the one who put everything on the line for you, now is this time" she thought before grabbing the white cloth and wrapping it around her own wrist.

"One more time Soma…just let me borrow your strength!"

A/N: Honestly this came out a lot more dramatic then I intended it to be but I think it works out better like this; it'll come together as we go through. I'm having the two face these emotions for a reason. Makes it more engaging than them just being on top of the freaking world all the time, which the manga kinda made it seem like. And then decided not to sometimes? And then suddenly made them op again? Idk LOL I wanna make them work towards that :). Anyway, review time~

Jak1995: I'm glad you enjoyed it! As much as I love the cute fluff, you might notice a ramp in tension since I'm slowly driving these two in a certain direction and I think if I want to make it a real relationship, you gotta have some spice ya feel kek

Whatermelown: YOU ARE TOO KIND. And just like I mentioned before, yis yis, raise the sexual tension. I'm really enjoying writing this, and honestly even though I have a lot of key points planned out, I'm also kinda just winging it as I write LOL idk I find that works best for me and also I get excited while writing LMAOOO

DracoSoull: Hehehehehehe and those two will never know it was a date until…way later. Probably LOL. And yeah, I just love their personalities so much. Usually I get annoyed by Tsun, their chemistry is truly one of a kind and just amazing to watch/read

Francesco Capogna: no ur amazing

ALSO. Changed it from M to T. Because honestly, lemons are ehhhhh. I might throw in implied stuff, but like…I'm good on writing all that LMAOOO. Other than that, hope you guys enjoy and please review~