No, you aren't mistaken. I'm still alive.

It has been a long time. Way too long. I hope those of you who followed this story and kept your FanFic passwords are doing well and if you're new, congrats! You didn't have to wait five years for this chapter, you lucky devils.

Where have I been? Growing up, really. I started writing this fic when I was sixteen and if you do the maths, I am now a twenty something – scary stuff indeed. Considering how long it's been since I last updated, I wouldn't be surprised if most of you are like me right now – out of education and terrified for what comes next.

Then I accessed my old email that was linked to this account. To be honest, I'd forgotten about it for a long time. Then during an afternoon of job searching (fun times!), it's like a fog cleared in my mind and I was compelled to come back. I was blown away, hundreds of follows and favourites, over a hundred reviews, thousands of views in total. This is truly one of the most successful things I've done with my life so far… and I've left behind so many of those people who enjoyed my work.

I won't bog you down with sob stories. I thought I'd moved past this era of my life. I still love writing and I've got original material that 2017 me would adore. But fanfiction and anime? I abandoned them because I was worried it would make me seem like "less of an adult." I had a great time at university. Made loads of awesome friends and even more awesome memories. Conquered a lot of fears and gained a lot of new passions. But I always felt like I was never living up to my full potential. And writing this now, March 2024, I think this was why. I hadn't truly embraced a part of my life that was so special, so crucial to me.

I reread the story with nervous optimism. I think it's universal for creatives to cringe seeing their old work and I am absolutely no exception. But still, I was proud of what I had done. This was a passion project that I had no plan for; I wrote a chapter, uploaded it, waited for a few people to acknowledge they had seen it and hastily thought of the next segment of the story. There was no real endgame in sight, and I think that's what scared me off from continuing to write this. But no more. You guys have waited long enough. I gained my following from Shokugeki no Soma, an anime I adore to this very day, and you guys are here for probably the same reasons. I'm proud of what I achieved with this story so far and I know I have more to give. I will give you this chapter, the "end" of the story I originally planned to tell.

This story was originally T-rated. I didn't want younger viewers to miss out, especially if I chickened out and didn't write any lemon-y chapters. I think considering this story is coming up seven years now, it's high time that changed. I still have no plan for the future, but I know I want it based on mature content. If that sounds alright with you guys, I'd be happy to have you along for the ride.

I made a lot of promises that I never kept in those previous chapters. That's what made me cringe the most in all my rereading. I didn't commit and I made you guys wait. I bet those of you who got this as an email notification don't even remember the last time you read this, and I don't blame you. I hope whatever I continue to write can live up to what your younger self hoped. Let's stay young forever, eh?

And without further ado…

On with the story…

(I've missed saying that!)

"Man, I miss her," Soma sighed as he stretched his arms above his head and collapsed in his seat, the desk in front of him providing a soft enough pillow to rest his weary body. Takumi sat on the edge of Soma's bed, rolling his eyes at the First Seat's dishevelment but unable to hold back a light chuckle.

"Dude, it's been like three hours."

Soma groaned and turned his head to look at his friend, his slumped body remaining motionless.

"Exactlyyyy…" He whined, the faint edges of a suppressed yawn escaping his lips.

Takumi shook his head and laughed quietly at Soma's disarray. It was hard to believe a mere few hours ago, the redhead was exuding his usual bravado and agreed to Erina's equally brazen challenge to a Shokugeki. Now, here he was, sprawled out on his desk in exhaustion after making three decent dishes. Emphasis on decent. Three bad attempts were nothing to Soma usually, but now the guy seemed defeated, and Takumi could hazard a guess as to why.

"The Shokugeki's in three days, right? Are you even gonna see Nakiri in that time?"

Soma groaned again.

"Nope. She pulled me aside after her assembly and told me that the next time we see each other has to be on the "battlefield," Soma emphasised this with finger quotes, clearly annoyed at his opponent's decision to separate them. "We've only just got back together and now she wants a few days apart!" Soma chuckled, completely self-aware of the complete minefield of a relationship he and Erina shared. Not a single dull day, he smiled to himself.

"Still, do you think she'll be impressed that you're sat here moping about not being with her? Or do you think she wants you to show her a dish that's out-of-this-world good?" Takumi reasoned, chuckling to himself how often he was tasked with hitting Soma with a dose of reality. This must be the three hundredth time, he thought. At least.

"I know you're right," Soma muttered, his eyes already involuntarily creaking shut. "Three days is plenty of time, just lemme…"

Whatever the rest of that sentence was meant to be, it became lost to the world as Soma drifted into grateful sleep. Takumi shrugged his shoulders and left Soma's room, crossing the hall to spend some time with someone who wouldn't fall asleep on him halfway through a sentence.

Soma awoke to a sky twinged with the approaching darkness of night. His sleep cycle had never been the best, and he knew he had no chance of returning to dreamland at a socially acceptable time. He couldn't remember the last time he got a decent night's sleep, but it definitely was before he and Erina broke up. Hopefully, that'll all change after this Shokugeki. Once we're together again. He stood up from his desk, unworking the knots and aches he felt sleeping in a seated position. He had thought his body would be used to it by now.

Taking a cursory glance at some haphazard notes he had scribbled down, Soma knew he had hit a brick wall in devising a dish worthy of a Shokugeki with Erina. This usually happened, and some glaringly obvious solution would present itself eventually, but for now Soma thought it best to get some fresh evening air and clear his head.

His younger self, the one who arrived at Totsuki with such vigour and ambition, would have pressed on, regardless of the physical and mental strain it took. Soma had gone through enough of that in the past year. He loved to be as loud and brash as was in character for him around other people, but by himself he had learned to appreciate the wisdom a calm silence could bring.

Departing the Polar Star Dorm, Soma chose a direction and walked aimlessly. His mind drifted away as his body walked on autopilot. He admired the chill of the breeze as he strolled through the woods adjacent to the dorm, smiling absentmindedly to himself as he imagined the look on Erina's face when he presented her with the dish that would blow her away. He was so caught up in his reverie that he didn't hear his name being called, not until the one calling out stomped up to his side and growled in his ear.

"Don't ignore me, you cocky bastard."

Soma yelped and turned in the direction of the coarse voice and grinned shakily when he locked eyes with Kurokiba Ryo.

"Damn, Kurokiba! You scared the shit out of me. Sorry, I was spacing out there. What's up?"

"What's up is you not being in the kitchen, trying to win this Shokugeki! You're the First Seat, dammit! You need to take this more seriously than everyone else."

"Hey, I've spent all day experimenting! I figured I could use a break, get some fresh air, y'know?"

It was a little white lie. It wasn't even stretching the truth that much. Still, Kurokiba gave a look that bore into Soma's soul, and it was all he could do to not flinch at the demonic gaze he was being subjected to. Kurokiba's a scary guy. I have no clue what Alice sees in him.

"Hmph. Well, you'd better get back to it. If you get kicked out of First Seat, none of us are gonna roll over to let you back in the Elite Ten! Don't go thinking you'll have an easy go of it."

Soma couldn't help but chuckle. He always thought he was the most passionate guy he knew, but Kurokiba blew him out of the water in that regard. He'd definitely lost some of his edge, that was for certain. Erina just had that kind of effect on him. But now he was seeing it from a new perspective. He hadn't been putting his all into this, despite it being the most important cookout of his life. Even beating Azami and his Central soldiers didn't compare to what this Shokugeki with Erina meant. She wouldn't have challenged him without understanding the implications and trusting they could get through it. If he didn't go all out, she'd know it and she wouldn't be impressed at all.

"You're right, Kurokiba. I've got two more days and I'm gonna make a dish worthy of the First Seat. Once I win, can I expect your challenge next?"

The dark-haired youth flashed a grin and Soma sensed a twinge of relief in his usually cocksure response.

"Gotta win this one first, remember? Don't come crying to me for Fourth Seat when the princess dethrones you."

"You got it. Where are you off to, anyway?"

"Spending the night with Ojou… Alice."

"Dude, it's been months. You seriously can't say her name?"

"Shut up. You know how we ended up together? It was once you started calling her Erina at our first year Elite Ten meetings. She was all 'Yukihira-kun calls Erina by her first name and you can't even ask me out!' You have to show me up at everything, don't you?" There was a playful edge to his usually gruff tone, and Soma knew not to take it to heart.

"Well, it was pretty easy to start calling her Erina. Mainly because it caught her off guard and she got all flustered and she always looks so adorable when she blushes…"

"Gah, stop it with the cutesy crap!" Soma had never seen Kurokiba look so embarrassed before… it was genuinely one of the funniest things he'd ever seen. It took all of his willpower to not burst out laughing right in his face.

"You're telling me you don't want to catch Alice unaware with some romantics she never thought possible from you? Make her say your name all shy like and…" Soma waggled his eyebrows suggestively to finish the thought. Kurokiba's silence said everything.

Soma sighed. "Look, I'm the last guy to give you romantic advice. But you don't want to leave things unsaid. Say the things you wanna say while you've still got the time to say them."

"She's not an easy girl to read. But I appreciate it, Yukihira." The slight smile Kurokiba gave was probably the happiest Soma had ever seen him. The thought suddenly came to him that maybe he was still asleep in the dorm and this was all some sort of wacky fever dream. He subtly pinched his arm and was relieved to discover he was, in fact, in the land of the living.

Without warning Kurokiba marched on, leaving Soma to awkwardly jog to catch him up.

"You mind if I tag along?" Soma panted. "I won't cramp your style, I promise. I just want to apologize to Alice and maybe-"

"No. You can't come." Kurokiba said curtly.

"Awww, come on! Why not, man?"

"'Cause the princess is with her."

Soma felt his heart skip a beat. Even an unexpected mention of her was enough to make him stop in his tracks.

"So you know about all that?"

"We all know, Yukihira."

Well, that's embarrassing. It was obvious our Shokugeki would be the talk of the town, but they even know about our 'arrangement.' How do people find out about stuff like this?

"I guess it can't be helped then. Is Alice gonna stick by Erina 'til the Shokugeki?"

"Yup. As far as I know, she hasn't left her side since the assembly. She wants to make up for lost time, I guess."

"And help her formulate a dish to beat me. The betrayal!" Soma clutched his heart theatrically, but Kurokiba simply rolled his eyes and kept walking. The temptation was there to follow after him again, but Soma fought the urge. The conversation seemed to go well enough that he didn't want to risk pissing the guy off.

He watched Kurokiba saunter off into the distance and didn't move until he was completely out of sight. Glancing around the forest, he noted it was now a pitch black night. It didn't make sense to keep wandering about and Soma felt his mind a bit sharper for having a conversation that involved someone else's complicated dating life.

Soma turned back towards the Polar Star Dorm, the faintest satisfied smirk on his lips.

For the first time in a long time, Nakiri Erina had no idea what to cook. She had grown accustomed to formulating the perfect dish as immediately as the need called to her, executing it with grace, confidence and unerring excellence. But now…

"Earth to Erina? Blink if you can hear me." Alice snapped her fingers right to her ear and Erina recoiled with a yelp of fright.

"Jeez, don't do that Alice!"

"That's the third time you've spaced out in the last twenty minutes. Am I boring you that much?" Alice looked unimpressed and Erina couldn't blame her. They had spent the better part of two hours sobbing and apologising and appreciating each other's company. Then they dried their tears and focused on thrashing Soma and getting Erina her First Seat back.

"Of course not, Alice! I'm… just a little rusty, that's all."

"The Erina I know doesn't get rusty. That first dish was a great start, but you've got to be at the top of your game for this. Soma may have been a bit of a wreck the last few months, but his cooking has only improved since you left."

Erina's mind flashbacked to that morning. Amid the gasps and murmurs rippling through the crowd, the thing clearest in her memory was Soma's grin. She knew he wouldn't back down from a challenge and it was important she was seen as a top student immediately upon her return. Her grandfather had asked her what she planned to do first, and her instinctual response was to challenge Soma to a Shokugeki. Senzaemon laughed and said Erina had read his mind. It was good to be back on regular speaking terms with her grandfather again.

"I still can't believe I challenged Soma-kun to a Shokugeki! In front of the whole school no less…"

"Don't worry, Erina. You have to be seen re-establishing your superiority to everyone. Soma's the one on top, and you're going to beat him and return to where you belong."

"Thanks, Alice. It's so good to talk with you again."

"You too, Erina. Now, what are you thinking for dish number two?"

It had started well enough, with her first attempt at a beef wellington with a mushroom duxelle and julienned french fries eliciting a positive response from Alice. It wasn't anywhere close to what she was going to make, but Erina thought it best to work her way back up to her true skill. But when she thought about what dish she wanted to try next, her mind went totally blank. Well, not totally blank, but there was no way Erina was going to tell Alice about how her mind kept flitting back to her reunion with Soma. How she waited in his room, basking in the familiarity of his scent and scattered laundry. When their tearful apologies lead to tearful smiles and warm embraces. The feel of his fingers along the small of her back… slowly edging their way down… as their lips were entwined and her thigh pressed against a distinct bulge between his legs and-

"That's the fourth time." Alice whispered sharply in her ear.

Erina yelped again, staggering away from her cousin with flushed cheeks. She buried her face in her hands and let out a frustrated groan.

"I know you were probably right, but I'm still annoyed you told me to suggest Soma-kun and I stay apart until the Shokugeki."

"You two would've gotten no work done if you didn't distance yourselves. This is going to be one of the highest stakes Shokugeki that Totsuki has ever seen. A Former First Seat against the current First Seat. That's prime time entertainment. You can't disappoint or your reputation won't recover."

"God, I'm really letting this take over my common sense, aren't I? We'll have all the time we want in a few days. But for now, Soma-kun is my opponent. To not give him my finest effort would be an insult to myself as well as him."

Alice gave a goofy smile, the kind reserved for those she felt closest to. Erina wondered if Kurokiba had ever seen it.

"Now that sounds like the Erina I know."

Erina gave a warm smile of her own. She rolled her neck gently to work the knots out. She took a deep breath and let all of her worries out with the exhale. Come what may, I'm not about to give up the First Seat just to please Soma-kun. He's going to have to fight for it, same as me.

A knock came on the door behind them. Alice called out and a voice she hadn't heard in a long time responded.

"Kurokiba's here? When did you invite him over?"

"The first time you spaced out." Alice replied, giving Erina a cheeky wink with a confident smirk to boot. She walked over to the door to let him in and he acknowledged Erina with the slightest of head nods.

"Hey, Ojou-sama. What did you need me for?"

"Weeeeelll, Ryo-kun… my darling cousin here seems to be lacking the proper motivation for her Shokugeki with Soma. I was hoping you could help me with that?"

"Scale of one to ten… how intense?"

Alice gave a smug grin to a suddenly anxious Erina and really dragged out the eventual reveal.

"Eleven."

As Kurokiba retrieved his fiery bandana and glanced at her, Erina gulped and gave back a look of resolve.

It was a beautiful summer's day. The end of the first semester was drawing to a close, as was the most intense summer Totsuki had seen since… last year's summer. The Elite Ten had split, fought and found itself wholly new, with a new generation of fierce First Years showing the true resolve and dedication it took to be at the highest level of such a prestigious academy.

But it wasn't the fairy tale ending they all had wanted. They finished their first year and were ready to confront the challenges they would face as Second Years. But the scars of the past were too much for the newly appointed First Seat Nakiri Erina and so she left in fiery fashion, stunning her peers. And in a group of chefs who had mostly found romance, the one left without his other half was the new First Seat, Yukihira Soma.

It was difficult. No-one had taken her departure well, but Soma was in a whole new world of pain and loneliness. His father had taught him to find a partner that would enrich, inspire, drive his cooking, his passion for life. He thought he'd forever lost that, his one and truest chance flitting through his fingers like grains of rice. He got angry. He got bitter. Cooking didn't seem as sweet now he was at the top of the Totsuki food chain purely by a technicality. No one was foolhardy enough to challenge Erina for her First Seat so he got it by default.

By default.

Takumi winced as he wondered how Soma would've reacted had he said that to him four months ago. It was probably still a sore subject, but it could probably be said today without a million expletives being hurled his way. He remembered accidentally antagonising Soma and his violent breakdown. What a change a week can make, Takumi thought. Though that feels so long ago now.

Now he was walking with Megumi, hands entwined as they walked through the forest to the main stage where Soma and Nakiri's Shokugeki would take place. Of course it was a whole school affair, every single student equally excited and anxious for the spectacle to come. One could only imagine how the two at the centre of it all felt. They're probably the most excited out of everyone, Takumi chuckled to himself.

"Who do you think is going to win, Takumi-kun?" Megumi asked, her usual innocent demeanour tinged with a very obvious nervousness. Not surprisingly, of course. Soma was her best friend and she admired Nakiri deeply. Knowing one would have to experience the bitter taste of defeat no matter what was a difficult thought for her to stomach.

"Obviously I'm rooting for Soma. He's been itching to earn that First Seat ever since Nakiri left, so he's gonna do everything he can to win. But I still think that overall, Nakiri is the better chef. It's gonna come down to whatever Soma's managed to create to wow the judges. Realistically, it's Nakiri's to lose."

"Soma-kun's been so upset the last few months and now Nakiri-kun might take the First Seat from him… I hope he can handle it if it comes to that."

Takumi smiled. "I think there's nothing Soma wants more right now than to have a fair fight with Nakiri. He might be a bit sore if he loses, but he'll take it in stride. Besides, those two have a lot of lost time to make up for, if you catch my drift…"

"Takumi-kun! Get your mind out of the gutter!" Megumi squealed, the slightest of an embarrassed smile on her face.

"Sorry, sorry," he chuckled, enjoying just how easy it was to get her flustered.

As they got closer, Takumi heard a voice calling his and Megumi's name. He was surprised to see Hayama and Arato approaching, hands entwined also. Takumi was sure Arato would be by Nakiri's side, encouraging her to the very last minute. As for Hayama… Takumi couldn't recall a conversation they had that wasn't in an Elite Ten meeting. I guess the Shokugeki for First Seat is an Elite Ten matter, after all. Hayama had a cool, almost imperceptible smile on his face and Arato looked serious, no doubt wondering how her dear friend was faring.

"Hey guys. You on the way to the Shokugeki to end all Shokugekis?"

Takumi had always thought his sense of humour left a lot to be desired, so he was pleasantly surprised to hear the both of them laugh politely at his quip.

"Yeah, man. We'd better get the best seats in the house. What's the point of being Elite Ten otherwise?" Hayama replied in a friendly tone. Takumi took that moment to appreciate how much Arato had opened him up to other people. He was floored when they first got together, and couldn't see the two of them in any kind of romantic way. Now though, he could see the way she encouraged him to try and be amicable towards others and similarly how he allowed Arato to relax a little and not take everything so seriously.

Takumi grinned. "You said it. Though I'm surprised you're here, Arato. I was sure you'd be by Nakiri's side for today."

The pink-haired Eighth Seat shifted uncomfortably. "It was my intention to support Erina-sama for the duration of the battle against Soma. However, she felt guilty about her behaviour in the past months and told me to not worry about her wellbeing. Considering that has essentially been my job for a long time, I'm finding it… difficult."

"Don't worry. She'll want you by her side the second this Shokugeki is over, I'm sure of it." Takumi gave an encouraging nod.

Arato returned a grateful smile. The four made their way towards the auditorium, seeing a large crowd of eager students slowly inching their way inside. The chatter was immense, the atmosphere even before entering was electric. Takumi felt goosebumps rippled across his skin in anticipation. Then he felt a tap on his shoulder. Whirling around, his face widened into the biggest grin he had had all day.

"Yo, bro! Mind if I hang with all you Elite Ten guys?" Isami said in a jovial tone. Takumi couldn't remember the last time he had spoken to his brother, which sent a pang of guilt through his chest. But seeing Isami in such good spirits could always lift his mood and Takumi decided it was best to be earnest on this occasion, rather than playfully mocking.

"Of course, Isami! We were on our way to the… secret entrance."

Peeling away from the ever growing crowd, they all headed through a side door which led them through a maze of identical hallways. Arato led them through and Takumi didn't question her. She probably knew every nook and cranny of Totsuki in perfect detail.

They emerged into the seating area, in a viewing booth above the standard seats of the auditorium. They were positioned perfectly in the centre, overlooking the stage where the usual Shokugeki facilities were placed. There was nobody to be seen onstage, but Takumi knew that wouldn't be the case for long. Most of the seats below were filled, and he glimpsed Mimasaka and Ikumi in a similar viewing booth to their right. She was giggling at something funny he had apparently said, and blushed at his next words. Takumi flashed back to a joke Soma had made all those months ago and shook his head in amazement.

The crowd was fairly muted from behind the glass wall and Takumi was all the more grateful for it. The speaker system would mean he could concentrate on everything that was said without distraction. The five of them didn't say a word, preferring to wait in anticipation without the need for talking. However, a familiar voice soon broke the silence "So, you're all finally here."

They all turned to see Alice and Kurokiba, both betraying no sense of nervousness or excitement. Arato stepped forward.

"Alice! I thought you were staying by Erina-sama's side!"

"Oh, I'm not here to steal her thunder, Miss Secretary. Sure, Ryo-kun and I have been… motivating her the last few days, but today is all about her and Soma. I'm an audience member like everyone else."

"So, any spoilers you want to dish before we get wowed?" Hayama chuckled. When did he become a funny guy? Takumi wondered incredulously.

The only thing I'm willing to tell you is that Erina is very fired up. Soma might have his work cut out for him..." Alice seemed to direct that last part at Takumi and Megumi. The two shared a tenuous look, and Takumi was about to say something when the crowd's murmur drew to a sudden halt. Everyone present turned to see a purple haired girl stroll up to centre stage, microphone in hand and a smug smile on her face.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm your hostess for this mouth watering Shokugeki… Urara Kawashima!"

The usual chorus of enamoured fanboys erupted from the left side of the seating. Takumi chuckled softly and wrapped his arm around Megumi's waist. She glanced at him in surprise but just as quickly smiled softly, leaning into his embrace.

"Today, we have two juggernauts vying it out for the crown jewel of Totsuki achievements, the throne upon which we mortals can only kneel and worship… the coveted First Seat of the Elite Ten!"

Another roar, encompassing the whole crowd this time, bounced off the walls and Takumi heard it clearly from behind the glass. That noise must be deafening on stage. I couldn't work under all that pressure, I hope Soma got his act together…

"But before we welcome our challengers, first I have the privilege to introduce the three individuals who will be undertaking the monumental task of judging this Shokugeki! Firstly, we have Dojima Gin, current head chef for the Totsuki Resort and a former First Seat!"

Upon his name being called, Dojima Gin walked out to thunderous applause, his tall muscular frame exuding a dominating presence that Takumi felt all the way back where he stood. He sat on the leftmost seat at the judge's table, and stared straight forward without any intention to speak.

"Next, a wildcard of a judge! An internationally renowned chef and a former Totsuki Second Seat, an infamous Shokugeki master known by the fierce nickname Asura… Yukihira Joichiro!"

That elicited a gasp from most of the crowd. Soma's father walked onstage, an awkward grin plastered on his face. It was fairly common knowledge now who Yukihira Soma's father was, after Azami spearheaded the Central movement in honour of his cooking abilities. But to see him here, judging for his own son's Shokugeki…

"Yo! It's a little weird to be here, I've never done one of these, um, judging things before. But I'll be neutral, I promise! We figured having one on each side was the fairest compromise."

Each side? Takumi wondered.

With that, he took the rightmost seat. He glanced over at Dojima, who returned with a friendly smile. Joichiro opened his mouth to say something to his old friend, but Dojima put his fingers to his lips and pointed at Kawashima. Joichiro got the hint and winked back, clearly relishing his situation.

"Thank you, Yukihira-san. And finally, I have the pleasure to announce… our esteemed director, the Demon King of the food world… Nakiri Senzaemon!"

That sent the crowd into a frenzy. Cheers, gasps and applause all exploded from the audience as Senzaemon walked into view, calm as a still lake.

"I suppose that is a compromise." Hayama said. "One member of Yukihira's family, one member of Nakiri's and a neutral third party."

"Though I'd wager they won't be very lenient to their kids. In fact, they'll probably be even stricter considering the stakes." Takumi replied.

"Either way, this is going to be intense." Kurokiba added.

"Our grandfather won't let himself be swayed by bias," Alice said with an excited grin.

"And Erina-sama won't be intimidated by having to cook for the director in front of everyone." Arato shared a look with Alice, the pink-haired girl obviously feeling the nerves more than Nakiri's cousin.

"Soma-kun… he'll probably love the opportunity to cook for his dad in such a high-pressure situation." Megumi said to no-one in particular, but everyone nodded in agreement.

They all looked ahead to see Senzaemon as he seated himself centre stage and called for silence in the auditorium. Almost immediately, the noise went from deafening to mute. The Demon King director nodded to Kawashima to continue. She gulped and took a second to collect herself before continuing with her usual energy.

"First up… He's the First Seat for a reason! A cooking style as unorthodox as his personality, and a scary amount of talent hidden under all that fiery red hair! It's… Yukihira Soma!"

Everyone in that auditorium without glass panelling in front of them must have been screaming at the top of their lungs. Takumi felt a swelling of pride as Soma walked out on stage. He recalled the battle against Central, how everyone present had once booed and dismissed him. Now he was a living legend, and he acted every inch the part. Soma gave a slight smile and wave to the crowd to acknowledge them, but quickly calmed any sense of emotion. He looked unfazed, a determined gaze fixed on his face, and took his place on the left side of the stage.

"Damn, he didn't even glance at his father. Do you reckon they got told about the judges beforehand?" Takumi wondered aloud.

"Makes sense to me. It would probably hamper their quality to cook under pressure if they were blind sided like this," Alice replied, then she turned sharply in Takumi's direction.

"Now shush! I don't want any talking during Erina's introduction."

Once the audience had settled down, Kawashima continued.

"And last but certainly not least! After a semester of travel to expand her culinary expertise, she's back to reclaim her throne! You know her, but she probably doesn't know you! The princess of Totsuki… Nakiri Erina!"

Takumi could swear he felt the ground shake. The sheer excitement erupting from the auditorium was even more than he was expecting. Nakiri walked on like she didn't have a care in the world, but he noticed her gaze was locked on Soma during her entrance. It didn't break until she took her position on the right side of the stage. What was said in that silent exchange was anyone's guess.

The roaring from the crowd continued for a solid minute, before Senzaemon once again raised his hand to command silence. Once again, everyone immediately obeyed. Takumi realised he was holding his breath, as if even that was too loud for the occasion. He snuck a glance at his fellow Elite Ten members, who all looked their own version of contemplative. He felt a hand grip his shoulder and returned a nervous smile to Isami, who had managed to keep his composure and stay silent throughout everything. I wish I had his temperament, Takumi thought, feeling his heart pounding painfully in his chest. Come on, Soma! You'd better give Erina a dish she'll never forget!

Kawashima let the crowd squirm in silence for a few seconds before launching into the moment everyone had been waiting for.

"And so, the ultimate battle begins! Which Totsuki titan will reign supreme? Who will claim the First Seat in the most legendary of circumstances? Only time will tell… Judges, are you ready?"

Dojima and Senzaemon gave firm nods while Joichiro gave a goofy thumbs up.

"Chefs, are you ready?"

Nakiri Erina met the fiery redhead's eyes and gave a look of determination, accented with the most genuine of smiles.

Yukihira Soma looked back at the amethyst-eyed princess and returned the gaze, grabbing his trademark white headband and tying it round his forehead.

They were ready.

"On your marks… get set… SHOKUGEKI!"

And so it began.

It was funny. Soma didn't really feel like he was there, yet he knew it was him grabbing each ingredient, chopping, mixing, cooking. It was like time had slowed, and each action was its own universe. He couldn't hear the murmurs of the crowd, just his laboured breathing. Occasionally, he would glance up and see her working her magic across from him. It took all his willpower not to let a wide smile take over his face.

He could hear the commentary from Kawashima and the judges, and he reminded himself not to look at his dad. He had been psyching himself up, when out of nowhere Joichiro burst into the room, got Soma in a headlock and affectionately raked his knuckles across his head. It took about a minute to wriggle free and another two for his dad to explain how he managed to get roped into judging the Shokugeki. In truth, Soma hadn't been listening at all, at least not until Joichiro gave him a stern look and said the next time they lock eyes had better be when Soma presents his dish.

Soma blinked and realised he was almost done. The finishing touches were being made and he saw the countdown up ahead projecting there was ten seconds left. Right at the bell, like usual, he chuckled to himself. Steeling himself, he grabbed a tray and placed the four bowls upon it, with a metal lid atop to hide his creation and keep it warm.

"The first dish presented will be from Yukihira Soma!"

As Soma walked towards the judge's table, he thought back to everything that had brought him here. The highs, the lows, the friends and many enemies he had made. The Training Camp, the Autumn Elections, the Stagiaire, and the battle against Central… Such an eventful year. And it all started the day he met Nakiri Erina and knew exactly what he was fighting for… and who he needed to become.

He had kept his promise, the one he brazenly made in front of the whole school. He made it to the First Seat, but only by virtue of losing her. That wasn't a victory. He hadn't worked hard, poured his everything into creating a dish that proved his efforts. Now, he had done just that.

If he was being honest with himself, it wasn't Dojima or Senzaemon or even his father whose approval he craved most. He hadn't really made this dish for them. He made it for her. He made it to show how far they had come together and apart. He made it as an apology and a challenge and a promise all in one.

Soma carefully placed the tray at the judge's table and handed out each dish. He kept his word to his father, maintaining a confident gaze as he presented his masterpiece. The dish that encapsulated his entire Totsuki life thus far. He unsheathed the last lid and presented the bowl to Erina.

In as macho a voice as he could muster, Soma said "I call this my Soma-style Eggs Benedict Over Rice Fit for a Queen."

The usual impressed murmuring came from the crowd, but Soma only cared about one person's reaction. Shock was her initial response, but once she contemplated the true meaning of the dish, her lips curled into a gentle smile. That was the look Soma wanted, the one he had missed for so, so long.

The judges took no time in digging in, eager to evaluate and gauge the quality of the meal before them. Erina followed suit, gratefully taking the bowl from Soma's hands. Their fingers grazed briefly and Soma felt a pleasant electric tingle where she had touched him.

They all edged a piece close to their mouths and took a bite…

…and a chorus of satisfied moans echoed throughout the auditorium. Dojima had an uncharacteristically dorky grin on his face whilst similarly Joichiro looked serious and contemplative as he chewed, very much unlike his usual demeanour. Senzaemon had gone bare-chested, a surefire sign that Soma had struck the right chords. He allowed himself the smallest of celebrations before turning back to Erina.

She was deliberately slow in her movements, either stretching out the moment for dramatic tension or because she was finding the right words to say. Either way, Soma felt a pit in his stomach waiting for her words.

She locked eyes with him and Soma felt his heart skip a beat like it usually did.

"The sauce covering the whole dish… it's a Japanese-style Hollandaise, right? Which is accented with yuzu salt and soy sauce."

"Yeah, that's right. No getting past your God's Tongue. Add in crispy pork which I balanced with the rice by adding shio kombu and…"

"Shiso leaves." Erina continued for him. Soma discovered he really liked it when she finished his sentences.

"The true star of this dish however…" Senzaemon added, enforcing his judicial responsibilities, "is the crispy tempura egg atop the rice and pork. It melts on the tongue beautifully… a poached egg which has been deep fried."

"That's right." Dojima added. "The egg whites are soft and rich and the yolk is velvety smooth. But breading a soft-boiled egg and deep frying it whilst keeping its shape…"

"It's impossible." Joichiro continued, and Soma saw a look in his father's eyes that he couldn't quite place. Pride was there, as well as satisfaction, but there was a hint of sadness. As if he was seeing Soma for the man he was, not the child he knew. "Unless that chef has superhuman skill."

A roar of enthused cheering erupted and Soma basked in its glory. However, he found he couldn't resist the urge to tell Erina his motivations so he turned back to face her and spoke.

"The Eggs Benedict takes you back, huh? I modified it to give it a more diner-style aesthetic whilst keeping to the texture and flavour profile of the original dish."

"Yes…" Erina said with a wistful smile on her face. "I made Eggs Benedict during our training camp. It was the first dish I presented in front of you…"

"Not only that but… the day we first met. The main ingredient I had to use for my entrance exam." Soma gave her a knowing look.

She blushed with an embarrassed smile. "Eggs and rice with transforming seasoning."

"You remembered." Soma chuckled.

The warm silence between the two was wonderful. Soma was about to say something when Erina met his eyes again and spoke. Two beautiful words that Soma wasn't quite sure he had heard properly, not until he saw her purple eyes well up with tears of joy.

"It's delicious."

Soma had played it cool until now. There was no way, however, he was going to suppress his elation. Not after all this time.

"Finallyyyyy!" He shouted, pumping his fists in the air and jumping for joy. He looked across the cheering audience and spotted Takumi, Megumi and the rest of his friends up in a viewing booth. They were whooping and clapping for him, Alice started welling up with tears and buried her face in Kurokiba's chest. Megumi was overcome by sheer happiness and could only smile contentedly at Soma, whilst Takumi gave a thumbs up. A subdued reaction by any means but the gesture meant the world to Soma, who knew he owed a debt of gratitude to his friend that he would spend a long time repaying.

In a moment, Erina's dish would also be presented. Before that happened, and the victor was crowned, Soma wanted to show his appreciation. He approached her and swept her up in his arms, twirling her round a few times. She yelped in surprise at first, but was giggling by the time Soma put her back on the ground. Her arms were wrapped around the nape of his neck and their foreheads grazed each other. Staring into her eyes was one of Soma's favourite pastimes, so much so he momentarily forgot the whole school was watching them. He instinctively bit his lip and Erina could see the desire in his eyes.

She watched as he leant closer and she knew full well his intentions. She had a reputation to uphold though, no matter how much she obviously wanted it. Pressing a finger to his lips, she tutted.

"Not the time or place, Soma-kun."

He chuckled, pulling away and laughing in embarrassment. But before he could get too far away, she leant in herself and whispered in his ear.

"But definitely later, lover boy…"

Erina could swear his cheeks turned as red as his hair. She left him to compose himself while she grabbed her dishes and lay them before the judges.

"Please enjoy."

As the steam rose from the uncovered lids, shocked gasps rang out from the crowd. Even with her back turned, Erina could feel Alice's mischievous smile as she unveiled her choice of creation. Her grandfather chuckled, as if even he wasn't expecting such a bold move from Erina.

"I thought this smelled familiar."

Soma approached and considered the bowls in front of him. Then he guffawed.

"Looks like we both couldn't resist the nostalgia, huh?"

Before each of the judges, and a separate bowl reserved for Soma, was a donburi mixed with jidori chicken and a sauce consisting of eggs, cream, salt and pepper heated to luxurious creaminess. Turmeric gave it a vibrant yellow colour, and it was adorned with rice crackers that were fried in sesame oil. The chicken breast was wrapped with a layer of croûte hiding a combination she would have never thought would work so well, had she not already known they were a beautiful match… minced squid legs and peanut butter.

"I was at a loss trying to formulate the right dish for such an occasion as this," Erina announced, addressing the audience present as well as the judges. "But I felt it most appropriate to pay homage to the dish that earned me the First Seat in the beginning. I call this Le Plat Véritable - Homecoming Perfection!"

"Instead of creating something entirely new, you came back to a dish and refined it? That's certainly different from the Erina I know." Senzaemon grinned, and Erina enjoyed the fun her grandfather was clearly having judging her dish.

"I remember when you made this at the Regiment de Cuisine. I was desperate to try it, if only to find out how you made my son's bizarre experimentation actually taste good." Joichiro gave Erina a warm smile and she wondered how it took Soma admitting it for her to see their likeness as father and son. Though, Joichiro could never make Erina's heart flutter like Soma could.

She grabbed the last bowl and handed it to Soma, who took it from her grasp with an anticipatory smile.

Four pairs of chopsticks lifted a piece to sample…

…and silence reigned for a few moments.

Erina suddenly found herself overcome with doubt. Had she made a miscalculation in her refinement of a previous dish? Was it improperly seasoned, or did the texture clash in an unpleasant way? She closed her eyes, calmed her breathing and when she opened them again, all four bowls were empty.

She was taken back, and gauged the reactions of the men who had eaten. It seems like they were all in some kind of stupor, hypnotised by what they had just eaten. Soma blinked and seemed to be the first to realise he had finished the entire thing.

"Damn, Erina… that was…"

"Perfection in a bowl." Dojima finished. The redhead and the blonde-haired princess turned to see all the judges considering the dish they had just devoured.

"Agreed. It was every bit as delicious as I imagined it would be. Even more so, actually." Joichiro added, shooting his son a sympathetic look.

"Erina." Senzaemon boomed, and the din of the crowd murmuring their thoughts went silent once again. "You return to Totsuki and instead of attempting to impress us with one of your usually unique and awe-inspiring dishes, you took a dish that had sentimental value and you improved it further. That is the essence of a true chef."

Erina swelled with pride at the praise of the judges. While their verdicts meant a lot to her, she still needed to know what one other person thought.

Soma was still lost for words. He had a look of intense concentration on his face, his eyebrows scrunched and his lips pursed tightly. After a moment, however, he burst out laughing.

"Here I was thinking I had a chance of beating you! You really are incredible, Erina… I'm so happy you came back."

She had not been expecting such heartfelt words. She stammered, trying to think of something clever to say in response. When nothing came to mind, Soma turned to the judge's table.

"I don't think you guys need much deliberation to decide a winner, right? Might as well come out and say it."

"Correct." Senzaemon replied, standing and holding out an outstretched hand.

"By unanimous decision, the winner of this Shokugeki and the new First Seat of the Elite Ten… Nakiri Erina!"

Screams of elation and enthusiasm exploded for the auditorium, followed by a chanting of her name. Erina was stunned by the support and popularity she had with her fellow Totsuki students. She may have left… but she never stopped being one of them. She could spend as long as she wanted regretting her decisions, but right here, right now, she had never been happier. Except for maybe…

As if he had read her thoughts, Erina felt Soma wrap his arm round the small of her back and pull her in for a hug.

"Congratulations… First Seat."

"Thank you, Soma-kun. What… What will you do now?"

Soma pulled away and looked at her as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Fight to get it back, of course."

Erina smiled and was about to break off the hug when Soma tightened the embrace.

"Soma-kun… what-"

"You're the First Seat now, so you got your reward. Now, I'm getting mine."

Is he really going to… in front of the whole school? And am I actually going to let him?

Erina looked into Soma's eyes. She saw confidence and passion, she saw a hint of disappointment at losing, but mostly… she saw love. And she knew Soma saw the same in her eyes. In this moment, she was beyond caring what others thought of her. She didn't even really care about reclaiming the First Seat. All that mattered was they were together again. And when they were together, she knew anything was possible.

"Fine, then. Bring it on."

Soma grinned and edged himself closer, slowly enough that she could change her mind. But she was sure. Everyone knew about them anyway, and this way no rumours would spread about bitterness or hard feelings. After this, no-one would be in any doubt that Yukihira Soma and Nakiri Erina were committed to each other, and that Totsuki and the wider culinary world had better beware. They were in this for the long haul.

Soma pressed his lips to hers and Erina let out an involuntary moan. She wrapped her arms across his neck and kissed back, enjoying the rush the public display of affection sent through her body. Cheers and applause rippled throughout the room and several wolf whistles could be heard as well.

As they broke the kiss and stared into each other's eyes, they knew everything would work out for the best. They whispered to each other, barely audible amongst the raucous noise around them.

"I love you, Soma-kun."

"I love you too, Erina."

Words can't express how happy I am to have written this. I feel like I met an old friend after years of silence and we got along like it was yesterday. I'm ashamed it took me so long to give you guys the continuation you deserve, but I mean it when I say this has reignited a fire in me.

I hope this chapter finds you well, and that despite everything that may be going on, don't let that spark go out. A world without passion, without kindness and respect, isn't the world we deserve. Even if it takes years, (almost five in my case!) it's never the end.

Take care and you'll be hearing from me very soon!

(For real, this time.)

(Seriously.)