Riku Kaizen stood silently at the entrance of the Polar Star dormitory's courtyard, the early morning sun casting a soft glow over the dewy grass. The events of the previous week had passed like a storm—quick, fierce, and unforgettable.
He had faced the full force of Tōtsuki's pressure in the autumn elections preliminary round, and emerged not only as a crowd favorite but as a culinary force recognized even by the judges. The storm might have passed, but its winds had left behind a changed terrain.
Erina had grown quieter since the day of the results. Not distant—never that—but contemplative. The way she looked at him now was different. Not just with challenge or curiosity, but with something more layered. There was a recognition in her eyes, perhaps even acceptance.
Riku didn't dare assume anything further, but he felt it every time they locked eyes—this unspoken shift between them.
The courtyard door creaked open behind him. He didn't need to look to know who it was.
"You're here early," Erina said, her voice composed as ever, but gentler than usual.
"I could say the same to you," Riku replied, turning his head slightly "Didn't expect the God Tongue herself to beat the sun to work."
Erina raised a brow, then smirked slightly "Some things are worth waking up for."
Riku's pulse jumped slightly, but he held his expression steady. He looked ahead again, his eyes scanning the open training field "You meant cooking, right?"
There was a pause.
"Mostly," Erina replied softly.
They stood in silence for a while, watching as the campus slowly came to life. Students began to trickle out of the dorms, some rushing toward the practice kitchens, others stretching in the yard.
"Dean Nakiri wants to speak with you," Erina said after a moment.
Riku blinked "The dean? Why?"
"Your performance during the elections," she said, folding her arms "He's… intrigued. You managed to stand out among hundreds, and you weren't even an Elite Ten member. He wants to assess the next steps."
"Next steps?" Riku tilted his head "Like getting me more involved?"
"Possibly" Her tone was cautious now "He's never brought in someone this quickly before. It's unorthodox."
"And you're worried about that?" he asked, looking at her directly.
Erina hesitated "I'm… not sure. You've disrupted the rhythm of Tōtsuki—and mine. That can be a good thing, or a very dangerous one."
Riku gave a small grin "Sounds like I've got your attention."
"You've had it since the entrance exam," she admitted, eyes narrowing slightly "Don't let it go to your head."
He laughed, low and smooth, brushing a hand through his hair "Too late for that."
Later that afternoon, Riku stood before Dean Azami Nakiri's office. The door, sleek and imposing, felt more like an entrance to a high-security vault than an administrator's workspace. He could feel Erina's eyes on his back from the hallway, though she said nothing.
With a deep breath, he pushed the door open.
Azami sat at a long table rather than behind a desk, an open window letting in golden afternoon light that outlined the man in stark clarity. He wore a charcoal-gray suit, sharp and tailored, and his presence exuded an air of precision and power.
"So, you're the one who rattled the foundation of the autumn elections," Azami said without preamble "Riku Kaizen."
"Yes, sir," Riku replied, keeping his posture respectful but unbowed.
Azami gestured to a seat across from him "Sit. We have much to discuss."
Riku sat, his back straight and eyes focused. He could sense the weight behind the dean's words, the kind of force that didn't tolerate foolishness.
"I've reviewed your evaluations. Watched the footage. Spoken with the judges. And most importantly," Azami continued, leaning slightly forward, "I've spoken to Erina."
That surprised Riku, though he tried not to show it "And what did she say?"
"She vouched for you," Azami said simply "She called you reckless but brilliant. Arrogant but honest. And most of all, unpredictable."
Riku let out a short breath "That last part sounds like a warning."
Azami chuckled—not warmly, but thoughtfully "It is. We don't tolerate instability at Totsuki. But we do reward potential. And you, Riku Kaizen, have more of it than any first-year I've seen in a long time."
A beat passed.
"I'd like to offer you a place in the Elite Ten," Azami said.
Riku's heart skipped a beat.
"But you'll need to earn it through a formal challenge," Azami added quickly "You may choose one of the lower seats to challenge—Seat Ten or Nine. Win, and you take their place."
Riku processed the words carefully "And if I lose?"
"You lose credibility, but not your place at Tōtsuki," Azami said "Consider it a calculated risk. One I believe you're capable of taking."
That evening, Riku sat on the roof of the Polar Star dormitory, the skyline painted in warm hues of twilight. Erina joined him, her usual chef's coat replaced with a more casual outfit—light sweater, dark jeans, and her long hair tied loosely behind her.
"So, you met him," she said.
"He offered me a shot at the Elite Ten," Riku replied, not bothering to sugarcoat it.
Erina's eyes widened faintly "Already?"
"I guess I made an impression" He glanced over at her "Thanks, by the way. I know you said something to him."
"I did," she admitted "Because you deserve it. But also because I want to see what you'll do with it."
Riku nodded slowly "I'm planning to challenge Seat Nine."
"You think you can win?"
He smiled, a calm confidence in his eyes "I know I can."
Erina looked at him for a long moment "You've changed the pace of everything, Riku."
"Is that a compliment?"
"It's a challenge," she said with a soft smile.
The wind picked up slightly, brushing through their hair. Riku looked out at the distant campus buildings glowing in the dusk.
"Hey, Erina," he said after a pause "If I do win the seat… will you consider going on a real date with me?"
She turned to him, clearly caught off guard.
"A date?" she echoed, raising an eyebrow.
"I've cooked beside you. Argued with you. Competed with you. But I want to know you beyond all that," he said seriously "No chef titles. Just Riku and Erina."
She seemed to mull it over for a while, her expression unreadable.
Finally, she gave a small nod "Win the seat. Then we'll talk."
Riku grinned, eyes gleaming in the dimming light "Deal."