Hearts in Twos

Chapps 1: Tranfer Exams

****

From the window comes a cool gentle breeze with streams of sunlight livening up a certain honey blonde haired's dim room

She slowly lifted herself up from the bed taking deep consecutive breaths as she tries to ease the gnawing feeling tugging continuously since she woke up

She swung her legs on the edge, standing barefoot on the cold tiled floor and made way towards the bathroom

Dull amethyst eyes staring back, the corners of her mouth turned down while reminding herself her purpose like a broken record

Gone as far as she can on this path, with a so called gift. Admired and feared throughout Tōtsuki, and from other parts of the world for her talent and prominent status as the director's granddaughter

People envy and wanted themselves to be in her position. If only they knew what entails their wish

'I wish to go back... To when things were simpler and I was happier.'

****

Erina's honey blonde hair tied to a pony tail, wearing a standard chef's white uniform. Adorning her usual stoic expression as she moves around elegantly in her kitchen with her pink haired aid watching her every move in awe like it's her first time

Suddenly craving for something sweet and decided to recreate a traditional and classic French Dessert made in summer with Fresh Strawberries that she have tasted in one of her overseas travels when she was a child with her Grandfather- called Fraisier

Finally putting the finishing touches on her dessert and introduced it to Hisako as one of her improved and perfected dessert

"As expected, Erina-sama. This looks absolute perfection!"

Hisako's eyes twinkles in delight and excitement at the food infront of her, aching to have a taste. Taking a picture like a proud parent

"Hisako, What's on my plate for next week?"

The said girl snapped out of it, turning to her lady and quickly handed her a file

Erina took the papers and scanned it half-heartedly. When she was done, she returned it immediately. Letting out a bitter laugh

"Judging transfer exams? So this is the kind of grunt work I'd get for joining the executive board?"

Her aid gulped in nervousness from the harsh tone

"Let them know at once that I will not be available, have someone else do the work."

"Y-Yes, Erina-sama!" She couldn't do anything else but do what was said

****

The hands of the clock slowly ticking right past midday

Under the bright sun its rays warms my skin, as I close the Yukihira diner and went inside the taxi waiting for me with some of my belongings inside

It was a day like this when I first met her, she wasn't alone back then. A frightening tall old man accompanied her to greet my dad and I by the door of their huge house

I clearly remember the way how her hair would dance with the wind when we were playing, how her stunning amethyst eyes would lit up when something piqued her interest and the haughty and unforgettable personality

'I wonder how you're doing, Erina.'

As I put on a simple black ball mask that slightly shadows over the eyes

'Seems like it has been a while since I cut it.' I thought as I run a hand through my dark-red hair that almost reaches my shoulders in length and bangs reaching just below my cheeks

It didn't take long for me to arrive at the front gates of the Academy that I will be attending for three whole years when I pass

I tried to keep my cool as I saw the grandness and by the number of people coming out of their cars with butlers and wearing expensive looking clothes

I slightly jumped when my phone started ringing

"Yo, Soma!" Dad greeted me as soon as I answered

"Oyaji, why the sudden call?"

"You've arrived already, yeah? Just a reminder, You're taking the transfer admission exam for one of the best culinary schools in the country, the graduation rate is less than 10%. Best of luck with that!"

"Seriously?!" I closed my mouth that's slightly hanging open from disbelief

"If you can't survive that academy until graduation, you can say goodbye to achieving your pipe dream-"

I didn't clear him finish and said, "Just watch me!"

Then I heard voices from the other line calling his attention

"I gotta go now. Don't get yourself into too much trouble, Enji."

Cringing a little at the new name. Dad registered it because he thought it sounded cooler but I highly doubted it

I clicked my tongue in annoyance and had enough of Dad laughing aloud and ended the call

Making my way through the wide corridors towards the room for examinees, I was hit with the loud chatters, talking about their plans if they get in

When it was time for the examination, an old man with piercing blue eyes, and swept back blonde hair came in while wearing a stern expression

"Greetings, Transfer applicants. I am Roland Chapelle and I have been assigned to judge today's transfer exam."

The silence that came after was deafening to say the least as no one uttered a word with some shaking from where they stood

"I'm a very busy lecturer in this academy and so if you don't have what it takes to go through this exam, you may leave." This examiner said in a cold tone that matches his expression, effectively scaring almost everyone. Gesturing towards the wide open double door

I just stood still and watched as most of the participants flee with theirs tails tucked between their legs

My curiosity got the best of me and so I grabbed a supposed partipant and asked him what's the big deal

"Don't you know that he's a renowned Chef, lecturer and chief of the French Cuisine Division! He's the said Chef that doesn't smile!"

I let the guy go and thought in amusement, 'The chef that doesn't smile, huh?'

I looked around and the number of people that will take the exam with me can be counted in one hand

"I see that we have some courageous participants." Roland Chapelle signalled someone to bring in the kitchen work table

He scanned the variety of ingredients laid out infront of him and grabbed an egg

"The main ingredient will be an egg, make one dish. I will only allow whose creations impress me."

He looked at each of one us remaining, his next words sparked the excitement in me

"Any dish that is not 'A' quality grade is an 'E'. Which means you fail."

And I took it as a challenge

****

Here it is! (っ.❛ ᴗ ❛.)っ

Please remember that "Enji" is just a fake name

Only used when Soma talks to others