A Dish Just for You

Chapter 6: A Misunderstanding

Third POV:

Erina continued to pace in her room as she thought back to the discussion she had with L/N just a few days ago. He had asked her to stop hating him in the opening and to tell Souma to do the same. When she had spoken about the red head, L/N seemed to have come to some conclusion. Whatever he was thinking, it seemed to involve her and Souma. That's when she remembered in their previous meetings, L/N had said that she and Souma were a couple. Erina blushed and fell into her bed to muffle her scream of embarrassment. She slightly lifted her head, "Stupid L/N. Thinking such things. Like I'd ever..." The thought of Souma suddenly flashed before her eyes. Erina blushed deeper as she thought of him holding her hand. However, the image of Souma suddenly blurred and seemed to be someone else. She smashed her face back into bed before she could continue the fantasy.

Erina walked into the classroom. Several of the students were staring at her, mostly the males. Of course, it was only natural. She was one of the most beautiful females in the entire school. She took pride in keeping a clean appearance and keeping herself fit with exercise. Erina sat down in her seat, only to be startled when someone next to here said, "Good morning." She jumped as she turned to see L/N staring at her. She was about to turn back to face the front when she stopped to look at L/N's face. He had plain E/C eyes and H/C hair. It was clear that he barely made any effort to enhance his appearance. It was the mark of someone who lacked professionalism. 'That's a shame. With some work, he could be very handsome.' Erina thought. Once the thought crossed her mind, she blushed and shook her head. Y/N raised an eyebrow, "Principal Nakiri? Is there something wrong?" Erina stopped and tried to respond, "No, uh, nothing. It's fine." After a few seconds, she said, "Uh, can we talk after class?" The boy was surprised. Normally, he would be the one to begin the conversation between the two of them, even though he didn't actually like their conversations, "Ok."

Erina looked at L/N, not breaking eye contact. The boy sighed, "Ok, what did you want to talk about Principal Nakiri?" Erina flinched and cleared her throat, "Very well. First, I wanted to inform you that I talked with Souma and he agreed to not argue with you in public, for Megumi." L/N smiled, "That's good. Anything else?" Erina nodded, "Yes. Second, I would like it if you simply referred to me as Nakiri. Being called the Principal is kind of strange when I'm at school." L/N nodded in understanding, "Fine." Erina smirked. This conversation was going better than she expected, "Also, for your information, me and Souma are not dating or in any form of relationship except as friends." The boy raised an eyebrow, "Really?" Erina was startled. She had not expected him to react to that part of everything. Erina said, blushed, "Y-y-y-y-yes. We're just friends. Nothing more. It's the same as you and Megumi. Like I'd ever date someone like that." L/N said, "It's actually a common manga trope that people who started off as friends to end up as lovers. Especially considering how much First Seat Yukihira did to save you from your father." Erina froze, 'Shit, he's right. That's totally a typical manga trope. And there's also the enemies to lovers trope that you see every so often. Me and Souma fit in lots of tropes.' Erina shook her head and said, "I told you before, we're just friends. No dating for me." L/N looked at her and suddenly asked, "Nakiri, have you never dated anyone? Have you even been confessed to?" Erina blushed as the truth was discovered. Even though lots of people were infatuated with her, none of them had ever gotten the courage to confess to her, which meant she never dated anyone. She turned away, "So what? It's not like I need a boyfriend or anything." "Nakiri." Erina looked at him as he said, "I love you." Erina blushed a beet red and screamed, "What?!??!?!!?" L/N raised a hand, "Just kidding." With that, he turned and began walking away. Erina collapsed, her face as red as any tomato.

Unknown to the two of them, they had been watched by a man in a black suit. He had heard some of their conversation, but missed what L/N had said just before he left. The man took out his phone and dialed a number, "Mr. Senzaemon? There's something you should know."