Waifu Wars: A Food Wars Fanfic

Ch. 130 Casino Night, Part Fourteen: After-Party at Polaris

(Author's Note: Sorry for dragging out Casino Night for so long. When I first started this arc, I was thinking like 5 or 6 chapters and then it just kept going and going. On that note, I'll still probably need to write one more chapter after this one to wrap-up Casino Night.)

Torrey and Rindo had been walking for quite some time, before the loud music cut through the silence of the wooded area leading to Polaris Dormitory. Apparently the party was already in full-swing. The steady, electronic rhythm of the dance music helped perk them up as they approached the front courtyard. If they hadn't been exhausted after their Shokugeki, they certainly were after the long trip up the mountain.

Once they entered through the front gates, they saw a number of students hanging around the courtyard, Totsuki and Hyakkou students alike. Everyone seemed to be holding paper cups. Torrey shook his head, knowing all too well what that meant.

"Sakaki's famous home-brewed rice juice," he said. Rindo nodded, having partaken in one of their previous parties. Polaris was earning a reputation again, though not necessarily for the same reasons as during its Golden Age.

"You've sure got some interestin' characters here at your dorm, Kohai. Speaking of, there's the Prince of Smoke himself over there!"

"Nobody calls him that but you, Rindo-Senpai."

"Not true! That's his official nickname; read the manga if you don't believe me."

With that, Rindo rushed over to the large grill that was exuding clouds of sweet-smelling smoke, which was currently being manned by Shun Ibusaki and Ikumi Mito. Both of the star first-years were engaged in a conversation about grilling- Ikumi was likely the only student at Totsuki that could keep up with Ibusaki on the topic.

"Can't go wrong with Oklahoma Joe's," said Ikumi, nodding appreciatively at the offset charcoal smoker and grill combo. "I couldn't bring mine with me when I moved into my apartment though. The porch is too small."

"I've got a smaller model you can borrow, if you want. It doesn't have the smoking compartment, so I only use it when I need the extra grill space."

"Wow, thanks! Wouldn't this be one of those situations where you'd need it, though?" asked Ikumi.

"Yeah, but if we go crazy with the rice juice tonight, I'd rather keep it tucked away safely...." said Ibusaki. Ikumi nodded, then noticed Rindo approaching.

"Oh, hey Rindo-Senpai. Congrats on the win," she said.

"Thanks! Kohai sure tested me though," said Rindo, pausing to take in a breath of the smoke from right beside the grill. "Whoa! Pecan wood chips?"

"Best for a quick sear," said Ibusaki, opening the lid for a brief moment to flip four large ribeye steaks. His movements were so quick and precise, that none of the heat escaped the chamber.

Torrey joined them at this moment, having just managed to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring cuts of meat. They easily weighed twenty ounces each, with distinctively curved lines of marbled fat that seemed to ebb and flow like cream-colored waves.

"Naturally; medium-rare is the only way to eat a steak as far as I'm concerned. A nice quick sear is crucial," said Rindo, nodding wisely.

"Exactly! Any chef who argues differently isn't worth their salt," said Ikumi.

"You won't hear any arguments from me," said Torrey. "I'll catch you guys in a bit. I'm gonna head to my room and get changed."

He opened the front door and stepped into the foyer, where another group of students was standing around with paper cups. The only one Torrey recognized was Marui; apparently the guest list had expanded since he'd left the arena stage.