Waifu Wars: A Food Wars Fanfic

Ch. 55 How to Train Your Kohai

            Erina heard it from the cafeteria; the sound of Polar Star Dormitory's front door opening. Leaving her pupils to their studies, she dashed out to the foyer so she could meet the shopping team.

We'll finally be able to cook again! And things should be much less awkward with Ryo, now that Alice is back, she thought happily.

There were still plenty of lectures and review materials needing to be covered, but theoretical knowledge would only get the resisters so far. Without an adequate amount of hands-on practice in the kitchen, they wouldn't stand a chance during the advancement exams.

"I've been waiting for you!" said Erina excitedly, as she entered the front room.

"I knew you missed me, Coz!" said Alice, running up to Erina for a hug. It was just a ploy to make her uncomfortable; Erina promptly pushed her away.

"Of course I didn't mean you! I meant...wait, where are your bags?"

"Bags? Ohhh, right. We were supposed to get groceries. Duh," said Soma, laughing as he smacked himself on the forehead.

"Ha! I knew we'd figure it out," said Rindo.

"You didn't figure anything out! I just told you!" said Erina, her quick temper flaring up again.

"Oops. But hey, you wouldn't believe what happened when we got there! As soon as we walked in..." started Torrey.

"I don't want to hear you prattling on about excuses. You had one job. And four people! How many idiots does it take to pick up a few groceries?"

Without a word, Rindo tossed her check on the table next to Erina. It wasn't one of those giant fake checks that they give out on TV all the time; just a regular old check for 2,212,740 yen.

"What is the meaning of this? I was under the impression that the goal of this trip was to return with LESS money and MORE food."

"You said you didn't want to hear our excuses. And you were rude to Kohai. You'd better apologize if you want answers," said Rindo.

Rindo's hands were on her hips, and her feline amber eye was fixated on Erina. It was enough to make her hesitate; if Rindo was a playful kitten 99% of the time, she was a ferocious lion for the other 1%.

"Right...er, sorry, Torrey. So...um...what exactly happened?"

They proceeded to tell her everything.

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Erina remained silent for some time, trying to process what she was hearing. Eventually, she nodded.

"It's a far-fetched tale, to be sure. I doubt that you would all have the audacity to lie to my face, however. I have no choice but to accept your explanation," she concluded.

"Wow, Princess, you've grown up! The Nakiri I used to know would never have accepted such an outrageous story. I'm proud of you," said Rindo, putting an arm around Erina. She squirmed uncomfortably.

"Thank you, Senpai. But please let go of me..."

"I guess you haven't changed THAT much. Still afraid of intimacy, I see," said Rindo, releasing Erina.

Afraid of intimacy...is that what she thinks of me? But more importantly, is it true?! thought Erina.

"Kinda like Kohai, except lately he's been warming up to me. Isn't that right, Kohai?" said Rindo, looking towards Torrey. He shrugged, indifferently.