A Spice in Life (Shokugeki no Soma x Fem!Reader)

White Day Special; Happy White Day!

(Name)'s POV

"My cabbages!"

The poor vendor wailed in distress as his cabbage stand was, once again, smashed to smithereens. It was a serious injustice, often repeated as an easy gag throughout the show, but I couldn't help but sympathize for the man. Sure, the Avatar saves the world—but what about the cabbages?

"I feel you, cabbage man." I sniffed, watching the communal television pan past his defeated form. "Those kids really hold no respect for the cabbage industry..."

"Homura, there you are!" My attention was redirected towards Shoji, and I turned to see him walking towards me.

"Yooo, the Greatest Sho-man! Whatcha got there?" I nodded towards the bag he was holding, which he handed to me. I didn't have to untie the red ribbon to identify its contents through the clear plastic wrapping. "Cookies?"

Shoji shrugged. "I would've left it outside your door like the others, but I think personally delivering them is better."

'The others?' I tilted my head. It's—it's not my birthday, is it!?

"No, no, I marked that in my calendar this year..." I muttered to myself, earning me a funny look from Shoji.

"Well, if Daigo asks later, tell that sucker I hand-delivered mine, yeah? I gotta one-up him in the delivery too, of course." The blond boasted, competitive as ever when it came to their rivalry. "Have a good day, Homura!"

"Huh—uh, yes! You too!" I called back, still confused. "And thanks..! I think?" He waved over his shoulder to signify he heard, then disappeared up the stairs. That was odd.

I was alone again and took the opportunity to try the cookies. I could tell they were store-bought, but I wasn't complaining either. They still tasted pretty darn good.

I shut off the television and exited the common area, retreating to my room to get ready for classes. I'd finished my morning chores on the farm, but Isshiki was oddly absent for once. Maybe he had Elite Ten business or something.

But what did Shoji mean before...?

My confusion increased when I returned to see a pile of gifts outside my dorm room. Chocolates, cookies, and some wrapped presents as well.

Halloween? I wondered. No, that's not right. It's barely spring.

I shrugged and lugged the gifts inside. As Shoji mentioned, Daigo's gift was amongst the contents, but I had to admit his cookies tasted a fraction better than the former's. Not that either of them needed to know that.

Cookies from Shoji and Daigo, marshmallows from Marui, and... I lit up at the label on the last and largest gift, Hibiki!

It wasn't uncommon for us to mail each other gifts on occasion, ranging from pressed flowers, to homemade tea, to empty eggshells (an old, inside joke. It's a long story). He was a bit of a sap, but that was all the more reason to love him.

And just like with all other gifts, an envelope was taped to the bottom of the box. I sat at my desk, where I stored the rest of our letters, and opened his most recent one in the light of the window.

'Dear (Name),

I tried. I really did. And I now smell permanently of cocoa powder and have ruined half the bowls in my kitchen—please don't ask how (Ma's gonna kill me).

But you're worth the effort, (Name)! So please enjoy these chocolates I made especially for you, and happy White Day!

P.S. Miu says hi and wants me to tell you she helped with the chocolates. She says she wants to be a superhero chef like you someday!'