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

Chapter 48 - Go Home

(Name)'s POV

"Rain." I said to myself as I gazed out the dining hall windows. I liked the rain because it made staying inside at night all the more cozy: the perfect opportunity for a cup of tea.

Ooh, I can finally try that new blend Hayama gave me! I skipped into the kitchen and put a pot to boil. I then retrieved the spices and placed it inside, allowing the tea to steep.

"Please, come inside! I'll get you some towels. You can leave your shoes over there." I halted at the sound of Megumi's voice. Was someone here?

"Gumi-chan, who—" I blinked as I took in the group in front of me, soaking wet from the rain. This was certainly unexpected. "...Out for an evening stroll?"

"(Name)-chan!" Alice chirped, still upbeat in her cold, shaking state. "How nice it is to see you again."

I took in the other three guests—Kurokiba, Hisako, and Erina—and felt a surge of adrenaline at the sight of their shivering forms. It must be my motherly instincts kicking in.

What am I doing?! They must be freezing cold!

"Come, sit down! I'll get you a change of clothes. Kurokiba-kun, er, there might be a robe or something—maybe I'll ask Daigo for a set. You can use the baths too if you'd like. How about some tea? I just put a pot to brew." I urged them to get more comfortable, convincing Erina to sit on the steps, but the rest seemed fine in comparison with how they opted to crowd around the girl instead.

"That's alright, (Name)-chan! We're just dropping off Erina." Alice reassured me as Megumi arrived with clean towels.

Dropping off?

Alice and Kurokiba made quick use of their towels, barely drying their hair before the girl bounded towards the door. "I'll leave you to it then! Good luck."

"Wait, Alice-chan! Kurokiba-kun!" I rushed over to stop them. They weren't going to explain anything?

I wasn't surprised though. I knew them well enough at this point, but at the very least I could keep them dry. "Umbrella. You'll get soaked again."

"Right." Kurokiba accepted the umbrella and opened it to shield them from the rain.

"Thanks, (Name)-chan! See you!" Alice waved, and the two departed.

They were barely even here. I sweatdropped and shut the door behind them.

"So what did Nakiri-san mean by 'dropping off'?" Megumi asked our remaining guests.

Hisako cleared her throat. "It's a long story."

"Then perhaps a warm cup of tea while we listen?" I offered and fetched the tray from the kitchen.

When I returned and handed everyone a cup, I was astonished to receive a quiet 'thank you' from the blonde. I couldn't help but feel wary around her given our odd history together, but seeing her act sheepish made clear something was wrong.

Besides, she was nice to Megumi, and that's always a plus in my book.

There must be a reason she's here. I pondered and sipped my tea. Dang that's some good tea.

"Where shall I start..." Hisako trailed off, sipping from her cup. "Oh, that is quite good."

I smiled to myself. Kudos, Hayama.

"Well long story short, Erina-sama hopes to seek shelter here at your dorm, Polar Star." Hisako began her explanation.

"Nakiri-san? Here?" I didn't mean to come across as rude, but it was difficult to mask my shock. "May I ask why?"