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Kinokuni Nene isn't one to run away. She prefers to face it head on, unwavering in her determination, her will, devotion, and even in her ideals. Some may say she is stubborn, but it isn't unexpected from a household that hones traditional crafts in one perfect fashion.
Her determination to perfect and do the best she can to uphold her family restaurant. That's what her will always told her to do.
And finally, her devotion to never mend her bond with her childhood rival, Isshiki Satoshi. That's what her ideals always told her to do.
She knows it's contradicting. Facing things fair and square has always been her thing. Yet, why is she so devoted to running away from him?
And why was she being honest with him that night? She doesn't want to think about it. Nothing needs to change. Everything's perfectly fine.
Except Nene-chan's heart has been unbearably racing anytime he is around. And its excurciating. Especially in the mornings where she knows it's the highlight of his day. She doesn't know exactly why, but it's blinding.
Isshiki not so gently places his hand on Nene'a shoulder, "Good morning, Nene-chan!"
"O-oi! Don't call me that in public!" She turns into a shade of bright red.
She doesn't want to admit it, but Isshiki's carefree nature makes her doubt her worth. She internally sighs, trying to keep her promise to Isshiki on taking care of herself-
..What? Promise?
And to him? Of all people?
Of course it's him. Their shared history is one part of it, but he's also irresistably cute-
Nope. Not now.
She mentally cringes to herself even more. 'Get a hang of yourself, Nene!'
Isshiki places a hand under his chin, "Speaking of tomatoes.."
Nene slams down the pan a little too hard, "Hey.. what is that supposed to mean?"
She didn't notice his slight blush, nor the longer than necessary hand contact.
"Here." Freshly picked tomatoes. So the Polar Star Farm was the reason for his bundling energy. For a second, she really thought..
"Cute, right?" He was staring straight into her eyes, hands not leaving hers. Is the classroom kitchen hotter than usual? She will take care of her skin later, courtesy of Isshiki.
And wait. How many things has she been doing recently because of him?
"W-what is cute about tomatoes!?!?" She slaps his hands away, going back to preparations. "..And why not save it for your kouhai?"
Isshiki looked in confusion, expecting she already knew why, "I wanted you to be the first to use them..?"
Nene, still a conflicting mess, turns around to glare at him, "I will. As long as you start taking me seriously. Don't pity me."
She knew he didn't mean his gift giving as a way to look down upon her. She just wanted to help him care more instead of taking his opponents lightly. But did he know that? Was she being too harsh again?
Seriously he did something to her that night. Now she somehow turned a 180 and now wants to fix everything between them. She devoted so long to running away from him.
But, it was never right in her moral code. It was something she always regretted. Especially if it was the person she cared for the most. She knows it isn't too late, people fuck up once in a while.
But how can she make it right? She's too stubborn and always holding grudges against him. Yet, he's still here. And yet, she's still trying.
Nene likes to think she's understanding more about her inner thoughts now. Particularly romantic ones.
Isshiki finally replies, softer, fonder even, "Nene-chan, I'm keeping my end of the promise. Don't you worry."
And Kinokuni Nene suddenly forgets anyone else exists. Just them, their beating hearts, and their wild thoughts.
--
"Here."
Kinokuni Nene mentally agrees with the shocked face of Isshiki Satoshi. She didn't expect to find herself on the doorsteps of Polar Star Dormitory either.
He covers it up quickly with his signature morning smile, "What is this for?"
Nene attempts to deadpan, but ends up looking tense, "Taikikomi Gohan.. I figure you need the practice for our shokugeki next week."
Isshiki chuckles knowingly, "Nene-chan, is this your way of saying thank you?"
She turns her head to face the sky, "Shut up."
He wistfully hums and whistles, "The moon is beautiful isn't it?"
She faces him and smacks his shoulder, "N-no time to joke around! I want you to do your best, so y-you better use it wisely!"
Her hand didn't leave the sensations of his shoulders after the words he just said, "Nene-chan is a tomato! Very cute."
That part finally clicked. Maybe he was one step ahead of her this whole time. As expected of Isshiki Satoshi.
If he was such a prodigy, why did his family send him over to her all the way from Gion? He deserves better. Nene bets all her money the rest of Totsuki agrees he should be the sixth seat and not her.
She should keep her distance.
"Well, I best be going now. Good luck." She left before he could reply, already noticing he knows something is off.
If she confesses, he'll probably hate her.
--
She doesn't deserve him. She doesn't deserve the way he worries for her as she walks into the showdown hall. And it seems everyone notices something is off between them.
Nene isn't in the mood anymore. She'll just lose. "Let's get this over with."
And as much as Isshiki wanted to say something, he just didn't know what to say. As much as he has progress on their bond, if he confesses, she'll hate him.
So for now, he'll try his hardest. Just for her. One day it will be for himself, but right now it's hard. But he's willing to choose his hard. He is willing to do anything for her.
--
The crowd gasps at the new second seat.
"Nene-chan, you won."
She lost the light in her eyes, "How?"
"You stopped thinking about winning or losing and just tried your hardest."
She shakes her head, "But you're a genius."
"But you also know I tried my hardest."
She sighs in frustration, "I know you did, but that means you should've won."
"Your skills surpassed mine, Nene. You always work hard. Now I know what I must do."
She looks up into his eyes, albeit hesitantly, "Isshiki.."
Until she looks up to see that he is tearing up. "Nene, please. Don't doubt yourself. I don't want to see you like that again."
"Isshiki.."
"Please." He kneels to the floor and grabs her hands.
She massages his in return, "Okay."
A quiet understanding that the pieces have not yet been mended. Nene thought she knew her self-worth, but of course nothing is ever that easy. She didn't hurt him, did she?
All Isshiki ever wanted to do was devote his all to her. It's been his determination and will. He's waited and waited, and he can wait some more. But deep down, he's not as perceptive as many would think. Would she hate him for that?
Nothing seems too sure for the both of them right now. Crawling on eggshells and broken vases doesn't seem comforting in the slightest.
One thing's for sure..
She doesn't want to hurt him.
He doesn't want her to hate him.
--
And so, they continue to tiptoe around the subject of the love they have for each other, while knowing that there's a chance if they worked on themselves. Who knew it would take almost a decade?