The night was silent.
A silver thread of moonlight poured through the sheer curtains, casting soft patterns on the walls of the dormitory room. Shadows danced across the floor, stretching toward the tall bookshelf where volumes of culinary tomes and manga stood side by side—an unusual but intimate reflection of the room's owner.
At her desk, Nakiri Erina sat with legs crossed, her delicate fingers flipping through the final pages of High School DxD.
"…Sigh."
Her long golden hair shimmered faintly in the moonlight as she let out a quiet breath, disappointment evident in her voice.
"It's over again? Already?" she murmured.
She stared at the back cover, reluctant to put it down. "The author only updates once a week… it's really not enough."
She set the manga aside with a faint frown, her mind still lingering on the vibrant panels she had just read. Despite some scenes being embarrassingly bold, she was captivated. The blend of action, romance, and supernatural elements—paired with eye-catching, expressive artwork—always left her entertained.
"…Tch. Even I can appreciate good composition and storytelling, it seems," she muttered to herself.
From across the room, Hisako was seated at another desk, glasses perched on her nose as she intently browsed something on the computer.
Erina's curiosity, piqued by the peaceful atmosphere and her own idle hands, prompted her to rise and quietly approach.
"What are you reading?" she asked, peering at the screen.
Hisako, a bit startled, turned and smiled. "It's a light novel. Youth Pig-headed Boy Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai."
"…What a ridiculous name," Erina blinked. "Is that seriously the title?"
"It's a common trend now," Hisako explained, gently removing her glasses and stretching. "Longer titles supposedly help explain the plot better at a glance."
"And the story?"
"It's actually quite thoughtful. It's about a phenomenon called Adolescence Syndrome. Each girl the protagonist meets suffers from strange, supernatural effects caused by their emotional turmoil during puberty. The story explores their insecurities, relationships, and growth."
"That sounds… oddly philosophical for something with 'Bunny Girl' in the title," Erina remarked, visibly intrigued.
"Miss, do you want to read it too?" Hisako offered.
"…Maybe later." Erina hesitated, then walked over to the bed and sat at its edge. Her gaze drifted toward the window.
Silence fell between them for a moment.
"Miss…" Hisako's voice was soft, careful. "Can you tell me what it was like at the tavern? I've been dying to know."
Erina turned slightly, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic.
"Hisako," she said, brushing a lock of hair from her face, "There's not much to say."
"If you're worried that Zane might've bullied me or made things difficult—don't be silly. It wasn't like that."
"In fact… I had a wonderful time there."
She lowered her gaze, her voice tinged with warmth.
"Tasting his dishes every day… seeing the way he takes care of the customers, and even me… he was very thoughtful. He made sure I was comfortable, even though he didn't have to. Honestly, if it weren't for the responsibilities I have at Totsuki, and preparing to recommend you for the Autumn Election, I might've stayed longer."
Her lips parted slightly in thought.
"I wonder… if Zane thinks about me now that I'm gone."
She rested her chin on her folded arms on the desk, staring ahead dreamily.
Hisako, watching this rare vulnerable side of Erina, couldn't help but smile.
"Miss… the question isn't if he's thinking about you," she said with a teasing tone. "The question is—are you thinking about him?"
Erina sat up straight, flustered. "Me? Think about him?"
She tried to deflect, but her voice held no real conviction. "I only think about his cooking! Honestly, since I came back, even your medicinal meals seem bland. My God Tongue… it's become dependent on his flavors. I can't enjoy anything else. Maybe I've turned into my mother."
Her voice quieted, her expression growing more serious.
"I hate to admit it, but Zane has become… a part of my daily rhythm."
There was a pause.
"…Sometimes, I wonder—why does someone like him even exist?"
Hisako was stunned. Not because Erina was being dramatic—but because she was being honest.
"You've changed, Miss," she said, softly.
Erina turned her head. "No matter how much I change, Hisako… you'll always be my most trusted friend."
Hisako felt her chest tighten.
"…Miss."
Her throat was tight with emotion. Erina's words always carried weight, but tonight they were especially tender.
Taking advantage of the mood, Hisako leaned in. "Miss… do you like Zane?"
There was no pause. No hesitation.
"I like him."
"I really, truly like him."
Erina spoke those words clearly, looking straight at Hisako. "When he's not around, I feel… incomplete. Like a piece of me is missing."
Hisako teared up slightly.
"I see… then, I hope you'll find your happiness with him."
"Miss, you deserve that."
"And as your secretary, I have to say… Zane is pretty amazing."
Erina offered a small, rare smile. "But enough about me."
Her smile turned mischievous. "I heard certain boys have been slipping you love letters lately."
"Miss!" Hisako's cheeks flushed. "Please don't joke like that!"
"They're all useless anyway. None of them are half as cool—or as talented—as Zane."
"I've never felt that heart-pounding feeling. Honestly, I'm not even interested in romance. I just want to keep serving you like this."
Erina was touched but also concerned.
"Hisako… you know you don't have to stay by my side forever."
Hisako shook her head.
"No, Miss. I want to stay. And if I want to stay—"
"—Then I have to win the Autumn Election."
Her eyes grew firm with determination.
"I won't let Alice or anyone else take my place."
Erina stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't push yourself too hard."
"Even if you don't win, I won't blame you. I just want you to do your best."
Hisako nodded, eyes reddening again.
"Miss… I promise. I'll fight my hardest."
Meanwhile, in the dorm kitchen…
In a soft, golden glow under the warm lighting, Soma stood before the stove, sleeves rolled up and knife flashing.
A row of ingredients lay before him: onions, carrots, ginger, garlic, celery, beef, and tomatoes.
He chopped the onions first—piles and piles of them. They were the soul of Japanese curry. Carrots added vibrant color, celery brought a fresh undertone, beef gave it a satisfying depth, and ginger sparked subtle warmth.
In a wide pot, he sautéed everything until aromatic, then poured in water and simmered it until the vegetables softened.
Using a blender, he turned it all into a thick yellow curry paste. After returning the mixture to the pot, he added Japanese curry roux blocks for richness, then dropped in a secret ingredient—
Tomatoes.
Their sweet acidity gave the dish a unique brightness.
After slow simmering, Soma scooped perfect white rice onto a plate and ladled the thick, aromatic curry over it. The sauce glistened under the light, deep red and fragrant, unlike any curry Satoshi had seen before.
When it was ready, he called out, "Senpai. This is my new Japanese curry rice. Please taste it."
Satoshi eyed the dish curiously. "Why curry rice?"
"Because it's simple. But simplicity is the ultimate canvas for flavor."
Satoshi took a bite.
The moment it hit his tongue, the richness of the curry bloomed. Every grain of rice was soaked just enough. The meat was tender. The layers of flavor—onion sweetness, tomato acidity, curry spice—intertwined in perfect harmony.
He closed his eyes.
"This… isn't traditional curry."
"But it's not fusion either."
"It's something only you could make."
He opened his eyes, smiling.
"Japanese curry took 150 years to evolve. You just gave it a new chapter."