#ryo x reader

⚘ Giving up but not loving them

“what happened?” you grab his face using both of your hands, caressing a thumb against where his cheeks used to be. “they’re… gone.” your jaw unhinged from your face as you seized whatever was left of his baby fat. 

he looked up from his phone, a perplexed expression playing on his face. “hm? what is?” his eyebrows knitted closer together as you grasped at his face, not uttering a single word. 

“your cheeks, ryo.” your hands dropped from his face, a sense of defeat washing over you. “how am i supposed to kiss your cheeks now?” 

“you’re so dramatic, baby.” he chuckles, directing his focus back to his phone. “you can still kiss me. it’s not like i’m gone.” but to you, ryo without his cheeks was no longer ryo. 

a loud sigh fell from your mouth, your hand reverting back to your boyfriend’s hair, carding through his brown locks. “can you please bring your cheeks back?” you whined, poking at the lack of fat on his face. 

“i can’t just bring it back, babe.” he laughed at how dramatic you were acting over this small matter. “and can you stop… doing that…” he snatched your hand away from his face, holding it tightly in his. “it hurts.” 

“maybe you should think before getting rid of your cheeks, you meanie.”

perm taglist. @jellyouse @gyubvlin @blushnboba @jellywichu @yesongi @sionsdihrider (open!) 

--

Ryo swivelled on the teacher’s chair, squinting at a crumpled sheet of paper.

You snuck over and straddled him. He was too focused on his speech to notice you untying his graduate’s robe and snaking his tie off.

“Family, esteemed teachers and dear friends…” he murmured. “No. Dear family, esteemed teachers…”

By the time Ryo noticed, your mouth was already on his neck, attacking the dark skin with wet kisses.

“Hey!” he said, his thick lashes fluttering.

“Keep practicing, Hirose,” you said, your voice muffled. “I want you word perfect.”

“Right,” Ryo said shakily. “In the words of Mark- Mark Twain-”

You sucked the hard bob of his Adam’s apple. Ryo’s voice broke off. He threw his head back, pressing his lips together to fight a groan.

You punished him with a sharp bite to his throat. His eyelids flew open.

“Did I say you could stop?” you said.

Ryo chuckled, and continued.

--

“You gave me a hickey. A real hickey!” Ryo said, picking at his neck.

“I thought hickeys were a myth. From TV shows and stuff,” you said, straightening your silk gown.

Your boyfriend’s pant legs had ridden up to his knees, and one of his socks was scrunched around his ankle. You knelt down to help him.

“Of course hickeys are real!” he whined. “You bite someone, it’s going to bruise.”

“What if we…” you said, standing up to face him.

You fastened the top button of his shirt, and turned his collar up. He watched you obediently.

“Now I look like Dracula,” Ryo said, fighting a smile.

“Fine,” you said, grabbing a concealer from your handbag. “Hold still. I’ll use makeup to cover it.”

You leaned in, and dabbed over the purple bite.

Ryo looked suspiciously at the concealer. You flicked your hand back. “Got a problem with wearing makeup, Hirose?”

Ryo eyed himself in his phone camera, his mouth falling open. The hickey had practically disappeared, leaving your boyfriend looking respectable again.

He smiled shyly, giving you a little salute. “No, Miss. The makeup’s perfect.”

You adjusted his gown and left a kiss on the tip of his nose. Ryo turned a deep purple.

“Off you go, my little valedictorian,” you said. “You’re on in 10.”

“Damn!” Ryo jumped up and ran to the door.

A moment later, his cheeky black eyes peeked around the doorframe. He grinned as he said, “I’m not little.”

--

MAIN MASTERLIST

After you were done you made your way to The Lab. You were a bit nervous about how the gift would be received but that didn’t stop your determination to give it. When you walk into The Lab you see that it’s empty, but a soft aroma of spices catches your attention and you follow it to the kitchen. There Akira was focused on cooking.

You lightly knock on the door, “Hi.”

Akira looks back, not caring who it is. Until he realizes it’s you and nearly drops a whole container of spices into his food.

“Y-y/n. What are you doing here?” He asks as he wipes his hands on his apron.

“Didn’t know I couldn’t be.” You chuckle.

“No! I mean, yes, you can be here. What I meant was, what brings you over here?” He said with a slight blush.

“I brought you these, from my garden.” You raise your hand to show him the bouquet.

Akira is speechless. Hues of red paint his cheeks. He has never received a gift outside of what Shiome has offered. And never flowers.

He shakily takes them from you. He doesn’t know what to do.

“Thank you…” He says full of emotion.

“No worries. I harvested so many I thought some would look good in your kitchen or room.” You blush at realizing how intimate the gift was.

Akira looks at you and smiles, “They will look lovely in my room.”

You smile back relieved that he liked the gift.

Akira’s eyes drift to you other hand that has a similar bouquet. “You made two?” He asks.

You lift the other bouquet, “Yes, this one’s for Ryo.”

Akira’s blood boiled and his veins ran hot at the thought of Ryo receiving a gift from you. Especially, something so intimate as flowers.

“You know, a gift for both of my friends.” You add.

Akira can feel his soul leaving his body. Friends. Of course, how could he have forgotten? How he has grown to hate the word.

“Yes, friends. I appreciate the gift.” He said though gritted teeth.

“Is everything okay?” You ask.

“Yes, everything is fine. I’m just worried about making this dish just right.” Akira lied.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I’ll go.” You say as you wave him goodbye.

Before he can stop you, you have exited the room. He bangs his head against the nearby wall. He didn’t mean to run you off. He simply was annoyed at the idea of just being your friend and having to share you with Ryo. As he lamented his situation he looked down at his hand to further admire the flowers. He sighs in resignation. If this was all he could have of you he would rather have this than nothing.

You make your way to Ryo’s dormitory. When you arrive, you knock on the door. You stand there for what seems forever. Maybe there was no one home. A sleepy and groggy Ryo opens the door. His hair is a mess, his undereye darker than usual.

“What?” He asks without noticing it’s you.

“Hey Ryo, are you just waking up?” You ask.

Ryo rubs his eyes quickly and realizes that it’s you at the door. He closes the door, runs up to his room to comb his hair and get dressed. He runs back down and opens the door like nothing had happened.

“Hey y/n!” He says trying to hide a blush.

You chuckle, “Sorry to wake up. I brought you something.” You present him with a bouquet.

Ryo takes it and is speechless. What was he supposed to do with this? And then it hit him. You were giving him flowers. His face turns a bright red.

“Tha-thank you.” He stammers.

“No problem. That’s what friends do.”

He quickly snaps out of his haze. Friends. How he hates that word coming from your lips. He wanted to be more than just your friend. This gesture would have more meaning if you were his. Then it hit him.

“Want to go out, as friends, to the morning market tomorrow?” He says quickly not wanting to lose his chance.

“Like, the vegetable and fish market?”

“Yes. We can gather fresh produce for our dishes – as friends.”

“Sure! I’ve been meaning to ask you how to pick the right fish for my dishes.”

Score! Ryo had made his move before Akira and couldn’t wait to rub it in his face.

“See you here at 5am?” He verifies.

“Yes! I’ll see you then.” You say as you wave him goodbye.

Ryo closes the door triumphantly. He is going to get as much time with you as possible.

You walk back home. You help with dinner with the rest of the girls.

“So, y/n… What’s all the commotion between you and Akira?” Yuki asks.

The question catches you off guard. “What do you mean?”

“Now, now, Yuki. Don’t pry.” Ryoko redirects her.

“I’m just asking a question. It seems so, what’s the word? Interesting.” Yuki continues to pry.

“I’m so confused.” You say as you work on preparing the meal.

“Oh, come on! You spend a lot of time at The Lab… and well…” Yuki smiles insinuating something to you.

“We’re just friends.” You say still missing the point.

Ryoko bit her lower lip, sharing a  similar thought as Yuki but choosing to not share it.

“Akira? Didn’t you go on a date with Ryo?” Megumi chimes in.

Everyone turns to Megumi in surprise but in acknowledgement that this happened. Everyone turns to you. You’re a blushing mess.

“Yes… what of it.” You say in a low voice.

“So, not just Akira but also Ryo?” Yuki pressed harder.

“I’m just friends with them! I swear. Why am I getting the third degree? “You say quickly.

Everyone is on alert, and they all chime in on what they think is happening leaving you speechless.

Ryoko clears her throat and everyone goes quiet, “Everyone stop. Whatever is happening with y/n and Akira or y/n and Ryo is none of our business. But y/n, I think you need to be more aware of your behaviors and how it affects Ryo and Akira.”

You stand there quiet and pensive. You didn’t even consider that you would, in any way, affect them. Even though you knew that they both had feelings for you. How silly of you to think that your request to just be friends would remove all feelings from Akira and Ryo’s heart.

“That said, everyone get back to cooking it’s almost dinner time.” Ryoko instructed.

You all cooked together but silently. Meanwhile, as you plated the food, you had a realization you were not only blushing but feeling weak in the knees. If Akira and Ryo still had feelings for you, you had just spent the day torturing them by giving them flowers. Not just that, you basically agreed to go on another date with Ryo!

You almost screamed at how quickly it all came together for you. You wished you could take back what happened today and just be as far away from both of them as possible.

That night, after dinner, you laid in bed thinking about what would happen next. Should you call Ryo and say you can’t make it tomorrow? No. That would be too obvious and maybe… not what you wanted. So, you would be lying if you said you didn’t find Ryo attractive… or Akira. Ugh! What was happening? Did you get bit by the love bug too?

You were too overwhelmed to properly think what this meant for you. All you knew was that when you were with Akira you felt like yourself and when you were with Ryo you felt free.  Now you were the one drowning in feelings.

--------------------------------------

today was a bit different. with Akira asleep upstairs, you felt a palpable tension rolling off of Ryo in waves. you didn’t speak right away; you never did— unless spoken to first. “Are you restless?” his voice was low, barely above a whisper. it was a quiet invitation to drop the mask, as he paused in his mechanical typing, and turned his head up towards you.

you pondered his question, curious about the intent behind it. “I’m eager,” you admit, turning your body more towards him. there was a heat that always consumed you whenever he looked at you. it must’ve been the way his icy gaze dragged over your form, taking its time in devouring every detail, as if he were discovering you for the first time every time. “Eager for this play to reach the climax. Eager to have you back.”

Ryo didn’t chuckle at that, but the specter of a smirk threatened to etch his mouth upward. it didn’t, in the end. “You don’t like this form?” he asked, standing now, in front of you. for a moment, his hand hovered a few inches in front of your face, before his fingertip traced the shape of your cheek, feeling the delicate bone beneath. Ryo’s skin was warm, without callous or imperfection, even in this bizarre human form of his.

“It’s not who you really are.” you answer softly, but you can’t help but nuzzle into his caress, seeking more attention. “It looks different. Feels different.” too soft, too weak, and all of the other adjectives that remained unsaid threatened to drip from your tongue with disdain.

“It can please you all the same,” Ryo insisted, his voice laden with secrecy and something else. something you were used to hearing, but it still sent a jolt of excitement through you. lust. his fingers careen downward, dancing along your exposed collarbone, before creeping just below the fabric of your blouse. “Perhaps even better. After all,” he inhaled deeply through his nose, closing his eyes as he paused to revel in the feeling of your breast when he palms it; the silk of your top rustling against the back of his hand, stretching taut across it as it moved about below. the weight was perfect, shaped just right to fit in his hand. as his forefinger and thumb found the little nub and he toyed with it, he could feel it stiffening between his digits, could hear the subtle catch in your breath when he gave the bud a teasing tug and a rough punch. his eyes opened, and found yours, locking on with an intensity that was uniquely his own. making it impossible to look away, and you didn’t want to. “The human body is so, very sensitive, if you know how to manipulate it.”

what he said was right; your body was already craving more of his fondling, more groping and rougher treatment, made evident by the way a bubbling desire created a molten pool in your lower belly, and your core drenched itself in anticipation. “Sat—“

“Sh.” before you could get his name out, he reminded you with a chastising shoosh.

“Ryo.”

a little nod, to let you know it was acceptable. and then, he was crowding you, his steps closer urging you backwards until you felt the cool, hard expanse of the floor-to-ceiling window against your shoulder blade. “Do you want me to beg you?” you ask, breathing heavier, your chest heaving beneath his teasing hand, your gaze flickering upwards. there was a hint of defiance in your eyes, a glimmer of a challenge. “Like a good, little human girl?”

Ryo merely stared, his free hand planting itself palm down against the glass beside your head. caged in, he leans closer, allowing his breath to mingle with yours. “To what end, exactly?” he almost taunted, his wandering hand escaping your now skewed blouse to instead seek the warmth, the slickness waiting for him beneath your skirt. it took a moment as he bunched the fabric up, allowing the folds to rub his wrist raw, before he could cup the wanton sex between your thighs. it was bare, wet, and eager for him. those damn, soft fingertips pet at your netherlips with torturously slow strokes, mapping out every ridge and valley, the very shape of your human cunt.

“For mercy,” you whimpered, but arched your back, pushing your lower half more insistently into his hand, until you were perched on his fingers, rolling your hips. riding the rhythm he set, no matter how badly you needed him to simply plunge his fingers in. before this, before his grand scheme, you were accustomed to always being doted on; your true body marked by his, ravaged by his. and now, you wanted nothing more than to be decimated by him again. to feel as though your very soul is being torn apart and devoured by him. “To end… this damnable teasing.”

this time, Ryo did smirk, his cold eyes lighting up with appraisal. his forefinger and middle pause, hooking beneath your folds to spread them open. your legs widen upon instinct, your cunt clenching with the anticipation of being fed something to clamp down on, and you press your lips together, pushing a breath through your nose. “I don’t show mercy,” Ryo rebutted, taking a moment to walk his fingers up, pinching your swollen button between his forefinger and his middle finger, though his eyes bore into yours with a weight that would’ve crushed a true mortal. “Not even to pretty, little human girls. You know that.”

your legs shook. damn, these weak, human sensibilities. these nerves that felt like static under your skin when he rubbed your engorged clit in circles, spreading the pressure to all sides, surrounding the little bundle of pure pleasure with almost too much to handle. you were fighting the losing battle, wiggling your hips, trying to persuade him to pay more attention to your neglected hole, that spasmed, demanding to be filled. your hands found purchase on the glass behind you, using the leverage to push yourself off, to roll against it until you were facing the window. your breast that had jiggled free from the confines of the silk blouse now felt a sharp coolness as it smushes against the glass, followed by your cheeks, and your hands splay out finally. from this angle, you could buck your ass back more insistently, rub it into Ryo’s groin as he stroked your hypersensitive, human pussy with precise slowness. your bare, heart shaped globes nested right against him, creating the perfect cradle for his swelling cock; you could feel the bulge through his pants, just as wanton and desperate as you were. “Enough of this,” you hiss, your eyes fluttering shut when you felt Ryo’s fingertips dip into your core, two of them, just deep enough to stretch you, testing your elasticity. “Foreplay is for humans. Too weak and easily… broken… to know what it feels like to really fuck—“

It had been a long day for you and for the Polar Star residents as you set up your tent for the Fall Festival. You were excited to see what it would look like to work together with your housemates. You liked the idea of serving food in a little kiosk. You decided to take a walk through the different streets and see what was available. You stopped to say hi to several classmates and Soma. As you got to the end of the street you spotted a curry place. You haven’t had curry in so long. You hope they would be open.

As you get closer you can hear two familiar voices arguing. Of course, Ryo and Akira were the curry stand owners. As soon as they both saw you approach their kiosk, they froze in place. Akira was the first to move.

“We have curry.” He said quickly, embarrassed that he would state the obvious.

Ryo, not one to be left behind, also approached you, “It’s good. Please try.” Again, another fool.

You debate if to even get some curry. You decide against it. Again, if they were mean, you were meaner.

“No thank you. Hey, Alice.” And you turn on your heels and leave them.

Like two lost puppies they stood there watching you leave. Too caught up in their own self-pity to realize that the other was gunning for you as well.

Alice noticed Akira’s change in demeanor. Was he also crushing on y/n? She thought. But she decided against bringing it up. She had a lot of work to do.

You’re fuming and angry. How could two people ruin your whole day? You make it back to the dormitory in the hopes of getting some rest.

Back at the festival, Akira was devising how to approach you. He was tired of hedging around the subject. He wanted you to know soon or else he would explode. Ryo on the other hand had already come up with a plan or a concept of a plan. He didn’t know if he’d go through with it. He didn’t want to seem weak.

The next day you decide to stop by the lab to see Shiomi. You missed her and wanted to run through some thoughts by her. Akira had been out buying spices at the market. The sound of your voice had him sprinting to the lab as he ran down the corridor. He needed to see you, talk to you. And there you were, carefree and happy. Your demeanor changed as you saw him come in.

“Hi.” He mumbled.

You simply gave a head nod. You turn back to Shiomi and continue talking to her. At some point Shiomi announces that she has to go out. You start to freak out. You didn’t want to be alone with Akira. You were planning on leaving as well until Akira stopped you. He slightly blocked your pathway, averting his gaze.

“I have a dish I’d like your input on.”

You’re surprised and speechless. You ponder the ramifications of you accepting this invitation. You really want to give in, but this man had been nothing but petulant and mean towards you. You were petty and wanted him to know that.

“Why do you want my opinion? Did you forget that I want to challenge you for your seat at the 10?” You echoed his words from last time.

Akira visibly winced, he took a deep breath, “If you’re going to dethrone me, shouldn’t you get to know my cooking better?”

He had a point. You knew he was a master at spices but you had only tasted his food twice. You feel weak for caving in but you had no choice.

“Fine. One dish.”

Akira grabs your hand and pulls you into the kitchen. The touch was not unwanted but it was unexpected. You tried to memorize the feel of his soft hands. Akira was feeling bold and he wanted you to know it.

He guided you to a seat in the kitchen. He began cooking, trying to put on the best show for you. He wanted to not only impress you with his dish, he wanted you to see how fluent he was in the kitchen. There was no better way to impress a chef than showing mastery in the kitchen.

You watched him, mesmerized. This is what it looks like to be in the seat of 10. Mastery and magic. You tried to manage your thoughts. You couldn’t get sucked up in Akira’s theatrics. He was up to something. It seemed fishy that he would go from cold and distant to inviting and engaging.

Akira finished his dish and presented it to you. You looked at it from every angle, the presentation was flawless. You take a fork and take one bite. Bursts of flavor and heat. Your tongue reveled in the taste. You went in for a second bite. Akira was pleased. You lean back and clear your throat trying to contain your excitement for this dish.

“There is a perfect blend of heat and herbs. It’s inviting and warm. The presentation is appealing to the eye.” You say while making heavy eye contact.

Akira is pleased with himself. Getting good marks from you was a dream come true. This was the first phase of his plan.

“Thank you. I made it thinking of you.” He said holding back a blush.

You glow bright red. “Wha-what?”

“Your spark and energy. That’s what this dish represents. I’m glad that you aprove.” He smiles.

You’re about to explode in how red you are. You get up and try to excuse yourself but Akira blocks your exit.

“This was fun. Thank you for letting me taste your dish.” You say facing him but averting your gaze.

“Anything for you.” Akira leans in.

You’re brain is scrambled at his closeness and his honey soft voice. What was happening? You try to take a step to the side to escape this unreal situation. In a swift movement Akira had you pinned against the wall. Your back against the wall, his hands at either side of you.

You want to speak but no words leave your mouth. You have no choice but to make eye contact with his emerald eyes.

“I’ve been misguided in my actions towards you. I can’t stand how much I’ve pushed you away. Instead of taking my seat at the 10, why don’t you take me?”

You let out a little yelp. WHAT. WAS. HAPPENING. Akira, the king of the cold shoulder was declaring his love for you. You’d be amiss if you didn’t admit that he was attractive in more ways than one. But, to commit to this asshole who has been nothing but spiteful to you seems like a stretch.

Your heart is pounding, your brain is foggy. You needed space, the air was too thin in the lab. You’re unable to answer so you push past him and leave as fast as you can.

Akira is left there facing the wall, bereft and hurt. What did he expect would happen? That you would agree with his confession of love and fall into his arms? He felt like such a fool. He let himself be guided by his emotions, for the first time, and he got denied. Akira pounded the wall with his fist in anger.

You speed it out of Shiomi’s lab. Your heart was still racing, your head pounding. What were you supposed to do about Akira’s love confession? You’d be a liar if you denied having feelings for him. I mean, look at him? He was smart, savvy, and handsome. He was a sight to behold. However, his attitude towards you soured your feelings for him. What was Akira thinking? What brought this so suddenly?

You’re basically power walking through campus. You needed to get away. You need to get air. You finally slow down enough to catch your breath. Your head was still swimming. In the distance you can see a figure in all black. Dammit, it was Ryo. You didn’t have time for him. Whatever antics he had for you were going to have to wait. You turn to walk in the opposite direction but someone grabs your hand.

You’re being steadily dragged to a secluded space outside of the campus. You’re too flustered and anxious to look at who it is. You just decide to fight for your life, but you can’t get yourself to budge.

You suddenly stop. You open your eyes and it’s Ryo. You notice he’s wearing his bandana, so you know he’s going to be verbally abusive. You brace yourself.

“I’m tired of playing games!” He raised his voice

You look at him confused. Before you could speak, he continues his rant.

“You think you’re so perfect and amazing. I’m tired of doing this from afar! You’re driving me crazy!”

You’re frozen in place. What was this madman spewing?

“I want you. I want you more than I need to breathe. I don’t know what you did but I can’t stop thinking about you. So become mine already so I can stop obsessing over you!”

Your mouth forms an O. You’re not just surprised, you’re floored. Ryo, of all people, was confessing to you. You feel him let go of your hand. He was growing impatient.

“Well?” He softens his tone.

You look at him and before he can react you run the other way. You’re going too fast for him to catch up.

Ryo stands there confused and hurt. He takes off his bandana in defeat. He hadn’t quite planned how he would approach you; he decided to feel the moment. Maybe he was way too harsh. Came on too strong. He hated that he had a habit of doing that. Now you were spooked and further away from him than before. Why did he think this would work?

Ryo’s confession shook you to the core. The man that swore that he hated your very existence had just opened up to you about his feelings for you. How could this have happened? Did you beating him at the Food War make him crazy? You’d be lying if you said that you didn’t find Ryo attractive. I mean, his passion for food and winning was a real turn on.

You keep running without stopping until you reach the Polar Star dormitory. You shut the door behind you and hold on for dear life. Your breath is labored and your gaze unfocused.

The girls were just getting ready to leave when they saw you coming in.

“Y/n, what’s wrong?” Ryoko asks.

You look at them wild eyed. “Nothing.” You say between breaths.

You start walking past them, pretending you’re not a hot mess. They look at you confused but decide not to press you.

That night you take the hottest bath you can stand. You try to scrub away the feelings that came up for you. Two love confessions from your greatest enemies in one day? This turned out to be a shojo. You pondered on your next move. Going back to the lab was not happening anytime soon. Bumping into Alice was out of the question. You had to evade each of the boys. You didn’t know what to make of this whole situation.

Back at Shiomi’s lab Akira turned in for the night rather early. He hid in the darkness of his room, broken hearted and alone. He thought he had a good plan to get you to be his. He trusted his instincts and he got shot down. Did he come on too strong? Did he not say the right words? He buried his head in his pillow to hide the few tears that left his eyes.

Jealousy burned in the pit of his stomach. He was surprised to see you so soon after his love epiphany, but he was more shocked at your enjoyment of Soma’s company. He retreated into himself.

Akira was more observant when he came in and had quickly pinpointed the laughter as yours and Soma’s. Akira opted to not saying anything. He didn’t know what to say or even how to say it. Being in your presence, even before he realized he liked you, left him frozen and speechless.

You slowly turn to see who has entered the kitchen. You instantly scrunch up your nose. These two. You were debating if to be snide or cordial.

“Oh, hey guys!” Soma greeted them. “Come in, we’re tasting new dishes.”

You turn to him annoyed that he would invite those two to enjoy your food. You clear your throat to catch Soma’s attention.

“I think we’re done for the day.” You say as you start packing up your food.

You quickly realize that you had made too much food to put away. You sigh in resignation. Like pearls to pigs, this food was going to be eaten by Akira and Ryo.

“We were wondering if we could also come and make food with you.” Akira finally speaks up. He is much more formal than he usually is.

Soma catches the tension between you three. His air headedness was ready to make a comment when you chime in.

“Don’t you guys have your own kitchen to try your new foods?” You turn, defiantly.

Both Akira and Ryo shrink at your comment. They had planned to have a boys’ night, they didn’t expect you to be present when they arrived.

“You can stay, too.” Akira mumbled and turned his head to the side.

You scoff, “As if!” You take off your apron and put it aside.

“Come on y/n, don’t leave. You’ll miss out on some good dishes.” Soma pleaded.

“I’m good with what we’ve made today. I can’t take all this food with me. You guys enjoy it.” You say and walk away taking the long way around the cooking island to avoid both Ryo and Akira.

Your gesture is not lost on any of the boys in the room. Akira bit his lip at his behavior. He tried to be nice but he guessed that it’s too late to come back from how he has treated you before. Ryo, on the other hand, was trying too hard to ignore you and push you out of his mind. He reached for his bandana and put it on to better focus on why he had come to the Polar Star dormitory.

“Screw her! It’s her loss.” He said but didn’t mean it.

Soma stood there awkwardly. “Well, she did make a lot of food. Feel free to dig in.”

Akira and Ryo wasted no time in tasting your dishes. This was as close as they would get to you. They engorged themselves with your food. Bursts of flavor and textures. They were engulfed in sunny days and white sands. They smiled at the sensation your food brought to them. They felt like fools trying to take in as much of you as they could. A real contrast to their behaviors around you.

Soma noticed the change in their demeanor but chose to not ask. “What are we making?”

Akira and Ryo snap back to reality. They were here for Soma, not you. A sudden realization shot through Akira. You were here, alone, with Soma. Intimately cooking and laughing. His blood boiled. You should’ve been with him. The idea of sharing a kitchen with you made his heart skip a beat. He hated that you and Soma had become good friends.

“Hello… What are we making?” Soma asked again.

“Shut your pie hole, I’m thinking!” Ryo was the first one to speak up.

Akira snapped back to reality. Thinking of you would have to wait. The three boys discussed their preferred meal and what their dishes would look like. A small showdown between three expert chefs.

It had been hours, and the sun had set. The thought of you floated in Akira and Ryo’s head. Akira wished he could share his masterpiece with you. Your reaction to his food would make him happy. Something that he rarely felt. On the other hand, Ryo fumed the whole night. How could you have chosen Soma over him? He had more experience than Soma. He was smarter than Soma. And then it hit him, he treated you like garbage when you asked for help. He vacillated between anger and feeling deflated. Remembering that he had created this dilemma.

It was nighttime and you were craving something sweet. You wished you had made something sweet earlier in the day when it was just you and Soma. I mean, it had been hours, Ryo and Akira must’ve left by now. You slink into the kitchen wearing short shorts and a tight tank top. You’re surprised to see that these two were still there.

Ryo is the first to notice you. His eyes about roll out of his head when he sees what you’re wearing. That’s what you hid under the school uniform? He could’ve sworn he could not get any redder. Akira notices Ryo’s disposition but is afraid to run around. He knew that you’re in the kitchen. He slowly turns and he can feel a nosebleed come on. You were a sight to see. It took everything in him to not acknowledge you. He quickly turned back to his food, making his last dish of the night.

“Hey y/n! Perfect timing! You get to be our judge.” Soma said.

You turn to him surprised. “No thank you.” You say and make yourself to the fridge hunting down some dessert.

“Aw come on. It’s sponge cake.” He tried to convince you.

At that, you perked up. Something sweet? You thought.

You walk by to their dishes and survey what they have made. “Fine.”

Ryo is psyched that you will be trying his dish. He wanted to impress you with his strong and powerful cooking. Akira was much more reserved in his feelings about you tasting his food. He was worried that it wasn’t good enough. Soma did just not care and was happy to feed you.

You start with Ryo’s, much to his delight. You say nothing. You move to Akira’s. You say nothing. You end with Soma’s and make sure to make it a point to take a second bite. Akira and Ryo are destroyed. You didn’t give their food a second thought.

“Soma’s. Most definitely.”

Soma bursts out in joy. He is excited that he has won.

On the inside you were impressed with all three dishes. You wished you could dig in a second and third time into Ryo and Akira’s dish. However, you had already made up your mind to give your win to Soma. Soma’s dish was superb but not better than Akira’s. You wanted Ryo and Akira to feel small. You wipe your mouth and walk away.

Akira and Ryo are destroyed. How could this be. Soma was still boasting as both Ryo and Akira were deep in thought. Ryo felt like he would never impress you with his cooking. From day one you’ve hated all that he has made. He knows that he is an above average cook but he just can’t get through to you. Akira knew he was good. You had admitted as much, but to lose to Soma was a blow he didn’t see coming. He was sure that he could make you want more.