Moonlight softly bathed Totsuki Academy, casting a silvery glow over the campus. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets filled the air, creating a tranquil atmosphere. As the night deepened, the academy stood in serene silence, a place where countless culinary dreams had taken shape.
In the heart of Totsuki, the tavern where Zane had spent countless hours perfecting his craft was still bustling. Warm, inviting light spilled out onto the street, drawing in the occasional passerby. Inside, the rich aroma of simmering broths, sizzling meats, and freshly baked bread filled the air, creating an atmosphere of comfort.
Zane stood behind the counter, his hands moving with practiced ease as he prepared a dish. The tavern had become a second home to many students, a place where they could unwind, share stories, and enjoy some of the finest culinary creations. It was also where Zane had honed his skills, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the kitchen.
Tonight, though, there was a sense of something ending. The school year was almost over, and with it, the graduation of many of Totsuki's brightest stars. For Zane, it was a bittersweet moment. He had come a long way since his early days, and now, he was on the verge of something new and exciting.
As he plated the final dish of the night—a simple yet elegant creation of seared scallops with a delicate beurre blanc—Zane couldn't help but reflect on his journey. The countless hours of practice, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the unwavering support of his friends had all led him here.
The tavern door creaked open, and Erina stepped inside, followed by Hisako. Her presence immediately commanded attention, her graceful movements a reminder of her status as the academy's head. She walked over to the counter, where Zane greeted her with a warm smile.
"Erina," Zane said, wiping his hands on a towel. "Good to see you."
Erina smiled back, her expression softer than usual. "Good to see you too, Zane. I've heard a lot about your latest dishes."
Zane chuckled, shaking his head modestly. "Just trying to keep up with everyone else."
Erina glanced around the tavern, taking in the familiar faces of students and alumni who had gathered for one last meal before graduation. "You've created something special here," she said sincerely.
"Thank you," Zane replied, a hint of sadness in his voice. "This place has become a big part of my life."
Erina's eyes softened. "I can see that. But have you thought about what's next for you?"
Zane looked around the tavern, the lively chatter and warm glow creating a sense of home. "I have," he said quietly. "But I'm still figuring it out."
Erina nodded, understanding in her eyes. "The world is a big place, Zane. There are so many opportunities out there for someone with your talent. But whatever you decide, just know that Totsuki will always be your home."
Zane met her gaze, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. "I won't forget that, Erina. This place means everything to me."
Erina reached out and touched his hand, her fingers warm against his. "And you mean a lot to us, Zane. Whatever you do next, I know it'll be amazing."
Zane took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. He knew it was time to move forward, to take everything he had learned and apply it in the world beyond Totsuki. But the thought of leaving this place—and the people in it—wasn't easy.
Sensing his hesitation, Erina smiled gently. "You don't have to rush into anything. Take your time, enjoy these last moments. When you're ready, the world will be waiting for you."
Zane nodded, his resolve growing stronger. "I will. Thank you, Erina."
As they stood there, the connection between them felt different—more intense, more real. Zane noticed it, and so did Erina. She looked at him, her eyes lingering on his for a moment longer than usual.
"Zane," she began, her voice soft, "I've been meaning to tell you something."
Zane's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
Erina hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I know we've always had a… professional relationship. But over the past few months, I've realized that it's more than that. You've become someone very important to me."
Zane felt a warmth spread through him. He had always admired Erina, respected her, and maybe, just maybe, felt something more. "I feel the same way," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was charged with unspoken feelings, emotions that had been building for a long time. Finally, Erina smiled—a genuine, heartfelt smile that reached her eyes.
"I'm glad to hear that," she said, her hand still resting on his.
Zane squeezed her hand gently, his heart full. "I don't know what the future holds, but I'd like to find out… together."
Erina's smile grew wider, and she nodded. "I'd like that too."
As they stood there, the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon. The soft pinks and oranges of the sunrise slowly chased away the darkness, signaling the start of a new day—a new chapter.
Zane took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the rising sun on his face. The road ahead was full of uncertainties, but for the first time, he felt ready to face them—not just for himself, but for Erina too.
As the sun continued to rise, casting its golden light over the academy, Zane turned to Erina, his eyes shining with determination. "Let's see what the future has in store for us."
Erina nodded, her eyes reflecting the same determination. "Together."
With that, they left the tavern, stepping out into the new day, hand in hand, ready to embrace whatever came their way. As they walked away, the door gently closed behind them, and the warmth and light of the rising sun illuminated their path, guiding them toward a future full of endless possibilities and culinary adventures.
The End.
-----Welp, here's the end of this journey. It's funny cause the first chapter of this was released on March 26th and today is August 26th for me. So it took me 5 months to complete this. You guys will be getting this chapter on the 27th of August. All I have to say is thanks for reading, I never thought it would get this popular, all I have to say is I will be continuing translating.
If you have any fic ideas, comment them here. Thanks for sticking with me through the journey I guess. At some point I stopped caring about correcting my mistakes so that's why there are so many mistakes from chapters 100+. Thank you a lot though. See you in my next fic.