After hearing Sui's remark, Erina couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "I bet everyone's pretty upset you sent Subaru to represent you," she teased.
"Yeah," Sui nodded, thinking about how having Subaru as a subordinate was quite useful—especially in situations like this, where others were taking advantage of free food and drink.
"But speaking of which, Erina, it feels like there hasn't been much progress between us lately," Sui remarked suddenly.
Aside from the one night she didn't reject him, the otherwise proud and reserved Erina had kept him out of her bedroom. This left Sui feeling a bit frustrated. It seemed that despite everything, Erina was still too shy.
"P-progress?" Erina stammered, startled by the sudden shift in conversation.
"Last time, you didn't exactly turn me away," Sui pointed out, his tone teasing.
"That's because, after thinking it over... we haven't known each other for that long, have we?" Erina mumbled, her cheeks flushed. "Shouldn't we take things step by step? You know, like... getting approval from our parents first?"
Sui was momentarily speechless. Erina's innocence was almost endearing. He smiled and said, "But didn't you mention wanting to get married someday?"
Erina thought for a moment. It was true—she had given herself to him, and they had talked about a future together. Still, it all felt a bit rushed.
"Fine, but on one condition—you have to beat me in a cooking competition first," Erina declared, regaining her composure.
"Let's do it right now then," Sui responded confidently.
"Oh? You want to challenge me? I accept," Erina said with a confident smile, feeling a wave of relief.
In her mind, though Sui had defeated Eizan, it was mostly due to Eizan underestimating him. If they were to compete again, the outcome would be far from certain. Plus, Erina herself had improved significantly in recent days—surpassing even Eizan in skill. There was no way Sui could beat her.
With that, the two headed to the kitchen, each ready to prepare a dish.
"The theme is pork, right?" Sui suggested.
"Sounds good to me," Erina agreed without hesitation.
And so, they began cooking.
After a short while, both dishes were ready.
Sui had prepared 'Pineapple Pork Adobo', while Erina made 'grilled pork rolls with sukiyaki sauce'.
"Let's taste them now. If you win, I'll let you sleep in my room tonight," Erina said with a sly smile, confident in her dish.
"Alright, you go first," Sui replied, smiling back. 'If she knew how far I've come since we first met, she'd be in for a real shock', he thought.
Erina first tasted her own grilled pork rolls, then took a sip of water before moving on to Sui's Pineapple Pork Adobo. The dish was tender, tangy, and filled with rich sweetness from the pineapple that burst out with every bite.
Her divine palate went to work, comparing the two dishes meticulously.
To her astonishment, Sui's dish was superior.
"How... how could this be?" Erina gasped, disbelief etched on her face. She vividly remembered when Sui's cooking skills were no more than that of an exceptional first-year Totsuki student—not even close to the level of the Elite Ten. Although he had improved recently, she thought he had merely reached the bottom ranks of the top ten. But now? She had actually lost?
Even though she hadn't given her dish her full effort, it was still an outcome she found hard to accept.
"Well, Erina? Do you want me to help you decide which dish is better?" Sui asked, amused by her reaction.
"No need!" Erina gritted her teeth, clearly unwilling to admit defeat. This was the first time someone her age had beaten her in a cooking battle.
She tasted both dishes again, but the result remained the same—Sui's dish was simply better.
"So, Erina, are you ready to admit it?" Sui asked, still smiling.
"Of course... of course my dish is better!" Erina stammered, her face turning crimson as she recalled what she had promised earlier.
Sui chuckled and tasted both dishes himself. "But it's clear my dish is better."
"Fine, I get it! I'll keep my promise!" Erina cried out, a mix of frustration and embarrassment in her voice.
---
Later that night, after a shower, Sui made his way to Erina's bedroom.
Seeing him enter, Erina couldn't help but feel a surge of panic.
"I... I'll go sleep downstairs in the living room," she murmured, her face flushed.
"Erina, are you trying to run away?" Sui teased.
"No!" Erina quickly denied, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of red.
"Well then, let's get to bed," Sui said with a mischievous smile.
Erina gritted her teeth, suddenly making a dash for the door. But Sui caught her easily.
"Let me go! You jerk! I won't give in that easily!" she shouted, struggling against him.
Her efforts, however, were futile.
"Stop struggling. It's no use—you're not escaping tonight," Sui laughed as he gently pinned the feisty girl onto the bed.
"I swear, next time I won't lose!" Erina muttered, her voice tinged with both shyness and determination.
---
The next morning.
Sui emerged from Erina's room, looking as energetic as ever.
Trailing behind him was Erina, her golden hair in disarray, and a tired expression on her face. She clearly hadn't slept well.
"Hey, Erina, didn't sleep well last night?" Sui asked, though he already knew the answer.
At his question, Erina's fair face flushed once again, and she shot him an irritated glare. 'Of course, I didn't sleep well—'because of you'!
Despite how late they stayed up, Sui remained full of energy. His stamina was truly terrifying.
Later, the two of them, along with Hisako, made their way to the classroom building.
"Alright, Sui, we're off to class," Hisako waved cheerfully.
"Yeah," Sui nodded, then turned to Erina. "Oh, by the way, Erina, are we still on for our cooking competition tonight?"
Erina gritted her teeth, unwilling to back down. "Of course! I won't lose to you again!"