If not for that irreplaceably beautiful face, she would be no different from the countless ordinary people, just another unremarkable student in the cooking academy.
No wasted words, no flashy moves. While most of the students tried to show off with live cooking to attract customers, Yukinoshita was like an orphan separated from the world, quietly doing her own thing in the sea of people.
From time to time someone stopped at her booth, but after a brief pause, they left without a word.
That was her reality, just like her personality. No one had ever been able to stay by her side for long.
While she was lost in thought, Hachiman followed the crowd and ended up at Yukinoshita's stand.
Noticing Hikigaya's presence, her movements changed. Her chest rose and fell faster, and no matter how hard she tried to act calm, the pounding of her heart betrayed her.
Ever since the incident with Chef Shinomiya, Yukinoshita had been avoiding meeting Hikigaya. As for the reason, perhaps even she herself didn't know.
But at this moment, she realized for the first time that she wasn't as honest as she claimed. The sharp words she had spoken before weren't what she truly meant.
Time seemed to freeze. As people moved back and forth around them, Hikigaya stepped behind her, out of her sight, and casually asked:
"Yukinoshita, what kind of dish are you making here?"
"Who is it?"
"Come on, don't joke around at a time like this. It's me."
Yukinoshita slowly turned her head. When she saw Hikigaya, she didn't look surprised at all, just calmly continued:
"Who is it..."
"Hey hey, what's with asking the same question twice!"
"Oh, it's Zombigaya-kun. Your dead-fish eyes stood out so much that I almost mistook you for one. But it's really amazing that you're still here, Hikigaya-kun!"
Yukinoshita pressed her finger to her lips, as if she had just made a great discovery.
Hachiman: "Please, at least listen to the announcements. So then, what kind of egg dish did you choose?"
Yukinoshita only covered her mouth with a faint smile, and without hiding anything, quickly showed him what she had made.
"This is... a cheese and egg pancake?"
Yukinoshita calmly nodded, clearly not thinking there was anything strange about it.
For Hachiman, since the assignment was simply to make an egg dish, a cheese and egg pancake wasn't surprising. In fact, in America, it was a very common breakfast. But...
The fact that this cheese and egg pancake came from Yukinoshita was a little odd.
From her manner and bearing, it was obvious she came from an elite background. Whether in grades or elegance, she had her own charm. Yet this proper young lady had made nothing more than an egg pancake.
Yukinoshita seemed to notice the doubt in Hikigaya's eyes, so she quickly explained:
"After that shokugeki before, I realized I don't know enough about everyday food. That's why… this time I chose to make a cheese and egg bake."
"I want to earn everyone's recognition with something simple. That kind of success has real meaning."
"If you always stay at the top, you'll eventually lose your way. You should understand that better than me, Hikigaya-kun."
Her sharp tongue was gone. Now Yukinoshita spoke seriously. Holding that cheese and egg bake in her hands, Hachiman finally understood what she meant.
If a school trip carried different meanings for everyone—some got expelled, some barely survived—then Yukinoshita was the one constantly pushing herself. She kept challenging her own cooking. In this tense final test where everyone brought out their most confident egg dishes, Yukinoshita alone…
She still chose to refine her skills further.
And that might be one reason why she improved so quickly in such a short time.
In country M, cheese and egg bakes are a common breakfast. The dish is made by baking eggs on cheese bread until the whites are firm. When eaten, a cut is made into the egg, letting the yolk flow out and mix with the hot cheese. That's how you judge if it's cooked perfectly.
But while this dish had a local flavor, it wasn't enough on its own. After all, everyone standing here in the main hall were already top first-years. Beating them with just an egg bake wouldn't be easy. That's also why, up to now, Yukinoshita's sales weren't rising fast.
Hachiman cut into the egg bake. Warm yolk spilled out, spreading across the bread. A rich egg aroma rushed into his nose, followed closely by the fresh scent of basil that filled his mouth.
If that was all, it would just be a solid dish any decent student could make. But the real key was Yukinoshita's skill. She used her specialty—pan-frying and baking—with perfect control over temperature and timing. That gave the bake a layered texture. The butter, ham, and corn kernels all blended together into something unbelievable.
No matter the situation, her steady hands never faltered. Hachiman knew this wasn't the kind of flavor most people could even detect. Only someone who truly understood cooking, who had tasted foods from all over the world, could appreciate how amazing this simple dish was.
He set down the plate and quietly said two words:
"Tastes good."
Hearing that answer, Yukinoshita didn't snap back or act sarcastic. She just smiled faintly and kept working.
Because she was a transfer student, even if she worked hard to catch up, there was still some distance between her and those "monsters" who had piled up years of training.
For example, speed. Yukinoshita was never one of the fastest in school. Her grace and measured pace made her movements look light yet strong, but not quick.
So while she might be slower in this test compared to others, it also gave her an advantage.
Her elegant way of working drew more and more people in. To them, it was like watching a dancer in a white dress performing under the spotlight, not just someone cooking.
Hachiman didn't say anything else to her. He only watched as the crowd around her grew larger, and he couldn't help but feel her presence. He had already guessed her goal.
Instead of aiming for two hundred portions, she wanted to present one dish that could win the judges' approval. That was more meaningful.
As she glanced toward where Hikigaya left, Yukinoshita simply nodded once and went back to work.
While Hachiman kept running around, more and more students passed the exam.
Right after him, of course, was Nakiri Erina.
Then came Nakiri Alice.
Takumi, Mito, Tadokoro Megumi, and the rest of Polar Star Dorm followed soon after.
Then Hayama. And finally…
Yukinoshita Yukino.
"Time's up, that's it!"
With Dojima Gin's announcement, bells rang across all three halls, marking the end of the test.
At that instant, no cheers broke out in Hachiman's hall. Many students just lowered their heads and wiped their tears. Some who barely passed untied their aprons and let out long sighs of relief.
'The pressure really is insane. But at least… I made it this far.'
If others knew what Hachiman was thinking, they'd probably curse him. Because aside from cooking at the start, he'd spent most of the time messing around. He tasted everyone's egg dishes, gave out comments, and worst of all…
After they changed their cooking based on his advice, their dishes actually got better.
For a moment, the other students didn't know whether to scold him or thank him. But for Hachiman, he wasn't trying to help anyone. He knew he didn't have that kind of ability. He had just watched their cooking process and honestly spoke his thoughts out loud, whether they wanted to hear it or not.
Of course...
Only the students who survived this test could truly be called Totsuki students. Those who failed would be expelled and forced to leave the academy.
Just as everyone thought they could finally relax, Dojima Gin's voice once again came over the speakers:
"There are four hours until the next test. Use this time to rest as much as you want!"
Marui: "No way! I have to sleep. If I don't, I'm going to lose it!"
Yoshino: "Same here... If I sleep, I might not pass the test, but if I don't, I'll probably collapse first."
Ryoko: "Eh? I'm still okay. Oh, by the way, thanks, Hikigaya. If it wasn't for your advice on my egg liqueur, I wouldn't have been able to finish the test so quickly."
Hachiman: "It's nothing, and..."
Before he could finish, a group of first-years, who had also made it this far in the exam, suddenly crowded behind him.
Their faces were lit up with excitement, overflowing with gratitude:
"So your name's Hikigaya, right? Honestly, I didn't think much of you at first, but... thanks. You're amazing. I still can't believe I actually passed this test."
"Hahaha, same here. There are people way better than me in our class, but just by following your advice, I suddenly got way more customers. I bet the others weren't that lucky."
"When I cook, I never notice certain details, but you just stood there, watched for a bit, tasted my dish once, and then pointed it out. That's incredible. I feel bad for looking down on you before."
"....."
As more and more thanks poured in, Hachiman just felt awkward. He hadn't meant to help anyone, yet he ended up helping so many.
What he didn't realize was that this single school trip had already made his name spread. Rumors with Yukinoshita, the story with Shinomiya-senpai—those had already made him known in his year. But now\...
Once today was over, the moment he returned to Totsuki, he would probably be the center of attention. Not just among first-years, but even in the middle school and high school divisions, people would soon know his name.
"Hey, Hikigaya, have you thought about trying for the Elite Ten at Totsuki? Honestly, I think you've got a shot!"
"Even if your opponent is Erina... if you don't try, you'll never win."
"And also, what's really going on between you and Yukinoshita?!"
The words floating around the crowd were starting to go in the wrong direction. Hachiman, who had been zoning out, instantly snapped back when he heard that.
Hachiman: "Uh, well! I need to get some rest! See you in four hours!"
He never thought he'd become famous in this school. To be honest, it was never his goal. But the more he wanted to avoid it, the more it seemed to happen.
Blocking his way out, standing right in front of him, was none other than the blond Hayama Hayato.
"Hikigaya-kun is a popular guy now." That smile carried no trace of mockery. Hachiman knew this about him—Hayama was absolute justice. You could even call him justice sent from above. But...
There was just one thing Hayama had gotten wrong.
"No matter what, I'll never be one of the popular crowd. That won't change."
After that short exchange, Hayama naturally stepped aside and even blocked the others from following him. At the same time, Yukinoshita, who had gotten used to keeping her eyes on Hachiman, only snapped out of it when she saw his back finally leaving the hall.
Compared to Yukinoshita's quiet gaze, Erina's expression was written all over her face.
Just then, Nakiri Alice, who had finished her own test, arrived from her hall. Running right into the escaping Hachiman, she smirked like a little devil who had found a toy, and quietly slipped over to Erina's side.
"Ara, sis, don't tell me you lost to a transfer student."
"Idiot, of course I didn't... I just, I just... didn't take it seriously, that's all. Yeah, that's it. This kind of test isn't worth my full effort."
"Making excuses is no good. Losing means losing. If you keep denying failure, all you'll ever get is more failure. And besides... no one will like you for it."
As soon as Erina heard that word "like," her face instantly flushed red. She quickly hid it behind her sleeve, but Alice, watching from the side, caught it all without missing a thing.
"Big sis, since you were born, you've never really felt failure, right? Whether in the family or in cooking."
Unlike usual, Alice's words carried no sarcasm. As someone related to Erina by both blood and family, Alice understood her well.
Because of the God Tongue, she had been placed above others since childhood. But…
There's always someone stronger, always someone higher. Growing up at the top, surrounded by praise, only means the fall will hurt more and the loss will be worse.
In some way, she and Hikigaya were both failures. It was because of repeated failures that they strengthened their hearts and honed their skills. Losing again and again made them willing to accept everything, to learn everything. To surpass those born with overwhelming talent, all they could do was keep learning nonstop.
That was why she went to Northern Europe, and why now she could stand here and challenge her sister.
What she wanted to prove was simple: the Nakiri family didn't have only one Erina. Alice too was not someone to be looked down on.
But before that…
Things seemed different today. Even though they were only just first-years, there were already too many strong people gathered here. And the ones shining the brightest now were Hikigaya and Yukinoshita.
She was warning Erina. She couldn't always sit on a throne above everyone else. And for Alice to beat her, she didn't want Erina to lose to anyone else first.
Erina bit her lip hard. No matter how much she didn't want to admit it, when the truth stood right in front of her, everything had already changed.
Effort, talent, choices—everything mattered.
"Hikigaya Hachiman…"
"Yukinoshita Yukino."
"And you, Nakiri Alice."
"I'll show you who the real Tenth Seat of Totsuki is."
The sisters locked eyes. And not far away, Yukinoshita Yukino quietly kept this scene in her mind.
All of them had their own goals. To reach their dreams, climbing higher was a must.
Their voices weren't exactly quiet, and since the group of students nearby hadn't left yet, they all happened to hear this declaration of war.
"This is like the kitchen catching fire…"
"This year's first-years are way too interesting."
"Good thing we stayed here. Otherwise, we'd miss their future battles."
"So many geniuses… even the Takumi brothers don't stand out anymore."
"Yeah… but hey, do you think Hikigaya might end up being a dark horse again?"
"Who knows. But I can feel it… maybe something unbelievable really will happen in the future."
…
Four hours passed, and the call to gather came again.
Hachiman hadn't actually gone back to sleep in his room. His excuse earlier had just been to dodge people. In truth, he was lying on the bed reading.
For most students, though, four hours wasn't nearly enough to rest. Even though they had just cleared a brutal challenge, the thought of more to come made everyone sigh and groan.
With fewer and fewer students left, it looked like the first-years had dropped below two hundred.
Marui: "My legs won't bend anymore… I just wanna lie down right now."
Ryoko: "Too soon! We haven't even started yet."
Yoshino: "I'm done too. Ryoko, if I drop dead, make sure to call my parents."
Ryoko: "Idiot, don't say that. Once we finish this test, we can finally go back. Remember, we're all going back to Polar Star Dorm together."
Ibusaki: "Yeah. Hang in there."
Tadokoro Megumi: "We can do this, we can do this!"
Marui: "By the way, did anyone read the guide? It looks like the travel log doesn't say anything."
Ibusaki: "I've got a bad feeling. Come to think of it, four hours ago when we had that task, we didn't get any notice or announcement either."
Yoshino: "No way…"
Marui: "I'm gonna die…"
Ryoko: "Hey, hey, you two don't give up now!"
"No, it won't."
The unexpected reply came from Yukinoshita. Her face stayed expressionless, and she didn't even look over. Just from her side profile alone, her beauty could already be felt.
Ryoko: "Why do you say that?"
Hachiman: "Because ever since a while ago, Dojima-senpai and the others went to the back kitchen. I'm guessing the real break time is about to start."
As soon as she heard "break," Yoshino perked up like she was shot full of energy, asking again and again:
"Really?! Really?! Really?!"
Hachiman: "Probably. Most likely, yeah."
Yukinoshita nodded slightly in agreement.
Marui let out a long sigh of relief, then slumped over completely with a bitter smile still on his face.
"Thank goodness, really thank goodness."
"Hey, hey, Marui, don't ascend to heaven so fast! Hang on just a bit more! We can already see the light of victory!"
"I already see… the dawn of victory!"
Encouraged by Ibusaki, Marui managed to stand up again. At that moment, Yukinoshita spoke in a slightly puzzled tone:
"I thought my stamina was already bad enough. Just being in a crowded place can make me dizzy, but I didn't expect this."
Hachiman: "No, Marui is just talking big. Even if you gave him another ten hours of work, he'd still keep going while staying slumped like that. But you… you might actually mean it."
Yukinoshita shot him a resentful look, and the others from Polar Star Dorm could only smile helplessly.
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