Food Wars: Taste Reversal

Polar Star Dorm

After checking with Megumi Tadokoro, Yuki Yoshino, and even Soma Yukihira, Shiraki finally came to a conclusion.

After taking the S-class special dish, Mystic Water, nothing had changed for him.

—What the hell? Did I just pay an IQ tax?!

Although the system repeatedly emphasized that the "Charm Increase" buff was active, no one he asked could see any changes in him.

Either the effect didn't work on acquaintances or people with high affection, or he had been scammed.

Between the two possibilities, Shiraki felt the former was more likely.

"Ugh."

Sighing, Shiraki decided to visit the Chinese Cuisine Research Institute in the afternoon to check on the repairs at other branches and distract himself from his frustration.

Riding his school bicycle, bought before the semester started, Shiraki had barely left Polar Star Dorm when he saw a black limousine approaching from the distance.

This road only led to Polar Star Dorm. Because of the remote location, almost no one came here throughout the year, so the appearance of a luxury car caught Shiraki's attention.

---

Meanwhile, in the car, Nene Kinokuni gazed at the scenery flashing past the window. Although she had come looking for trouble, she showed no trace of nervousness.

Among the second-years, the only person she respected was Isshiki Hui.

Etsuya Eizan and Terunori Kuga weren't worth mentioning at all. Her personality left her uninterested in most people, and she cared even less about what others thought of her.

As she glanced at the scenery outside, a boy on a bicycle suddenly came into view.

Nene Kinokuni's eyes subconsciously followed him.

The boy had short black hair, fair skin, and wasn't wearing the uniform of Totsuki.

She didn't know why, but that brief glance was enough to make her unable to look away.

Staring blankly at the boy passing her car, a stunned look appeared on her face for the first time.

Puff, puff—

As if hearing her own heartbeat pounding in her chest, Nene Kinokuni suddenly called out to the driver, "Stop!"

The driver, startled, quickly hit the brakes. "Yes, Miss!"

With a snap, Nene Kinokuni opened the car door and stepped out. Looking at the boy across from her, she felt an inexplicable nervousness.

Shiraki, noticing the unusual car, had already stopped pedaling and looked over. When he saw Nene Kinokuni stepping out, he immediately recognized her.

Stopping his bicycle, Shiraki glanced between her expressionless face and Polar Star Dorm behind him. He muttered to himself, She's probably here to see Isshiki, right?

Having lived in Polar Star Dorm for over a month, Shiraki knew this was the first time he'd seen Nene Kinokuni. It couldn't be that she had taken the wrong path—Polar Star Dorm wasn't a place where one could get lost.

The only explanation seemed to be that she was here to find Isshiki.

However, Isshiki had left the dormitory early in the morning for a meeting. If Nene Kinokuni was here for him, she was out of luck.

Thinking of this, Shiraki turned his bike around, preparing to head toward the research institute.

But just as he was about to leave, a voice called out from behind him.

"Wait!"

After hesitating briefly, Nene Kinokuni chased after him.

Though she had made up her mind to approach him, she clearly lacked experience in initiating conversations. When Shiraki turned to face her, she grew nervous, unsure of what to say.

"Um, um… Please, what's your name…?"

Hands behind her back, Nene Kinokuni finally managed to stammer out a question.

"Uh… My name is Shiraki. You're Senior Sister Nene Kinokuni, right? Polar Star Dorm is just ahead. If you're looking for Isshiki-senpai, he's not there right now. You can come back in the afternoon."

Looking at Nene Kinokuni's uncharacteristically flustered demeanor, Shiraki pointed toward Polar Star Dorm.

As soon as he said his name, Nene Kinokuni froze.

"You… Are you Shiraki?"

She stared at Shiraki, who had gotten off his bicycle, with surprise. Her gaze lingered on his face for barely half a second before she quickly looked away.

Her hands, still clenched behind her back, trembled slightly. A faint sheen of sweat appeared on her face.

Despite her cold outward appearance, Nene Kinokuni's heart was in turmoil. Since being defeated by Isshiki as a child, her emotions had never fluctuated this intensely.

But now, with her social awkwardness, she struggled even more. Normally, she could maintain her composure and say a few words regardless of the situation. Now, for some reason, even keeping a neutral expression felt impossible.

The tightness in her chest, the pounding of her heart, and the chaos in her mind overwhelmed her. What is this feeling?!

If a car had passed by, Shiraki might have noticed how stiff Nene Kinokuni had become, standing motionless like a statue.

But Shiraki, still disappointed with the lack of results from his system's "special dish," hadn't picked up on her awkwardness. He simply smiled faintly.

"I didn't expect you to know me, Senior Sister."

Shiraki wasn't surprised that Nene Kinokuni had heard his name. He assumed that his and Soma's reputations had already spread among the second-years.

After a moment's thought, he added, "I'm not as amazing as the rumors suggest—just an ordinary student. By the way, I'm heading to the research institute. Senior Sister, if you're interested, you can come with me to check it out. Isshiki-senpai isn't at Polar Star Dorm anyway."

Shiraki made the invitation out of politeness, expecting a swift refusal. Knowing Nene Kinokuni's personality, he didn't want to interact much with her.

To his surprise, Nene Kinokuni hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes."

Her simple response left Shiraki momentarily stunned.

Before he could say more, Nene Kinokuni nodded to her driver, and the limousine reversed before driving away.

Standing alone with Nene Kinokuni in the now-empty scene, Shiraki felt a wave of awkwardness.

…What just happened?