The sun was shining through the windows of my room. How could I tell? They were getting through my closed eyes, forcing me open them a bit.

"… It's too bright…" I said to no one in particular, as I put an arm around my teddy bear.

Before I could try to sleep for any time longer, I heard the door open. Some footsteps came, before I felt a finger poke my cheek.

"Hey… it's time to wake up." I groaned, turning my body the other way.

"Not yet… in a bit…" I said, but the cheek poking wouldn't stop.

"Come on, you need to wake up now. I made breakfast." I heard a chuckle, and after a few more seconds of cheek poking, I finally opened my eyes.

"Ok…" I got up, rubbing my eyes, and looked to who woke me up. I gave him a big hug.

"Good morning daddy…" I still said groggily, as he laughed again, kissing me on the cheek and wrapping his arms around me.

"Morning Ahri. While I go finish up breakfast, do you mind waking up mommy? She's even worse in the mornings than you are." He said with another laugh, as I pouted.

"I'm not that bad in the morning, daddy!" I turned away, as he giggled, ruffling my hair.

"Yeah, keep telling yourself that, princess." dad said, as I leaned into him, hugging him tighter.

"It's true, dad, it is!" I said, as we both laughed.

"Alright, alright. Can you wake up mommy though? We can't eat until she's awake." I nodded.

"Ok!"

He set me down on the ground, kissing the top of my head.

"Thanks sweetie." My dad got up, and quickly left the room, to go back to the kitchen.

"Ok, time to wake up mommy!" I said to myself with a smile, as I left the room, still holding my teddy bear.

… Oh! Hi there!

Um… My name is Aria Yukihira-Nakiri! Uh, what else can I say about me?

Oh, here's something! I'm 8 years old, and I was born on November 11! It's really cool that my birthday is so close to my dad's.

I have 2 parents who reeeally love me! They always take care of me when they can, and I love them too!

I opened the door to my parents' room, and rubbing my eyes, I saw my mom sleeping peacefully. I think my mom is really pretty, even when she looks like this, before she puts on any makeup. I hope that I look as pretty as her when I grow up.

I crawled onto the bed, and giggled at my mom's sleeping face. Coming up with an idea, I decided to do something that would always wake me up.

*poke*

"Hgnnh… Sōma… stop that… let me sleep." I giggled at my mom's sounds.

"It's not daddy, it's me!" I said, and soon after, her eyes opened up. She has pretty purple eyes. I got my daddy's eye colour though, so my eyes and hair are both yellow. It's like I have both of their body parts in me!

"Oh… good morning Aria. What are you doing here?" My mom asked.

"Oh, daddy asked me to wake you up, because he's making breakfast." I said, my hands moving a lot as I was talking.

"I see. Did he say anything else?" I remembered what he told me, and I pouted.

"Yeah… he told me that I'm bad in the mornings, and that you're worse than I am! That's not true, I act better than you in the morning!" I said, huffing.

"Did he now? I'll be sure to remember that." I heard my mom say, and it confused me a bit.

"What do you mean by that, mommy?" I asked, and in response, my mom shook her head.

"Oh, it's nothing sweetie. Let's go downstairs, ok?" She said, and I nodded.

"Are you bringing your bear with you?" She pointed towards my teddy. I shook my head.

"No… I don't want to mess up teddy." I set him down, and grabbed my mom's hand. "Mom, let's go eat!" She laughed.

"Alright honey. Let's go see your dad."

As I was walking down with my daughter, I took some time to reflect on the past.

It's honestly unbelievable what has happened ever since our high school days, almost 20 years ago. Sōma was able to finish university as one of the top students of his class. He would tell me when we would chat that as hard as it was at times, he was still doing really well, with the help of some of the friends he made during his time at university.

When I was at the ceremony, watching him graduate, I could only watch with pride. I was so happy that Sōma found something he was good at, ever since he lost the last thing he could excel in.

And when we went out after, to a nice dinner at our favourite diner (a place that we would frequent when we first started dating and we didn't want to cook, as well as whenever our schedules would line up perfectly), my life was changed forever once again.

"Welcome to- oh my god, Sōma-kun and Erina-chan? Welcome back!" We laughed as the greeter, and friend Miho wrapped the two of us in a big hug.

"You guys haven't been here for so long! What's going on with you two?" She said as she escorted us to our usual table near the window. The moon was out again tonight, shining brightly to commemorate Sōma's graduation.

"Well, I just graduated from UT, so we came by to celebrate." Sōma said, me nodding along.

"Really?! I'm so proud of you, Sōma-kun! I'll toss in an order of fries on the side to celebrate!" She said, stars in her eyes, as we laughed again.

"Thanks Miho-chan, we appreciate it." I said with a smile.

"Other than that, the usual for you two?" She asked, and we nodded.

"No problem you guys! Alright, I'll go tell the boys, you two just relax." Miho said as she walked off, her black, straight hair bouncing around.

"Miho's still as energetic as ever, huh?" I nodded.

"Yeah. Never gets old though, it's great coming here." I said, which earned a chuckle from my boyfriend. "What's so funny?"

"I'm still just surprised at how much you like Hideki's, considering you travel around the world to eat the highest of high class." Sōma said, and I pouted.

"So? While it's fun critiquing restaurants, nothing can beat just coming here. The atmosphere, the care they put into the food… it's great." I said, and he flashed me a smile, which I returned.

We talked for a bit longer, losing ourselves in the noise of the regular customers and our own voices, when we heard a gruff voice call.

"Hey, it's Yukihira and Nakiri! Miho really wasn't lying."

"Hideki!" We called back. The owner and head chef of Hideki's, along with many other workers, have become good friends of ours, as our frequent trips to Hideki's long ago was filled with laughs and smiles.

"How are you two? I heard Yukihira just graduated from uni, eh?" I giggled, as Sōma rubbed his head sheepishly.

"Yeah… did today, and we wanted to celebrate at our favourite place to eat." My boyfriend said, and Hideki let out a laugh.

"That's great! I'm happy for you, and glad to see you two are still together. Gave you some more food on the side, on the house."

That much was evident. Our other friends/workers were bringing out various things. There were our usual foods: a hamburger steak with extra gravy for Sōma, and a double burger with poutine for me. In addition, there were the fries that Miho promised, and some fried fish, some pasta, and 2 full breakfasts!

"Woah, Hideki, you don't need to do all this for us."

"Y-yeah Hideki-san, this is too much stuff! We can't-"

"Nonsense! You guys are full grown adults now, with Yukihira graduating. This is a celebration, and you guys will be good for a while!" Hideki said with a large smile.

We looked at each other, and let out a sigh.

"Alright, thanks a lot Hideki. You didn't have to do this much for us, but we appreciate it." Sōma said, and Hideki just smiled.

"Good! Alright you two, just eat up, and again, congrats." The crew walked back to the kitchen, and Miho went back to the front, greeting another group of customers.

"Honestly, they don't have to make such a big deal out of us coming by every time…" I said.

"But that means they care a lot about us, right?" Sōma responded, and I nodded, a small smile on my face.

"Yeah, they really do."

"See? Alright then, let's eat."

We quickly got down to eating our usual food. As high class as the food I usually ate was, nothing could compare to sitting down, and eating some greasy diner food. Hideki didn't have much background in food, but the food he and his team could make was amazing. It was filled with a love and passion that I haven't experienced since my time at Tōtsuki ended.

We talked and enjoyed everything that was given to us, although, it was too much for us to finish in one night. We were only able to finish our main dishes before asking Miho for some containers.

After a bit of chatting with our friends, we were ready to go.

"Alright, see you guys again! Remember, all of us welcome you with open arms!" Miho told us, and we nodded our heads.

"Yup! Thank you for the meal!" I said, turning my head to the exit, but feeling some resistance when I started walking.

"Sōma? Is there something wrong?" I asked curiously. Sōma just smiled.

"No, just wanted to say bye to everyone." He said, and I giggled.

"So, are we going home now?" I asked, but Sōma shook his head.

"Not yet, there's just one more place I want to take you." He replied, and I simply nodded, as we hopped onto his scooter.

…

As soon as we stopped at the base of a hill, I knew exactly where we were going. But I just stayed silent, letting Sōma lead the way to our secret hiding spot, where we would go when we didn't want anyone around. The place where I fully realized my true feelings for my boyfriend.

"4 years later, and it still looks the same…" I said, Sōma chuckling at my observation.

"Yup. I tended to come here from time to time, just to watch the moon. I mean, that's what we did on our date, right?" He grinned, and I could only shake my head with a smile on my face.

We quickly sat down near the tree, resting our backs against the cold bark. I shivered, but instantly, I felt a surge of warmth, as Sōma wrapped one side of his sweater around my body, and wrapping an arm around my waist. We let out a sigh of bliss.

This night was amazing… being able to see my boyfriend graduate, and then go out, have a date at our favourite place, and end it off by relaxing at our favourite place in all of Japan, and for me, the world… I couldn't ask for anything else.

…

"Erina, can we stand for a bit?" Sōma said after about an hour of us sitting, admiring the moonlight. I complied, taking his hand and getting up alongside him.

"What for, Sōma?" I asked, and he gave me his signature smile.

"I just wanted to make sure I did this right." He got down to one knee, and I gasped.

He isn't really…? He's going to say this is just a joke or something, right?

"Erina, from the moment I saw you, I knew there was something different about you, something that separated you from the rest of Tōtsuki."

I felt small beads of tears form at my eyes.

Oh my god… this is happening, isn't it?

"I remember the day we met, at my entrance exam. You said some harsh stuff, and honestly speaking… it hurt to hear. A lot of the stuff you said to me when we first got to know each other hurt… but I couldn't understand why."

I felt a wave of regret and guilt wash over me. So many words, so many thoughts were sent his way… and the fact that he was hurt by it pained me greatly. I thought he was just too dense and idiotic to understand me… but no.

He was ignoring it, so we could be friends.

"But when your father came, I saw the fear you had. And I realized that he was the reason you were so cold to me. I wanted to start fresh… and that started with saving you from Azami."

I felt a sob that I couldn't hold back. Despite the pain I put Sōma through, the hurtful words I threw his way… he still saved me. He didn't have to, but he helped me understand the path I wanted to follow… and he helped me win my life back.

I felt his lips on my knuckles, and I looked to him, as he gave me a bright smile.

"Don't worry. I forgive you." I sent him a teary-eyed smile, happy that after all this time, he didn't look at me any differently because of those experiences.

"After we won, and our second year started… when I saw you show up on the roof that one day… it was the start of some of the best times of my life. Talking with you was something that could always calm me down, and bring a smile on my face. Not to mention the food we made together." We shared a laugh.

Those picnics were also some of the best times of my life. So many memories were made up there, on the balcony of Polar Star. So many…

I felt the tears coming in full force, and I just knew that there was so much more that Sōma had to say.

"So, when our third year started, and you were becoming so distant from us… I was hurt. I didn't want to see you leave the world of cooking. And more importantly, I wanted to see you be happy again. I risked a lot… but it was worth it. You came back, you started smiling, and most important to the two of us…" I felt his grip tighten. "We became a couple."

Even now, 4 years after the fact, the feeling that Soma risked his entire career and lost, just to see my smile, just to see me happy, was still a bit saddening. It still lingered, those words I said to him the day he issued the challenge, and the unforgiving, cold look he gave me in response. And those eyes, as the fire almost died when he lost, that thought always sent chills down my spine. But those thoughts quickly went away. His sacrifice brought us what would soon be eternal happiness.

I didn't need Sōma to reassure me on that. He told me anytime I doubted myself, that it wasn't my fault, and that it was worth it. And as we were in this moment, as I was being… oh my… proposed to…

I knew he was right. This was worth it.

"I'm so happy that you're my girlfriend, Erina. The fact that I can call someone so beautiful and so skilled… the fact that I can call her the most important person in my life is something that amazes me to this day."

I wanted to deny that. I should be the one who was amazed. Sōma is so friendly, so selfless, and skilled in his own right. At times, I still couldn't believe that out of all the people whose hearts he stole (and I know he has stolen many), he chose me. Someone who for so long, treated him so awfully, and the one who ended his cooking career… he still chose me, despite all of that, to be his beloved.

That fact amazes me.

But I wouldn't voice these words out now… he still had more to say.

"When I made that promise to you, back when we finished high school… I meant it. I still love you, and that fact has never changed since the day we confessed. And I want to make you the happiest you've ever been. So… Erina Nakiri…"

As soon as my name left his mouth, a jewellery box was open in his hand, showing a beautiful ring.

"My queen, my girlfriend, my love…

My Erina…

Will you marry me?"

I was crying rivers at that point, Sōma's proposal resonating with me on a level I couldn't have imagined. I nodded happily.

"Y-yes… o-of course I'll marry you, Sōma Yukihira." I bent down, capturing his lips in a passionate and loving kiss, as I wrapped him in a big hug, crying tears of joy all the while.

We just stayed like that for a few minutes, losing ourselves in the bliss of the moment. I was in complete disbelief. Sōma proposed, on the same hill that we had our first real date on, and the hill that holds so many memories for us. 4 years of being together, and yet I still couldn't believe that I had the privilege to be engaged to the redhead returning my embrace.

My king…

My savoiur…

My Sōma.

We finally separated, the need for air becoming too strong. As we did, I let him put the ring on my finger. He first moved the promise ring to my right hand, and the… engagement (oh my god… I'm engaged…) to my left.

As we sat back down, and I looked at the ring, I could tell right away that Soma went all out for this.

A platinum white ring, 3 rows of diamonds going around the band. The center row, the largest, were coloured a faint blue, and the smaller ones being an intense yellow. While it was simply breathtaking and impressive, it couldn't compare to the center. (Note: look up ht2603rd95 on google, click the first link if you want a visual. Should be a Tacori ring, just imagine the colours of the diamonds as the colours described here. Super hard to describe rings :P.)

More gold coloured diamonds surrounded a round, beautiful, purple diamond, which matched the colour of my eyes. The ring screamed "Erina Nakiri", from the purple of my eyes, the yellow reflecting my blonde hair, the blue reflecting my status as the "Ice Queen of cooking", and the platinum white reflecting my high-class background.

Everything about it reflected me.

And I couldn't be happier.

"Sōma… this ring is perfect." I said, choking back a sob, as I admired the new ring on my right finger. While the promise ring was still amazing, and something I will also hold dear, the white and gold shine of the engagement ring made it feel even brighter.

"I'm glad. I wanted to make sure you would love it, so I got pops to help me out." The sheepish smile, and the slightly anxious tone directed my way worried me.

"Sōma… how much was this ring?" I asked, worry evident in my voice.

But I mean, there's no way he-

"Um… about 11 million yen?"

(99k to 100k USD)

…

…

WHAT?!

"Sōma, what the hell?! That's insane, spending this much!" I shouted at my fiancé, lightly smacking him on the shoulder. He just laughed, pulling my hands away as he wrapped an arm around me.

"It's fine, it's fine! Don't you remember what I told you when I gave you that promise ring? Pops was really happy to do this for us, you know? He's really proud that I found someone so precious to me, and even happier that it was you."

When I heard Sōma's reply, while I was still a bit annoyed and shocked that he spent this much on me, I also felt extremely happy. I didn't realize how much Saiba-sama cared about me, although considering his closeness with grandfather, that was to be expected.

But ultimately, it didn't matter, the ring, the dinner, the graduation. Nothing mattered to me as much as this moment.

I was still in shock that this was real.

I'm… I'm engaged… I have a fiancé now…

And that fiancé is someone so amazing. I can't believe Sōma chose me to spend the rest of his life with.

"Sōma… I love you so much… thank you for everything you've done for me." I said, and looking at his face, he had the calmest of smiles. It still didn't carry any less weight though, as I've never seen him in such a calm light. It looked really good on him.

"I love you too Erina… I'm ready to spend forever with you."

That brought on silent tears.

Yes Sōma… I'm ready to spend forever and a day with you… as long as it takes to repay you for everything you've done for me.

I let out a silent chuckle at the memory, as we made it to the kitchen.

"Daddy, I woke up mommy!" Our daughter said, as I walked up to my husband, kissing him on the cheek.

"Morning." I said, and he chuckled.

"Morning." He replied. Remembering what Aria told me earlier, I shuffled under his arms, as he now had his arms around me as he was cutting some food up.

"Hon, I can't see." Sōma said, as I felt him trying to move his head around me.

"So, I heard you told Aria I'm bad in the mornings…" I ignored, making him laugh again.

"Well… I can't lie. I know you're super cranky in the mornings." I playfully hit him on the shoulder.

"Well it didn't mean you had to tell our daughter!" I pouted, as he put a hand on my head. Immediately, any playful anger I had for Sōma evaporated, as I leaned into his touch, sighing in relief. Even after all these years, Sōma could never fail to make me so happy.

"Well, it explains why she's also cranky, so yes it does." He grinned, and I gave him a smile back, shaking my head.

"You're an idiot, you know that?" I said, and he laughed again, a sound that I found heavenly.

"Yeah, but I'm your idiot."

"Thanks for the food!"

As we started eating, I looked over at our daughter, who was enjoying the food greatly.

"Wow! This fwench toast is sho tasty! And the bacon sandwich tastes reawwy good too, daddy!" Aria said.

"Honey, chew your food first." I said, sighing with a smile as she proceeded to finish her mouthful of food.

"Sorry mommy! But yeah, your food is really good daddy!" She said, causing a smile to appear on both of our faces.

"Thanks sweetie, that's nice to hear." I couldn't help but agree with that. Despite the lack of professional training Sōma has had in the last 20 years, even though his cooking has gotten simpler over that time, all the food he made was still amazing, and just like Hideki's (a place where we still frequent), is filled with a love and care for the two loves in his life that I could only hope to see or replicate. The homely and earnest passion ingrained in his food eventually got me to fulfill his promise, something that I still remember to this day.

"What are you cooking today, Sōma?" I asked curiously. We were outside, sitting on the balcony I hold dear, as my boyfriend was getting his grill ready. He had some eggs, some steak and some other food surrounding him, as he was lighting the fire. He let out a chuckle in response.

"I thought you would have realized already." He said, causing me to pout.

"W-well, steak and eggs don't usually go together!" I retorted, causing Sōma to laugh again.

"W-what's so funny?!"

"It's just funny that you can't remember the dish I made for our last match."

Our last match? What about-

Ohhh.

"Damn it, I feel like an idiot." I said, blushing in embarrassment. How could I forget something so important to our progression as a couple?

"Well, sometimes you can be." Sōma said with a grin, and I slapped his shoulder.

"Hey! That's mean!" I said, and he slung an arm around my shoulder.

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry, it's just fun to tease you." I felt a blush coming on again. "And your face right now is the exact reason for that."

"S-shut up Sōma!" I said with another pout.

A chuckle was his response, and we were left in a comfortable silence. Despite our bickering, we both know that that is just something we do for fun, so we don't let it get to us. It's just playful banter, something we both love to do.

A few minutes later, the meal was complete, sauce and all.

Sōma took a taste, and nodding his head, gave it to me.

"Alright, here's your plate." Sōma said calmly, giving off a warm vibe that made me feel really happy.

"Thanks for the food." I replied, and took a bite of the omelette.

The taste was so powerful and so harmonious… it tasted amazing, just like the last time I ate his dish. But something was different about it.

I remembered the unknown taste that I couldn't detect, but what was the driving point that held everything together.

But as I was eating it, being hugged by my love on one of our dates, in the place that everything between us started…

I found it.

There was a warm taste to it. Except, it's not a warmth coming from spices, chilies or temperature, even if the dish did bring those elements together perfectly.

It was rough, sweet, bitter…

It was love.

I could finally taste the love, the care, the hardships that went into making this dish. How much Sōma cared about me, that he was willing to give up his career for my happiness. How much love Sōma gave to me every time I could see him, and how I always felt like I needed to catch up, to try and give him a fraction of the love he could give me.

It was perfect. No quality ingredients, no special cooking methods, no amount of haute cuisine could ever make this.

The love, passion and care put into this dish…

It was the best thing I've ever had.

I would question how something could be so amazing…

But there was no need to. I already knew.

"Sōma… this… this is…" I kept stuttering, the years of conditioning showing that even if it was the truth, it was still hard for me to say properly.

Sōma stayed silent, letting me get my bearing.

But why couldn't I say it?

"S-Sōma… I'm sorry." I said, causing the hold on me to loosen.

"Oh… well, it's fine, Erina." I heard the dejection in his voice.

No! I can't let him feel like this! Damn it, just be honest for once Erina!

"N-no, Sōma, wait." I said, cutting off any more negative words that could have been said by my love.

"It's ok, Erina, trust me. I still love you, but-"

"N-no, it's not that I didn't like it… I just… I don't know how to say it… we've been doing this for so long that…"

"I don't know how to say how delicious this is."

I felt his hold tighten once again, the warmth coming back in full force.

"W-wait… you actually mean it, Erina? This was delicious?"

…

I said it? I said it! Finally!

"Yes Sōma… I really mean it. This is one of the best things I've ever had. Back when I first tasted this, I couldn't figure out what was missing. But I finally felt the love you brought to this dish… and it's perfect. I-I can honestly say that this is delicious."

I felt the embrace get even tighter, even more intimate. Soon, I felt my body being turned around, as Sōma captured my lips in a kiss.

"Thank you… now I know it was all worth it." Sōma said as we parted. "I love you so much."

I nodded back, small tears in my eyes that I quickly wiped away. "I love you too. I'm sorry it took so long."

"Don't worry about it. It happened, and that's all I need."

As we returned our hugs, I felt joy course through my body.

It might have taken a lot, but Sōma's promise came true.

…

And I'm glad I stopped being so petty, so I could give Sōma closure.

"What are you smiling about, mommy?" Aria asked, and I turned to her, the same smile on my face.

"Just remembering some stuff, honey." I replied, making her eyes grow in wonder.

"What were you remembering?"

I let out a laugh at our daughter's curiosity. "Just remembering one time, when I made daddy's promise come true." I heard a chuckle come from my husband.

"Surprised you're remembering that now of all times." Sōma said, and I could only roll my eyes.

"Well, sorry for getting all sentimental about your food." I said, crossing my arms and huffing.

"Why? Because of how much you 'didn't' like it when we first met?" Sōma said smugly, smirking my way. My cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

"I-I didn't like your food when we first met." A set of chuckles from my husband and daughter were the responses.

"Mommy, it's funny when you lie!" Aria said, making me glare at Sōma.

"H-hey," he said between chuckles, "I didn't tell her anything."

Instead of letting this conversation go on and embarrassing myself further, I decided to change direction.

"A-anyway… are you happy to see your aunts today?" I asked Aria, who nodded her head eagerly.

"Yeah! I want to see Auntie Alice and Auntie Hisako!" That got a laugh from me and Sōma.

"Why, you sound like you're more excited to see them than you see us." I teased, Sōma nodding alongside me.

"Yeah, do you love them more than us?" He asked, both of us syncing a look of mock hurt. Aria's eyes widened.

"N-n-n-n-no! I love you as well mommy and daddy! It's just that I don't see them a lot!" She looked really embarrassed, so to make sure she didn't get sad, we laughed.

"Don't worry honey, we're just kidding." I assured.

"Yeah, we know that their schedules are busy. We were just teasing you." Sōma reaffirmed, and Aria looked at us with a pout on her face.

"You guys are mean!" She tried to keep up her pout, but quickly, she burst out laughing. "But it's funny! Besides, mommy and daddy are my favourite people in the world!" She said, spreading her arms out wide. We smiled at her reaction.

I remember the first time we (which I mean Sōma) tried to tease her. She got really angry at him, and I had to comfort her. She quickly learned that that wouldn't be a one-time thing, and after a few more failed attempts, she finally came around.

"We're glad to hear that, Ahri. Now finish your food, so you can look good for when your aunts show up." Sōma said, to which our daughter nodded to.

The rest of breakfast wasn't too eventful. But it's really nice, being able to spend whole weekends off with my loving family. Since I would be working at my restaurant during the week, I wouldn't be able to see them until late at night.

Any time I can spend with them is such a precious luxury, and I always eagerly wait for the weekends. Because that's the only time I can spend all day with them.

"Ok honey, what do you want to wear?" I said, taking some sets of clothes out of her closet. She leaped towards the most casual of the outfits, a t-shirt with a bear on the front, and a pair of baggy jeans that went past her knees.

"This one! This one!" She said, leaping on her bed, causing me to laugh. I walked over to her, trying to calm her down.

"Ok, ok!" I said happily, grabbing her and bringing her down on the bed with me. "You don't want to wear a dress?"

She shook her head. "No… I like wearing these clothes when I see Auntie Alice and Hisako, and dresses for when I see grandfather or Auntie Megumi." She said, which made my eyebrow rise in surprise. I didn't expect such a thoughtful answer from her.

Despite my surprise, I smiled. "Ok then, I'm fine with that, and I'm sure daddy will be as well. Let's get you ready to see them, ok?" She nodded, and I smiled.

…

As she got out of the shower, and as I finished with making sure her clothes were perfect, I smiled at her enthusiasm as she sat down in front of her mirror, eagerly waiting for me.

"Come on, mommy! I want you to fix my hair!" I walked over, ruffling her hair as I made the small walk over.

"Alright. Do you just want it to be straight?" I asked, and she nodded again.

"Yeah! I want my hair to be pretty like yours is, mommy!" she said, and I smiled with a faint blush on my cheeks.

"Ok honey." I quickly got to combing her hair.

Her hair was just like mine: long, flowing golden locks that she liked to keep natural, just brushed straight like me. I'm happy about that, but the thing about her that I'm even happier about is her eyes. They're the rich, golden colour of Sōma's, mixed oh so beautifully with a hint of purple. They carried the same warmth that her father has, but filled with the childlike energy that only our offspring can have. She's also very childish, acting much like Rindō-senpai always did (or in the times we do see her and Eishi-senpai, still does). She can sometimes be a handful, but she's part of my entire world.

As I finished up brushing her hair, I got her clothes ready, and she was more than willing to get her t-shirt and shorts on.

She always carried that childlike innocence with her, and because of that, she was adorable.

As we finished getting her ready, we started making the walk downstairs.

"Mommy, why doesn't daddy do what you do?" Aria asked as we were about to go on the first step. I froze, unsure of what to say. I didn't expect she would bring this up, and I didn't know what to do about it.

"Mommy?"

"Um… sweetie… can we talk about it when your aunts get here?" I asked. At least with the 3 people who knew the most about the events, we could tell a full story. She might think I'm a bad person, but with them by my side… my closest friends… I can get through it.

Thankfully, she nodded.

"Ok mommy. Let's go down, now you have a story to tell!" She said, causing me to laugh nervously along with her enthusiastic giggling.

Oh god, I hope this goes well.

"You really look good, sweetie." Aria let out a giggle.

"Thank you, daddy."

*Knock Knock*

"Oh, they must be here. I'll grab the door." Sōma said, lifting our daughter into his arms. Despite her being 7, she's still small enough to be carried. Seeing the two of them interact like so made my heart grow warm.

"Hey Alice, Hisako! How are you guys?" As I heard Sōma ask our guests, I decided to join them.

"I'm good, Sōma-kun!"

"I'm doing well, thank you for asking."

As I got there, I saw my cousin and best friend hug my husband. Thankfully, my jealous side mellowed out greatly over the years, so now, when I saw them hugging my love, I didn't get affected by it.

But when I saw Alice kiss Sōma on the cheek, I twitched a bit.

"What about me, what about me?!" Aria was waving her hands wildly, causing the three of them to laugh, as Sōma put our daughter down.

"We didn't forget about you, Aria! Come here and give us a hug!" Alice had her arms wide open, and Hisako was bent down, ready to reciprocate the hug, which quickly came.

"Hi Auntie Alice, auntie Hisako!" Our daughter said to her two aunts.

"How are you doing today, Aria?" Hisako asked, and Aria gave a thumb up.

"It's been super awesome! But… we've only been up for a few hours. But still, we ate breakfast together, and daddy made some awesome food, and mommy promised to tell me a story when you guys got here!"

As soon as she said that, I was met with the gazes of yellow, pink and red, wondering what story she was thinking of. I shuffled around a bit awkwardly, feeling a bit odd getting all of the stares.

"Did she?" Alice asked, getting a nod from Aria. "Alright then, we'll be glad to help tell the story!" Alice said, the cheer evident in her voice, but with an underlying tone of questioning.

"Yay!" Our daughter cheered, getting a pat on the head from my pink haired friend.

"Alright, so just go to the family room, Aria. We'll be there in a bit, with some snacks and presents for you." Said person in question nodded happily, skipping her way to the biggest room in our mansion.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Alice glared at me, while Sōma and Hisako were looking on, a bit confused.

"So, Erina… my dear, dear cousin… would you mind telling us what story, exactly, that you promised to tell your daughter?" Alice asked, although she was a bit confused as well.

"Well… when we were walking downstairs, before you guys got here… she asked why Sōma didn't pursue cooking." Nods came from everyone.

"So… I told her I would explain it when you guys got here."

"Ohhh…" Everyone reacted similarly.

"Ok then, shouldn't be too hard." Sōma said, getting a glare from me.

"But Sōma, what if she hates me for ending your career?" I argued, but I felt a hand on my shoulder, coming from Alice.

"Don't worry too much about it, Erina." Another hand, this time from my best friend.

"Yes, as long as you explain everything to her, she will understand, don't worry about that, Erina." Finally, a hug surrounding the three of us.

"And also, we'll be here. If she doesn't understand, we can help her. Don't worry, Erina… we're a family. All of us. We'll be there for each other." Sōma said, as he gave me a quick kiss on the lips.

"T-thanks, you guys… I just hope everything will be alright." I got 3 smiles pointed back at me.

"There's nothing to worry about Erina! Now, before you guys kill us with your romance, we have a story to tell, right?"

I nodded, as we got some cookies and hot drinks ready, and we made our way to the living room.

As we got some cream-filled cookies and tea (and some milk ready for the young girl), we sat down, Sōma and I sitting beside each other, Alice on the chair to our right, Hisako to our left. Aria was sitting, happily nibbling away at the cookie and drinking her milk.

"O-ok, Aria. Are you ready to hear the story?" I asked, feeling the nerves that my daughter would hate me for all of this.

She nodded eagerly, still nibbling on her treat. "I'm ready to listen! I want to hear it!" She said with such enthusiasm that we all laughed softly, some of the tension releasing itself from me.

"Alright… just promise not to hate mommy, ok?" I said, which got a curious stare from Aria.

"I can't hate you, mommy! I love you thiiiiis much!" my bundle of happiness said, stretching her arms similarly like she did at breakfast.

"Ok, honey." I said with a smile. I took a deep breath.

"Well…"

…

…

…

There were some laughs, some tears, some loving words of support from my 3 friends, but it was finally finished. From the end of our second year, to the day when Sōma made his biggest promise to me. Aria would throw in small sounds that added to the effects the story had on all of us. She was like the true spectator to the events, even if she wasn't there.

"You see, honey? Daddy… daddy is a very special person to me. He's helped me through a lot. And he's given up so much. But… as much as there are some days when I think back to those times and shudder, there are so many days, when I look back to those times, and a large smile would appear. Without everything that happened… you wouldn't be here. And I don't know what I would have been doing with my life." That fact was true. Even with all the hardships, it was worth it knowing that I had a daughter with the love of my life. And I might not have been the founder of my own restaurant.

Hell, I don't know where Sōma would have been without everything. He might have been like Saiba-sama, but instead, he's my right-hand man. He deals with everything behind the scenes, and I couldn't be any more grateful. Hisako wouldn't be working with me, and I wouldn't have had Alice as one of my main suppliers, not to mention the countless help we get from our other friends.

All of that… because of Sōma's selfless act.

"Well, mommy, that doesn't change that what you did to daddy was really sad." Aria said, and I nodded sadly in response.

"I-I know, honey. I still have this thought of regret in the back of my head, but-"

I was cut off, when I felt a small pair of hands wrap around me.

"But it doesn't change how much I love you. I love you mommy, so, so much." Our daughter said, and I couldn't help but smile.

"I love you too honey…" I tightened my grip, wanting to make sure that this wasn't an illusion. Even if it was already 15 years, I could never be entirely sure that this was the best dream I've ever had.

"I love you so much."

After spending a couple of hours talking with Alice and Hisako about work and other unrelated stuff, they left, but not before giving Aria some presents.

"Wow! An ice cream machine! Can we make some, mommy, daddy?" She said, and Sōma nodded instantly.

"Yup! We'll make some this week, and let mommy try it out, ok sweetie?" My husband told her, causing her to nod so fast, I was scared she would hit something.

"Yeah! I want to make mommy something awesome!" That got a giggle out of all of us, as I shook my head lightly.

"I swear, you guys spoil her too much." Alice and Hisako waved their hands.

"Oh, it's nothing, Erina! We're glad to give Aria some cool things." My cousin said.

"Indeed. This is also to help your family bonding, Erina. I know how busy the restaurant can get, so these presents are here to make sure you guys spend as much time as you can. Together." My best friend added. I felt a small tear, which I quickly wiped away.

"Thanks, you guys… so much. For everything." I said, getting smiles out of the 2 women.

"Ok, sweetie, what do you say to your aunts?" Sōma asked, causing Aria to run up and hug Alice and Hisako's legs.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you soooooo much, Auntie Alice and Hisako!" She said, getting laughs out of them.

"No worries, Aria. We want to be your cool aunts, so anything for you!" Alice said, Hisako shaking her head with a smile.

"Thanks again, guys. We'll see you again soon?" Sōma asked, and they nodded.

"Yup! Should be Hishoko's birthday in a few weeks!" Alice said. Sōma hugged both of them.

"Again, thanks so much. For everything you guys have done for us." He said, and Alice kissed him on the cheek again, getting another twitch from me.

"Alice, do you have to kiss Sōma like that every time?" I asked menacingly, causing my cousin to giggle.

"Oh… just as long as I get to see your jealous side." She responded slyly. I pouted, huffing.

"That's rude, Alice."

"Finally getting you back for taking that bear from me." She giggled, as I blushed.

"We were 3!" I argued.

"Yeah, but it's also nice to tease you too." She giggled again, as she gave me a real hug.

"But really, I'm still so happy for you two." Hisako joined in, Sōma watching on.

"I am as well, Erina. We'll see you guys soon." As they left, we made sure to see that they were going to get back safe, and when they were out of eyesight, I turned to our daughter.

"Alright… do you want some ice cream?"

Another Sunday, another end of the happiest times of my life, until next week.

We were in Aria's room, getting her ready to sleep.

"Alright honey. Good night." We said, as we started to close the door.

"W-wait!"

We smiled. We knew exactly would happen next.

"Can I sleep with you guys tonight?"

"How come, sweetie?" Sōma was the one to ask this time.

"We always sleep as a family on Sundays, right? I just want to be with my mommy and daddy, my favourite people in the world." Aria explained, but she didn't need to.

"Of course, honey." I said, as I motioned her to grab our hands, as we made our way to the master bedroom.

We quickly got into bed, and Aria grabbed onto both of us.

"I love you mommy. I love you daddy." We smiled again.

"We love you too, honey/sweetie." We responded in sync, even our kisses to her forehead happening at the same time.

"Good night…" And just like that, she was out like a light.

"Good night." We giggled. Sōma gave me a chaste kiss on the lips.

"Good night, Erina. I love you."

"I love you too, Sōma. Good night."

It's been a crazy long time, there were a lot of ups and downs… but as I started to slip into unconsciousness, next to my 2 loves…

I can't help but think.

It was nice… meeting Sōma the first time.

It was nice… becoming a couple.

It is nice… being able to spend everyday knowing I can wake up and see the loves of my life.

I'm glad I met Sōma on that balcony, all those years ago.

Even when the night changes…

Our love never will.

Chapter/Story END

A/N: Hello everyone!

And with this… we're done. Just like when I finished I Promise You, I don't really know what to say.

I'm so proud of this story, I'm so happy that I made it. I'm so glad that so many people liked it. When I'm writing this, 132 Faves, 169 Follows, 34k+ views, and 54 reviews…

Just… wow.

It's amazing to see that everyone liked this story so much. The reviews and talks I've had with people were so nice, and I just can't thank you guys enough. Whether you came from I Promise You, or you happened to see this story as it updated, or you're from the future, as you scroll through the library of Shokugeki no Soma fics…

Thank you.

On that note, my thoughts on my final chapter.

This is a lot stronger than I Promse You's epilogue, very much so. I remember that the price range of the ring I made in I Promise You, which was around 9k, was nowhere near enough to shock our princess. So considering Soma's a uni graduate without a full time job, the range of 100k should be more appropriate for the reaction.

Besides that, I'm just really happy for this chapter. I think(?) the fluff was good, but I don't know for sure. I'm proud of the engagement, and the promise wasn't bad to write either.

But hey, at least it's not as sad as I Promise You, right? Hehe…

But anyways, leave a review! I would be really happy if the reviews are detailed and long, but even if it is short, I'll try my best to reply! School is almost in full swing, so I finished this right on time!

If you have critiques, compliments, ideas for future stories, or anything else, I will be very happy to read it and reply, especially if it is detailed.

On another note… (kinda Shokugeki spoilers for ch 247)

OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD!

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!

That chapter made me smile so much. I don't want to put too many things, but if you're a Sorina fan, and you're not reading, I would say to first of all read the manga, it's awesome, and second…

SS Sorina has set sail in my books!

And the lines Erina said… perfect wedding lines, as someone on reddit said.

Speaking of wedding, you guys might be curious as to why there was no wedding flashback. 247 was released right as I was writing the final parts of this chapter, so why is it not here?

Well, it's because some time later, I do plan to make a wedding fic.

Along with the lemon I promised a while back.

And any ideas you guys have.

"The Phases of the Moon" (Working title) is where these will take place (when I get around to it :P). I really love the universe I created, and I want to make more things in this universe. So that's the plan, whenever I get around to it, you guys will get a collection of one-shots, mini stories (if I'm feeling daring) or anything else relating to the universe of Night Changes. So there's that.

And side note: if you guys were curious as to why this story was named "Night Changes", well the song of the same name by One Direction is super good (Disclaimer: not a directioner. I'm a TWICE fan, thank you very much ;)). And when I was thinking of the confession, I knew it would take place at night. So a change in relationship at night + good song = I'm using that as my title.

And also, if you were curious as to why their daughter is named Aria… well, reading KibaElunal's "A Boy and his Fox" made me fall in love with Ahri, and I would love to name my daughter (if I ever have one) Aria, so I could do the same thing Soma does here and call her Ahri.

But enough rambling! I should be sleeping, but I wanted to finish this AN so I can get it out to you readers!

So… after 12 chapters of careers ending, romances blooming and everything inbetween later…

Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you again soon, whenever and wherever that may be! :)

[Night Changes, A Shokugeki no Soma story. Main Pairing: SomaxErina. Word count: 53,448 (Assuming I counted right :P)]

(Epilogue: Happiness - Uploaded 01.26.2018)