Facing your fears

Me and Maria walked through the hallowed hallways of the school towards the door of the school director's office, the stress that Maria was going through was palpable. I think that after my performance at the school event had bolstered her confidence, but I know that she was worried of what is about to happen. "Is this really the only way?" She said while looking at me conflicted.

Then I answer her." Yep. This is the best way to challenge him." I kind of feel bad for her, but this was something that I couldn't miss the opportunity.

I don't even know when I would have an opportunity like this afterwards, as I don't really know if things are going like the original story, I don't know if Joichiro will actually appear at the orphanage, hell, my mom's still here, so I find it to be unlikely to happen. So I had planned on saving some money and invest in the future, as this world is similar to my previous one, so some things are bound to happen here.

Not only I would be getting money but also I am training my culinary skills everyday.

As we approached the door, tension building up before the showdown. I am not gonna lie I do feel a little bit of pressure, this will be my first real cooking challenge. I need to use this opportunity to impress him, maybe he will take a like of me and probably sponsor me. So I have to do my absolute best.

Even if this doesn't work, I still have plan C, D, E... you get the point. I have to be prepared for everything that happens.

As we shared a fleeting glance, silently conveying our shared apprehension, and then we pushed it open together.

I notice that the room was adorned with bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes and framed accolades from years gone by. In the center of the room sat Maria's uncle and sitting beside him was the school director whipping the sweat on his face... Are you really gonna allow him to take your place like that?

Then I concentrate and look at Maria's uncle again, I saw a stern and imposing figure, sipping his tea with an air of calculated menace. His eyes, sharp as an eagle's, fixed upon me as we entered.

---General POV---

Maria's Uncle leaned back in his plush leather chair, studying Asahi with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. The events of the recent culinary competition had not gone unnoticed by him. Maria's uncle was well aware of Asahi's performance and tenacy that had transpired during the event, his confident performance had not escaped his keen observation.

'This kid', he thought, 'he must have received some sort of exceptional training at a tender age.' He had seen the way Asahi handled himself during the event, his composure, his creativity, and his uncanny ability to read the crowd. It was as if the young boy had a deep well of experience to draw from.

Maria's uncle set his teacup down, the clink of porcelain against porcelain echoing through the room. He spoke, his tone measured and deliberate. "Asahi Anderson, I have been observing you this whole time. Your performance at the recent event was quite impressive."

Asahi nodded politely, his expression unwavering. "Thank you, sir."

"But if that was your best, then I am sorry," He got up from his seat and walked towards Asahi and Maria, after arriving in front of the two he said,"That I am afraid that with that minuscule ability of yours you are more likely to lose this challenge."

Asahi still kept a smile on his face while Maria's face flashed with worried and depressive looks.

"Now," Maria's uncle continued, "The challenge that I have for you two, one that will truly test your abilities." he then points to his belly."You see, as I was coming here I haven't taken any breakfast in the morning. I know that American breakfast are very fulfilling and full of energy, but our family specializes in French culinary." He then started to smiled deviously as he says."So, I want you to prepare a meal that marries the simplicity of an American breakfast with the luxurious finesse of French cuisine."

Maria and the school director exchanged surprised glances. The challenge presented by Maria's uncle was no small feat. It required a deep understanding of both American and French culinary traditions, an intricate knowledge of flavors, and the skill to execute a harmonious fusion of the two. Even seasoned chefs would find such a task demanding.

The School Director couldn't help but voice her concerns. "Um, Sir, how should I say this..." He then spits out his true thoughts "... I think that this kind of cuisine is complex and intricate. To expect a seven-year-old to create a fusion of American and French breakfast dishes is...well, it's incredibly challenging. Why not we--"

Maria's uncle regarded him with a stern expression, his eyes narrowing slightly at the School Director as if telling him to 'shut your mouth;' He notices this and keeps it to himself.

Then he then says. "Isn't what this what this should be all about? show me that you are really good that you even dare to challenge my authority." He turns to Asahi and asks. "Is that too much of a challenge for you, little boy?"

Asahi, who had been listening intently, finally spoke up with a serene smile. "Not at all, chef. I accept the challenge."

Maria and the school director turned their attention back to Asahi, surprise etched on their faces. Maria's uncle studied the young man carefully, trying to discern the source of his confidence.

Maria's uncle leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Asahi's. "Very well, Asahi Anderson. You have accepted. Prepare the an appropriate dish and present it to me, I will give you 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this challenge. If your dishes impress, I will acknowledge your talent."

Asahi nodded, his smile unwavering. "Understood, sir. I won't disappoint." Asahi then turns to the exit." Let's go Maria." Said while moving forward.

Maria said her goodbyes before following in quick steps behind him.

As they leave the room, Maria's uncle couldn't help but smile and whispers to himself "...show me what you are made of, Asahi Anderson..."

---Maria's POV---

As we left the room, Maria couldn't help but express my worries. "Asahi, are you sure about this? This challenge is incredibly difficult, even for experienced chefs in my family..."

"When will you stop asking me that? that's like the millionth time, after you tasted the cookies you still think we are going to fail?"

I am not sure if you know what you are doing, but this is my uncle we are talking about ! "I don't doubt your abilities, but this challenge is unlike anything people in our age can do. It's not just about skill, it's about experience and knowledge."

Asahi's gaze remained steady as he replied, "Maria, challenges like these are what push us to grow. I may not have the years of experience that others do, but I have something else—hard work, creativity, and the determination to succeed. I'll give it my all."

As I hear those words I started to understand him a little bit. He changed so much after a couple of months, he got more mature lately... maybe it has something to do with his past, but he really worked hard. His grades got so much better, what happened to him? I can't almost recognized that this was the same Asahi from the first time that entered our school.

I looked at Asahi, he gives me an air of reassurance and confidence. why is he doing this? I really don't know what he wants to achieve with this but... If he can really help my family situation then..."Well then," I shortened our distance and said to his face." let's get to work. We have to prepare the perfect dish." while I smile at him.

"...You don't have to hold tears," Huh? what is he on about?

Then I touch my face and I feel that my hand got watery... oh god, I don't want to cry in front of him anymore...

He then stops walking and looks directly at me. w-what are you trying to do.

He offers me a napkin and starts to clean my face." Normally I wouldn't be doing this to nobody else." He says.

Right, Olivia is right... you are a jerk.

"But you are a friend of mine." He clarifies." And this is nothing, really. You can always rely on me."

Why are you saying those sentimental things... it makes me even sadder. "... you have done enough for me... I-I just didn't want to stop talking with you all, my family is so strict at these stuff so I had no other choice... but you really had to do all that show... you ruined everything, I don't know what to do... I-If we fail, I-"

He then hugs me and doesn't say anything...

... I couldn't hold it in anymore and started crying again on his shoulders.

(A/N: THIS IS PROBABLY THE CORNIEST THING I HAVE EVER WRITTEN, IT WAS SO HARD TO WRITE THIS I COULDN'T STOP CRINGING, AAAAAAAAAAA

Also, If you feel that the quality decreased on this chapter is because I didn't have time to edit.)