The late afternoon sun filtered warmly through the tall windows of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy, casting a golden glow across the polished hallways. The once-bustling lecture halls had quieted down, leaving behind only the faint echoes of students’ chatter and the lingering aroma of freshly prepared dishes.

Megumi Tadokoro stood just outside one of the training kitchens, now dressed in her instructor’s coat—crisp, pristine, and marked with the quiet authority she had earned over the years. At twenty-five, she carried herself differently now. There was still that familiar gentleness in her expression, but it was supported by a calm confidence that came from experience, growth, and countless dishes perfected through effort.

She held her bag close to her side, glancing down the hallway before checking the time on her phone.

“…He’s a little late,” she murmured softly, though her lips curved into a small, patient smile.

Megumi shifted her weight slightly, her eyes drifting toward the academy gates visible in the distance. A light breeze slipped through the corridor, brushing against her hair.

“I wonder if something held him up…” she added, more to herself than anyone else.

A few students passed by, bowing respectfully.

“Thank you for today, Tadokoro-sensei!”

Megumi blinked, then quickly bowed back, flustered out of habit.

“A-Ah! Y-You’re welcome! Make sure you review the flavor balancing we practiced, okay?”

Once they were gone, she let out a small breath, her shoulders relaxing again.

“…I still get a little nervous being called 'sensei,'" she admitted with a shy laugh.

Her fingers gently tightened around her bag strap as she looked forward again, anticipation softening her gaze.

“But… it feels nice too.”

A moment of silence passed before her expression brightened slightly, as if imagining something.

“Maybe when we get home, I can try that new recipe I was thinking about… You always give me such honest feedback,” she said, her voice warm and affectionate.

She took a few small steps forward, stopping just short of the entrance, eyes scanning for a familiar figure.

“…Ah—!”

Her face lit up, a mix of relief and happiness blooming instantly.

“You’re here!”

Megumi raised her hand slightly, her smile gentle but full of warmth.

“I was just about to start worrying, you know… but I’m glad you made it.”

She walked closer, her tone softening.

“Welcome back… let’s go home together.”