Sunday—time for Umiko to depart for China.
Everyone drove together to the airport.
Walking beside Umiko, Ichin explained the things waiting for her once she arrived.
"The studio has already arranged someone to pick you up. The person in charge will be waiting at the arrivals gate and will drive you straight to your apartment. You don't need to rush to the studio in the first couple of days—just get used to life over there first. Titanfall's development hasn't officially started yet; they're still recruiting. Once you've settled in, then go and blend in with the studio members."
Umiko nodded. "Mm, I know. Honestly, I'm really looking forward to it now—to my new life in Shanghai."
"Good. You should look forward to it, it'll definitely be interesting."
Before moving into the dorms, Umiko had always rented and lived alone, so living by herself was never a problem. Plus, she wasn't picky with food—whether cooking for herself or eating out, she would definitely live comfortably in Shanghai.
"That's right, that's right."
Utaha, standing beside Ichin, added, "You don't need to worry about the modern conveniences there. In fact, there's one thing Japan just can't compare to—the food delivery industry is insanely advanced. In Tokyo, even though some places have started using apps, most of the time you still have to call. But in China, all you need is a phone. You can order food, buy snacks, even daily necessities—and you don't even need to bring your wallet when going out."
Back when Utaha had gone with Ichin to celebrate the New Year in China, she had experienced all of this firsthand. Especially shopping—no need for cash, just pay directly with your phone. It was simply too convenient. After coming back to Tokyo, she felt really unaccustomed. Though more stores were slowly supporting mobile payments here, it was still just a small portion.
(T/N: Well, India is doing this too through UPI, as well as other Apps for mundane things like groceries, snacks, food-You name it! And there are some other countries too)
Aoba chimed in excitedly, "That's right, that's right! Food delivery there is amazing! When we traveled together before, I was shocked by how convenient it was! And not just meals—you can even order snacks or household goods!"
The way the conversation was going, it was starting to sound like a delivery-service fan meeting.
Umiko checked the time for her flight and smiled. "It's about time. I should head in. You don't need to send me further."
As soon as she said that, everyone fell into silence.
Seeing their reactions, Umiko chuckled, patting Aoba on the head. "Don't look so gloomy. It's not like I'm never coming back. If development progresses smoothly, I'll definitely return once every half month to a month. And during long holidays, you all can come over too. By now, I'm sure everyone has some savings—after all, the company's benefits are pretty great."
She was right. With the generous benefits, even someone like Shinoda, who usually spent money recklessly, had managed to save up a bit. Traveling together on holidays was entirely possible.
Finally, Umiko hugged each of them one by one.
When she reached Sakura Nene, who already had tears welling in her eyes, Umiko gently patted her head with a smile.
"From here on, you'll be in charge of programming for one of the development groups. Work hard. I'll check your progress whenever I have time."
Nene nodded vigorously and hugged her tightly.
After saying her goodbyes, Umiko disappeared into the security gate.
As her figure faded away, Ichin turned to everyone. "Alright, let's head back. Once Umiko settles in tonight, we can still video call her."
Yagami Kou sighed. "What you said is true, but after working with Umiko for so long, it's hard to get used to her suddenly leaving for a business trip."
Even Hifumi, usually the quiet one, nodded softly. "It feels like things will get a little dull."
When Umiko was around, something funny always happened—like Kou or Hazuki accidentally angering her, and Umiko pulling out her model gun to fire a few rubber bullets at their foreheads. With her gone, such scenes would be rare for a while.
Walking next to Hifumi, Aoba smiled. "Sure, it'll be a bit dull, but Umiko's doing this so she can work on the game she loves, right? We're all working hard toward our own goals too!"
Hearing Aoba's words, Hifumi finally smiled faintly and nodded. "Mm, we'll all work hard."
Leaving the airport, everyone went their separate ways—it was Sunday, and they had come out specifically to see Umiko off.
In the parking lot, Ichin opened the car door and looked at Aoba, Nene, and Hifumi. "So, what's your plan for today? Should I drop each of you off at home, or?"
The three glanced at each other before Aoba answered, "Ichin-kun, could you drop us off at my place? We'll take the day off and play some games together!"
"Sure, hop in."
Utaha sat in the front passenger seat while the three girls sat in the back. Since all three were on the slimmer side, it wasn't cramped at all.
After dropping them off, Ichin and Utaha returned home.
Peppa, who they had brought back on Friday, was now back in its old home. But being alone again, the little cat seemed somewhat unsettled.
Watching Peppa's reaction, Utaha thought for a moment before saying, "Ichin, what do you think—should we adopt another cat? Yukino's keeping the other two kittens herself, so it wouldn't be right to ask her again. But maybe we could adopt another one about the same age as Peppa, so it has a companion."
"Another one, huh?"
Ichin glanced at the lazy Peppa sprawled on the cat tree and nodded. "Sure, why not? How about this afternoon?"
"Deal!"
They had barely returned home, and already an afternoon plan was set.
After lunch, they brought Peppa downstairs and headed toward the dorms.
Even though Umiko was on a business trip, her room remained. And the last vacant room had already been reserved by Momiji and Tsubame, both planning to graduate early, just like Nene.
"Kou, Utaha and I are heading to the stray animal shelter. We're thinking of adopting another cat. Wanna come?"
"Huh? Another one?" Kou looked at them with surprise. "And Yukino's keeping the other two herself?"
"Mm, she already decided. So Utaha and I figured we'd adopt one around Peppa's age, to keep it company. This time, we'll get a male, so we can neuter them both together."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. A playmate for Peppa, huh?" Kou chuckled. "We'll pass—we're planning to visit Yukino later to see her kittens."
"Alright then, we'll be off."
*