Haruno, of course, had her own fixed vacation time. And since there weren't many projects in August, plus after dealing with a few troublemakers in the company, things were firmly under her control—leaving for a few days wasn't a problem.
Going to China with Ichin meant she'd have to face the blind dates her godmother arranged for her, but to Haruno that wasn't anything hard to handle. More than anything, it was simply a chance to relax and take a holiday.
After weighing things, Haruno quickly set the departure date: next Friday.
"Today's Thursday, so that's about a week. Time to book tickets."
After hanging up the call, Ichin opened his laptop and started booking flights.
As for Yukino—no questions there. She had already promised to come along. All she needed was a date. Among them, Yukino had it the easiest during summer break.
Ten minutes later, Utaha came out of the bathroom, hair still damp from blow-drying.
She walked over, glanced at Ichin's screen, and asked curiously:
"Already decided when we're going back?"
"Yeah. Next Friday. I just talked with Mom and Haruno."
Ichin nodded. "Since we've got a week to go, better to lock the tickets now so everything else is easier to arrange."
Leaning lightly on his shoulder, Utaha smiled.
"How long do you plan for us to stay this time?"
"Hmm… maybe ten days to half a month. Fall Guys is already out, August's updates are set, Dark Souls and Titanfall just got new content drops. This month I can afford to relax a bit. Oh, right—I can also arrange a summer company trip. I'll bring it up tomorrow at the office and see where everyone wants to go."
"You're right, it's about time for the annual retreat."
Utaha nodded. "But since we'll be in your home country, we can't join. I bet Kou-senpai and the others will be disappointed—especially Hajime and Aoba. They love hanging out with you."
Ichin shrugged. "Nothing I can do. Can't exactly skip going home, right? Anyway, forget that. Utaha, should we take a morning or afternoon flight?"
"Afternoon. Eat lunch first, then head to the airport. I don't want to eat airplane food. Even in first class, lunch isn't that great. Better to eat your mom's cooking once we arrive."
"Alright, afternoon it is."
The next day at the office, Ichin called the senior staff into a meeting.
"Relax," he said once everyone was seated. "This isn't about work."
At once, Kou's face lit up.
"Summer retreat, right?"
"Exactly."
His confirmation made the whole room brighten.
Work at their company was already enjoyable. Even when things got busy, no one felt drained. But the words company retreat were enough to spark excitement in everyone.
Ichin smiled.
"First thing: the retreat. But this year I won't be joining. You all decide together. The budget is about the same as last year—plenty for a good trip. As for me, I'll be going home next week to visit family."
Kou rested her chin on her hand, looking regretful.
"Oh, so no chance then. I thought summer would be the perfect time for you to enjoy everyone's swimsuits. Guess I'll have to enjoy them alone."
Ichin rolled his eyes at her.
"Anyway, retreat planning is up to you. Discuss and finalize it with HR, then show me the budget. Once it looks good, you can pack your bags. Second thing: I'll be gone about half a month. Aside from the retreat days, the team leads need to keep your groups in check. Don't slack off. And if anything urgent happens, don't hesitate—just call me."
Once everyone promised, Ichin left the room, giving them space to discuss the retreat.
Half an hour later, the internal company chat launched a poll about the retreat destination.
As Ichin expected, everyone got to vote. The options were the ones brainstormed earlier in the meeting—solid travel spots, not too far, affordable, perfect for a relaxing trip.
After watching the lively chat for a bit, Ichin closed it and went back to work.
But only a few minutes later, someone knocked on his office door.
Utaha opened it and blinked in surprise.
"Nene? Here to see Ichin?"
Nene nodded. "Yeah, I've got something."
"Come on in."
As she entered, Kou from the art team glanced over curiously and whispered to Aoba:
"Do you know what Nene wants to talk about?"
Aoba shook her head.
"No idea. But the past couple days she's seemed… troubled. Not sure if it's something she can solve."
"Troubled, huh…"
Kou rubbed her chin, then her expression shifted as though she understood.
"I see. So that's what it is."
Flicking her long hair back, she dropped the matter and returned to modeling.
Meanwhile, Ichin gestured to the sofa for Nene.
"Sit. So what's bothering you enough to weigh so heavily on your mind?"
Her expression froze.
"Huh? Was it that obvious?"
Utaha chimed in with a nod.
"Yep. Written all over your face!"
"Ahaha… so it was like that."
Sitting down, Nene placed her hands on her knees, looking a little nervous.
"Um… Ichin-kun, you're going back next week, right?"
"Yeah. Kou mentioned it? Wait… don't tell me what you're about to say is—"
Ichin already had a guess.
Nene nodded.
"Mm. I was wondering if… I could come along."
As expected.
Ichin smiled, eyeing her with interest.
"Looks like Umiko being stuck in Shanghai these past months has really been hard on you, huh?"
At that, Utaha immediately understood.
"Ohhh~~ lovesick, are we?"
"It's not that bad!!!"
Now that he knew it was about wanting to see Umiko, Ichin had no doubts. He readily agreed to let Nene join them next week.
Of course—she'd need to book her own ticket.
***
Guys, please give it a try to the new fic: "DxD: The Transfer Student of the Demonic High School"
Don't forget to add it to your library!!
***
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