T/N: Missing Chapter 534: Returning to Campus, added.
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After hearing the news, Ichin took out his phone and called Haruno.
When Utaha and Yukino came in, they also noticed a bag of chocolates placed on Ichin's desk. Utaha glanced at Hazuki and asked in a low voice, "Hazuki-san, did you make these yourself?"
"That's right~~"
Hazuki said with a smile. "Even I get a bit of a girlish mood sometimes. I felt inspired and made a small batch. This bag is for Ichin-kun—go ahead and have some too. I still need to deliver chocolates to the others! Though when it's for the girls, I'll have to get a group photo~~"
As she spoke, she took out the camera she always carried with her, then walked out with an eager expression.
Watching Hazuki leave, Utaha picked up a piece of chocolate and popped it into her mouth, then handed one to Yukino as well.
"Mmm, it tastes pretty good."
After eating it, Yukino said, "Chocolate like this usually turns out fine as long as you know how to make it."
On Ichin's side, the call had already connected.
"Hello, Haruno-nee?"
The moment he spoke, the sound of sobbing came from the other end.
"Wuuuu, Ichin~~~~"
The voice made goosebumps rise all over Ichin. He grimaced slightly and said, "What, did your mom arrange a political marriage for you?"
"Ah, no, it's not that bad."
Haruno immediately dropped the act, but still complained in a very depressed tone. "Why do I have to be dragged to business events today of all days? I wanted to go soak in a hot spring!"
"Then come over after it ends tonight?"
"Wuu, I can't," Haruno said pitifully. "It'll probably be past nine when it's over, so I'll have to go straight home. You guys go have fun by yourselves."
Hearing how miserable she sounded, Ichin could only comfort her. "Alright then. Hot springs aren't going anywhere—you can go anytime. If you still want to later, we'll go with you. When we get back this time, I'll make you something good to eat and cheer you up."
"Yay! It's a deal then!"
After saying that, Haruno hung up the call.
Utaha looked at Ichin and said with a smile, "I bet Haruno-san was just pretending to be pitiful for your sake, Ichin."
"I think so too," Ichin shrugged. "But it's fine. We're eating anyway, so one more person wouldn't be a problem. Hmm, it's five o'clock now—when should we head out?"
Utaha replied, "No rush. Let's leave at five-thirty. Dinner there is a luxury buffet, and there'll be plenty of activities afterward. For now, Ichin, just finish up the work you have on hand."
"Alright, half an hour should be enough."
Ichin nodded, then thought for a moment and asked, "But it's just the three of us—won't that be a bit few? Should we invite anyone else?"
Utaha and Yukino exchanged a glance.
"See? I told you," Utaha said. "I knew he'd suggest that."
Yukino nodded. "Indeed."
Then Utaha said, "No need, Ichin. I already asked everyone earlier. They all have their own plans—some are going out, others are having dinner at home. So today it's just the three of us."
"Oh—everyone's busy, huh." Ichin was a little surprised, but he smiled. "That's fine too. Once I'm done with my work here, we'll head out."
With that, he quickly turned his attention back to the documents, while Utaha and Yukino stepped out as well, not wanting to disturb him.
At five thirty, Ichin finished handling the day's work right on time, packed up his things, and went downstairs.
When he arrived at the Kō's team area downstairs, Ichin saw Utaha and Yukino. He then said to Yagami Kō, "Kō, let's call it a day early today. I think everyone probably has plans, so it's best to let everyone relax properly."
"Oh!!! Getting off early? Yay!"
The moment she heard that, Yagami Kō shouted the news into the company group chat, then immediately shut down her computer and went off to find Toyama Rin.
"Off work! Off work!!!"
The others were the same. The office instantly became lively as everyone hurriedly packed up their things.
After the three of them went downstairs, they got into the car and headed straight for the hot spring hotel.
As for a change of clothes, everything had already been packed in the morning and placed in the trunk of Ichin's car.
It wasn't until they had driven for a while that Utaha suddenly reacted. "Ah—now I remember, we could've asked Eriri too!"
"…"
After a brief silence, Ichin said, "That's true. If it's Eriri, there's no way she'd have any plans today."
Just as he was about to say they could still ask her and turn back to pick her up, Utaha immediately said, "Forget it, let's just leave it at that. Let Eriri go home and play games by herself. Anyway, Valentine's Day activities don't really suit Eriri either."
"If you said that right in front of Eriri, she'd probably fight you to the death."
Utaha's lips curved into a smile. "Whatever. It's just Eriri."
At that very moment, Eriri—who had just finished packing up and was leaving the company—suddenly sneezed three times in a row.
"Who's talking about me again…?"
Nearby, Aoba and Hifumi walked over. Aoba asked with concern, "Eriri, did you catch a cold?"
Eriri shook her head. "No, my nose just suddenly felt itchy. Let's go, Aoba, Hifumi—yakiniku, yakiniku!"
Mm, indeed, there wasn't any Valentine's Day event at all—just a simple group dinner.
After arriving at the underground parking lot and meeting up with Kousaka Kirino and Gokou Ruri, the five of them all got into Hifumi's car and set off to eat yakiniku.
Inside the car, Kousaka Kirino asked curiously, "By the way, is Yukino also going out together with Ichin and Utaha today?"
Aoba nodded. "Yeah. They're going to a hot spring hotel today. Haruno-san was supposed to go too, but it seems she got dragged by her family to attend some business event. Utaha said that when she called her, Haruno-san sounded really upset!"
"Eh~~"
Kousaka Kirino widened her eyes, thought for a moment, then said, "Hmm, I smell gossip. Something's going on!"
Eriri didn't quite get it and looked at Kousaka Kirino. "What do you mean, exactly?"
"Hehe, never mind, never mind. He is the big boss, after all—I'm just making a random guess." Kousaka Kirino wisely cut the topic short. Whether her guess was right or not, it was better not to say it out loud.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Haruno—who was on her way back to Chiba—looked at the scenery flying past outside the car window, a thoughtful glint in her eyes.
Sometimes, having a high alcohol tolerance wasn't such a good thing either. She really didn't know what that girl Utaha was planning. Even though she knew Utaha wouldn't harm Yukino, she still couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Haruno felt extremely helpless. If she hadn't been called back today, maybe she wouldn't be feeling this irritated right now.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk… it's all that Ichin's fault."
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