Since not everyone had arrived in the morning, lunch was kept simple. They made a few plates of pasta and everyone ate casually, saving the lavish feast for the evening.
Even so, simple as it was, the pasta still used plenty of high quality ingredients they had just bought at the supermarket.
After finishing her meal, Kō leaned back in her chair in satisfaction, rubbing her stomach. "Using wagyu beef for pasta… that's seriously luxurious. Hic…"
On the other side, Momiji Mochizuki looked much the same. Even though she had eaten quite a bit for breakfast, she still managed to finish three full plates of pasta at lunch, more than anyone else.
Pouring everyone a cup of tea, Utaha sat beside Momiji and looked at her curiously. "We've known each other for years now, but I'm still amazed. You eat like this every day and still don't gain weight. Your figure is still so good."
As she spoke, she even reached out and lightly touched Momiji's slim waist, nodding in approval.
"Mm, not a bit of excess fat!"
Momiji blushed slightly and lifted her teacup. "My appetite is just something I was born with. But I do exercise now to stay healthy."
Narumi Tsubame, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes. "That's because I supervise you. If it were just you alone, would you really exercise? In the end, it's because your job is stable and the salary's good that you can eat well and eat a lot. If you hadn't joined the company and gone into some other field, I doubt you'd be able to eat this much every day. And don't think I've forgotten, around September or October last year, your weight did go up. You were nervous for ages before finally deciding to start working out."
Ichin came out of the kitchen just in time to hear that and looked surprised. "So that happened? We had no idea. But it's true, when life gets too comfortable, it's easy to grow lazy. You do have to pay attention. If you eat more, you should exercise more. You might not gain weight now, but give it five or ten years and that might change."
Before he could finish, Utaha poked his arm several times.
"What?" he asked.
Utaha looked at him sternly. "Ichin, why do I feel like you're hinting at something? Are you saying that since I don't exercise much, I'll get fat in the future?"
"I didn't say that at all!" Ichin nodded repeatedly. "You just don't exercise that much, but it's not like you don't exercise at all. And you don't eat that much either. There's nothing to worry about."
In terms of appetite, Utaha ate about as much as any normal girl. At most, she just needed to be a little careful with sweets, but it was not a serious issue.
Utaha poked his arm twice more. "No excuses. I know I don't exercise much. Now that we have a proper gym at home, I'll definitely make time to work out more. Yukino, you're joining me."
Yukino nodded. She had always kept up with exercise anyway, and having someone else join would make it livelier.
Then she turned to look at her sister.
Haruno caught her gaze and immediately waved her hands. "I'll pass. Work is exhausting enough as it is. I'm not letting you drag me into more physical exertion. If I want to exercise, I'll join on my own."
That was what she said, but the chance of Haruno voluntarily joining a workout was extremely low.
Everyone present silently shared the same thought.
From one thirty in the afternoon onward, the rest of the group gradually arrived. They excitedly toured Ichin's new villa, then enjoyed afternoon tea and entertainment, followed by a grand barbecue party in the backyard that evening.
After the housewarming banquet, Ichin's life returned to its usual rhythm. Nothing much had changed except the place he now called home.
At college, with July's arrival, final exams began. On top of that, there were graduation theses to deal with, which kept Ichin somewhat busy, though still within a manageable range.
In the days leading up to exams, he put company matters on hold and left them to Kō and the others.
After finishing his exams, Ichin submitted the first draft of his thesis to his advisor. After reviewing it, the advisor pointed out a few areas that needed revision. Once adjusted, it would be good to go. The whole process was remarkably efficient.
It could not be helped. Ichin did not just possess theoretical knowledge. A simple graduation thesis was no challenge to him.
Utaha, on the other hand, was progressing a bit slower. Their academic fields were different, after all. Still, she was not in a hurry. She took things step by step, and the professors in her department had given her plenty of helpful suggestions.
Once exams were over, summer vacation arrived.
On the way to pick up Eriri from her university, Ichin said to Utaha and Yukino in the back seat, "Let's give them a call tonight. I figure my parents will probably book their flights and come visit in a couple of days. When we get home tonight, let's tidy up the guest room."
Utaha nodded with a smile. "After Mom and Dad come to visit, are we all going back together?"
"Yeah, of course. I've already arranged to meet a few of my old high school classmates for a meal."
Though they did not keep in constant contact, he still stayed in touch occasionally with a few close friends from high school. Summer vacation was the perfect chance to meet up while he was back.
Utaha looked delighted. But beside her, Yukino inevitably grew a little nervous.
Even though she had chatted with Ichin's parents through video calls before, now that they were actually coming in person, it was impossible for her not to feel tense.
After all, her relationship with Ichin was no longer the same as before.
Noticing the shift in her mood through the rearview mirror, Ichin reassured her gently, "No need to be nervous, Yukino. Just act as you normally do. Didn't we agree? If we get found out, I'll take responsibility. They probably won't say anything to you anyway."
Yukino shook her head softly. "It's better if they don't notice. Things are fine the way they are now."
Ichin did not press further. By then, Tokyo University of the Arts was already in sight, and with his sharp eyes, he spotted the familiar blond twin tails of Eriri waiting at the gate.
He pulled over by the roadside. Eriri, who had been waiting, immediately jogged over and opened the back door, climbing inside.
The moment she got in, she exclaimed excitedly, "Yes! Summer vacation! Finally no more painting at college just to satisfy the teachers!"
Starting the car again, Ichin chuckled. "If your teachers heard that, they'd be heartbroken."
"I don't care!" Eriri lifted her chin proudly. "Every day at college it's either landscapes, portraits, or some messy theory and art history. I hate it! I'd rather design two character concepts at the company and model a couple of game characters than paint one more assignment at school."
"Sure," Ichin replied casually. "Then when we get to the company, I'll assign you a few more tasks."
"Hey! No way! Let me rest at home for two days first!"
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