The plane landed at Tokyo Airport, and Ichin's group disembarked.
Though they had rested throughout the flight, the time difference still left everyone looking rather drained.
Scratching his head, Ichin glanced at Hazuki and the others.
"Let's go. Once we're back, take a full day to rest, then we'll head to the company."
Compared to the others, Ichin seemed more energetic. Driving wasn't a problem for him, so he first dropped Hazuki off at her home before finally returning to his own apartment building.
After saying goodbye to Yagami and Rin Toyama, he and Utaha went back to their home.
It was already late at night. Out of courtesy, they didn't disturb the elders living next door.
Turning on the living room light, Ichin noticed their two cats were still staying at Eriri's place. They'd pick them up the next day.
Watching Utaha stifle a yawn, Ichin chuckled.
"Come on, let's shower and then get some rest."
Utaha nodded. "Jet lag really is rough… whether flying out or returning. And you can never rest properly on a plane."
Even in first class, nothing compared to the comfort of home.
They showered quickly and slipped into their long-missed bedroom. Pulling back the covers, they crawled in, embraced each other, and drifted into sleep.
After a good rest, they didn't wake until nearly 11 a.m. the next morning.
Ten minutes later, after shaking off the grogginess, both were feeling much better. Another night's rest would have them fully adjusted for school and work tomorrow.
They didn't cook lunch themselves—instead, they went next door and enjoyed a home-cooked meal from Utaha's mother.
Afterward, Ichin changed clothes and told Utaha to rest at home while he drove to the Sawamura residence to pick up Peppa and George, their two cats.
It was still a school day, so Eriri wasn't home. But her mother, Sayuri Sawamura, was waiting at the gate of their villa.
As soon as Ichin's car arrived, Sayuri smiled warmly.
"Ichin, you did so well at the TGA this year—three awards all at once. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Auntie Sayuri."
Ichin accepted the cat carriers containing Peppa and George, as well as the Yagami's kitten.
"Winning these awards was the work of the whole team. Eriri was a big part of it too—many important sections of the game were thanks to her."
Hearing her daughter praised, Sayuri was visibly pleased.
"I really am proud of Eriri. Honestly, I used to think she might end up just drawing doujin to get by… but joining your team opened so many new possibilities. Ichin, I'll have to trouble you to keep looking after her in the future."
Naturally, Ichin didn't refuse. She was a talent he absolutely wanted to keep in the company.
Nodding, he replied, "Of course. Aside from being part of the team, Eriri's also mine and Utaha's junior and a friend. We'll definitely take care of her."
After a bit more small talk, he said his farewells and drove off.
Sayuri watched his car disappear into the distance, sighing softly.
"What a shame. Such a good boy… if only he could be my son-in-law. But this is fine too, as long as Eriri is happy."
Meanwhile, Ichin returned to the apartment building and first dropped off the kitten at Yagami's place.
As soon as Ko saw her little orange tabby, her fatigue vanished.
"Wah! You're back, baby!"
She scooped up the kitten from the carrier, beaming.
"I was planning to fetch him this afternoon, but you brought him back for us, Ichin. Thank you so much!"
"It's nothing, just on the way." Ichin smiled. "Since the cat's home safe, I'll head upstairs now. Rest well. If you've got time tonight, come join us for dinner."
"No problem! We'll nap a bit this afternoon, then come up!"
Back upstairs, Utaha's reaction wasn't much different from Ko's—delighted as she cuddled both Peppa and George in her arms.
After checking them over carefully, she said, "Not bad. They've been well cared for. Otherwise, I'd definitely have words with Eriri."
"Of course. Nothing to worry about."
Ichin took Peppa into his arms, smiling.
"After all, Eriri has started keeping cats herself—there's no way she'd neglect them. Oh, I also brought Ko's cat back. I told her they should come by tonight, so later I'll head out and shop for groceries. Utaha, you can host them here."
Utaha nodded. "Alright, I'll leave the shopping to you then."
After a full day of rest, Ichin and Utaha returned to school for the final stretch of classes before exams. Even they had to take things a bit seriously now.
Once afternoon classes were done, they went straight to the company.
The moment they stepped in, they were greeted with cheers from everyone—and someone had even prepared handheld confetti poppers.
_Pop!_
The burst startled Ichin and Utaha, showering them in streamers.
Pulling a few strands off his head, Ichin sighed.
"What's all this supposed to be? It's not like we're getting married yet."
Holding one of the spent poppers, Aoba grinned.
"It's to celebrate TGA, of course! Three awards! We saw the trophies this morning when Ko brought them in. This is all thanks to you leading us, Ichin-kun, so of course we have to celebrate!"
"Still, this is a bit much, don't you think?"
Pointing at the colorful mess on the floor, Ichin glanced at Aoba and Nene.
"You two—make sure you clean this up later, alright?"
The two girls exchanged glances, then stuck out their tongues in unison.
Sending everyone back to work, Ichin and Utaha walked to the office area.
In a glass display case filled with their games and merchandise, the three TGA trophies had already been placed there earlier by Ko.
Ichin admired them for a moment, nodded in satisfaction, then entered his office.
It was time to get back to work.
***