Once the food was ready, Ichin and Utaha changed clothes, loaded everything into the car, and waited for Yagami Kou and Toyama Rin to come down. Then the four of them set off together.
Ichin's job was to pick up Narumi Tsubame, Mochizuki Momiji, and Ruri Gokou, while Kou and Rin went to get Shinoda Hajime and Hifumi. Aoba and Sakura Nene lived close to today's cherry-blossom spot, so there was no need to fetch them. As for Eriri, Yukino would drive over to bring her.
Before long, Ichin's car pulled up at the apartment building where Tsubame and Momiji lived. It was a modest place, but the neighborhood was decent. After a quick phone call, the two girls came down within minutes, each carrying a large thermal food box.
As they climbed in, Tsubame smiled. "Thanks for coming all the way out here, Ichin-kun, Utaha."
Momiji followed and added, "You've worked hard. Tsubame cooked something really delicious, so make sure you eat plenty later."
Starting the car, Ichin glanced at them in the backseat with a grin. "No problem, I'll definitely eat a lot. I trust Tsubame's cooking. Let's go—Ruri's place is a bit farther, about a fifteen-minute drive."
Ichin focused on driving while Utaha chatted with the two in the back. Noticing Tsubame's food container, she asked curiously, "So what did you make today?"
Tsubame smiled. "Nothing fancy—just some creamy stew and fried meatballs. I brought paper bowls for the stew so it'll be easy to eat, nice and hot."
Momiji swallowed audibly. "It's really good, but Tsubame wouldn't let me eat any earlier."
Tsubame rolled her eyes. "If I'd let you, you'd have eaten half of it by yourself already! Of course I had to save it."
Then she turned to Utaha. "What about you guys, what did you bring?"
"Not me," Utaha said without hesitation. "Ichin did all the work while I slept in. He made cola chicken wings, fried wings, spring rolls, crystal shrimp dumplings, and egg tarts."
Every time she listed something, Momiji gulped again. Utaha looked at her with a teasing smile. "If you want some, you'll have to wait. Everything's in the trunk."
Momiji nodded eagerly—her anticipation for the picnic only grew.
A little later, they arrived at Ruri Gokou's house. Because of her father's job, her family had moved to Tokyo back when she was in high school. From a small apartment, they'd upgraded to a detached house, living quite comfortably. And now that Ruri had a stable, well-paying job, the family finances were even better.
After Ichin sent a message, the front door opened. Ruri stepped out carrying a picnic basket, followed by two adorable younger sisters.
Her sisters—one a senior in high school, the other in middle school—shared her good looks, and they'd nearly caught up to her in height. Someday they might even surpass their big sister.
Ichin and Utaha had already met them once before when dropping Ruri home from a company dinner.
Smiling at the two girls, Ichin greeted, "Hello, Hinata, Tamaki. Want to come with us today? We've got plenty of food."
Hinata shook her head with a cheerful smile. "No thanks, Ichin-oniisan. Tamaki and I are heading to the library to study. Please take care of our sister today."
Ruri, hearing that, reached out and flicked her sister's head. "Do you think I'm a child? Enough, get back inside. Lunch is already made—eat it and wash the dishes. I'll be back to cook dinner."
"Okay~!"
The two called out in unison and waved as their sister got into the car.
As the car drove away, Hinata sighed. "What a shame. If Ichin-oniisan were single, Sis might have a chance."
Tamaki nodded. "Yeah. Handsome, kind, and capable. That's exactly the kind of boyfriend I want someday!"
"Ha! You? Better worry about passing your midterms first. Come on, back inside to study."
"Ughhh!"
—
By 10:30, Ichin's group finally arrived at the park. In the parking lot, the others' cars were already there. He parked beside Hazuki's, and the five of them carried their things to the meeting spot.
Under a massive cherry tree, the rest of the group had already gathered, picnic mats spread out.
Spotting them, Hajime waved energetically. "Over here! You guys are so slow!"
Ichin set down his load and replied with a chuckle, "Slow? We're right on time—neither late nor early. You're just fast. How long have you been here?"
Aoba smiled. "Not long, less than ten minutes. We haven't even opened the food yet."
Boxes of homemade dishes sat neatly arranged, all still closed.
Taking a seat, Ichin grinned. "Well then, since everyone's here, let's begin. Open everything up—time to eat, drink, and have fun."
"Yay!!!"
One by one, containers were opened, releasing a flood of delicious aromas that made everyone's stomachs growl—especially those who'd skipped breakfast to save room.
Drinks were covered too; since not everyone was good at cooking, Hazuki had taken charge of beverages.
After pouring everyone a glass, Ichin, as company head, stood with his cup. "It's rare for us to come out like this, so I won't say anything serious. Today, let's just relax, eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves. Cheers!"
"Cheers!!!"
With the toast done, everyone dug in.
Eriri picked up one of Ichin's crystal shrimp dumplings and popped it into her mouth.
"Mmm! This is amazing—better than the big Chinese restaurants in Tokyo!"
The translucent dumplings, perfectly made, were both beautiful and delicious. Within minutes, they were gone.
Luckily, Ichin had prepared plenty—otherwise, they wouldn't have been enough to go around.
*
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