Chapter 214: Time to Head Back

With winter break over, it was time for the new school term to begin.

After greeting their classmates upon entering the classroom, Ichin and Utaha made their way to their seats.

Thinking for a moment, Ichin turned to Utaha.

"If I remember correctly, there's supposed to be a career path survey this semester, right?"

In short, it was a guidance process for students regarding their future paths—either advancing to higher education or entering the workforce. It was something every second-year student had to go through.

Although Ichin was an international student, it was only a matter of time before he, too, would receive the same forms and be called in for a chat with the teachers.

Utaha nodded.

"Yeah, it should be sometime this month. But it doesn't really concern us that much. After all, we're both aiming for university, so all we need to do is fill in which one we want to apply to."

"True, it doesn't really affect us much."

Ichin placed his bag down and pulled out his phone to check the calendar.

"Compared to the survey, I think there's something else we should be thinking about. Today's January 18th—we have to head back before the end of the month."

"So... less than two weeks left?"

She hadn't felt it before, but now that Ichin pointed it out, Utaha suddenly started to feel nervous.

Under Ichin's guidance, her Chinese had improved significantly, and she could now handle simple daily conversations. But meeting his parents was one thing—going back to China for the Lunar New Year and meeting extended family was still a massive challenge for her.

Noticing the change in her expression, Ichin grinned.

"Already getting nervous? Just follow the example I set when I met your family. Should be easy, right?"

Utaha shot him a glare.

"I don't have a thick skin like you, Ichin."

"Hm, I think we're actually pretty similar."

"Don't think I didn't catch that—you're saying I'm thick-skinned too, aren't you?"

Ignoring him, Utaha rested her chin in her hands and fell into deep thought.

She might be eloquent and confident when talking with friends, but when it came to Ichin's family, she wasn't sure she could perform as smoothly.

Seeing her getting more and more worried, Ichin shook his head and reached out to poke her cheek.

"Don't overthink it. If you're stuck, just ask my mom when we get back. She'll help you out. And the relatives you'll meet during New Year—they're all really easy to get along with. Nothing to worry about."

"Really?"

Utaha nodded, looking thoughtful. She made up her mind that once they got back, she'd make sure to ask Ichin's mom for plenty of advice and prepare thoroughly.

Ichin had done great when he met her relatives—there was no way she could afford to embarrass herself now!

Just as they had predicted, once the morning's opening ceremony ended and they returned to the classroom, Hiratsuka-sensei handed out the career survey forms.

"Career path survey. Every student must fill one out, so don't try to gloss over it. Think carefully and hand it in by this Friday. Now then, let's begin class. Open your textbooks."

Ichin glanced over the survey form. After seeing that it was just about indicating a general direction or goal, he quickly lost interest, stuffed it into his desk drawer, and opened his textbook.

It was the first class of the new term—might as well listen for a bit and show some respect to Hiratsuka-sensei.

Being the first day back, Hiratsuka-sensei didn't cover anything too heavy, so the class felt relatively relaxed.

Time passed quickly, and as the bell rang signaling the end of class, Hiratsuka briskly wrapped up the remaining material and closed her notes.

"All right, that's it for now. Ichin—come with me to the office. Bring your career survey form."

"Huh?"

Ichin looked up at Hiratsuka, only to see she was already out the door, her teaching materials in hand.

Utaha, sitting nearby, commented, "She probably just wants you to fill it out quickly. After all, there's no way your parents would be coming in."

"Well, that's true."

Ichin nodded, grabbed the career path survey form, and left the classroom.

Catching up to Hiratsuka-sensei, he walked beside her and asked,

"Sensei, you don't need my parents to come in, right?"

"No need. Your grades are excellent, so there's no reason to involve them. Besides, I already have a good idea of what you're going to write. You told me before, remember?"

Once they arrived at the office, Hiratsuka opened the door and went in. She pulled a chair over next to hers and gestured for Ichin to sit, then handed him a pen.

"Here. Go ahead and fill it out. It's Todai (Tokyo University), right?"

"Yeah, Todai. I already discussed it with Utaha."

Ichin took the pen and quickly filled out the form before handing it back to her.

"Oh, right. Since I'm here, I might as well talk to you about taking a leave."

"Already asking for leave on the first day of school?"

"Not now—at the end of the month," Ichin explained. "I'll be going home for Chinese New Year. I already promised my family. Also, Utaha will be coming back with me, so we're both planning to take time off."

"…"

Hiratsuka felt like she'd just been hit by a wave of couple energy. She stared at Ichin for a few seconds before replying, "How long?"

"A week, probably."

Ichin glanced at the calendar on her desk.

"The 28th and 29th are a weekend, so they don't count. I'd like to take a full seven days off starting from the following Monday. Would that be okay?"

"Oh? Using polite language now because you're worried I'll say no?"

Looking at him, Hiratsuka couldn't help but chuckle.

"I'll approve it. A week off might not be feasible for other students, but you're a foreign student, and both you and Utaha are the top two in the grade. It shouldn't be an issue. I'll speak to the year coordinator later and get back to you this afternoon. Sound good?"

With Hiratsuka's words, Ichin knew the leave was basically a done deal.

"Thanks, Sensei. I'll bring you back some local specialties after the trip."

Waving her hand dismissively, Hiratsuka said,

"Alright, now get out of here. I don't want to talk to lovey-dovey types like you."

Going home for New Year's, bringing the girlfriend to meet the parents and relatives… If Ichin were a bit older, Hiratsuka felt like she might be receiving a wedding invitation next.

After Ichin obediently left the office, a few other teachers gathered around.

"Hiratsuka-sensei, those two are taking leave to go meet the parents?"

"Kids these days, they really are something else."

Hiratsuka shrugged and reached into her pocket for a cigarette, but remembered she was still in the office, so she reluctantly put it away.

Forget it—just accept it. Let it be.

That afternoon, Ichin's leave request was approved. But rather than Hiratsuka coming to inform him, the notification was sent directly to his phone.

Glancing at the screen, Ichin turned to Utaha and said,

"I think it's time we start getting ready. Let's book our plane tickets—for next Friday."

He also sent a message to his mom to let her know her son would be coming home next week.

...

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