Republic of Padokea, Airport.
People streamed back and forth.
The air carried the sour tang of farewells, mixed with the stench of money.
Leorio carried his briefcase on his back, his face all scrunched up.
He looked at the four companions before him, opening and closing his mouth several times without getting a single word out.
In the end, he reached out first and gave Gon a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Hey, Gon, let's get one thing straight."
Leorio's voice sounded a little muffled.
"Once I get into medical school, if you so much as get a headache or a fever, you'd better come to me first."
"I'll give you twenty percent off your medical bills."
Gon's eyes were a little red, but he still managed a huge smile.
"Yeah! It's a promise!"
Leorio turned to Kurapika next. Their eyes met, and that one look was enough.
"Take care, Kurapika."
"You too, Leorio."
Finally, Leorio's gaze settled on Luo Ye, his expression hard to describe.
He wanted to say something.
Something like, "Stop dragging Gon into your crazy antics."
Or perhaps, "Thanks for helping me before."
But the words all stuck in his throat.
"All right, guys, stop acting like we'll never see each other again."
Luo Ye gave a lazy yawn, breaking the gloomy mood.
He stepped forward, cleared his throat, and instantly switched back into his unreliable CEO mode.
"I hereby announce that our founding employee at VIP Studio, Comrade Leorio, will officially complete his get-the-hell-out paperwork today to pursue his personal career development."
Playing the part to the hilt, Luo Ye pulled a piece of candy from his pocket and pressed it into Leorio's hand.
"Here's your severance package. A small token from the company."
He patted Leorio's back, speaking with complete conviction.
"Leorio, this is