Pingcui tried to force her complexion back to normal, then took several deep breaths before getting dressed and leaving the room.
She even deliberately tucked her ponytail into her hat to keep it out of sight.
But a faint blush still lingered on her face and refused to fade.
She sat at the dining table and ate breakfast without a word. From start to finish, Pingcui never once met Asaba Kotone's eyes; in truth, she was too embarrassed to look him in the eye.
Asaba Kotone could not figure out why Pingcui was acting so strangely today, but he could not be bothered to dwell on it. He said to Pingcui and Long, "Once you've finished breakfast, it'll be about time to head to the airport."
"Mm..."
Pingcui answered, her reaction fairly normal, but she still refused to look at Asaba Kotone.
Long nodded too.
After breakfast.
Asaba Kotone took Pingcui and Long to the airport.
Aki Hayakawa and Himeno might still have been dead asleep, so he decided not to disturb Himeno.
Himeno had entrusted the gifts she wanted to give Pingcui and Long to Asaba Kotone the day before, and he now handed them over.
"These are from Himeno. Take your time enjoying them once you're back in China."
Asaba Kotone said.
They had already reached the airport by then, and Pingcui seemed a little more normal, no longer as strange as she had been early that morning.
"Oh! She really did prepare gifts for us."
Pingcui was a little surprised.
"Wait here for boarding, then. I'll head back first."
They would be boarding soon, and it was time for Asaba Kotone to head back.
"..."
Pingcui hesitated for a while before finally saying to Asaba Kotone, "Remember to come visit us in China when you have