"Yo-kun, for this dealer conference in Akita, I'm counting on you to partner with me."
Hiroshi held the Shinkansen tickets, his expression a mix of excitement and fatigue. "But honestly, getting to go back to my hometown and see my dad along the way… that's like killing two birds with one stone."
Yoichi smiled as he neatly placed the finalized documents into his briefcase. "With you as the 'Akita expert,' I think we'll be just fine. By the way, should we bring anything from Tokyo for Uncle Ginnosuke?"
"No need," Hiroshi waved it off, lowering his voice slightly. "That old man only cares about beer. Sharing a drink with him is better than any gift."
Before departure, Matsuzaka Ume was already waiting downstairs at the apartment.
The moment she saw Yoichi, she quickly shoved a neatly wrapped lunch box into his hands.
"This… is just an extra rice ball," she muttered, turning her face away, though her ears had already turned red. "Eat it on the way. And don't overwork… also, don't let Hiroshi drag you into drinking nonsense."
Yoichi held the still-warm lunch box, a quiet warmth spreading through his chest. "Got it. I'll message you every day."
As the Shinkansen sped north, the scenery outside gradually shifted from dense city blocks to wide-open fields of Akita.
Hiroshi leaned back, watching the rice fields pass by, and sighed softly. "When I was young, I always thought Akita was too slow… I couldn't wait to escape to Tokyo. But now… I realize the most grounded days are still back there."
Yoichi didn't interrupt.
Sometimes, nostalgia didn't need a reply.
After arriving, the two went straight to the branch office.
The dealer they had to negotiate with—President Sato—lived up to his reputation. He repeatedly challenged the pricing, clearly testing their limits.
But Hiroshi didn't falter.
With a relaxed smile, he skillfully steered the conversation, blending business logic with local familiarity. Meanwhile, Yoichi presented carefully prepared data at just the right moments.
Between strategy and persistence—
The deal finally moved forward.
"Cousin, your negotiation skills are seriously impressive," Yoichi admitted afterward.
Hiroshi puffed up proudly—then slumped immediately. "It's just experience. When I first started, I was so nervous I could barely speak."
That evening, they arrived at Hiroshi's family home.
Ginnosuke was already waiting at the door.
"Hiroshi! Yo-kun! Come in!" he called warmly. "I've got hot pot ready—and cold beer!"
Inside, the hearth glowed warmly as radishes and chicken simmered gently.
Ginnosuke poured them both drinks and looked at Hiroshi with a sigh. "You're doing well now… but back then, you'd pass through on business trips without even coming home."
Hiroshi paused, then scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I had just become section chief… things were hectic."
That night, the two lay on tatami mats, the sound of insects drifting in from outside.
Hiroshi suddenly spoke into the quiet.
"You know… my dad used to work on the railways. When I was a kid, I'd always wait for him to come back from trips—because he'd bring candy."
He paused.
"…Now that I'm the one going on business trips, I finally understand how he felt, rushing back with his toolbox."
Yoichi stared at the ceiling silently.
He remembered the way Ginnosuke walked earlier—slightly hunched, yet steady.
The next morning, Hiroshi helped his father in the fields.
Yoichi stood quietly on the ridge, watching the two figures working side by side under the open sky.
It was simple.
But it felt… deeply meaningful.
Before leaving, Ginnosuke secretly handed Yoichi a cloth bag.
"These are rice crackers for Misae and the kids… and chestnut cakes for Matsuzaka Ume. Help me pass them along."
Yoichi nodded.
"I will."
On the return train, Hiroshi quickly fell asleep, a faint smile still on his face.
Yoichi took out his phone and sent a message.
"The Akita hot pot was great. I brought you chestnut cakes. See you tomorrow."
The reply came almost instantly.
"Who wants your things… But come back early."
Yoichi smiled softly.
Back in Tokyo—
The moment he stepped out of the station, he saw her.
Matsuzaka Ume stood there, holding a bag of curry bread.
When she noticed him, she walked over, trying to sound casual.
"You're back."
Yoichi took the bread—and gently took her hand.
"Yeah. I came back to see you."
He paused slightly.
"And I brought chestnut cakes for you. From Akita."
Her cheeks flushed instantly—
But this time—
She didn't pull her hand away.
Not far away, Hiroshi was already on the phone with Misae, his voice full of energy.
"Misae! I brought back Akita specialties—and vegetables Dad grew himself!"
Yoichi glanced at him, then back at the girl beside him.
For a moment—
Everything felt complete.
He finally understood something.
A business trip wasn't just about work.
It was about the people you met.
The memories you carried back.
And the quiet connections that made everything worthwhile.