"Pfft Hahaha!"
Naomi broke into a fit of laughs as she heard the truth, unable to hold back in front of everyone at the table.
Instead of being mad, Tetsu got up from the ground and couldn't help but grin. It was hard to remain angry when someone heard Naomi's giggle, or even Ai's for that matter.
"Yeah yeah, I guess that means yer team is pretty good then." He said, slapping Ken on the back a few times.
Ken braced himself for impact, ensuring he didn't face plant into his plate on the table. Thankfully he was strong enough to withstand the baker's blows.
After this hiccup, the ice seemed to have been broken, leading to a much calmer and harmonious atmosphere.
In stark contrast to his rugged disposition, Ken learned that Tetsu was actually a rather caring father. He had difficulty expressing his emotions, particularly when those emotions were care and affection, but they were still perceptible.
A while later, Ken thanked them both for inviting him over for dinner.
"My dad is back from America in another month, maybe you all can come over for dinner next time?"
"Mmm that sounds lovely!" Naomi commented, placing her hand on her husbands arm.
Tetsu nodded, seemingly accepting the offer.
However, if one looked closely they could see the hand resting on his arm was actually digging into him.
Ai's face lit up, clearly excited for such a thing. At first she was a little uneasy about the meal, since she knew how her father could be sometimes. Yet once the initial awkward feeling of awkwardness subsided, she had found it quite enjoyable.
Ken seemed to have an air of maturity about him, treating her mother and father with respect and easily maneuvering through their questions.
Even though they didn't get to chat much, just being in his presence was like a breath of fresh air. If it wasn't for her mother sending her expectant looks throughout the dinner, she might have enjoyed it even more.
"Thank you for having me." Ken stood up and bowed toward Naomi and Tetsu, showing his gratitude.
"My my, so formal. It's no trouble, as long as you'll come again in the future." Naomi waved her hand dismissively, donning a big grin.
Tetsu too did his best to smile, however it looked kind of forced.
"Ah, I'll walk you out." Ai said, finally seeing her chance to get some alone time with their guest.
"Oi wait a se— Ow!"
Ai's father began to call out, however he was interrupted by the nails that was digging into the flesh of his arm.
"Come on Ken." Ai gestured, sending a thankful look to her mother.
Ken agreed to follow, choosing to ignore the clear domestic violence in progress as he did so.
Once the two left, Naomi loosened her grip on Tetsu's arm and glared at him.
"Why do you always have to be like this? Ai's not a little girl anymore, she doesn't need us to be so overprotective."
Tetsu's face soured at these words and he felt a mixture of emotions inside. He partly felt guilty, yet there was some sorrow mixed in.
The little girl that used to be like his shadow, following him around everywhere had grown up. Subconsciously he knew that she was becoming a woman, yet he didn't want to admit it.
What father didn't want to feel needed by their child?
Naomi let out a sigh, wrapping her arms around the muscular arm of her husband and leaning her head on him. It was as if she could see right through his thoughts, even when he was silent.
"We just need to take a step back and always be there to support her."
"Mmm…" Tetsu eventually nodded, feeling wistful.
Both Ken and Ai made it out the door, receiving a warm breeze as they stepped outside.
They were silent for a while before Ken spoke up. Despite feeling awkward because of the atmosphere, his face never showed it.
"Thank you for inviting me, I had fun." His words were genuine, bringing a smile to his face.
Ken surprisingly enjoyed the dinner, despite being put under the grill by Naomi and Tetsu. He felt as if he got to know Ai a little better, even though she rarely spoke up throughout.
Ai heard his words and felt her heart beat loudly in her chest. She looked at his handsome face and chiseled jaw and couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach.
She wasn't sure where her next words came from, but it was as if they materialized on their own.
"K-Ken. Do you think we could do this more often?"
Ken was a little taken aback at first, but he turned to face Ai before responding. "You might have to check with your Dad first, it looks like he can only take me in small doses."
He laughed a little awkwardly afterwards, unable to hold eye contact any longer.
Ai shook her head in frustration, that wasn't what she meant. She lifted her gaze and clenched her fist. There was something in the back of her mind telling her that it was now or never.
If she continued to be passive, it was possible that Ken would drift away.
'You can do this Ai…'
SLAP
Ken almost jumped in fright, quickly turning his gaze back to Ai. The first thing he saw was her rosy red cheeks seemingly glowing in the pale moonlight.
'D-Did she just slap herself?'
"Ken! I want to be around you. Will you be willing to spend more time with me?"
THUD
Suddenly a loud sound came out from the house, startling both Ken and Ai.
Before having a chance to respond, Ai's face turned bright red and she ran inside, leaving Ken with his jaw wide and staring at her retreating back. He managed to see the blinds moving out of the corner of his eye, likely from where they were being spied on.
He heard muffled voices inside before the door was slammed.
Ken stood awkwardly for a few moments, not knowing whether it was appropriate to leave just yet or not. His mind was racing, with Ai's words bouncing around in his head.
'Did she just confess to me?
He suddenly felt a mixture of emotions within. However, happiness was at the forefront, confusing him even further.
Yet he didn't get to think for much longer as he saw the front door open with a burly man headed his way. Ken could tell that he was in a sour mood, particularly since his fists were clenched tightly.
'Crap is he coming to fight me?'
Ken panicked, but his rationality kicked in a moment later. He had done nothing, so he shouldn't be in the firing line.
"Ken… Take this."
Tetsu extended his fist, almost as if he was about to punch him in the solar plexus. Ken was just about to get into defensive mode before he saw the man open his fist, producing a piece of paper.
"Hmm?"
Ken grabbed it out of the man's hand and looked at it.
'[email protected] '
'Is this Ai's email address?'
Once Ken retrieved the piece of paper, Tetsu seemed to age a few years in an instant. He put his large hand on Ken's shoulder and opened his mouth.
"I'm sorry."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned his heel and walked back into the house. Once again leaving Ken outside by himself.