On one hand, he was the head of the family and needed to ensure that the ship did not sink. His own father would fly all the way to Japan and kick his ass if he found out he wasn't supporting his own family.
But he did not want to sacrifice being a part of his own family in favor of supporting them financially, this was like putting the chariot before the horse.
Before he knew it his family would drift apart, going their separate ways and chasing their dreams without him.
"Dad?"
"Hmm?" Chris snapped out of his line of thought, rubbing his eyes.
Ken looked a little concerned, but he repeated his words.
"The game isn't until 4pm, how about you go and get some rest?"
Chris was about to refuse, however Yuki appeared behind him and squeezed his shoulder gently.
"You're probably still jet lagged from such a long flight. Don't worry about us and go get some rest." Her tone was filled with love and concern, bringing a smile to his face.
Who could refuse after hearing such concern from their beautiful wife and caring son.
A small smile graced the corner of his lips as Chris stood up and kissed his wife on the forehead.
"Alright, maybe I'll try get a good nap in." He said, sending a wink to Ken before heading upstairs to bed.
Yuki turned to Ken, her eyes sparkling.
"Take these tickets to Ai's house. They'll find it harder to refuse the offer in person."
A wicked grin formed on her face as she handed 3 tickets to Ken. Her tone was such that Ken knew he couldn't refuse this request.
He let out a long sigh and took the tickets before heading out the door.
"I'll be home soon."
Ken pulled out his phone and began to text Ai right away, letting her know of his intentions to visit. Since it was a Sunday, he wasn't sure what their routines were and did not want to be rude.
In all honesty, he was a little hesitant to go over to Ai's house and that was mainly due to one person.
The last time he saw Ai's father Tetsu, the guy had been slogged in the face by his mother after spilling the beans about their fight. To this day he still did not know what Tetsu's feelings were towards him or his mother.
BUZZ BUZZ
He received a mail back from Ai, letting him know that she was free for him to visit.
"The quicker I get there, the faster it will all be over." Ken muttered before breaking into a brisk jog along the road.
After around 15 minutes he arrived in front of the bakery. Before he could even debate whether or not to go in, a figure wearing a tank top and a bakers apron walked out from inside.
He was covered in flour as usual and his black and gray stubble made him look like a ruffian. This paired with his muscular arms made those who saw him second guess their intentions.
However the moment this man caught sight of Ken on the road, his face visibly paled. For a moment he looked torn between running back inside or acknowledging the figure in front of him.
Thus began the next 15 seconds of awkward staring between the two men while Tetsu took part in his mental battle.
Thankfully, some part of his brain worked, prompting him to make the decision.
"K-Ken my boy! It's good to see ya." He said, moving forward and placing his hand out for a handshake.
'What the hell?'
Ken was perplexed by the behavior of the guy in front of him. He could clearly see that his words and attitude were forced, yet he had no idea why.
Feeling as if he had no other choice, Ken accepted the handshake and gazed at Tetsu suspiciously.
"Why are you being weird?" He asked bluntly.
"W-Weird? Yer just imaginin' things." However, with the way Tetsu's eyes were darting all over the place, it was clearly not as he said.
"Well if you have anything to say I'd suggest you say it now." Ken added. Since he was about to invite them to a baseball game, he didn't want to worry about an awkward atmosphere between them all afternoon.
That would be far too draining.
Tetsu flinched for a moment before he raised his head and met Ken's gaze.
"Dude what the hell? Have ya got roots or somethin?"
After finally looking at Ken, he noticed that the kid had grown once more. He now towered over his average height, making him look like a short ape with big arms.
"That's what you wanted to ask me?" Ken replied, rolling his eyes.
"Tch."
Tetsu clicked his tongue in annoyance before trying to compose himself.
"I was told ta be nice to ya otherwise I'd get in trouble." He replied, looking like he'd been the subject of bullying.
Ken's eyes widened, staring at the ruffian in front of him. If it weren't for the apron he was wearing and the bakers flour on him, Tetsu would look right at home alongside gangsters.
Yet this guy had been bullied by both his wife and daughter by the sounds of it. If Ken also added his mother into the mix, then that would make 3 women who had made his life hell.
"Hahahaha!"
Ken couldn't help but laugh out loud, feeling his obliques start to seize up from the strain. The thought of Iron Chin Tetsu being bullied by women was just too hilarious to not laugh at.
Tetsu's face turned up into a frown as he stared at Ken's laughing figure. He felt an itch in his knuckles, wanting to let out a little of his frustration.
However, the moment he thought so, he suddenly remembered all of the punishment he'd received from the two ladies of the house.
"A-Anyway. Ya better tell em' I was nice to ya." He said, shaking his fist.
Yet instead of a threat, it almost looked like he was pleading for his life. This only served to make Ken laugh even harder.