Ken and the others left the meeting room almost 2 hours later, their stomach's protesting loudly. Since the film session was a long one, it was already 7pm, an hour past dinner time.
A lot of the players looked drained, yet Ken was not one of them. In fact, his face was turned up in a satisfied smile.
Daichi looked over at his brother in question, "Why do you look so happy?"
"Yeah, you're starting to creep me out." Kuro who was nearby said.
Ken sent him a quick death stare, not wanting to hear such words from him of all people.
"It's nothing, I just feel like I've improved a lot." He responded simply.
"Pfft, no way its that. Kenny probably got a naughty text from his girlfriend~" Riku replied, sending him a nudge.
Except no one laughed at Riku's joke, instead they sent jealous looks at Ken.
"Let's see it."
"Like I would show you even if I did get one of those." Ken said dismissively.
"Tch, stingy" Aki muttered.
Ken looked at him incredulously, resisting the urge to punch him in the stomach once again.
"I wonder what's on the menu tonight." Hiroki said, changing the subject.
"Probably cheeseburgers or something again."
The whole team shuddered, feeling their appetites shrink.
Thankfully, Miho seemed to have worked her magic once more, delivering fresh rice and a Japanese style curry which filled both the hearts and stomachs of the players.
"Ah, this dish makes me miss Japan." Aki said, tears flowing down his face.
It wasn't just him who had this sentiment.
"Tell me straight, how did you convince the cooks this time?" Ken asked Miho who had joined their table for dinner.
Daichi stared at her with sparkling eyes, as if waiting for a response.
"W-Well… It turned out the other patrons enjoyed the food so much that the hotel has let me plan the menu for the rest of our stay. They even said that they'll pay me." She looked slightly embarrassed, but her eyes kept moving to Daichi to see his reaction.
"Whoa! You're amazing Miho."
"Mmm, talk about fortunate."
Both Hiroki and Ken mirrored Daichi's sentiments. Having access to Japanese dishes while in a foreign country was something that they all enjoyed. Not to mention the food wasn't as heavy as American food.
While in the middle of eating, Chris slid onto the spare chair at their table, his expression barely hiding his anxiety.
"H-Hey Dad, are you okay?" Daichi asked, feeling a little concerned.
"Who me? Ahaha, of course… of course." He replied, his voice trailed off at the end.
The man looked like he was in a hostage situation.
Ken noticed that he kept glancing to his left, so Ken stealthily followed his father's gaze, only to see Coach Takashi sitting down with a few other staff members.
'Hmm? This has something to do with the Head Coach?'
He paused, trying to think of some reasons. The obvious one would be that the Head Coach had found out about Daichi pursuing Miho, but that didn't explain Coach Takashi's behavior.
Seeing as how both Miho and Hiroki was present, it seemed now was not the right time to discuss such a thing.
"Hey, why don't we go and see mom after dinner?" Ken asked, sending a cryptic gaze to both his father and brother.
Thankfully, the two were thinking straight and answered correctly.
"Okay sounds good to me."
"G-Great idea! I bet she's feeling a bit lonely, ha ha." Chris stammered.
Yet their plans were thwarted by a feminine voice in the next moment.
"Oh, can I tag along? I've heard so much about Yuki" Miho said, her expression pure and innocent.
"Err."
There was a pause filled with awkward silence as the trio tried to come up with an excuse.
However, Ken broke it in the next moment.
"Sure. I'm sure she'd like to meet you too."
Both Chris and Daichi looked at him quizzically, as if to ask what the hell he was doing. Yet Ken merely shook his head.
Since Miho was likely involved in whatever Chris was anxious about, then it made sense to have her on their side. She was also the closest to the Head Coach, which means she could provide cover.
As long as they worked together, they could navigate whatever troubles were coming their way.
After dinner, the four left the dining area and walked out of the hotel. The last vestiges of light were still painting the clouds, but the city was about to turn dark.
They walked a little while to a secluded area between the hotel and the next complex.
"Alright what is it?" Ken asked, his tone serious.
"Eh? Weren't we going to see your mom?" Miho asked.
Daichi had an apologetic look on his face as he answered. "Sorry Miho that was a lie. We needed an excuse to meet up together which was why we said that."
Miho looked a little disappointed, but it was quickly overshadowed by curiosity.
"So why did you let me come along?"
This time Daichi turned to Ken, as if wanting to know the answer himself.
Ken placed his hand on Daichi's shoulder, a mysterious expression on his face.
"Because the reason why Dad is anxious, likely has something to do with you two."
"Eh?"
"Don't tell me…" Daichi's face paled and he quickly looked to his father for confirmation.
However, Chris looked like he'd swallowed a watermelon as he shook his head.
"It's much worse…"
"Worse!?" This time it was Ken's turn to be surprised.
The only person more confused in this group was Miho, who wished someone would spill the damn beans already.
"Coach Takashi asked me to set Miho up with my son…"
At these words, Miho's face reddened considerably, her gaze flashing towards Daichi. She didn't miss the genuine smile that began to creep onto his features.
"That's good news thou—"
Chris cut off Ken, his next words causing a stir.
"He was talking about you, Ken."
"EH!?"