A few days later, Ken walked out of his house and paused briefly just beyond the threshold. He placed down his suitcases and took a deep breath, feeling a range of emotions going through his mind.
He didn't want to turn around and look at his childhood home, fearing that he might change his mind again. But at the same time, he was feeling rather nostalgic.
"Is that everything?" Yuki asked.
"Mmm."
Seeing the mix of emotions on her sons face, Yuki's expression softened.
"Don't worry Kenny. I know it's hard now, but someday you'll look back and remember this moment fondly." She said, sending him a wonderful smile.
Ken nodded. He had a lot of memories in this house and would miss it. But inwardly he knew that in order to move forward, sometimes one needed to take a leap of faith.
He wasn't sure if this was the best decision for him, but it was one that his heart had chosen.
"Thanks mom."
"You guys ready? The cab is here." Chris said, getting their attention.
"Yep, let's go."
The trio then traveled to the airport along with their bags. The ride was quiet, apart from Chris and the taxi driver having some polite conversation every now and then.
After around 20 minutes, they arrived at Haneda airport.
Since Chris was a stickler for arriving early, they had to wait for some time. Ken had planned to do some light reading to pass the time, but was interrupted.
"Hey stranger." A female voice called, causing him to almost cry out in surprise.
He whipped his head around only to see Ai standing behind him, along with his mother and father who were wearing wide grins. It only took a few moments for him to realize that they had arranged for her to come say goodbye.
Ken felt his heart soar as he got up and pulled Ai into his arms. She didn't resist, hugging him back tightly for a long while.
"Thank you." He mumbled, feeling the emotion bubble up from within.
He had spent most of yesterday afternoon with Ai, but she had never mentioned coming to the airport to see him off. It was a great surprise that he hadn't been expecting.
"I just wanted to see you one more time before you go." She replied softly, her voice almost breaking.
"Mmm."
The two only separated after a long time, sitting down next to each other afterwards. Ken had his arm around her, greedily breathing in her scent as if he didn't want to forget it.
Both Yuki and Chris went and sat elsewhere, leaving the two teens with some privacy.
Before long, Ai and Ken were chatting away, almost forgetting about the fact he would be leaving for a long time.
"Rie told me Hiroki got drafted by the Cougars."
"Eh? How does she know?" Ken asked, feeling rather confused.
Ai chuckled, "She actually saw him at the most recent Comiket, he dressed up as Son Goku."
"EH!?"
Ken almost jumped to his feet in surprise. He remembered his conversation with Hiroki last year when he complained so much about his date with Rie, but it seemed that he actually liked it.
"If you don't believe me, I've got photos." Ai said, sending him a cheeky glare.
"Oh I gotta see this."
She pulled out her phone, showing the figure of a man with a blond wig and wearing torn orange pants. His muscles looked as if they were carved from marble, looking familiar.
"Haaah, who would have known that he'd take up cosplaying." Ken said aloud, sighing.
"This is another one of him and Rie." Ai swiped left on her phone showing the said photo.
Ken's face remained deadpan, giving a small nod, letting her know that he'd seen it. However, inwardly his blood pressure spiked.
Only when she put the phone back in her bag did Ken breathe a sigh of relief internally. The costume—if it could even be called so—was making good use of Rie's natural assets, so much so that it would be inappropriate to comment on it.
Seemingly unaware of his plight, Ai's next words made Ken almost choke on his own saliva.
"What did you think of Rie's outfit?" She asked, her gaze locked onto his face.
Ken panicked, wishing that he still had access to his godlike poker face skill. Yet thankfully, his instincts kicked in at the last moment.
"I think it was very intricate. Although I don't know the character, the design looks meticulous and intentional and the execution was even better…" Ken said, delivering the most politically correct statement of his life.
After all, he felt like his life was in danger.
"Yay, that makes me happy." Ai said, smiling widely. Her cheeks were a little red, almost embarrassed at the praise.
"Oh? Did you design that outfit?" Ken asked, his whole body perking up.
"Mmm. I designed it and both Rie and I sewed it together." Ai said, still wearing her sweet smile.
"Wow my girlfriend is a genius." He stated seriously.
"Stop it." She chided, but it seemed she still enjoyed the praise.
Before long, the two had been chatting away for over 2 hours, but it felt like no time had passed to them. It was only when Chris walked over that they paused.
"It's about time to board." He said, wearing a mixed expression.
At these words, he felt Ai's grip tighten on his hand, as if she didn't want to let go.
Ken felt his heart sink. He had thought that he was okay after saying his goodbyes yesterday, but it seemed that was not entirely true.
While he was rooted to the chair, Ai was actually the first person to stand up, helping him off the chair. Without warning she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest.
"I'll miss you…" She said, her voice wavering.
Ken felt his eyes begin to tear up, but he managed to stay strong. He lifted her chin and placed a deep kiss on her lips.
"I love you." This was the first time he'd uttered those words to Ai, but they were from the heart.
Tears began to flow down Ai's cheeks, a mixture of both sadness and happiness. She tried to wipe at them, but it was quickly replaced by more tears.
"I love you too."