***
Around 2 hours later, Ken and Ai left Koshien stadium after watching the match between Koryo and Osaka.
"I didn't expect the match to be that one-sided." Ai admitted, her expression a little odd.
Ken nodded, "I knew they had a good batting lineup, but Kouichi has really improved lately. I wouldn't be surprised if he was taken in the draft later this year…"
"Kouichi… Why does that name sound familiar?"
"He was the starting pitcher for our team at Seiko Middle." Ken clarified.
"Ah okay. Sorry, I didn't really pay attention to anyone else on the team back then." Ai admitted, however she froze in the next moment.
"Oho? So you only had eyes for me even back in middle school?" Ken said, his face turning up into a teasing grin.
Ai's face heated up in embarrassment, "Idiot…" she muttered, hiding her flushed face.
Ken felt rather invigorated. "Well, I can't say that I wasn't looking at you back then also…"
While the two were sharing a touching moment, a man in his late 40's appeared in front of them, blocking their path.
"So the prodigal son has returned to Japan. Nice of you to let us know." The voice was dripping with sarcasm, causing Ken to cringe.
Ken looked up and saw the familiar face with his 5 o'clock shadow, carrying around his clipboard. "C-Coach, it's good to see you." Ken stammered.
"Oh really? I might have thought you were avoiding me after what happened before you moved away so suddenly." Seiji Hanada quipped, raising his eyebrow.
"Geh…"
Ken felt a little bad for how he'd left the team so suddenly, but he hadn't been given much time to make a decision back then. Even now, he still had some regrets for the decision he made, but what was done was done.
"Sorry coach, I'll make it up to you in the future." Ken said, bowing his head respectfully.
"Mmm, don't you forget it." Seiji stated. It was only now he noticed the figure beside Ken who had been hiding her face earlier. "Ai, my dear. Good to see you again."
"You too Coach."
The two shared a brief conversation while Ken waited awkwardly by the side. It wasn't until the coach turned to him that he could breathe a sigh of relief.
"We're staying at the same place as last time, why don't you join us for dinner?" He said, though it seemed like he wasn't really asking.
"Um, how about tomorrow night? I need to catch up with my brother first." Ken felt a little bad rejecting the man, but he had already promised to meet up with Daichi tonight.
Seiji's eyes narrowed a little, but he didn't make it hard for Ken. "Alright, we'll see you tomorrow. I'm sure a few of your old teammates will be pleased to see you." He said before walking off.
Ken finally felt his body relax after the guy had left. It was clear that he still held some guilt over what had transpired before leaving Japan.
Ai giggled softly, "Looks like Coach still holds a grudge over you leaving." She pointed out.
"You don't say…" Ken said, sighing.
"Let's head back to the hotel and get changed, sitting in that sun for so long has made me sweaty." Ken directed, "Plus, I also can't take this giant Daichi head with me to dinner."
The two called a cab and went back to the hotel before getting ready to go out for the night. It felt a little surreal to be in a hotel with his girlfriend alone, but Ken wasn't complaining.
BUZZ BUZZ
"Hello?"
…
"Yeah we're just getting ready. Meet you at the Ramen joint in 30 minutes." Ken stated, hanging up the phone.
It seemed that Daichi was eager to catch up. Since Osaka was known to have film study right after matches, Ken thought that he wouldn't be ready to go until much later in the night.
As Ken was deciding what to wear, Ai appeared from the bathroom wearing a gorgeous black dress which exposed her shoulders. Whatever he was thinking about instantly disappeared from his mind as he blankly stared at her.
"W-What is it?" She asked, feeling a little self-conscious.
"You're so beautiful." He said sincerely, closing in on her slowly.
"Stop…" Ai said, backing away, her cheeks flushing red.
"N—No, you're going to ruin my makeup!" She complained.
Unfortunately, Ken couldn't hear her protests as he took her into his arms, planting a deep kiss onto her full lips. All the loneliness that had built up over the last 4 months seemed to melt away as he held her in his arms.
Ai's protests died down, but by the time Ken came up for air, she slapped him on the shoulder in mock anger. "Now I gotta do my lipstick again." She complained.
However, upon looking at his face she suddenly broke into her trademark giggle.
"Hahahaha, you should see your face!" She said with amusement.
"Hmm?" Ken turned towards the mirror, only to see red lipstick all over his mouth. He couldn't help but let out a laugh before heading into the bathroom and getting himself cleaned up.
Making sure to grab a handful on the way past, Ken returned to the room in order to get dressed. He didn't want to keep his brother waiting for too long, so he quickly chose a nice white button up shirt and some black jeans.
His style was still rather simple, but these clothes were picked out by his girlfriend, the fashionista. The two complimented each other well, looking like a perfect couple as they left the room and walked onto the street.
After hailing another cab, the two soon arrived at a familiar Ramen restaurant.
Ken felt a sense of nostalgia seeing the old restaurant, particularly when he looked at the photos strewn all over the walls. He spotted his own photo, standing next to the older lady.
"You guys made it." A voice called, getting his attention.