"Ah! It's Daichi too… my goodness what a great day." She looked a little flustered by the unexpected visitors. "Are you guys hungry? I'll get you all a special, just wait here."
Before anyone could answer, the short old lady waddled off to the kitchen.
"So she knows your name this time hey bro?" Ken asked, his face turning into a cheeky grin. The last time they had come with their parents, the old lady had simply ignored him the entire time.
"Ha ha," Daichi gave an empty laugh and retorted, "Well, I am the Captain of the reigning Koshien champions remember."
"Ah yes, how could I forget." Ken said, poking his tongue out. "But I don't see your photo anywhere on the wall, could it be that you're not as famous as me?"
But instead of getting angry, Daichi pointed up at the wall behind Ken, wearing a smug expression. Ken turned, only to see the photo of Daichi and the store owner standing side by side in the shop. There was a sloppy signature on the front of the photo showing his brothers handwriting.
"Mmm, touche'." Ken replied, quickly moving past it. He had wanted to tease the guy a little, but it turned out he was already a step ahead.
The four were soon brought their bowls of ramen and began to slurp away at the delicious noodles and broth. Ken's taste buds sang out in pleasure as he enjoyed the traditional Japanese Ramen.
Finding a good Ramen in Texas was impossible. Whenever he felt the urge for Ramen, he would only be able to purchase the cup of noodles, something which paled in comparison to the dish he was now consuming.
"So good…" He mumbled between slurps.
After finishing the meal, they began to talk once more.
"So what are your plans after school." Ken asked, hitting his brother with probably the most difficult question right off the bat.
"Damn man, going straight to the heavy stuff." Daichi replied, letting out a sigh.
"I'm a straight shooter, what do you expect?" Ken winked.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure yet of what I want to do." Daichi admitted, his gaze turning to Miho next to him.
Ken's face stiffened a little. He had forgotten that Daichi also had his girlfriend in Japan, which would likely reduce the chances of him wanting to move to America with the family.
But inwardly, Ken held some hope. The two had vowed to play in the Majors, so that had to count for something.
"If I stay in Japan, I'll likely be able to enter the NPB straight out of High School just like Hiroki." Daichi said, tapping his fingers on the table as if in thought.
"But if I move to America, who can guarantee that I'll be able to find my way to the professional leagues over there? I'd have to try and get a scholarship at a college first and prove myself to all the scouts."
Ken's heart sunk. From the direction this conversation was going, it felt like Daichi was going to make a decision that he didn't want to hear. It might be a little selfish of him, but he wanted his brother in America with him.
"Sometimes you need to take a risk if you want to succeed." Ken said softly, his fist clenching underneath the table.
However, Daichi retorted, "Are you saying that playing in the NPB doesn't qualify as success?" His eyes narrowed as they locked onto Ken.
Ken felt a tension in the atmosphere as feelings began to clash. He didn't want to fight with his brother, but at the same time, he didn't want the guy to make such a rash decision and settle for something just because it was easier.
"Daichi, you know that's not what I'm saying. Playing in the NPB is nothing short of amazing, it's a dream come true for many in Japan… But is it your dream?" He asked.
He let the words linger for a while before continuing, "When we made that vow… It wasn't to play in the NPB." Ken said, his voice trailing off.
Both Ai and Miho were silent as this was going on, knowing it was not their place to intervene.
"Yeah, well things change Ken. You might be fine leaving Ai in Japan while chasing your 'dream' but not everyone wants to make that kind of sacrifice." Daichi snapped, his words harsh as they left his mouth.
Ai froze, her face turning solemn.
Anger flashed across Ken's face for a brief moment before his expression turned disappointed. He didn't have a response, at least not one that would be of any use.
This was something that he was already feeling terrible about, yet hearing it from his brother only rubbed salt in the wounds.
"Daichi, that's not fair." Miho was the first one to speak up, her expression filled with sadness.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" He asked defensively.
"You're being an asshole." She said, getting up from her chair and leaving the table. On her way past she grabbed Ai and left the restaurant, leaving the two brothers alone at the table.
A look of confusion followed by frustration flashed past Daichi's face as he watched his girlfriend walk out. He had considered going to follow her, but he didn't want to face Ai after what he'd said.
So he just decided to sit in silence instead ignoring the presence of his brother who wore a solemn expression.
The two sat in silence for a while, leading to an awkward atmosphere. It wasn't until the old lady came back to take away their finished bowls that it was broken.
"This isn't really what I imagined our reunion would be like." Ken said softly.
Daichi nodded, "Yeah… Look, I'm sorry about what I said earlier. It's just, things are really good right now, I don't want to mess it up." He admitted.
Ken raised his eyebrow, "Your girlfriend just called you an asshole. Are you sure they're good?"
Daichi froze before a wry smile crept onto his face, "It wouldn't be the first time…"