Ken and Ai spent the first week down in Osaka, upon which they got to witness Osaka Toin complete their back to back Summer Koshien win. This was the first time in over 60 years that a team had managed to achieve this, skyrocketing Daichi's status in Japan.
The news sent the Japanese baseball world into a frenzy with many media outlets calling him the next big prospect. There was speculation on whether he would remain in Japan after High School or take his talents overseas.
Of course, the overwhelming consensus was that the Japanese media wished for him to stay, with many hinting that he owed it to his country. This sort of thing was not uncommon for the Japanese media who liked to leverage public opinions.
However, when interviewed, Daichi stayed calm and didn't reveal his thoughts. He was truly humble in front of the camera, constantly praising his teammates for their role in Osaka's victory.
By the time Ken and Ai returned to Tokyo, he'd still not received a proper answer from his brother. But Ken was only a little disappointed. Since there was still another 6 months until Daichi graduated, he still had some time left to decide.
Upon returning to Tokyo, Ken spent the next two weeks with Ai. Every day they did something together, working around Ken's strict training schedule.
In all honesty, Ken had gotten real comfortable with this kind of life. Part of him wondered if this would be his life if he moved back to Japan and joined the NPB.
Living at home with his girlfriend and getting to play the game he loved in his home country with his friends not far away. If this wasn't the definition of happiness, he didn't know what would be.
But as he woke up every morning and went for his run, there was something that felt a little off. There was an itch that he couldn't scratch, a type of yearning that nagged at him.
It almost felt like disappointment.
Throughout the next 2 weeks, Ken struggled with these feelings. Seeing the happy expression painted on Ai's face every morning stung his heart, but he knew what he had to do.
There was no way that he would be able to ignore his dream of joining the Majors, not after all that he had been through. If he were to give up now, then what was the point of regressing?
Sure he'd managed to get Ai and save Daichi from his abusive mother. But was it really for the better?
He remembered the suffering that his family had gone through due to Tetsuhiro and what they'd had to endure. His father had even dirtied his hands, ending the dispute once and for all.
Even now, Ken was anxious that his father would be caught by law enforcement. And all this was because he changed things in this new life.
Of course he never regretted saving Daichi from his abusive mother, but that didn't mean that the fallout wasn't painful.
And so Ken finally made his decision, putting his worries aside for good. He would dedicate himself to reaching the Majors and fulfilling his dream of playing on the biggest stage.
No matter what happened, he would strive towards this goal, raising his family up alongside him. Daichi, Ai, his parents, and his friends, they would all remain a part of his life, even if they had to spend some time apart.
His time in Japan passed far too quickly, but Ken was ready to leave. With his mind now made up, Ken felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
"I guess this is goodbye again." Ai said, fidgeting slightly.
The two had arrived at the airport, finding a place that was away from the hustle of people walking past. Ken felt a wave of emotions, but he wore a determined expression.
This trip to Japan had washed away many of the questions he had in his mind, providing much needed clarity. Also having the support of his amazing girlfriend had made things much easier.
"It's goodbye, but not for long." Ken replied, placing his bags down and grabbing her soft hands. He pulled them up to his mouth and kissed them gently, "After all, we'll be together soon."
Ai wore a gentle smile and nodded, her eyes tearing up slightly. "Mmm. We'll be together soon." She repeated softly.
The two embraced for a long time, sharing in each others warmth despite the heat outside. It wasn't until the announcement for his flight got called that Ken was forced to let go.
"I should probably get going."
"Mmm."
Ken leaned forward and took the woman he loved into his arms, kissing her deeply. Her figure melted into him, giving rise to a few looks from some passerby's but they did not care.
Ken felt a wetness reach his lips, causing him some confusion. Upon opening his eyes, he saw tears streaming down Ai's face, evoking a sense of heartache from within.
"Hey, hey. It's okay, remember it's not for long alright?" Ken soothed, doing his best to calm her down. He hadn't expected her to be so upset, not after they'd talked about their future plans so thoroughly.
"I… I know. It's just hard." She admitted, wiping away at the tears which spilled out.
Ken felt a bittersweet feeling, seeing the one he loved react like this. But there was nothing he could do, at least for now.
"I love you okay. Let's work hard and make our dreams come true, together." He said, grabbing her hands once more.
Ai nodded, "I love you too… Now go, before I knock you out and keep you here." She said, letting out a small yet hollow laugh.
Ken smiled, "Don't threaten me with a good time." He said, leaning in and kissing her on the forehead. "I'll call you when I get home."
With that, the two separated and Ken's figure slowly disappeared deeper into the airport, leaving Ai watching his retreating figure.
After a while, tears began to fall down her cheeks once more.