***
"Ken, are you sure this is the route you want to take? There's still time to change your mind. You know, your Grandfa—"
"Dad, it's okay. I've already made up my mind." Ken stated, waving him off. He had already had this conversation with his father tens of times over the past year or so.
"Honey, this is Ken's decision. Plus, isn't that college an ivy league something or rather." Yuki spoke up, defending her son.
Chris frowned, but he soon let out a sigh, as if he was resigned to the fact he could no longer influence his son. "If you were going to go to college, you could have come to the University of Texas…"
Ken laughed, patting his father's shoulder a few times as if to console him. "Hey, we'll still have a chance to meet in the College World Series."
Chris scoffed, "Yeah, sure."
"Anyway, you guys need to get ready soon. It's not every day your son graduates High School." Ken said, flashing them a grin.
"You're right. Didn't you say Steve was coming to pick you up?" Chris asked.
"I'm home~"
The door swung open, revealing a familiar figure dressed in a blue graduation gown and hat. He walked in as if he owned the place, yet no one called him out.
"Welcome home Steve." Yuki said with a sweet smile, "You look great."
"Hehe, right!? Oi Ken, hurry up and get changed. We need to get there early for the rehearsal." Steve said, his tone much less respectful than when he addressed Yuki.
Ken rolled his eyes, "I still can't believe we gotta wear that crap."
"Crap!?" Steve clutched his heart in mock offense. "This is a traditional garb to signify the toil and hardships our ancestors lived through. To wear this gown is an honor."
Chris shook his head, feeling a headache coming along. Since he had also graduated High School in the US, he was aware of how Steve was talking out of his backside.
"Really? Kenny, you shouldn't disrespect other cultures like that." Yuki said, her face full of disapproval.
"Mom… Don't believe a word this guys is saying." Ken retorted. "Wait here, I'll get my things." He said, leaving the room.
"Hey Yuki, you wouldn't have any snacks lying around would you?" Steve asked shamelessly after Ken left.
"Oh, of course. I made some Onigiri for you both." She replied, grabbing a container off the counter and handing it to him.
"Ah awesome! Thanks, you're the best." He said, flashing a wide grin.
A few minutes later, Ken returned, only to see Steve stuffing his face at the dining table. His eyes moved to the container, only to see 2 rice balls remaining out of the original 6.
"Dude what the hell? They're meant for both us…"
"Shnoooze you lose." He said between chews.
"Gimmie' that." Ken said, snatching the container off him. "We're off. See you at the ceremony."
"Drive safe, see you soon." Yuki called out behind them.
Once the two had left, Yuki let out a small giggle, in a great mood.
"What's gotten into you?" Chris asked, raising his eyebrow.
Yuki looked a little melancholic for a few moments before responding, "I'm glad he found a friend like Steve… I was worried that when Daichi decided to stay in Japan that Ken might be antisocial."
"Ah…" Chris nodded briefly, "Even though he acts like a kid, you can see that Steve is a good friend." He stated.
"Mmm. The house won't be the same without them here." She replied, her expression turning sad.
Chris let out a sigh, "Well our kids have grown up honey. We can't force them to stay at home you know."
"Yeah… I know. I guess I just miss being together as a family." She admitted.
After hearing these words, Chris got off his chair and moved over to his wife. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. "It'll be hard for a while, but we need to be strong for both our kids. As long as we let them go, they'll find their way back to us."
"Really?" Yuki asked, her tone filled with hope.
"Mmm. Who else is going to look after our Grandkids?" Chris said with a big grin.
Yuki gasped, her face turning excited. "You're right! Why didn't I think of that." The thought of having another child in the Takagi family was enough to remove whatever sadness had taken hold over her.
A few hours later, they arrived at the graduation ceremony and were seated. The place was abuzz with excitement and chatter between all the students. After all, it was not everyday that one celebrated graduating from High School.
Everyone became quiet when the Principal took the stage and addressed those in attendance. The beginning was a standard greeting and talk about the graduating class, but he soon went on to list some achievements, gaining some rounds of applause.
"And finally, we had our first ever State Championship win for our Baseball program. Congratulations Stephen Adams and the McCallum Knights!"
The crowd burst into cheers and applause, lauding the achievement. Steve who was usually extroverted suddenly felt his face redden in embarrassment. He had only been named Captain because he was the one who had the longest tenure on the team.
Soon enough, the ceremony continued with a few guest speeches and then followed up by handing the diploma's out. Since they'd practiced in the rehearsal a few hours ago, Steve had already lined up alongside a few fellow students since the names were called in alphabetical order.
Eventually, it was Ken's turn.
"Ken Takagi."
Surprisingly, his name received a loud cheer, making him a little shocked. He wasn't like Steve who had many friends in the graduating class, but it seemed that he was a little popular, likely because of his baseball accolades.
He walked over and received the diploma, shaking the Principal's hand afterwards.
Around 20 minutes later, after sitting through some closing remarks, the time to celebrate began.
"1, 2 ,3!"
"YEAH!"
On the count of 3, everyone threw their hats in the air, painting a memorable scene.
-End Volume 4 Redemption.