A few days later, Ken bid farewell to Ai and headed down to Osaka in order to meet up with Daichi. They would be in Japan for almost 2 months, hence they didn't need to spend the whole duration together.
Plus, Ken wanted to have some alone time with his brother whom he hadn't seen in such a long time. Now that he thought about it, the last time they saw each other was about a year ago.
This time, he called in advance.
After getting off the bullet train and heading out of the station, Ken saw a familiar figure with his back against the wall, staring down at his phone. The guy had wide shoulders and a baby face, his hair styled in the latest trend.
Ken stopped in place, looking the guy up and down. He looked more like a fashion icon than a baseball player, causing a teasing smile to appear on his face.
Staying out of his vision, Ken walked up and spoke up in a fanatic voice, "C—Could I please have your autograph Daichi~"
The figure stiffened, and he turned around, holding his hand out as if to accept a pen and whatever item they wanted signed. Yet upon turning, he saw a towering figure causing him to flinch.
"Damn it, you tall bastard." Daichi exclaimed, letting out a laugh. He moved in and hugged Ken joyfully. "It's been so long brother."
Ken smiled, patting the guy on the back, "Too long…"
"What's up with you these days? You get a modeling contract or something?" Ken asked, pulling back and gesturing to his outfit.
Daichi scoffed, "Miho threw out all my old clothes, I just wear whatever is in my closet." He admitted, letting out a dry chuckle.
"You're looking good man. You healthy?"
"I'm in the best shape of my life." Daichi retorted with a sly grin. However, his face faltered a moment later, "How are you holding up after the suspension?"
Seeing how the conversation had already turned depressing, Ken threw his arm over his brothers shoulder and began to walk, "Let's not talk about such depressing things. We're going shopping."
"Shopping? Don't you hate shopping?" Daichi asked in surprise.
"Yup, I couldn't think of anything worse to do with my time." Ken admitted with a grin. "But this is something that I need to do."
Daichi rolled his eyes, "So why are you taking me along?"
Ken let out a laugh, "You're famous, maybe I'll get a discount if I'm with you."
The two laughed together and made their way into the shopping district of Osaka. It wasn't until they arrived at a jewelery store that Daichi finally put the pieces together.
"W—Wait, you're buying a ring!?" He asked in shock.
Instead of teasing his brother, Ken nodded. "I've already asked Ai's father for his blessing. I just need the ring and an appropriate time to do it."
Daichi was speechless for a while, but his mouth soon blossomed into a smile. "Looks like we're on the same page brother…"
"Eh? What do you mean?"
Daichi pulled out his phone and opened his gallery before handing it to Ken.
"Don't tell me… You also bought a ring?" Ken was flabbergasted. Even though they were so far away from each other, they seemed to be at the same point in their relationships, however a frown crept onto his face.
"When did you buy this? And why didn't you tell me?" He asked suspiciously.
Daichi let out an amused chuckle, "I bought it last week." He said, retrieving the phone. "I already told mom and dad, it's your fault if you didn't talk to them."
"Ah…" Ken felt a little guilty. He had not been speaking to his parents as frequently as he should have, to the point where even Daichi who was across the world spoke to them more than he did.
"Well congratulations man. When are you going to pop the question?"
At this, Daichi's face turned a little anxious. "I'm thinking of doing it at Miho's graduation at the start of next year."
"Why so anxious? I'm sure that would be the perfect time to do it." Ken replied.
Daichi shot him a look, "Do you remember that her father is the Dean at Tokyo University? I would have to run everything past him first."
"Ah, I see your quandary. But you have to ask for his permission first right? Why not bring it up then." Ken queried.
Letting out a sigh, Daichi nodded, "He's an intimidating man. I'm afraid he might look down on me because I don't have a college education."
At this, Ken let out a peel of laughter. "If he gives you trouble, just talk to Coach Takashi… He'll sort the guy out quick, smart and in a hurry."
At the mention of the old U18 National team coach, Daichi's face froze. "Ah damn it! I forgot that I would also need the old man's blessing too. He dotes on Miho far more than her father does."
"Oops, my bad." Ken replied, though he found the situation a little funny. He had been dreading his own conversation with Tetsu about asking for his daughter's hand in marriage, but it seemed his brother had it far worse.
"I'm sure everything will be fine bro. Now come and help me decide what ring to get." He said, ushering Daichi into the store.
They were promptly served by one of the staff who asked if they needed help.
"Ahem, hi there. My brother Daichi Takagi has taken time out of his schedule of being a star player for the Hanshin Tigers in order to help me choose a ring for my girlfriend. Could you help us out? And perhaps offer a discount of some sort?"
Ken's words were over the top, causing the attendant to blink a few times in confusion. "R—Right this way please."
Daichi facepalmed, trying to hide the redness of his cheeks from the embarrassment he was feeling.