***
Now engaged, Ken had decided to organize a party while in Japan to celebrate. He decided that he would invite all of his old friend's and teammates to a restaurant in Tokyo, going all out and booking a large room.
It was clear how much this meant to him since Ken was usually tight with his money. He was a little worried since it was short notice, and many were either still at university or playing professionally.
As he and Ai sat in the restaurant by themselves waiting, Ken tapped his foot anxiously as he waited for people to arrive.
"Why are you so nervous?" Ai asked, placing her hand upon his own.
"I'm not nervous…" He replied.
"Welcome guests, please come through."
Ken heard the waitress speak beyond the closed door and suddenly shot to his feet in excitement, causing Ai to let out a small giggle in response.
The door opened and a short guy appeared, his arm interlocked with a woman.
"KEN! I missed you~" He yelled, unhooking his arm and launching himself towards Ken like a child who had not seen their father in years.
The force in which he barged into Ken almost caused him to fall over, but he was too happy to care in that moment. He hugged his friend who he had not seen in such a long time.
"It's good to see you too Shiro." He said with a grin.
"Ai, congratulations on your engagement." Kaori said, moving forward and hugging Ai in a far less dramatic fashion.
"Thank you, and thank you for coming. Ken has been anxious this whole time, thinking no one would show up." Ai said with a small giggle.
"Hah! All Shiro has been talking about this whole week is seeing Ken again." The two began to chat while Ken and his long lost friend caught up.
"Are you still playing baseball man? Why haven't I seen you on TV yet." Ken asked, giving his friend a playful nudge.
Shiro looked a little embarrassed, "I'm playing casually at university, but I think I've given up on joining the pro's." He said seriously. "I'm studying engineering, so a lot of my time is taken up studying."
Ken nodded, feeling a little wistful. He could remember a time where the two were fighting for a common goal, battering and bruising their bodies all in the hopes of improving.
While a little disappointed, Ken could not blame his friend. Not everyone who he played with would share his same dream, nor did they have the required talent and work ethic.
As the two chatted, the next guests arrived.
"Hiroki you bastard! You've been ignoring me for so long." Shiro called out, confronting the Greek god head on.
"Who the hell is this kid?" Hiroki asked, flashing Ken a wicked grin.
Shiro held his heart, as if the blow was too much for him. However, Hiroki ruffled his hair in the next moment, "I've been busy, it's hard being a star player ya know." He said haughtily.
Rie also arrived with Hiroki. Together they looked like a protagonist and female lead from a manga. With Hiroki's muscles and Rie's assets, it felt like they were a perfect match.
Ken grabbed his friend into a hug, welcoming him. He wasn't sure if Hiroki could make it since it was still the middle of the season, but thankfully he was in the area.
The 3 old Yokohama teammates didn't get to chat for long before another figure arrived, this time solo. He was around 6'1 and had a lean but fit body and was dressed well.
The guy looked and saw that everyone had a partner and turned to leave.
"Oi Riku you bastard, where the hell do you think you're going?" Hiroki shouted, causing the guy to freeze on the spot.
"Tch."
He reluctantly turned around and walked in, promptly ignoring Hiroki. "Ken, congratulations on your engagement. It seems like everyone is able to find a partner these days except for me…"
His gaze moved to Shiro, "Which one is your girlfriend?"
Shiro was a little taken aback, but he pointed to Kaori who was next to Ai.
"Damn it! How can a raccoon looking bastard get such a cute girl and I can't?" He cried.
"O—Oi! That's rude."
"Hahahaha!" All the guys started to laugh, causing the atmosphere to bloom.
"Hello everyone." A voice called out, causing Hiroki, Riku and Ken to shudder. A gloominess quickly pervaded the once jovial atmosphere, causing them to turn to the voice.
As expected, it was Kuro. However, the most shocking thing was the western woman that he was locked arms with. She was blond and tanned, reminding Ken of some of the college girls back in America.
"No. Way…" Riku stated, his jaw dropping.
"Kuro, it's good to see you." Ken said, acting like a good host. "Who is this girl that you've brought along?"
"Oh, this is my girlfriend Alissa. She's from Australia and only speaks a little Japanese." He said off-handedly.
"AUSTRALIA!? CURSE YOU KURO!! How dare you crush my dreams!" Riku was beside himself, contemplating his entire life in that moment.
Ken saw Kuro give a gloating smile briefly before he went over to Ai to introduce his girlfriend.
Ken ordered some drinks and organized some food with the waitress to come out soon. However, more and more people began to show up in the meantime.
Masayuki, Yusuke, Yuta and his girlfriend Yuko from Yokohama. Just when the food was about to be served, Daichi and Miho walked in and joined the large table, giving their congratulations to the new couple.
To see most of his friends in one place celebrating with him left Ken feeling warm inside. He turned to see Ai smiling and laughing next to him and truly felt content in that moment. Whatever struggles he was dealing with back in America seemed small in comparison to right now.
It was truly invigorating.
"Let's make a toast." Hiroki said, standing up.
"THE PARTY HAS ARRIVED ORYAHHHHHH!"
"Captain Makoto!"
"You're late, take a seat and shut up." Hiroki barked, sending the muscular guy a glare.
"Eh?"