The next day, Mark saw Ken off as he went back to the airport to head home. Ken hoped that it would not be long before he saw the man again, but it would all depend on where he got drafted in a few days time.
The trip went by quickly, something the Ken was thankful for. Perhaps it was because he was deep in thought the entire time, or maybe he had just gotten used to flying by now.
He caught a cab back home and grabbed his bags, wheeling them up to the front of the house. Ken could smell something delicious coming from the kitchen. Just imagining his mom cooking up a storm like always put a smile on his face.
"I'm home." Ken announced, opening the door and heading inside.
"Welcome home Kenny!"
Before he could place his bags down, Yuki rushed forward and embraced him tightly. "I'm so happy to see you sweetie, it's been too long." She said. With their height difference, the woman's face was buried in his chest.
Ken felt a little bad, over these past three years he would only visit for a week at a time during Summer break. He hugged her back tightly, "Missed you mom."
She didn't let go for a long time, only relenting when she realized that Ken was still carrying his bags. Yuki pulled back and evaluated him, a smile forming on her face.
"You've grown taller again… You need to stop growing." She said firmly.
Ken laughed, he had indeed gotten taller over this past year. He was now over an inch taller than his grandfather who was 6'5. It was rather confusing since he had only grown to 6'3 in his previous life.
Perhaps this growth could be attributed to the system.
"I don't have control over it mom." He said with a smile.
"I know… Go put your bags away, your father will be home soon."
"Yes ma'am."
Ken did as he was told, taking his bags to his old room. It had not changed since he'd last been here, but it was spotless with no dust around. His mother was very thorough with her cleaning, so he was not surprised.
Ai would be arriving tomorrow from Japan and staying for a little while for the draft. Ken had considered some other people to invite over, but most of his friends were in Japan, and he had lost contact with others.
'I guess this is what happens when I prioritize baseball…' He thought, feeling a little wistful.
"Wait, can't I invite Steve?" Ken muttered.
Steve would also be in the draft, if they were to watch it together, wouldn't it be for the best? The moment the thought entered his mind, Ken brought out his phone and dialed his friends number.
As it began to ring, he heard a familiar ring tone nearby.
"Yo! I'm at your house, why you calling me?"
Flabbergasted, Ken hung up and left his room, peaking out the front door. Steve was walking up the driveway, his red silverado parked on the street.
"Bro, why are you showing up unannounced?"
"What do you mean? I was invited to dinner." Steve said, his expression showing confusion.
"I'm home~" He announced, opening the door himself and walking in.
"Welcome home Steve." Yuki said, flashing him a smile.
Ken blinked a few times before letting out a sigh. However, a small smile crept onto his lips, he shouldn't complain about having such a good friend who could just show up when he wanted and be welcomed.
"Oh hey, I was thinking we do the draft thing at your house. I don't really want to do it at home since my dad is basically a hoarder. It would be too embarrassing to be on National TV in that house." Steve said off-handedly.
"Ah… Yeah sure." Ken said eventually. He was planning to ask Steve to come here for the draft anyway, so everything seemed to work out.
"Sweet! Oh, only if that's okay with you Yuki." Steve turned to the woman in the kitchen and asked, finding his manners.
Yuki smiled sweetly, "Of course, you're also family. Bring along your mother and father too, maybe even that girlfriend of yours too."
"You're the best Yuki." Steve said with a grin.
"So how many people will that be then?" Ken asked.
"Well, including me that should be 4 people. My brothers and sisters are on the other side of the country, so I doubt they'll make it."
Ken nodded. It wasn't a lot of people, but it would be enough.
With that out of the way, Ken and Steve sat at the dining table and chatted away for a while. Around an hour later, the man of the house arrived, still wearing his Texas Shorthorns polo shirt.
"I'm home." Chris called.
"Welcome home."
3 voices called out at once, causing Chris to double take. "Ah, Ken, Steve, you're back."
Ken smiled and looked at his father. The man looked a little older from the last time he'd seen him, his laugh lines more pronounced. Yet this only added to his charming and amiable look.
He stood up and approached the man, taking him into an embrace. He was now a few inches taller than his father, but to Ken, the man would always be the foundation of this family.
"It's good to see you again." Ken said patting him on the back.
"You too my boy." Chris said, stepping back and holding him at arms length. "Did you grow even taller? Man, you need to stop growing, what have they been feeding you?"
"Right!? The guy gained like 4 inches in college. I'm surprised he doesn't trip over his feet all the time." Steve chimed in with a grin.
Ken ignored his friend, "How did your team go?"
"Knocked out of the Super regionals unfortunately." Chris replied with a wry smile. "I thought we would make it to the playoffs again, but it wasn't meant to be."