Ken arrived with his new father-in-law in tow and hefted his glass of whiskey. "Allow me to make the first toast. To the union of family, may we forever be linked together as of this moment."
"Kanpai!"
All 5 men raised their glass and knocked back the whiskey in one fell swoop. Even Ken who had abstained from alcohol most of this life did not hold back in that moment.
"Pah! That's some good whiskey!" Tetsu exclaimed.
For Ken, this was not the last of the drinks he was forced to partake in throughout the night, but he did manage to sufficiently hydrate in between. Like this, he managed to stay within the tipsy zone, the perfect spot.
Dinner was served shortly after. The food was traditional Japanese, but with wagyu steak and salmon as the side dishes. It was rather extravagant, but Ken was not stingy in this regard.
After the food had settled, Ken walked around the reception and greeted the guests. Thankfully there were only around 30 people all up, but it still felt like he'd hardly seen his new wife during all of this.
While caught in a boring conversation with Kuro, his eyes moved across the room and saw Ai looking at him. She sent him a wink and flashed him a grin.
"Alright everyone, please make your way to your seats. We'll be going through the speeches now before the first dance." The emcee of the venue announced.
Hearing this, the chatter died down and everyone did as they were told.
"First, let's hear from the father of the bride, Tetsu Koyama."
Some clapping rang out in the reception room and the figure of Tetsu made his way up.
"Oh no…" Ai said, her face turning red. "He looks like he's had a lot to drink." She said worriedly.
Ken frowned slightly, but he still reassured his wife. "I'm sure he'll be fine."
Tetsu grabbed the mic and turned to face everyone. His face was red, a clear sign that he had been drinking.
"Arright, first of all… Thanksh fer comin' out tonight, ta celebrate my daughters weddin…" He said, slurring. His kansai accent was more pronounced, making it a little difficult for some to understand it.
"My beautiful daughterrr… Yer no longer under my protection." He said, turning to Ai at the head table. He looked a little sad, but he smiled a moment later. "Ya've found a good man to be yer husband. Ken… she's yer responsibility now. Look after her…"
After saying this, he bowed at 90 degrees towards Ken. Even though he looked drunk, his bow was unwavering.
"Dad…" Ai's tears began to well up in her eyes at the sight.
Ken swiftly got off his chair and walked over, helping the man up from his bow. "I can't let my father-in-law bow like this in front of me." He said.
After getting the man upright, Ken bowed deeply in front of him. "I will look after your daughter for as long as I live. I promise you that."
At the table of honor, Ai was now crying unabashedly. Rie handed her some tissues, allowing her to save her makeup.
After rising from his bow, Ken took Tetsu into a hug, surprising the man. However, he grinned in the next moment, lifting Ken up as if he weighed nothing.
"Atta boy!"
The reception room laughed and the somber atmosphere was soon replaced with happiness.
After Tetsu's speech, Chris was the next who stepped up.
"Ken, I am proud of the man you have become." He said, facing him directly. "Ever since middle school, you've worked tirelessly to get to where you are now. When most kids were hanging with their friends or playing video games, you were thinking about baseball…"
"I'm actually surprised that you found enough time to get yourself a girlfriend. Your mother and I were worried for a while there." Chris said, evoking some laughter in the room.
"But seeing you sitting there now next to your gorgeous wife, I can see that we were worried for nothing. Not only is Ai beautiful, she's a kind soul and brings out the best in you. We are truly grateful that you found her." He said sincerely.
"Now I don't want to prattle on because I know that I'll get emotional… But I'd like to be the first to welcome Ai into the Takagi family. Kanpai!"
"Kanpai!"
The whole room raised their glasses in toast.
Once Chris went back down, Steve walked up to the emcee and took the microphone from him.
"Ahem… For those of you who don't know me, I'm Steve, the best man." He said, sending a smug look towards Daichi at the table of honor.
"I've known Ken since he came over to America as a Junior in High School…"
Steve then continued to prattle on for over 5 minutes, obviously forgetting that most of those in attendance could not understand English properly.
"Cheers!"
The only part that they seemed to understand was the last word.
"Kanpai!"
Hearing everyone call out like this led Steve to believe his speech had been a success. He smugly sauntered over to his spot on the table of honor and sent Daichi a glance.
However, Daichi merely shrugged his shoulders and stood up from the table, heading towards the emcee with calm steps. After bowing slightly, he took the microphone and addressed the reception room.
"I am Daichi, the real best man." He spoke out in Japanese, sending Ken a wink.
"Not only has Ken been a best friend to me, he is also my older brother. Like Ai, I was not born into the Takagi family, but they have welcomed me with open arms. Mom, Dad, Ken, you all made me feel as if I had a real home. For that I am eternally grateful." He said, bowing deeply.
He stood up straight after a few moments and continued. "I can tell you from experience, that Ken is the most caring and hardworking man you can meet. It has been a privilege and honor to be called his brother."
"So while I might have come late into the family, I'd like to extend my warm welcome to my new sister-in-law, Ai Takagi…"
"Kanpai!"