Ken’s mind went blank for a moment.
“Truly?”
Ai nodded, her hands still clasped in his own. Ken could see a mixture of joy and fear in her eyes, as if she wasn’t sure how to feel.
“I’m going to be a dad?” He muttered in disbelief. They had spoken about starting a family before, but he never expected that it would be so soon.
Unbridled joy swept through him in that moment. His eyes widened and he began to laugh out loud, “I’m going to be a dad!” he cried out, almost jumping up and down in excitement.
Ai’s expression shifted, “Keep your voice down,” She hushed him. “It’s still early… I want to go to the doctor and make sure first.”
At her words, Ken quickly calmed down. He pulled the woman into his embrace, hugging her with his entire being. This was some amazing and unexpected news.
“I can’t believe it… We’re going to be parents.” Ken whispered, still basking in his joy.
“Mmm.” Ai replied. In the next moment she pulled back, making some distance between them. “So, will you change your mind about posting that video now that you know this?”
Ken paused. He had not sent the video to Tara just yet, which meant there was still time to salvage the situation. If he was in any other situation, Ken wouldn’t have hesitated to agree with his wife.
“I can’t back down… Especially now.” Ken replied, shaking his head.
He had just been told his wife was pregnant. The baby would be born before the end of his 12 month time limit, there was no way he could half ass things. Just the thought of meeting his child and then losing them was enough to break his heart thousands of times over.
“I don’t understand you.” Ai replied, her expression filled with hurt. “Why are you being so reckless? You are going to be a father, Ken. You need to be responsible…”
“This is me taking responsibility…” Ken replied, his voice soft.
“You’re making no sense!” Ai retorted. “Just do whatever it is that you want to do…” She took her hands back before exiting the room, leaving Ken by himself.
Ken watched her retreating figure and suddenly felt a pang of guilt. This was the first time that Ai had raised her voice at him throughout their 6 year relationship.
Though could he blame her? It wasn’t like she knew what burdens he shouldered, nor could he reveal them. If he did, who knew whether Ai would believe him or think he was crazy.
Ken walked over to his bed and sat down, cradling his head in his hands. He should have been filled with joy after finding out that Ai was pregnant, but the disagreement with Ai left a bitter taste in his mouth.
For some reason, that dream he had coming home to his old apartment in Japan came to mind. He remembered Ai pulling away from him, as if he were some sort of monster. Then there was the moment a little girl poked her head out of one of the rooms, calling him Papa.
‘Was that another reality?’ Ken thought, his hands clenching into fists.
“But what choice do I have?” Ken gritted his teeth. He needed to drum up as much attention as possible, either good or bad. Mika had said he needed fame, but she did not specify fame or infamy.
His plan was a risky one, but it also would also cause the entire baseball world to focus on him. Maybe not in the beginning, but as the season went on and he achieved his tasks, he would become a talking point.
Even if he were to fail, many would remember him as a fool. Such notoriety should also count towards the fame he required to stabilize this reality.
‘Am I doing the right thing Mika?’ Ken asked in his mind, feeling lost. However, like he expected there was no answer.
If he hadn’t found out that Ai was pregnant, he probably wouldn’t have even batted an eyelid before sending the video. But now, things were complicated.
The sound of knocking interrupted his thoughts.
“Can I come in?”
“The door is unlocked.” Ken replied listlessly.
The door opened and Daichi appeared wearing a solemn expression. He gently closed the door behind him and walked over to sit beside Ken.
“Miho is with Ai, she looked pretty upset.” Daichi stated.
“And you’re here to mediate for me?” Ken asked, letting out a small scoff.
Daichi shrugged, “Not really. I’m here of my own accord to call you an idiot.”
At the unexpected quip, Ken laughed. “Good to know.”
After a few moments silence, Daichi got serious. “I’m sure you have your reasons, but you need to understand how it looks from an outsider perspective. Especially your wife.”
“I know what it looks like, brother. You wouldn’t understand, even if I told you.” Ken said somberly.
“Try me.”
Ken turned to the man who was his brother in this life and considered doing just that. No matter what situation he was in in his previous life, Daichi had always been there for him.
Although the dynamics had changed, he still trusted this man with his life.
After letting out a sigh, Ken decided to divulge at least some of his burden.
“If you found out that the world as you knew it was going to disappear and you could stop it, what would you do?” Ken asked seriously.
The question seemed to take Daichi by surprise, but he did not think for long. “Of course I would do everything in my power to stop it. What kind of question is that?”
Ken nodded, “And what if the actions you needed to take to save the world would directly hurt or ostracize those you hold dear, what would you do? Would you still do everything in your power to stop it?”
At this, Daichi fell silent, as if wanting to choose his words carefully.