Just as the warm chatter of the room settled, a gentle voice came from the hall.
"Mom?"
Takumi turned his head quickly. A boy stood there, tall and lean, his figure balanced with the build of an athlete.
His hair was soft, slightly long, and his expression calm yet serious, with kind eyes that seemed to observe everything quietly.
There was a quiet dignity about him, as though he carried more than just talent on his shoulders.
"Ah, Chris, you're home early," Keiko said, her smile brightening.
"Today's training ended sooner than usual," Chris replied, his voice calm, carrying a gentle tone.
"Good. Come sit down. Lunch is ready."
Chris stepped into the dining room and took a seat opposite Takumi.
The two boys exchanged glances—Takumi's round, eager face and Chris's calm, composed look.
Keiko clasped her hands together happily.
"Takumi-kun, this is my son, Chris. Chris, this is Hayashi Takumi, Genzo-san's grandson."
Takumi straightened himself nervously and gave a quick bow.
"Hello, I'm Takumi. Nice to meet you."
"Hello," Chris replied simply, his tone polite but warm.
The table filled with dishes: rice, grilled fish, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. Takumi's stomach growled loudly, making Keiko giggle.
As they ate, Christopher looked up from his plate and fixed his sharp blue eyes on Takumi.
"So, boy… what age are you?"
Takumi swallowed quickly and answered, "Fifteen, sir."
Christopher chuckled, glancing at his son.
"Oh? Then you're the same age as our Chris. And what high school will you attend?"
Takumi straightened his back, pride swelling in his chest.
"Yes, sir. I just got admission into Seidou High School."
Keiko clapped her hands together in surprise.
"What a coincidence! Chris also got into Seidou. He even received a baseball scholarship there."
Takumi's eyes widened. He looked across the table at Chris, who gave a quiet nod, almost embarrassed by the praise.
Christopher raised an eyebrow and asked,
"And you, Takumi… did you also get a scholarship?"
Takumi shook his head, his cheeks reddening slightly.
"No, sir. I passed the entrance exam with the regular test."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Christopher's lips curled into a faint smile.
"I see. That means you came here on pure will, not privilege. Interesting."
Takumi looked down at his bowl of rice, his fists tightening slightly under the table. He didn't want to be looked down on. He wanted to prove himself—both to his family and now, maybe, to this new one.
Across from him, Chris observed quietly, as if he could already see the determination hidden behind Takumi's plain features.
Great direction 👏 — this will show Takumi's innocence and raw beginning while also letting us peek into Chris's point of view, which makes the story richer. I'll write the scene in novel form with Christopher speaking, Takumi answering honestly, and Chris silently observing:
Christopher set down his chopsticks and leaned forward, his blue eyes narrowing slightly at the country boy across the table.
"Tell me, Takumi… do you play baseball?"
Takumi stiffened, almost choking on his rice. He scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously.
"N-no, sir. I don't really know much about baseball at all. But… I'm planning to join the club."
For a moment, the room went silent. Keiko tilted her head, a little surprised, while Christopher's eyebrows rose in disbelief.
"Hah… you came to Tokyo, aiming for Seidou, and you don't even know baseball?"
His voice was stern, but there was no cruelty in it—only curiosity.
"Do you have any idea what kind of place Seidou is? It's not a playground. It's blood, sweat, and sacrifice. And for me… it was once my whole life."
He leaned back, his gaze drifting to the side as though remembering something.
"I played in university. For a time, I was even considered for the draft. But injuries took their toll. After that, I built a career here—coaching part-time, working in sports management. Baseball… it never really leaves you. Even now."
Takumi nodded quickly, trying to take in the weight of Christopher's words, though half of it felt far above his head. His chopsticks trembled slightly as he tried to act natural.
Across the table, Chris sat in silence, listening. His father's deep voice filled the room, but his own thoughts drifted to the boy in front of him.
He's big… taller than me, but his body is soft, unused to real training. His hands—rough, but not in the way of a ballplayer. More like farm work.
Chris studied Takumi's face as the boy smiled awkwardly, nodding earnestly at every word his father spoke.
His eyes though… they're different. Nervous, yes, but shining. Like someone who's about to chase something for the first time. He doesn't understand baseball yet, but… he's not lying. He really wants it. He's pure.
Christopher continued talking, his voice firm as he explained the discipline, the endless drills, the competition at Seidou.
Takumi's expression never faltered. He listened, clumsy and shy, but never once did he look away.
Chris lowered his gaze to his own bowl, hiding the faintest of smiles.
Father probably sees him as a fool right now… but I think there's something in him. Something raw. Maybe… even something worth watching.