Heartstrings & Homeruns | Kenji Sato

CHAPTER 23

Chapter 25: Rekindling Old Bonds and Stengthening Trust

Kenji's Point of View

Sitting at the dinner table, I tried to ignore the knot of tension in my stomach. The restaurant was extravagant and exclusive to celebrities, politicians, and business tycoons, away from the prying eyes and ears of paparazzis. The place was beautiful, the ambiance warm, but my focus kept drifting to Asami. She was animated and engaged with Toru, her old friend, and it left me feeling oddly unsettled. It wasn’t just that Toru was back—it was how easily they slipped back into their old rapport.

The evening had started off comfortably enough. Harumi, Asami, and Toru shared stories from college, and I tried to keep my mind on the pleasant conversation. But Toru had other plans.

I watched as Toru and Asami bantered back and forth, their chemistry evident as they reminisced about their college days. There was an easy flow between them, a familiarity I couldn’t ignore. It didn’t help that Toru seemed to be having way too much fun teasing her, and she was quick to fire back, laughing at his jabs.

Harumi was busy ordering drinks with Shota, but I couldn’t help but notice the way Toru’s eyes kept flicking back to Asami, watching her every move.

“So, Kenji,” Toru began, leaning back in his chair, his eyes glinting with playful mischief, “how much do you really know about Asami?”

I raised an eyebrow, feeling the subtle challenge in his tone. “More than you might think.”

“Oh really?” Toru smirked, glancing at Asami, who rolled her eyes, knowing where this was headed. “Because, see, I’ve known her since college. We were practically inseparable. I mean, I know things about her you couldn’t even guess.”

I caught the teasing note in his voice, but there was something deeper beneath it—a way to push my buttons, to test how much I really cared about her. I glanced at Asami, who was trying her best not to laugh.

“Is that so?” I said, leaning forward, matching his energy. “Why don’t you enlighten me, then?”

Toru’s grin widened. “Did she ever tell you about that time she punched a guy at a house party?”

Asami shot him a death glare. “Toru, don’t you dare,” she muttered.

Toru, clearly on a roll now, leaned forward, looking directly at me. “We were at this massive party, right? Everyone was having a good time, and some dude started flirting with Harumi. He was being persistent, despite her telling him no—repeatedly. Asami wasn’t having it.”

I glanced at Asami, whose face turned a shade of pink as she crossed her arms defensively.

Toru continued, “So, Asami walks right up to this guy and tells him to back off. He, of course, doesn’t listen and tries to brush her off. Big mistake. Next thing you know, she’s clocking him square in the jaw.”

I blinked, looking between them. “Wait, you punched a guy at a party?”

“He wasn’t taking no for an answer, and Harumi wasn’t comfortable. I just… encouraged him to leave,” Asami huffed, still glaring at Toru.

“Encouraged him with a fist. That guy practically sprinted out of there, and the whole party froze for a good few seconds, staring at Asami. It was legendary,” Toru chuckled.

“I guess you’ve always known how to stand up for the people you care about,” I smiled, leaning back in my chair.

“He had it coming. Besides, Harumi was fine with it,” Asami finally let a small smile escape.