Unforeseen Rewards (1)

"Mom I'm home."

Ken opened the door and was met with the delicious smell of curry wafting through the house. In any other circumstance he'd be ecstatic, however since he was already full to the brim with barbecued meat, he felt a little nauseous.

"Welcome home Kenny."

His mother poked her head around the corner and saw the sick expression on his face. Yuki's thoughts instantly moved to the worst case scenario. Without a word, she walked forward and hugged him tightly.

"Don't worry dear, you're only in the first year of High School. You'll get another chance to go to Koshien." She said warmly, consoling him gently.

"Ah mom… We won our game. We're going to Koshien in August."

"Eh?"

Yuki pulled herself back and held Ken at arms reach. She looked at him intently as if to check if he was playing a prank or not.

"Then why do you look like your pet hamster just died?"