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Of course they knew about the debut beforehand, even having a rock paper scissor tournament deciding who goes to the event and who stays and prepare the celebration party. The whole Kansai family was invited, including those who left the company. They don't see it as enough of a reason to leave them out of the family, those who wanted to leave the family were of course allowed to do so, but leaving the company and leaving the family are two different things.
Super Eight, both current and past members, took it upon themselves to plan the party, claiming that it's their last gift as parents to the group. The celebration of the actual debut traditionally being planned by the group itself.
As the last decoration is being put in place Takahashi doesn't know what to do. It's his first time at a Kansai family gathering and his mate isn't there with him at the moment. He would probably stick to Sho's side if he wasn't busy with that Tobe concert. Seeing his struggle, Meguro decides to talk to him.
"How are you holding up? I know it's a lot to take in at first."
"Confused, I don't really know what I'm supposed to do."
"Give it some time and don't rush, you figure out the flow eventually."
"How long did it take for you?"
"Longer than I'd like to admit. In my defence, the pandemic dragged it out." Before Meguro can say more Koji calls him over to help, telling Takahashi to help him too when he notices him.
When everything stands ready Super Eight still aren't satisfied, there's still one thing missing, one person, that they failed to have there. Despite everyone doing all they can, nobody managed to contact Taisei. Uchi had been the first one to bring it up. Having made mistakes himself and paying the price for it, he wanted to show the younger that he still has a place there, wanted to show that he played an important part in Ae!'s success. The others were quick to support his idea, asking the other members of the family for help when they couldn't get hold of him themselves.
The guests of honour arrive an hour after the event alongside the winners of the rock paper scissor tournament. While fully aware that the family would put together a celebration for them, the form of it was unknown to them.
As a massive "Congratulations on debut!" can be heard throughout the room it truly feels real.
Those who couldn't make it to the celebration make sure to congratulate them through video call, Sho going as far as to force everyone in Tobe to join him, Takizawa telling them to warn him about future events so that Sho can be there in person.
As the party starts to die down Seiya can't help but feel a little sadden.
"It would've been nice if Taisei was here too." He can't help himself from saying.
"It would've been nice indeed." Uchi says as he and You comes up beside him.
"We tried to contact him, but he never answered." You adds.
"I think he's feeling guilty. He made a big mistake and didn't realise the consequences until it was too late."
"You don't blame him." Seiya states.
"I made big mistakes too. I wish I'd been a better parent and taught you to be more careful."
"Don't blame yourself. I know that you're the reason we have so many responsible kids."
"Sorry, this is supposed to be a celebration of your achievements." Uchi apologises to the younger group.
"It's okay, I was the one who brought it up." Seiya dismisses the apology.
"You just said what was on all of our minds." Richard points out.
"He hasn't said that he's leaving the family, so if we're lucky he might come when you've debuted." You tells them.
"You're right, there's even some time left until then." Kojima says, bringing back some positivity.
"One advice, I know it felt like a betrayal, but you need to be ready to forgive. Everyone makes mistakes and as long as he's ready to atone for his, you need to give him a chance." Uchi tells them.
"Personal experience?" Richard asks.
"Kinda, it was something I didn't know I needed until they gave it to me."
"Now, how about you go back to the celebration? It's starting to end and I would prefer if it did so on a high note." You interrupts the conversation, ushering the group away to enjoy what's left of the evening.