Chapter 161：Aiko's Day Out

"Are you ready ?" Takeshi asks when he realizes Aiko is already standing behind him who stared in daze to the park below through the glass window. The girl nods with a happy smile. She is wearing a pale blue short dress and white cardigan to keep her warm al though it is already May.

"Make sure she is not too tired, or.. she may have a bad effect for tomorrow's session," a nurse reminds him with solemn look. Takeshi promises to take care of Aiko while the latter being a little pouting to respond the nurse's words. Actually, today is Aiko's schedule to have her chemotherapy. But when Takeshi asked her to go out and visit Osaka's aquarium, Kaiyukan, she insisted the doctor to postpone her therapy. "Can we go now ?" Aiko asks Takeshi to avoid another discuss about her health. In respond, Takeshi is bowing to the nurse to excuse their selves. After the nurse bows back, he pushes Aiko's elbow to lead her walk.

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The Kaiyukan, Osaka's aquarium, is so big. It is an eight floors building with red and blue colors for exterior while inside is almost cover with glass tubs, filled with water and fishes. The entrance is from the eighth floor. Aiko is so excited even before she enters the aquarium. Once they enter the aquarium, all the business and loud noises outside seem to be muted. It is so calm and serene al though there are many people in it. Aiko immediately approaches the glass and watches the sea lions that line up in the artificial shore. She makes a small scream when a sea lion jumps to the water, and quickly after where it goes. Takeshi is smiling to watch her excitement from few steps behind her. Aiko is so naive like a child. A simple thing is already can make her happy. Her simplicity somehow reminds him of Xiao Ping. She is also simple and naive. He remembers how she appreciated small acts he made. He should do more for her. He should make her happy more often. That gloomy thought makes his smile dropped. He wishes she's the one he brought here today. "Takeshi-kun !" Aiko's call drags him back from his thought. Takeshi raises his smile again. "Come here, quick ! There are penguins !" Aiko invites him excitedly. Takeshi walks to her spot, dispelling his gloomy thought and trying to enjoy the day. Face each day with a smile. It's his second promise to Xiao Ping and he decides to keep his promises.

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"So, where are we going to after this ?" Takeshi asks Aiko who is heartily eating her salmon sushi. After almost three hours on the aquarium with the last hour was spent on petting baby stingrays, they are having their lunch on a nearby sushi restaurant. "Can we ride the ferris wheel ?" Aiko requests with wide eyes. "If you finish your sushis," Takeshi gives her a condition. Aiko nods excitingly. Her appetite is doubled today. Maybe it's because the sushis are delicious, or maybe because her mood is heaven high. "You know, tomorrow my mom is going back to Kyoto. So this is the last day I'm at this city," Takeshi utters to her, while observing her expression. "So.. you won't visit me again ?" As he expected, Aiko suddenly becomes sad. "My new album will be released soon. So I will be quite busy," Takeshi tells his reason. Aiko nods to understand. "But, I'm planning to visit my mom regularly.. maybe twice a month. I will also visit you on my way back to Tokyo," Takeshi continues. He actually just made up this idea, since he can not bare to see Aiko's sad look. "You will ?" Aiko asks. Her mood changes drastically after hearing it. Takeshi nods to confirm. She puts another salmon sushi in her mouth then smiles widely until her eyes disappeared.

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"I'm sorry," Takeshi hears a weak voice from his side. He immediately turns his head. "You're awake ! How is your feeling now ? Is it still dizzy ?" He bombards her with questions. Aiko shakes her head slowly. They are in a taxi back to the hospital now. "I'm okay," Aiko says then lets a weak smile. Takeshi sighs in relieved. "Next time, you should tell me when you don't feel well, okay ?" he chides her gently. Aiko nods. "I'm sorry, we can't ride the ferris wheel," Aiko says regretfully. Takeshi smiles. "I will take you there next time," he promises her. Her smiles is wider to hear it. "Can I have your arm to sleep on ?" Aiko asks him hesitantly. "Sure," Takeshi says. Aiko then puts her head on his upper arm before she closes her eyes. She is back to her sleep, still carrying her smile.