Chapter 164：A Way To Make Her Happy

"Are you happy tonight ?" Takeshi asks Aiko when they are in the limousine, on the way back to Mr. Waseda's mansion. Aiko nods. "But your face doesn't look happy," Takeshi pursues, noticing a gloom expression that is trying to be hid by Aiko. "I'm just tired," Aiko shrugs off then turns her head away from Takeshi, looking at the street outside. "Would you tell me what's bother your mind ?" Takeshi asks in coaxing way. Instead of answering, Aiko closes her eyes, letting her head bumping on the car windows as the limousine moves.

Takeshi shifts closer to her. He is taking off his jacket and puts it on top of Aiko to cover her. Aiko opens her eyes then takes the jacket off of her and gives it back to Takeshi. "It's cold," Takeshi says to her. It is raining outside. "No need," Aiko still rejects it. "Why ?" Takeshi asks. "I don't need it," Aiko answers. "Let me embrace you then," Takeshi says. Aiko shakes her head again. "It's not proper. We're just friends," Aiko finally speaks her mind. Takeshi's mouth forms an A without a sound.

"So, you're mad because I told the reporters that we're just friends ?" Takeshi asks. Aiko doesn't answer. Takeshi stretches his hands to grab Aiko's cheeks then turns her face toward him. "Do you want to hear a truth ?" Takeshi asks. Aiko nods. "You are the closest woman I have right now," Takeshi says it while looking deeply at Aiko's eyes. "You are the only woman I treat special right now," he adds. Aiko blinks. "I am ?" she asks. Takeshi nods with a soft smile. "So.. why can't we go on date?" Aiko naively asks.

Takeshi sighs. 'Because I don't love you' is what his heart screams immediately. But of course he can't let it out. "I just broke up few months ago. Al though I'm already moving on now," Takeshi halts his words for a second to bare the sudden pain cut in his chest, "I don't think I'm ready to have a new relationship now." Aiko just in silent, waiting for him to continue. Takeshi sighs again. "You might have known by now, the reason she broke up with me was because I was too busy. And yet, now.. I am busier than ever. So, I'm afraid.."

"But.. I'm not her," Aiko cuts him in a confuse tone. "Of course you're not," Takeshi replies. "I may can understand you more than her," she says with a heavy blush on her cheeks. "But I can understand you," she quickly adds, "I mean I don't mind waiting. I've been waiting for years just to be close to you. So it's okay to wait another month or two to officially date you."

Takeshi looks at her deep in her eyes. It is so long and intense that makes Aiko feels awkward. "Will you be happier if you officially date me ?" Takeshi asks her solemnly. His eyes still stare deep into Aiko's eyes. Aiko nods in stammered. "It's.. it's been my dream since.. since I was a kid," she says shyly.

Slowly, Takeshi raises a thin smile then stretches his neck to kiss her forehead softly. "Two more weeks will be your last session of chemotherapy. We will officially announce our relationship after you finish your therapy and back to Tokyo. How's that sound ?" Takeshi asks after. Aiko nods excitedly. "Sure.. sure.." she answers with choke-like voice but her eyes sparks immediately. Takeshi chuckles in amusement and pinches her nose. "Now, can I hug you ?" Takeshi teases her. Aiko makes few small nods. Takeshi rounds his arms to her shoulder. Aiko suddenly steals a kiss from him before she quickly hides her face. Takeshi is stunned for a second, then hugs her tighter.

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Yu Jin opens the backyard door as slow as he can. He approaches Xiao Ping who sits on the cement stair that connected the small yard and back terrace of her house, then sits silently beside her. Xiao Ping who buries her face between her arms and stomach turns her head slightly when she realizes that she is not alone. "Your mom let me in," Yu Jin tells her. Xiao Ping dries her teary face with her palms.

"So, why did you cry ?"

"What are you doing here ?"

They ask to each other simultaneously. Yu Jin raises his eyebrows, insists her to answer first. Xiao Ping snorts. "He.. he.. officially announced that they're dating," Xiao Ping answers then bursts into a cry again. She covers her face with both palms as she cries heartbreakingly. Yu Jin reaches her head then pulls it to rest on his chest. She then cries on his wide chest, soaking his shirt with tears. "That's why I'm here.." Yu Jin whispers while stroking his hand on Xiao Ping's hair.

"I.. I know.. he.. he had.. to.. do it.. But.. but it's.. still.. hurt," Xiao Ping says in panting. She believes Takeshi still loves her. She knew it when she read Takeshi told one of the reporter on one of his interview that he will keep on facing everyday with a smile. It's one of his promise to her. She also understands that Takeshi has to date Aiko as a way to make her happy. But it's still hurt. It's hurt to know that it is now even more impossible for them to come back. Even after five minutes, her cry hasn't subsided. Still stroking her hair, Yu Jin delicately puts his jaw on her head. "What can I do to help you ?" he asks in murmur , more rhetorically than to Xiao Ping.