Chapter 5

It was a bright Saturday morning. Aoi arrived early at the meeting place than Ken. “Oh Ken, you seemed late today. Why?” asked Aoi. “Gomen ne, Aoi-chan. I woke up a bit late,” answered Ken. “Okay… Fine… The lesson I prepared for today is…” started Aoi. “Wait, Aio-chan!  Can we please skip lessons today?” asked Ken. “Huh? Why? You should have just text me or call me at home!” said Aoi. “Yeah, I know. I should have done that. Well, it’s just that I lost in the mood for lessons on my way here. Sorry about that Aoi-chan,” excused Ken. “So, what are we going to do now? Go home?” asked Aoi. “Sorry to trouble you today Aoi-chan. Uhm… Let me treat you today. I will treat you to pay for your time, will that be fine?” suggested Ken. “Treat me? Like what? Foods?” asked Aoi. “Well, sure. If that’s what you like,” answered Ken. “Then let’s go now!” Aoi said cheerfully. “So, where do you want to go first Aoi-chan?” asked Ken. “Anywhere as long as there’s lot of foods!” replied Aoi. While eating choco-strawberry sundae, Ken asked Aoi, “How about Miyuki? Does she also like eating?” “Miyuki-chan, huh? Yes! We both love to eat,” answered Aoi. “I see. I wonder how the two of you keep your figure if you both like eating,” wondered Ken, while looking at the passer-by outside. “Nah… Regular exercise will do,” replied Aoi.

At around 3 o’clock in the afternoon that day, Aoi and Ken decided that the next stop will be the park. In the park, Aoi spotted a candy store, “Hey Ken, I will just go over there to buy something. You can just wait here for me!” “Huh? Where are you going?” asked Ken. “On the candy store over there,” replied Aoi. “Wow! These lollipops look really cute. Uhm... How much does one of these costs?” Aoi asked the vendor. “Young lady, since they look cute to you. I will give those in 3 for 100 only,” replied the vendor. “Then please give her three lollipop,” said Ken, while giving the vendor the bill. “Ken, why?” asked Aoi. “Aren’t you full yet? We had just finished eating a lot in the restaurant back there. Anyway, I told you that I will treat you today so please take these,” said Ken while giving Aoi the three pieces of lollipop. “Arigatou,” replied Aoi.

On their way, someone called the name of Ken. It was one of his former classmates. “Yo, Ken! It’s been a while!” greeted Hideaki. “So got a date, huh?” Hideaki asked. “No! Ken is just…” reacted Aoi, in a soft voice. “Anyway, got to go, dude. Happy birthday!” said Hideaki. “Thanks, dude. Nice to see you again,” said Ken.

Aoi was surprised on what she had just heard. “Ken! Why didn’t you tell me that today is your birthday?” asked Aoi. “Sorry Aoi-chan,” said Ken. “Don’t say sorry, it’s your day. I’m the one who should be sorry,” said Aoi. “annou… I know that you’re the one who bought this but please do take this as my gift,” continued Aoi while handling Ken one of the lollipops. “Thanks Aoi-chan!” said Ken then he hugged Aoi. “Thanks for today!”