Chapter 83: Doctor
"38.2 degrees Celsius; that's quite high. Hiroyuki-san, Miwa-san, here is a prescription for the medicine that Kaori will need to drink until she gets better."
"Okay. Thank you for taking care of Kaori, Takahiro." Mama-san says.
"It's nothing. It's my job as a doctor and as her friend."
"Is there a pharmacy open by this time?" Papa-san asks.
"There is one that's open twenty four hours but it's a little far from here. I'll draw you a map."
Takahiro gives Papa-san the map he drew.
"We'll just go buy her medicine first before heading home. We'll come back for Kaori after getting the medicine."
"Kuro, Ai, stay with Kaori okay?" Mama-san says as she and Papa-san head for the car.
"Taka, will sis have to stay here?" Kuro asks.
Takahiro looks at Kaori gently and pats her head. "She doesn't need to be confined here in the clinic but if she's too tired to get back home, she can stay here."
"No...I want...to go home." Kaori says weakly.
"I don't think you have enough strength left to make it home though." Takahiro chuckles.
"It's okay...A...Ai..."
Takahiro gets surprised that Kaori called out an unfamiliar name. "Ai? Who is Ai?"
"Oh right. Hey Taka, this person over here is Ai." Kuro says as he pulls me forward.
"Oh. It's nice to meet you, Ai. My name is Masaomi Takahiro." He smiles.
"Kisaragi Ai. It's nice to meet you."
Takahiro stares at me for a moment.
"Aren't you that famous idol named Mikaze Ai?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Then may I ask what your relationship with Kaori is?"
"I was her mentor and currently we both work under Shining Agency."
"Hmm, is that all?"
"I'm also her lover; we're currently dating."
Takahiro's eyes widen.
"You're dating Kaori? That's news to me. Who would have thought that she'd finally fall for someone?"
His eyes become gentle but somehow they give off a sad feeling.
"How long have you two been seeing each other?"
"We've been seeing each other for quite a long time now."
"Really? She didn't mentioned that in her messages; how cruel of her. Haha. I'll just scold her properly when she gets better."
"Messages?"
"Oh, you didn't know? We send each other emails when we're free; we kept in contact even after she left for Tokyo. You seriously didn't know?"
"She has never mentioned about you before; I've only learned of you from Kuro when I came here in Kyoto."
"Really? That's a bit surprising."
He turns his back at me and changes the wet towel that sits on top of Kaori's forehead.
"Sigh. She's still sickly as ever. Did she sleep somewhere cold?"
"Yeah. Sis slept in the living room last night." Kuro says.
"Eh? The living room? That's the coldest part of your house during rainy season and winter, right? Why on earth did she sleep there? Silly little girl."
"Shut...up..." Kaori says weakly.
Takahiro smiles at her and pokes her cheek.
"You're teasing me again...Stop...it."
"Whatever. It's just always fun to play with you." Takahiro rubs Kaori's head causing her hair to become a bit messy.
"Meanie..."
It annoys me to see him touch Kaori so carelessly; I don't like it.
"Ugh...I-I feel...dizzy..."
Kaori suddenly sits up and covers her mouth with her left hand.
I quickly go over to her side and she loses her balance a little and grabs onto my shirt. "Kaori, what's wrong?"
"I...feel so dizzy...I think I'm going...to vomit..."
Her grip on my shirt becomes tighter and leans onto me even more.
"Takahiro, where's the toilet?! She's going to vomit!"
"Eh?! The toilet is just over there. Let me help you bring her there."
Takahiro helps me in getting Kaori out of the bed and to reach the toilet. Kaori goes in the toilet and we can hear her vomiting a lot thru the door.
"Will she be okay?" I ask in worry.
"She's going to be okay. Kaori became light-headed because of her fever; she usually feels nauseous when her fever is higher than usual so it's no surprise that she's vomiting. I do hope she gets better soon and before the new year starts."
"Me too; I hope she gets better soon. I don't like it when she's suffering like this."
The sound of her vomiting stops after a while and she comes out of the toilet looking so pale and frail; it pains my heart to see her like this.
"Ai..."
I take her hand and lead her back to the clinic bed. Takahiro gives her a cup of water so that she could get hydrated. Her parents arrive after a few minutes.
"Kaori, we're back! Sorry we took long; your father made a mistake with the directions." Mama-san says.
"Hey! Hey! Hey! It was an honest mistake!"
Takahiro sits on the side of the bed. "Kaori, answer me honestly okay? Don't lie and tell me what you really feel. Can you make it home in your present condition? If you can't, you will be staying here in the clinic until you gain enough strength to get home."
Kaori thinks about what Takahiro says; she's not replying for a while. Deep down inside, I'm hoping she would want to go home instead of staying here in the clinic; I don't want her to stay here. However, if she really doesn't have the strength to get home...then she should stay here instead...even though I don't want her to...
"I want...to go home."
"You sure?" Takahiro asks.
Kaori nods immediately.
Takahiro looks at her with a bittersweet expression. "Alright. Get well soon, okay?"
"Yeah...thanks, Tak-kun." Kaori smiles at him.
I help Kaori get out of bed and escort her to the car; Kuro took care of our things.
"If her fever won't go down at all or if she gets worse, don't hesitate to call me. If she can't get to the clinic, I'll go over to the house." Takahiro says as he sees us off.
Kaori is leaning on me. When I held her hand, it felt hot and cold at the same time; her skin is pale and I can feel her shaking. I really should have just let her sleep in her room rather than on the sofa.
"I'm sorry." I thought to myself as I pulled her closer.
"It's not your...fault. I wanted to be with you last night. Don't...blame yourself...Don't...be...sad..."
She falls asleep after saying those words. It's amazing; it's as if she could read my mind at times.
"We're home." Papa-san says as he parks the car.
"I'll go straight inside to prepare some food for everyone especially Kaori." Mama-san says. She gets out of the car first and heads straight into the house.
"Ai-kun, you should bring Kaori to her room and let her continue her rest there."
"Yes."
"Do you need help?"
"Thank you but it's alright; I can carry her."
"Okay. I'll go help Miwa. Kuro, you bring our things in."
"Sure thing pops."
I get out of the car and slowly, I take Kaori and carry her like a little princess; she feels lighter than before. She's been eating well so why does she feel lighter? Maybe she hasn't been eating properly and I just didn't notice. She looks so down and weak; I don't like this at all. Please get better soon.
"Ai, she'll get better. She always does." Kuro says.
"Yeah. She does indeed." I reply.
As soon as I got inside the house, I brought Kaori into her room. I took off her coat and gloves and tucked her to bed. I then prepare her medicine and a basin of water on the desk in her room for convenience. I should have a pitcher of water here as well; I'll go get one when I go downstairs.
"Hnn...Ai...Ai."
I turn around and went towards her. "What is it, Kaori? Do you need something?"
"It's so cold..." She reaches out her hand to me and grabs my hand; her grip is so weak and her hand is shaking.
I sit beside her on the bed. I take her hand and place it on my cheek; it really is cold yet hot at the same time.
"Sis! Your food is here!" Kuro enters the room with a bed tray filled with food. I help Kaori sit up as Kuro places the tray on front of her on the bed.
"Eat well, sis. Make sure you finish everything. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call." Kuro leaves the room with a smile.
Kaori starts to eat slowly. "I can't taste anything..."
"It can't be helped; you're sick. Eat properly, okay?" I pat her head.
She nods as she continues to eat.
"After eating, you'll have to drink your medicine."
"Is it bitter?"
"Probably."
Kaori sulks like a little kid.
Everyone took turns taking care of Kaori. Whenever it's Kuro's turn, he brings Obi and Tabi with him; the two would climb onto Kaori's bed and cuddle next to her as a way to keep her warm and to make her feel better.
Since Kaori was sick, we all just stayed at home for the day. I don't mind and it's a good opportunity to be able to spend some time with Kaori's family. I was able to cook meals with Mama-san, Kuro and I continued last night's competition, I gave Obi and Tabi a bath...it was a bit chaotic since it was my first time but it ended well. Papa-san taught me how to play tennis in the afternoon; there was a nearby tennis court. He told me that Kaori likes to play tennis; Kaori, Kuro, and Papa-san had lessons years ago. Sometimes, Kaori would get out of bed and suddenly appear in the living room or dining room. She would stay for a while and then we send her back to her room.
Evening came and it was my turn again to take care of Kaori.
*knock knock*
"Kaori, I'm coming in."
When I entered her room, she was asleep.
I checked her medicine and it seems she drank it already. That's good since that would mean I won't have to wake her up; she can continue to sleep soundly. I should leave her to rest.
I change the towel on her forehead and gently wipe her face, neck, and arms with a different towel to get rid of her sweat so that she'd feel refreshed.
"Get well soon." I whispered. "I'd like to watch the fireworks together with you."
I left her room and went towards the living room.
"Ai-kun! Come over here! Join me!"
"Papa-san, what are you doing?"
I sit down on the sofa and see a bunch of photo albums scattered on the table.
"Ai-kun, look at this! This was Kaori when she was five years old and this was when she was six years old."
"Eh? So it was true."
"Hm?"
"Kaori told me that she used to be fat when she was little but it's hard to believe seeing how she is now."
"Haha. I know what you mean. We were all surprised when she suddenly got thinner when she turned around seven or eight years old."
"Did she exercise or went on a diet?"
Papa-san's happy expression changed and turned into a bittersweet smile.
"Well...she didn't exercise or go on a diet. She...just lost her appetite."
Papa-san turns to the next page of the photo album.
"Something happened to Kaori; I don't know what it was since I was out of the country. She wasn't bullied or anything similar to that. All I know is that it had something to do with Miwa."
"With Mama-san? I thought that they get along well."
"Currently they're on the okay side but back then, Miwa and Kaori were like water and oil; they still are sometimes."
"I see. So the two of them weren't in good terms."
Papa-san nods. "You see, Miwa used to be hard on Kaori; she always pushed her to do great and not good. Kaori was okay in the beginning but as she got older and studies got harder, she started getting really stressed and overworked plus Miwa was neglecting what she felt and thought back then. Things got worse between them when Kaori was breaking and started to talk back against Miwa because she couldn't take it anymore. Miwa wouldn't listen to her and to shut Kaori up, she would hit her."
"Mama-san was like that?! I can't believe it."
"When Kaori was telling me about it thru her messages and calls, I couldn't believe her at first too but when I came home one time and witnessed it myself, I was really shocked. I got really mad at Miwa for treating Kaori like that. Skipping all the confrontation parts, in the end, Miwa changed herself and became kinder; though she would still have some moments but it doesn't happen often."
"That's really surprising. Kaori never mentioned it before."
"That's a given. Kaori hates talking about it."
Papa-san gives me a photo album and points at the pictures.
"You see the smiles that Kaori has here in these pictures? She used to smile like that every single day, she was cheerful, outgoing, talkative, and really just a ball of sunshine. However, after she broke down, her personality took a complete turn and she changed. She started talking less, she became shy, she stayed at home more often, she lost confidence in herself, and she started becoming quite antisocial; she was depressed most of the time too. The biggest and saddest change that I saw in her was that she no longer smiled like she used to; her smiles became masks that hid her real emotions and thoughts. She no longer was the ball of sunshine she used to be. Instead, she became a sun that hides its own light."
I feel a heavy pain in my heart as I listen to Papa-san. Kaori's past sounds quite depressing; I can't believe that she went thru something so painful. She was always smiling with everyone. None of us could have guessed that she was hurt inside. There were moments when we could tell that she was sad or hurt but I guess that was only a glimpse of what she was hiding deep inside all these years.
"I'm sorry for telling you such a depressing story; I just can't help but remember it sometimes. Those were the dark days of Kaori but after she met some people and some time, she did recover and became stronger; she's better now. So, there are a lot of happy times to in her past so don't worry. If you ask me, that was the only dark part and the rest is all sunshine and happy."
"I'm glad to hear that." I say in relief.
"Ai,"
I look at Papa-san; he sounds very serious all of a sudden.
"Kaori always puts a strong front but deep inside, she's quite sensitive and is filled with things she keeps to herself. You probably would have never known about the story I told you if I never mentioned it. You see, she doesn't want to be pitied nor treated in a special way so don't you ever mention that incident to her until she talks about it with you openly and once you hear her side, don't treat her any different from the way you treat her now. You got that?"
"Yes, sir."
He then looks at me.
"I told you about that because I want you to understand that I don't want my precious daughter to experience anything as terrible as that ever again; I don't want her to be hurt once more to the point that she'd fall into depression again."
I nod.
"So Ai, promise me that you'll treat her like a precious princess. You don't have to be overprotective but to simply treasure her."
"Papa-san, I assure you, I will treat her like a queen."
He smiles at my words and drinks his coffee.
"You know, I was surprised when you yelled at Kaori when you saved her yesterday; that was the first time I've seen anyone aside from us and her closes friends scold her like that."
"Oh...Well, I was emotionally startled so I..."
"Haha. Don't fret, my boy. It's alright. I'm actually quite impressed since most people don't have the guts to yell at her. That reminds me, have you two fought before?"
"We've fought many times but it's usually over trivial things. There were some serious arguments but we usually settle them after some time."
"I see, so there were some rough times."
I nod.
"Ai, do you really love my daughter?"
"Yes, I do. I love Kaori very much from the bottom of my heart."
Papa-san drinks his coffee.
"I would like to know what your intentions are."
"My intentions?"
"Well, you've been with Kaori for quite some time now and I'd just like to know what you plan to do in the future. Do you still plan on seeing her? Will she continue living with you? Uh, stuff like that. Also...well...Miwa and I saw a pretty nice ring on Kaori's finger so we were wondering if it was from you or she bought it and if that was simply a gift or if it meant something else. Uhh, then there was the incident and the things you said then were well, you know, kind of special. Err...something like that. I guess. I think. Umm...Yeah."
Papa-san scratches his head and laughs awkwardly.
My intentions...I've given it some thought and I do know what I intend to do. Perhaps I should ask them while I'm still here. I won't be able to see Kaori's family in a long while; who knows when I will be able to come back to Kyoto to see them. I wouldn't want to ask over the phone or thru email since this is something that should be asked in person.
"Papa-san, there is something I want to discuss with you and Mama-san."
"It's important, isn't it?" he smiles slightly.
"Very. It's regarding Kaori; it's my answer to your question."
"Alright. I think I understand what it's about. We can talk about it tomorrow morning since Miwa went out to the supermarket with Kuro; I have no idea when are they coming back."
"Alright."
"Miwa and I will be meeting a friend at eight thirty. So how about we talk around seven o'clock in the morning? Is that alright with you? It's not too early?"
"That would be fine."
"It's settled then!"
Papa-san continued to show me more pictures and told me all sorts of stories about their family especially about Kaori. Listening to his stories makes me feel really happy. Not only am I able to learn more about Kaori, I'm also able to learn more about them and it makes me feel like he's making me a part of their family. I also get to tell him more about myself in exchange which makes me feel that I'm becoming closer with him. If I would have my own family in the future, I'd want it to be as warm as Kaori's family.
"Papa-san, do you know the reason why Kaori decided to become an idol?"
He starts to laugh.
"Um..."
"Oh! Sorry about that! It's just that I find it funny that Kaori became an idol. Did you know that in the past, she hated singing and dancing?"
"Is that true?" I asked in surprise.
"Yes! She was just forced to take lessons on singing and dancing by Miwa! Back then, she would only sing to herself and back then, she couldn't dance for her life; I swear! That's why when we all found out that she became an idol, we were really surprised! She said that she was going to become a composer! Even her friends stormed the house just to ask if the idol they saw on television was really Kaori. Haha."
"That's interesting. I wouldn't have guessed that at all."
Papa-san looks at the clock and his eyes widen.
"It's already this late? I've been talking for hours?! Sigh, how time flies! We should go to bed; we're getting up early tomorrow."
"Yes, you're right. Thank you for showing me the albums and for telling me such wonderful and interesting stories about the family."
"Haha. When we get to meet again, I'll tell you some more! I'll go ahead now."
"Good night."
"Good night to you too, Ai."
Papa-san was about to leave the living room when he suddenly realized something.
"Ah! I didn't answer your question!"
He comes back to me.
"The reason why Kaori became an idol was so that she could make people smile and feel happy. Also, she always said that music was always there to save her whenever she felt down. She wants to create music that could save others; she wants music to touch people's hearts in the same way it touched hers."
That definitely sounds like Kaori.
"Hmm...I think that there was one other reason. What was it again?"
"Another reason?"
"Ah! I remember! She decided to become an idol when she met one in person. There was an idol that cheered her up before and after that, she was practically set on becoming one. The guy must have been really kind; I guess it was love at first sight? Haha. Anyway, good night!"
Aine...You were really a lucky blind man back then. Sigh.
"Good night. I'll go and check on Kaori for one last time before going to bed."
"Alright."
I went inside Kaori's room; she's asleep. She doesn't seem to be uncomfortable and she's no longer breathing heavily. I take the towel that's on her forehead and washed it. I then proceeded to take her temperature.
"37.9 degrees."
Her temperature has gone down; I'm relieved. I hope that your temperature will continue to go back to normal, Kaori.
"Good night. Hurry up and get better, okay?" I said softly.
I placed a fresh new towel on her forehead and went towards the door.
"Good...night...Ai..."
I look back at Kaori in surprise. She was still asleep but now she's smiling.
"You're really too much, you know that?"
"Hnn..."
I quietly exit her room and gently close her door.
"Rest well; see you tomorrow."
I returned to my room and prepared to sleep. As I lie on my bed, I wonder to myself if I would be able to sleep soundly.
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*ring ring ring ring*
"Hnnn...?" A phone call? Who on earth would call me at this hour?
I take my phone from the side table and answer the call without looking at the caller ID.
"Hello?"
"Yo! Good morning, Ai-Ai!"
I immediately ended the call and put my phone back on the side table.
*ring ring ring ring*
"How annoying..."
I pick up my phone once again and rejected the call. Just a few seconds after that, my phone starts ringing again.
"How persistent."
Knowing that he won't stop until I hear him out, I answer his call and talked to him.
"What do you want, Reiji?"
"Ai-Ai! How are you and Kaori-chan? I miss you guys already! We haven't spoke or seen each other ever since vacation started!"
"We're fine but Kaori has a fever at the moment. Her temperature already went down but it's still a bit high; she'll be fine."
"Kaori-chan is sick? I want to talk to her!"
"She's asleep in her room. I'm not going to wake her up just for you."
"Eh? In her room? I thought you guys shared one room at your place?"
"We're not at the apartment. We're in Kyoto at Kaori's home."
"Kyoto?! Kaori's home?! You're with her family?!"
"Yes."
"Ohhh I would like to meet her family too one day! Are you getting along with them?"
"Reiji, it's past two o'clock in the morning; I'm not in the mood for idle talk. Yes, I am getting along well with Kaori's family."
"Oh! Right! Right! Sorry about that! Well, I got some news to tell ya."
"What is it? Just tell me already so that I could go back to sleep."
"Okay, listen to this!"
Reiji started talking about a peculiar topic which caught my interest.
"So that means—"
"Yup, that's right Ai-Ai!"
"When is that project going to begin?"
"Next month. If I remember right, your manager said it's going to be on the 21st."
"How convenient." I said happily.
"Eh? You sound really happy. OH! It makes perfect sense now! Are you going to ask Kaori to—"
"Yes, I will."
I yawn as Reiji starts shouting happily thru his phone.
"So when, Ai?! When are you going to ask her?! How will you do it?! Tell me. Tell me. Tell me!"
"Reiji, calm down. I'm too sleepy to match up with your energy. Why are you awake at this hour anyway?"
"Oh, I came from work and from a meeting. Anyway, when? when? when?!"
"Some time this coming year; I don't know exactly when yet."
"Then you should take the job! Join the project!"
"I'll think about it first. If I take that project, I'll be very busy for some time; I'll consider it."
"Okay. Just remember to give your reply to your manager before next week. I already said yes so we'll be working together if ever you decide to accept the job; Ran-Ran and Myu-chan were also offered to take part but haven't decided yet."
"Okay. I'll think about it. So does this mean I can go back to sleep now?"
"Sure! Sure! You can go back to dreamland now! Goodnight, Ai-Ai!"
"Goodnight. Thank you for telling me about that."
"Sure thing! Sleep well and take care of Kaori-chan!"
I end the call and put my phone back on the side table.
I think about what Reiji told me as I try to fall back to sleep. It's quite funny how things are kind of falling into place. This job offer would be convenient for me if I accept it; it will help me in many ways. However, if I take the job, I might end up working for a month since it's a special event.
I turn to my right sight and looked at my phone.
A wedding event. Marriage Contract, a famous wedding planner company, is going to celebrate it's 20th anniversary. They're going to release a new catalog filled with information regarding ideal wedding venues, themes, designs, clothing, and such. They're also going to hold a fashion show for their new and exclusive designs for wedding dresses and suits. The company is also collaborating with Prism Wish, a famous jewelry brand, to make exclusive designs for wedding rings and accessories. Marriage Contract is asking several idols, models, and actors to take part in their anniversary event and to be the models and endorsers; I was offered to take part. Maybe I should take the job? I don't have a lot of jobs yet for next month so I have time for it.
I'll just think about it first. Perhaps I'll take the job if everything goes well tomorrow when I talk to Papa-san and Miwa-san. For now, I should try to get some sleep; I need to wake up early for tomorrow.