Aishiteru, Takah!

Chapter 1

A taxi splits the road to Tokyo from Shinjuku with me and Taka as passengers. We both decided to take a taxi, because the train transportation was no longer operational, as well as the bus.

Just a moment ago, we parted ways with other friends in front of a bookstore. This get-together is arguably special because it coincides with the moment where Taka proposed to me officially.

From the bookstore, we walked to Shinjuku Station in search of a taxi. Unlike in Indonesia, in Japan it is not easy to find a taxi carelessly on the highway. These taxis can be found in the taxi waiting area at the airport or at the exits of major stations, one of which is Shinjuku Station.

Once there, we didn't take a taxi that was parked. Taka observed them one by one and told me if we had to wait for a while.

Taxis in Japan are divided into 3 types based on the size of the vehicle. Large taxis (oogatasha) can carry 5 to 6 passengers. Medium-sized taxis (chuugatasha) and small (kogatasha) with a maximum of 4 passengers. The rates between these three types of taxis are also different. That's why, Taka asked me to wait for a while before we finally got a small type taxi (kogatasha).

For the first 2 kilometers, passengers will be charged a rate of 600-700 yen. Then the taxi argo will increase by 80-90 yen every 280-300 meters. If stuck in traffic or stop because of traffic lights, taxi fare will increase again 80-90 yen every 2 minutes. The distance from Shinjuku Station to my apartment is about 12 kilometers, and the cost to be issued, almost reaches 3000 yen or equivalent to 300 thousand rupiah more.

***

"Can we go to Indonesia soon?" taka asked looking at me. Taxis drive in Kitanomarukoen-Chiyoda, Tokyo. In front of the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo. Instead of directly answering Taka's question, I looked at the museum building with a look of admiration that distracted me.

The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo or Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art is the first national museum in Japan located in the Kitanomaru park and adjacent to the Imperial Palace of Japan.

The museum has a large collection of modern and contemporary Japanese artworks, some 13,000 items including artwork by renowned Japanese painter Yokoyama Taikan. In addition to permanent exhibitions, there are also many special exhibitions featuring domestic and foreign artists, paintings and sculptures, avant-garde artworks, and video works.

"Rinai-chan ...," call Taka smiling.

"Yes? Sorry Taka, I was fascinated to see the building," I blushed. "What are you asking?"

"Can we go to Indonesia soon?" Taka repeated the question.

"To get married?" ask again.

Taka laughed, "You want us to get married soon?"

"Patience. I want to get to know your family first, Rinai," replied Taka. "Where do you want us to get married?"

"Your manager said, management and label companies do not mind if the group members are involved in romance, even married. But—," my speech was interrupted.

"But since I'm the only one who has just joined the group, and is receiving attention from the media and fans, it would be wise to temporarily hide our love affair," cut Taka to continue my words.

"Yes, that's what your manager said" I said. "So how? If we go to Indonesia, there is a possibility that people will see you at the airport. Whether it's to get acquainted with my family or if we're going to get married there. So, I'm just getting married in Japan."

"Then what about your family?"

"I'm going to ask them to come to Japan. The sister had followed the pregnancy program from one of the hospitals here, then stopped for some time. The last thing I heard, she's about to restart the pregnancy program. I can all ask mom and dad to come here so you can meet them" I explained.

Taka nodded and smiled, his hands clasping tightly onto mine. My eyes occasionally glanced towards the tiny ring that was now embedded in the finger.

***

"Rest, I have a few days to spare before the studio move. I guess, we can take a walk somewhere" Taka said after arriving in front of my apartment

At the bookstore, the manager tells him that in the future, Taka and his band will move to a bigger place than before. It served as a studio for practicing, as well as a headquarters for the members for the benefit of their group.

I shook my head, "I want to spend some time in the apartment. You are tired enough, you should rest, not take me for a walk. Besides, I'm not sure if we can just walk around quietly, your fans are scattered everywhere."

Taka laughed, "Alright then, go inside immediately. See you tomorrow!"

"See you tomorrow, Taka," I said, waving at Taka's back who walked away.