The next day.
Okabe woke up very early.
He got up early for his morning run, arrived at the classroom early, and finished the day's lessons early.
Subsequently, he followed the mountain path of Tōtsuki straight down. At the foot of Tōtsuki mountain, he saw a young girl wearing casual clothes who looked extremely quiet.
He softened his steps, sneaking closer, and only when he was right behind her did he suddenly pat her shoulder. Seeing Ikaros tremble slightly, only then did he reveal an expression of a successful scheme.
"Haha, got scared, didn't you?"
Okabe's voice carried a teasing tone; because his mood was good, he was much more lively than usual.
"Ah, I was scared."
Ikaros recited in a mechanical monotone.
"Alright, I know you discovered me long ago and weren't scared at all. It's just that this acting is really a bit too fake."
Looking at Ikaros's appearance, Okabe couldn't help but retort. However, his mood wasn't ruined by this; on the contrary, he felt this kind of reaction was also quite interesting.
"Umm..."
Ikaros didn't know what she should say.
She didn't understand what being scared was.
It was just that seeing Okabe's happy appearance, her mood would also become good.
"Let's go, the bus is here."
Looking at the bus speeding over from not far away, and after confirming it was the bus seen in the morning that could go to the Undersea World, he naturally took her hand.
The two boarded the bus one after the other.
After putting coins in, they arrived at the rear of the carriage and sat in the seats of the last row. Okabe sat on the inner side and slid the window open a bit, enjoying the caress of the breeze.
Ikaros turned her head to look out the window. In her line of sight were the flowing scenery and Okabe's face. Seeing him reveal an expression of enjoyment, she slightly tilted her head.
"If you're tired, lean on me and rest for a while."
Noticing the girl's movements, Okabe's voice carried a gentleness.
Ikaros did not stand on ceremony with him. She didn't even hesitate, directly resting her head down on him, the corners of her mouth raising in an imperceptible arc.
Accompanied by the breeze, with a beauty leaning on his shoulder.
The feeling of joy reached its peak at this moment.
Okabe closed his eyes, enjoying the tranquility that belonged exclusively to them at this moment. His mind also gradually drifted far away during this process, until the bus stopped at the station did he come back to his senses.
[Tokyo Undersea World Station arrived. Passengers getting off at this station, please take your belongings and disembark in an orderly manner.]
"Let's get off."
He said softly.
"En."
Ikaros nodded, extending her palm towards him.
Okabe once again held her small hand, leading her to walk out of the vehicle.
The tickets had already been bought in advance yesterday.
At this moment, showing the mobile phone information, the two smoothly entered Japan's largest Undersea World exposition hall.
After entering the venue, a cool aura pounced on their faces. The light also became gloomily blue and soft, filled with a faint salty scent of the ocean.
Outside the gigantic glass dome, several beams of artificial sunlight penetrated the simulated seawater, casting sparkling waves on the light blue floor tiles. Countless people were taking photos to check in.
Okabe gripped Ikaros's hand tightly, worried that with the flow of people around being too large, the other party might accidentally get separated from him.
"Shall we go see the penguins first?"
With figures rushing by beside them, Okabe turned his head to ask.
He remembered the guide he read in the morning said there was a penguin feeding performance at this time in the afternoon.
Ikaros did not answer; her gaze was attracted by a glass display cabinet nearby.
In the display cabinet, jellyfish slowly sank and floated in the dark water. She watched very attentively, the gloomy blue light points of the jellyfish reflecting in her pale green pupils.
Okabe followed her gaze and looked over, his heart moving slightly.
"Let's just wander around first."
He changed his mind, no longer obsessed with the set route. Instead, he followed Ikaros to wander idly in the Undersea World, turning into a passage with relatively fewer people.
On both sides of the passage were slightly smaller display tanks, in which swam schools of colorful tropical fish.
Ikaros's footsteps slowed down the moment she saw the school of fish, her gaze locked firmly on those creatures swimming freely.
Seeing her watching in fascination, Okabe took the initiative to stop. Following her gaze, he also looked over.
At this moment inside the aquarium tank, there was a small fish with a tail as light and thin as gauze, its entire body almost transparent. It was facing her outside the glass, opening and closing its mouth to swallow and spit the water flow.
"It..."
Ikaros rarely spoke up on her own initiative. Her voice was very light, carrying a trace of confusion: "Its movement trajectory does not conform to the most energy-efficient hydrodynamic model."
Hearing her words, Okabe froze briefly, then burst into laughter: "Living creatures aren't machines; how can they all move according to the most ideal models?"
"Look at it, swimming so freely and at ease. It's impossible for it to consider how it should swim. Maybe it's just in a good mood, that's why it's so cheerful."
"Mood..."
Ikaros repeated this word, her line of sight still following that small fish. The small fish suddenly made a dexterous turn, hiding behind a cluster of red coral, and disappeared.
She seemed to think for a few seconds, then turned her head, looking at Okabe:
"Is it like Master is right now?"
"It's not wrong for you to say that. I am currently on a date with a great beauty, so my mood is very good. Didn't you notice I'm walking more cheerfully than usual?"
Hearing her words, Okabe froze for a moment. Subsequently thinking of his performance today, he raised his hand to pat her head, speaking in a spoiling voice.
"Eh..."
[Because of the date with me, so the mood is good...]
Feeling the temperature on her head, with Okabe's words just now echoing in her ears, a blush appeared on Ikaros's face, and her breathing also became rapid.
"I'll go over there to take a look first; I feel there will be good things in the next exhibition hall!"
However, Okabe did not notice.
He led the way in front, preparing to go to the next exhibition hall to see what was there.
"Master..."
Wings spreading, heart beating like a drum. Fortunately, only they remained in this passage, and no one noticed the abnormality.
"Power Furnace, overheating."
"Automatic repair program initiated."
"Cause of overheating speculated to be the records regarding Okabe. Hiding initiated."
High-tech rings flashed in her eyes. Ikaros closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, she had already recovered her calm and followed up.
They continued forward.
Because the flow of people gathered at the main performance venues, this passage became increasingly quiet. Only occasionally would a few people pass by, all quietly holding cameras to shoot.
Soon, they arrived at the center of a slightly aged circular exhibition hall.
There were no gigantic viewing windows here, only a ring of circular aquarium tanks.
Raising some inconspicuous deep-sea creatures.
There were only a scant few people in the exhibition hall, and the light was also dimmer.
Okabe was just about to suggest going to a more open place, but Ikaros suddenly quickened her pace, finally stopping in front of an aquarium tank.
The lights in that aquarium tank seemed to have some malfunction, flickering uncertainly.
Dark gravel paved the bottom of the tank. There was only a pale, peculiarly shaped deep-sea plant swaying slightly with the water flow. Aside from that, there was nothing.
Okabe walked closer. Just as he wanted to ask what she was looking at, he discovered that in the shadow of that plant lurked a creature almost integrated with the background.
It was a very small octopus, probably only fist-sized. Its body color was a nearly transparent gray-white, carrying dim patterns that were hard to detect and would change with the light.
It quietly attached itself to the inner wall of the glass near the corner, its eight tentacles retracted, almost motionless.
It was too quiet, and also too inconspicuous.
If Ikaros hadn't stopped, Okabe would definitely have ignored it and walked past.
Ikaros tilted her head slightly, 'locking eyes' with that small octopus. The octopus also seemed to sense her gaze; one eye rotated slightly, aiming at her.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
"Do you like it?"
Okabe squatted down beside Ikaros. He didn't urge her to move forward, but asked with a gentle voice.
"I feel it is somewhat lonely..."
In the huge aquarium tank, there was only this tiny one. Beside it were reefs, around it was a patch of dimness. Although very safe, it was extremely lonely.
Unconsciously, Ikaros thought of herself.
But she was luckier than this octopus.
Because she could receive her Master's care every night, and there were also many people chattering around her. Although she sometimes felt it was noisy, she did not detest it.
"You're right. Merchants caught it to serve as an ornamental item, and don't care whether it lives happily. After all, for merchants, this isn't important."
Following Ikaros's train of thought, Okabe couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Looking at the small octopus, he was a bit dazed, but he quickly realized something was wrong and raised his hand to pat his face.
"Let's go, to the next place."
Okabe held Ikaros's hand, leading her away from here, arriving at a place buzzing with human voices.
Different from the places with fixed ceilings, this was an "Undersea Tunnel". Except for under their feet, seawater was in all directions, with various fish swimming about.
Gigantic manta rays glided overhead like phantoms, casting patches of flowing shadows. Schools of silver-scaled fish flashed as they converged into a vortex, then suddenly scattered.
The exclamations and laughter of children echoed and amplified in the enclosed space, appearing extremely lively.
"Is this the scene of the ocean? Speaking of which, it's my first time seeing it too. It truly is magnificent!"
Okabe pointed, looking at the scene of all living things competing for freedom in the undersea world. A sense of heroic spirit involuntarily rose in his heart, and he couldn't help but exclaim with emotion.
And after seeing the colorful schools of fish, Ikaros's eyes no longer lingered in the corners. Instead, following Okabe's line of sight, she began to look everywhere.
Light shone in her eyes. Okabe's hand carried a faint heat, allowing her to clearly feel his existence. There was always a solid feeling in her heart.
This is good. I hope time can stop at this moment.
Such a thought surfaced in Ikaros's mind. Upon coming back to her senses, she also felt surprised. So she slightly lowered her head.
The Undersea World was very big, big enough that it required the two to keep moving forward, not finishing the walk even after several hours.
The Undersea World was very small, small enough that in the space of a breath, they had crossed the entire ocean.
Not long after.
The two had toured the Undersea World completely and arrived at the restaurant connected outside the Undersea World. At this moment, the seats inside were mostly full, with only a few empty tables remaining in the corners.
"Two VIPs."
As Okabe and Ikaros arrived at the front desk, the waiter shouted with a high voice.
"Guests, please come this way."
The next moment, a greeter walked up quickly to welcome the two in, taking them to a position by the window in the corner. Outside was the heavy traffic. Subsequently, with both hands, the menu was respectfully presented.
Okabe didn't look after taking the menu, handing it directly to Ikaros beside him, saying: "See if there's anything you want to eat on it. The signature dish here is Seafood Pasta."
He pointed to the signboard, then didn't utter a sound, waiting quietly. The waiter also waited quietly.
"I want to eat this..."
Looking at the menu, Ikaros flipped through it quickly. Subsequently, her gaze was attracted by a nearly transparent blue baby jellyfish curled up inside a glass cup.
The side note read "Jellyfish Jelly (Dessert)".
"I want this Jellyfish Jelly.
For the appetizer... let's have a seasonal sashimi platter. For the main course, I want the signature Seafood Shrimp Pasta, Charcoal Grilled Live King Crab Legs, Salt Grilled Nodoguro, and add a portion of Sea Urchin Chawanmushi. For drinks, two Lemon Sodas will do."
Taking the menu back from Ikaros's hand, Okabe quickly read through the dishes, then turned his head to the waiter and spoke.
"Alright, please wait a moment."
The waiter quickly recorded the order requirements, then took the menu from Okabe's hand and left. The atmosphere at the scene once again became quiet.
Ikaros lowered her head and played with the cup. Okabe rested his chin on his hand and watched quietly. Because they stayed together all the time, for a moment he actually didn't know what topic to chat about.
"Feel like you quite like this kind of... glowing little gadget."
Thinking of the Jellyfish Jelly Ikaros ordered just now, Okabe couldn't help but tease.
Ikaros lowered her head and didn't answer.
"Are you happy today?"
Seeing the other party had no reaction, Okabe continued to ask.
"Happy."
This time, Ikaros finally spoke. She raised her head, looking at Okabe's face, her expression serious.
"Do you want to come again next time?"
"I..."
Hearing Okabe's words, Ikaros pressed her hand against her chest, hesitating slightly. She wasn't an idiot; she could see the other party had come out on a date specifically for her.
"Don't hesitate. Face the voice in your heart directly.
Want to or don't want to—just pick one from these two answers to reply."
Eyes meeting eyes, Okabe was equally serious.
"I want to. I want to come out and play with Master, under the condition that I don't trouble Master."
Ikaros nodded and said.
"Coming out to play with you makes me happy too, how could it be trouble? You consider too many things, Ikaros."
Okabe grabbed her hand.
And this made Ikaros's face a little red.
"Hello, here is the dessert for the two of you."
Just at this time, the waiter presented a small cup of Jellyfish Jelly. Its entire body was azure blue, with only the jellyfish in the middle being a pale yellow, as if it were the center of a stage.
"Master, ah."
"Giving the first bite to me?"
"En."
Watching Ikaros's movement, Okabe froze first, then opened his mouth and swallowed the item in her spoon.
"I see, cup-packed Yokan."
Feeling the sweetness spreading on the tip of his tongue, such a thought surfaced in Okabe's mind.
The essence of this dessert was Yokan (bean jelly). It was just that the chef's skill was adept, constructing the shape of a jellyfish. Other aspects were very ordinary; it was just the taste of Yokan.
Fortunately, Ikaros was not a person who cared about the taste.
She held the spoon, eating spoonful after spoonful solidly. Although changes in expression couldn't be seen clearly on her face, one could feel her mood was good.
The subsequent dishes were served one after another.
Because he received Ikaros's affirmative reply, Okabe's mood was good, and his appetite opened wide.
The other party just watched him quietly like this.
Until he was full and stood up, only then did she actively extend her hand, letting him hold it as they left the restaurant together.
"Welcome guests to come again next time."
After leaving the restaurant, Okabe and Ikaros didn't wander anymore. Instead, they circled back to the entrance. When they came out, each of them had an extra hanging ornament in their hands.
That was the souvenir of the Undersea World.
There were pink dolphins, black and white penguins, sharks with sharp teeth and fangs, and other marine creatures.
However, they ultimately chose a light gray octopus phone charm. They happened to be the last two.
And because this charm wasn't very popular with tourists, production would stop starting next month, making it a completely out-of-print item.
"One for you, one for me. Just consider it a souvenir of today's ocean trip. Seeing it in the future, you can also recall today's experience."
Okabe handed one of the keychains to Ikaros and thoughtfully hung it on her phone.
His gaze was gentle, carrying spoiling affection.
It was already dusk at this moment. Six hours had passed from when the two left Tōtsuki until now.
It was time to go back.
The two boarded the return bus.
Different from the sunshine and clear breeze brushing their faces when they came.
When returning, it was already dusk.
The only thing unchanged was Okabe and Ikaros. Ikaros once again rested her head on his shoulder.
This was something she wouldn't usually do.
But under Okabe's intentional guidance and tacit consent, this would become the posture appearing with the highest frequency when the two spent time alone in the future.
The bus drove steadily in the twilight, passing through the city lights that were gradually lighting up.
Unknown how much time passed, the vehicle body paused gently, and the station announcement sounded at the appropriate time.
[Tōtsuki Academy Station arrived. Passengers getting off at this station, please take your belongings and disembark in an orderly manner.]
"We've arrived."
Hearing the on-board broadcast, Okabe said.
"En."
The two got off the bus.
The street lamps on both sides of the Tōtsuki mountain path had already lit up, winding upwards and disappearing into the academy building complex halfway up the mountain. The mountain air at night was slightly cool, carrying the scent of grass and trees.
"We walked a lot today, are you tired?"
Ikaros shook her head, then nodded: "Body functions are all normal, but... there is a kind of lassitude after satisfaction. This feeling is somewhat wondrous..."
Hearing her words, Okabe laughed: "That means you're tired from playing. Go back and rest well, sleep a beautiful sleep, and you'll be fine the next day."
They walked slowly up along the mountain path.
The surroundings were very quiet, as if only their footsteps and the faint insect chirping in the distance remained in the world.
"Master." Ikaros spoke suddenly.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you."
Okabe turned his head to look at her.
The light of the street lamps reflected fragmented points of light in her pale green eyes. Her expression was very serious.
"Thank me for what?"
"Everything today."
Ikaros paused, seeming to be organizing her language: "The jellyfish, the small fish, the octopus... and the final charm. I am very happy."
She lowered her head, taking out her mobile phone from her pocket, on which hung that light gray octopus charm.
"It won't be lonely anymore."
Looking at the octopus charm, Okabe suddenly thought of what Ikaros said in the aquarium earlier, and said: "We brought it out."
Ikaros gripped the charm tightly, raised her head to look at Okabe: "I... am the same."
Okabe froze for a moment, then understood her meaning. So he decisively extended his hand, naturally holding her hand just like in the undersea tunnel during the day.
"You have never been alone, Ikaros." He said: "And you won't be in the future either."
Ikaros's fingers tightened slightly, holding his hand back.
She didn't speak, but Okabe could feel the temperature coming from her palm, which was slightly higher than usual.
As if she was no longer a cold robot.
When they returned to Polaris Dormitory, the sky had turned completely dark.
Bright lights were lit in the main hall. One could vaguely hear the sounds of pots and pans coming from the kitchen direction, and Soma Yukihira's loud voice shouting that this dish should be made this way.
"We're back." Okabe pushed open the door.
Rindo Kobayashi, who was reading a recipe in the living room, raised her head upon hearing the sound. Immediately, she noticed the two holding hands and understood the state of the two at this moment.
The girl's smile was meaningful: "Oh my, back from a date? Did you have fun?"
"It was okay."
Okabe responded vaguely.
Subsequently, he pulled Ikaros quickly through the living room to avoid being captured by more gossipy gazes.
After returning to the room.
Okabe took out a change of clothes. Taking advantage of the time everyone was eating, the two washed up one after another and lay on the bed.
This night, Ikaros did not cling to sleeping together with Okabe. She had more important things that needed processing. At this moment, a mechanical light flashed in her eyes.
[Date: May 15, 2012]
[Event: Toured Tokyo Undersea World with Master]
[New Data Records:]
[- Luminous patterns of jellyfish in gloomy waters (Total 17 variations)]
[- Non-optimal path swimming trajectory samples of tropical fish schools (Recorded)]
[- Observation record of deep-sea octopus mimicry behavior]
[- Undersea tunnel structural acoustic reflection data analysis]
[- "Jellyfish Jelly (Yokan)" production process speculative model]
[- Association data between bus vibration frequency and human body comfort]
[...]
[Special Records:]
[- Master's palm temperature change curve (Average increase of 0.8℃ during contact)]
[- Master's smile appearance frequency: Total 43 times today, increased by 580% compared to daily average value]
[- Number of times Master mentioned "Happy" vocabulary: 7 times]
[- Shoulder contact duration: 47 minutes 12 seconds]
[- Hand-holding contact total duration: 3 hours 18 minutes 06 seconds]
[- Number of times Master initiated physical contact: 11 times]
[- Power Furnace abnormal fluctuation record: 3 times (All calmed)]
[- Core temperature peak value: 38.8℃ (Occurred 2.33 seconds after Master said "I am currently on a date with a great beauty, so my mood is very good")]
[Conclusion: Today's external data collection efficiency was 88% of the baseline value, but a new type of sensory information flow that cannot be categorized into the existing database was added. Temporarily named "Alpha-type Warm Current". This information flow shows a positive correlation with Master's physical distance, line of sight direction, voice content, and the appearance of specific vocabulary. It causes slight disturbance to system operation stability but did not trigger alarm thresholds.]
[Suggestion: Further observation.]
As lines of information surfaced before her eyes and were recorded in the archive in her heart, the mechanical light in Ikaros's eyes gradually subsided and returned to normal.
She probed slightly to look down, discovering Okabe had already entered dreamland. So she retracted her head, didn't go down to disturb him, and lay back on the pillow again.
Moonlight projected in from the window.
She picked up the souvenir octopus charm obtained from the trip to the Undersea World today, her fingers gently rubbing it.
Recalling everything from today in her mind.
A bright and beautiful smile appeared on her small face for the first time.
____
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