I know I shouldn't be writing another story, but I can't just resist this one. This story is based on another series I recently watched, Ano Hana. You guys should definitely check that out. (But you'll have to watch with tissues by your side 'cause that show's really heartbreaking.)
Well, here goes~
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and the characters in this story.
Rated T for some swearing.
You and the end of summer and the dreams of the future
And our big hope, I won't forget them.
"IIICHIIIIGOOOOO! GOOD MORNI—"
A roundhouse kick. That was all it took to shut up his old man who was making such a loud fuss in the early morning. He wanted to sleep more, but his father enthusiastically barged into his room and tried to get him up for school.
Fuck.
He forgot today was the start of a new semester. Time seemed to have moved in a blur since the day she disappeared. She was the center of his world. She was the sunshine after the rain. She was the warmth during cold winters. But she was gone, and he couldn't do so much about that.
So, it's already been ten years, huh? He thought inwardly. Ichigo Kurosaki stood up from his bed and decided to get ready for the day. He'd rather stay home or work at his part-time, but he had to leave home so that he wouldn't remember her.
As if it was simple to forget about Inoue Orihime.
"Ne, Ichigo. Do you like Inoue?"
Ichigo trudged his way to school with his usual scowl in place. Students scampered away when he walked and it didn't really bother him. After all, when you have orange hair, a scowling face, and a temper to match, you're bound to walk into trouble every once in a while.
He met with Keigo and Mizuiro on his way to class, the former eager to greet Ichigo after a month of not seeing each other during summer vacation.
"Ichigoooo~"
"Shut up, Keigo," he scowled and planted his fist on his friend's face.
"Mou! You're so grumpy! Didn't you get a proper la—" Ichigo yanked Keigo's collar, instantly cutting off whatever he had to say.
"Shut up. Say one more word and I'll throw you out the window," he snarled, releasing Keigo a moment later and walked pass the brown haired teen.
"I advise to keep the teasing low for today, Asano-san?" Mizuiro said, walking over Keigo's beaten form on the ground without glancing up from his phone.
Keigo looked at the other teen, brow scrunched together. "What do you mean?"
"It's been ten years, right? Ever since she went away." Mizuiro answered, glancing at Ichigo's retreating figure before going back to his phone. "I'm surprised he even went to school today."
"What are you talking about, Mizuiro?"
Mizuiro glanced at Keigo,"I never thought you'd forget that, Asano-san. It's been ten years since Inoue-san died."
Keigo stayed quiet for the rest of the day.
"Who would like someone as ugly as—"
Ichigo drowned out the voice around him. He hadn't paid any attention to all the lectures and just wanted to go home. He didn't even know why he kept coming to school since he knew, deep down, that he wouldn't see her again in their classroom. He wouldn't be able to hear her laughter or see her smile or even glimpse at the tears she tried so hard to hide. He kept pushing that hopeful feeling out, drowning it with what ifs and could have's.
He looked out the window and down at the other students at the track. A flash of auburn caught his eyes, making his breath hitch. It just couldn't be, he thought. He blinked and sure enough, the auburn color was gone. He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. I'm becoming pathetic.
When class had finished, Ichigo stood abruptly and said his goodbyes to Mizuiro and Keigo. He was out in the courtyard when he heard someone call his name. He turned around and was met by a short girl with short black hair and intense violet eyes.
"What is it, Rukia?" he asked, his face indifferent as ever.
"How have you been? You didn't keep in touch during the summer," she answered, her eyes as intense as he last saw her.
He shrugged. "It's not like I've been gone for long."
"You're right. It was only a month, anyway. But that doesn't mean you get to cut us off. Tatsuki was worried, and Chad was too! Even Ishida—"
"I don't care. Look, Rukia, whatever it is, I don't care. You guys can do whatever you want. I'm fine being on my own," he answered, his face remaining impassive despite the feelings welling up inside him.
Rukia shook her head. "This isn't like you, Ichigo. It's already been ten years. Why don't you let it go? Why won't you let her go?"
She was desperate. Rukia hated seeing Ichigo so withdrawn. He was such a carefree child back then—their leader. They'd follow him everywhere; do whatever and everything he'd say. Even Ishida, his long-time rival, would submit to whatever it was he would suggest. For some reason, it hurt her to think he would never be the same Ichigo they all knew. And it hurt her the most, seeing he'd never be able to get over her.
Ichigo's fist clenched around the strap of his bag, his eyes hardening. "No. I won't forget. Not today, not ever. I will never forget the day I failed to save her, that day when I killed Inoue."
She smiled at him, that sweet smile like sunshine and flowers and everything so pure. Seeing that sweet, hesitant smile made him feel guilty. So he ran. He just never thought that she'd follow him.
Ichigo lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Books and homework lay forgotten on his desk. How could he concentrate when she was on his mind? When her smile kept replaying itself on his thoughts? He scoffed at himself.
"Tch. Lame, Ichigo," he berated himself for being in this state even after years of her departure. He draped his arm over his face, blocking off the light from the ceiling.
"You're wrong! I don't think Kurosaki-kun is lame!"
His eyes snapped open at the loudness and clearness of the voice. Of course, he'd know that tone even in his sleep. But that's not…
"You shouldn't think so low of yourself, Kurosaki-kun! I think you're the best!" There goes the voice again. It sounded so close, like it was coming from beside his bed.
He sat up and faced his left side, only to meet large grey eyes and a smile that could rival the sun. Ichigo's mouth hung open, words leaving him and thoughts clearing his mind. His stress might have caused him hallucinations now that he's starting to see things. For there, right at his bedside, stood an auburn-haired teen wearing a yellow sundress.
"I-Inoue?"
I believe that we will meet,
In August 10 years later.
A/N: BOOYAAAHH. I never thought I'd write an IchiHime version of Ano Hana and I hope you guys like this one. And yes, this one's definitely going to be as sad as the series, and, I guess, heartbreaking as well. I should be finishing Her Heart with just a couple more chapters, so I hope you'd stick around.
Drop a review? Mwuah~
