"I love you!"
He stood there, panting, right in front of her, yet so far away.
The words made her breath catch in her throat.
She spun around suddenly, nearly tripping.
For a moment, their eyes met.
She saw so much emotion.
So much memories they had made together, so many times had he saved her.
He believed in her when no one else would.
All she gave him was a small smile, but they both knew she understood.
Then, just as suddenly as she came, she disappeared.
He felt something pulling at his finger.
Looking down on it, he swore he saw a little red string, winding up and away into the sky.
He turned to go, but a little, barely audible voice in the wind stopped him.
"I love you, too..."
He went with a smile.
The'd meet again, Ichigo knew it. The red string of fate was still there.
One day, he and Rukia would meet again.