Hello! I'm Rinusagitora, but you can just call me Rin. This is my first multi-chapter story in the Bleach fandom, so I'm rather excited! This story will be eight chapters long, but this is the shortest chapter. I'll be publishing a chapter every Friday... hopefully. But I'll shut up now and let you read. Enjoy!

Crush One: My Crush's Secret

My crush, the animal caretaker, was an exchange student and latchkey kid; The rumor my classmates fixated on was that he walked home all alone.

All assembled under the summer sky, we said our last goodbye of July, and, wanting to talk with him some, I followed him on his way home. Past his house, along the river, through a grove of trees... buying ice cream at the candy store- just where are you going? On a vacant lot on a hill, overlooking the town, having followed my crush, I witnessed his secret.

XXX

I glanced up in the last few minutes of homeroom. Just a few meters away from me, nose buried in a book, was our animal caretaker, and my crush- Hitsugaya Toushirou.

Toushirou was an exchange student from Tokyo. He transferred here at the beginning of last year's first term. Recently, (seven months ago to be exact) his parents died in an accident back in his home city. He now lives alone in an apartment off of his impressive inheritance. He was gruff, radically honest, easily annoyed, and perhaps a little too serious, but I thought it just added to his charm. He was incredibly motivated and intelligent for a latchkey kid; it was hard not to get a crush on him, as so many other girls in the school had.

I knew I hadn't a prayer against the prettier, more popular girls, but that didn't mean I didn't want to at least try to become his friend. And I was going to do exactly that! Today was the last day of school before summer break, so I was going to talk to him on his way home. And lucky for me, he tended to walk alone.

"Alright everyone! We've got an assembly outside. The principal is going to make a short speech and then you can come back here, grab your things, and go home. Let's get going!" Our homeroom teacher neatly gathered her things and we followed her through the halls. A few meters ahead of me was my crush, looking rather bored.

"Hey, do you guys ever wonder why Hitsugaya-san walks home alone?" I heard a girl whisper from behind me.

"Yeah me too. I mean, a cute guy like him oughtta like company. Instead he's kind of mean and boring." Another one whispered.

"Hey, he's not mean or boring!" A third girl defended.

That's what made up most of the rumors about Hitsugaya Toushirou- why he walked home alone. Technically, it wasn't a big deal. But preteen gossip took everything seriously. It wasn't at all odd to me, he seemed to enjoy solitude rather than human company. But it was undeniable that he was cute; with those striking turquoise eyes, his wild, white hair, and his rather lanky stature.

I didn't listen to a single word the principal said during the assembly. I just stared at Toushirou from the corner of my eye. He was on the edge of his row, partially blocked by the guy to his side. He stood there military style; eyes forward, rigid posture, listening to every word intently. He was so cool!

I deflated when I again realized how little of a chance I had with him. He was the handsome prince, and I was the dirty, tomboyish peasant. He'd never like me! But there was no way I'd back down! I had to at least have a short conversation with him.

After the assembly we returned to class.

"So, what are you doing over summer break?" Midori, an acquaintance that I occasionally hung out with, questioned me as we packed our bags.

"Don't know," I answered honestly. I was only really interested in soccer and video games, and I didn't have too many people I considered friends. In fact, I had one person I considered my friend: my older brother.

"Alright Hitsugaya, take good care of Madoka for us okay?" Our homeroom teacher said cheerfully. I looked up and saw her handing Toushirou a cage with our classroom's pet hamster, Madoka.

"Hai, I'll take good care of her." Toushirou said blandly. Adjusting the cage in his arms, he headed out the door.

Now was my chance!

"Later Midori! I've got to get home!" I said and took off, ignoring her as she asked me to call her. I swung my bag over my shoulder, ignoring the noisy clatter of my belongings. I discreetly followed Toushirou through the halls, feeling much like a stalker. He crossed the street once we were outside and walked down the sidewalk. I acted natural, like the few kids around us. Once they dispersed and went their own way and it was just Toushirou and me, I felt a lot like a creep. It seemed he didn't notice me though, only adjusting the cage occasionally.

Finally, he walked into an apartment complex. Room 103... I'd have to remember that for later. Conveniently, there was a park across the street.

Suddenly, Toushirou emerged from his apartment, still wearing his backpack. I hid before he saw me and continued following him. We walked to the outskirts of town, along the river for awhile, then through a grove of trees. Had he honestly not noticed me yet?! We were completely alone, and it wasn't like I was trying to hide my presence!

I ducked behind a bush as Toushirou went into an open-air shack. He returned a moment later with a paper bag fisted in one hand and the other tucked into his pocket. He walked a little longer down the dirt road until he came to a hill.

Just where are you going Toushirou? I thought as he ran up the grass-covered mound. I followed as quietly as possible, hiding in the tall, golden wheat grass. Atop the hill was a vacant lot with a beautiful view overlooking the town and the sunset. I gasped as a sea salt ice cream bar was thrown into the air.

Constructive criticism is always welcome. I hope to see you next week!