Zakuro was walking through the park after another photo shoot. It was getting cloudy and she knew it would rain soon. But being the inquisitive person she had brought an umbrella in case.
It had been a hard day today; she had been shooting a dance movie called "Dream" it was about a middle class student who rebels against her parents dream to become a doctor and joins a dance academy. Already she had been forced to change her diet to become more toned and energetic. It was tiring but she was used to it in order to play big roles that were important.
Suddenly she heard a crying sound nearby; it was very faint but it was definitely real. Who the voice belonged to she had no idea but she would find out.
"Hello?" she called loudly. She was worried that this person may be hurt or it could be a lost child who had been separated from their parents. No answer came but the crying continued so she began to look around to see who the sound belonged to.
She wondered through the woods looking up at the sky; the clouds were growing darker and rumbles could be heard from above. There was no doubt it would rain soon and she would have to get home before it did.
"Is anybody there? I heard you crying" Zakuro called firmly trying to get the person's attention. This person sounded distressed and she wanted to help them and see if they were unharmed.
Eventually she came to a clearing where she found a bench in front of a lake. She was surprised to see Ichigo sitting there with her face in her hands sobbing.
"Ichigo what are you doing out here?" Zakuro asked worriedly.
"Zakuro-san" Ichigo sniffed tearfully her eyes red and puffy.
Zakuro became worried; Ichigo hardly ever cried unless it was due to stress, family issues, being bullied by Mint or because Kisshu was harassing her.
She hurried to her side worriedly "Are you ok? What happened?" Zakuro asked in a concerned tone.
Ichigo bowed her head "Aoyama-kun he..." she said quietly her voice thick as she tried to hold back her tears.
Zakuro's eyes widened and her heart began to beat fast; she knew Ichigo liked Masaya but often times he hurt her by acting cold, distant and hitting on other girls.
"What did he do Ichigo? Tell me!" Zakuro demanded firmly. She wanted to get to the bottom of whatever was wrong and make that bastard pay for his sins.
"HE STOOD ME UP! Ichigo cried bitterly and broke into fresh tears again.
Zakuro's eyes widened in shock and she stood still unable to speak. He had just left her here ALONE and never even bothered to make an appearance?!
Ichigo was weeping hard her body arching as sobs erupted from her throat and tears poured like a waterfall into her hands. Some even splashed through her fingers and hit her knees.
She was tired of hurting like this; tired of being played with; tired of always being the one to be pushed aside by those she liked. Why was it so hard for her to find a loyal love interest?
Zakuro's eyes became solemn and yet gentle; she sat beside Ichigo and placed a hand on her shoulder "Ichigo-san?" she said gently.
Ichigo carried on weeping; she wanted to stop and acknowledge her but her heart hurt so much. She wanted to release the pain inside of her that was causing so much grief in her life.
"Ichigo let me help you" Zakuro said tenderly with a gentle tone. She could see Ichigo was unhappy and she wanted to help her in any way she could.
Ichigo wiped her eyes wanting to get rid of the tears. She would look so uncute now with big poufy red sacks under her eyes. She looked down at her lap sadly; how could things turn out this way?
Zakuro sighed heavily and sat next to Ichigo. She could see it would need some firmer words and more forward body language to get Ichigo to listen.
"Ichigo I know it hurts; but I promise there is someone out there who loves you dearly" She reassured her in a caring tone. She had been very fond of Ichigo for a while and often wished that Ichigo would realize her attraction for her; but for now she would have to make Ichigo aware of this with subtleness.
Ichigo gazed at Zakuro in awe; she was such a strong person and always had great advice. She often wished she could be as brave and confident as she was. She smiled weakly "Thanks Zakuro that means a lot" she said appreciatively.
Zakuro smiled at her affectionately wishing Ichigo would realize her feelings. Bu she was still happy that she had managed to heal the pain in Ichigo's heart.
"I think you ought to come back to my place Ichigo" Zakuro said thoughtfully eyeing her up and down.
"Eh?!" Ichigo cried in shock. She was grateful for Zakuro's kindness but she wasn't wanting to get that friendly.
"Well unless you wanna catch cold in those wet clothes" Zakuro pointed slyly with a cheeky smile.
Ichigo blinked and then looked down at her partially see-through and soaked clothes. She cried out in shock and covered herself up. She had been so busy crying she hadn't noticed her clothes.
"Here" Zakuro said handing her the jacket she had been wearing. It was rather mild but she would rather give Ichigo decency that let her walk around like this.
"Thanks" Ichigo said shyly. She couldn't look her in the eyes knowing she had basically seen almost everything through her clothes.
Later
Ichigo and Zakuro were sat in a cab going back to her place. It was once in a rare moment that Zakuro took cans as she liked to walk for exercise but today she was taking one to save Ichigo some decency.
Zakuro had her legs crossed and was staring out of the window with her hand rested under her chin. She was looking at the view outside while secretly taking glances at Ichigo.
Ichigo was staring at her lab with a large blush on her cheeks. She still felt awkward around Zakuro due to her see-through clothes. However she was grateful for her kindness after all that had happened.
"So are you going to dump him?" Zakuro asked bluntly with a stern tone.
"Eh?" Ichigo asked curiously. She hadn't been paying attention so she had no idea what she was talking about.
"Aoyama-kun; are you going to dump him?" Zakuro asked again. She didn't want Ichigo to be with a guy who only hurt her and used her for his own personal gain.
Ichigo bowed her head and shrugged. While she was hurt about what Masaya had done; there was probably a reason for it. Maybe he forgot; maybe he had work; maybe he had kendo practice but had forgotten to call.
Zakuro became annoyed "How can you stay with that guy?! He mistreats you and even makes fun of you!" she snapped crossly.
"Because...I love him" Ichigo said quietly. She would do anything for Aoyama-kun even if it meant she would be hurting the most.
Zakuro felt a sharp pain in her chest; it hurt her to know that no matter what she did for Ichigo Masaya was always on her mind. She wished she could make him disappear so she could finally have Ichigo to herself.
"He doesn't deserve you" Zakuro said coldly. She could treat Ichigo much better than Masaya did; and never make her cry unless she was happy.
"It's not like I can find my soul mate; the person who would have been beside me all along. Those are just fairytales" Ichigo laughed awkwardly.
"Never say never" Zakuro said slyly and gave Ichigo a cheeky smirk.
Ichigo and Zakuro stared at each other; a feeling of awkwardness and yet tension surrounding the pair. The car started up again and drove through the lights to which Ichigo looked away and turned towards her window feeling nervous.