Chapter 1

"As strange as it sounds, I like you. I've always like you, Ichigo," Ryou spoke staring intently at the picture of Ichigo on his desk. He groaned loudly and rubbed at his eyes. He could tell a picture of the girl the truth, but when it came to facing her, nothing ever seemed to come out. "I am the epitome of an idiot," he scowled at himself. His room had become rather messy, with papers spread all over. Ryou wasn't accustomed to such things. He liked having everything in a proper place, but lately it had been hard to settle his mind enough to clean things up. He stood up and looked at himself in the mirror, running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to let go all of the nervous energy. With a deep breath, he stepped out to have his tea time with Mint down in the café.

"Hello, Ryou," Mint smiled as he came into view.

Ryou's eyes flicked up to hers, a hint of s smile gracing his features as he sat across from her, "Good afternoon, Mint."

"Some tea?" she asked, already moving to pour him s cup. She studied him from beneath her lashes. Mint had always admired Ryou's good looks and today she felt he looked as handsome as always, although she'd never tell a soul of her ever-growing feelings for the blonde boy.

"Please," he responded. It had been several months ago, when they had started having tea together. One day, he'd simply come down and asked to join her and then next time she invited him. Since then, they always seemed to find each other for their afternoon tea.

"Milk or sugar?" They always had a good time together, speaking about various things. She would always leave with a smile on her face and in such a good mood that she even found herself helping Ichigo around the café. Very surprising for the rest of the girls to witness Mint take orders with a smile and serve their customers with a spring in her graceful steps.

"None as usual. Now, tell me," he tilted his head curiously at her, "Is it true?"

"Hmm," she passed him his cup, "Is what true?"

He leaned forward with a whisper of a smirk and arch on his brow, "A little birdie told me that you've actually been doing some work, Mint."

She giggled, "Have I?"

Ichigo hearing the giggle, turned towards the two, narrowing her eyes at sight, "It's tea time," she grumbled, "Great."

"What's so bad about it?" Zakuro asked.

Startled at her voice, Ichigo flushed and turned away, "Nothing!" Ichigo hadn't noticed her feelings for the stubborn boy until she saw him with Mint. Before she'd realized it, jealousy had spread quickly as she watched them talking, laughing, smiling together. Shirogane paying so much attention to another woman, had upset her so much. She'd find herself not being able to let go of the gnawing feeling in her chest. She couldn't deny it to herself anymore or Aoyama-kun. Remembering the day her relationship ended still stung, especially giving the reaction of her now ex-boyfriend. Aoyama-kun had yelled at her in a rage. The outburst had been completely unlike the gentle and kind boy she had known him to be. Still, even after their dramatic break-up, Aoyama-kun had called her and apologized for his behavior. She'd accepted his apology, but not his request for friendship. She had thought it was best to keep her distance for a while after his angered frenzy. Still, even if she had the courage to let go of Aoyama-kun, it was all a moot point if her feelings never reached her boss, as it seemed, she was quite certain Shirogane hated her.

"Strawberry!" Ryou yelled, snapping her from her thoughts, "What are you doing just standing there? Get back to work!"

Mint laughed, "Work hard, Ichigo."

"Shut up!" she yelled back, "I am working! And don't call me strawberry! Stupid Shirogane!" In reality, she loved the nickname Shirogane had given her. It was the only thing that made her feel close to him, if only a bit. She loved the fact that he was the only one who called her that. She scrunched up her face at the two of them. Shirogane was a fool! A fool that definitely hated her.

As the day went by, everything was the same. As always. Ichigo had to stay behind and work late. As always, he would stay with her and watch her to make sure she made no mistakes or, so he claimed. The truth was he just wanted to be alone with his strawberry. Even though he didn't want them having a fight over everything he couldn't help it but have it that way. He didn't know how to change the way they talked to each other. He wished he could actually have a conversation with the girl instead of a fight.

Today something was different. He was determined to have at least a small conversation. One where they actually talked to each other and not yelled. Even if it was short. He wanted to have at least one.

"Hey, strawberry-"

"What spot did I miss now?" she snapped.

Ryou swallowed hard, "Uh no, I was wondering," he sighed, "forget it." He looked away from her, his nerves getting the better of him. He was being foolish. What made him think she even wanted to talk to him.

Ichigo quirked a brow, "Hmm? Come on Shirogane, tell me."

He cringed and looked away, "I forgot," the speech he had prepared left his mind in a hurry, leaving his head blank as his anxiety when up a notch.

"You forgot? Or you just don't want to tell me?"

Shoot! He had to think of something quick. What could he even ask her about? TV? Stocks? Physics? No, none of them seemed right. He needed to think of something normal. "I was just wondering," he started, "Who your favorite artist might be?" he let out a breath as the words came out. Relieved that he settled on something acceptable.

"Oh," Ichigo gave him a confused look, "Well, if you really want to know…" she trailed off.

"I do," he encouraged.

"Right," she nodded, "I guess I've mostly been listening to Rihanna and Alicia Keys these days." She bit her lip as she watched him curiously. She'd never expected that Ryou would ask her about any of her interests and she couldn't help feeling a bit awkward, especially as she noticed his rigid posture, "How about you? Who's your favorite.

Ryou's eyebrows had shot up at her response. He hadn't thought of the question in a music sense, having instead come up with a list of painters and sculptors they could discuss, but he was certain he could make this work. "Ever heard of Breaking Benjamin?" The uncertainty clear in his voice, annoying him to no end. Where was the cool and collected Ryou when he needed him?

"No, not really, so what type of music do they sing?" she asked.

"I believe they classify as hard rock," he licked his lips nervously, "A lot of what I listen to is in the rock genre."

"I see," she nodded, beginning to wrack her brain for any band she could think of that he might know, "Do you like Fall Out Boy?"

He shrugged, "They're ok."

Silence ensued as both, kept their eyes turned from each other. Ichigo staring at her own feet, unsure of how to continue and Ryou looking off to the left in contemplation, before turning back to her.

"Ichigo?"

"Yes?" she said, her eyes shooting up to him

"You missed a spot," he smirked. Sure, it had been short and awkward, but it counted and Ryou was satisfied with his venture.

She looked at him and laughed, "Then why don't you get off your butt and help me?"

Ryou's face looked surprise, as he had been pretty sure his comment would've resulted in fight instead of the gift of her laughter. He tiled his head, "I could do that," he agreed with a grin, "But I've got a better idea, how about you clean it right and then I won't have to."

She threw her broom at him and crossed her arms, failing to look fully affronted as a hint of a smile traced her lips, " Mr. Ryou Shirogane, are you really that lazy?" She couldn't believe her luck as Ryou chuckled. They were joking, talking, laughing together and she could feel the butterflies in her stomach flutter with happiness at this unique moment.

He stood, with the broom in his hand, "Fine," he huffed as he began to sweep and Ichigo almost broke into a cheer as she rushed to get another broom to join him.

Ichigo returned, standing silently for a moment, before pulling all her courage together and making a swift decision. If she was ever going to get anywhere with her boss, she had to be honest and this moment gave her bravery, maybe it wasn't such a far-fetched idea that he could return her feelings.

"Ryou?"

He paused and turn to face her, "Yeah?"

"I like you."