A/N: Scrapped the original idea and going for a completely new direction.
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'You can't tell me a reason… after all this time?'
Ichigo was stunned. How could he say anything to this girl? Of course he wants her to stay. No doubt about it. But was it risking all they had?
'Rukia…' He frowned. What did she want him to say?
'You know how we both feel about each other. So why can't you say it?!' Tears were starting to form. Her voice was wavering, losing all composition she had.
The mist started to disappear, it was almost 7 AM.
He started walking towards her, wanting more than anything to close the distance she was setting between them.
She backed up, shaking her head and folding her arms.
'It's too late, Ichigo. I'm leaving.'
'Wait.'
'What Ichigo? Do you understand what's happening right now? You might never see me again, and you are willing to leave it like this?'
'I can't.. I can't risk our friendship.'
'Say it.'
Whatever Rukia wants, Ichigo complies. He got her rare flowers for her birthday, he drove her through the entire country to see her brother when he was sick and most of all, he loved her because she wanted him to (though she never said to).
'Rukia.'
He embraced her, his shirt instantly getting soaked from the tears.
'Say it already, baka.'
'I love you.'