It was the last week of high school. It was supposed to be the most exciting week of the year. The week where the 4th years got to skip class, got to go out and hang out with their friends and do the crazy things that Seventeen and Eighteen year olds did at our age.

However, I took the opportunity to stay in school. It wasn't because of the fact that I liked school; in fact, I couldn't wait to leave it. The constant nagging of teachers, the endless amount of homework that being a 4th Year brought on, the early bedtimes and the scrambling to cram in studying in order to get a decent grade on that exam that you waited until the night before to study for. In fact, the only reason why I stayed until today was because in order to play in the final soccer tournament of my High School career, I had to stay, at least until today.

I was getting antsy, my feet rapidly tapping on the floor as I every so often glanced at the big clock toward the right side of the room. I was prepared and everything; raven locks tied up in its usual bun, clad in my red soccer uniform, my well broken into cleats staying together just barely. I reminded myself to buy a new pair before I headed out to college in the fall.

College.

It was a familiar, yet unfamiliar, term for me. While Yuzu was headed across the country to a prestigious culinary, I was headed to a college that allowed me a full ride because of Soccer on the condition that I played for their team. Though their team wasn't the greatest, or most organized, it was enough for me to be okay with it. I completely renovated the Soccer team here during my four years at Karakura High; how hard could it be to do the same at a University? Of course, that might be my overconfidence speaking but hey, it could happen, right…?

Ding!

I was so lost in my thoughts about college that I hadn't noticed that the bell had rung until the scrambling of feet echoed the hallways and suddenly I was the only one sitting there. With swift movement, I quickly got out of my seat, grabbing my bag and rushing out of the door.

It was here.

The last day of my High School career.

It felt so refreshing realizing that it came to this moment, the one moment that I was running through the halls with the biggest grin on my face, that I was free from the contract that Karakura High had on me. There was nothing stopping me now from telling the school "See Ya!" and heading out to finally get out into the world.

However, as I approached the field, I realized that I wasn't quite done yet. I had a game to win, and right now it was what I was focused on. Our final match to be crowned champions was against Tokyo Central, who was undefeated. Many didn't think we stood a chance but, of course, being me, I was determined to prove everyone wrong. Tonight, I was going to walk home with that trophy or die trying. It was going to be a very close game and, as I met the other soccer players, seeing their slightly worried expressions on their faces, they were already anticipating defeat. With a smile on my face, I gathered them up to try and get some of that game spirit into their souls. As Captain of the Karakura High Soccer team, I had to give them hope, get them going.

It was weird, playing this last game with them. I was going to miss these guys. These 17 other players, who were with me since my 1st year, all grown up, just like me, gearing up to graduate with me. It was a bittersweet moment, but it was also going to be great. We were going to go out in our last Hoorah to let our opponents remember us for sure.

On my way to the group, my eye suddenly caught something and, turning to my left, saw a flash of white, followed by an all too familiar reiatsu. With my dark eyes widening, I connected gazes with the one man I hadn't seen in so long.

Toshiro Hitsugaya.

It wasn't very long though. Ice blue eyes locked with mine and, with what looked like a small smile, he was gone. Just like that.

I blinked, then blinked again.

What the hell just happened?

Did that really happen?

Nah, it couldn't have. I bet I was too hyped up on the upcoming game that I was imagining him here. To be honest, it had been so long since I've seen him, and I knew that he liked soccer to the point that I was just imagining him wishing me good luck.

Shaking out of my thoughts, I headed over to the group, my game face on, as I brought around the game board.

"Hey, guys! Last game for the year! So here's the plan…"

"What a way to go out!"

Later on that night, we gathered at the pizzeria where we celebrated with our usual: A meat lovers and a veggie supreme pizza special. The game had indeed been close, as we predicted, but we had came out as the victors of the game.

"Did you see the look of Daoshika's face when Mishi swept the ball from underneath her face?" Our goalie, Tsubaki, commented with a snicker before taking a bite of her slice.

"It was so funny! I didn't even think I could do that, either," Mishi replied, glass of water in hand. "I just dove into it. I wasn't even thinking about it. Her face was priceless though. Someone should of taken a picture of it!"

The whole table roared with laughter as we finished up our food. We finished up the game with a 3-2 game with three seconds to spare. We honestly didn't think we'd take out the undefeated school, but with enough determination, we were able to do the impossible.

"That winning shot was amazing, Karin! You're playing Soccer for the University you're going to, right? You just gotta!" Our offensive player, Kai, spoke.

"Pfft! Of course I will! I wouldn't give it up for the world," I answered as I finished up my slice.

"You know, this was our last game together," Mishi spoke up, and for a moment it got silent. Until…

"We have to promise to keep at least in contact with one another," I spoke up, not liking the sudden feeling of depression that had entered the room. Everyone agreed and, as we stood up to leave, we all exchanged numbers and addresses to our rooms we were to stay in the upcoming school year.

"See you later, Karin!"

"Bright and early on Saturday for rehearsal for the ceremony!"

"See ya!" I replied, waving to the others before I headed back home. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as memories of the last few hours ran through my head. It was a good way to end the year; the victory ensuring that if I put my mind to it, we can do it.

As I rounded the corner to the Clinic, I picked up on a reiatsu and instantly froze.

A hollow? But where?

I didn't waste any time. Hurriedly, I ran home, eager to get there to protect Yuzu and dad before the Hollow had its chance to be there. Ichigo wasn't home anymore after moving out, so the job to exterminate hollows had been left to the shinigami assigned to protect Karakura. However, that person must of not been there because there was no sign of them.

And then.. just like that, the Hollow's reiatsu was gone.

"Eh?"

Looking around, I didn't sense the hollow anymore. It was as if it just… vanished.

Not questioning it, I slowed down my pace, out of breath as I walked home. However, my break would be short lived because at that moment, the hollow burst through the house and, with its big fist, slammed me head first into the nearly wall on the other side of street.

"Ugh!"

I was definitely sore, that was for sure. And, as I held my side, my hand covered with blood, I knew that I had been wounded. Not too bad, I decided, but enough to slow me down just a bit. Gathering up my reiatsu, I grabbed a soccer ball in my bag and, with a kick, aimed it for the hollow's gut. If it was weak, it would cause significant damage.

However, all the ball did was become a baseball for the hollow as it just swatted it away.

"Dammit!"

The hollow was fast approaching to where I was and, now pinned to a tight corner, had nowhere to run. Closing my eyes, I braced myself for the finishing blow.

Just as I heard the fist swing….. It stopped.

What?

Opening up my dark eyes, they then widened as I saw the familiar white Haori, along with the snow white locks of one very familiar person.

Toshiro.

Whoo! I got in the first actual chapter other than the prologue, which is super exciting. Hopefully you guys are enjoying it so far! This would be my first fanfiction in such a long time, and I really do adore this ship with a passion. Please feel free to leave me a review, feedback is much appreciated! Thank you so much, and happy reading~!