Chapter Six
Friday morning Keigo was ecstatic when Ichigo told him that he was coming to the party tonight. He figured that all Ichigo needed was a little motivation to come and Hoshiko was that motivation. Ichigo however kept his word and knocked Keigo out before History class for inviting Hoshiko to such a party. As Ichigo walked into the classroom, he found Hoshiko playing with her fingers and looking deep in thought. He took a seat in the back of her and tapped her shoulder.
"Something wrong? You look like you're planning world domination." Ichigo teased as she giggled
"No, I'm just a little nervous that's all." Hoshiko replied
"Nervous about what?" Ichigo asked just as the bell rang and Sensei started class. Hoshiko turn back around in her seat to face the front. A few minutes into class Ichigo found a note placed on his desk. It was from Hoshiko. Opening it he read the contents and laughed to himself. In the note she asked him how she should dress for the party? He wrote back that she should be herself and dress comfortably. Secretly placing the note on her desk, he watched as she read his reply and started to write another message. Soon the note was back on his desk and he read that she was nervous about the whole thing. She wanted to fit in and not make a fool out of herself, but she feared she would. Ichigo tried to write something that would ease her worries, he thought about suggesting maybe they shouldn't go to the party, but he figured it might really be a good way for Hoshiko to socialize with more people. So instead he wrote she shouldn't be nervous and he would be there with her. And if the party made her uncomfortable they could leave whenever she liked. Handing her the note Ichigo smiled as she looked over her shoulder and mouthed, "Airgato." They finally paid attention to what Sensei was saying and made notes on today's lesson. After about an hour, the bell rang and all the students made their way out of class. Ichigo and Hoshiko walked out of class together but soon separated to their next class. Ichigo headed to science and sighed as Rukia was waiting for him.
"Yo," he greeted as she leaned against the wall
"When we're you planning on telling me about the party tonight?" Rukia asked
"Since when do you party?" Ichigo asked in return
"Once again I could ask you the same question, Ichigo, have you forgotten what your "duties" are? I mean I'm not saying don't have fun. But something is wrong; there hasn't been any "problems" lately. "she replied
"Didn't we have this conversation already? When a problem comes up, trust I'm ready for it. So at the moment let's just enjoy it while it lasts." Ichigo said
"Fine Ichigo, just don't let your guard down. The least you could do is practice with Renji and I later." Rukia suggested
"We can start this weekend; I told Hoshiko I would attend the party with her tonight." He replied, "Now I have to go to class and so should you." Ichigo entered his science class and couldn't help but start to think about what Rukia said. She was right there was a lack of hollows and trouble in town lately. Something was going on, but at the moment until that something was in front of him and caused him to make a move, he would enjoy just being Ichigo Kurosaki the normal teenage boy.
After school Ichigo agreed that he and Hoshiko would go their separate ways and get ready for the party. Once Ichigo was home he showered and made sure he smelled good, which wasn't something out of the normal but he made sure he smelled very good tonight. His hair was washed and body smelled like AXE body wash. Once he was done, he exited the shower and started to rummage through his closet; he was looking for something to wear, he didn't normally go to parties so he didn't have many party clothes. Deciding on a pair of washed out blue jeans, a black t-shirt, gray hoodie, and black boots he set everything out on his bed and then got dressed. When he was done, he checked his hair and rolled up his hoodie sleeves. Grabbing his keys and wallet, he made his way downstairs. Rukia was waiting impatiently at the bottom; Ichigo had told her she was not allowed in the room while he was getting ready.
"The room's all yours, sorry for the wait." Ichigo stated, Rukia huffed at him and made her way to the room. He guessed she was annoyed that he wasn't taking her along with him. But he couldn't keep an eye on Hoshiko and Rukia at the same time. Just as Ichigo put his hand on the door knob, his dad was waiting in the living room.
"Be respectful son, she's a nice girl." He commented
"I know that. I'll be back around nine." Ichigo said before leaving his house. About twenty minutes later Ichigo approached Hoshiko's door and slowly knocked. He checked his appearance in the reflection of a nearby window. Within a few moments the door opened and Ichigo's mouth dropped. Hoshiko was on the other side of the door wearing a black hoodie with cat ears, a coral knit dress, black leggings and a pair of tan boots. With her hair was up in a high ponytail, she looked adorable in Ichigo's opinion, but she still had an undeniable sexiness to her. He couldn't help but stare at her.
"I look stupid don't I?" Hoshiko groaned as she put her head down in shame. She searched her closet frantically to find something to wear, but since Ichigo said she should be herself and make sure she was comfortable. This is what she decided on.
"NO! Of course not! I think you look great. There's nothing wrong with your outfit." Ichigo replied
"Not too girly? Or silly?" she asked
"Well on me, yes. But for you it looks really nice." He replied as she blushed
"You look really nice too Ichigo." She commented
"Airgato." He smiled, "Ready to go?"
"Hai." She said walking out and closing the door behind her
"Shouldn't we say bye to your parents?" Ichigo asked
"No, they're out for dinner tonight." Hoshiko replied
"Oh okay." He said as they headed to Keigo's house. After about thirty minutes of walking, Ichigo and Hoshiko arrived at Keigo's house. Music could be heard from the outside, Ichigo wasn't sure how big of a party Keigo was having, but it couldn't be that many people, after all it was Keigo. Ichigo banged on the front door and waited to see if someone would answer. He waited a few moments and just as he was about to bang again, the door flew open and Keigo was happily on the other side. He had a couple of lipstick smudges around his cheek and neck. Ichigo was right, it was just a make out party.
"Welcome lovers," Keigo greeted, "Come on in. The party is just starting." He opened the door wider and let them walk in, "The party is in the basement." Keigo lead the way and soon Hoshiko and Ichigo were surrounded by numerous teens dancing, laughing, kissing, or making drinks at the snack table.
"Are you serious? This is a PG-13 orgy." Ichigo groaned
"Well as the night continues the rating may go up." Keigo smiled, "Help yourself to whatever you like. I'm off to find the owner of these lips." He gestured to the lipstick on his neck before he headed back on the dance floor. Ichigo sighed, he should have said no. But as he looked at Hoshiko, she seemed intrigued and happy to be there. He would put his worries aside and make sure she enjoyed herself. Hoshiko started dancing a little and Ichigo smiled, she really was adorable. Just as he was caught up in his thoughts, some guy put his hand on Hoshiko's lower back.
"Hey cutie, seen you around school. I'm glad you came here tonight, wanna have a little of my drink and dance with me for a bit?" the guy asked
"Sorry but I don't want to right now." Hoshiko replied
"You sure? Just a sip." The guy persisted, just as he was putting the drink to her lips, Ichigo grabbed Hoshiko's hand and pulled her back. Now he was in front of the guy and narrowed his eyes at him,
"She said no thanks, find another girl." Ichigo said
"Sorry Kurosaki, forgot she was yours." They guy walked off and left Ichigo and Hoshiko in an awkward situation.
"Am I…yours? What did he mean by that?" Hoshiko asked
"Of course not, you belong to yourself. I mean, he was just being a smartass. Sorry to just butt in like that but some guys don't know how to take a no." he replied, moments later he realized that he was still holding her hand. They both blushed and Ichigo quickly removed his hand, "Sorry."
"I don't mind." Hoshiko smiled
"Umm, hey lets find something to drink that hasn't been spiked." Ichigo said. Soon the two were having a good time by themselves; they were laughing and watching as others danced oddly and stumbled around the room. Ichigo was beginning to think that the party wasn't so bad; he and Hoshiko were having fun and no one was bothering them. But as luck would have it, Keigo was starting a stupid game around the room. Soon everyone was making a circle in the middle of the room. Hoshiko took Ichigo's hand and dragged him over to see what the game was about.
"I figured the best way to utilize a party in the basement is to use it properly. The first game will take place in the closet—Seven minutes of good ole heaven." Ichigo's eyes widened as Keigo picked up a soda bottle and placed it in the middle of the circle, "We'll do this spin the bottle style; you spin the bottle and the person it lands on is the person you go in the closet with." Ichigo's mind was racing, what the hell was wrong with Keigo? This game could only cause trouble, he didn't want to go in a closet with some girl at the party and he sure as hell didn't want Hoshiko to end up in the closet with some guy. The game started and already two teens happily raced into the closet, Keigo was the door man for the game. He kept track of the seven minutes and made sure no one tried to back out. As five minutes passed, the next person spun the bottle. Ichigo was nervous as Hoshiko was next to spin. He wanted to drag her out of the party as thoughts of same guy trying to kiss her and feel up her passed his mind. Time was moving too fast as already Hoshiko stood up and spun the bottle. Most of the guys watched the bottle like wolves watched a lamb. Hoshiko was fresh meat and many thought she needed to be broken in. Ichigo was holding his breath as the bottle slowed down and landed on,
"Ichigo!" a guy groaned
"Lucky bastard."
"I call a do over." Hoshiko ignored the comments as she smiled at Ichigo. Keigo walked over and grabbed Ichigo by his arm, pulling him and Hoshiko toward the closet.
"Come on kiddies, closet times." Keigo stated as he pushed them inside and started to slowly count them down. Ichigo sighed, everything happened so fast. He was so busy being afraid that Hoshiko would end up in the closet with another guy that he never thought about what would happen if he ended up in the closet with her.
"Ichigo," Hoshiko took him out of his thoughts
"Yeah." He said
"What exactly do we do in here? I was happy to spin the bottle but I'm not really sure what happens in here." She asked
"Well it's called seven minutes in heaven because two people go into a closet for seven minutes and make out or whatever." Ichigo replied
"Are we suppose to make out?" Hoshiko asked
"No! We don't have to do anything." He stated abruptly, "I mean, it's just a game. We can just talk or stay quiet and wait till the time is up. Or I could threaten Keigo to…" Ichigo stopped his babbling as she tip toed up to him and placed a light kiss in his lips. Ichigo was caught off guard, the idea of Hoshiko kissing him was far from his mind. But she did. After a few moments Hoshiko moved away and smiled nervously at him.
"Gomenasi, Ichigo. I didn't mean to offend you, it's just that…." It was Hoshiko's turn to be caught off guard; Ichigo placed his hands on either side of her face and leaned down to her. Pressing his lips against hers, he began to kiss her passionately. A kiss that he had been holding in for too long. Soon Hoshiko was responding and kissing him back. Ichigo lost track of time, he was so indulged in the moment that nothing else mattered. Even as Keigo was about to open the door, all Ichigo did was lock it from the inside,
"Ichigo we should let the others in." Hoshiko commented through parted lips. Ichigo knew she was right, but the feeling of Hoshiko's lips against his was something that he craved for so long. Yet, he knew that everyone outside was going to question them as if they didn't already know what was going on. Slowly Ichigo pulled away from her and sighed, he let his teenaged hormones get the better of him. He was suppose to be level headed and not act like a normal teenage boy. Not knowing what to say to her, he just unlocked the door and wasn't surprised to find Keigo and a few others waiting for them. Ichigo walked out followed by a blushing Hoshiko.
"Should I ask?" Keigo teased, "Hey guys the door is unstuck. Be careful with it, it gets locked easily." Ichigo looked at him a little surprised, "Don't worry man, what happens in the closet stays in the closet. But I want details later."
"Thanks man." Ichigo said, looking at the time, he decided it would be best for him to take Hoshiko home before anything else happened, "Thanks for the party Keigo, try not to get into too much trouble."
"Same to you friend." Keigo replied. Ichigo and Hoshiko made their way back upstairs and left Keigo's house. It was very awkward walking down the street, neither of them knew what to say. Hoshiko felt bad because she kissed him first and Ichigo blamed himself for turning a simple peck into something more. Time went by until Hoshiko couldn't take it anymore.
"Gomensi Ichigo." She said
"What are you sorry about?" Ichigo asked as they stopped walking
"I shouldn't have kissed you, I just felt like it was something….that…..well," Hoshiko stumbled for words as she couldn't look at him
"Hoshiko, don't say sorry for something I did. I feel bad about taking your small gesture and making it into so much more," he commented, as he gently touched her chin and made her look at him, "But I'm not sorry for you kissing me. I really like you, I try to just be friends with you, but I think the closer I get to you the more I realize I can't just be your friend. I think the closet proves me right." Letting go of her chin, he nervously shoved his hands in his pockets and waited for her to say something. He feared she would rethink what happened and say it was just a friendly kiss. Perhaps this is why he never dated; the fear of rejection was more intimidating than Kenpachi looking for him. Slowly Hoshiko was taking in everything he said.
"I really like you too Ichigo. You shouldn't be sorry for liking someone. " She finally said, Ichigo felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. He wanted to kiss her again, but wasn't sure if he should. After all, Hoshiko was the first girl he actually pursued. More questions popped in his head, but he decided he would ask her another day. After a few moments they both started walking again and soon found themselves outside of Hoshiko's house.
"Airgato for walking me home Ichigo." Hoshiko said, "I'll see you….soon?"
"Definitely, goodnight Hoshiko." Ichigo replied
"Goodnight, Ichigo." She turned to open her door, but suddenly Ichigo leaned his head down and brushed his lips against hers, slipping his hands around her waist to pull her closer. The kiss lasted for a few minutes until Ichigo pulled away and smiled at her, "Gomenasi….."
"Don't say sorry." Hoshiko smiled kissing him on the cheek and saying another goodbye. Ichigo watched as she entered her house, he was feeling so many emotions at the same time. There was so much he still wanted to ask Hoshiko, but at the moment he was happy just knowing she liked him too.
