Wow...it's been such a long time since I've actually written down a chapter that's been swimming in my head for a while. :D I'm sorry, but I've just been so busy lately...I might update more if people enjoy this story. That means I would love to hear your comments and reviews ;)

~Kuro-chan


Chapter Eight: Soccer

Hinamori refused to meet Karin's gaze as she felt the hot blush starting to creep up on her cheeks. "W-what? Shi-Shiro-chan? He's my best friend since we were little." She began to hurry her pace towards the soccer stadium while Karin trained behind her with a raised eyebrow.

"You didn't really answer my question, Momo-chan. Do you like Toshirou-kun or not? It's a yes or no question so you can't really answer 'He's my best friend since we were little'." Karin had a little smile on her face, but Hinamori couldn't read her feelings behind it.

Hinamori took a deep breath. She trusted Karin. And she didn't see the harm in her knowing the little secret that she's been unsuccessfully keeping since her best friend came back from his mission. "Yes. Yes, I do like him. I have feelings for him far more than he knows. When he left on his mission, I thought I missed him as a friend, but when he came back, I finally woke up and saw that that wasn't the case. I am so uncontrollably in love with him I can't help it. Every time I look at him, I think about how nice it would be if only he knew what I really think of him. But he—I'm sorry Karin-chan. I don't know what got into me. I usually don't just randomly blab about these things." Hinamori laughed nervously and tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. She then looked up at Karin to see her reactions.

Karin sighed and chuckled nervously, "I guess since you've confessed your feelings, I should tell you how I feel." Hinamori raised an eyebrow and waited for her friend to continue, "I don't think I have the same depth to my feelings as yours, but Toshirou-kun is someone that I feel extremely happy around and comfortable around. And plus, he's a really charming and eye-catching person. But he doesn't like me as more than a friend." Karin finished off sadly.

Hinamori suddenly pitied her new friend, "I wouldn't say that Karin-chan. He actually talks to you…that would mean he's at least somewhat into you, right?"

Karin shook her head, "No, he treats me as a friend, but I know for sure that he doesn't like me as anything more. I mean, I've seen the way he looks at you."

Hinamori took a step back, "WHAT? Me? Whatever do you mean?"

Karin laughed, "Oh, don't pretend you don't notice! Have you seen the way he occasionally glances at you when he's sure you're not looking? And the way he always seems to place his body before yours just to protect you?"

Hinamori shook her head to futilely reject Karin's statements, "No…I don't think so. I mean, he's probably overprotective of me just because I'm supposed to be his partner and him glancing at me? I think you're probably just imagining stuff on your own."

Karin shook her head, "Whatever…we'll see in time. But seriously, I'm fine with it. I mean, Toshirou-kun is someone who I see as a friend OR more. I'm fine with him just being friends with me. And if he actually liked me, then I could probably consider being more." And she turned to toss the soccer ball to Hinamori, "And Momo-chan, don't upset Toshirou-kun please. And don't waste your opportunities."

And with that, the two girls continued their way to the soccer stadium in silence.

Under normal circumstances, Hinamori would've noticed that they were being followed from the beginning, but her mind was so preoccupied with her 'best friend' that she didn't even see the silvery hair that glittered under the moonlight. So of course she didn't know that he had heard everything that was exchanged between the two girls.

XkurochanX

The ball was once again passed to Hinamori. She set the ball up high for herself and then flipped backwards, letting her leg swing over her head to plant the ball squarely in the goal. The swish of the net signaled Hinamori that she had scored…yet again. She looked up at the score board above her head: 4-0 and only 20 minutes have passed so far.

Now she had to play defense. Easy. All she had to do was use her leg to hook away the ball from the other team members…right? She swiftly dashed up to the other players with easy. Endurance wasn't a big challenge for her; seriously, she has to fight hollows and other monsters that threaten the soul society every day. How hard can a little game be?

XkurochanX

From the shadows of the soccer stadium, Hitsugaya watched the teams play vigorously against each other. He noticed one girl in particular. For some reason, his eyes would always linger on the black haired girl that made in three of the four goals, the girl whose eyes glowed with competition, the girl whom he adored. She was beautiful, spectacular really…and it was no wonder most of the guys sitting on the sidelines were staring at her in awe. Usually, he would feel a wave of jealousy wash over him, but now it was different. His precious Momo-chan felt the same way about him as he felt about her. He chuckled lightly to himself. How pathetic of him thinking that she might've still been in love with Aizen. That insecurity vanished as soon as Hinamori admitted her feelings to Karin. He sighed and the wide grin on his face showed how happy he was feeling.

Hitsugaya watched as Hinamori dashed up to the goal and kicked yet another ball in. The score was now 6-0. He always knew Hinamori was this amazing.

Then suddenly, without warning, the warm breeze that had been blowing a couple minutes earlier turned into a chilly gust. Hitsugaya stood up and from the corner of his eyes, he could see Hinamori freezing up in the middle of her game. They read each other's minds: hallow.

Hinamori and Hitsugaya took from their pocket their soul candy package and swallowed a ball-shaped pill. Instantly, they were separated from their human body and in their shinigami robes. Hitsugaya turned and faced the giant black blob in front of him as he felt Hinamori step up beside him.

"Wow, Shiro-chan, you got here fast." Hinamori commented.

"Really?" Hitsugaya replied absently.

They both took their time to survey the situation in front of them. It was Hitsugaya that gave the command, "Okay Hinamori, I want you to circle around behind it and back me up in case my frontal attack fails."

Hinamori made a face, "Shiro-chan, do you not think that my abilities have at least improved a little bit over the past few year? I'm not a weakling anymore."

Hitsugaya spun on Hinamori, "I know that you're strong. And I know that you have already achieved bankai, but I don't think you need to waste any of your strength on this monster since it's one of the lower powered ones." With that, he dashed off into an attack and left Hinamori to follow his orders.

The monster in front of them didn't stand a chance against Hitsugaya. He drew his sword first and a gush of icy smoke swirled around him. Then, he proceeded to throwing his sword up into the air. And with a wave of his hand, the sky suddenly started raining ice needles straight at the monster in front of him. Within seconds, the monster disintegrated into black ash without the need for Hinamori to even move. Hitsugaya sheathed his sword and walked back to Hinamori.

"That was easy."

Hinamori pouted, "But I didn't get to do anything! It was over before I even moved!"

Hitsugaya smiled and Hinamori felt her heart stop, "Okay fine, I'll let you have the next one. I promise."

Hinamori returned his smile, "That's better." She looked back at the soccer stadium. "Oh no! We're losing! I have to get back to the game!" As she was about to jump back into play, Hitsugaya suddenly grabbed her from behind and pulled her into his arms.

"Good luck," he whispered into her ear before letting Hinamori return to her game.


Will Hinamori ever discover how Hitsugaya feels about her?

Will Karin really be fine with the two of them together?

Will Momo-chan and Shiro-chan be able to grow closer now? And what about their detention tomorrow?...and heck! Wait! Where are they sleeping tonight ;)

Wanna find out? Please review for me!