Ichigo observed the shrine, It's so well taken care of, he thought. It was completely spotless. She placed flowers and some food as an offering to him. I lost my mom when I was a kid and I still can't really get over it. She lost everything, I can't imagine how she must've felt when she lost Sora too.

'What's wrong?' she asked Ichigo after noticing he was lost in his thoughts.

'I'm sorry. I can't imagine what you must've been through and what you continue to go through.' was all he could say. He didn't turn to look at her, he was too busy taking in Sora's details from the picture unable to shake the feeling that he had seen this mas somewhere before but couldn't place his finger on it.

Orihime smiled slightly, 'Thank you' was all she felt that she needed to say.

They sat back down and decided to start studying.

'Okay so I made us a study guide. It's broken down by categories and subcategories so we can stay on track!' Orihime said sounding very determined.

'Wow you're really organized huh?' he was pretty surprised at her studying methods being so well thought out, but then again she is second in their grade. Wait a second?

'You said you have to keep your grades up or your allowance drops?'

'Yeah, but they're only gonna pay for my living expenses until I graduate, after that I'm on my own. If I dont get good grades then I won't be able to afford food and rent so I have to be on top of my work.'

'I bet that gets really overwhelming for you huh?'

'Sometimes it gets stressful because my income isn't guaranteed, but at least I have one. At least I have food and running water with electricity, heat and a roof over my head. I can't complain too much.'

Ichigo stared at Orihime as she spoke, he never thought she would be so level headed and humble.

Orihime turned her attention to Ichigo and they both locked eyes. She became entranced in the pool of golden brown which were his eyes. They were warm, inviting and close. She felt herself relaxed around him. She wanted to ask him questions about his life. She wanted to know who he was, where he came from. She wanted to know what his family was like and how close they all are. She wondered about his relationship with his family and if they argue and tease each other. She was imagining what Ichigo was like at home and how he acted with his friends and family. It's cute she thought at the idea of him being playful and loving to people close to him when he's cold to the rest of the world.

Ichigo stared into her large grey eyes. He stared at her face, her cute nose and plump lips. He stared at the way her hair flowed and the snowflake pins in them. He stared at her and thought of how innocent and pure she was, how much happiness she radiated and how much she cared for others. He thought about her losses and her personal struggles. He wanted to tell her that she is perfect. What? He caught himself off guard. He shook his head and turned to the books feeling embarrassed at his thoughts of her. I hope she didn't notice me staring! He sneakily glanced over at her to see her staring at the books, blushing, looking like she was avoiding him.

She made her way away from his eyes. She looked at his hair his is orange, I wonder if people bothered him about it too. Probably not though he probably scared them away if they even tried. She imagined him as a kid waving his fist at whoever tried to bully him. She made her way over to his jaw line, sharp and manly. She looked at what he was wearing and how well it fit his athletic build. She looked at his lips and couldn't look away from them. She found herself wanting to make the gap between them smaller. She wanted to know his scent, she wanted to feel his body heat radiating off of him. She wanted to feel him. She saw him look away and immediately realized how inappropriate she was being.

How disgusting of me to stare like that! He probably thinks im some pervert trying to lure him into my house and not study. He probably heard what the girls say about me in school and thinks im some slut that will sleep around with anyone.

Orihime stared at her books ashamed of how she made herself look in front of a guest.

'Let's get started!' She said trying to sound normal but came off as too enthusiastic instead.

Oh great Ichigo thought, she definitely feels awkward right now.

'Yeah, I think I'm gonna need a lot of help honestly' said the orange haired boy looking a bit ashamed and embarrassed.

'Well that's why we're doing this right? To help each other study!' she smiled.

'Trust me, I think this 'help' is gonna be one sided' he stated in which Orihime giggled in response.

Orihime sat on the floor and opened up the textbook on the table. Ichigo made his way down to the floor too sitting closer to her than earlier.

It was now 8pm. Orihime has been tutoring Ichigo for 7 hours.

I know he said he needed help but I kept finding myself backtracking until we got up to a concept he actually understood, and that was in the middle of last years lecture. We have over 6 months of work to study for in less than 2 weeks! Orihime panicked a little, afraid she won't be able to help him catch up by the time of the exam.

'I think I should get out of here, it won't look good if someone sees a guy in your apartment at this time.' Ichigo said slightly embarrassed that he allowed himself to stay this late. He didn't want anyone to get the wrong impression.

'Haha, don't worry about me!' Orihime said politely. She's heard it all she wasn't gonna get hurt over some rumors spreading if she was helping Ichigo study, he really needed it.

Orihime walked Ichigo to the door, 'You didn't bring a sweater? It's not that hot out right now let me get you something'

Before he could protest, Orihime had already run into her room. Hmmmm... I dont really have anything other than Sora's stuff. I hope they fit him, they're around the same size.

Orihime brought a pullover hoodie for Ichigo to wear, 'wear this, it should fit!'

She put the hoodie in his hands, he stood there and looked at it confused.

'It was Sora's, you're about the same height as he was so it should fit you!'

'Orihime, I can't take this' Ichigo said, stumped. This must be so special to her there's no way.

'You can bring it back tomorrow' she said smiling conivingly.

'Tomorrow?' Ichigo asked confused with a raised eyebrow.

'Yessir, you're 6 months behind and we have a big exam in less than 2 weeks, we have to study together every day until you're all caught up.'

'What?! 6 months?!' Holy shitttt! Ichigo thought, How fucking embarrassing oh my god. Wait a second...

'We can't study every day,' he said.

'Do you have something else to do after school or weekends that are more important that your grades, huh Ichigo?!' she said sternly but playfully. He knew she was being serious but didn't want to come off bossy.

'Honestly, it's cause I feel bad. You're gonna have a lot of work to do for me to catch up. I didn't even know how far behind I was.'

'Oh shush, be here tomorrow at 1pm again okay?'

'You sure?!' he asked, Ichigo felt terrible, he felt like such a burden to her.

'Ughhhhhh, Yessss Ichigo!' she said purposely being over dramatic, he chuckled. She blushed at the sound unable to help thinking that it was attractive. Hearing it made her happy.

'Here' he said handing Orihime his phone, 'I dont have your number'

'Oh right! I was gonna ask you for it earlier but I forgot!' she took the phone out of his hands, slightly brushing her hand against his accidentally. His hands were manly but they were smoother than she expected. She put her number in and texted herself so she could have his number.

'Alright I'll see you tomorrow Orihime' he said softly with a gentle smile as he opened the door to leave.

Orihime stood there by the door and waved 'good night Ichigo! Get home safe' She waited until he was down the stairs to close the door.

45 minutes later, Orihime found herself relaxed on her couch looking at her phone debating whether or not to ask Ichigo if he got home okay. What if he thinks I'm bieng annoying? All up in his business and stuff, I'm already making him come back tomorrow! Ughhh but I'm so worried, what if he didn't make it home?!

'Yoloooo' she said and pressed send.

*Dingggg* Ichigo heard his phone go off