10. Proposal [ Continuation of Chapter 5: Alcohol, Revelation ]
Toushirou has ended up into the decision of bringing Karin to his place since he isn't quite at ease on the idea of leaving her alone while she's still under the influence of alcohol.
"Just stay here," Karin moans as Toushirou has put her down on his futon. Her brows knit together while her eyes are still closed.
Toushirou's lips curve up slightly on the way the woman behaves. He wonders if she's dreaming or if it's only natural for her to talk on her sleep. At the moment, the usually fiery Kurosaki woman is like a little kid who's afraid to be alone.
"I'll be at the kitchen. You have to take a rest," Toushirou whispers, a rare endearment on his tone.
He attempts to leave, but Karin catches his wrist before he can even stand.
"Karin," he says, prying her hold gently.
Unfortunately, it's as though Karin has no plan to let him go. The more he tries to disentangle her hold away from his wrist, the more her grip tightens.
"Karin, you have to rest, now. I'll be back. I'll be outside, okay?"
"Hmmm." Karin doesn't take her hold off of his wrist. "Stay here."
"But, Karin—"
"You don't love me, Snowflake."
That brings Toushirou into a halt. He stares at Karin, wide-eyed. Luckily, he's still able to pick the right response.
"Don't call me that, Karin." Even though his brows are drawn together, the small smile is still evident on his lips.
"Toushirou."
"Hm?"
"You don't love me."
His hand automatically reaches for her dark locks, brushing some off of her face. "That's not true," he says absentmindedly.
Karin's expression has calmed down somehow. "Are you going to marry me, then?"
Well, that escalated fast. If Toushirou has something on his mouth, he would've already choked it out.
She's just drunk, he reminds himself. She's not aware what she's saying and she'll forget it when she's rational again. Perhaps, it's safe to play along.
"Y-yeah, we'll get married." Toushirou's face heats up as he lets the statement escape. He really feels awkward with the situation. "Karin, sleep now." He tries again, hoping that Karin will let him go this time.
No avail. Karin shows no sign of ending his misery. It suddenly makes him suspect that Karin is actually sober and she's only making fun of him. She just loves to do that so the idea isn't impossible.
In the end, he still reconsiders the thought. He doubts if Karin will go to such extent of teasing him.
"We have a problem, though." He hears her say again.
"Yeah?"
"Ice."
Toushirou blinks. Is she referring to Hyourinmaru? Could it be possible that she's jealous of his zanpakutou?
On that thought, Toushirou can't help but chuckle. He's starting to find this amusing.
"What about ice?" He smiles.
"Because..." Karin's brows wrinkle again, as if she's in deep thought, "We can't make an ice cream."
"Huh?" Toushirou wonders where she's going with this. "Why do we need to make an ice cream?"
"Honoozuki wants them."
Honoozuki. Her zanpakutou. Her fire-type zanpakutou. Wants an ice cream?
Toushirou lightly shakes his head. The situation maybe is entertaining, but Karin still needs to have some rest.
"It's getting really late, Karin. Have some sleep."
But Karin's answer is far from anything that he's been expecting.
"My goodnight kiss first."
And, that's not funny anymore.
"W-what? I..."
"You said you love me."
To be fair, he didn't say the exact words. On the other hand, he did tell her that he's going to marry her. So what's the difference?
Oh great. Just what had he gotten himself into?
He gulps before he has reluctantly—not—leaned down, closing his eyes. His shaking hand cups her face. Karin hadn't told him what kind of kiss she wants, and Toushirou has still chosen to give her a short, chaste kiss on the lips though a peck on her cheek will do.
Toushirou opens his eyes and pulls away, his face still close to hers. He softly stares at the woman and before he can stop himself, the beautiful, three-word statement has already come out his mouth.
"I love you."