You Are My Love
Mari Kia Resha Aishiteru
Chapter 7 – The Arrival of the Rival
Ichigo lay down on his bed. He couldn't stop thinking of what happened to him when he was with Rukia. He actually asked his cousin Rangiku about it. But, he thought that it really didn't help him. It made him more confused than before.
~Flashback – Seigaku Gakuen~
It was lunch time then and the four of them were at the rooftop eating. Tatsuya was absent that day so only the four of them were there. Ichigo thought it was the best time to ask them something that was bothering him ever since it happened.
"Ran, can I ask you something?"
Rangiku turned to him as she gulped her juice box. "Sure, what is it?"
"What do you think it means when your heart beats faster than normal and you stutters when you talk?"
Rangiku raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask that?" And then she let out a smile. "It happened to you already isn't it?" she teased.
"N-No way." He replied as he turned away from her teasing gaze.
"Tsch… Ichigo, stop lying." She said.
"I'm not lying."
"Ichi nii-san, you know very well that you can't fool nee-chan. She's an expert in those kinds of things." Toushirou commented.
Ichigo sighed. He was right. "Okay fine! You're right. I already experienced it."
Rangiku looked surprise. "Really? When? Where? With whom?"
"You have so many questions! Just answer my question will you?" he asked irritated.
"That's right nee-chan. I want to know the answer too…" Momo chimed in.
Toushirou looked at her curiously. "Why? Already happened to you?"
Momo turned to him. "Nope. Just want to know for future reference."
Toushirou nodded. For some reason, he was relief about that. He didn't want her to experience that with some random guy because certainly, Momo didn't stutter whenever she talks to him.
Wait, why would I think that Momo will do that to me? Geez… I'm weird. He shook his head as he waited for his sister's answer about their cousin's problem.
Rangiku sighed as she turned to face them. "It clearly means that you are in love." She glanced teasingly at Ichigo whose amber eyes went wide in shock.
"In Love?" the three screamed in unison.
I… I'm in love with her? That… that's not possible! I only love one woman and that's not her… he thought.
"Aww… Ichi nii-chan is in love~" Toushirou teased.
"Stop it!"
"So Ichigo, who is this worst girl?"
"Worst? You really saw me as that bad?" Ichigo said pretending to be hurt.
Rangiku laughed. "I'm just kidding. So, who's the girl?"
Ichigo shrugged. "Secret."
"Secret? Secret is her name? That's weird." Toushirou said as he looked up at his cousin in wonder.
"Baka! He said 'secret'! Don't you get it?" Momo asked.
Toushirou seemed to be in deep thought. After a few minutes, he said, "It's really weird for a name…"
Momo punched Toushirou's head. "Did you think of that for a century? If yes, it's much better if you didn't think of it at all!" she spat at him.
"Ouch… you're so violent. I'm just joking you know…" he said as he rubbed his bruised head.
"That's a joke?" Momo raised an eyebrow. "Really? There's nothing funny about it."
Toushirou glared at her. "I'll get at you someday…" he mumbled.
"Ichigo! Tell me who she is!" Rangiku continued to pester her cousin.
"I told you, next time already!"
"Please?"
"NO!"
The bell rang and Ichigo thanked the school for the first time in his life.
"Oh, that's the bell. Come on before we arrive late in class." Ichigo said.
He saw Rangiku pouted at the corner of his eyes and he smirked as he ran downstairs and into their homeroom.
~End of Flashback~
Ichigo closed his eyes. It was just impossible for him to fall in love with her. Yes, she is kind and beautiful but… he couldn't forget the only girl whom he loves until the present. As the thoughts bothered him, he didn't realize that he fell into a deep sleep.
:: November 26, 2009; Sunday; 9:15AM; Coffee Shop ::
.
Rukia was inside the counter and preparing some hot coffee for everyone. The rest was seated on the stool in front of the counter as they wait for her.
"You know Rukia? I really thought that you wouldn't work here anymore. Now that you can go to school again…" Rangiku trailed off.
Rukia smiled. "Of course not. I love it here. After class, I will still work here."
"That's great that your father agreed on this." Toushirou said.
"Of course," Momo said with a smile. "He very well knew that nee-chan are happy here and anyways, I still want to sing you know…"
"And besides, if I get out of here, what will happen at Soul Peacemakers if the pianist disappeared? Isn't that right, Mr. Leader?" Rukia asked, turning to Ichigo.
Ichigo nodded. "That's right. No one will guide me with my vocals…"
All of them shared a heartfelt laugh.
Suddenly, the bell at the glass door of the coffee shop chimed. This caught their attention. All of them saw a young woman with long dark orange hair. She walked towards them with a smile as if she knew them.
Ichigo seemed stuck at his position unable to speak. Rangiku was the first one to acknowledge the woman's presence. "Orihime?"
Said woman grinned and nodded.
"Oh you're back!" Rangiku ran towards her and gave her a hug.
"Yeah, I'm back Ran-chan~" she said and hugged her back. They soon pulled away from each other as Toushirou greeted the guest.
"Hello Orihime nee-chan. Long time no see."
"Oh if it isn't Shirou-kun? You've grown up a lot." She giggled. "You're so cute."
"Uh…" Toushirou scratched his white hair. "Thank you… I guess."
"Kawaii~" Orihime giggled some more. And then suddenly, she saw him at the corner of her eyes and slowly turned to him. She stared at him with soft eyes and knowing smile.
"Hisashi buri ne, Ichigo." She walked towards him and he did the same.
Ichigo gave one of his rare smiles. "Yeah, it's been so long. Indeed."
"You're still the same, but you've grown so much taller. I never thought you'd surpass me…" Orihime commented with a grin.
Ichigo smiled and nodded.
"Uh… sorry to interrupt you guys but…" Rukia started to spoke up.
"Who is she?" Momo finished.
"Oh… sorry you two. We didn't introduce her to you." Rangiku said with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry too! I should've introduced myself!" Orihime turned to the siblings with a smile and held her hand out to Rukia. "I'm Inoue Orihime! I'm these three's childhood friend! Nice to meet you two!" she chirped rather cheerfully.
"Um… nice to meet you too. I'm Ku-Shiba Rukia. I'm a worker here in the coffee shop." She said as she shook hands with Inoue Orihime.
"And I'm Shiba Momo. I'm her sister." Momo smiled.
"She's a great coffee maker Orihime~" Rangiku said as she pointed to Rukia. "She's my best friend too!"
"Oh! Then make me some coffee Rukia! I want to taste it." Orihime winked.
"Wait, I think I heard your name before…" Momo seemed to be in deep thought.
"Yeah, me too…" Rukia seconded.
Momo suddenly chirped. "Oh! I remember! You're Inoue Orihime! The model from America!"
"Yeah yeah… she's a very well known model because of her beauty."
Orihime blushed. "Oh really? I didn't expect that I'm well known because of that…"
"It's true." Ichigo mumbled but everyone heard it. Orihime smiled at him. "Thanks."
Ichigo smiled back.
All of them sat at the table near the counter. Orihime sat between Rangiku and Ichigo, Rukia between Rangiku and Toushirou, and Momo between Rukia and Toushirou.
Orihime and the others sipped Rukia's made coffee and she was amazed by it. She complimented Rukia about it who blushed and thank her for it.
"So Orihime, why are you here in Japan?"
Orihime smiled. "I have a photo shoot in Tokyo."
Rangiku stared at her amused. "Really? That's great! When is it?"
"It's two days from now so I have a break from work in two days."
"So you're just here until tomorrow…" Ichigo mumbled.
"Yup." She replied cheerfully.
"I have an idea! Why don't we hang-out today? Ojisan gave us our day off and we can use it to catch up with Orihime." Rangiku said.
"That's a great idea!" Orihime chirped. "Rukia-san and Momo-chan can come too."
"Uh… I guess it's okay." Rukia said as she fiddled with her fingers.
"I'm in, I'm in!" Momo beamed.
"Well then! Let's go now!" Rangiku said as she stood up followed by the others.
That day had been a blur to Rukia. One time, she was laughing and talking with them and then after a few minutes she lost her good mood and was replaced with a bad one. She was annoyed to death and that was because of a certain orange haired friend and his childhood best friend model. Even though they all said that about her, Rukia knew that Ichigo and Orihime were more than that. She could see in Ichigo's amber eyes that he felt deep feelings for her. And for some reasons, she was annoyed every time she thought of that. Her annoyance and confusion mixed up in her head as they all went home from a tiring day.
"So, I think we should head home now." Rangiku said.
"Uh… Toushirou, can you take Momo home?"
Toushirou and Momo exchanged confused glances before staring at Rukia. "Um… okay nee-chan but… what about you?"
Rukia glanced at Ichigo who was talking comically with Orihime. She sighed and forced a smile in Toushirou's direction. "Rangiku and I need to do something before going home."
Rangiku tilted her head. "Eh?"
"Bye Toushirou, bye Momo! See you!" Rukia said as she dragged a confused Rangiku with her at the opposite direction. "Ne ne Rukia wait!"
Ichigo and Orihime turned to Toushirou and Momo upon hearing Rangiku's cries. They saw the two best friends walking opposite them.
"Where are they going?" Ichigo asked.
Toushirou and Momo shook their heads. "Don't know."
"Well Orihime… can we talk?" Ichigo asked shyly.
"Sure!"
"Ichi nii-chan, I'll take Momo home. See you at home." Toushirou smiled as Momo already sat on his motorbike.
Ichigo nodded. "Take care."
"We will." He sat on his bike and they took off.
Ichigo turned to see Orihime staring at him curiously. Ichigo blushed.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Orihime shook her head. "Nothing. Just wondering what you want to tell me."
Ichigo bit his lip. Orihime didn't seem to notice. "Ichigo, let's talk inside my car."
"Okay."
Ichigo sat on the passenger seat as Orihime sat on the driver's seat.
"So Ichigo, what is it?"
"Orihime…" he took a deep breath. This is it. I've waited for her for so long. I promised to myself that I'll tell her what I feel when we meet again. I can't lose the chance of telling her. Not again.
"I… I love you."
Orihime's eyes widened.
"Ever since the day I met you, I fall in love. I didn't tell you back then because I'm afraid that you might hate me or our friendship will be ruined and I don't want that so I'm telling it to you now."
"I… I really do love you, Orihime." He finished.
Silence ensued between them. Ichigo became really uncomfortable by the silence. He didn't like it and so he decided to cut it off.
"O-Orihime… I—"
"Ichigo."
He stopped talking and let her say what she has to say. He patiently waited and at the same time feared.
"Ichigo, I'm sorry."
That sent a pang in his heart. It felt like a knife had strike his heart.
"I… I don't feel the same way. I just see you as my special friend. I'm so sorry." she said quietly without looking at him.
Ichigo took a deep breath as his heart shattered completely by her words. That was what he feared, the rejection.
"I knew as much." He mumbled in a hurt tone causing Orihime looked at him.
"Ichi—"
Ichigo was off the car and was running away from there, away from her.
It hurts. It hurts so much.
And with those last thoughts he continued to run.
"Geez Rukia! What the hell are you thinking, dragging me all the way here?" Rangiku asked as she and her best friend sat on the grass feeling the cold air of the night around them. They were next to the same riverbank Ichigo had found her a few weeks ago. Rangiku was drinking her soda as she waited for her to answer.
"Ran, why do I feel this way?" Rukia asked quietly.
"Hmm? What is?"
"I feel so annoyed today. I don't know why."
"To who are you annoyed with?"
"Ichigo. He was acting like I'm not with you guys. It pisses me off!"
Rangiku knew that she was saying was true. Ichigo looked at Orihime only today. He didn't even talk to them. They were inseparable. He really did miss her. But now that Rukia told her herself that she was annoyed at Ichigo's actions, she has come to a conclusion that maybe… just maybe… she smirked. She suddenly remembered her conversation with Ichigo.
~Flashback – on the way home from school~
"Ichigo! Tell me already! Who's the girl?"
"Ran! Will you please let that go already?"
"Ichigo!" Rangiku continued to whine. She wanted to know who was the girl who made Ichigo's heart beat faster than before and who made him confused like that.
"Ran…"
"I promise I won't tell anyone!"
Ichigo ignored her and walked ahead of her.
"Ichigo! Seriously! I won't tell anyone about it! Promise!"
Ichigo sighed loudly. "Arrggh! Fine fine I'll tell you! Just stop pestering me!"
Rangiku smiled. "Okay. So, who is it?"
Ichigo stopped walking but turned away his gaze from his cousin.
"Uh…"
"So?"
"I-It's… Rukia."
Silence. And then…
"Eh? Really? Wow! You're in love with Rukia?" Rangiku grinned widely.
"NO! I told you I'm not in love with her!"
Rangiku sighed. "Is it because you still love her?"
Ichigo knew very well who she was talking about. He didn't answer.
"Ichigo, I know you're still waiting for her. But, you can't really tell that even if you tell her someday what you really feel about her, she will accept it or she feels the same way." Rangiku said. "I'm not telling you this to discourage you. I'm telling you this because you're my cousin. I don't want you to regret anything. And so, please follow your heart Ichigo. Don't be afraid. I will be here to support you." She finished with a smile.
"Thank you, Ran."
"Of course, now come on let's go home!" she walked ahead.
Ichigo smiled and followed behind her.
~End of Flashback ~
"Rukia," Rangiku called out to her friend who was drinking her soda as she watched the dark sky.
"Hmm?"
"If I tell you what I think of your annoyance, will you believe me?"
Rukia glanced at her before turning back her gaze to the sky. "Depends, if it's possible enough." She shrugged.
"Okay…" Rangiku smiled softly. "You know… I think… you're in love with Ichigo!"
Rukia, who was sipping her soda as she waited for her friend to speak, spat her juice in front of her and she coughed. Rangiku rubbed her back for support as she asked, "You okay?"
"This is your fault." Rukia said between coughs. Rangiku pouted as Rukia settled. "I just answered your question."
"Ran, it's impossible. There's no way I'll fall in love with him." Rukia turned away stubbornly.
"Then how are you going to explain what you're feeling right now?"
Rukia remained silent.
"See? You don't even know the answer!"
"But that doesn't mean what you said is right!"
Rangiku sighed at her stubbornness.
"Ah~ Come on let's go. It's getting late."
"Rukia~" Rangiku whined.
"Let's just go home 'kay?"
"Fine fine!" she followed Rukia who was already on her feet. She walked ahead of her.
You and Ichigo are both stubborn! Why just admit to yourselves that you have feelings for each other? Rangiku shook her head. They're so complicated.
Rukia continued to walk as Rangiku's words rang in her head.
"You're in love with Ichigo!"
She shook her head mentally.
No no! it's impossible. But… do I really…
The next night, the Soul Peacemakers made their performance once again. This song was special because Orihime and Tatsuya were there to watch them and they dedicated it to them.
.
Ichigo: I want to be loved, but you don't seem to love me
I wander within that repetition
I found one answer; that even if I'm scared, even if I'm hurt
I can say "I love you" to the person who I love
Rukia: Do you love me? Or not love me?
As for things like that, it's already fine either way
No matter how I wish
There are many unchangeable things in this world, right?
That's right, and because only the fact of my loving you
Is the truth unchangeable by anyone
Ichigo and Rukia: I want to overcome the thousands of nights and tell it to you
There's something that I must tell you
I want to be loved, but you don't seem to love me
I wander within that repetition
I found one answer; that even if I'm scared
Even if I'm hurt, I can say "I love you" to the person who I love
It's scary to turn my feelings into words
But I can say "I love you" to the person who I love
Rangiku: In this broad world, I can't express the joy of encountering you with words
Momo: So we smile, sing about the vividly passing autumn in do-re-mi
Toushirou: Turn our backs on winter; wait for the sunlight streaming through trees in spring
And become reborn anew, so that we can protect someone
Toushirou, Momo, Rangiku: On the path we came from and our destination, when we looked back, I'd always have timid eyes
I want to face you, but I can't be honest
I, who repeated days of not being able to straightforwardly love my partner,
And hated being alone on that day
Seemed to love people while unwounded
Rangiku: I'll overcome the thousands of nights and go meet you now
There is something that I must tell you
Toushirou: I want to be loved, but you don't seem to love me
I wander within that repetition
Momo: I found one answer; that even if I'm scared
Even if I'm hurt,
Toushirou, Momo, Rangiku: I can say "I love you" to the person who I love
Rukia: Even if those thoughts…
Ichigo: …aren't fulfilled,
Ichigo and Rukia: I can say "I love you" to the person who I love
It's the most wonderful thing in this world…
.
Orihime really did feel bad about what happened between her and Ichigo. Because of that, they weren't talking to each other. Orihime understood that Ichigo needed his space and so she would be willing to give it to him. She just hoped that they talk to each other soon.
Ichigo left the coffee shop after their performance for some fresh air. Rukia saw him and followed after him. She found him sat on the grass next to the riverbank. She smiled at the turn of events. She ever so slowly walked towards him and she noticed that he didn't felt her presence so…
"It feels cool tonight."
Ichigo was startled by her sudden appearance so he could only do was nod. He gazed back in front of him, to the river that was illuminated by the moon. Rukia sat down beside him.
"Why are you here? Is there something wrong?" she asked a little worried.
"It's nothing."
"I know there is."
Ichigo didn't reply. Rukia smiled.
"You know, if you let that out, you will feel a lot better. Why don't you try it. No worries I won't tell anyone. What do you expect? Maybe I can help you and that is… if you trust me…"
Ichigo looked at her and saw her smile at him. He relaxed and felt comfortable to tell her.
"Actually… I love this girl… she's my first love. I told her how I feel. But she…"
"She?"
"She…"
"She rejected you?"
Ichigo lowered his head. "Y-Yeah. She did."
"This is just what I will tell you. If you really love her, you will accept her feelings. You are happy when she's happy, even though you're not the reason for that happiness." Rukia said quietly.
Ichigo chuckled. "You're telling me like it happened to you."
Rukia didn't answer. She lowered her head.
Ichigo stared at her in surprise. "It happened to you already?"
She nodded. "Yeah."
"Can I hear your version?" he asked. Rukia smiled softly.
"I-I love this guy. Before, I don't want to admit that I love him, but as recently, I just realized that I love him… but…"
"But?"
"Like yours, he didn't feel the same way. He loves another girl."
"We shared the same experience, what a coincidence." Ichigo smirked.
"Yeah, you're right."
And the two continued to stare at the night sky, illuminated by the light of the moon.
Author: Wew~ Finally. Thank you for waiting! Orihime is in the picture! XD
The story will be in twist from now on!
falconrukichi, thank you! I'll try my best to not bring this into hiatus! I miss you! Take care okay? ^.^
Thank you for those people who story alerted this fic and those who add this in their favorite story list! Thanks! I love you all!
Please read and review!
~Mari Kia Resha Aishiteru~
SONG : Sen No Yoru Wo Koete by Aqua Timez (Bleach the Movie 1: Memories of Nobody theme song)