"What have I gotten myself into?" Ishida thought, as he started getting dressed to go outside. Orihime's call startled him, as he was reading at the time. But when her cheerful voice sounded on the phone, he couldn't help but smile. A smile that soon froze on his lips, when she suggested that they all should go outside. He sighed, trying to explain why this is not a good idea, especially since she tends to be a little bit…unstable. But Orihime wouldn't listen to a single word, insisting that he had to join them all. As he started to wonder silently why was he needed in this, her next phrase made him open his eyes wide.
"It won't be the same without you here, Ishida-kun. I'd be very sad if you were to stay at home and not show up. So…can I count on you?"
He tried to breathe, for a single moment he thought he forgot how to do it. Then he answered softly. "Of course you can, Inoue-san. I will see you in an hour."
As he was getting ready, he was thinking about various things, all of them had to do with Orihime, though. Why would he tell him such a thing? Why would HE be needed? He already knew about her feelings for Kurosaki, so he wouldn't think that he would be needed in that company. Even though he felt good to know that Orihime at least acknowledged him.
Taking a deep breath, he started stuffing first-aid supplies into his bag. With Orihime, you never knew when they would be needed. And he didn't want his Orihime to get hurt. Laughing bitterly at the thought of 'his' Orihime, he remembered that his overflowing feelings didn't reach her.
Or at least, that's what he thought.
Somewhere near, Orihime was getting out of the house, to walk to the park in time. As she walked, hands in her pockets, she found herself smiling. She had convinced Ishida to join her. For a long time, she caught herself thinking of him. She realized that there were times when she could not avert her mind from him, he was constantly on her mind. Like now.
When he accepted-even with a slight hesitation, she was almost shouting happily. She beamed, thinking that she would get to be near him, until she started dreaming. When she snapped out of it, she glanced at the watch in her hand and gasped, realizing that she would get late. And now here she was, walking to the park, waiting for a good time. If only she could be more free around him, it would be perfect.
Meanwhile, Rukia groaned, waiting impatiently for Ichigo to get ready.
'What are you doing, you idiot?Hurry up!" she shouted, entering his room with Kon in her shoulder.
The sight of Ichigo putting on his shirt made her forget what she wanted to say for a moment. Luckily, soon she collected herself back and scolded him. "Come on, we're gonna be late because of you-again!"
"Hmph… Stop it! I'm ready!"
As he put on his coat and stormed off the door, Rukia followed him, looking at him dreamily, blushing from head to toe for a while. She thanked her luck that he didn't turn around to notice her, even though Kon was staring at her face with a scowl.