A/N: Thank you so much to the wonderful readers who've reviewed/favourited/subscribed to this story *bows* I'm really grateful as it gave me encouragement to write more even though I honestly thought that that first part was it. Also sorry for the short chapters ^^;

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, except for the mangas and dvds. ... ... I mean, not own own. Ahahaha. Ahaha.

None of their friends knew. It was too private a moment, the confession and subsequent rejection. And, well, he had enough trouble trying to live with himself as it was.

Though Ichigo had an inkling that Tatsuki was the only exception as she hadn't spoken a single word to him since that day. Growling didn't count.

He was surprised that other than her glaring at him venomously for the last few weeks whenever they'd come across each other, her limbs very obviously tensed and ready to strike at each encounter, he hadn't suffered any damage. He supposed he had Inoue to thank for curbing their friend's wrath.

One hand still clutched the box, unopened, he stood alone at the rooftop, elbows leaning on the parapet, gazing down at the girls having lunch beneath the cherry tree. Well, at one girl in particular. It seemed she was indiscriminately distributing more of her chocolate concoctions to her girl-friends.

Tch, scowled Ichigo. Doesn't she know she's only supposed to give those treats to guys? His nostrils flared out of frustration at the thought, remembering this morning. He couldn't help the pang that he still wasn't the only one that she was giving chocolates to.

He loosened his grip, realizing that if he held on any tighter, he ran the risk of melting her precious chocolates. A part of him wanted to savour her gift.

Ichigo watched as Chizuru throw herself at Inoue only to be brutally stopped by Tatsuki.

Everything normal. Everything the same and predictable. If he and she had gone past their current comfort zone and started da―

Dat―

He closed his eyes tightly and fought the blush that started to creep up at even the thought of the word he couldn't bear to complete thinking. It would be too big a change for him to undergo.

And if things should not work out...well, then, he would be seeing an infinitely bigger pain reflected in her eyes. Tears that would all be caused by him this time. And he didn't feel that he could ever be a strong enough man for that.

That day, after words had been said, she'd put on a brave face and an even braver smile despite the trembling at the corner of her lips, opened her eyes wide to stopper the creeping tears, and asked him if they could stay friends.

There was the greater fear of losing themselves from each others' lives that weighed heavier than what could've been something more. Something unpredictable.

Even so, he hadn't stopped feeling like a heel since that day, contrasted by feeling like a lovesick puppy that wanted so badly to get her attention whenever she was close, a part of him hoping she'd once again say those damning words and maybe, maybe he'd find it in himself to own up and reciprocate.

He sighed. He still had a lot of growing up to do.

At the rooftop door, Mizuiro's and Keigo's heads poked out, trying to measure Ichigo's mood. With a deep breath, the former rose and dragged the latter by the collar to the lone figure.

"Here, Ichigo," Mizuiro said, and pushed something on the parapet.

Ichigo frowned when he saw what had been placed near his elbow and stared at Mizuiro, his chest constricting. "It's yours."

"No, it's yours."

"No, this is mine." He held out his own box. "Inoue gave that to you; it's yours."

"I already have a lot, see," countered Mizuiro, holding out a large bag full of chocolates. "And I wouldn't want to disservice Inoue-san when I know someone else would really enjoy her chocolates."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing." He turned away and coughed. "Doublethelove."

"Huh?"

Mizuiro shook his head and cleared his throat, then brought a sobbing and struggling Keigo forward.

"NO!" wailed Keigo pitifully. "You can't make me! Inoue-san gave them to me! I was the first one she gave them to, which means I'm her first love! This is the first time anyone has ever given me chocolates for Valentine's, and you're so mean for even thinking of taking it away from me." Keigo managed to wrest himself from Mizuiro's hold and ran away.

But not before poking his head out the door to exclaim, "And I'll never give her up! Never!"

Thanks for reading :)
Nov/2010