Hey, Inoue
I'm writing this letter since it looks like you're too busy helping sick people, packing, and whatever it is that you do for me to disturb you. It seems that every time I tried to talk to you, either you're going to the bathroom or running off somewhere before I could even say "hey". You're busy, I'm not but I don't want to force you into talking to me so here I am writing a crappy letter. I'm not even sure if you're going to read this but I tried.
I just wanted to know if everything between us is OK. I have this odd feeling that you're avoiding me. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but if I have done something that made you avoid me like I am diseased, I'm sorry.
I never had the chance to say this but congratulations on your New York scholarship. I'm happy for you, but I don't understand why you have to go that far. We have colleges in Japan, haven't we? There are lots of universities which offer scholarships and with your grades, it'll be possible.
Ichigo
…
Orihime,
Stop avoiding Ichigo. Avoiding him will not help you get over him or whatever it is that you are trying to do. Likewise, moving out of this country won't help you forget the fact that you are in love with an idiot and that you want to stay here. Now, stop avoiding him. It's making him insane.
Tatsuki
P.S.
Are you done packing? Need help?
…
Dear Kurosaki-kun,
I'm so sorry. I've been very busy for the past few days but I know I should not make excuses. We're friends and real friends provide time for their friends. I'm such a bad friend, aren't I?
You've done nothing wrong, Kurosaki-kun. I'm just really busy, that's all. You're one of the kindest people I knew, so put your mind at rest. You're a perfect gentleman.
Thank you! I was really happy when I got the letter. I even thought that it was a joke! This is such a rare opportunity, isn't it? I am really excited but at the same time, I'm also very nervous and sad. I don't want to leave Karakura, Tatsuki-chan, Sado-kun, Ishida-kun, Kuchiki-san and everyone.
You're right. There are many amazing universities here in Tokyo but even with scholarship, I don't think I'll make it. The scholarship I received from the university in New York is the most agreeable proposal that I've gotten.
Love,
Orihime
…
Damn it, Chad.
I don't know what to think anymore. Tatsuki said I'm overreacting. Am I overreacting? Am I being too paranoid over her safety? She left us before without saying goodbye to sacrifice her freedom and life. I know this time, the circumstance is different. She's leaving to have a better life but it's fucking strange to not to have her around, that that she would not be there when I turn to look at her. A vacant space staring back at me is something I don't like. But whatever, who am I to stop her? I'm just a friend and I should start acting like one instead of being a jerk who sulks in the corner just because someone decided to live her life without me in it.
Ichigo
…
Kurosaki,
If you can't live without her, then stop her. Stop wearing your pathetic face. It's annoying.
Ishida
…
To Tatsuki-chan,
I'm not avoiding Kurosaki-kun. I'm just very busy with packing. It's true I'm a little confused, torn, and… One thing is for sure, though, I'm leaving. And it's not because of him. I've never expected anything from Kurosaki-kun.
Yes, there were plenty of times I daydreamed about us. I wondered how it would feel like to hold his hand. I've imagined us growing old and gray and knobby and smelly together. But I know those are fantasies and are going to stay as fantasies. I've accepted a long time ago that Kurosaki-kun and I are going to be friends, very, very good friends and I'm okay with that. Please believe me.
…
Inoue,
I just noticed that you didn't mention me in the list of the people you don't want to leave behind. Are you going to… I don't know, forget me or something? Because I would never forget you.
I know it's not my business but aren't you going to be lonely? Who's going to help you? Who's going to look after you? Who will protect you? You don't exactly pay attention to your surroundings, you know. And perverts are everywhere. You have to have someone who will look after you. There are things you need to consider, Inoue.
Ichigo
…
Orihime,
Alright, kiddo, I believe you. I didn't mean to upset you, okay? I'm just worried and little upset but enough about me. I'm sorry I made you cry. And don't tell me you didn't because I can't read some words in your letter because your tears had soaked some parts of the paper.
Are we still on for tonight's last sleepover? You done with packing?
Tatsuki
…
Dear Kurosaki-kun,
I'm sorry! I was in a hurry when I wrote that letter, please forgive me. You're very important to me and just thinking of not seeing your funny face makes me feel as though there are thousands of cyborg hands squeezing my heart and lungs.
I won't forget you, Kurosaki-kun. Ever.
I know it's going to be tough and lonely at first but I'm going to be alright, I have to. I will write tons of letters, send cards, postcards, chat and use a webcam and that thing… um, Sky? Skip? You know, it's something where people can see each other by looking at the… screen? I am not entirely sure about that thing but Tatsuki-chan has been teaching me but I still find it very confusing.
It's about time I start looking after myself. I have to stop relying on you, on everyone. I have to learn how to be independent. Of course I've been living all by myself for years but… I've been relying far too much on Tatsuki-chan's presence, yours, Sado-kun's, Ishida-kun's, Kuchiki-san's. It's amazing, ne, how someone's simple presence, the thought of knowing someone's there, can make you feel safe and loved.
Oh, perverts? Don't worry, Kurosaki-kun, I know Karate and I can run very fast, too! ヽ(゜∇゜)ノ
Just because everything is changing, it doesn't mean our feelings will change and bonds will be forgotten. All I can do now is to remember the bonds as I head off to a new world.
Thank you for everything!
Lots of love,
Orihime
…
Hey,
Alright, I get your point. But I still don't like it. This is your home, Inoue.
There's no need to say good bye, isn't there? Because you're coming back, right?
Ichigo
…
BON VOYAGE ORIHIME!
We will miss you so much!
Things will never be the same again without you!
We're so proud of you and write to us often
Take care and ring us soon!
Love,
Tatsuki, Ichigo, Sado, Rukia, Uryuu, Renji, Rangiku, Toshirou, Kiego, Mizuiro, Urahara, Yoruichi, Tessai, Shinji (+ rest of the Vizards)
…
Inoue,
So, you went ahead and did it. You left. I don't know but I got the strangest feeling when you turned your back on me and walked away. It was odd, watching your back as you leave. I can only watch the distance stretched between us. I don't know what's wrong with me but it felt so wrong to let you walk away. But it's your dream and I think the farther you are away from me, the safer you would be.
Enjoy your life there where you're not in danger of being kidnapped and hollow attacks. You deserve that life. I… If you're not busy, write to me. A few updates about you would be nice. I'd like to know how you get on with your new life.
Best wishes,
Ichigo