Gah. Sometimes I punish myself too much. I hate when I leave a cliffhanger and I don't know how to pick up from it. I wish I actually plan ahead so the story doesn't go everywhere. -_- Anyways, please enjoy this chapter!

He didn't realize just how much of an effect Orihime had on him. Her heart was so pure; it made his appear tainted. He didn't even understand why he seemed so… gentle around her. If he was around Rukia or Tatsuki, he would treat them as though they were his sisters. But with Orihime, he was always more aware of his attitude.

She never showed that she was uncomfortable around him, which made him very happy. It also gave him higher hopes because she definitely treated him differently than their other male friends. He was one of the few men she ever associated with and it made him feel so honoured. He just wished he had the guts to tell her how he felt.

He looked out his window; the sun was beginning to set. Surely, she already had dinner by now and was probably watching one of her favourite shows. Here he was on his bed, sulking about not being able to tell her. He had the perfect opportunity as well! Why did he not take that chance?

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"Oi, Ichigo!"

He looked up from his locker to see Tatsuki and a nervous Orihime in tow. He raised his eyebrow at her before closing his locker. "What's up Tatsuki?" He gave a small smile to the girl who couldn't even look at him. "Inoue."

Her face sported a light pink as she continued to fidget under his gaze. Rolling her eyes, Tatsuki got his attention again. "Can you walk Orihime home? Normally I'd do it myself but I have practice today. I don't trust anyone else to take her."

His gaze didn't leave the girl who was even more nervous now than she was earlier. He looked back at Tatsuki and nodded. "Sure. It's on the way home. I don't see why not."

She nodded. "Alright. Take care of her Ichigo. I'm sorry about this Hime. If I didn't have practice, I would've done it myself…"

Shaking her head, she looked at her friend. "It's okay Tatsuki-chan! You guys need to prepare for the tournament coming up! I don't want to get in the way of that. We can hang out some other time."

Noticing just how nervous she was, Tatsuki started to doubt her decision. But she also knew this would've been the perfect time for Orihime to tell Ichigo how she felt. Something had happened at lunch, though the girl denied that anything had happened. Tatsuki didn't really believe that. But she went along with Orihime to keep her happy.

"Take care guys. See you tomorrow!"

"Bye-bye Tatsuki-chan!" The girl looked back at her two best friends once more, before finally heading to the dojo.

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The silence on the walk was deafening. The only sound was of their feet as they continued on their journey home. Orihime wanted to have a conversation with Ichigo, but she wasn't sure of what. Glancing up at the shinigami beside her, she couldn't help but notice how serious he looked. 'Did he always look so handsome when he was serious?' A blush crept on her face as she couldn't help but be mesmerized by his face.

Sensing as though he was being watched, he looked down at the girl who had her eyes on him. 'She's so cute; staring up at me with that cute expression. Gah! Why do I keep using the word cute? Can't I think of anything else to say?"

"Cause you're an idiot, King."

'Shut up! Why are you talking again? Didn't we just have this conversation a few hours ago?'

"I wouldn't be sayin' anythin' if you had the balls to just tell her how you feel! This is the perfect moment! You two are alone, there's no one to stop you from telling her! Just look her in the eyes and say "I like you Inoue."

'Be quiet. I never asked for your advice.'

"Tch. Be grateful I'm actually talking to you. I could just be like Zangetsu and stay quiet the entire time. How boring would that be?"

'You insolent-'

"Kurosaki-kun, is something wrong?"

Blinking, he looked at the girl; her face sported a worried look. He didn't realize they both stopped in front of her apartment.

"We're here already?" 'Crap! I didn't even talk to her the entire time!'

She nodded. It looked as though she was able to say something before her mouth closed, a smile replacing her worried look. Before she could stop herself, she ran to him and hugged him, shocking both of them. She thought she wouldn't have enough courage to do so, but she wanted to at least thank him.

"Thank you for walking me home, Kurosaki-kun."

Not trusting his voice for the umpteenth time today, he just nodded and returned the hug, though a bit awkwardly. He had never hugged another person before, besides his family, though he never counted them. The fact that it was his crush who was hugging him only made him more nervous.

She pulled away, both of them disappointed at the lack of warmth, before heading to her apartment.

"Matte, Inoue!"

Turning her head to him, her eyes locked with his. Rubbing his head awkwardly, he looked at the ground,

"I'm sorry for not talking with you. I was just thinking about stuff."

Her eyes widened before they softened in understanding. "It's okay Kurosaki-kun. Just being with you was enough."

His eyes widened as she walked into her apartment, leaving him with butterflies in his stomach and a very confused brain.

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Sighing, he placed his hand on his face, blowing out a breath. His eyes opened up, the ceiling looking rather interesting to look at. He still couldn't wrap his mind around what she said.

Just being with you was enough.

Did that really mean she reciprocated his feelings? Was this the sign he was looking for? Shaking his head, he just couldn't think about anything. Everything felt so confusing. Nothing made sense to him. The only thing that made sense to him… was her.

Dammit, I'm getting nowhere just sitting here. I got to go for a walk.

Jumping out of bed, he hardened his resolve.

I'm going to tell her. Whether she accepts me or not.