Orihime looked at herself at the mirror. Tatsuki smiled behind her, proud of her friend's beauty. She was the school idol, after all. She had followed Orihime home, keeping her company while she searched through her clothes to find the appropriate outfit. Nothing seemed good enough to Orihime, who was hesitant on her choices. So Tatsuki tried to help her. Together, they chose a dress that looked so pretty on her.
"You're so beautiful, Orihime!" Tatsuki said proudly.
Orihime nodded. She was smiling, but it was obvious to both herself and Tatsuki that it wasn't a real smile. It didn't reach her eyes. Tatsuki was worried, but it seemed to her that Orihime wouldn't talk about it yet. Today she was pretty closed to herself. And she respected that, but she was still very worried.
The princess, as Tatsuki used to call her at times like that, was fully dressed and ready to meet Ichigo. He had arranged for her to meet him in a cafe, so they would be sure they wouldn't attract attention, there was no reason for it. So, Orihime walked out of the door with Tatsuki and started walking towards their meeting place. But her heart seemed…uneasy. Such a big thing happened and she was like this? Then Ishida's words echoed in her mind again. The small things can make a heart more satisfied, huh? She laughed bitterly, trying to hold back some tears. It didn't matter now. She should be thankful that Ichigo had finally made his move. Isn't that what she wanted, after all?
Ichigo was at the café, waiting for her in a small table. Orihime put on her best smile, fixed her dress and sat next to him. Ichigo smiled at her and they started talking. But Orihime's mind wasn't on what Ichigo said. Normally, she'd be the happiest girl alive. But something inside her didn't feel right. She wasn't content.
"Oi, Inoue! Are you listening to me?"
She turned bright red, realizing that Ichigo's face was awfully close to hers. Was…was he going to kiss her? His nose almost touched hers, and he tilted his head a little. She opened her eyes as wide as possible, feeling shocked as he leant in closer.
Instead,he raised a finger and poked her forehead.
"You fool…" he said, as Orihime's eyes opened even more.
"K-Kurosaki-kun!"
"He loves you, don't you know that? And it's obvious that you do, too." A confident smile showed upon his face as he leaned back on his chair.
"W-What are you t-" She tried to say a few words but Ichigo stopped her.
"I know that you love Ishida. You were so depressed since he started avoiding you, that I wanted to punch him. But I also know why he did that. He was in pain. But now that you've realized, you should go and find him."
She was shocked. "B-But… You, and me and Ishida-kun and Helena-san…"
He sighed. "Look. You should go and find him. I only got you here to prove you that you love him. Someone had to do it, right?" He smiled wide. "After all, he and Helena broke up a few days ago."
"W-What?Why?"
"He should tell you that, not me. Now go, you silly!" He nodded at the door.
Orihime smiled, this time for real. "Thank you, Kurosaki-kun. Thank you…" Then she got up and walked through the door, towards Ishida's apartment.
With a big smile, Kurosaki leaned back on his chair, drinking his refreshment as he thought. "You two idiots… Be thankful that you have me as your friend!" He chuckled at the thought, and relaxed, satisfied with his deeds.