Lost in love

Chapter 5: the best day

"Rukia."

Rukia stirred in her sleep. She slept late last night because of homework and now she was too lazy to wake up. She felt something moving but decided to ignore it. Someone was calling her name but she wouldn't open her eyes.

"Rukia."

"Hhmmm?"

"Rukia you have to wake up. It's 7 o'clock now."

"Why are you still in bed?"

Rukia slowly opened her eyes a bit. She saw a figure but still couldn't make out what or who it was. Suddenly there was bright light. She closed her eyes back again, covered her face with the blanket and grunted.

"Urg! I want to sleep! Leave me alone!"

"This will be the last time I will call your name. Rukia."

That did it. Rukia's eyes snapped open. She immediately uncovered herself, sat up and looked at the person talking. She saw a man wearing black shoes standing beside her bed. And when she looked higher she saw long raven hair that reached the owner's shoulder and when she took her gaze a little bit higher she saw a face she hasn't seen for almost two weeks. A smile crept along her face that was unnoticed by her.

"Byakuya!"

She greeted her brother excitedly. She wanted to hug him but she knew that it would be awkward for her brother so she controlled herself from doing so.

"Rukia. Why are you still on bed? Weren't you supposed to be in school?"Byakuya looked at his sister without any emotion. He just stood beside her and didn't even bother to smile.

"Oh my God! I totally forgot! Urg! Why didn't I wake up? I need to go. I'm sorry brother." Rukia got up and bowed in front of her brother. "I need to get ready. I'll talk to you later. I'm sorry."she went outside her room but stopped by the door. She peeked her head in and smiled at her brother.

"I'm so glad that you're home!"and then she went straight to the bathroom.

Byakuya looked at his sister. 'She hasn't changed. Hhhhmmm... I'll just give this to her later when she gets back home.'He was holding a box wrapped with bright red color and a white ribbon was tied on top of it. He went back to his own room and decided to rest for a bit because of all the work he did he was really stressed.

Ichigo was in the classroom already waiting for Inoue to come. He came earlier than usual to talk to her before more students arrive. He knew that she is an early riser therefore she is punctual. He wasn't only waiting for Inoue, Ichigo was also waiting for Rukia. He wanted to know if everything was alright. When he left her last night it bothered him. He didn't want Rukia to be alone in that house. It could be dangerous for a girl to live alone. She should have someone to be with her. 'How can her brother leave her without any one to accompany her? She's just seventeen.'Ichigo heard someone opened the door and when he looked he saw Inoue smiling at him. She was walking towards him already.

"Ichigo! What are you doing here so early?"

"Yeah Ichigo, what are you doing here? Im not used to see you here in school at this time."Tatsuki a girl with short black hair butted in. She was Inoue's best friend since grade school. She's a tough girl that always does her best when it comes to kicking someone else's butt. She was also Ichigo's friend and they've known each other since they were five years old.

"Ha ha! Very funny. It's none of your business Tatsuki."Ichigo answered her sarcastically.

"Stop It guys! It's such a good day to waste. Let's not get into each other's hair."

"Hey, don't worry were not taking it seriously."Ichigo was amazed that Inoue thought he and Tatsuki were really arguing. Inoue didn't like it if they acted kids and were teasing each other. "Anyway, Tatsuki can you leave us for a minute? I need to talk to Inoue in private." he directed his gaze to Tatsuki.

"Okay. I'll leave you two alone."

"Thanks!"

Inoue smiled at ichigo. She pulled the chair beside him and sat on it. "What it is about? Is something wrong?"she asked curiously.

"No, nothing's wrong. Uhm... You do know Rukia right?"

"Rukia? Hhhmmm... Rukia... Rukia... Ah! Do you mean Kuchiki Rukia? Our new classmate?"

"Yeah. Well yesterday we talked for a little bit and I asked her if she wants I can show her around Karakura. But she said that she thinks we need to tell you first and if you won't agree with it then I won't do it. Well what do you think? I mean I don't think there's any problem regarding it, but still it'll be up to you."Inoue was leaning towards Ichigo as he talked. He felt uncomfortable because they were in the room with some students and she was getting too close to him. He didn't want them thinking that they were affectionate in public so he sat properly to move a little bit farther from his girlfriend.

The gesture didn't go unnoticed by Inoue. She awkwardly leaned on the chair. It made her move far from Ichigo. "Well I suppose it's okay. I mean it's not like you'll do anything you're not supposed to, right?" Ichigo shifted uncomfortably when Inoue said that. Inoue's intention was just to kid. She didn't expect it will come out seriously. "Uhm... I mean It's not like you two will be in trouble right?"

Ichigo knew she didn't intend it to sound like she suspected him. He smiled at her and said, "Don't worry we'll be careful. Maybe you can join us. I'm sure Rukia will like that."

'There it goes again. He called Kuchiki by her name. How come he looks great about it? Mentioning Kuchiki's name makes it look like they're very close now.'Inoue couldn't help it but feel envious of Rukia. She had been trying to make Ichigo call her Orihime but he wouldn't do it. But now, he just didn't say Rukia's name once but twice. She wondered what happened to Ichigo and Rukia's time together yesterday. It seemed special because it looked like they're now close or like friends.

She was staring at the floor when he mentioned Rukia's name but when she looked back at him she saw that he was smiling. A very lovely smile that's very unusual to see. It made her heart jump to see her boyfriend smiling at her like he's happy to be hers. She couldn't help but to agree with him.

"Sure! I can also tour her around Karakura. I mean we're both girls so there are obviously more places that the both of us can go than with you. Don't you think so?"

"Yeah! I'll tell Rukia when she gets here. I wonder where she is. It's almost time for the first period. I hope nothing happened to her." Ichigo looked hopefully at the door. More students came but none with short raven hair. "She should be here by now."

Inoue also looked at the door. When her gaze went back to Ichigo she saw worry all over his face. 'What's happening here? They only talked for a little while yesterday but why does he act like they've known each other for a long time?'

"Ichigo, don't worry. Nothing's going to happen to her. Why are you so worked up about her? How can you be so sure that she's in trouble?"Inoue was starting to get irritated. She and Ichigo had been together for twenty minutes but all they've talked about was Rukia.

"Well, Rukia's brother is out of town and she only lives with him and now that he's gone she's home alone. I really wish there's nothing wrong."Ichigo was definitely worried now. The teacher just came and was starting the lesson.

Inoue was about to argue but when their Sensei came her chance disappeared. She went back to her seat irritably.

Ichigo looked at the door one last time. Still no Rukia in sight. He took his phone out and texted.

Rukia Kuchiki: hey! Were are you? Are you alright? Text me back.

He sent his message and waited.

The door burst open. Rukia was panting and was holding the edge of the door. Because she was out of breath she looked down and tried to breathe normally. When she looked up all her classmate and sensei were looking at her. Of course it's not every day someone will just suddenly open the door and completely forgot that there were people. She was so embarrassed that her cheeks reddened.

"I'm sorry. Uhm... Something happened so I'm late." She looked at her sensei and bowed to her and then she faced her classmate and also bowed to them. "I'm sorry I disturbed the lesson."

"That's fine Rukia. Please take your seat."Ochie Sensei told Rukia.

"Yes! Thank you!"Rukia gave her Sensei her nicest smile and proceeded to her place beside Ichigo.

Ichigo saw her and relieve washed through him. He was about to excuse his self from class to call her, fortunately she came. He nodded at her and when he saw Rukia settled already he leaned to her.

"Hey! What happened? Why are late? Is something wrong?"

"What? What makes you say that? There's no problem. I'm fine. I was tired last night so I slept in. By the way, my brother's back."

Ichigo was glad with the news. Now she won't be alone anymore. "Really? That's great! When did he retu-"

"Kurosaki! Kuchiki! Is there something you would like to share with the class?"Ochie Sensei saw the two talking with each other so she shouted to get their attention.

"Uhm.. No Sensei. There isn't. We're sorry." Rukia smiled again at her Sensei and decided to lend her ears to her Sensei.

"Well then, please focus on the lesson."

"Yes!" both Ichigo and Rukia answered.

Inoue was staring at the both of them. At first she was just irritated but now she's jealous. She knew that it was not right to feel that way because she has no right, but she can't help it. 'Ichigo told me that he doesn't like it if we show affection towards each other in front of people, but how come he was even the one coming closer to Kuchiki? Not only that I saw him smile to her while they were whispering. He also seemed relax when she came. Was he really that worried of someone he just met? And why does he keep on calling her Rukia?' she looked back at the both of them and sighed. 'I'm acting paranoid. Nothing's happening and here I am thinking too much. I should trust Ichigo. He never did anything to hurt me so I'm sure nothing's going on between them'Inoue smiled and decided to ignore her feelings by paying attention to her sensei.

The rest of the morning passed by quickly. Nothing interesting happened. Rukia was writing some notes to study later at home when her phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out and read the message. She saw two messages. She read the first one.

Rukia Kuchiki: hey! Where are you? Are you alright? Text me back.

A smile was visible on Rukia's face. She didn't read this message before going to school because she was in a hurry. She didn't know that it was from Ichigo. Quickly, she pressed some buttons and sent a message to Ichigo.

Ichigo Kurosaki: I'm sorry i didn't have time to read your text to me as you can see I'm in a rush. Worried too much STRAWBERRY?

The next message was from Renji. He was asking to have lunch with him again on the roof. Since she doesn't eat with anyone aside from him she accepted. Rukia was about to put her phone back to her bag when a new message was sent to her. It was from Ichigo.

Rukia Kuchiki: No I wasn't! I was just curious that's all! Don't be so full of yourself! MIDGET!

She was going to text him back again when she saw her sensei walking towards her. She immediately put back her phone in her bag. She looked at Ichigo who was grinning behind a book. He obviously was happy that she couldn't get back to him. She narrowed her eyes at him and then rolled them. She thought that Ichigo was being childish but it suited him. She took a piece of paper and wrote a small note on it. She folded the paper and when the teacher wasn't looking she quickly tossed it to the orange haired boy beside her.

Ichigo saw a folded paper flew on his desk. He unfolded it and read the note.

'This isn't over! STUPID STRAWBERRY!'

He smiled widely. She wasn't giving up. She was still doing her best to have her revenge even if the stakes of getting caught is high. He looked at her and put his hands up, a sign of giving up. He can see that Rukia was too stubborn to stop their non verbal bickering so he gave way. 'Huh! Just for now you just wait! Annoying midget!'he jested to his self.

Riiiiing!

The sound of the lunch bell was heard all throughout the school. Every student stopped what they were doing and prepared for lunch.

Rukia took her bento from her bag and was about to go to the roof where she will meet Renji when Ichigo spoke to her.

"Hey! You're in a hurry. Are you trying to catch something?" Ichigo picked up his bento and was ready to have lunch.

"Oh! Not really, but I promised Renji we'll have lunch on the roof today so he might be waiting by now." Rukia talked to Ichigo but her attention was at her phone. She just received a message from Renji asking her where she is. "See." She held up her phone to Ichigo. "He is waiting. I need to go. Uhm... I will talk to you later?" she finally looked at him and arched her eyebrows to him while asking the question.

"Certainly. Well we do need to talk. It's about Inoue. I already asked her but I think yo-"Rukia cut off Ichigo. She answered her phone because it rang all of a sudden.

"Hello? Hey! I'm on my way. Yeah, you don't need to call me. I'll be there in five minutes. What? I'm only ten minutes late! Yeah, see you!"Rukia was talking through the phone. Renji had called her. He was wondering where she was because she wouldn't answer his text.

"I'm sorry Ichigo, I need to go. I promise I'll go talk to Inoue later before going home. Alright? "

"Rukia, why are you still hanging out with that guy Renji? I told you, he's a good for nothing person. You'll just be in trouble if you continue doing this! Come on, call him back and tell him you won't eat with him."

"Ichigo I can't d that. Renji's my friend and he hasn't done anything to harm me. Will you cut it off? He's a nice guy.I'll go now koay? Bye! See ya later!"Rukia left the room without even waiting for Ichigo's answer. She went straight ahead to the roof.

Ichigo was staring at her. He felt Inoue tugged on his uniform. When he looked at her he saw her smiling so he smiled also. Inoue pulled him on his clothes and was leading the way. Outside the room he saw Rukia on the stairs talking to the guy who was Renji. A puzzled look was on Ichigo's face. He stared at them until Rukia and Renji went up the stairs and he couldn't see them anymore.

The end of the day was near. The students were all getting ready to leave and go back home. Rukia was waiting for Inoue to finish packing her notebooks. When she saw that Inoue was done she approached her.

"Hey! Uhm, can I talk to you for a while?"Rukia was definitely nervous. She hasn't talked to Inoue seriously. The only times they had a conversation was when the auburn haired girl asked her for lunch during her first day at Karakura High.

"Oh! Kuchiki! Is anything wrong?"

"Uhm nothing's wrong I just want to ask if you would like to join me for a cup of coffee? I know we don't really talk but I was hoping you would accept my invitation."Rukia stared at Inoue with pleading eyes. She had a good plan for today. She will ask Inoue for coffee then they will go to the mall. She made up her mind. She and Inoue will be friends and this day will be the best day in her life. She just hopes that everything will turn out right. Inoue looks like a good person. She was really kind and was even trying to be friends the moment they met.

Inoue was surprised. She smiled at her and thought, 'Kuchiki's so kind. I thought she didn't want me to be her friend but now she's even inviting me for an afternoon hangout. At least she's thinking of a way to make up to me.'

"Sure! I mean, it'll be fun! Oh we should invite Tatsuki also. I'm sure she would love that! Oh wait, I hope it's okay with you."

Rukia nodded to Inoue. "Of course that will be fun. Tatsuki is the girl that you're always with, right?"

"Yes! Come, I'll introduce you to her." Inoue and Rukia went over to Tatsuki who was currently talking to Ichigo.

"No Ichigo. You should hold the guy properly on the head. Make it tight so there won't be a chance that he will escape. Oh! Orihime! What's up? Are you ready to go?"Tatsuki was talking to Ichigo but then she spotted Inoue with Rukia. Her eyes were on Rukia curious why she was with Orihime.

"Oh nothing. What are you two talking about?"Inoue encircled her arms around Ichigo's to direct his question to him.

"Nothing. We were discussing the proper way to strangle someone. Huh! Tatsuki here thought she's better at it than me."answered Ichigo while rolling his eyes at Tatsuki.

"But that's the truth! I am better than you! Admit it Ichigo I can beat your ass anytime I want!"Tatsuki retorted back.

"Enough with it guys! You're scaring Kuchiki." Inoue looked at Rukia while talking. She sensed Rukia getting quite uncomfortable. "Tatsuki I know you haven't met, I mean, haven't been properly introduced to Kuchiki before. I want you to meet Kuchiki Rukia our new classmate of course. And Kuchiki this is Tatsuki my best friend since grade school." Rukia held out her hand though she felt nervous. At first Tatsuki was looking at Rukia's out stretched hand but then she smiled and took it.

"Nice to meet you Kuchiki."

Rukia smiled and shook their hands together. She let go of Tatsuki's and took one step backwards. She bowed her head and said, "It a pleasure to meet you too!"

"Wow! I didn't know you're very polite." Tatsuki grunted. "You should hang out with Ichigo. You will learn how to be a brat and rude!" She added teasingly while elbowing Ichigo.

"What! I don't act like a brat and I'm certainly not rude!" Ichigo shouted at Tatsuki's face. He leaned his face over her.

"Yes you do! Want me to prove it? Come on! If you can beat me I'll take back everything I've said."

"Fine! You're on! Let's go outside to start this!"

"Don't cry if I'll beat you! Stupid brat! We'll see you outside Inoue!"Tatsuki ran outside the room following Ichigo who was already halfway down the hall.

Inoue smiled awkwardly at Rukia. "I'm sorry. They always do these kinds of things. But don't worry they don't take it seriously. I always try to stop them but they won't even listen to me."

"Don't worry I don't see anything wrong. Uhm, Inoue would you still want to have coffee with me?"Rukia remembered her reason why she talked to Inoue so she asked her again.

"Of course let's follow Ichigo and Tatsuki and tell them. But they will agree I'm sure of it." Inoue saw Rukia fidgeting like she wanted to say something to her. "Is there something you would like to ask Kuchiki?"

Rukia was surprised at Inoue she stared at her and gave her the most sincere smile she can give. "Well actually I would like to ask for your permission."

"Oh! Does this have something to do with you and Ichigo?"Inoue saw Rukia having a hard time asking her so she did her job and stop the pain Rukia was having.

"Oh! You know about it? Wait, Ichigo asked you, didn't he?"Rukia's spirit was lifted up.

"Yes. He did and it's okay with me. I don't think there's gonna be any problem with that. Besides I don't think you're the kind of person who takes someone else's boyfriend. That's fine with me. Hey! Maybe I can even tour you around Karakura! I'm sure there are lots of things that we can do together. What do you think?" Inoue looked so bubbly that she looked like she about to burst from happiness.

"Thanks! I'm so glad you said yes. Thanks again. Of course we can go shopping together, get our hair and nails done! I'm sure Ichigo won't like to do those things with me. Unless I want to go wrestling which I don't have any interest then pretty sure he would reject me." Rukia smirked and looked at Inoue." So let's go to the mall?"Rukia was grinning from ear to ear.

Inoue was laughing at what Rukia said. She felt ridiculous for thinking stupid things about Rukia and Ichigo a moment ago. Now she's sure that all those thoughts were just in her mind. "Right! Let's get the two love birds before they harm themselves." Inoue carried her backpack behind and then started walking to the door. She stopped and faced Rukia "Oh and by the way, rukia? Can I now assume that we are friends?"

Rukia smiled slowly. She felt embarrassed and shy around Inoue cause of her actions towards her before but still she managed to tell her,

"Yes! I would love to be your friend."

They went outside to fetch Ichgio and Tatsuki. Rukia felt happier. Her brother came back, she has Renji, Ichigo, and possibly Tatsuki and now Inoue.

'This is the real start of my day here living in Karakura. The best day yet!'Rukia couldn't stop smiling a lot. She couldn't help it. She felt overwhelmed today because of how things turned out Even though if one will look at the situation it doesn't seem to be enough reason to be happy, but Rukia was a simple person so she was satisfied.

A/N: I'm sorry if you think the chapter ending was lame. Thanks for reading! ^_^ leave a review!