Rukia
Ichigo arrived at Sayuri's house as is his habit each morning. As he knocked on her door, he found she wasn't ready yet.
"Good morning, Ichigo!" She exclaimed cheerfully. "Come in now; I should be ready in a minute."
Stepping inside and looking around "How she keeps this place so tidy is beyond me" He thought to himself.
Ichigo was abruptly brought out of his thoughts when his watch beeped and looked quickly at it, becoming more frustrated and impatient with every passing second. "Hurry up will ya, we're going to be late!" He demanded.
Sayuri glared back at him with an amused expression and flicked her brush at him, telling him she would be ready when the time comes.
"What exactly does that mean?" He wondered aloud, rolling his eyes.
"Seriously," Ichigo tells her with an expression she recognizes all too well, "I have something important I wanted to ask you..."
Sayuri turns around and makes eye contact, knowing when he's deep in thought. "So, let's hear what it is!" She engages him directly.
Ichigo sits down on the sofa. "So I never asked but," he asks Sayuri directly, "how are you liking living alone?"
Sayuri took a deep breath before beginning her answer.
"Living alone has been a tremendous adjustment," she began, noting the many tasks. Like paying bills, buying groceries, and cleaning up after herself. While managing on my own is challenging at times, the freedom it brings makes the experience quite liberating.
Sayuri explained how living alone had given her an increased sense of independence and autonomy. Additionally, she appreciated having privacy when needed as well as freedom to come and go at will.
But she acknowledged the challenges associated with living alone were many and varied. She often felt restless and lonely, sometimes yearning for someone to chat to or just hang out with. Additionally, living on her own necessitated being extremely aware of expenses since no one was there to cover those costs for her; though it proved challenging at times but ultimately, she managed.
Ichigo attentively listened as his girlfriend spoke. He could feel her emotions and could tell that living alone had been challenging, yet it was evident she was making the most out of this newfound lifestyle and truly appreciating every part of it.
"My greatest challenge has been learning to appreciate myself as company," she explained. "I had to adjust to being alone, which was difficult; however, now that I am starting to adjust, I am beginning to appreciate all the alone time I get and finding ways to keep myself entertained and engaged - taking up new hobbies like painting or reading more has really been great!"
Ichigo stood up and moved closer, gently caressing her hair out of her face. "Well, just know that you are never truly alone. My family loves you and if ever need someone to talk to, just know we are always here."
"Yes, I understand and thank you Ichigo", Sayuri replied smiling.
At the conclusion of their conversation, Sayuri smiled broadly and expressed her satisfaction: "Living alone has been both challenging and rewarding - I have learned so much about myself and am proud of the person I have become.
Ichigo insists they leave now.
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Keigo and Orihime later meet them en route as they descend from her house, only for them to encounter each other on their journey downhill.
"Hello Ichigo and Sayuri!" Orihime extends a hand for Sayuri to embrace her as all four continue walking together in sync.
They all spoke briefly, sharing news of each other's lives since last seeing one another. The four of them talked for several minutes as they caught up.
Ichigo nervously gripped Sayuri's hand as Orihime trailed behind, her eyes locked on their entwined fingers. Keigo stood back, his expression unreadable. No one spoke but Ichigo could feel tension building within himself; each step required thoughtful consideration before moving forward.
Ichigo caught sight of Sayuri out of the corner of his eye and met her gaze briefly before looking away; her face showing no indications of distress or anxiety.
Going public about their relationship was hard enough knowing her best friend had feelings for a certain spikey orange head; flaunting their newfound relationship in Orihimes face however, was even harder. Sayuri had felt an immense amount of guilt about having feelings for Ichigo; that feeling only increased once Orihime realized. Sayuri remembered an argument she and Ichigo had about practically flaunting their feelings at each other in Orihime's face; Sayuri recalls crying while Ichigo told her not to hide them any longer as Orihime would eventually come around; boys can be so naiive!
Ichigo couldn't help thinking about their awkward interactions at that moment and could feel tension between all of them almost palpably rising; wanting to say something, Ichigo tried his hardest but came up blank; instead, he continued walking while holding Sayuri tighter with every step.
Keigo spoke up suddenly. "Sayuri, I don't understand what you see in Ichigo," he joked jovially. This made Ichigo stop dead in his tracks in irritation; his hands clamped too tight on Sayuri's hand as they passed by them a second time and Orihime tensed behind them as well.
What exactly does that mean?" "Keigo what are you talking about?"
Sayuri didn't say much as she gave Ichigo's hand a gentle squeeze before turning back towards Keigo and speaking quietly: "I see something special in Ichigo that's hard to find," she whispered quietly while keeping Ichigo at her side: "He's strong, loyal, and loves me deeply – Sayuri looked back up towards Orihime before continuing: "And I love him too."
Keigo was at first silent, before nodding in understanding and saying softly "I understand, sorry I only intended to make the walk less awkward". Keigo smiled apologetic.
Resuming their walk, Ichigo found his mood was less tense as Sayuri smiled back at him with an expression that pleased both.
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They arrived at school, and all four made their way towards the classroom. Ichigo glanced around the classroom to find everyone huddled together. Tatsuki ran up to him smirking gleefully; "Ichigo!" Tatsuki exclaimed with surprise before running up again with something in her hand for Ichigo to respond with: "What is up Tatsuki?" questioned Ichigo confusedly.
"Rukia is a new student at school, she moved here from another city - everyone's so eager to meet her!" Tatsuki exclaimed as they approached Rukia sitting behind a desk looking slightly bewildered.
"Hi! My name is Orihime." "These three are Ichigo, Keigo and Tatsuki - welcome!"
Rukia smiled nervously. "Hello!" Rukia exclaimed with gratitude, adding, "Thanks, it's nice meeting you."
Orihime and Keigo both gave her their warmest smiles.
"What part of Japan do you come from?" Orihime asked.
Rukia began by explaining her origins. "I come from a small town far away."
"That is fascinating and all," Ichigo replied, "but why did you decide to come here?"
Rukia took a breath, her expression quickly changing from surprise to alertness.
"I... had no choice," she stated.
"Well," Orihime attempted to lighten the mood. "It's great having you here. We can show you around and help familiarize you with our school."
Rukia nodded and then turned towards Sayuri, sitting alone and seemingly lost in thought in one corner of the room. Rukia continued to look at Sayuri who seemed preoccupied with herself.
Sayuri turned her head, meeting Rukia's startled gaze with an awkward silence. For an instant, the two girls locked eyes; Rukia could sense tension lingering between them both and was certain Sayuri was experiencing it too.
Orihime and Ichigo exchanged glances as they both looked back to what had caught Rukia's interest.
Rukia with barely a whisper announced, in her own voice: "Sayuri..."
Rukia stood, her gaze still fixed on Sayuri, before slowly walking towards her. As they neared each other, Rukia's gaze softened, giving Sayuri the sense that there was something special between them.
Sayuri shook her head to respond as her voice faltered slightly as she asked, "Do I know you?" Her question echoed around the room with its intensity.
