It's been a week since the events of White Day and Hajime couldn't stop thinking about her near kiss with Byakuya. Every day since, she's been avoiding him like the plague, which has been difficult since she lives with him at Kuchiki Manor. Neither of them has had the courage to talk to one another and she decided that maybe avoidance was the best solution.

While actively avoiding Byakuya this past week, Hajime often visited Rukia at Squad 13's Barracks, getting acquainted with Captain Ukitake. She wondered why she never visited sooner, the change of scenery was refreshing and Ukitake was a kind and gentle man. Even though Rukia thought it was strange for Hajime to suddenly visit, she never pushed her about it, waiting for her to bring it up first. She was glad Hajime trusted her enough to come see her, even if she didn't talk about what was bothering her.

During her visits, Ukitake encouraged Hajime to spar with Rukia when she was available, helping land her in Zanjutsu 2. Although Renji and Byakuya gave her irreplaceable training experience and advice, she was glad she was able to get a different approach from Ukitake.

Though, even with the distractions, she could still feel his breath on her lips, the warmth lingering. This was surely a time Hajime wish she had her mother here for guidance.

"Kisumoto-San! Kisumoto-San!" Hajime, who was deep in thought, was called back to reality as her professor was repeatedly calling her name. Promoting her way up to Kido 4, she noticed a lot of the rumors about her have started to die down. It seems she has been able to prove herself in the eyes of her classmates recently, "Now that you're back with us, please come on to the field and perform Hadou #48: Gaki Rekko."

Making her way to the outer field, Hajime unenthusiastically cast Hadou #48, which created a circle of energy that fires beams of green light from the center in a cage-like formation.

"W-Wonderful!" Professor Namikawa exclaimed, "The power and accuracy was splendid!"

Even with the praise, Hajime returned to the crowd of students and lost all motivation to learn today. As her Kido class ended, it was time for Zanjutsu 2, and she finally was able to have a class with Kisume again.

"Hajime~" Kisume called out as he leapt over to hug her.

"Hi, Kisume," she said shortly, a small smile following.

Furrowing his brows and pouting, Kisume pulled his face in closer to Hajime's. Flashing back to how close she and Byakuya was last week, she jumped in surprise and her face started to turn pink, "K-Kisume, what was that for?!" she exclaimed.

"Hmm… You've been acting all strange these past couple of days. Did something happen?"

Not wanting to get into it with Kisume, Hajime told him that everything was fine. Though, he didn't believe a word she said.

"All right class," the professor spoke as she entered the classroom, "We have a special training session today. Let's all head to the outdoor field."

At the field, the Zanjutsu 2 class was greeted by Captain Ukitake, Rukia, and the rest of Squad 13's seated officers (seats 3-20). Excluding Ukitake, the students of Zanjutsu 2 will partake in a one-on-one sparring challenge with the seated officers of Squad 13. To make the pairings, the students' names and officers' names were written on strips of paper and placed into separate bowls. While everyone would love the chance to spar with Kuchiki Rukia, they knew they were nowhere near her level and would rather spar with a lower-ranked officer to try and earn some praise.

With the 3rd, 7th, 12th, and 15th, seated officers already paired up, the next name pulled was Rukia's.

"Now, let's see who will be sparring with Kuchiki Fukutaichou," Professor Yuno spoke as she pulled a name out of the bowl, "Kisumoto Hajime." The whole class looked to Hajime who they knew would get overpowered quickly by someone like Rukia, "Good luck, Kisumoto-San!"

As the pairings were finally finished, the students were urged to find a spot large enough in the field to train. Once the pairs were all settled, they were welcome to start sparring.

Luckily enough to have trained with Rukia before, Hajime was able to hold her own for a little white. Though, Rukia did notice her lack of enthusiasm compared to before.

"Hajime, I thought you wanted to become a Shinigami." Rukia stated.

Confused, Hajime lowered her Asauchi, "What do you mean?"

"You're not focused. If you fought like this in the real world, how would you be able to protect the people you care about?"

Rukia was right. Hajime has gotten so distracted; she lost all focus on what she came here for in the first place. Pushing her thoughts to the back of her mind, Hajime refocused and looked at Rukia with determination. Gripping on to her Asauchi, she lunged to attack Rukia, who was easily able to block.

"Thank you, Rukia," Hajime spoke with her usual smile, "For reminding me that I have something I'm fighting for."

Smiling back, she pushed away from Hajime and shunpo-ed behind her. Expecting her attack, Hajime quickly shunpo-ed behind Rukia and swung her katana, missing. Rukia's reflexes were as sharp as ever.

"So," Rukia spoke as their two blades clashed, "I think it's time to talk about what's been bothering you. Especially if it's interfering with your classes."

She's right, Hajime thought to herself as she was trying to keep up with Rukia's relentless attacks, It may be best for me to talk to her about it.

"On White Day," Hajime spoke between Rukia's slashes as she was trying to block, "Kuchiki-Sama and I…" Rukia preparing the final strike, Hajime blurted out, "almost kissed!"

Stunned by her sudden declaration, Rukia stopped herself and slowly lowered her Zanpakuto. "Is that why the two of you have been acting so weird?" Rukia questioned with a smile as she thought back to all their awkward interactions this past week.

Embarrassed, all Hajime could do was nod her head. Rukia laughed and nudged Hajime with her elbow, "So? What happened?"

Putting their spar on hold, Hajime told Rukia everything.

"As happy as I am for the two of you finally acknowledging you have feelings for each other. The real issue is Akane." Rukia explained, "If she were to find out, especially after the reading that they had, it could be bad."

"She'd have my head," Hajime stated bluntly.

Laughing, Rukia told Hajime that that wouldn't happen. If Akane were to find out about their feelings for one another, Hajime should expect to be banned from the Manor, losing her sponsorship. Though, that didn't make Hajime feel any better.

"I think you two should talk to each other," Rukia stated, "At least to clear the air. I know the two of you well enough to know this won't lead to any changes but you two need to be upfront about your feelings."

And once again, Rukia was right. While she never intended to, Hajime fell in love with Byakuya. And after spending time with Akane and seeing how truly infatuated she is with Byakuya, she has no intentions of acting on her feelings either. In another lifetime was right, they're just from two different worlds and there's no happy ending there.

. . .

At Squad Six's Barracks, Renji couldn't help but notice how distracted Byakuya has been lately. Even though he has been getting his paperwork completed promptly as per usual, Renji could tell that something was bothering him. At lunch, Renji finally mustered up the courage to ask him what was wrong, though, Byakuya simply brushed it off and told Renji that he was fine.

"Well," Renji spoke as he was trying to change the subject, "I've been meaning to ask you, how did Hajime like her gift? Was she surprised?"

Thinking back to her reaction at the hairpin he gifted her, the events of that night replayed through his mind, causing him to close his eyes as he sighed internally.

"Okay…" Renji said slowly, "Well, what about her ribbon? I'm sure she was happy to get that back."

Byakuya simply looked over at Renji as he was not helping the situation at all. "What do you know?" he simply asked.

"What do I know about what?" Renji retorted.

Sighing, Byakuya thought it was best to confide in his Vice-Captain, "Yes, Kisumoto-San loved the hairpin you showed me and she was even more grateful for me returning her ribbon to her. But-"

"But…" Renji was curious, what happened?

"The situation is… complicated."

"Complicated how?" Renji was starting to get annoyed and wanted Byakuya to get straight to the point.

"Kisumoto-San and I," bringing his fingers to his lips, he craved the warmth of her breath, "almost kissed."

Almost choking on his lunch, Renji was having a coughing fit. Finally gulping down his drink, he was too stunned to speak, "You guys did what?!" he exclaimed, "And then what happened?"

"Nothing. We haven't spoken since. Distance seems to be the best solution for both of us."

"Taichou… You should really talk to her. You can't avoid her forever."

Not wanting to admit Renji was right, Byakuya simply sat in silence, as he was thinking over what the best course of action was. "Tell me Renji," he suddenly said, "how much do you know about her?"

Renji didn't know where to begin. It's not like he even knew about this past life until recently, so… he started at the beginning, well at least from what Akashi told him. He told Byakuya about the day he met Hajime and how he knew, the moment he laid eyes on her, that he was going to be her friend. Though, their friendship was short lived when it hit Hajime's 8th birthday. He told him about the ribbon, her parents, her life in Karakura Town, and about his sealed memories. It was a lot for Byakuya to take in but looking back at Hajime's behavior, it all made sense to him.

"She's been through a lot," Byakuya stated.

"Yes," Renji agreed, "but she's gotten so much stronger since. She can handle anything thrown at her so please Taichou, for both your sakes, talk to her."

Getting to understand more about Hajime simply made the divide between them larger. Byakuya knew that even if by some miracle they were able to act on their feelings, the Elders would never allow it. They were from two different worlds and he'd rather her be free; free to love, free to live, and free of trivial Clan affairs. It took him long to admit it but he loves her, more than he thought he would.

. . .

Later that night, when Hajime was dismissed from her duties, she spotted Byakuya in the garden. Taking Rukia's words to heart and mustering up the courage to talk to him, she went over to try and clear the air. Admiring him from behind, her mind took her back to that night and her heart started racing again. Trying to calm herself down, Byakuya noticed her presence and turned around, their gazes meeting.

"Kisumoto-San," he spoke softly, his voice echoing in her ears.

"Kuchiki-Sama," she greeted gently, "It seems we should talk."

As the two sat on the garden bench next to each other, they didn't know what to say. So Hajime took it upon herself to get up and bow to Byakuya on all fours, apologizing for her actions.

"Kuchiki-Sama, please forgive me for my actions last week! It's all my fault! I-I-!" Before she could even finish her apology, Byakuya quickly knelt down to help her up. Gently holding her in his arms as they looked at one another, the temptation to kiss was strong. He placed his hand gently against her head, happy she still wears the hairpin he gave her. She craved the warmth of his touch and she melted into it.

"Kisumoto-San," he spoke as he looked into her sparkling silver eyes, "You were not the only one at fault. I, too-"

Quickly, Hajime covered his mouth, "Don't say it," she whispered, "My heart can't take it if you do." The light of the moon caused her eyes to glitter and as she was fighting back tears, he couldn't take the pain he saw in her eyes. They stayed like that for just a minute longer.

Breaking away from his embrace, Hajime sat on the bench and sighed, "What do we do now?"

Sitting beside her once more, he looked at her and immediately regretted what he had to say, "It may be best for us to keep some distance and only interact in a professional capacity."

Hajime agreed. After all, what more was she than an Academy student and a servant of the Kuchiki Household?

"So," Byakuya spoke, trying to bring back a sense of normalcy, "I've heard you got promoted to Zanjutsu 2, congratulations, you've been working hard."

"Thank you," she said with a smile, "Rukia's been helping me out a lot but I still have a long way to go."

"If you'd like… When our schedules both allow it, we can spar in the training field to help with your Zanjutsu skills."

Hajime's eyes lit up, "Are you sure that's ok?"

"Of course. I'm still your sponsor, my role is to help you succeed and graduate from the Academy. If extra Zanjutsu training is what you need, allow me to help you."

"Thank you!" Hajime exclaimed with a large smile.

As the two parted ways and returned to their rooms, they were unaware that Akane was watching their interaction the whole time. While she couldn't hear what they were talking about, she saw the look in Byakuya's eyes as he helped Hajime to her feet and he never once looked at Akane like that. Gripping on to her glass of wine tight enough to break it, Akane was furious. However, her anger wasn't directed towards Byakuya, after all, how could she blame him for getting seduced by that piece of trash? Akane vowed to make Hajime's life a living hell and she couldn't wait to savor every minute of it.