Hi so I hope you like the story it's my first so don't expect too much.

The story will have some parts if you like it.

A New Beginning

The soft scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air as I walked to my new school, my heart pounding with every step. Karakura felt like a different world compared to where I'd come from—quieter, smaller, but alive in its own way. The streets were lined with students heading to class, their chatter blending with the gentle rustle of the trees.

I clutched my bag a little tighter, trying to steady the nerves bubbling inside me. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers made my stomach twist, but there was no turning back now.

When I reached the school gates, I hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. The teacher who greeted me seemed kind, guiding me through the halls to my new classroom. I took a deep breath as she slid the door open, and suddenly, all eyes were on me.

"This is (Y/N), your new classmate," she said warmly. "I hope you'll all make her feel welcome."

I bowed slightly, murmuring a quiet hello as the students murmured amongst themselves.

"You can sit next to Kurosaki Ichigo," the teacher added, motioning to a desk in the middle of the room.

My gaze shifted, and I saw him—a boy with bright orange hair that stood out like fire against the neutral tones of the classroom. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his expression calm but sharp, as if he were sizing me up.

As I slid into the seat beside him, he turned his head slightly, giving me a quick glance before speaking.

"Hey." His voice was low and casual, but there was something in his tone that made me pause.

"Hi," I replied, offering a small smile.

"You're new here, huh?" he said, leaning forward slightly.

"Yeah. Just moved," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I figured," he said, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "No one looks that nervous unless they're new."

Heat crept up my cheeks. "Is it that obvious?"

"Kind of." He shrugged. "But don't worry. You'll get used to it."

The way he said it, so matter-of-factly, made me relax a little.

Lunchtime Conversations

By the time lunchtime rolled around, I was grateful for a break. The morning had been overwhelming—introductions, new teachers, and the constant feeling of being watched. I was standing by the classroom window, debating whether to eat alone, when Ichigo's voice cut through my thoughts.

"Hey, you eating by yourself?"

I turned to find him standing a few feet away, his hands shoved into his pockets. His expression was neutral, but there was something in his tone that made me think he was genuinely asking.

"I was thinking about it," I admitted.

"Don't. Come with me," he said simply, nodding toward the door.

Before I could overthink it, I followed him. He led me to the rooftop, where a small group of students was already gathered.

"This is Orihime, Chad, and Uryu," he said, gesturing to them in turn.

Orihime's bright smile instantly put me at ease. "Hi! It's so nice to meet you! Ichigo told us we have a new classmate. You're (Y/N), right?"

"Yeah, that's me," I said, smiling back.

Chad nodded in greeting, his quiet presence somehow comforting, while Uryu adjusted his glasses and offered a polite, "Welcome to Karakura."

The atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed, and I found myself easing into the conversation. Orihime did most of the talking, her energy filling any gaps, while Chad and Uryu chimed in occasionally. Ichigo, on the other hand, stayed quiet for the most part, only speaking to make a dry comment or tease Orihime.

At one point, he glanced at me. "So, what do you think of Karakura so far?"

"It's... different," I said honestly. "But not in a bad way."

"Good answer," he said with a slight grin.

I wasn't sure what to make of him yet. He had a way of making you feel seen without being overbearing, and though his words were often blunt, they didn't feel harsh. There was something about him that made me curious—a quiet intensity that seemed to hint at more beneath the surface.

A Moment of Connection

As the day wore on, I found myself falling into an unexpected rhythm with Ichigo. He wasn't overly talkative, but the moments we did share felt natural, unforced. By the time the final bell rang, I was surprised to find him waiting for me near the door.

"Hey," he said as I approached. "You heading home now?"

"Yeah," I replied. "You?"

"Same. Mind if I walk with you?"

I blinked in surprise but nodded. "Sure."

We walked side by side through the quiet streets, the golden light of the afternoon casting long shadows on the pavement. Our conversation was light—he asked about where I'd come from, and I tried to learn more about the town.

When we reached the corner where our paths split, he paused.

"Listen," he said, his tone softening slightly. "If anyone gives you a hard time, let me know."

I looked at him, surprised by the unexpected offer. "Why would you do that?"

He shrugged, his orange hair catching the light. "You're new. It's not easy being the new kid. Besides, Orihime would kill me if I didn't."

His smirk returned, but there was something kind in his eyes that made my chest tighten just a little.

"Thanks," I said quietly.

"See you tomorrow," he said, turning to leave.

As I watched him walk away, I felt something shift. I hadn't expected to make a connection so quickly, but somehow, I already felt like I was starting to find my place here.