A Fractured Timeline Substory
Ichigo's Resolve
A heavy sigh depleted me of anything even remotely resembling energy as I sat in the nurse's office getting patched up by nurse Minase. Well, it wasn't like I was the most energetic anyway, leaving that shtick to Keigo.
"Is everything okay, Kurosaki-kun?" Minase-sensei's tone of voice was so warm, like a glass of heated milk with a spoonful of honey. It filled me with a sense of discomfort and unease, flooding my mind with memories of Mom. "Goodness, if you keep sighing like that, all your youthful good looks will drain out of you!" She joked, hoping the levity would lift my mood.
I let out another sigh, and Minase-sensei's soft, heart-shaped face—framed by strands of long, dark-brown hair—furrowed slightly in concern. Her pale, almost powder-white skin seemed to highlight the crimson red of her lips. She wore a black sleeveless blouse beneath a long-sleeved white surgeon jacket, paired with a black knee-length skirt and white slippers.
"Is this about Nakajima-kun?" She half-correctly deduced as I jolted upright a little. "You know you shouldn't be fighting with your fellow students. Goodness, what were you fighting about for both of you to end up in my office like this?"
"It wasn't me," I interjected sharply, hiding my eyes beneath the bangs of my hair. I couldn't see her reaction but I had to set the record straight. I wasn't a match for Nakajima. "I couldn't hold a candle to him. I couldn't stop him from fighting Wei!"
"Wei?" She asked, her voice laced with curiosity, still warm but more concerned.
"My little sister's boyfriend," I confirmed.
"Oh?" Her tone held a mixture of surprise and curiosity. She hesitated, then cautiously prodded, "So, he…?"
My head dropped lower, "In Junior high, yeah."
"Oh, Kurosaki-kun." She murmured, voice full of understanding and warmth. She took a moment to find the words, "Wei-kun must be extraordinarily strong to go toe-to-toe with a high schooler three times his size, eh?" Words couldn't express how much I appreciated her choice to praise Wei over comforting me. I felt inconsolable in how helpless I was against Nakajima, but it helped a little thinking of Wei and Nakajima as freaks of nature no ordinary kid could ever hope to match.
"He really is," I murmured in reply, finally lifting my head.
"Seems like you really admire him," Minase-sensei observed softly. I glanced at her questionably, not realizing I'd given any indication of respect toward Yuzu's boyfriend. "You were smiling."
"Was I?" I touched my cheek, realizing it felt a little tighter than usual. "Guess I didn't notice."
Minase-sensei puffed up her cheeks in mock indignation, mimicking Yuzu's expression, and I couldn't help but feel some humour return to my face. "Guess I'm just happy Yuzu's found someone who'll cherish and protect her," I shrugged, throwing her a bone.
She didn't press on my vague words, moving to attend to my wounds. "Fair enough. It sounds like Yuzu-kun's found someone really special to take care of her."
That made me smile for real.
"Yeah."
"Ichigo!"
"Kurosaki-kun!"
Tatsuki and Inoue were waiting for me when I stepped out of nurse Minase's office. Tatsuki, still rocking her ever-present spiky, ear-length black hair nearly a decade on from when I met her in karate class, two side strands framing her ears and a fringe dripping between her dark eyes currently awash with concern. She barely came up to my shoulder these days, a far cry from our sparring matches where she could look me square in the eyes.
Inoue, on the other hand, was her polar opposite in every way—even in physique, with her more, uh, pronounced figure compared to Tatsuki's. (Not that I was some kind of perv or anything!) Her auburn hair, long and flowing, was styled traditionally feminine, stretching past her shoulders. Snowflake-like light blue hairpins kept her strands out of her face. Both wore the girls' summer uniform: collared dress shirts with red bows, tucked into gray skirts, paired with black socks and white indoor shoes.
"Tatsuki. Inoue." I greeted them with my usual calm tone. "What brings you two here?"
"Oh, no! Don't even try that!" Tatsuki snapped, crossing her arms and fixing me with a glare. "What happened to you? You look like you got through the wringer. Keigo said you got into a fight with that first-year!"
Inoue nodded, concern radiating from her as she clasped her hands over her heart.
"Wasn't really a fight on my part," I admitted, earning twin looks of confusion.
"What do you mean?" Tatsuki asked, leaning in slightly.
I gestured in the direction of class and started walking, the two quickly flanking me on either side. "I wasn't a match for him at all. Nakajima completely destroyed me."
"Is he really that strong?" Inoue asked, peering up at me with wide, innocent eyes that reminded me too much of Yuzu.
"Completely," I groused. "I ran into him last year when he was still in junior high, and even back then, he was a monster. He even manhandled Chad."
"Seriously?!" Tatsuki exclaimed, while Inoue gasped, her hands flying to her mouth.
"Seriously," I deadpanned.
I let my declaration sink in. Chad was the strongest guy I'd ever met—until Nakajima showed up. I could still see it vividly: the last day of school before summer break. Nakajima had Chad, all six-foot-five of him, hoisted by the throat like he weighed nothing. I'd tried to intervene, throwing the best flying kick I could muster, only for Nakajima to snatch my foot out of the air and fling me against the wall like I was a piece of trash.
"…So?" Tatsuki ventured, a bead of sweat trailing down her cheek. "What did he want from you? And how'd you end up looking like this if you didn't stand a chance?"
I shook my head. "It wasn't me he wanted. It was my sister's boyfriend. I just got in the way, trying to persuade him not to fight."
Recognition lit up Tatsuki's face. "Ah, you mean Wei-chan." She smirked, crossing her arms. "That explains it. No one's tougher than Wei-chan. Guess it was about time Yuzu-chan locked him down." A snicker escaped her. "I'll have to call him later and tease him about her."
"Wei-chan?" Inoue looked at her friend with wide, curious eyes.
"He's my karate buddy," Tatsuki explained, affectionately tossing her bag over her shoulder. "Let me tell you, Orihime, if you think Chad's strong, wait until you meet Wei-chan. The guy's practically a superhero."
"Oh, wow." Inoue's eyes sparkled with awe. "He's really that strong?"
Tatsuki grinned. "Yeah! Like anime-levels of strong."
Inoue clasped her hands together. "He must make Kurosaki-kun's sister feel really safe, being that strong."
I chuckled. "Well, as long as she's with Wei, I've got nothing to worry about."
We made it to class in good spirits. Something about Wei had this strange way of bringing a sense of calm and even a bit of happiness. I guess I could see what drew Yuzu to him in the first place. A little, anyway.
Our classmates naturally glanced my way as I entered, but I turned a blind eye and headed to my desk, where my friends were waiting.
"Ichigo," Keigo said, surprisingly subdued for once. "You feeling any better, man?"
"Yeah, I'm good," I groaned as I slid into my seat. Keigo looked the same as ever, though his face had matured a bit over the two years we'd spent at this school. He'd cut his medium-brown hair too; it used to hang past his shoulders but now barely reached his ears, with bangs falling across the left side of his forehead.
"Hang in there, Ichigo. Don't worry. I don't think Nakajima-kun can get to you in here," Mizuiro added with a lighthearted grin, trying to ease the tension clouding the air around me. He paused, reconsidering his own words as a sheepish look crept over his feminine face. "…I think?" His straightened hair now fell neatly to his shoulders, parted in the middle with a stray strand hanging in front of his face—a signature that hadn't changed.
I hid an amused smirk beneath the bangs of my hair. "Knowing Nakajima, he'll probably try."
Keigo recoiled in exaggerated horror.
"Ichigo," Chad intoned, his deep voice cutting through the moment like a steady anchor. Most people couldn't tell what was on Chad's mind—his wavy hair hid his eyes—but I could read him well enough.
"Yeah, I know," I said with a chill smile, appreciating his silent reassurance. "Thanks, man."
Chad was the type of guy who'd stick by my side, even if it meant ending up in the hospital. That's just who he was.
"Yo, Kurosaki," a gratingly familiar voice cut through the air. Speak of the devil.
Nakajima stomped into my classroom, his presence like a bull in a China shop despite being two years my junior.
"What is it now, Nakajima?" I sighed as Keigo instinctively shrank back. He wasn't the only one. The second Nakajima's booming voice filled the air, the tension in the room skyrocketed.
A quick glance around revealed my classmates' pale faces, their collective panic adding to the oppressive atmosphere. He's only been here two days, and it already feels like he has the entire school on edge.
Nakajima stopped abruptly, pointing at me with an accusatory finger. "Better watch your tone, bitch."
"Whatever you say, Your Highness," I muttered sarcastically, earning a frantic whisper-scream from Keigo.
"…Dude, don't!"
I rolled my eyes. I wasn't about to show fear to a junior, even if he was freakishly strong.
He glared at me, his expression murderous, but ultimately let my jab slide. He had other business to settle.
"Which school does Sun go to?"
Tatsuki's alarmed expression said it all. "Wei-chan!"
"Why would you think I know that?" I replied, deliberately dodging the question.
Nakajima rolled his eyes. "Really, bro? You're seriously gonna play dumb? He's dating your little sister."
"And? I'm still not seeing your point," I shot back.
He inhaled deeply, clearly struggling to suppress his temper, and took a threatening step closer. "Okay, now you're pissing me off, Kurosaki."
Chad stepped in, blocking Nakajima's path.
"Move!" Nakajima roared, shoving Chad aside with shocking ease. Chad went flying into the wall, the impact loud enough to send a ripple of gasps through the room.
"Chad!" Keigo yelled as he and Mizuiro rushed to his side.
"Hey! What did you do that for?!" Tatsuki demanded, but Nakajima ignored her, storming toward me.
Before I could react, he grabbed me by the collar, lifting me off my feet like a ragdoll.
"Kurosaki-kun!" Inoue cried in alarm.
"I'm not asking you again, bro," Nakajima growled, his tone dangerous. "What. School. Does. Sun. Go. To?"
"Nakajima!"
"Nakajima-kun, please!"
Tatsuki and Inoue's voices trembled as they fought against the suffocating weight of Nakajima's mere presence. They rushed forward, desperation etched across their faces, trying to reason with him.
"Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you," I spat, my voice low but defiant. My collar strained against Nakajima's iron grip, his hand like a vice. No way was I telling this guy where my sister's boyfriend was.
"Kurosaki!" he snarled, his bloodshot eyes burning with frustration. Veins bulged against the brick-red hue of his skin, his towering frame radiating unhinged fury.
"Oi, Nakajima! Let Ichigo go! He doesn't know where Wei-chan is!" Tatsuki yelled, rushing to grab his wrist.
"Huh." His scowl darkened, eyes narrowing at her like a predator spotting fresh prey. She froze, visibly recoiling under his gaze. "Wei-chan, huh? So, you know Sun." His voice dripped with venom as he yanked me forward, dragging me like I weighed nothing. He took a deliberate step toward Tatsuki, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. "Well? You wanna tell me where he is? Save this punk and his sidekick a world of hurt." He jerked his head over to where he shoved Chad over.
"She… she has nothing to do with this!" I managed to shout, clawing uselessly at his wrist. It was like trying to bend steel. "Leave her alone!"
Nakajima's growl deepened, his aura radiating violence, silencing the murmurs of terrified classmates. Tatsuki trembled where she sat, her mouth opening and closing as if searching for words.
"N-No!" A voice cut through the tension.
I turned in shock to see Inoue step in front of Nakajima, her arms spread wide, shielding Tatsuki. "I won't let you hurt my friends!"
"Hime!" Honshō's voice wavered, full of alarm.
Nakajima stilled. The shift in his posture was subtle but noticeable—a flicker of hesitation, almost confusion, as he stared at Inoue.
"Just… tell me what I want to know," he muttered, his tone strangely subdued. Then, to my utter shock, he released me. I fell to the floor, gasping for air, too stunned to move.
"And I'll leave. I promise," Nakajima added, his voice quieter now but no less menacing.
"Kurosaki-kun?" Inoue's gaze met mine, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Her voice was as soft as a summer breeze, pleading. "Will… will you tell Nakajima-kun where Wei-kun is?"
My stomach twisted with guilt. Inoue's courage was staggering, but I couldn't give her what she wanted—not at the expense of dragging Wei into this mess. My face betrayed a flicker of frustration, and Nakajima caught it. His eyes narrowed.
"Sorry," I said, rising to my feet with a forced smile. "Inoue, I just can't do that."
She looked away, blinking rapidly to keep her tears from falling. The disappointment in her expression stung more than I cared to admit. Honshō glared daggers at me, but I couldn't let that stop me. I turned to Nakajima, planting my feet firmly.
"There's my answer," I said, staring him down. "Do what you gotta do, then, 'bro.'"
Nakajima's lips twisted into a snarl, his arm rising with terrifying intent. His muscles rippled, veins bulging as he clenched his massive fist. I braced myself, every nerve in my body screaming, but I stood my ground, even as my heart pounded like a war drum against my ribs.
"You think you're brave, huh?" he growled, his voice low and menacing. His elbow drew back, and for a moment, time seemed to slow as I steeled myself for the inevitable impact.
"Feh. Fine," he muttered, his fist trembling with restrained power. "Just remember, I gave you an out."
I refused to flinch or close my eyes, determined to meet whatever was coming, but then—
"Nakajima-kun, please!"
Inoue's desperate plea cut through the tension like a blade. My heart leapt into my throat as she grabbed onto Nakajima's arm. Gasps rippled through the classroom, everyone frozen in fear, half-expecting him to fling her away without a second thought.
But instead, Nakajima paused. Slowly, he lowered his arm, his expression unreadable as he gently pried her hands off.
"Fine," he said gruffly, his tone carrying a mix of annoyance and something almost like respect. "We'll settle this after school."
He hesitated, scratching his head as his gaze flicked to Inoue. "Uh… what's your name, anyway?"
"Inoue Orihime," she replied, offering a cautious but hopeful smile.
"Hmph." He scowled, turning back toward me. "Thank Inoue-san you're not already bleeding out, Kurosaki. Next time, you won't be so lucky."
With that, he stomped out of the classroom, his presence still looming over us like a storm cloud even after he was gone.
I sagged into my chair, releasing a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. "That guy's way too much," I muttered, my voice shaky with relief.
"…You said it," Keigo echoed, his breaths coming in short, rapid wheezes. He wasn't alone—everyone in the room looked visibly relieved after Nakajima's exit. The atmosphere felt noticeably calmer. "Talk about scary."
Then, a grin broke across his face. "Dude, you were so badass. You didn't even flinch when Nakajima-kun had you by the throat!"
A few classmates nodded in agreement, and a couple even clapped. "Man, I don't know how you did it," one of them said, shamelessly admitting, "If someone like him grabbed me, I'd probably wet myself. You're pretty cool."
"Gee, thanks," I replied dryly.
"Are you kidding me?!"
Not everyone shared Keigo's enthusiasm. Honshō's voice cut through the chatter like a knife. She stood with her arms folded tightly across her chest, shaking her head indignantly, her violet bangs whipping as she huffed under her red glasses.
"You call that 'cool'? More like stupid!" she ranted. "All Kurosaki had to do was tell Nakajima-san where his sister's boyfriend goes to school, and he would've left!"
"Watch it, Chizuru," Kunieda warned sharply from across the room.
Honshō whirled on her, undeterred. "Yeah, how about no, Ryo?! That idiot almost wasted my sweet Hime's sacrifice!"
"Chizuru-chan, it's okay!" Inoue fretted, looking flustered. "Kurosaki-kun was only worried about Wei-kun and his sister."
In truth, I wasn't all that concerned about Wei or Yuzu's safety. My real worry was Nakajima interfering with their dates. Yuzu's done so much for us since Mom passed, and she deserved to be happy. If Wei made her smile, the least I could do was make sure she got to spend time with him without some bastard like Nakajima barging in.
"Oh, Hime! You're so cute when you're all forgiving!" Chizuru gushed, hugging herself dramatically. "Kurosaki doesn't deserve you."
"Chizuru-chan!" Inoue protested, throwing me a worried glance.
I shrugged, utterly bewildered. 'Don't know what that's about.' My nonchalance seemed to calm Inoue down a little, though she still looked faintly embarrassed.
Tatsuki sighed, running a hand through her hair as she approached me. "Ichigo," she said, her tone softening, "what are you going to do about Nakajima?"
That was the trillion-yen question.
I intertwined my fingers and stretched my arms, letting out a resigned sigh. "The only thing I can do. I'll just have to fight him after school."
The mood in the room dampened considerably. If I was already this outmatched by Nakajima in a brief scuffle, I could only imagine what a serious fight would look like—and judging by their faces, so could everyone else.
"Kurosaki-kun…" Inoue murmured worriedly.
"Ichigo," Chad spoke up, standing beside me, his hand pressed against his aching head. "You know I've got your back."
I couldn't help but smile.
"Yeah," I replied.
If I had to face hell, at least I wouldn't be doing it alone.
Chapter 4
A Storm's Brewing
"Something tells me I'm going to be seeing a lot more of you, huh, Sun-kun?" Nurse Hinako teased as she dabbed antiseptic over the deep lacerations crisscrossing my torso. The faint scent of her perfume mingled with a coconut aroma, lingered in the air, uncomfortably strong in my nostrils. Her wavy raven hair framed her face, with side-swept bangs falling over her forehead. The contrast between her light brown skin and the crimson of her lipstick made her features stand out even beneath the sterile glow of the infirmary lights.
"Would you believe me if I said this is a rarity for me?" I winced as she dabbed a particularly tender spot on my cheek.
She paused, tilting her head, one elegant brow arching incredulously.
"I mean, the getting injured part. Not the fights. I'm always getting into shit with douchebags. Randos always wanna start beef with me."
"Riveting honesty," she replied with a dry sarcasm that made me grin despite the pain.
"Um…" Yuzu, my ever-loyal wifey, hesitated before jumping in to defend me. She perched on the edge of the medical bed beside me, her hands clasped nervously. "Sensei, it's true! Wei-kun never loses a fight. He's amazing! He's beaten every bully he's ever fought without even taking a scratch!"
"Well, he clearly lost this one, didn't he?" Hinako-sensei deadpanned, her brow lifting higher.
"No, he didn't!" Yuzu shot back, her voice rising in indignation.
The nurse's expression shifted ever so slightly, her interest piqued by Yuzu's fiery reaction.
"Wei-kun held his own against that mean Nakajima all by himself!" Yuzu continued, pumping her fists for emphasis. "They only stopped fighting because it got late, and they didn't want to miss school!"
"Nakajima-kun?" Hinako-sensei murmured, her tone thoughtful.
Yuzu and I exchanged a look before I ventured cautiously, "Yeah. What about him? Do you know him, sensei? Big guy, looks like he could pass for a full-grown adult. He's at Karakura High now."
"I do." She straightened, a faint, knowing smile playing on her lips. "He was a student here until he graduated last year. He used to bring his… 'victims' to my office for treatment."
"Somehow, I'm not surprised," I muttered, earning a nod of agreement from Yuzu.
"I'll tell you something for free, though," Hinako-sensei continued, her tone softening as nostalgia painted her features. "The school has never been as peaceful as it was during Nakajima-kun's time here."
Yuzu and I shared sceptical glances.
"What do you mean by that?" I asked, leaning forward slightly despite the sting in my ribs.
"Yeah!" Yuzu added, her brow furrowing. "He was so mean! He even beat up my oniichan just because he wouldn't let him fight Wei-kun!"
"The school used to have a severe bullying problem," Hinako-sensei explained, her voice tinged with weariness. "It was bad—worse than you'd expect. But when Nakajima-kun enrolled, everything changed."
She paused, her expression softening further as though recalling a golden memory. "He became the unofficial sheriff of the school. Whenever someone was being bullied, they knew they could go to him, and he'd take care of it. Those 'victims' I mentioned? They were the bullies he beat down for picking on others."
"Really?" Yuzu's eyes widened, glowing with a mix of admiration and disbelief.
"Really," Hinako-sensei confirmed, her smile almost fond.
"But…" Yuzu's voice wavered, her gaze dropping to the floor. "He was so mean."
Hinako-sensei sighed, shaking her head. "He wasn't perfect, no. He had a bad habit of looking for fights, claiming he wanted to test his strength. So I'm not surprised he sought you out, Sun-kun."
Her gaze turned toward me, her smile returning, warm and teasing. "You must pack quite a punch if you held your ground against Nakajima-kun."
"It's pretty alright," I grinned, holding up my left bicep.
The memory of Nakajima sparing Yuzu during our fight flickered in my mind. Despite her swinging her bag at him to protect me, he hadn't retaliated. Maybe there was more to the guy than I'd thought.
We shuffled out of sensei's office in an orderly line, girls first, despite my adorable wifey's protests. The cool air of the school hallway greeted us, its marble-like floor reflecting the sunlight streaming through tall windows. The sandy tones of the walls complimented the flooring, giving the place an oddly beach-like tranquillity.
I let out a slow breath, carefully closing Hinako-sensei's door with one hand while the other cradled my stinging ribs. A grimace slipped onto my face, but I forced a grin as I straightened up.
"Wei-kun…" Yuzu's voice quivered with worry. Her delicate features were marred by a frown. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I'll have to be," I replied with a forced chuckle, though my tone betrayed my unease. "Bro's definitely gonna wanna finish our beef after school." A frown developed on my face. "Can't say I'm not worried about Ichigo."
Yuzu's alarmed eyes darted up to mine. "Do you think Nakajima-san will hurt onii-chan again?"
I exhaled sharply, a motion that made my ribs ache even more. My shoulders sagged as I hesitated, but I couldn't lie to her. "Probably," I admitted, my words heavy with resignation.
It hurt more than any of my injuries to be so blunt with her, my snow-pure princess. But she needed to hear it from me now—better to prepare her than have her blindsided when Ichigo inevitably came home looking worse than when we'd left him at the train station.
"Nakajima might not be evil, but he's still a dick. I wouldn't put it him past him to raise anyone if they don't tell him what he wants to hear, in this case, Ichigo not telling him where I go to school. He strikes me as that kinda guy."
Yuzu's gaze dropped to the floor, her worry swelling. The weight of it seemed to press down on her tiny frame, like Ryoga's aura of depression in Ranma. Then, with a soft sniffle, she stepped forward and buried her face in my chest, seeking comfort.
My expression softened instantly. Smiling gently, I curled my left arm around her, holding her close despite the pain radiating from my side. I rested my chin lightly atop her head, letting my warmth and presence reassure her.
"There, there, princess," I murmured sweetly, soaking all in her love. "Ichigo's made of some tough stuff. He can take a little beating no problemo!~ I mean, I'd hope all the time your Pops attacked him would've toughened him up a little at least."
A subtle snicker vibrated against my chest.
"That's not funny, Wei-kun!"
I smirked, "Oh, really? Then why're you laughing, wifey?"
"Hush, you!"
I tittered.
"Wei?"
Yuzu and I gradually broke apart as my bredan's voice cut through the hallway.
"Hey, Ryo," I greeted, shortening his name affectionately while keeping a casual smile—one that stood in contrast to Yuzu's rosy, flustered cheeks.
Homeboy sauntered up to us, his usual unruly medium-brown hair flaring out wildly, as if he'd just unlocked Super Saiyan 3 straight out of Dragon Ball Z. Honestly, with his pale skin, oval-shaped midnight-blue shades, and piercing eyes, he could've passed as Ban Midou's twin from GetBackers. The resemblance was uncanny, even down to his unbuttoned collar that revealed the golden chain around his neck. His shirt hung untucked over black pants, and he wore the standard first-year indoor shoes—white with a bold red line.
Takahashi Ryosuke—Ryo for short—was another childhood connection I'd somehow managed to keep alive in this second life of mine. Funny how that worked out.
Back when I wasn't in the driver's seat, Ryo used to bully the original Wei, one of many things that had tipped the poor kid over the edge. He'd left his body an empty, broken vehicle—one I'd hopped into and steered to safety, albeit with a broken arm for my trouble.
Wei sure didn't bow out easily.
Once I took over, though, things changed. I absolutely annihilated Ryo and his boys—took them all on 3v1. Wei had been meek, shy, and completely averse to conflict, a fat kid with no confidence thanks to a neglectful teen mom. Ryo had taken advantage of that, throwing his weight around because he could.
But I was built different.
The day Ryo stole my indoor shoes was the day he met the new Wei. He hadn't known what hit him when I, sounding exactly like the Wei he'd been tormenting, stormed up and growled, "Yo, pussio."
"Huh?" was all he managed before I grabbed him and slammed him against a wall, my fist crashing into his face with unrelenting fury. His boys had tried to pull me off, but a violent shake of my shoulders sent one sprawling to the floor.
"You want some, too?" I snarled.
They didn't.
I stomped Ryo until he understood the message: never mess with me.
I hadn't expected to speak to him again after that, but to my surprise, he apologized the very next day. Sincerely. Since then, we'd been tight.
"Shit, man. What happened?" Ryo asked now, gripping my hand and clapping a warm brotherly hand on my shoulder.
"Got into a fight, innit," I replied, returning the embrace. "Guy's tough, though. Couldn't take him down. We ended up calling a temporary ceasefire until after school."
"You couldn't take him down? Never thought I'd see the day." Ryo's disbelief brought a smirk to my face. I appreciated his faith in my strength. "This guy must be something else." A long sigh deflated my ego before it could float off to the clouds.
"You're telling me. He goes to the same high school Yuzu's brother attends. Name's Nakajima. Heard of him?"
"Nakajima?" He crossed his arms, lifting his right and fingering his chin thoughtfully. "Like Nakajima Kenji?"
"I didn't get his first name." I waved a hand in dismissal.
"He goes to Karakura High School like my onii-chan!" Yuzu chimed in helpfully, pumping her fists.
"Pretty much." Ryo shrugged. "He's my aniki's friend. I see him around our place all the time. Always wondered who'd win in a fight between you two. Guess I'll find out today."
"Wei-kun will definitely win!" Yuzu declared with spirited confidence.
Ryo glanced at her, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, I'm sure he will."
Yuzu beamed, her smile lighting up like a Christmas tree—until Ryo's next comment dimmed the lights. "So… does this mean what I think it means? You two finally hooked up?" He elbowed me slyly.
Wifey's face turned crimson. "Um…" She glanced at the floor before nodding shyly.
"About time."
"Funny, Karin-chan said the same thing," I added, grinning sheepishly as I laced my fingers through Yuzu's hand, gesturing for us to start walking. She matched my stride, her radiant smile chasing away the awkwardness.
"Can you blame us?" Ryo chuckled, falling into step with us. "You two were practically a married couple back in elementary school after summer break."
An amused laugh escaped me as we made our way to class.
2 hours later
The bell thundered across the school grounds, mercifully bringing an end to second period—English class after art. Art wasn't too bad, but English was brutal, especially since our homeroom teacher barely spoke the language herself. She had to correct herself more than once, her stilted and overly formal phrasing earning me a few brownie points for pointing out the mistakes.
It was what it was—kids were curious, and Japan wasn't exactly known for its stellar English skills.
I leaned back in my desk near the window, stretching and savouring the freedom. At least sitting here gave me a chance to catch a few Zs when the teacher wasn't looking. Around me, classmates were filing out toward the dining hall.
"Wei-kun."
Yuzu's soft voice pulled me from my thoughts. She'd swapped seats with some poor nearsighted kid yesterday, meaning she was now conveniently within poking range. I glanced at her, and there see was, smiling like the sun itself.
"Let's have lunch together," she said, her tone light but expectant.
"Yeah, of course, princess," I replied, grinning back.
But before I could so much as stand, a voice interrupted. "Sun-kun, a moment, if you would."
Hashimoto-sensei's polite request put our plans on hold.
"No sweat, sensei." I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck as I stood. Turning to Yuzu, I added, "Just wait for me outside, okay?"
"Alright." She nodded, bowing to the teacher before leaving.
I gave her a reassuring smile, but as soon as she disappeared into the hallway, my expression cooled. I strolled up to Hashimoto-sensei, who sat behind her desk—a sturdy black thing with a polished brown surface.
"Everything okay, sensei?" I asked, feigning ignorance. I'd caught her worried glances during class. This was about my injuries, no doubt.
She smiled faintly, though the concern in her onyx eyes remained. "I should be asking you that."
Hashimoto-sensei was another stunner, like Nurse Hinako—a delicate balance of elegance and warmth. Her deep crimson lipstick complemented her pale skin and long, curly brown hair, strands draping over her shoulders. Today, she wore a crisp, high-collared blouse.
"What happened?" she asked, her voice soft but firm.
I sighed, sensing a lecture incoming. "Saved a kid yesterday from some bullies." I shrugged, trying to downplay it. "They didn't like that, so they sent their big bro after me this morning."
Her brows knit together, the worry storming back. "…Oh, my, Sun-kun." She pressed her hands to her lips, clearly alarmed. "If this is how you look now, I don't want to imagine how bad it got."
"Wise decision," I said with a wry smile, arms crossed.
She lowered her hands slowly. "And? How did it end?"
I shrugged again. "It didn't. We called a ceasefire 'cause it was getting late."
Her expression froze, then darkened. "Meaning you're planning to continue after school?"
I didn't answer, but the look in my eyes told her everything she needed to know.
She sighed heavily, removing her glasses and massaging her temples. "I don't suppose you'd listen if I told you to go straight home after school?"
"I think we both know that wouldn't work, sensei," I replied evenly. Ducking Nakajima would only make things worse.
Her shoulders sagged as if the weight of years pressed down on her. "I don't want to tell you you're right, but I've seen it enough to know. Reporting things doesn't always stop the cycle." Her voice cracked slightly. "Just… promise me you'll be careful."
I met her gaze, surprised by the rawness in her tone. "Yeah," I said quietly. "Count on it."
And so, my school day marched on, every ticking second drawing me closer to my inevitable showdown with Karakura Town's Demon Grizzly Bear. A dreamy rooftop lunch date with Yuzu made the next two lessons bearable.
Being with her felt like a privilege I didn't deserve. Yuzu, with her angelic smile and boundless kindness, seemed meant for someone more accomplished—some high-tier athlete or overachiever. Yet there she was, spreading out our picnic with such practised elegance it felt choreographed, insisting I let her take care of me.
"I want to take care of you," she said sweetly, her words making my chest tighten in a mix of gratitude and guilt.
She practically confirmed she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with me when the topic of our futures came up during lunch. Today's Home Study session would have us listing attainable goals for our adult lives, so I thought it was worth asking her what she envisioned.
"You already know mine," she replied, her voice soft as she hid her flushed cheeks behind the lid of her emptied bento.
I blinked, confused, until she added, "My big-mouth sister blurted it out yesterday."
"Oh." The memory clicked immediately: Karin teasing that Yuzu's diary entry revealed her dream of having my children after Isshin made some comment about wanting grandchildren to spoil.
She wanted to be my housewife—caring for our kids, nurturing them as they grew, and supporting me as I worked to provide and protect them.
My stomach twisted, a mix of pride and anxiety welling up inside me. Yuzu's dream was so pure, so full of love, but I couldn't shake the fear that she was settling for less than she deserved. Still, the thought of her unwavering belief in me lit a fire in my heart. I had to work hard—no, harder—to become the man worthy of her dreams.
To her, though, this relationship was only ending if I dropped dead. That much, I knew without a doubt. It was an unshakable faith she had in me, in what she saw as my best qualities.
The final bell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. The sky outside had darkened slightly, a chilly breeze ruffling through its serene blue, a prelude to what lay ahead. I glanced at Yuzu, who met my gaze with a firm nod.
"Wei," Karin called from across the room as the other students rushed out. She didn't need to ask; one look at my face told her everything. "You're going after that Nakajima guy, aren't you?"
"Yeah." I shouldered my bag, my scowl deepening. "Need to pay him back for breaking my Walkman."
Yuzu moved to my side, her small hand wrapping around mine.
Karin smirked, shaking her head. "I still don't get why you held onto that ancient thing."
"Shut up! I liked that Walkman!" I snapped, pouting as the two of them laughed at my expense. The sound was infectious, and soon I was chuckling along.
"Wei!" Ryo's voice cut through the noise. He approached with a raised hand, and I met it with a firm clap, pulling him in for a quick bro-hug. "Good luck with Nakajima, man. Not that you'll need it."
"Thanks, bro." We bumped fists before he sauntered back to his group.
As I turned away, my pocket buzzed, followed by the familiar beat of Will Smith's "Switch."
"Wei-kun, your phone's ringing," Yuzu said, tilting her head in curiosity.
"Yeah, I hear it," I replied, fishing it out.
"Bet it's someone wishing you luck," Karin teased, grinning.
I shot her a flat look. "I'm not even gonna dignify that."
"You just did."
"Shut up." Her smugness earned her a glare before I turned to my phone, frowning as I saw the caller ID.
"What does neechan want?" I muttered.
"Tatsuki-san?" Yuzu asked.
"Yeah," I replied, flipping the phone open. "Yo, neechan. What's up? You don't usually call me during school."
The voice that answered wasn't Tatsuki's.
"Um… is this Wei-kun?"
It was soft, hesitant, and trembling. Inoue Orihime.
"Yes," I said gently. "This is Wei. How can I help you, neesan?" I hadn't formally been introduced to Tatsuki's bestie so I made sure to address her with the respectful honorific for young ladies in Japan. "Neesan" was the rough equivalent of young lady or madam with san attached beside nee. Neechan was a more endearing version of neesan.
Both Yuzu and Karin gave me puzzled looks.
There was a sniffle on the other end. "Kurosaki-kun…" Her voice cracked, heavy with distress.
"Take your time," I urged, keeping my tone calm.
"Nakajima-kun's beating him up in our school's gymnasium!" she blurted, sobbing. "Kurosaki-kun wouldn't tell him where to find you, so Nakajima said he's going to make him pay after school! Oh, please, Wei-kun, hurry! Tatsuki-chan's trying to stop him, but I don't think she can hold him off!"
"Got it," I said firmly, trying to sound as confident as possible. "Stall him for as long as you can, neesan. I'm on my way."
"Thank you."
I ended the call and pocketed the phone.
"Who was that?" Karin asked, her tone sceptical.
"Tatsuki's bredan," I replied casually.
"What would her… 'bredan' want with you?" she quipped.
I shot her a look. "Just letting me know Nakajima's going to town on your big brother."
Yuzu gasped. "Oniichan!"
I nodded, already moving toward the door. "Yeah. I need to get there now."
"I'm coming too!" Yuzu declared, her eyes blazing with determination.
"Count me in," Karin added.
Knowing Nakajima wasn't the type to lay hands on girls gave me enough peace of mind to let them tag along. Together, we set off toward Karakura High School with determined strides and a storm brewing in our hearts.