Even Now

Even Now - Chapter 2 "Feelings"

Chapter 2 —Rukia—

"Feelings"

I looked at both of my friends who walked away from where I was standing. I frowned when I looked at the auburn haired girl's back. I worried about Orihime's condition. Lately she looked a bit weaker, especially today, she looked pale and didn't talk much. She was'ot type of girl who talked a lot but today she was exceptionally quiet.

I understood, she didn't want to make us worry about her, but I still couldn't help but feel worry. After all she was my best friend.

I took a deep breath; at least, Renji took her home. I knew I could count on him. Thinking about it made me a little bit relieved, Renji would take her home safely. Slowly I averted my gaze to another orange headed who stood next to me.

He was scowling, looked at his girlfriend and his best friend walk away. I knew he felt worried, as much as me. Maybe more than what I felt. After all, Orihime was his girlfriend.

He was a little bit startled when I patted his back hard, he looked at me and I just smirked at his scowling face, "Hey, don't worry… Renji will drive safely…"

The tall strawberry chuckled, I grinned back at him. It was weird, just by seeing his face I could feel my heart beat faster.

Control yourself, Kuchiki Rukia! He's your best friend's boyfriend! I slapped my face mentally, very hard.

I bent down to pick my bag on the grass. I patted it few times to get rid of the dried grass which stuck on to it. I was ready to get home when Ichigo followed my every move with his eyes.

"You're going home?"

I nodded once before took a look at my watch. The sun was still up there but it was already seven. I frowned, my brother would not want me to be late for dinner, "Well," I looked at his face, "You still have a meeting don't you?"

"I'll skip it."

"Huh?" I raised an eyebrow.

He might be a punk but Ichigo almost never skipped any club activity before.

Ichigo smirked, he lifted his shoulders, "Even though I'm the club captain but the meeting is led by a senior, I don't really have to attend it."

I laughed, "Irresponsible captain."

Ichigo didn't reply to me, he just sighed, "I gotta change first. Wait for me, I'll take you home."

"Huh?"

He rolled his eyes, "You heard me." He rubbed the back of his orange hair, "I'll take you home. Lately there' have been some cases where they attacked young woman, right?" then he added fast, like he could read what was up in my mind, "I know you could defend yourself, but even your brother wouldn't let you walk alone at this time right?" and this was not even night, I sighed, "I don't want a no from you."

I laughed.

Actually I was happy. Ichigo was just this kind of man. He was just too kind. I couldn't say no to him, after all we were heading in the same direction.

Deep inside my heart, I knew that this was improper, I mean he was taken and his girlfriend was my best friend, but what could I do?

I was trying so hard to fight the urge to smile widely as we walked toward the sport center where Ichigo had his belongings.

"Wait for me here, ok? I'll be back in a hurry!"

I nodded.

I dropped my bag on the floor and sat beside my bag Indian style. Ichigo was heading to the boys locker room to take a shower and change.