Even Now

Even Now - Chapter 6 "Pretenders"

Chapter 6 —Rukia—

"Pretenders"

I looked outside of the window. There was nothing interesting behind the train's window, but I'd rather look at it than to see the couple who sat in front of me. I crossed my arms on my chest and rested my back, tried to act as casual as I could.

Thought it was kind of hard after what had been going on last night.

We were on our way to the onsen now. We had split into two groups, Renji and his friend had gone first by car to do reservation while I and the others used the train. I missed Renji, at least if he were here, it would not be this boring.

I looked at the girl with spiky black hair who sat next to me. I sighed when I saw the strongest girl in town was closing her eyes listening to her i-pod. I definitely couldn't talk with her now.

Ichigo and Orihime who sat in front of me were talking about something. Their voices were low, I could not catch what were they talking about, but I could hear Orihime giggled sometime when Ichigo said something. She laughed and he smirked when she laughed. I frowned and looked away; they both seemed like they were in a bright mood today.

I touched my forehead to the window.

Ichigo really did what he said.

I knew he was a man who would never take his own word. I should know that last night he was serious when he told me that.

I should have known.

I closed my eyes.

I remembered every word he said last night. I still remembered his expression when he said it.

I wanted to forget it but I could not.

"I hope Renji finds a nice inn for us!"

"I bet he will." Ichigo shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked beside me, "It was his entire plan after all."

"I still wanted to go to the beach actually."

He did not say anything as we continued walking through the park. I walked a little faster, the park in the summer night always full of couples doing M-rated stuff. It made me uneasy. I did not know why Ichigo chose this route; there were so many other routes to get my house after all.

Maybe because it was the shortest route, I thought.

"I am sorry."

I startled a little when he suddenly apologized, did he read my mind?

I raised a brow, "Huh?"

"You want to go to the beach right?"

"Yeah… but…"

"And Orihime wants to go to the mountain…"

I understood now.

I looked away from him and smiled. This man might look and acted like a punk but he had such a soft side too. He apologized for something that was not his fault. It was just like something that Orihime would do. I almost laughed; I realized how lately Orihime had acted a little bit like him too.

It was so cute that it hurt me.

"It's okay… I want to go to the onsen too…"

He smiled, "Yeah."

I sighed.

After the kiss few days ago, I had not talk about it with him. I had told him that I love him, and I kissed him too, but he had not said anything about it.