Author's note: A warning to those who don't like cheesy stories. The last few paragraphs of this chapter is EXTREMELY cheesy. But, I wrote it based on what I would want someone to say to me. I'm a romantic so yeah. This is the last chapter (and I'm sure this time). I hope you like it!
Disclaimer: Bleach belongs to Kubo Tite.
From Chapter 2:
She took the picture, sat down on her bed, and continued looking at it. She felt herself still blushing and she felt her heart beat a little faster. She knew why she felt that way. She loved him. She loved Shiro-chan. She had realized it that day when Aizen died, when the war ended. It was about 2 Earth years after she woke up from her coma.
From Chapter 3
Yet, she did not tell him of her feelings. She was unsure if he felt the same way. She was unsure if his protective nature for her meant something more. She decided to wait. Besides, she was perfectly happy just the way they were.
Hinamori smiled as she acknowledged what she was feeling. She stood up once again and returned the picture frame to where it was. She began to get ready for today, but she instantly remembered that today would be a free day for most high-ranked shinigami. Missions were not hard, and in fact, there was no real threat since Aizen died 8 Earth years ago. Low-ranked shinigami, however, still had to go to the living world today to fight off any hollows. Hinamori felt sorry for them, but she put in mind that it was for the safety of humans and wandering souls.
She decided that she would take a walk around Soul Society as soon as she finished taking a bath and getting dressed.
As she went outside, Hinamori was surprised how the brightly the sun shone. It was not hot, but the sun cast an enchanting light on everything. She felt warm and she closed her eyes as she let the sun's rays touch her face.
After a moment, she continued walking. As she walked, she encountered many people and got to talk with some of them. She was glad that she had this time to talk to them and said hello to the others. She smiled to herself as she decided to sit in one of the benches by the fountain. Things have really changed in Soul Society.
Hinamori spotted Shunsui and Nanao. They said hello to her when they saw her as well. As they walked off, Hinamori was amused while watching Nanao slam her book at Shunsui's face. She thought that the couple still did not change even though they had acknowledged their feelings for each other.
She thought of her own feelings. She wondered if Shiro-chan felt the same. She had often wondered and had often been tempted to ask Rangiku if she knew anything. Hinamori was just afraid that Rangiku might spread it, albeit unknowingly, if she was under the influence of alcohol.
"Hinamori, what are you doing here alone?" a voice from her left said.
Hinamori was startled to see Shiro-chan sitting next to her. He was smiling at her and that made her feel calm.
She smiled back. "I decided to take a walk since there is nothing to do, Shiro-chan."
Shiro-chan winced a little at the name, but he had promised her she could call him that anytime and she had ever since she woke up from her coma. He stood up.
"Well, I just wanted to ask you about it, but I have to go. Matsumoto didn't do her paperwork again, so I have to see into that. You'd think by now she would fear me since I'm taller than her. But no, she's as lazy as ever when it comes to paperwork," Shiro-chan said as he frowned. "I'll see you later at the rooftop? Same time?"
Hinamori nodded in agreement. As she watched Shiro-chan walk away, she felt herself blush. It was going to another moment of watching the sunset together. Through the years, the sunset witnessed their conversations that consisted of different emotions. It witnessed happiness, sadness, forgiveness, acceptance, and many more. They watched it everyday, and everyday, she would feel her heart beat faster. She wouldn't tell him how she felt because she still had hope, hope that he felt the same way. When she would look into his eyes, she would sometimes feel as if he had the same deep feeling for her. She would not, however, assume anything until he told her himself.
The rest of the day was pleasant. Hinamori visited some division headquarters and was particularly amused in the 11th Division Headquarters as she watched Kenpachi chase off another shinigami who was trying to get Yachiru to accompany him on a date. Kenpachi was still overprotective of his "daughter" even though she had grown up to be a charming "teenager."
Soon, it was time for her to go up to the rooftop. When she went there, however, she found a note from Shiro-chan.
Please come to the hill that overlooks the Lake of Soul Society.
Hinamori folded the note and put it inside her robe. She hurried to the hill because the sun was starting to set. As she neared the hill, she wondered why Shiro-chan would suddenly change the place without telling her personally. She thought it was probably just a random thought that crossed Shiro-chan's mind.
When she reached the hill, Shiro-chan was standing there waiting for her. She stared with awe at the lake. She had not come to this hill for a very long time. She had forgotten how beautiful it was. The sunset even made it more beautiful.
"Hinamori…"
Hinamori looked at Shiro-chan. He was taller than she was now and she had to look up at him.
"Yes?"
Then, to her surprise, he took her hands and looked straight into her eyes.
"Momo, I've kept this for a very long time. I didn't even realize it until I almost lost you. All I felt was that I should protect you since you were my best friend. I never understood why a 'best friend' made me feel protective. I never understood why a single smile from you would always make me happy. Then, that night, when you almost gave in to death, I understood. I suddenly knew the answer to the questions I had. Then again, I've never tried to tell you because I was afraid to sacrifice our friendship for this. I always told myself I'd tell you 'sometime later.'
It took me long to realize that there might not be a later. I want to tell you now.
Momo, I love you. I love your smile. I love your kindness. I love your compassion. I love your humility. I love your ability to inspire people. I love how you manage to make me get over anger. I love how you're not afraid to tell me what's on your mind. I love your dedication. And yet, I love your flaws, whatever they may be."
Hinamori did not notice that tears were falling from her eyes. Those words… Those words were what she had wanted to hear from him since she realized her feelings for him. The wait had been long, but it was worth it.
"Shiro-chan, I love you."
With that, Hinamori buried her face in Hitsugaya's chest. Hitsugaya stroked her hair. They stayed like that until Momo looked up at Hitsugaya's face once again. Hitsugaya wiped her tears away and kissed her forehead.
As the sun slowly disappeared at the edge of the lake, Hitsugaya and Hinamori shared a kiss.
Today, the sunset witnessed words of love. Today, the sunset witnessed the union of two hearts.