Minor Edits: 02-05-14

DISCLAIMER: Bleach is not mine.

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HIS GIRL

"Karin, why don't you just tell me what happened?" Toushirou watched his best friend as the other was busy kicking the soccer ball, back and forth the goal post. She'd been so silent ever since she'd arrived at the soccer field.

It was earlier when Karin had phoned Toushirou, asking him to play soccer with her. Though, Toushirou had initially reasoned out that he still had a lot of things to deal with,—university stuffs to be specific—he'd eventually given up when Karin had insisted that he could do that after their game. Knowing his best friend, Toushirou was sure that Karin would just crash to his house and drag him outside if he'd remain resolute to his 'no'.

Toushirou had got to the field first, wondering what had happened to Karin since he usually didn't arrive earlier than she was. It was almost always the other way around. When he'd seen her coming and wearing her 'don't-mess-with-me-I-am-not-in-the-good-mood' frown, he'd assumed that something not good had indeed happened on her way. As Karin had neared him, he'd been expecting her usual opening punch-line before going into an hour of rant, but it hadn't come. Without even sparing him a greeting, Karin had walked past him and proceeded kicking the ball. She'd never talked since that moment.

While Toushirou would often grow tired of listening to her raves, he still found it more unnerving, now that she refused to utter a single word.

"Had someone at your school messed with you?" He tried asking her again. Not that he was thinking that it could be the possible reason, since he was fully aware that just simply messing with her would never get her on that current mood. She would just kick the face of anyone who'd dare, then completely shrug it after.

Hoping that Karin would open up, Toushirou had tried to talk to her. Unfortunately, it looked like Karin was determined to completely bite her tongue.

Unable to stand her silence, Toushirou stood in front of her, stopping the ball with his foot. He sighed as Karin shot him a glare. He was just too used with that angry stare, so they had no effect to him anymore.

"Look, Karin. If you have any problem, tell me. Had I done something wrong? Or what?" he asked, staring straight on her eyes.

Karin looked away, brows wrinkling.

"Umi," she finally whispered, a hint of certainty on her voice.

Toushirou arched an inquisitive brow. "Umi?"

In lieu of getting a response to make everything plain, Karin's next words had just made Toushirou frown in perplexity.

"Do you like her, Toushirou?" she asked, her eyes daring him not to tell a lie.

Toushirou tried to catch the sense on his best friend's question. But it was too impossible for he was completely clueless on what she was talking about.

"I do not know what you are saying, Karin," he said flatly, conceding that a feeling of annoyance was already starting to grow inside him. Seriously... first, she'd played dumb, totally ignoring his questions, and now, she was calling him to admit something that he was fully unaware of. Who was this Umi, anyway?

"Yeah, right." Karin narrowed her eyes like she wasn't convinced by his claim. "Now I already know why you always tell me to stop being her crazy fan."

Toushirou looked at Karin, finally knowing who she was talking about.

Umi. Namikawa Umi. How did he forget her? That girl whom Karin had been fond of ever since the latter was in middle school.

Toushirou had been in the Kurosaki residence, doing the school requirement that he and Karin's brother, Ichigo, had needed to finish together, when she'd made an announcement. An announcement claiming that she was a tomboy, aiding it with the fact that she liked a girl. That time, the Kurosaki head hadn't shown any sign of being surprised, and when Ichigo had asked him why he appeared like he wasn't bothered at all, Kurosaki Isshin just smiled, explaining that teenagers always tend to be like that and maybe Karin just admired the girl because she dreamt of becoming like her someday. After that, the oldest Kurosaki had proceeded to wail in front of his wife's poster about how fast their children had grown, and earned himself a kick from Ichigo.

Believing Isshin's words, they let Karin to be like that. And until now that Karin was already in her last year of high school, and the girl she liked was in the same university as Toushirou and Ichigo, Karin still hadn't been able to get over her admiration of that girl, Namikawa Umi.

There was never a time when they were together that Toushirou didn't hear Karin talk on how pretty Umi was despite her simplicity, how friendly she was, how smart she was, how good she was at playing tennis. Umi this, Umi that.

So, Toushirou couldn't believe that he had just forgotten that Namikawa-girl.

"What kind of bullcrap is this, Karin? Between us, you're the one who's crazy over her, so why are you asking me that?" he asked as calm as he could possibly muster.

"She said she likes you!" Karin snapped. It was always like this. Every time they had an argument, she would always be the one to have a hard time holding her temper, while he would be as collected as usual. And Karin hated it, as it appeared like she was always on the losing side.

Toushirou looked at her incredulously. "And? You already assumed that I like her, too?"

"Sure," she said, calming down somehow. "Why wouldn't I think that you like her? Every time I tell you how much I like her, you always appear to be unhappy. Like... Like you're jealous!"

That, of all things that she'd said, was the one that got to Toushirou's nerve.

"Jealous? I am..." he tried to put forth of his reasons, but it was like something was barring him from doing so. He felt like denying it would make him a liar.

Was he really jealous?

But before he could get the chance to have a further thought about it, he heard Karin laugh. Sarcastically, that is.

"I thought so," she said, glaring at him.

Toushirou looked away. "That is stupid, Karin," he whispered.

"Oh, yeah? Why don't you just admit it! You're jealous! You're jealous because you like U-"

"Because I love you!"

On that outburst, it looked like Karin was not the only one who was surprised. Toushirou's eyes were just as wide as hers.

He was aware about his feelings. He knew that he did like her, and he never denied it to himself. But love? Never had it occured to him.

Just now.

And as he asked himself if he wanted to pull out that sudden confession, he arrived to an important conclusion; that three-word statement should remain as it is.

Sure, he was jealous, not of Karin but of that Namikawa Umi. Because, she got all of Karin's attention.

"I might have heard it wrong," Karin stated, eyes still wide, unblinking.

"No."

Karin wanted to believe that her best friend was just pulling a prank on her, but as she gave him a better look, she noticed that he had that expression that she was too familiar with.

His firm stare and the way his jaw tightened, as he gritted his teeth, only meant one thing—he was serious. Dead serious.

Silence decided to take over in between them. No one dared to speak for a moment.

Accepting that it was his responsibility to close the conversation and get them out of that awkward situation, Toushirou broke the silence.

"So, I guess, we can't have a game today," he said, sighing.

Karin was still having a hard time to process everything in her mind.

"Ah- I... I have to go," she managed to speak, and without even waiting for his reply, she walked away from him as fast as possible.

Toushirou stayed there, unmoving, as he watched her retreating form.

"I'll see you," he muttered.

Even if it seemed like it was already impossible, Toushirou hoped that Karin would still want to see him again. He really hoped.

• нιтѕυкαяιи •

Just as Karin arrived at their house, she heard that single name that she didn't want to hear at the moment.

"Yo, Karin. Were you and Toushirou together earlier? I was calling him to ask about his chemistry presentation but he wasn't answering his phone," Ichigo greeted, completely clueless of his younger sister's situation.

"What do I care about him," she whispered bitterly.

"Oh, my darling Karin-chan, you're home! How was your day?~" Isshin suddenly popped from the kitchen, arms wide open, ready to jump at his daughter.

Unexpectedly, neither Karin's foot nor her fist had come in contact with his face. Instead, Isshin found himself kissing the cold floor, as Karin had dodged rather than hit him.

That was the only thing they'd got from Karin. She went upstairs without saying anything; not even scolding her father for acting like a child.

Ichigo and Karin's twin, Yuzu, who was changing the flowers on the vase that time, looked at each other understandingly.

If Karin was acting like that, it only meant one thing.

Something was up.

"I'll talk to her," Yuzu said, then followed Karin up.

.

.

Standing in front of Karin's room, Yuzu knocked at the door.

There was no response.

"Karin-chan, can I come in?" Yuzu asked softly. She turned the knob and poked her head inside.

"Uh."

Yuzu entered and found her sister lying on her bed, face down.

"Karin-chan, do you have any problem? Does it have something to do with Toushirou-kun?"

Hearing his name again, Karin sat up, as Yuzu took a seat at the side of her bed. The dark-haired teen was still confused about the unexpected confession of her best friend. She looked at her twin, contemplating whether to recount the event to Yuzu or not. But, she knew she didn't already need to think about it when she saw Yuzu's smile, urging her to open up.

"He... He said he loves me."

At that admission, Yuzu was surprised. But the shock gradually tapered, and the honeybrown-haired twin smiled. She knew that there still was something more behind that statement. Something that she wanted to know so she could help Karin on whatever was bothering her.

"Tell me everything," she said.

Karin looked at Yuzu, wondering if she was serious.

Ever since their mother had died, Yuzu had already taken the role of being the new light of their home. Not only had she taken the responsibility of doing the household chores, but also of caring their family, giving an advice to her siblings every time they had a problem.

With that thought, Karin couldn't help but be grateful to her sister.

Feeling secured, Karin started telling everything to Yuzu.

.

.

After hearing the whole story, Yuzu gave a thoughtful expression.

"So you got jealous when you heard Umi-chan talk about her having a crush to Toushirou-kun?" she asked.

"Uh-huh. I like Umi, everyone knows," Karin muttered, finding her bed sheet interesting to stare.

Yuzu smiled again. "Was it really because you like Umi-chan that you got jealous?"

"What do you mean?" Karin asked, frowning and diverting her gaze to her sister.

"Karin-chan, tell me. Who are you really jealous of? Are you really jealous because Umi-chan likes someone else? Or, you just don't like the idea that someone is interested of Toushirou-kun?"

"I..." Karin tried to answer but couldn't think anything to say. It seemed like Yuzu's questions were making sense.

Was she really jealous of Toushirou? Or was it Umi?

Giving Karin one last smile, Yuzu stood up. "I know you have the answer to yourself, Karin-chan." She winked at her sister before she walked out of the room.

Karin was left alone, still thinking to herself. To make everything clear, she decided to ask herself some questions.

If it isn't Toushirou... If Umi likes another guy, not him, would I still be affected?

Nah, why would I give a damn? She can have a crush to whoever guy she wants. Anyone, but my best friend.

Karin's eyes went wide, gulping at the thought. Was she becoming possessive of him?

She shook her head, trying to get rid of the thought.

Now, if it isn't Umi, if some other girl has the thing for Toushirou, would I still care?

Of course! No one has the right to think of him like that! Because he is m-

Frantically, she shook her head again. No, no, no! She didn't just think about it.

He is mine.

She shuddered and stood up immediately.

"I must be hungry. Argh! Yuzu! You just made me more confused!"

• нιтѕυкαяιи •

Damn, damn, damn!

Why had she still agreed to bring the medicines to Rangiku-san? She didn't have anything against Rangiku, since the woman was a good friend of their family. The problem was that she'd forgotten an important detail.

Rangiku Matsumoto was Toushirou's aunt, and they lived together. Karin needed to deliver the stuffs to Rangiku's house. In other words, to Toushirou's house.

Stopping in front at their porch, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

I'll just ring the door bell, give the medicines to Rangiku-san, then leave. Right. That way, I wouldn't already have to see him."

Are you just going to stand on my porch all day?"

Or not.

Snapping her eyes open, Karin automatically said, "I didn't come here to see you."

"Of course," Toushirou answered, and Karin suddenly felt guilty when she noticed the hurt on his eyes.

She stretched her arm forward, handing him the small paper bag. "Here. My dad told me to give it to Rangiku-san."

"Sorry for the trouble," he said, accepting it but not averting his eyes from her. "Would you like to stay for a while? World Cup is just about to start."

Karin was surprised with that. Toushirou really knew her well to be aware that she wouldn't want to miss an episode of the World Cup.

Geez, why did I forget it?

She knew that even if she'd run fast, she still wouldn't be able to catch the opening if and when she'd arrive at their house.

With that knowledge, she looked at Toushirou and reluctantly asked, "C-can I?"

"I invited you, didn't I?"

Stepping inside, she chided, "Stop being a smart ass."

.

.

Karin had tried to concentrate on watching, but she couldn't. Not when the person next to her had his eyes fixed on her. Irritated, she turned her head and looked at Toushirou.

"Will you stop staring at me like that? I feel uncomfortable," she said, glaring at him.

Toushirou didn't speak a word, just continued looking at her.

As Karin stared back on his eyes, she couldn't help but to notice something that she'd failed to notice before. Those eyes. They were undeniably beautiful. Like rare crystals. And the way they were boring on her, it was as if they were telling her a secret that only she had the right to know. Endearment and a promise to hold her forever.

For a moment, Karin found herself lost in the sea of green. And as though there was a silent incantation pulling her into him, she slowly leaned in, watching as Toushirou closed his eyes. Closing her eyes as well, she continued clearing the gap in between them. But before she could carry out her intention, she heard him speak.

"Shouldn't the guy be the one to take matters on his hands?" he asked, his breath wafting on her face.

Confused, Karin stopped and opened her eyes, just to see that their faces were just a mere inches from each other and Toushirou's eyes were still close. Before she could open her mouth to ask him, Toushirou had already taken the chance to clear the remaining distance and press his lips on hers.

Just a light press at first, and it stayed like that for quite a while. It was as if he was trying to test her reaction. When Karin didn't do anything to pull away, Toushirou playfully smiled at the kiss. Wrapping his arm on around her waist to pull her closer and entangling his other hand on her dark locks, he started to move his lips. Like what he'd expected, Karin's lips were so cool and fresh. They tasted like green apples.

His action surprised Karin, at first. But as she closed her eyes again and brought both hands on the back of his neck, she began reciprocating his movements.

She'd never imagined herself in this situation, kissing her best friend. But everything was so natural, as if it was really meant for them to share with each other.

It had taken her a long time and a lot of things to realize how important Toushirou was, for her. That she was truly, albeit unconsciously, in-love with him. And by this, she'd let him know how sincere her feelings were.

Their kiss grew deeper, more aggressive every second. If possible, they would just stay that close for the rest of the moment. For them, it felt so right to be in each other's arms.

"My! I can't believe I just forgot to bring my purse. Did you see it Toushi-"

Hearing a familiar woman's voice, Karin immediately pulled away from Toushirou, while the latter blinked, giving her a 'why-did-you-pull-away' look. Oh boy, he'd been too engaged on kissing Karin that he hadn't been able to hear his aunt.

"Oh my, my. I am sorry sweet hearts, I was just going to get my purse and didn't have any intention of interrupting something," the strawberry blonde woman said, grinning widely.

At that moment, Karin felt the temperature of the room rise abnormally. Or was it only her face, blushing madly?

"I saw it in the dining table, earlier," Toushirou spoke, like he was just stating some law of science, and appeared unaffected as if no one had just caught them making out.

"Oh, yes!" Rangiku ran to the dining area and got her wallet.

As she went back to the living room, she looked at the couple once again, and couldn't help but giggle. She just noticed that while one was completely flushed, looking like she already wanted to sink in place because of embarrassment, the other was still cool as usual and perfectly at home—if you'd ignore the pun. But Rangiku knew it better; she knew that he was just a master of hiding his true feelings. For sure, inside, he was already cursing her interruption to death.

Rangiku's smile widened even more, if possible. She would be having fun on teasing her nephew later, but for now, she would let them have their time together.

"Have fun, you two!" she said before she went out.

Just as the woman left, Karin looked back at Toushirou, and saw that he already had his attention on the television.

She frowned. How could he easily shrug everything like that?

Wanting an explanation, she stood in front of him to block his view on the television, and folded her arms.

Toushirou looked up at her. "I am watching," he said in a perfect nonchalance.

Karin acted like she didn't hear anything, and just continued glaring at him.

"Karin," Toushirou said, still looking at her, and as if he was only talking to a kid who didn't know how to listen.

When Karin didn't move, he sighed. This young woman could just be as stubborn as hell if she wanted to. Deciding that he wasn't going to tolerate her bratty attitude, Toushirou gripped her wrist and gently tugged her towards him, grabbing her waist. He maneuvered her to sit in between his legs, ignoring her protests.

"Karin," he whispered on her ears, making her squirm. "If you want all my attention, just tell me. I am more than willing to ditch everything for you."

Karin knew he was just teasing her, and she hated the fact that he was really good on it.

"I-idiot! Let me go!" she shouted.

"Nuh-uh." Instead of letting her go, Toushirou wrapped both of his arms around her and rested his chin on her shoulder. "I like it better this way."

He smiled when he felt her finally relax on his hold. It was so nice having her in his arms, being this close to her. He would never trade this moment to anything else. This moment of being with his girl.

Ah, his girl. It sounded so perfect. Not just his best friend. Not anyone else's girl. But his, and his alone.

"I love you," he whispered affectionately, then laughed when he heard Karin's version of it.

"Yeah, whatever."

Uh-huh, that was indeed his girl, Kurosaki Karin.