strictlysupreme Chapter 120: After the Fireworks
Chapter 120: After the Fireworks
Chapter 120 - After the FireworksRukia hadn't told Hinamori that Shin had visited the Academy. Not entirely her fault—Ganju had shared the news while Hinamori wasn't around.
But after Shin left, Rukia was in no state to focus.
She still felt... damp and sticky.
Standing alone in the hallway of the empty lecture building, she leaned against the wall for a while, then ducked into the nearest restroom. When she emerged, her face was still flushed.
She never realized before... the President could be so bad!
Or were all boys like this?
Today's encounter made her reconsider all those times Shin had ruffled her hair. Was he always trying to take advantage?
Yet strangely, she didn't mind at all...
Driven by his teasing, Rukia had been forced to discreetly remove a certain undergarment and stash it in her pocket. Now that it was gone, she felt oddly chilly under her uniform.
Thankfully, by the time she returned to the student council office, she had composed herself.
"Rukia!"
Hinamori appeared out of nowhere, staring at her like a hawk.
"Where'd you go?"
"Just went out," Rukia replied casually. "Checked on the main stage setup."
"Oh really?" Hinamori clearly didn't believe her.
Rukia glanced at Ganju, who happened to be watching them too—only to quickly avert his gaze when caught.
"I heard from Ganju that the President came by the Academy," Hinamori added.
Rukia nodded calmly. "I heard that too."
"You didn't go find him?"
"We bumped into each other—along with Hisagi and Aojika. Chatted for a bit," Rukia explained. "I was busy, and the President said he didn't want to interfere with our work, so he didn't stop by the office. He'll be back tonight for the fireworks."
"..."
With Rukia admitting it, Hinamori couldn't exactly press further.
She'd assumed Rukia had rushed off to meet the President after hearing he'd arrived. She'd even gone out to
"Captain, Isane-san, I'm going to step away for a bit."
Isane watched him walk off with both girls, heart quietly aching.
"What's wrong, Isane?" Unohana asked gently.
"Nothing, Captain," she answered quickly.
"The fireworks are beautiful..."
She tried to focus on the sky, but her thoughts drifted back to that retreating figure.
She watched for a moment longer—then cast her gaze downward, lashes hiding the turmoil in her heart.
Hinamori hadn't wanted to come with Rukia. She feared Rukia would find Shin first—and do something behind her back.
But she couldn't let that happen.
Still, once she did find Shin... and saw Rukia beside him... her joy turned bitter.
A moment alone with him—ruined again.
They tried to find a quiet place to talk—but the entire perimeter was packed with couples. They had no choice but to keep walking through the crowds.
At one point, Hinamori slipped her hand into Shin's.
She glanced sideways—only to see his other hand being held by Rukia.
Her chest tightened.
"You two hiding something from me?" Shin suddenly asked.
Both girls jumped.
"What?! No!"
Their reactions were too quick. Guilty.
They were keeping their private "fair competition" pact a secret from him.
Shin smirked. "The fireworks are gorgeous tonight. Shiba-san must've worked hard."
"They're truly wonderful," Rukia agreed.
"I heard about the Exchange Event," Hinamori said. "You beat a vice-captain who had achieved Bankai... amazing!"
"And I heard you're about to become a captain!"
"Where are you hearing all this?" Shin laughed.
"From my family—and Ganju."
"Hitsugaya told me last week," Hinamori added. "He gave me the full rundown. He's really strong too."
"I'm not planning to become a captain yet," Shin replied. "Squad Three's next captain will be decided in a duel between two vice-captains."
"Why don't you want it?" Hinamori asked, curious.
"Why does there have to be a reason? I just don't."
"Oh..."
Hinamori squeezed his hand tightly, trying to convey her feelings.
She glanced over—only to see Rukia holding the other hand, smiling so gently it almost seemed like they were already together.
A pang of jealousy stabbed her chest.
She let go.
Why's he holding her hand too? Right in front of me...
Doesn't he know how this makes me feel?
But as she pulled away, Shin quietly reached back out—took her hand again—and lightly brushed his fingers against her palm.
Her lips curved up into a soft, glowing smile.