After a few minutes of unpacking, they walked out together. She carried a folded towel slung casually over her shoulder while Ichigo had his arms full, balancing the food containers and drinks.
The path was narrow, but they followed it until they reached a small clearing surrounded by tall trees and soft rays of sunlight slipping through the canopy above. The sound of birds chirping and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves added to the serene atmosphere.
They set everything down on a flat patch of grass near a moss-covered log and laid out the towel like a picnic mat. Once they sat down, the tension in their bodies seemed to ease as they took in the peaceful surroundings.
"Wow... looks really nice here," Ichigo said, gazing around with an impressed expression.
"I know, right? Me and my parents always come here when we're feeling like taking a break," she replied, smiling fondly as she opened a container of rice balls.
"Oh, that's nice. I was starting to wonder how you even knew this place. Who built it?" he asked, curious as he took a bite of food.
"My dad and his dad," she said, pouring them both something to drink. "Back when he was young, though. Funny enough, my dad brought my mom here on their first date, which made me laugh because that sounds like the perfect start of a murder mystery," she said, chuckling as she shook her head.
"She must have really loved him to follow him this deep into the forest," Ichigo said, turning to look at her, his amber eyes holding a mix of amusement and admiration.
She blushed slightly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before nodding. "Yeah... she must've."
There was a soft silence between them, filled only by the rustling of the trees and the occasional chirp of a bird. Then she leaned back slightly, propping herself up on her hands.
"Enough about that," she said, tilting her head. "I've always wanted to know how you got those powers of yours."
"Oh? Orihime didn't tell you?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. "Well... it started..."
Ichigo launched into the story, and she listened with genuine interest—eyes wide, occasionally gasping or laughing at the strange twists in his tale. The hours slipped by unnoticed as they ate and talked, sharing more stories—some deep, some lighthearted.
When they finally packed up, the sun was starting its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. She stood up, brushing the grass off her pants, and glanced toward the hill nearby.
"Wanna hike up?" she asked.
"Sure," Ichigo replied.
As they walked up the path, surrounded by towering trees and golden light, Ichigo reached out and gently took her hand. Her eyes flicked down in surprise, and her fingers instinctively curled around his. A warm flush crept up her neck, but she didn't let go.
Her heart was beating faster than it should, and her body tingled from the contact—but she held it in, pretending to be unfazed, even as a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
She didn't want to show how embarrassed she was right now. And yet… she didn't pull away either. They walked in comfortable silence, the forest trail winding upward as birdsong echoed faintly through the trees. Ichigo's hand found hers again as they moved up a small slope. She didn't say anything about it—just held on.
A few minutes passed before Tatsuki broke the quiet.
"...You know, it's kinda funny," she said, eyes forward. "Most people don't really see me as... a girl."
Ichigo blinked, turning to look at her. "Huh? What're you talking about?"
She shrugged, but there was something tight in the motion—like she was trying to laugh it off. "I mean, I've always been the tomboy. The fighter. The one who could kick every guy's ass in the dojo. I've never been the type people bring flowers to or get nervous around. Half the time, I think people forget I am a girl."
Ichigo slowed down, his fingers tightening gently around hers.
"...That's dumb."
She looked at him, arching a brow. "What, my feelings?"
He shook his head. "No. The way people treat you."
Tatsuki let out a breath, like she didn't quite know what to say.
"You're strong, yeah," he continued, voice steady, "but that's never made you any less of a woman. You've got this fire—this confidence—that most people couldn't even dream of having. And you're beautiful, Tatsuki. Seriously. Anyone who doesn't see that..." He glanced at her, sincere. "They don't deserve to."
Her steps faltered for half a second. She didn't look at him right away. Just stared at the trees, blinking a little faster than usual.
"You really think that?" she asked, quieter now.
He smiled a little. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't."
There was a pause, then she chuckled under her breath. "You always do this... Say just the right thing without trying."
"Must be my talent or something."
Tatsuki finally looked at him, and there was something soft in her expression—grateful, a little shy. "Thanks, Ichigo."
He nodded. "Anytime."
And with that, they kept walking, fingers still intertwined. The sun broke through the trees above them, casting a warm glow on the trail ahead.
By the time they reached the top, the forest had thinned out, revealing a clearing bathed in gold. The view stretched for miles—rolling trees fading into mist, the horizon tinged with soft pink and orange hues. A gentle breeze drifted past, brushing against them like nature's own sigh of peace.
Tatsuki stood there quietly, gazing out at the world below. Her ponytail swayed slightly in the wind, her hand still linked with his. Her breathing had slowed from the hike, but her heart—Ichigo could feel it—was beating just a little faster.
"Not bad," she murmured, stepping to the edge. "You can almost forget how crazy the world is when you're up here."
Ichigo came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist without a word, chin resting lightly on her shoulder. She didn't resist. Instead, she leaned back into him with a content sigh, as if this was exactly where she wanted to be.
"You know," she said softly, "I didn't think this kind of peace was for people like us."
"Yeah?" he whispered against her ear. "Why not?"
"Too much fighting. Too much pain, we don't really get soft things like this."
Ichigo turned her gently in his arms, facing her. His eyes searched hers—deep brown meeting dark amber, both holding a thousand memories, a thousand battles, and something far more personal.
"But we deserve it, don't we?" he said.
She looked like she wanted to argue—but the words never came. Just that subtle falter in her breath. Her lips parted as if to answer.
He kissed her before she could.
It wasn't tentative, or shy. It was familiar—but still powerful. His hand cupped her cheek, the other sliding to the small of her back as their mouths found each other again like old friends, like warriors who had been through hell and still chose each other. Her fingers curled into his shirt, pulling him closer, as if grounding herself in him.
When they broke apart, Tatsuki's forehead rested against his. Her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes had that playful glint again.
"...That wasn't half bad," she whispered.
Ichigo smirked. "Only half?"
She leaned in again, brushing her lips over his once more—slower this time, lingering. "Shut up and kiss me properly."
And so he did.
TO BE CONTINUED
[A/N: A reminder that none of us will ever get this in life]