Coming back to school after the incident was a bit of an odd experience.
Apparently, Rukia followed childhood advice to wake me up with a kiss and coincidentally it was the exact moment that Cheshire woke me up, which resulted in several students in my class always commenting on the "most passionate couple" in school. This ended up making Rukia quite embarrassed despite her trying to pretend not to be bothered.
During those days, whenever I managed to be alone for a while, I tried to put into practice what Cheshire made available to me. As a result of this, I can now materialize red threads of spiritual energy.
One day, Rukia ended up witnessing while I was creating these threads and commented that she couldn't feel reiatsu coming from them and some threads she couldn't even see, which means they must be used for more discreet attacks.
Yato: 'I just don't know if they're very strong…I'll have to test it against a Hollow someday to be sure… Now I have a bigger problem to solve…' - I thought while looking at a sketchbook.
The teacher had given the class a project entitled "My Future Self". All the students had to do was draw a picture of how they envisioned themselves in the future.
I was never a good draftsman and in my current situation…it's quite difficult to imagine my future in this world.
Rukia: "Have you finished your project yet, Yato?" - She asked while holding a sketchbook.
Yato: "To tell you the truth…I haven't even started. How about you?"
Rukia decided to show what she had drawn and by the look on her face, she seemed quite proud of the result.
Rukia's drawing consisted of apparently a version of herself hugging several stuffed rabbits. All the rabbits looked alike, with the exception of a few that had hair.
Rukia: "Amazing isn't it?"
Yato: "I have no words…"
Rukia: "That was to be expected." - She puffed out her chest with a proud smile.
I gave a small smile at her reaction and returned my focus to my sketchbook.
The truth is that I was thinking about many things at the same time and it seemed that these simple jobs were more difficult than they usually are.
Rukia: "You don't have to push yourself so hard, Yato." - She said suddenly.
Yato: "It's just a drawing, Rukia."
Rukia: "I'm not talking about the drawing. You spend more time trying to unlock these powers of yours than interacting with your friends or doing things you like. You always seem to be worried about something. I know it's important to train and improve ourselves , but being isolated for so long will not be good for your health." - She put her hand on my shoulder as she stared at me, which automatically made me look in any direction but her eyes.
I've always had a hard time looking people in the eye and apparently that habit hasn't changed even though I'm in a world where I basically know almost everyone. The people I most avoided looking at were Rukia and Ichigo. I had a feeling that if I held eye contact with any of them for more than a few seconds, it would be enough for them to discover any secrets of mine.
Yato: "You're right, Rukia." - I said as I stood up, making Rukia move away a little.
Yato: "How about we play a little game?"
Rukia: "Are you talking about your video game?" She crossed her arms sullenly.
Yato: "No need to make that face. How about if you win me at least once, I'll buy you something?" - I asked smiling.
Rukia: "I don't see how material goods can serve as a prize…but I accept your challenge."
# Next Day | June 16 - Karakura Town, Minamikawase #
I was leaving home to go to school. Rukia wasn't with me this time because she had said that she needed to take care of some things first so she left much earlier.
As I got on my bike, I noticed Mizuiro standing in front of Ichigo's house.
Yato: "Good morning, Mizuiro."
Mizuiro: "Good morning, Yato. Isn't Kuchiki-san with you today?"
Yato: "She had to run some errands. I'll meet her at school."
It didn't take long for Ichigo to appear and just looking at his expression made the mood seem to have changed a bit.
Ichigo: "Ah, you're here too, Yato. Good morning."
Yato: "Good morning." - I answered while we were going to school.
Ichigo: "I thought Rukia would be with you."
As we walked, we passed in front of a toy store. I remembered I promised to give Rukia a gift.
Yato: "Ah…Mizuiro, could you do me a favor?"
Mizuiro: "Yes?"
Yato: "Could you buy…some stuffed white rabbit at that shop? I'm not very good at picking out that kind of thing."
Mizuiro and Ichigo looked at me, a little strange for my request until one of them apparently discovered the reason.
Mizuiro: "Oh, so it's a gift for Kuchiki-san…I'll take a look there. But you'll owe me." He said smiling as he walked into the store
Yato: "So, Ichigo…why do you have this weird vibe today?" - I asked without looking at him.
Ichigo: "Yato…if by chance I asked Rukia to give me a break from my work as a shinigami…at least for a day…what would she say?"
Yato: "I have an idea of what she would answer, but depending on the reason…I might try talking to her…"
Ichigo: "Tomorrow…is the day my mother died…Actually, it wasn't just the day she died…it was the day she was killed."
Yato: '...Holy shit....'