Bleach: The Fifth Division Captain

"Just drop me off here..."

"No, I don't have anything else to do anyway. Staying in the academy is pretty boring."

After finishing his internship at the Twelfth Division and returning to the academy, it was now the so-called "winter break."

Though technically there wasn't an official vacation period, the two weeks following the New Year and before classes resumed were left unstructured.

At the same time...

It was also the season when sixth-year students, as soon-to-be graduates, left the academy to report to their respective divisions.

Seiya Arima trailed behind Isane Kotetsu.

Thanks to her early internship, Isane had already been confirmed as a member of the Fourth Division. Today was merely a formality for her to officially report in.

Seiya carried a bundle of luggage, shrugging indifferently as he spoke.

"Isane, you're graduating and heading to the Fourth Division, but you didn't even think to tell me?"

His tone carried a slight note of complaint, but it wasn't unjustified.

After finding out about her assignment, Seiya had rushed out of the academy to catch up to Isane, who hadn't made it very far.

Seiya glanced back over his shoulder.

Peeking out from behind a utility pole was a short-haired girl with blonde hair, wearing white gloves and a casual, collared jacket. She gave Seiya a cheeky thumbs-up gesture.

It was Kiyone Kotetsu, Isane's younger sister, who had just joined the academy last year.

Before Seiya could even reach out to her, Kiyone had enthusiastically established herself in his life, even playfully calling him "brother-in-law."

"I just didn't want to trouble you..." Isane's soft voice brought Seiya's attention back to her.

Pausing briefly, he thought of some words to comfort her but ultimately chose a wry smile instead.

"How could you ever be a bother to me?"

"...I'm sorry."

Watching her apologetic expression, Seiya pursed his lips before softly suggesting,

"The reporting deadline is in the afternoon, right?"

"Huh? Oh... yes, it is."

"Then why don't we grab lunch together before that?"

Though hesitant at first, Isane nodded shyly.

Seiya, seemingly aware of her apprehension, gently took her hand and led her toward a nearby street.

"Let's go and chat while we're at it!"

From afar, Kiyone balled her hands into fists in an excited gesture of victory.

"YES!"

Ever since her first day at the academy, Kiyone had noticed something odd about her older sister.

Isane, despite her reserved demeanor, was remarkably easy to read.

As her sister, Kiyone couldn't help but feel protective when Seiya entered the picture. She initially kept her guard up around him.

But the more she learned about him—his academic record, achievements, and impressive internship at the Twelfth Division—the more she realized:

"This guy is amazing... and he likes my sister!"

With that, any doubts she had disappeared.

"A powerhouse like this wants to date my sister? Then it's my duty to help them out!"

Seiya led Isane through the streets, making several turns before stopping in front of a quaint shop.

"Eh? What kind of place is this?"

Pushing open the door with practiced familiarity, Seiya called out a greeting to the staff before turning back to her.

"This is a Western-style café. You won't find many like this in Seireitei. Someone recommended it to me, and I thought you'd enjoy it. Come on in."

It was a small café partially funded by Nanao Ise.

"...Excuse me," Isane muttered as she followed him inside.

The ordering process was simple, but Isane couldn't help but feel out of place.

The décor, the atmosphere, even the way the staff dressed—it all felt alien to her.

Why was there a metal box playing music?

What were all these unfamiliar menu items?

What the heck was "Tiramisu"?

As her anxiety built, Isane glanced nervously around the café. But her gaze eventually settled on Seiya.

His calm demeanor was like a balm to her nerves.

"Amazing..."

No matter the situation, Seiya always seemed composed and collected. Isane couldn't recall ever seeing him lose his cool.

Even though she was older and technically his senior, she always felt like he was the one guiding her.

It made her feel... inadequate.

"Seiya..." she finally said, her voice soft.

Realizing her tone sounded unsteady, she quickly looked away.

"Why does my voice sound so... timid?"

Thankfully, Seiya didn't seem to notice. He raised his head and smiled warmly.

"What is it, Isane?"

She hesitated, fidgeting with a strand of hair near her temple as her gaze dropped to the table.

"I've always wondered..."

The clink of porcelain interrupted her. A server placed a delicate dessert in front of them with a soft, melodic chime.

"...Why do you like me?"

A faint aroma of coffee wafted between them as a cup was placed nearby.

"I mean... I'm not even pretty, right?"

The sound of cutlery being set on the table blended seamlessly with her self-conscious words.

"I'm so tall, my temper isn't great, and I can't say sweet things. I always try to pull rank on you..."

The small creamer cups clinked softly as they were placed beside her coffee.

"My voice isn't pleasant, and I don't think I stand out in any way. There are so many women out there who are more elegant and charming than me..."

Her voice trailed off as doubt and hesitation crept in.

"I... I don't think someone like me is worth all the attention you've been giving me, Seiya."

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, Isane felt the warmth of his hand resting gently on her forearm.

"Is that how you really feel?"

Her eyes widened as she looked up, meeting his calm, kind gaze.

"Maybe you're right," Seiya began, his tone light and playful.

"You're a bit hot-tempered, don't take jokes well, and sometimes you lose your cool and even resort to hitting people."

He laughed softly before continuing.

"But... liking someone doesn't require a reason, does it?"

"Seeing your face makes me happy.

Hearing your voice relaxes me.

Just being around you feels like a safe haven where I can truly rest."

Pausing for a moment, Seiya added,

"Of course, if possible, I'd love to get to know you even better."

His honesty made Isane's heart skip a beat.

"Isane, this might sound impulsive, but I really do like you."

Her cheeks flushed as his gentle voice washed over her.

"And while I've never had the chance to say this before... today feels like the perfect moment."

Taking a deep breath, Seiya smiled and said,

"Isane, would you like to go out with me?"

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