NOTAKING
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Chapter 50
🕑 Added 2025-04-21 16:58:57 +0000 UTCAs they walked through the streets, the sun beginning to dip into the horizon, Tatsuki found herself sneaking glances at Ichigo. He was dressed casually, hands in his pockets, looking as laid-back as ever. But despite his usual air of nonchalance, something about today felt different.
She swallowed, realizing that, for the first time, they were actually doing something that felt like… a date.
"So, where are we going?" Tatsuki asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Ichigo shrugged. "I figured we'd just grab some food, maybe walk around for a bit."
Tatsuki raised an eyebrow. "You call that a plan?"
He smirked. "Hey, you're the one who wanted to hang out. I’m just making it up as we go."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Fine. But if we end up eating at some random street stall, I’m blaming you."
They eventually stopped at a small ramen shop tucked away from the busier streets. The scent of freshly made broth and sizzling toppings filled the air, making Tatsuki’s stomach grumble.
Ichigo chuckled. "Sounds like we picked the right place."
They took their seats, and as the owner served them, Tatsuki felt some of the initial awkwardness fade. She relaxed slightly, watching Ichigo dig into his bowl like he hadn’t eaten in days.
"You eat like a starving man," she teased, twirling her chopsticks.
"Hey, ramen's serious business," he said between bites. "Besides, you should talk. You love this place too."
Tatsuki scoffed, but the way her chopsticks moved instinctively to scoop up the noodles betrayed her. She sighed in defeat. "Fine, I’ll admit it. The ramen here is top-tier."
Ichigo smirked but didn't say anything, just watching her with a knowing glint in his eyes.
As the meal continued, Tatsuki found herself growing more comfortable. The initial nervousness had faded into familiar banter, and she no longer felt the need to overthink every little thing.
After finishing their food, they strolled through the quiet streets. The warm glow of the streetlights flickered against the pavement, and the air had that crisp evening chill.
Ichigo stretched his arms behind his head. "Man, that hit the spot."
Tatsuki hummed in agreement. "Yeah… this was nice."
Ichigo glanced at her. "Told you."
She rolled her eyes but then, without really thinking, nudged his shoulder lightly. "Thanks for this, Ichigo. I had fun."
He gave her a sideways glance, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Yeah. Me too."
And for the first time that evening, Tatsuki didn’t try to hide the warmth in her chest.
After their meal, they wandered toward a quiet park, the night air cool against their skin. The pathways were lined with dimly lit lampposts, casting long shadows over the pavement, while the faint chirping of crickets filled the silence. Tatsuki shoved her hands into her pockets, glancing at Ichigo, who walked beside her, hands still casually tucked into his.
Neither of them spoke at first, but for some reason, the silence didn’t feel awkward. It was… nice. Comfortable.
"You ever think about the past?" Ichigo finally asked, his voice calm, almost distant.
Tatsuki blinked, looking at him. "The past?"
"Yeah," he said, kicking a small pebble along the path. "Like, how we used to be when we were kids. Back when you used to kick my ass all the time."
Tatsuki smirked. "Used to? Pretty sure I could still take you if I wanted."
Ichigo scoffed. "Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "But yeah… I think about it sometimes. Back then, things were simple. It was just training, school, and trying to toughen you up." She looked ahead, her expression softening. "Feels like a different life now."
Ichigo hummed in agreement. "Yeah. Things changed fast."
They reached a bench near a small pond, the water shimmering under the moonlight. Tatsuki sat first, stretching her legs out in front of her. Ichigo followed, leaning back against the bench, his arms draped over the backrest.
For a moment, neither of them spoke, just watching the water ripple as a soft breeze passed through the trees. Then, Tatsuki let out a small sigh.
"Can I be honest?" she asked, not looking at him.
Ichigo raised a brow. "Since when do you ask?"
She rolled her eyes but continued. "I was kinda nervous about today."
Ichigo tilted his head. "Why?"
She hesitated, her fingers lightly tapping against her thigh. "I don’t know. It just… felt different. We’ve hung out a million times before, but this? It felt like a real… date." She exhaled, forcing herself to say it.
Ichigo was silent for a moment before a smirk tugged at his lips. "That a bad thing?"
Tatsuki turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. There was something unreadable in his expression—not teasing, not mocking, just… honest.
She swallowed. "No. Not really."
Ichigo nodded, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "Good."
The warmth in Tatsuki’s chest returned, but this time, she didn’t fight it. Instead, she leaned back, letting herself relax next to him.
And for the first time, she realized she didn’t mind the idea of it being a real date after all.
Ichigo walked her home, the quiet night stretching around them, their footsteps the only sound echoing through the empty streets. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of rain from earlier in the day, and Tatsuki found herself glancing at Ichigo every now and then, as if memorizing the moment.
When they finally reached her doorstep, she hesitated before turning to face him. The soft glow of the porch light illuminated his face, making his usually sharp features seem a little softer in the dim light.
"Ichigo," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "Please make sure you and Orihime make it back here. Wherever you're going, that is."
Ichigo looked at her for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she's safe," he assured her, his tone steady, unwavering.
Tatsuki exhaled, a small smile breaking across her lips. "Good. Otherwise, I'll beat your ass if you make her cry."
Ichigo chuckled, the corner of his mouth tugging upward. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. No pressure, right?"
She rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in them.
Ichigo took a step back, slipping his hands into his pockets. "See ya, Tatsuki. Don't miss me too much."
Tatsuki scoffed, but as she watched him walk away, a strange feeling settled in her chest. She lingered at the doorway for a moment, her fingers gripping the edge of the doorframe.
A blush crept up her cheeks, and she bit her lip, unable to stop the thought from forming.
‘I think I’ve grown to like you, Ichigo Kurosaki.’
Shaking her head, she stepped inside, closing the door behind her—but even as she did, her heart still felt lighter than before.
TO BE CONTINUED 
