Chapter Text
Orihime enjoys all types of food, loves to make weird mixes, and always tries something new since she doesn’t really have any prejudice towards it.
But… what Ichigo cooked… How can she say it?
It doesn’t smell that good.
And doesn’t look good either.
“Damn, I think it’s burned,” he said, stirring the food on the plate.
Oh, that was it.
He invited her over to his house, saying he wanted to surprise her with something. Well, ‘surprise’. Last time they were at her house, she cooked for them so now it was his turn.
They do this every week or so since they talked about their feelings. And when they don’t see each other, they text a lot. More than a lot, according to Ishida and Sado.
But, the funny part is… they are not dating. Not actually dating. It’s weird but they decided it was best for the relationship to take the time and really think if they want something more than just a ‘friendship’.
Of course, sometimes they feel the adrenaline and tension, the warmth around them, the need to do more than just spend time together, more than just silly smiles and uncomfortable touches. It’s becoming annoying for Ichigo, because it’s happening more often, especially when they are alone.
Ichigo wants so much more but it’s afraid to do something stupid.
Well, he fucked up the dinner already. Brilliant.
“Sorry, Inoue, It didn’t turn out as planned,” he scratched his head, feeling weird, “I usually cook better than this, really.”
Oh, yes, they are still calling each other by their last names.
“Don’t worry, Kurosaki-kun! This kind of thing happens all the time,” Orihime smiled at him. “I’m sure next time will be delicious…!”
She doesn’t really know what her smile provokes in him. It makes him weak, paralyzied him, makes him wonder how he can live his days without that smile, without her. Seeing her once or twice a week is not enough, this closeness is not enough.
Not noticing his expressions, Ichigo started to frown, like usual or maybe more. Orihime was worried, thinking he was feeling bad about himself, so decided to reassure him. After all, it wasn’t bad.
Okay, it was bad, but not that bad .
"Are you angry because of the food? It’s really good, really, it’s just…”
"I want to kiss you.”
Ichigo interrupted her and she gasped, not expecting that. It was so sudden, so unexpected but at the same time, she was happy he said it. And Ichigo felt relieved. Orihime wanted to reply but couldn’t, she only waited for him to kiss her, to just do it.
When she closed her eyes, Ichigo spoke. “But I still want to wait.”
“Oh…”
“That… that’s okay, right? Inoue.”
“Of course!”
How could she say no when he was acting so shy and saying her name with a deep but insecure voice? It was adorable.
Silence remained, not a weird one, more like a safe silence that Kurosaki wanted to break. They weren’t eating (who can eat that anyway?), just staring at each other.
Kurosaki cleared his throat twice, then leaned his face close to Inoue’s.
“I hope you don’t mind this.”
Again, she closed her eyes.
Ichigo kissed her cheek calmly. That was it, nothing too risky. His lips were softer than she'd imagined.
“I don’t mind, Kurosaki-kun, you can do it anytime you want.”
“O-okay.”
The night continued as usual, without any inconvenience, without any pressure, without kisses…
Even though Kurosaki still wanted to kiss her. For real.