Chapter Text
Rukia stared at the folder innocently lying in wait on her desk. Her eyes grew cold, her expression blank.
She didn’t have to open the damn thing to know what was inside; his brother had been beating around the bush for weeks now, and it seemed he had finally made his move.
Rukia gritted her teeth. She strode over to the desk and tossed the folder into the bin. She wouldn’t open it; she wouldn’t look at any profiles or photos, because she sure as hell wouldn’t be attending any omiai!
Her brother could nag at her until he lost his voice, but since she was only 21 and her studies at the university were still incomplete, Rukia had no intention to marry.
She left the room and walked down the hall to join her brother for breakfast.
They ate in silence, and Rukia almost started hoping that he wouldn’t bring up the subject, but then…
“What did you think about the match?”
Rukia paused, her chopsticks hovering in mid-air.
“I didn’t think anything of it,” she replied as she resumed her eating. “I threw it away.”
Her brother’s eyes narrowed.
“Do you even realise what it took in order to set this match with Shihouin?”
“Wait, Shihouin?” Rukia gaped at her brother. “You were trying to set me up with Yuushirou?”
“Yes.”
“Isn’t he still in high school?”
Her brother’s shoulders stiffened.
“He is graduating next spring and he is the heir of the family,” he said in a monotonous voice.
Rukia groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. She felt the weight of her brother’s gaze on her, and looked up to see a crease forming on his brow. He set down his chopsticks.
“Why are you so opposed to this?”
He didn’t sound berating or demanding, in fact her brother sounded genuinely puzzled.
He was frowning at her, this man who himself had defied tradition by marrying out of love, and the lie came to Rukia in an instant.
She lowered her gaze, looking down at her bowl of rice as her lips twisted.
“I’m seeing someone,” she confessed in a small voice.
The silence stretched and she tried to fidget a little under his long stare, to appear more genuine.
Finally, her brother spoke.
“I will meet him,” he told her. “You will bring him here tonight.”
Rukia’s gaze flitted to him, but realised that there was no room for arguments.
“Yes, nii-sama,” she said.
By lunchtime, a plan had already formed in Rukia’s mind. Her brother couldn’t oppose her dating as long as he believed her to be in love, not after he himself had upset his elders by choosing Hisana. Still, nii-sama was very proud; he would not welcome just anyone into the Kuchiki family. So if Rukia played her cards right, and found someone her brother would definitely not approve of, he would be forced to drop all talk of marriage. He would have to allow the relationship, while hoping that it would eventually run its course.
She hummed as she carried the tray, feeling very satisfied with both herself and her plan. She scanned the cafeteria for free seats, when something caught her eye and gave her pause. A slow grin spread to her lips. Perfect.
She made a beeline to the corner table.
“Ichigo,” she said in the way of greeting as she sat down. The young man with wild orange hair scowled at her, and she didn’t blame him, they weren’t exactly friends, though he was her kouhai in the kendo club.
“Rukia,” he shot back at her.
Rukia picked up her chopsticks and then cleared her throat.
“You’re coming to dinner at my house tonight,” she informed him.
He gaped at her.
“Oh yeah?” he challenged. “Why?”
“Because we’re dating,” she told him matter-of-factly, her eyes alight with mirth.
He sputtered, almost choking on his chicken. Finally, after a moment spent coughing and wheezing, he managed to speak again.
“What?” he demanded incredulously, his cheeks still slightly flushed.
Rukia planted her elbows on the table and steepled her fingers.
“I want my brother to think we’re dating so I can get him off my back.”
He scoffed at her.
“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
“No, my brother setting me an omiai with a high school student is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard.”
His brows rose.
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. I don’t want to get married, so please be my boyfriend.”
His scowl returned in full force and he squirmed. Really, it was almost adorable how uncomfortable he seemed.
“I’m sure it’s benefit you as well,” Rukia continued, “all sorts of doors will open for those affiliated with the Kuchiki. And we can also discuss some kind of compensation –“
“No need,” he cut in, sounding annoyed.
Rukia pursed her lips.
“Are you sure? I can be quite generous. You should at least consider –“
“I did,” he told her bluntly. “And you can keep your compensation.”
Rukia’s eyes flashed.
“Fine,” she said, her voice calm and cold. She set her chopsticks down and rose.
“Sit down,” he snapped at her. “Please,” he added quickly, seeing a dark look cross the petite woman’s face.
Rukia slowly sank back to her seat, her posture as stiff as a board.
Ichigo crossed his arms and determinedly avoided her eyes, choosing to stare at his lunch tray instead.
“I’ll do it,” he finally said, his frown almost a pout. “What time’s dinner?”