Bleach : I Need To Rizz To Become Stronger ?!

Hinamori stumbled unsteadily toward Shin's desk, then slumped over it, her upper body sprawled across the surface.

Shin caught the scent of alcohol on her—she'd clearly had more than a few drinks.

Hinamori lifted her head. Her cheeks were flushed a deep pink, her eyes glimmering as she stared at him like a desperate kitten. "President~ Why were you ignoring me today? Aren't you happy I joined Squad Ten?"

"I wasn't ignoring you. I talked to you, didn't I?" Shin replied casually.

She pouted. "But you weren't warm at all. You've gotten cold, President."

"You're overthinking it. I haven't changed."

"You totally have!" she huffed, lips jutting out. "President~ do you not like me anymore?"

"…"

"Presideeeent~"

She kept repeating his title, her voice dragging like a lonely mewl.

"It's late, Hinamori. Go get some rest. I need to head home too," he said.

"No!"

She suddenly lifted a leg and, without a shred of grace, clambered up onto the desk. Then she threw herself into his arms.

Shin had no choice but to catch her—otherwise she'd have smacked straight onto the floor.

She ended up straddling him, arms coiled tightly around his neck.

The warmth and softness of her body made Shin tense beneath his haori, his muscles hardening reflexively.

"Hinamori, do you even know what you're doing right now? Look at yourself."

"I do!"

Her voice was suddenly clear, steady. Her eyes locked onto his. "I'm sober, President."

Her breath, laced with heat and sake, brushed against his jaw. Pale fingers tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck, and every breath between them turned heavier.

"President… do you still like me?"

The question came unflinching, direct.

And as she said, even through her drunken posture, there was unmistakable clarity in her gaze.

When Shin didn't answer, Hinamori leaned in and pressed her forehead against his, bringing their eyes even closer.

"I do."

Shin finally said it.

Hinamori blinked, stunned for a moment—then her face lit up like a cat who'd just stolen the cream.

She rubbed her nose against his playfully. Shin turned his face away to avoid it.

"No!" she protested, using both hands to pull his face back toward hers. "Don't run!"

And then her lips came down.

But Shin raised a hand between them, blocking her.

With one arm still supporting her back, he looked at the confused blush on her face and said, "There's something I told you a long time ago…"

"I know."

Hinamori cut him off, taking his fingers in hers and moving them aside. Then, without warning, she pushed herself up on the armrest and launched into him again.

Crash!

A loud thud filled the office. She'd lunged too hard—the chair beneath them tipped, sending them tumbling to the floor in a tangled heap.

She landed atop him, her warm body pressed firmly against his chest. Through thin fabric, she could feel the steady thump of his heart.

Hinamori panted softly. The sudden motion had tousled her hair, golden strands catching the lamplight. Her robe had slipped during the scuffle, revealing the delicate line of her collarbone. The scent of her mixed with alcohol, seeping into the space between them.

Slowly, she sat upright on his chest, a few locks of hair falling around her face, making her look even more bewitching.

She tilted her head back slightly, throat rising and falling with silent breaths. Shadows danced beneath her lashes.

Then her lips curled into a smile—bright, triumphant.

Shin, lying on the ground, felt surprisingly calm. As her fingers reached for the knot at her waist, her sash loosened, and her shihakushō lost its structure.

Maybe he should've said something.

But he knew her too well.

He knew exactly how clear-headed she was.

The girl in front of him had always possessed an unwavering will. A single answer from him—no matter how small—was enough for her to charge forward without hesitation.

Suddenly, Shin shifted, flipping her beneath him and pinning her to the floor.

The impact rattled the desk again. Files scattered across the floor, pens clattering from the wooden surface. A blot of ink spread darkly across his sleeve.

Their breathing thickened in the tight space. The cold touch of a haori clasp met her waist—metal against heat.

Hinamori's fingers traced down his spine, curling into the fabric of his uniform, pulling at the seams and leaving crumples in the once-crisp cloth.

The wind outside howled closer, setting the copper chimes under the eaves ringing.

Shin's muscles coiled.

And then he pulled her deeper into the shadows.

The Next Morning

Hitsugaya arrived early at the barracks and volunteered to take over patrol duty for another squadmate.

Hinamori wandered into the courtyard, yawning, one hand on her lower back, the other rubbing her neck.

Seeing her, Hitsugaya's lips tugged into a faint smile. "Hinamori."

"Tōshirō!"

She looked tired, visibly so—still sore from the night before.

"Didn't sleep well?" he asked.

"Guess not," she said, stifling another yawn.

"Still not used to the squad barracks?"

"They're fine. I just drank a little too much last night, and then…"

She trailed off, lightly slapping her own forehead.

Hitsugaya didn't press and simply asked, "How much did you guys drink?"

"Last night…"

She scratched her head, trying to remember—then suddenly grinned, her face breaking into an involuntary smile.

"Not too much… You're here early."

She changed the subject.

"I'm taking you on patrol today," Hitsugaya said.

"Eh? Weren't we assigned a different senior officer?"

"I'm your senior too. And I'm the third seat. That's way more prestigious than a random squadmate."

He straightened his back and huffed, "Third Seat-sama personally leading the squad. You should be honored!"

Hinamori giggled. "Yes, yes, thank you, Lord Hitsugaya! Our little Tōshirō is finally a grown-up!"

Hitsugaya didn't get annoyed—he laughed along with her. "That's why you should hurry and grow up too. Become a reliable adult like me."

Hinamori gave a strange little smile. "Become an adult…"

She tilted her head, tapping her chin with one finger.

"Shirō-chan… maybe, without you even realizing, I already have. And maybe not the kind you are."

Hitsugaya tilted his head. "What do you mean?"

Hinamori grinned wide. "Heh. Secret! Can't tell you."

Hitsugaya didn't understand, but they kept chatting. He noticed that Hinamori really did seem more cheerful since joining Squad Ten.

Then, Hinamori's face lit up. She waved.

"Captain!"

Shin had arrived at the barracks. He turned when he heard her voice, nodded to them.

Hitsugaya called out, "Good morning, Captain."

"Morning," Shin replied briefly, then disappeared into his office.

He hadn't gotten home until late last night. Hinamori had only sobered up halfway through.

Thankfully, the barracks weren't far from his place.

She'd begged to go home with him. He'd refused.

Thinking back, he'd probably been too cold.

Yet judging by her mood now, she didn't seem to hold any grudges.

Inside his office, Shin slumped into his chair.

He hadn't originally wanted Hinamori in Squad Ten—she was too clingy. Not great for his long-term plans.

But then again… last night had been something else.

Very different from Isane.

Not bad, though.

He felt like he'd slipped too easily into indulgence.

Out in the courtyard…

Hitsugaya noticed how Hinamori kept gazing longingly toward the office.

"Alright, stop staring. He's gone."

Hinamori finally turned away—but the smile on her face stayed.

"Don't you think Captain's gotten even more handsome? That haori really suits him!"

"…Tch."

Hitsugaya scowled. "I'll be wearing one someday too, y'know."

"You're not as handsome as Captain."

The words hit him like a punch.

"What, am I ugly to you?!"

Hinamori gave him a once-over. "Not ugly. You just… still look like a kid."

Hitsugaya sighed. He didn't understand why he hadn't physically matured at all.

Especially his height. Rangiku never let him forget it.

It had become a real sore spot.

Hinamori added, "And even when you do grow up, you won't be as handsome. Captain's always going to be the best in my eyes."

Hitsugaya gave up arguing.

Then Hinamori cheerfully declared, "I wonder when I'll become the captain's wife?"

"…"

Hitsugaya froze.

"Tōshirō?"

He looked at her and said bluntly, "That's something that takes two people, y'know. Pretty sure the Captain doesn't see you that way."

"Pfft. You don't get it at all."

"…Tch."

That irked him.

"He's kind to everyone," Hitsugaya argued. "But he was distant with you. Didn't that seem off?"

Hinamori beamed. "That's exactly why you don't understand. Why do you think he acts that way with just me?"

Hitsugaya blinked. "Why?"

She answered seriously, "Because he likes me—but he's trying to avoid suspicion. He's pretending to be cold. Otherwise, with how close we've always been, wouldn't his behavior now seem strange?"

Hitsugaya frowned, thinking it over.

…She might have a point.

Everyone in the Student Council knew how close they'd been. Why the sudden distance now?

That wasn't like Captain Shin at all.

Hitsugaya's expression turned a little complicated. He knew how much Hinamori liked their captain.

She'd felt that way since her first days at the Academy—and hadn't wavered since.

The Captain had to know.

If he liked her too, why weren't they already together?

If they were… maybe she'd be truly happy.

After all, she'd come to Squad Ten for him.

Hinamori reached over and tousled Hitsugaya's hair. "Our little Shirō might be a third seat now, but when it comes to love, he's still just a kid. You need to grow up faster!"

He slapped her hand away. "You act like you're an expert. And stop touching my head! People will talk. Have some dignity."

She bowed with a cheeky grin. "Apologies, Lord Hitsugaya! Won't happen again!"

"Anyway," she added, "I might not have tons of experience either, but I'm not like you—I've at least had a crush. You've never even held a girl's hand, have you?"

Hitsugaya rolled his eyes. "Didn't I hold yours?"

Her eyes widened. "That doesn't count! Holding my hand is like holding your own. And that was forever ago!"

"…Tch."

She leaned in, whispered, "Bet you've never kissed anyone either."

He glanced at her, stared at her face for a moment, then looked away.

"Not interested."

Hinamori smirked. "I'll tell you a secret—kissing feels really nice."

Hitsugaya stiffened, suspicious. "You…"

She coughed. "Never mind."

"…Tch."

Then she said brightly, "Want me to set you up with someone? Honestly, you've got good traits. If only you didn't look so tiny."

"I'm good."

"I'm being nice, you know. Don't be ungrateful."

Hitsugaya suddenly asked, "Does the Captain know how much you like him?"

"Of course."

"You confessed?!"

"Sort of," Hinamori said, thinking. "It's… complicated. You wouldn't understand."

"…"

Soon, the other squad members gathered. Hitsugaya briefed the small patrol team and led them out of Squad Ten's barracks.