SWNOVELXO Chapter 4: Chapter 3
Soifon sat in her room, absorbed in one of the books she had acquired. Having stopped for lunch at a ramen shop on their way back to the shop, she had been satisfied by the meal.
Reflecting on the unexpected enjoyment she'd experienced with Kisuke, Soifon considered that perhaps easing up on her training and relentless hollow hunting might not be so detrimental.
Seated comfortably on the futon, she continued reading with a cracker between her teeth. Oblivious to the feeble presence of a nearby hollow, she trusted Ichigo to handle the minor threat.
A creaking sound from the door drew her attention. "Hey, Soifon," Kisuke's voice greeted her as he peered into the room. "You doing okay?" he inquired with a grin.
Concerned about her prolonged stay in her room, Kisuke had come to check in. "I'm well," Soifon replied, setting aside her book. "I was simply captivated by a book on big cats."
The blond nodded and walked over to the bed sitting down beside her " What did you learn?" He asked to see what page she was on.
"I've been reading about tigers and leopards. There are four types of leopards: snow leopards, normal leopards, clouded leopards, and black leopards, also known as black panthers." Soifon said, watching the blonde man sit down.
Kisuke nodded. "And what are the two different types of tigers?" he asked, keeping a distance from the woman.
"There are white tigers and Siberian tigers, which have orange and black stripes." Soifon said with a smile.
"I'm reading about lions now." Soifon said with a smile, "And you were right. They're strong and intelligent." She said, "And do you know what male lions have in common with you?" she asked with a playful grin.
Kisuke thought about it, noticing the playful grin on Soifon's lips. "Handsome?" he teased, earning a smack on the arm.
"No." Soifon said, blushing.
"What commonality do I share with the male lions?" Kisuke inquired, moving closer to the raven-haired captain.
"The male lions are lazy, just like you," Soifon replied, leaning back to suppress her blush.
Kisuke chuckled, "Perhaps, but I compensate for my laziness with my intellect and charm." He earned a giggle from the typically composed woman.
"I suppose I can see that," Soifon admitted. She was puzzled by her newfound feelings towards Kisuke. She had always found him annoying, lazy, and uncouth. However, after spending time with him, she realized she enjoyed his presence.
Kisuke noticed Soifon's contemplation. He smiled and leaned closer to the petite captain, planting a gentle kiss on her lips.
As Soifon approached Kisuke to inquire about his proximity, a blush tinged her cheeks once more. A startled squeak escaped her lips as Kisuke's lips met hers.
The raven-haired captain raised her hands to resist the blonde but hesitated and relented, returning his kiss. Her lips parted involuntarily when Kisuke's tongue sought her entrance.
Kisuke had been oblivious to his feelings for Soifon for years, suppressing them due to past events. However, the time he spent with her rekindled those emotions. He grappled with the dilemma of confessing his feelings, knowing Soifon's volatile nature and the possibility of a fatal outcome.
Soifon's soft moan escaped as her tongue danced against Kisuke's. His arms embraced her petite waist before he abruptly withdrew, leaving Soifon bewildered.
"Soifon, my apologies," Kisuke murmured, his gaze lingering on her confused expression.
"Where are you going?" Soifon inquired, her voice laced with perplexity.
Kisuke rose to his feet. "I deeply regret my actions. I was not in my right mind."
"You've already apologized," Soifon interrupted, her eyes meeting his.
"Understand, Soifon, if you wish to strike me, I would not oppose it," Kisuke offered, wondering if her sudden silence stemmed from his kiss.
Soifon shook her head in response.
Soifon inhaled, suppressing a chuckle at Kisuke's words. "I wouldn't strike you, but I am curious as to why you kissed me," she said softly.
"I admit, it was an impulsive act," Kisuke confessed. "However, that's not entirely true." Soifon interjected, "Knowing you for years, I can say that you wouldn't behave in such a manner, especially toward me."
Kisuke sighed, acknowledging that he couldn't share his feelings with Soifon. "I'm hesitant to disclose the reason right now because you might harm me," he said, leaving the petite captain puzzled.
Soifon realized she would have killed him if not for her confusion. Nonetheless, she saw no reason to end his life, particularly once she understood why he had taken Yoruichi into exile. In her position, she would have done the same, despite her rigid adherence to rules.
"I wouldn't kill you unless you gave me a reason to," Soifon stated. Kisuke chuckled. "Then you won't kill me for taking you somewhere you can see tigers, lions, and leopards."
Soifon frowned, disliking his attempt to change the subject. "You can actually see those animals?" she asked, sitting down on her futon.
Kisuke nodded. "Yes, it's a place called a zoo," he explained. "It houses animals that aren't commonly found in pet stores or the area."
Soifon nodded and yawned. "We go tomorrow," Kisuke said with a smile. He watched as she lay back down on the futon and sighed as he covered her up.
"Don't think I've forgotten our conversation about your kiss," Soi Fon stated in her characteristically cold tone. "You're still going to tell me, but it can wait until you're ready."
Kisuke nodded. "Sounds good. I'll see you in the morning, Captain," he replied, sighing as he left Soi Fon's room for his own.
Soi Fon watched Kisuke leave and closed the door. Her mind wandered to other places, and she shook her head and closed her eyes to prevent herself from getting upset.
To get the kiss off her mind, the petite captain decided to visit the zoo with Kisuke the following day. She hoped she wouldn't be tempted to kiss him again throughout their outing.
"Stop it, Captain!" Soi Fon scolded herself. "You're supposed to despise him, not yearn for an explanation about his kiss." Ignoring the butterflies in her stomach, she forced herself to sleep.