Chapter 3: “Thanks... and Stuff”

It was Renji’s first day off in a week.

The sun was bright but not too hot, and for once, the city felt less like it was suffocating him. Hina had paid him in advance after he covered for a no-show at the register. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for some groceries—and maybe a surprise.

He stood awkwardly in the apartment doorway, holding a shopping bag.

 

"Hey," he called. "Got something for you."

 

Ichika peeked around the corner, suspicious. "If it’s food, just leave it on the table."

 

"It’s not food," he said, tossing her the bag. "Try it on."

 

She caught it, looked inside, and froze. Inside was a fresh outfit: a simple but cute shirt and pants combo, not too flashy, but definitely not thrift-store rags.

 

"...Is this for me?"

 

Renji scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah. Figured you might want something that didn’t look like it crawled out of a dumpster."

 

She disappeared into the bathroom without a word. A few minutes later, she came out, striking a pose.

 

"So?" she said, spinning around slowly. "Am I cute or what?"

 

Renji blinked. then smiled proudly like a father seeing his daughter growing up "It... fits well."

 

Ichika grinned. "You’re smiling way too much. I knew it. Pervert."

 

"What—I'm not—!"

 

"Let’s go out," she said, already putting on her shoes. "You bought me this, so I’m gonna show it off. Come on, big bro."

 

Renji stared at her. "You just called me a pervert."

 

"And now you're my big brother. Life moves fast."

 

The mall was packed. Shoppers buzzed around like bees, music played from store speakers, and the food court smelled like ten different kinds of fried heaven.

 

Ichika clung to Renji’s sleeve, dragging him store to store.

 

"This is the one!" she yelled, holding up a ridiculous outfit that looked like it belonged in an idol concert.

 

"No way," Renji said. "There’s no way where I’m letting you wear that."

 

"You’re not my dad."

 

"No, but I’m paying."

 

Ichika stuck out her tongue.

 

Later, while Renji was eyeing discount rice, Ichika snuck up behind him and tossed a bright blue hoodie into the cart.

 

"What’s this?"

 

"It’s for you. You dress like a middle-aged ghost."

 

Renji rolled his eyes but didn’t take it out.

 

They sat on a bench after lunch—yakisoba and melon soda. Ichika leaned back with a full stomach, legs dangling.

 

"You know, you don’t totally suck," she said.

 

"Thanks. I guess."

 

She elbowed him. "Don’t get cocky."

 

It was while browsing through a bookshop that they bumped into her.

 

"Renji?"

 

He turned. Hina stood there, off-duty, holding a novel. Her hair was down, and she wore a simple top and jeans. She looked younger, more casual.

 

"Oh—hey," Renji said, trying not to fumble the manga he was holding.

 

Ichika lit up.

 

"So this is your girlfriend, huh?"

 

"She’s not—!"

 

Hina laughed. "Nice to meet you too. And no, I’m not his girlfriend. Yet." teased back.

 

Renji nearly choked on air. Ichika stared between them, smug.

 

"I knew it. You’ve got a type."

 

"I do not have a type!"

 

Hina raised an eyebrow. "So I’m not your type?"

 

Renji looked like he wanted to dissolve into the floor.

 

Ichika laughed at Renji's awkwardness. "This is the best day ever."

 

when The Day was over, Renji was out on the rooftop of their apartment building, sitting on a pair of overturned crates. The sky was turning orange, clouds stretching like lazy brushstrokes. Below him, the city hummed, but up here it was calm.

 

after some minutes, Ichika joined him, sitting next to him and resting her chin on her knees. "It’s weird. I thought I’d hate being around someone all the time. But it’s kinda nice."

 

Renji glanced at her. "You’re not that bad. When you’re not calling me names."

 

"Oh, I’m still gonna do that." said Ichika, sticking out her tongue

 

"Figured." replied Renji with a sigh

 

there was a small silence between them, before Ichika speaked "... Thanks..." 

 

"...Why?..."

 

"...for the day and stuff"

 

"... thank you too..." said Renji with a soft smile, ruffling her hair before they sat there for a while, not saying much. And for the first time in a long while, the silence didn’t feel empty. It felt shared. comforting...

 

To Be Continued…

Chapter end