God's plan

by ShunHime

Summary:

Since childhood, Orihime Inoue had always depended on her brother and best friend .

Determined to prove she could stand on her own, she arranged a marriage for herself that would not only bring peace to her dying brother but also prove to him—and to Tatsuki—that she was capable of taking care of herself.

But when she's abandoned on her wedding day, everything shatters.

A bride too broken to hope, and a highschool friend-turned-groom harboring secret feelings....

It wasn’t the wedding she planned—but it might be the one she truly needs.

Chapter 1

Orihime stared blankly at her reflection in the mirror. Her soft curls framed a face meant to be joyful, but her red-rimmed eyes—brimming with tears—told another story. The phone slipped from her trembling fingers as the call ended, and with it, something inside her had shattered.

“Why would he do this?” she whispered, her voice hollow as more tears spilled down her cheeks.

“That bastard,” Tatsuki growled from across the room, fists clenched at her sides. Her voice trembled with fury, her heart aching, not just from anger, but from watching Orihime fall apart. She’d never seen her look so completely broken, not since the day her brother was diagnosed. If it were up to her, she’d march straight to Ulquiorra and knock some sense into him. But that wasn’t what Orihime needed right now. She needed someone beside her. She needed her best friend.

A soft knock broke through the silence.

“Miss… the guests have arrived. Shall we begin the ceremony?” a voice asked through the heavy wood.

Orihime let out a quiet, broken sob. Begin the ceremony? How could she possibly walk down that aisle when the groom hadn’t even bothered to show up?

Ulquiorra’s words echoed in her mind. “I’m postponing the wedding. Aizen-Sama needs me for something urgent.”  

No apology. No explanation. As though her heart didn’t matter at all. He knew—he knew how much this wedding meant to her. She had asked him again and again if he was sure. He always said yes.

Her breath hitched, the ache in her throat cresting like a tide. Her thoughts drifted to Sora, her brother, her world, who only had a few days left. She had promised him she’d marry before he passed, so he could let go peacefully, knowing she wouldn’t be alone. He had been happy. Relieved even.

But now… what am I going to tell him?

Tatsuki crouched beside her, wrapping warm arms around her trembling frame. “It’s okay, Hime,” she murmured gently. “We’ll figure something out.”

Orihime clung to her friend’s presence, drawing a shred of comfort from her familiar scent and steady voice, as if it were the only thing anchoring her to reality.

“What can we even do? Besides calling off the wedding…”

“You’re not calling off anything,” Tatsuki said, her tone quiet but firm. “He’s hurt you enough already.”

She reached up and cupped Orihime’s face, brushing aside a stray tear with her thumb. Her voice softened. “Do you trust me?”

Orihime blinked slowly, her gaze searching Tatsuki’s face. A pang of guilt twisted in her stomach. Tatsuki had warned her. Again and again. But Orihime hadn’t listened. And now, once again, her best friend was the one helping her pick up the pieces.

“I wanted to prove something,” Orihime lowered her gaze to the hem of her dress. “That I could make choices for myself… live my own life… be strong.”

“And you are,” Tatsuki said gently. “You’re stronger than you know. But even strong people need help sometimes.”

The silence between them was heavy but safe.

“I don’t want to drag you into this,” Orihime whispered. “This is my mistake, and I should be the one to fix it.”

“Over my dead body,” Tatsuki growled. “You’re not facing this alone. Not while I’m here.”

She tilted Orihime’s face gently upward. “I’m going to ask you again. Do you trust me?”

Orihime hesitated. “Y-yes… but what are you planning to do?”

“You deserve to know,” Tatsuki said, exhaling slowly as she stood. “It’s your decision whether we go through with it or not… but I’m getting you a new groom.”

Orihime’s eyes widened. “A… new groom?”

“Don’t worry,” Tatsuki said, lips curving into a crooked smile. “He’s someone you already know.”

“Y-you can’t be serious—”

“I am,” Tatsuki said flatly. “And I know exactly what I’m doing. Trust me.”

“But Tatsuki-chan, we can’t just ask someone to marry me at the last minute!”

“You don’t need to worry about that part,” she said, brushing off her hands like she’d already sealed the deal.

Orihime glanced down at her phone again. Ulquiorra’s name still flashed across the screen. It felt surreal. Her wedding was falling apart and Tatsuki was… suggesting another groom?

“At least tell me who it is.”

Tatsuki’s smirk turned confident. “Kurosaki Ichigo.”

Orihime’s breath caught. “What?”

“He’s the only one who makes sense right now,” Tatsuki said. “Keigo’s a disaster, Mizuiro is a flirt, Sado is overseas, and Uryu is already engaged. Ichigo is decent, dependable and surprisingly single. His dad wants to arrange his marriage, according to his sisters. I figure he’d rather make that choice himself.”

Orihime sat frozen, blinking as if her mind couldn’t quite catch up.

“Come on, Hime. Let me make the arrangements.”

Orihime reached out and gently held Tatsuki’s wrist, stopping her in her tracks. A flicker of resolve glowed behind her tear-stained eyes.

“I’ll do it,” Orihime said softly. “I’ll be the one to call Kurosaki-Kun.” She paused, her voice trembling. “And tell Ulquiorra-Kun, too.”

Tatsuki opened her mouth to protest, but Orihime squeezed her hand gently.

“Please. I need to make this right. I can’t keep depending on everyone to fix my mistakes. Besides-” she looked up, tears drying slowly on her cheeks “if I want this to mean something… I need to be the one to ask.”

Tatsuki looked at her, a mixture of pride and concern in her eyes. She gave a slow nod. “Alright, Hime. I’ve got your back, no matter what.”

Orihime smiled for the first time since the call. “I know, Tatsuki-chan.”

Chapter 2

Orihime sat with her hands folded tightly in her lap, fingertips clammy against each other. She had just finished speaking to Ulquiorra and told him she would be marrying someone else. His response had been as composed as ever: indifferent, almost bored.

“Is that all?” he had asked, voice cool and flat. The only hint of emotion was a trace of irritation, as if her words had interrupted something more important.

He didn’t seem to care. Not really. But Orihime had felt it was her duty to inform him, even if it meant reopening old wounds.

“You’re all done, miss.” The soft voice of the makeup artist pulled her back to the present. Tatsuki had sent the woman discreetly, even paid extra to keep things quiet.

“Thank you,” Orihime said with a weak smile, burying the ache in her chest beneath practiced calm. “I wouldn’t know what to do without your help.”

The woman smiled warmly. “It’s clear you’re nervous, but no more tears, alright? You’ve got to look your best for the man you love.” She sighed with gentle affection. “You’re such a beautiful bride, your fiancé’s a lucky man.”

About that… Orihime looked away, heart tightening.

She hadn’t even called Ichigo yet.

They hadn’t been close since high school. They crossed paths occasionally, and she knew he taught English at Tokyo University, but that was it. When she’d asked if he could come to the wedding, he’d replied,guiltily, that he’d be busy. So she hadn’t expected him to pick up.

But now, with nowhere else to turn…

She had to try.

With trembling fingers, she dialed his number, silently, selfishly hoping he wouldn’t pick up. But after a few rings—

“Hello?”

Even in that single word, she heard the faint rasp of familiarity. Her heart caught.

“Kurosaki-Kun?” she called softly.

A long silence stretched between them before he spoke again, his voice layered with confusion. “Inoue? Aren’t you… getting married today?”

Orihime shut her eyes. “I was supposed to. But Ulquiorra-kun… he won’t be coming.”

Another pause. Then, quietly and darkly, Ichigo muttered, “That bastard… I swear I’ll drag him out of whatever hole he’s hiding in and make him marry you myself.”

Orihime gave a small, tearful laugh. His instinct to protect hadn’t changed, even after all these years. But her request wasn’t one he could solve with fists.

“You don’t have to do that, Kurosaki-Kun. I… I just need a favor.”

“A favor?” His voice grew more confused, worried. “Inoue, are you okay? Did Ulquiorra do something?”

She inhaled, steadying the tremble in her chest. “Will you marry me, Kurosaki-Kun?”

A sharp crash on the other end of the line made her jump—a series of muffled curses, followed by silence so thick it nearly consumed her.

“…Are you sure?” His voice cracked, quieter now.

She bit her lip, tears welling up. She knew it was a crazy idea. A selfish one. Who asks someone to marry them at a moment’s notice? And yet, here she was.

“I know it’s… a lot to ask,” she said, voice trembling. “I didn’t mean for things to turn out like this.”

She swallowed hard, blinking back tears. “Ulquiorra-kun didn’t show up. And my brother… he’s in the hospital. He’s been holding on for this wedding. I thought maybe… if I could still go through with it, maybe it would mean something. Maybe it would help him let go without fear.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I know it’s unfair. I know I shouldn’t ask this of you. But I didn’t know who else to turn to. Tatsuki-Chan said you might be able to help, and I-”

“Inoue.” His voice cut through her spiral, low and steady. “When did I say no?”

Her breath caught.

“Send me your location,I’ll be there.”

Relief bloomed in her chest like a tide breaking against stone. She glanced out the window toward the city’s glowing skyline and pressed a hand to her chest, trying to gather herself.

“I’m sorry for pulling you into this,” she said, voice barely audible.

“Don’t be,” he said, firm but gentle. “This isn’t your fault. It’s his. You don’t need to apologize to anyone.”

She nodded, even though he couldn’t see it. “Thank you, Kurosaki-Kun.”

“Just hang in there, Inoue,” he said. “I’m on my way.”

“Okay,” she whispered. “See you soon.”

She ended the call and sent him the venue details, her fingers trembling. Outside, the city lights blurred through her tears, but for the first time that night, she felt like she could breathe.

Chapter 3

“Not heading home?” Urahara asked, hiding a wry smile behind his fan.

“Don’t wanna,” Ichigo muttered, exhaling a slow puff of smoke.

His tie hung loose around his neck, the top buttons of his shirt undone. His coat was tossed somewhere across the room. He looked like a man who had given up on life.

“You’re a mess,” Renji said, trying to mask his concern beneath a gruff frown.

Ichigo didn’t reply. He took another drag, staring into nothing.

Then his phone buzzed sharply, the shrill ringtone echoing through the quiet shop. He picked it up without interest, brows drawn into a scowl. He was about to silence it when the caller ID flashed.

Inoue.

He froze.

“…Hello?” he said, voice suddenly clear.

“Kurosaki-Kun?” Her voice came through soft and uncertain. That gentle warmth, that fragile hum in her tone always soothed him.

But at the moment…

Ichigo’s frown deepened.

“Inoue? Aren’t you…” He glanced at the time. “...getting married today?” The words clawed their way out of him, heavy with confusion -and something deeper, quieter, aching.

A pause.

“I was supposed to. But Ulquiorra-kun… he won’t be coming.”

Ichigo’s jaw clenched so tightly it ached. His grip on the phone turned bone-white, fingers trembling with restrained fury.

He wasn’t coming?

A vein throbbed at his temple. He’d never liked that guy, never trusted him. But for her sake, he’d swallowed it. Bit his tongue. Let him be. Today, though…

“That bastard,” he snarled, voice low and dangerous. “I swear, I’ll drag him out of whatever hole he’s hiding in and make him marry you myself.”

A soft laugh slipped through the phone—gentle, fragile. It cracked something inside him. Even now, she still laughed like that. Still tried to soothe him.

“You don’t have to do that, Kurosaki-Kun. I… I just need a favor.”

“A favor?” His voice sharpened with concern. He stood abruptly, the chair scraping harshly behind him. His pulse spiked. “Inoue, are you okay? Did Ulquiorra do something?”

He could hear her inhale, shaky and deliberate.

“Will you marry me, Kurosaki-Kun?”

The world tilted.

Ichigo stumbled, knocking into the table. His cigarette dropped from his lips, forgotten. He cursed, scrambling upright, heart slamming against his ribs.

What—?

Whatever he’d been expecting… it wasn’t that.

She had to be joking. She had to be-

No. She wasn’t. He knew her. Knew the way her voice sounded when she was serious. When she was hurting.

He exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his hair, trying to anchor himself. His chest felt too tight. His thoughts scattered.

“…Are you sure?” he asked, voice cracking, all bravado stripped away. It was fragile, afraid, hopeful.

The silence stretched. 

Long enough for doubt to creep in.

Long enough for him to wonder if he’d imagined it.

But he could hear her breathing : soft, uneven. Real.

“I know it’s… a lot to ask,” she said finally, voice trembling. “I didn’t mean for things to turn out like this.”

Ichigo closed his eyes, listening. Her words came slowly, like she was holding herself together with threadbare strength.

“Ulquiorra-Kun didn’t show up. And my brother… he’s in the hospital. He’s been holding on for this wedding. I thought maybe… if I could still go through with it, maybe it would mean something. Maybe it would help him let go without fear.”

Ichigo’s grip on the phone tightened. Her voice—so raw, so close to breaking—made his chest ache. He could feel her pain like it was his own.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I know it’s unfair. I know I shouldn’t ask this of you. But I didn’t know who else to turn to. Tatsuki-Chan said you might be able to help, and I-”

“Inoue.” His voice came out low, steady, cutting through her spiral like a lifeline. “When did I say no?”

There was a pause. He could almost feel her breath catch.

“Send me your location, I’ll be there.”

He didn’t need to think about it. The decision had already been made the moment he heard her voice.

“I’m sorry for pulling you into this,” she said softly.

He could almost see her, standing by the window, trying to smile through the pain, pretending to be okay. That familiar tenderness tugged at something deep inside him. She always did that. Even when she was hurting, she tried to make it easier for everyone else.

His jaw clenched again. The image of Ulquiorra—calm, dismissive—flashed through his mind. If he ever saw that bastard again…

“Don’t be,” he replied, voice firm but gentle. “This isn’t your fault. It’s his. You don’t need to apologize to anyone.”

He could hear her nod through the silence. “Thank you, Kurosaki-kun.”

“Just hang in there, Inoue,” he said. “I’m on my way.”

“Okay,” she whispered. “See you soon.”

The call ended.

Ichigo stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in his hand. His heart was still hammering in his chest, disbelief swirling with something deeper, something he hadn’t let himself feel in years.

He grabbed his coat, keys, and bolted for the door, ignoring Renji calling behind him.

Chapter 4

Orihime sat near the mirror, staring at the floor.

The dressing room was still. The air felt heavy. The makeup artist was gone. Her gown shimmered in the low light.

She had imagined this day differently : walking down the aisle with joy, with certainty.  

Instead, she was here. Alone. Uncertain.  

A ghost in her own wedding.

She could hear the guests murmuring beyond the walls. She couldn’t make out the words. She didn’t want to.

Someone must have realized by now.

She gripped the edge of the vanity. Her heart thudded painfully.

Her fingers brushed something soft beneath a folded towel on the vanity. She paused, then pulled it out—a dark green handkerchief, embroidered with a small crescent moon.

Her breath caught. She had made it for him.

She’d chosen the fabric carefully, cool and smooth, like the shirts he always wore. The moon was stitched in silver thread, small and simple. 

She had planned to give it to him after the wedding.

She stared at the handkerchief, her fingers trembled. The dressing room blurred.The gown, the mirror, the silence—they all faded.

She was back in her tiny apartment.

He used to come over sometimes.  

She would sit beside him, offering stories, warmth, silence, whatever he needed.  

Sometimes he listened. Sometimes he spoke.  

There were moments. Small ones.  

The way he lingered when she spoke.  

The way he stood a little closer when she was quiet.  

The way he once reached for her hand, hesitant, like he didn’t understand why he wanted to.

She had held onto those moments.  

She had tried to understand him. To reach past the silence and the cold.  

She gave him everything she could—her patience, her hope, her heart, in quiet pieces.

She told herself that love was patient. That he was trying.  

That maybe, in his own way, he cared, but didn’t know how to show it.

But when she needed him most, he left.  

No explanation. No goodbye.  

Just absence.

She blinked hard, trying to steady herself. But the thoughts kept spiraling.

Sora’s voice echoed in her mind, soft, warm, ever so loving.

“You deserve someone kind,” he used to say. “Someone warm.”

Her chest tightened.

Would he be disappointed in her?  

Would he understand why she stayed for so long?  

Why she kept hoping?

Her chest tightened further.

She had asked Ichigo to marry her.  

And he had said yes.

What if he regrets it?

She hadn’t meant to be a burden.  

But here she was, asking too much of the people who had already given her more than she deserved...

The door pushed open with a thud.

She turned, startled.

Ichigo stood there,windblown, breathless. His shirt clung with sweat. His tie was gone.  

He scanned the room. His eyes landed on her.  

And then he froze.

His breath caught.

She looked so small in white. Fragile.  

His chest tightened.

He was reminded of the girl who used to greet him every morning. Cheerful. Oblivious. Always smiling brighter than sun itself.  

He missed that. More than he thought.

His gaze dropped. Jaw clenched.

He had loved her. Quietly. Without even knowing.  

And when she chose Ulquiorra, he tried to bury it. Tried to forget. Tried.

She looked at him. Her eyes shimmered. Tears close.

Ulquiorra made her cry.

Ichigo swallowed hard. Fury rose in his throat.  

He stepped in. Closed the door. Moved closer. His hands curled into fists. Then loosened.

Orihime tried to smile, but it faltered. “I know this is strange. I didn’t mean to put you in an awkward position. I just…” She trailed off.

Ichigo opened his mouth, then closed it.  

He knelt beside her, quiet. His eyes searched her face.  

She looked away. “I’m sorry I dragged you into this,” she said softly. “I know I asked for something impossible. I just… didn’t know what else to do.”

Ichigo’s heart twisted.

“I get it,” he said. “You wanted to give your brother some peace. That’s not something you should apologize for.”

Orihime blinked, tears rising again.  

“But what about you? You didn’t even want to come to the wedding.”

Ichigo looked down, jaw tight.  

I didn’t want to watch you marry someone else.  

But he didn’t say it.

He glanced at her again. For a moment, he couldn’t speak.  

She was right there, and it still didn’t feel real.

“You didn’t drag me into this,” he said, voice rough. “I’m here because I want to be.”

Orihime looked up, eyes searching his.

Ichigo hesitated.  

“I couldn’t let you go through this alone,” he said, not meeting her gaze.

Even if you never chose me. Even if I was never meant to be the one.

Orihime’s eyes shimmered. “Kurosaki-Kun…”

He swallowed.  

“I know this isn’t how you imagined today,” he said. “But I’m here.”  

He shifted, awkward. Then offered his hand.

Orihime looked down. Her eyes shimmered with something heavy. Guilt, maybe.   He’s always like this. Always stepping in. Always holding more than he should.

Ichigo’s chest tightened. He saw the way she avoided his eyes, the way her fingers hesitated.  

She really doesn’t see it.  

She doesn’t know how much she means to me.

Then she took his hand. Her grip was light—but steady.

Ichigo’s breath caught. He stared at her, heart thudding.  

She wasn’t looking away anymore. Her eyes met his—shining, unsure.

He wanted to hold her. To say everything he’d never said.  

That she was never a burden.  

That he’d been hers long before she ever asked.

But her fingers were in his and she was looking at him.

And for now, that was enough.

She opened her mouth to speak—but the door creaked again.

Tatsuki stepped in, her eyes immediately scanning the room. She paused when she saw them, Orihime in her bridal gown, Ichigo kneeling beside her, their hands barely held together.

She didn’t speak right away.

Instead, she walked over, pulled a small tin from her purse, and tossed it at Ichigo. “You stink.”

Ichigo blinked, catching it midair. “Huh?”

“Mints,” she said, arms crossed. “You smell like you’ve been chain-smoking in a back alley. Mint up.”

Orihime let out a soft laugh, barely a breath, but the first sound of lightness in the room.

Tatsuki’s gaze softened. She crouched beside Orihime, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You okay?”

Orihime nodded, but her eyes betrayed her. “I think so.”

Tatsuki looked at Ichigo, eyes narrowed. “We need to talk. Later.”

Ichigo nodded, understanding. Tatsuki had always seen through him. She knew what he wasn’t saying.

Chapter 5

As the doors opened, soft music drifted through the hall—wistful notes that didn’t quite fill the silence, echoing faintly into the corridor.

She stepped in. Her white gown shimmered with each step, the veil trailing behind her like mist. The bouquet made of plum blossoms and pale lavender rested in her hands. Ulquiorra had never liked those flowers. She had chosen them anyway.

A strange hush settled over the room, enclosed by soft white drapery and a ceiling of suspended cherry blossoms. Their petals glowed faintly in the chandelier light.Pink and white blooms lined the aisle, spilling over onto the peach carpet in gentle waves.

She had chosen everything. The venue. The decor. 

Alone.

He had never asked. Never offered. Not out of malice, she thought now, but out of something quieter— A kind of absence that didn’t feel like neglect until it was too late.

She hadn’t questioned it before.Not when he stood beside her, silent and still, like a statue carved from frost. But now, walking forward, veil trailing like the ghost of old hopes, she wondered:  

Had there ever truly been two people in the relationship?

Even if Ulquiorra had come, would it have changed anything?  

Would his presence have made it a union—or just another performance?

She used to think his silence meant peace. Now it felt like distance.

She had loved him. She still believed that. But love, she was learning, could not survive on silence alone. It needs more than presence. It needs warmth. And he had never given her that.

The guests murmured softly, seated on either side of the aisle. Sparse. Like the spaces between them. Some looked confused. Others, concerned. The groom was missing. And in his place stood Ichigo Kurosaki.

Uryu sat near the front with his fiancée, posture straight as ever. He glanced at Orihime, his expression tight with concern. Nel watched her quietly, her brothers beside her, silent. Riruka’s expression was harder to read—somewhere between confusion and disbelief. Mizuiro offered a calm, perceptive nod. Keigo stared, wide-eyed, disbelief etched across his face.

She took another step. The music continued—soft, slow, unwavering. Her veil brushed the petals scattered along the aisle. The bouquet felt heavier now than it had in rehearsal. Her gaze fixed on the altar— draped in white, framed by cherry blossoms. Ichigo stood there, hands at his sides. His suit was simple. His tie was missing. But his eyes were steady. Focused. Reassuring.

Tatsuki stepped forward from beside the altar, gently lifting the edge of Orihime’s train. Her jaw was tight, her eyes searching Orihime’s face. Not angry...just worried. Orihime offered a quiet reassuring smile to her best friend.

Still as she reached the altar, her hands trembled slightly. 

Ichigo didn’t move. He watched her, heart thudding, jaw clenched.

The officiant hesitated, glancing between them.

Ichigo leaned in, voice low. “Hey. It’s going to be okay,” he said softly, his eyes holding a distinct, unfamiliar softness.

She looked at him, searching his face. There was no pressure in his gaze....just quiet reassurance. A kind of presence she hadn’t realized she’d been missing. She nodded.

The ceremony was brief.  Simple words exchanged, not heavy with tradition, but filled with meaning.When it came time to exchange rings, Ichigo reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. Inside, a pair of  rings rested—one gold, one silver.Simple, but pretty.

She blinked, surprised.

Ichigo looked away. “These were the only ones I could find at the jewelry store,” he admitted , rubbing the back of his neck. “Should’ve told you earlier . Just… thought you’d like them.”

“That’s very thoughtful of you, Kurosaki-kun,” she said, smiling softly, her eyes dancing with warmth and amusement.

Ichigo frowned, confused. “Isn’t that…normal?”

Her eyes widened slightly. But seeing the genuine confusion in his face, she smiled again.  “Mhm. It’s normal” its normal

He reached for her hand, slipping the ring on gently, carefully. It was golden, with a simple diamond at the center—surrounded by six gold rays, like a glowing sun. It was beautiful. She reached for his ring and paused. A sun engraving. Her expression softened. He hadn’t picked them casually. He had put thought into it. He’d chosen them.

“Is something wrong?” he asked, voice quiet.

She shook her head and slid the ring onto his finger. A quiet smile on her lips.

“The groom may kiss the bride.”

Ichigo hesitated. His eyes searched hers.She closed her eyes, giving a small nod.He leaned forward, lifting her chin slightly. His breath fanned her face as he paused—just a moment—before committing. His lips met hers softly at first, tentative, unsure. Then they pressed a little more firmly, as if in reassurance.  

And for that tiny moment, she felt safe.  

And he felt….happiness.

The officiant’s voice broke the silence.They pulled apart, not meeting each other’s eyes.

With a nod, the officiant stepped back. The guests began to rise, murmuring among themselves as they moved toward the reception hall. The scent of cherry blossoms lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of catered food waiting behind closed doors.

Ichigo cleared his throat. “Let’s go,” he said, grasping her hand. As they held hands their rings brushed against each other—soft metal meeting in a quiet symphony.Orihime turned slightly, her gaze drifting toward the entrance to the dinner hall. She could see the soft glow of lights, hear the clinking of silverware being arranged.  

As she descended from the altar, movement stirred at the edges of the room. Their friends began to approach in urgency and full of concern.

Tatsuki stepped in front of Orihime, her hand raised firmly. Her eyes swept the crowd, catching Uryu, Nel, Keigo, Riruka, and Mizuiro. Their expressions varied: concern, confusion, curiosity.  But Orihime wasn’t ready for any of it.

Tatsuki’s voice was low, but clear. “Not now.”

Orihime blinked. “But the dinner—”

“You don’t need to attend it,” Tatsuki said, her tone steady.“Not when you’re clearly exhausted.”

Ichigo nodded in agreement. “Tatsuki is right. You need rest”

Orihime hesitated. “It’s rude to leave. They came all this way…” 

“They came for you,” Tatsuki replied. “And I assume, they’ll understand that you need space not an interrogation" she shot a look to all of their friends, her gaze fierce like a dragon’s. She then turned to Ichigo. “Take her out of here.”

Ichigo nodded without hesitance. He placed a hand gently on Orihime’s back, guiding her away from the crowd and towards the exit. But as they walked, Orihime glanced back,just once. Her eyes met her friends’. Their stares held questions. But no one spoke.

---

Outside, the air was cooler. The night had settled in, quiet and still. Orihime wrapped her arms around herself, the bouquet still clutched in one hand. 

“Here” Ichigo opened the car door for her, waited until she settled in, then slid into the driver’s seat.

He glanced at her. “Do you want to go to your home?”

Home…

She stared out the window. Her apartment was filled with memories : photos, gifts, old notes tucked into drawers. Ulquiorra’s quiet presence still lingered in the corner of the place and she wanted to avoid confronting the reality for as long as she could.

“No,” she said softly, looking at the crescent moon hanging silently in a starless sky. “I’m not ready to face it. Not yet.”

Ichigo didn’t ask why. He just nodded. “My place, then?”

She nodded back, grateful.

The drive was quiet. Orihime leaned her head against the window, posture still, eyes distant as she watched the city blur past.  Her fingers clutched the bouquet, though the petals had begun to wilt.

Ichigo kept glancing at her.She looked so small right now. Not weak, never weak. But tired in a way that made him want to shield her from everything.

As he turned his attention back to the road, something caught his eye : a bakery. He remembered. Back in high school, she used to bring him bread when he was upset. Warm, comforting, familiar.It had always helped.

He pulled over the small bakery. The lights inside were dim, the shelves nearly bare. When he returned, he handed her a paper bag.

“It’s probably leftover,” he said, half-apologetic. “End-of-day stuff.”

Orihime blinked, then looked down at the bag. Her fingers tightened around it.  “Leftover bread still matters,” she said quietly. “It’s still warm. Still made with care.”

Ichigo watched her face soften.That spark—small, but unmistakable — slowly returned to her eyes.

She looked up at him. “Thank you,” she added, voice barely above a whisper.

Ichigo didn’t respond. But he felt something shift. He started the car again, letting the silence settle between them, not heavy, not awkward. Just calm.

 

Notes:

The pair of wedding rings is called Flynn and Rapunzel sun couple rings i think.

At first when i searched for sun themed rings i came across a lot of sun and moon themed ones and as beautiful as they were i did not want to use them as Sun and moon are considered Divine siblings in japanese mythology

another pair i found were that of a half sun that form a full sun when they join together, which would fit these two very perfectly as they both seem to represent two different aspects of the sun, but since that was a customized pair i didnt use them for plot reasons.

Finally i stumbled across a pair of rings called "Flynn and Rapunzel" rings and they were perfect as if they were meant to be for these two! The female ring is golden with a central diamond/ gem and is surrounded by flame/rays made of gold, the male ring is silver with small black engraving of the sun. Its perfect for these two.

Another thing i would like to mention, is that the dialogue "It's normal" is a reference to one of my favourite panels in early bleach because you can see in real time how her crush on him started becoming love as she understood him more and more.

 

Also i apologize that the chapter is short, this is all i could write over the weekends (i've been busy with uni classes)

and if i messed up anything in the wedding ceremony, im sorry, because i never actually attended a western style wedding so im just going off of what i saw/read in c and k dramas/novels lol and that too i hate reading overly descriptive scenes because im here for the tea and the spice so i end up skipping a lot of them to get to the main part (now that im writing i realize how much effort it takes so i will appreciate them more now)

(i had to write all this twice because like the dumbass i am i posted this chapter on my other fic )

Notes:

This work is very loosly inspired by the chinese web novel, my groom Ran away