Three months had passed since the battle against Kiganjo.
Time turned in its endless cycle — autumn departed, and winter arrived.
The old Spring Festival had come to an end (the Japanese New Year, equivalent to the Chinese Yuan Dan).
Carrying with it the faint scent of gunpowder and fireworks, Arima Shinya leaned against the outer wall of the Shin'ō Academy, rubbing his hands together and blowing on them to keep warm.
Winter in the Soul Society was just as harsh; the cold wind cut like blades, and the sun rarely showed itself once the season began.
"Achoo!" Shinya sneezed, rubbing his face with both hands, only to realize that even his nose was starting to go numb.
"This is way too much…" he muttered with a crooked smile.
"Ah! I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting—"
Kotetsu Isane's voice came from behind him.
When he turned, Shinya saw her leaning against the wall, panting lightly, a few strands of hair clinging to her forehead, her face showing a trace of fatigue.
"It's fine, I just got here too."
Even though he had actually been waiting for over half an hour, he didn't utter a single complaint.
After all, it was obvious that Isane had taken special care to get ready before coming out.
Considering she usually appeared barefaced, her look today was particularly refined.
"It's just…" Isane murmured, looking away and shrinking into her scarf. "Does it look… weird like this?"
Before leaving, Unohana had insisted she redo her makeup — even adding perfume and foundation.
"Do these sticky things on the face really make someone prettier?" Isane had wondered.
Indeed, her skin looked paler, and as Unohana had said, "soft as a boiled egg," yet there was something oddly uncomfortable about it all.
She'd always imagined she would only wear such things on the day she donned the white ceremonial kimono.
But now, she felt… different, as if she wasn't quite herself.
If gazes had warmth, hers would have already melted under Shinya's.
"Ugh… please stop looking at me like that…" she thought frantically.
"Of course it doesn't look weird," Shinya said with a gentle smile. "You look really cute."
He raised his right hand and lightly pointed toward her ear.
The earrings he had once given her shimmered there — seeing that she still wore them filled him with quiet joy.
It meant she truly treasured them.
At his compliment, Isane let out a sigh of relief, relaxing the hands she'd been nervously clutching over her chest.
So easy to read…
And precisely because of that, Shinya's urge to tease her awoke.
"But well…" he said, pretending to think. "Even so, I think the usual Isane is even prettier."
Like a startled cat, Isane's body stiffened. Her thick eyebrows furrowed, and she shouted, her voice almost in tears:
"Ah! That's way too cruel! I spent so much time getting ready, and you say that?!"
Shinya hurried to smooth things over, explaining and apologizing until she reluctantly forgave him.
Dealing with people was always complicated.
But thankfully, the fondness he felt for Isane made it all worthwhile.
Together, they walked toward a nearby confectionery shop.
Even in the Soul Society, temporal anomalies occasionally brought forth modern constructions — even stores identical to those from the 21st century.
Shinya had already looked into this place beforehand; it was close to the Academy and quite popular among students.
When they picked up the menu, Isane's eyes sparkled like stars.
"Ooohhh…"
Because of her strict diet and regulated meals, even just looking at the colorful pictures of the desserts was a delicious form of torture.
But… she had to resist!
"A-a cup of black coffee is fine, thank you!" she said, averting her gaze, tears almost welling up from sheer willpower.
Even the waitress gave a slightly awkward smile at the sight.
"Please," Shinya said calmly, "two slices of strawberry cake, two vanilla ice creams, and two chocolate parfaits."
"W-wait a second—!"
"It's fine," he replied with a smile. "It's my treat today."
Since he'd begun working with the 12th Division, money was no issue; there were always "staff benefits," and he'd already quit his part-time job at the Academy.
"T-that's not the point!" she protested. "I've been holding back so much…"
Just three days ago, Isane had realized her height had surpassed 1.85 meters — if she kept growing, she'd stand out even more!
Shinya understood her dilemma perfectly, yet still waved to the waitress to confirm the order.
"Leave it as it is, please."
"Understood, just a moment~," the smiling waitress replied.
Isane's face was nearly red to the neck.
"There's no need to worry so much," Shinya said, laughing. "You'll be starting your internship at the 4th Division soon, right? Everyone there is serious — no one will say anything about it."
Indeed, students with clear goals were granted such opportunities — and the 4th Division was perfect for her.
With Captain Unohana's approval, everything had already been arranged; Isane only needed to finish her coursework to take up her post officially.
"Yeah, I know… but still," she murmured, fiddling nervously with her hair, "if I gain weight, they'll laugh at me…"
"That's not a problem."
"O-of course it is! That's basic social survival instinct!"
Shinya rested his chin on his hand and looked out the window.
Outside, white flakes had begun to fall.
"It's starting to snow…" he murmured.
Then, with a calm smile, he added:
"You just need to marry me, Isane. Then you won't have to worry about anything anymore."
The snow that year was heavier than in previous ones.
"E-e-excuse me… what?"
Isane's face turned crimson in an instant. She stammered, covered her mouth with both hands, and let out a muffled scream:
"AHHH!!!"
How could he say something like that so suddenly?!
Shinya looked away, still smiling, his eyes serene and gentle.
"What's wrong? You don't want to?" he asked calmly.
She wanted to say no — it would've been easy.
But no matter how hard she tried, the words wouldn't come out.
Hesitating, her face burning, she muttered softly:
"A-at least… say something like that in a more proper place, okay?"
"Ah, I see~," he replied, amused. "Then next time, I'll pick a more serious place and say it again, deal?"
Seeing his carefree smile, a vein throbbed on Isane's forehead.
"You're impossible!!" she yelled furiously.
"Ahaha, sorry, sorry! It's just your reaction was so cute… h-hey, wait, you're really gonna hit me? Here? No, hold on— puft!"
(End of Chapter)
Translator's note: There are better options out there than Isane, T..T
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