To Renji Abarai, although he and Rukia had lived together in Inuzuri District for a long time, Rukia had always been someone he did not dare reach for casually.
He still remembered the first time he met Rukia. She had clearly been small and delicate, yet she spoke like a boy. The resolve in her eyes had made him feel that this girl was extraordinary.
Rukia truly was extraordinary. She was willing to step in when someone was being bullied, even if the other party was a boy stronger than herself. She was willing to share her own portion of sugar candy with others. At the very least, Renji Abarai had never done such things before.
In Inuzuri District, everyone knew how hard it was to come by food, especially for those with spiritual power.
No matter what Rukia did, Renji felt she possessed an air of elegance. He had never seen a real noble back then, but in his eyes, even true nobles might not have been as wonderful as Rukia.
Now, Rukia had truly become a noble, and the most powerful kind at that.
Rukia had truly become someone beyond his reach.
Yet he was still the same as before.
How hard did he need to work? How far did he need to go before he could catch up to her again?
Renji hated this side of himself. He clearly understood everything. He desired it more than anyone else, yet lacked the courage to reveal his true feelings.
"Renji."
That familiar soft call was like a stone cast into a deep pool once more, sending layer upon layer of ripples across his heart.
"Yo, Rukia."
Renji greeted her as usual, a careless smile on his face.
He was always like this around Rukia. Not only did he not