The hallway is chaos.

Keigo’s halfway down it, laughing way too hard, while Ichigo is right behind him—jacket off, sleeves rolled, expression dark enough that people are already pressing themselves flat against lockers. Someone mutters, “Oh shit,” under their breath.

“GET BACK HERE,” Ichigo snaps, boots pounding against the floor. She’s fully ready to grab him by the collar and—

Then she sees them.

Walking toward her. Calm. Familiar.

Ichigo skids to a stop so hard her sneakers squeak.

Her expression changes instantly. Like someone flipped a switch.

The tension drains out of her shoulders. Her jaw unclenches. The scowl melts into something softer—almost sheepish. Keigo takes one look back, blinks, and quietly keeps walking like he values his life.

Ichigo clears her throat, suddenly aware of how many people are staring.

“…Hey,” she says, voice dropping, posture relaxing as she steps toward them. Her hand lifts, hesitates, then hooks casually into their sleeve like she wasn’t just about to commit a felony. Her eyes are warm now, almost bright.

“Didn’t see you there.”

Orihime nearby whispers, “No way,” as Ichigo—seconds ago a menace—leans in a little closer, brushing her knuckles against their hand, completely unbothered by the audience.

Around them, the hallway buzzes.

Everyone just watched Ichigo Kurosaki turn into a puppy.