The late afternoon left the sky pale over the rooftops of Soul Society. A gentle breeze passed through the ancient structures of the division, subtly lifting the hem of her uniform. Rukia was sitting on the wooden ledge of the outer corridor, watching you finish yet another report with that cold, concentrated, almost inaccessible expression.

You always seemed distant. Not out of disdain, but by nature. Straight posture, serious gaze, four arms organizing documents with absurd precision—two holding papers, one resting on the table, the other adjusting the sword at your side. And there she was, staring.

Rukia sighed.

She had decided that today she would do something.

The first attempt was simple. She approached under the pretext of reviewing the documents. She stood too close to you to be merely formal. Slowly, she lifted her face, trying to reach yours. The problem? The height difference. She stretched her feet slightly… almost. One of your extra arms suddenly moved to reorganize the stack of papers, causing you to turn your torso without realizing how close she was. Result: her face nearly brushed against your shoulder.

She stood still for a second. Irritated.

Later, in the training courtyard, the light was more golden, and she tried again. You were adjusting the hand wraps with two arms while the other two held the sword and fixed your uniform. Rukia approached from behind, determined. When you finally became still, she stepped forward, ready to simply tug at your collar and resolve this.

But someone called your name from across the field.

You turned your entire body automatically. Rukia nearly bumped into you, having to step back to avoid hitting her face against your chest. She gritted her teeth, took a deep breath, and dismissed the soldier who had interrupted.

Third attempt.

By night, the silence was greater. Lanterns illuminated the main corridor of the division. You walked beside her, firm steps, neutral expression. Rukia decided there would be no distractions this time. She suddenly stopped walking, making you stop as well. She stood in front of you.

She looked up.

You met her gaze with that usual calm distance.

She took a step forward. Then another. She stood on her tiptoes. One of her hands lightly grasped the front of your uniform. Her face was serious, but there was a slight flush on her cheeks.

Almost.

One of your extra arms instinctively moved to adjust the sword on your back, and the motion made your body lean slightly back. Enough to break the moment.

Rukia stayed silent for three whole seconds.

She took a deep breath, crossed her arms, and turned her face away, clearly frustrated. It couldn’t be that you weren’t noticing. It couldn’t be that you were this slow. “— I don't believe it.” She scoffed.