Rukia had been studying the rabbit’s adorable features when she heard Riruka speak up again. Another smile on her face, Rukia excitedly nodded, “I like it very much! I didn’t think you’d go through the trouble to get me a gift.”

Surprise flitted across Rukia’s face, her grip loosening around the stuffed animal slowly. She hadn’t expected anything like this—in fact, Rukia tried to celebrate her birthday quietly every year. And there weren’t many gifts since she tried to keep it among friends. 

But…Riruka was a friend now. And a very dear one, at that. 

Rukia had blinked at the stuffed animal for a few seconds, frozen in place before she reached out to take it. When she felt how soft the rabbit was, she instantly hugged it closer, “It’s cute!”

--[SCREEEEEEEE--]

--[EEEEEEEEEEEE--]

--[EEEEEEEAAMSSS]