My apologies for such a short chapter! I'm hoping that you'll forgive me as the pacing/romantic developments will start picking up from this point onwards. I thought it was necessary to establish the character relatioships clearly before advancing to the main part of the story which is Orihime flipping the tables on Ichigo. Also, there might be continuity issues since I didn't map out the whole plot and what I did map out previously, I lost it during the months I took a break so please feel free to point out whatever that doesn't make sense!

Thank you to everyone who left a review! As much as I don't want to say it's what motivates me to write more, I can't help but feel hopeful to read the feedback from you guys!

I couldn't tell if I was going crazy but it felt like Ichigo was staring at me the whole time we were back in the ballroom.

"Ichigo, unless you're trying to burn a hole through Hime with your eyes, why don't you just talk to her?" I heard Tatsuki say across the table. I used this time to sneak a glance at Ichigo only to be met with a scowl.

"We will talk..." Ichigo said without taking his eyes off me, "when we're alone so mind your own goddamn business Tatsuki."

Before I could say anything, a spotlight appeared on stage, shining upon a man with dark hair and familiar looking eyes.

"If I may have your attention ladies and gentlemen." The man spoke with such distinction and authority that the chattering and music stopped instantly. I could also hear Ichigo groaning beside me. What was into him lately?

"First of all, I would like to use this moment to thank all the patrons and benefactors for joining us. All proceeds from today will be forwarded to the pediatric center for the young cancer patients at the newly installed Shiba Medical Research Center. As you already know, this is the latest joint project of Shiba Holdings and Kuchiki Inc and we are most certainly looking forward to more." I applauded along with the rest of the crowd. "I am Isshin Shiba." More applause was heard with some cheering from the crowd. He smiled as he held up a hand to silence to the crowd once more.

"With all due respect, as much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, there are others who I believe deserve this recognition and acknowledgements you are about to give generously more than myself. May I invite my dear colleague and partner, Byakuya Kuchiki to give us a word?"

I could see all eyes turning towards the beautiful man as he accepted a microphone from one of the attendants. Everyone started cheering when he stood up gracefully. I was too mesmerized by his movements that I wasn't even bothering to understand the words he was saying. Instead my thoughts wandered back to what transpired in the balcony and how his cold but beautiful eyes stared back at me as his warm hands wrapped around me. I couldn't help but blush. No no no, I'm not a fangirl! I snapped back to reality but it seemed like Byakuya already finished his word of thanks. As the cheering died down, the attention shifted back to the prominent man on the stage.

"There's one other who played an immense role in the development of this project coming to life. It is no other than my son and heir to Shiba Holdings..."

"Ichigo!"

It felt like somebody punched me in the head because I felt numb in my mind. There must've been something wrong with my hearing because there was no way on earth, Ichigo, my Ichigo whom I've harbored unrequited feelings for so long was the same Ichigo this man was talking about. He just couldn't be because my Ichigo would never have kept secrets like this from me. It must be another with the same name.

But as Ichigo stood up with a microphone in his hand, I knew this was not a figment of my imagination.

"My only hope was that with my involvement in the project, many patients can benefit and improve their health. I am more than honored to be a part of it and to have the chance to work with many inspiring colleagues. Thank you." Ichigo caught my eyes as he sat back down with the crowd cheering. I looked away.

"Orihime...I always trust you so it's not about that." His words flew past my head because I felt hurt. How could he say that he trust me when he felt the need to keep secrets. His hand hovered over my elbow and just when I thought to retract it, he grabbed on to my hand. "Please will you give a chance to explain?"

I noticed the many pairs of eyes looking our way around the table. When I saw the guilty looks on Tatsuki and Uryu's faces, I knew instantly I was the only one shocked by the news. They all knew who Ichigo was and they never told me.

"Not now." I returned as I shook his hand off. "Later." I tried to focus my attention back to the stage where they were now holding the raffle but I was more focused on not letting tears spill. I will not look pathetic in front of Ichigo and I will not show him how hurt I feel.

Instead I'll show him just what he's missing out on.