Buyers benefit. Escrow.com tracks the shipped merchandise and verifies it was delivered. The Seller isn't paid until the Buyer accepts the merchandise, or the inspection period expires. Sellers benefit. Escrow.com confirms when the Buyer receives merchandise.
But I have developed views on them. In my opinion, Rukia and Ichigo's relationship is very...complex. I don't view them as just close friends, but I can't view them in any sort of romance dynamic either. In my opinion, Rukia has a love for Ichigo. And Ichigo has a love for Rukia.
Ichigo is an extremely rare case. Despite being a Shinigami, he is still a living Human being and resides in the Human World, rather than in Soul Society. Uniquely, he gained his own powers through Urahara's training/forced encroachment, which simultaneously gave him Hollow powers.