One afternoon, Mayu and Kyle find themselves caught in a sudden rainstorm as they walk home from school. Neither of them brought an umbrella, so they dash for cover under the nearest shop awning. The rain is coming down hard, soaking their clothes and sending droplets cascading off the edge of the awning.
"Great," Kyle mutters, running a hand through his wet hair. "Now we're both drenched."
Mayu laughs, shaking the water from her hair. "At least it's not too cold."
Kyle glances at her, noticing the way her cheeks are flushed and her eyes are bright with laughter. Despite the rain, despite the wet clothes and the chill in the air, Mayu looks radiant.
After a few minutes of waiting for the rain to let up, they realize it isn't going to stop anytime soon. Kyle shrugs. "Guess we're walking in the rain."
Mayu nods, smiling. "Let's go."
They step out into the downpour, the rain quickly soaking through their clothes again. As they walk, Kyle reaches out and takes Mayu's hand, an instinctive gesture to keep her close in the slippery streets. Mayu looks up at him, surprised, but doesn't pull away. Instead, she tightens her grip on his hand, her heart pounding in her chest.
They walk in comfortable silence, the rain falling in steady rhythms around them. Mayu can feel the warmth of Kyle's hand in hers, and despite the wet clothes and the cold rain, she feels a warmth spreading through her chest. By the time they reach Mayu's apartment, both of them are soaked, but neither seems to care.
"Thanks for walking with me," Mayu says softly, her eyes lingering on Kyle's face.
"Anytime," Kyle replies, his voice just as soft.
They stand there for a moment, neither wanting to say goodbye. The rain falls around them, and the world seems to blur, leaving just the two of them in the quiet moment