**Arc 2: Chapter 6 – Sparks in the Rain**
The storm rolled in without warning, drenching the city in a downpour that turned streets into rivers. Jae-min stood at the edge of the café's awning, watching the rain cascade in sheets. So-ra was locking up the doors behind him, her sharp movements betraying her irritation.
"You should've left when I told you to," she muttered, tucking a stray strand of wet hair behind her ear.
"And miss out on this scenic storm?" Jae-min replied, smirking. "No way."
So-ra shot him a glare but didn't respond. She pulled up the hood of her jacket, preparing to step into the rain.
"Wait," Jae-min said, holding out a hand. "Where are you going?"
"Home," she said flatly. "Unlike you, I don't have the luxury of waiting out the weather."
"You're going to walk in this?" Jae-min asked, gesturing to the torrential rain.
So-ra shrugged. "The bus isn't running, and I don't have money for a cab. I'll survive."
Jae-min frowned. "Hold on. I'll call us a ride."
So-ra sighed, crossing her arms. "Look, I don't need—"
"Too late," Jae-min interrupted, pulling out his phone. He quickly booked a ride, using the system's account without hesitation.
Elyra's voice chimed in his mind. *"You're spending money for her. That's another step forward."*
Jae-min ignored her and focused on So-ra, who was watching him with a mix of annoyance and curiosity.
"You're impossible, you know that?" she said, shaking her head.
"So I've been told," Jae-min replied, flashing a grin.
---
The ride arrived within minutes, a sleek black car that looked completely out of place in the rain-drenched streets. So-ra hesitated as the driver stepped out and opened the door for her.
"Are you sure about this?" she asked, her tone skeptical.
"Just get in," Jae-min said, ushering her inside.
The warmth of the car was a stark contrast to the cold rain outside. So-ra settled into the plush seat, glancing at Jae-min as he climbed in beside her.
"Alright," she said, crossing her legs. "What's the catch?"
"No catch," Jae-min replied. "Just helping a friend."
So-ra snorted. "Friend, huh? You don't even know me."
"Not yet," Jae-min said. "But I'd like to."
So-ra fell silent, her gaze drifting to the rain-streaked window.
---
The car pulled up in front of a modest apartment complex. So-ra opened the door, stepping out into the rain without waiting for an umbrella.
"Thanks for the ride," she called over her shoulder, already walking toward the building.
Jae-min followed her out, grabbing his own umbrella from the car. "Hold on."
"What now?" So-ra asked, turning to face him.
"You're going to get sick," Jae-min said, holding the umbrella over her.
So-ra stared at him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she sighed. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"
"Not when it comes to people I care about," Jae-min said, his voice soft but firm.
So-ra blinked, clearly caught off guard. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The rain fell around them, the sound filling the silence.
Finally, So-ra shook her head, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You're something else, Jae-min."
"I'll take that as a compliment," he said, grinning.
So-ra laughed, a genuine sound that seemed to surprise even her. "Alright, hero. Walk me to the door, and then you can go back to saving the world."
Jae-min obliged, walking her to the entrance of the building. As she unlocked the door, she paused, glancing at him over her shoulder.
"Thanks," she said, her voice softer now. "For everything."
Jae-min nodded. "Anytime."
---
As he walked back to the car, Elyra appeared beside him, her golden eyes gleaming with amusement.
"You're making progress," she said. "Her likability is at 60% now."
"Good," Jae-min said, smiling faintly. "She's worth it."
Elyra tilted her head, studying him. "You're not just doing this for the system, are you?"
"No," Jae-min admitted. "I'm doing it because I want to."
Elyra's smile softened, and for once, she didn't tease him. "You're a strange one, Jae-min."
"Yeah," he said, glancing back at the apartment building. "But maybe that's exactly what she needs."