The rain began as a soft drizzle, tapping gently on Serena's apartment window. She had been curled up on the couch with a book, a steaming mug of tea resting on the table beside her. The rhythmic sound of rain was usually soothing, but today, it stirred a bittersweet longing.
Ryan was coming over.
It wasn't unusual for them to spend time together on weekends, but something about the rain made this visit feel different. Intimate, even. Serena glanced around her cozy living room, wondering if it was inviting enough. The cushions were fluffed, the candles lit, and the faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air.
When the doorbell rang, her heart skipped a beat. She rushed to the door and opened it to find Ryan standing there, his coat damp from the rain. He held a paper bag in one hand and an umbrella in the other, his usual easy smile lighting up his face.
"Delivery for Ms. Serena," he teased, lifting the bag.
"What's this?" she asked, stepping aside to let him in.
"Emergency rainy-day supplies," he said, shaking out his umbrella and setting it by the door. He handed her the bag, which contained two cups of coffee, a box of pastries, and a small bouquet of daisies.
Serena couldn't help but smile. "You didn't have to do all this."
"Rainy days require proper sustenance," he said with a wink, shrugging off his coat.
***
They settled on the couch, the coffee steaming between them. Serena noticed how easily Ryan fit into her space, his presence turning the apartment into something warmer and more vibrant.
"Do you ever just listen to the rain?" she asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Sometimes," he said. "It's like nature's background music. Calming and chaotic at the same time."
She nodded, her gaze drifting to the window. The world outside was a blur of gray, but inside, it was all warmth and color.
"Rain always reminds me of home," she said softly. "My mom used to make us hot chocolate whenever it rained. We'd sit by the window and watch the drops race each other down the glass."
Ryan smiled. "Sounds like a good memory."
"It is," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
"What about you?" she asked, turning to him. "Any rainy-day traditions?"
He chuckled. "My sisters and I used to build forts out of blankets and pillows. We'd camp out in the living room and pretend we were explorers trapped in a storm."
Serena laughed, imagining a young Ryan with a makeshift fort and a sense of adventure. "I can see that. You have the explorer vibe."
"Do I?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
She nodded. "You're always curious about everything. It's one of the things I like about you."
Ryan's expression softened. "And I like how you notice things other people don't. Like how rain sounds, or how coffee smells different depending on where it's brewed."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rain was the only sound in the room. Serena felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the coffee.
Hours passed as they talked and laughed, the rain serving as a gentle backdrop. At some point, Ryan suggested watching a movie, and they ended up choosing an old romantic comedy.
Serena leaned against the arm of the couch while Ryan stretched out, his feet resting on the coffee table. Halfway through the movie, a particularly emotional scene played, and Serena felt tears prick her eyes.
"Don't cry," Ryan teased, nudging her with his elbow.
"I'm not crying," she said, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. "It's just... sweet."
Ryan grinned. "You're a softie, Serena."
"Don't act like you're not affected," she shot back, pointing at him. "I saw you tear up during that proposal scene."
He laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, maybe a little. But you're worse."
Their playful banter filled the room, a stark contrast to the somber mood outside. Serena realized how natural it felt to share these moments with him—how easy it was to be herself.
When the movie ended, they sat in comfortable silence for a while, the rain now a steady downpour. Ryan leaned his head back against the couch, his eyes closed.
"This is nice," he murmured.
"It is," Serena agreed, watching him. His features were relaxed, the usual energy in his demeanor replaced by a calm she hadn't seen before.
She hesitated for a moment, then reached out to place her hand on his. He opened his eyes and looked at her, his expression unreadable.
***
As the rain began to taper off, Ryan stood and stretched. "I should probably head out before the streets flood."
"Or you could stay a little longer," Serena said, surprising even herself with her boldness.
Ryan looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "Are you sure?"
She nodded. "I like having you here."
His smile was slow and genuine. "Then I'll stay."
They spent the rest of the evening talking about their dreams and fears, their laughter mingling with the fading sound of rain. By the time Ryan finally left, the clouds had cleared, leaving a star-studded sky in their wake.
As Serena closed the door behind him, she leaned against it, a smile tugging at her lips. The rainy afternoon had turned into something far more meaningful—a moment she knew she'd carry with her for a long time.
And as Ryan walked home under the now-clear sky, he found himself smiling too, thinking of Serena and the unspoken promise their time together had held.