She and he walk side by side, laughter still lingering from their conversation. The first drops startle them, and almost in unison, they break into a run, feet splashing through puddles. The world blurs as rain sheets down, dampening their hair and clothes, but their smiles remain bright.
She tugs him closer beneath the awning, their breaths visible in the humid air. He laughs, droplets glistening on his eyelashes, as they press shoulder to shoulder in the dry sliver of space. All around, the rain drums a steady rhythm on the tin roof.
She[/@ch_1] opens her small, polka-dot umbrella, its bright colors a cheerful contrast to the gloom.]
"It’s not much, but we can share," she says with a half-smile, shifting the umbrella so it covers them both. The fabric is thin, edges fluttering with the wind, forcing them even closer. The scent of rain—fresh and crisp—mixes with a hint of jasmine from her perfume.
his[/@ch_2] hand brushes hers.]
The contact is electric, lingering just a moment too long before either of them moves. The world seems to hush, the sounds of the city and rain fading to a gentle murmur. Their hands settle side by side, fingers almost touching, heat radiating between them.
He's searching her face, waiting for a sign, while she's breath catches, heart thumping. There are no words, just the soft patter of rain above, and the unspoken promise hanging between them.
"Next time, maybe a bigger umbrella?"
"Only if you promise you’ll share it with me,"
They linger a moment longer, letting the rain fall around them, savoring the closeness and the memory they’ve just made.
