Episode 3
As Noah was eating, he noticed a man standing not far from him. The man was drenched, clearly caught in the rain without an umbrella, the water dripping off his clothes.
Noah Rivera
💭 Is there a problem, or did he just not have an umbrella?
Noah thought to himself, a sense of concern bubbling up.
He glanced at the man again, wondering if he should offer some help. But then, the practical side of him hesitated. He didn’t know the guy, and he wasn’t exactly in a position to be playing the hero. Still, the sight of someone clearly uncomfortable in the rain tugged at his heart.
Noah quickly finished his meal, the thought of the stranger still lingering in his mind. Should he offer his own umbrella or just mind his business and leave?
Noah sat there for a moment, his eyes flickering back to the man who was still standing a few feet away, drenched and looking lost in the downpour. The rain wasn’t letting up, and the man seemed to be getting more soaked by the second. His clothes clung to him, his posture slightly slouched as if he was resigned to being caught in the storm.
He wasn’t the type to ignore someone in need, even if he didn’t know them. He stood up slowly, the remnants of his lunch bag crumpling in his hand as he walked toward the man, his umbrella tucked under his arm.
Noah Rivera
Hey, you’re going to catch a cold standing out here like that
Noah called out, his voice tentative but firm
Aiden looked at him with an unreadable expression.
His voice low and challenging.
Noah blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sharpness in Aiden's tone. He hadn’t expected the confrontation, especially not so soon after the rain had started.
Noah Rivera
I— *he began, trying to find the right words, but his mind raced, unsure how to respond*
Aiden Blake
You're staring *raising an eyebrow, as if daring Noah to explain himself*
Noah quickly looked away, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.
Noah Rivera
Sorry, I just... you looked like you needed help *feeling a bit foolish*
Aiden's expression softened for a moment, but only just.
Aiden Blake
I don’t need your pity *though his voice lacked the usual edge*
Noah bit his lip, unsure whether to press further or just leave the situation alone.
Noah Rivera
I wasn’t offering pity
Noah Rivera
Just... an umbrella
Aiden's eyes flickered with something unreadable, and for a brief moment, Noah thought he might say something more cutting. But instead, Blake let out a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing just slightly.
Shifting the umbrella a little as they walked side by side. The rain continued to fall steadily, creating a soft, constant hum around them, and for a moment, there was nothing but the sound of their footsteps.
Noah Rivera
*glanced over at the man*
Noah Rivera
So, you live around here?
Aiden Blake
Close enough *his tone noncommittal*
Noah nodded, sensing that Blake wasn’t in the mood for small talk, but not quite ready to let the silence stretch on for too long
Noah Rivera
I’m an art teacher. At the elementary school
Aiden Blake
Art teacher, huh?
Aiden Blake
That’s... not what I would’ve pegged you for
Noah Rivera
Yeah, actually, it's this school *pointed to Veridian School*
Aiden Blake
That school... that's the school where my daughter is studying *he blurted out without thinkin*
Noah Rivera
*looked at him*
Noah Rivera
Your daughter?
Aiden Blake
*quickly regained his composure*
Aiden Blake
She’s in the first grade there
Noah Rivera
Wait, Lily?? You mean Lily? Evans?? Wow, first time I’m seeing her father
Noah Rivera
Usually, it’s her nanny or that guard that I see here at school
Aiden Blake
Yeah, that's her *his voice sounding almost distant as he tried to keep the conversation casual*
Noah Rivera
So that’s why you're here?
Noah Rivera
To pick her up? But it’s too early, and... you're soaking wet..
Aiden glanced down at his clothes, realizing how ridiculous he must look, standing there in the pouring rain without an umbrella. He hadn’t expected to get caught up in this situation.
Aiden Blake
*let out a small, dry laugh, rubbing the back of his neck*
Aiden Blake
Yeah, it wasn’t part of the plan
Aiden Blake
I wasn’t supposed to be here today, but plans changed
Noah Rivera
Plans changed, huh?
Noah Rivera
I guess that’s a common theme in your life, huh? Being a busy guy and all *gestured toward Aiden's soaked suit*
Noah Rivera
You look like you’re handling the change really well
Aiden Blake
You could say that. But yeah, I’m here to pick her up
Aiden Blake
I didn’t expect the rain, though. Thought I could make it without getting drenched
Noah Rivera
Yeah, I get that. You probably didn’t bring a raincoat with you either, huh?
Noah Rivera
Well, here *handing over his umbrella*
Noah Rivera
Use it, and it’s yours! Bring an umbrella next time!
a playful smirk on his face as he turned and started running back toward the school.
Aiden stood there for a moment, watching Noah’s retreating figure, surprised by how easily the interaction had turned from awkward to oddly comfortable. As Noah disappeared from view, Aiden shook his head
Comments