Caught Between Raindrops: A Story of Love and Friendship

In their college days, it was a rainy afternoon when Lawei forgot her umbrella. Meanwhile, Kawaki had just finished his class when he noticed Lawei, his long-time crush whom he had admired from afar. He approached her, trying to keep his nervousness in check.

“Lawei, you're not off yet?” Kawaki asked, his voice soft but steady.

“No,” Lawei replied, glancing at the pouring rain. “I forgot my umbrella today.”

Without hesitation, Kawaki offered his. “Here, take mine instead,” he said, holding it out to her.

Lawei hesitated for a moment, then took the umbrella with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Kawaki,” she said softly, but her eyes were filled with concern. She realized he would be left without one.

“What about you?” she asked, her brows furrowed.

“I’ll be fine,” Kawaki replied, trying to act casual, though he was already getting wet.

Lawei stood there for a moment, watching him. Her heart felt a strange warmth as she saw how thoughtful he was.

“I can’t let you walk home in the rain,” she said after a pause.

“It’s okay, really,” Kawaki insisted, but Lawei shook her head.

“Come on,” she said, holding the umbrella above both of them. “We can walk together.”

Kawaki’s heart raced as he stepped closer, feeling the closeness between them. They walked side by side, the sound of raindrops filling the silence.

“So… do you always help girls who forget their umbrellas?” Lawei teased gently, trying to lighten the mood.

Kawaki chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Only when it’s you,” he said without thinking.

Lawei glanced at him, surprised by his honesty. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks but said nothing.

“Do you… always wait for someone in the rain?” Kawaki asked, trying to turn the conversation.

“Only when it’s you,” Lawei echoed with a shy smile.

Kawaki’s heart skipped a beat. He looked at her, his face slightly flushed, but he couldn’t hide the happiness in his eyes.

They continued walking, their steps slow as if neither of them wanted the moment to end. The street was quieter than usual, and the gentle rain created a cozy atmosphere.

“Where do you live?” Kawaki asked after a while.

“Just a few blocks ahead,” Lawei replied softly. “What about you?”

“Not too far. I can walk from here after I drop you off.”

Lawei frowned. “No, you should come in for a while. You’re already soaked.”

Kawaki hesitated. “I don’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s not trouble,” she said, her voice sincere. “Besides, I’d feel bad if you caught a cold because of me.”

Kawaki finally gave in, and they headed toward Lawei’s apartment. As they reached her door, she unlocked it and invited him inside.

“Make yourself comfortable,” she said, disappearing into her room for a moment. She returned with a towel. “Here, dry off.”

“Thanks,” Kawaki said, accepting it with a smile.

As he wiped his hair, Lawei stood nearby, watching him. Her mind was racing with thoughts. She had always liked Kawaki but never had the courage to say anything. But today felt different.

“Do you want some tea?” she asked, hoping to calm her nerves.

“Sure, that would be great,” Kawaki replied, his voice warm.

As she prepared the tea, Kawaki’s eyes wandered around her cozy living space. It felt warm and inviting, just like her.

When she returned with two cups of tea, they sat down at the small table near the window. The rain continued to fall outside, but inside, there was a growing warmth between them.

“Thank you again for the umbrella,” Lawei said softly, breaking the silence.

Kawaki smiled. “Anytime.”

A comfortable silence settled between them as they sipped their tea. The air was thick with unspoken words.

“Can I ask you something?” Lawei finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course,” Kawaki replied, his eyes meeting hers.

“Why… did you give me your umbrella?” she asked, her cheeks turning pink.

Kawaki looked down at his cup, his fingers tracing the rim. “Because…” He took a deep breath. “Because I’ve liked you for a long time, Lawei.”

Lawei’s heart skipped a beat. She felt warmth spread through her chest.

“I… I’ve liked you too,” she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Kawaki’s eyes widened in surprise, but his lips curled into a soft smile. “Really?”

Lawei nodded, her gaze lowering. “I was just… too scared to say anything.”

“Me too,” Kawaki murmured, his voice filled with relief.

They sat in silence for a moment, but this time, it was a comfortable one.

“I guess… it took a rainy day to bring us together,” Lawei said, her lips curving into a smile.

“Yeah,” Kawaki whispered, his eyes locked on hers. “Maybe the rain isn’t so bad after all.”

As the rain continued to fall outside, they both realized that sometimes, the best moments happen when you least expect them. And in that quiet moment, they both knew — this was only the beginning.

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