Chapter 5: Rainy Day Shelter

The sky had been threatening rain all afternoon, clouds heavy and gray, pressing low over the city. By the time Eiji stepped out of the convenience store, the drizzle had turned into a downpour, sheets of rain falling so fast the streets blurred.

He hugged his umbrella close, but the wind was strong, tugging at it, soaking his sleeves. His grocery bag thumped against his leg with each hurried step.

Then a sharp gust flipped his umbrella inside out.

“Ah—!” Eiji struggled, his hands trembling as he tried to fight against the wind. But the metal ribs bent, snapping uselessly. Rain pelted his face, plastering his hair to his cheeks. His jasmine scent sharpened in distress, carried away by the storm.

Through the curtain of rain, a familiar figure appeared.

Ren.

He was striding toward him, a large black umbrella steady above his head as if the storm didn’t dare touch him. His dark shirt clung slightly to his shoulders, rain sliding down the fabric, but he moved with calm precision.

“Eiji,” Ren called, voice cutting through the roar of rain.

Eiji blinked up at him, soaked and shivering. His lips parted, but no sound came out. Relief bloomed so suddenly in his chest it made his eyes sting.

Without hesitation, Ren stepped closer, tilting his umbrella to cover them both. The cedar scent burst through the damp air, strong and grounding, wrapping around Eiji like warmth against the chill.

“You’re drenched,” Ren murmured, brows furrowing. He took the broken umbrella from Eiji’s hands without waiting for permission, snapping it shut and setting it aside.

Eiji’s shoulders trembled, whether from the cold or something else, he couldn’t tell. “I-I didn’t think it would rain this much…”

Ren adjusted his hold on the umbrella, angling it perfectly to shield Eiji. “Come on. My place is closer.”

Eiji nodded, too flustered to argue.

By the time they reached Ren’s apartment, Eiji’s clothes were heavy with water. Ren ushered him inside, the door shutting firmly behind them. The cedar scent of Ren’s home was stronger than the storm outside, immediately soothing.

“Wait here.” Ren disappeared into another room.

Eiji stood awkwardly near the entrance, dripping onto the floor. His heart raced, his chest tight with both embarrassment and an odd comfort. He wasn’t used to someone stepping in so firmly, so naturally, as if his well-being was the most obvious priority.

Ren returned with a clean towel and a sweatshirt that looked much too big for Eiji. “Here. Change before you catch a cold.”

Eiji hesitated, his fingers curling against the damp fabric clinging to him. His cheeks burned. “Um… in your bathroom?”

Ren nodded, as if it was the simplest thing in the world. “Take your time.”

Moments later, Eiji emerged, swimming in Ren’s sweatshirt, the sleeves falling past his hands. His damp hair clung to his temples, and he was clutching the towel nervously.

Ren looked up from where he was setting two steaming mugs of tea on the low table. His lips curved slightly. “It suits you.”

Eiji’s heart skipped, his cheeks heating even more. “Y-you’re just saying that…”

Ren didn’t reply. But his gaze lingered a second longer before he looked down at the tea.

They sat together, the sound of rain drumming softly against the windows. The silence between them was thick, but not uncomfortable—more like a bubble that wrapped the two of them apart from the storm outside.

Eiji cradled the mug, warmth seeping into his fingers. “Ren…” His voice was quiet. “Back there, when those men… and today too… You always show up. Like you know when I…” He trailed off, words catching in his throat.

Ren’s gaze was steady, unreadable. “I pay attention. That’s all.”

Eiji looked down, his chest tight. His scent thickened, jasmine curling in the air with his flustered emotions. “I… I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

For the first time, something flickered in Ren’s eyes—an emotion deeper than his usual calm restraint. He leaned forward slightly, his presence heavier, his cedar scent swelling with a protective sharpness.

“You won’t have to find out,” he said, low and certain.

Eiji’s breath caught. His fingers tightened around the mug, his pulse racing. For a moment, the air between them felt charged—like the storm outside had slipped into the room.

Ren didn’t move closer. He sat back again, controlled, his expression smoothing. But the promise in his words lingered, wrapping around Eiji tighter than any blanket.

Eiji pressed the mug to his lips to hide the smile that tugged at them. Despite the storm outside, his heart felt impossibly warm.

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