The rain started as a drizzle during the last ten minutes of class. By the time the bell rang, it had turned into a steady downpour, drumming against the tin awning outside and sending students rushing for umbrellas.
Arka didn't bother. He burst out of the school doors, arms wide, face tilted toward the sky like he was welcoming the storm. His shoes splashed through the shallow puddles on the stone path.
"Victory is mine!" he shouted, stomping down into the largest puddle he could find. Water sprayed up, catching a group of freshmen who screamed and darted away.
From behind, Bayu sighed. He tugged his hood over his head, watching Arka stomp around like a child set loose in a fountain. "You're actually insane."
Arka spun, water dripping off his bangs. "Correction! I am strategic. Observe." He launched himself into another puddle—this one close enough that the splash hit Bayu's ankles.
Bayu froze. Slowly, his eyes narrowed. "You're dead."
Arka grinned, backing up. "Uh-oh. Did I awaken the mighty storm dragon?"
Bayu didn't answer. He stepped deliberately into the puddle nearest him, sending a controlled arc of water splashing onto Arka's jeans.
Arka yelped. "You did not just—"
"I did," Bayu said flatly, lips twitching like he was suppressing a smile.
"Oh, it's war." Arka lunged, both feet slamming into the deepest puddle he could find. Water exploded everywhere—onto Bayu's legs, his jacket, even his hair.
Bayu sputtered, shaking droplets off. "You are the worst."
"And yet," Arka bent low, smirking like a cartoon villain, "you can't resist me."
Bayu rolled his eyes but stepped forward anyway, shoving Arka's shoulder just hard enough to send him staggering into another puddle.
"Hey!" Arka laughed, slipping and almost falling. "That's cheating!"
"Everything for survival," Bayu corrected.
Their chaotic fight drew stares from passing students, but neither cared. For a moment, it was just the two of them: Arka laughing too loudly, Bayu muttering complaints that sounded more like amusement than actual anger.
A flash of movement caught Arka's eye. Lestari and Citra "Ubi" huddled together beneath a single umbrella, walking toward the gate. Ubi leaned closer, whispering something that made Lestari blush so hard she nearly tripped. Their fingers brushed, then linked briefly before darting apart at the sight of others.
Arka smirked knowingly. "Oh-ho. Queens of Subtlety, those two."
Bayu followed his gaze, lips twitching. "At least they're not splashing around like maniacs."
"Jealous?" Arka teased, stepping closer until their shoulders almost touched.
Bayu gave him a flat look. "…Of being an idiot in the rain? No."
Arka's grin widened. "Liar."
Bayu shoved him again, softer this time. "Get out of the puddle before you catch something."
"And surrender my throne?" Arka gasped dramatically, raising both arms toward the gray sky. "Never! I, Arka, Puddle King, claim this soggy kingdom as mine!"
Bayu shook his head, but his laugh finally broke through. It was low, brief, but it was there.
Arka froze for half a second, watching him. The laugh made the storm feel warmer.
"…Got you, muffin," Arka whispered, almost to himself, before darting away toward another puddle.
Bayu groaned, but followed.