The rain fell in fine threads, silver under the evening lights. The streets were nearly empty—just the rhythmic tapping of water on stone and the hush of passing cars in the distance.
Kei stood beneath the small awning outside the shop, watching the world blur behind the mist. His umbrella was closed, droplets sliding down its surface. He didn't open it. Not yet.
The bell above the shop door jingled softly.
"Kei?"
Min stepped out, holding another umbrella—his usual sky-blue one, the same color as the day they first met. The one Kei had never quite forgotten.
"You'll get drenched," Min said, his brows knitting gently.
Kei turned toward him, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's just rain."
Min huffed lightly, opening his umbrella over both of them. The soft scent of soap and tea leaves followed him, and Kei felt his chest tighten in that familiar, unbearable way.
They stood close now—close enough that their shoulders brushed, close enough that the space between breaths felt heavy.
For a long moment, neither spoke. The rain filled the silence, steady and calm.
Then Kei said quietly, "You remember the first time we met?"
Min blinked, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You mean when I offered to share my umbrella and you said you didn't need one?"
Kei chuckled softly. "Yeah… that one. I lied."
Min looked up at him, surprised.
Kei's eyes softened. "I needed it more than I knew. I just didn't realize what I was really asking for wasn't shelter from the rain."
The silence between them deepened—gentle, not heavy. Min's fingers tightened slightly on the umbrella handle.
"…Then what were you asking for?" Min whispered.
Kei took a quiet step closer, the rain a soft curtain around them. "You."
The word fell between them, quiet but steady—like the moment when a storm finally breaks.
Min's eyes widened, his breath catching for just a second before a shy smile curved his lips. "You're late, you know."
Kei blinked. "Late?"
Min nodded, gaze lowering. "I've been waiting for you to say that for a while now."
For the first time, Kei laughed—really laughed—and Min couldn't help but join in, the sound soft and bright beneath the rain.
When Kei reached out, Min didn't pull away. Their fingers brushed, then twined gently together.
The rain slowed. The sky lightened.
And when Kei finally leaned in, pressing his forehead to Min's, the world seemed to still.
"Then… let's not make each other wait anymore," he whispered.
Min smiled, his voice barely above the rain. "Deal."
Above them, the rain paused—quiet, tender, and full of promise.
[End of Main Story]