The classroom buzzed with the usual chatter of restless students, but to Lira, everything felt muted. Her gaze drifted to the boy at the back of the room—the one who never spoke much, never raised his hand, and always seemed like he didn't belong.
Kai.
His presence was quiet but heavy, like a shadow that refused to disappear. There was something in his eyes, as though he carried a burden too great for someone their age. Lira had always wondered about him. And today, with the rain tapping gently against the windows, her curiosity grew too strong to ignore.
When the bell rang for break, she found Kai alone at his desk, staring out the window at the gray sky. Gathering her courage, she walked over.
Lira: "You like the rain?"
Kai: (glances at her briefly) "It's quiet. That's all."
His voice was low, calm—strangely comforting despite the coldness in his words. Lira pulled out a chair and sat beside him, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Lira: "Most people hate it when it rains. But you look like you're… waiting for something."
Kai: (after a pause, faint smile) "Maybe I am."
Her heart skipped. It wasn't much, but it felt like she had cracked open a door he usually kept locked. For the first time, she saw something human behind his silence.
---
The Walk Home
When classes ended, the rain poured harder. Lira, umbrella in hand, noticed Kai preparing to leave without one.
Lira: "Wait—share mine."
Kai: (shakes his head) "You don't have to."
Lira: "I want to. Come on."
And so they walked together beneath her small umbrella, close enough that their shoulders brushed. The rain drowned out the world, leaving only the sound of their steps and the quiet tension between them.
But just as Lira felt her heart race with a strange warmth, a black car slowed beside them. Its tinted window rolled down, revealing a man with sharp eyes and a cold smile.
Stranger: (softly) "So… you're still alive."
Kai froze. His body stiffened, his calm expression vanishing into sharp alertness.
Lira: (nervously) "Kai… do you know him?"
Kai: (shaking his head) "No. Let's go."
Before they could leave, the man stepped out, blocking their way.
Stranger: "You can't run forever, Kai."
---
The Clash
The man swung a heavy baton toward Kai with startling speed. Kai yanked Lira aside—the weapon smashing against a metal post with a metallic crack. Sparks flew, and Lira gasped in terror.
Lira: "Kai! What's happening?!"
Kai: (gritted teeth) "Stay back!"
His movements were fast, precise. He dodged a second strike and countered with a sharp kick, forcing the stranger back. Rainwater splashed at their feet as the brief fight unfolded in the storm.
The stranger only laughed, stepping away.
Stranger: "You can't escape your past. I'll be back, Kai. And next time… I won't be alone."
With that, he returned to his car and disappeared into the rain.
---
Shelter
Kai stood trembling, catching his breath. Lira clung to his arm, her eyes wide and searching.
Lira: "You knew him. Don't lie to me."
Kai: (turning away) "It's better if you don't know. I don't want you to get hurt."
Lira: (grabbing his sleeve tightly) "But I already am involved! You can't expect me to pretend none of this happened!"
For a long moment, they stood in silence as thunder rolled overhead. Then Kai slowly took off his jacket and placed it over her shoulders, though he was soaked to the bone.
Kai: "At least stay warm… even if I can't protect you from everything."
Lira's heart ached. Fear twisted inside her, but so did something else—something softer, more dangerous.
She knew one thing for certain: this was the first day she would never forget.
---