The rain had returned, drumming against the school windows in a steady rhythm. For most students, it was a gloomy afternoon, but for Lira, the sound had become something else—reminders of danger, fear, and yet… the beginning of something she couldn't deny.
Kai sat silently, his gaze fixed on the gray horizon. His sleeve was rolled up just slightly, revealing the bandage she had wrapped around his arm the night before.
Lira: "Does it hurt?"
Kai: (shakes his head) "Not as much as it used to."
Lira: (smiling softly) "You're a terrible liar."
For the first time, he actually chuckled—quiet, almost uncertain, but real. The sound warmed her chest more than the jacket draped over her shoulders.
---
After Classes
The hallways emptied as students hurried home, but Lira stayed by his side. When they stepped outside, the rain was heavier than before.
Lira: "You're not planning to walk home without an umbrella again, are you?"
Kai: (glances at her) "I don't mind the rain."
Lira: "Then I'll walk with you. And this time, no arguments."
She held out her umbrella, and once again they walked close beneath it. The streets shimmered with reflections of neon signs and puddles, the world muffled by the downpour.
But instead of silence, Lira spoke.
Lira: "When you fight, you look like someone else. Cold. Sharp. Like… like you've been fighting your whole life."
Kai: (after a pause) "Because I have."
Lira: (quietly) "Then let me be the warmth you don't have."
He stopped in his tracks, staring at her as rain poured harder around them. His eyes searched hers, as if trying to decide whether her words were foolish… or the only thing keeping him standing.
---
The Hidden Corner
On their way, they ducked into a quiet alley for shelter. The storm was too strong, and the umbrella could no longer shield them completely. Their clothes clung to their skin, hair dripping, hearts racing.
Lira hugged her knees, shivering slightly. Kai noticed, and without hesitation, he removed his jacket, even though he was already drenched, and draped it over her again.
Lira: "You'll get sick."
Kai: (softly) "I've endured worse."
For a moment, silence lingered between them—only the rain filling the space. Then Lira spoke again, her voice trembling but firm.
Lira: "I don't care about your past, Kai. Not the organization. Not the fights. I care about you. Can't you see that?"
Kai: (closes his eyes, whispers) "That's what scares me."
---
A Dangerous Promise
The storm roared, but inside that small corner, their world shrank to only the two of them. Kai's hands clenched as if torn between pushing her away and holding her close.
Finally, he looked at her, rain trailing down his face like tears he refused to shed.
Kai: "If I let you stay by my side, you'll be hunted too. Do you understand that?"
Lira: (without hesitation) "Then let them hunt. As long as I'm with you."
Her words cut deeper than any blade. He turned away, shoulders trembling—not from fear, but from the weight of emotions he had long locked away.
When he finally spoke, his voice was hoarse.
Kai: "…Then I'll protect you. No matter what it costs me."
---
Under the Same Rain
They sat there until the storm softened, sharing silence, sharing warmth in the cold. It wasn't a confession, not yet. But it was the first time Kai allowed himself to promise something more than survival.
For Lira, it was enough.
For Kai, it was terrifying.
But as the rain fell, both knew—they were no longer alone in the storm.
---