I didn't bring an umbrella.
Didn't bring a bag either.
So now I have… nothing. No protection. Just me, Mina, and a sky that wants to ruin my life again.
The rain starts to fall harder.
Of course.
Of course this would happen now.
"Shit…" I mutter, watching drops splatter across my uniform. "I can't just stand here looking stupid."
Mina stands beside me in silence, her purple hair already darkening with moisture.
Before I can think—before my brain can warn me—my hand moves.
I grab hers.
Tight.
I don't want her getting drenched.
What kind of guy would I be if I just let her stand there soaking like a wet cat?
No.
I have to do something. I have to act like I'm at least some level of reliable. Maybe show a little "cool charm."The kind I've never actually had.
My legs start moving—running.
Anywhere with a roof. Anywhere that isn't this rain-soaked sidewalk.
There. A café down the street.
Small. Warm-looking. Perfect.
"Come on," I say, still gripping her hand. "We're going to the café."
She lets out a tiny sound—not quite a word, not quite a gasp—but it feels like approval.
Like trust.
Her hand is soft, even through the rain.
Focus, Haru. Stop thinking weird things. Just run.
I push the café door open, the bell above us ringing sharply.
We made it.
Warm air washes over us.
I release her hand and turn toward her—
Crap.
She's drenched. Her hair drips down her shoulders. She's bent forward, hands on her knees, gasping like she just ran a marathon.
"Dammit, Haru…" I think. "You did it again."
Track club habits. Middle school. I forget my pace isn't normal. That a "light jog" for me is borderline sprinting for normal people.
"Sorry, Mina… I hope I didn't push you too hard," I say, bowing like an idiot.
She raises her hand weakly. "No… it's fine," she breathes out.
Her bag is soaked. Completely ruined.
The least I can do is help.
I reach out for it. She lets go of the strap without hesitation, and I take the heavy bag from her shoulder.
She straightens up slowly, hands clasped together in front of her, eyes lowered with a quiet, gentle shyness.
"Thank you… Haru," she says, barely above a whisper.
My heart does something stupid—like skip, stutter, explode, then restart.
Oh no.
My mouth opens. Nothing comes out.
Say something, idiot.
"Y-yeah… of course," I manage.
Smooth. Absolutely flawless.
"Why don't we sit… uh… at one of the booths?" I ask, praying I don't look as flustered as I feel.
She looks up.
She's smiling.
Oh god.
I look away fast, pretending to search for a seat.
There's a booth right in front. I slide in. Mina sits across from me.
She's still smiling.
Still staring.
My heartbeat thumps in my ears.
Loud. Loud. LOUD.
Come on, Haru. Eye contact. Be a man. Just hold it.
One second. Two.
I break eye contact again.
Fuck.
Okay. Talk. Be normal. Say something human.
"So… what do you like to do for fun?" I ask.
Her eyes drift up, thoughtful.
"I like… writing," she says softly. "It makes me feel free. But I judge myself a lot, so… it's complicated."
Deep.
Unexpected.
Weirdly relatable.
"What about you, Haru?" she asks, leaning in slightly.
What do I do?
Play RPGs. Watch anime. Hide from responsibilities. Avoid people.
"Oh… I like… playing soccer," I lie, staring off.
She giggles. "Soccer's hard. I can't kick for anything."
I laugh too. A little too loudly. A little too awkwardly.
Focus
.Don't stare at her uniform. It's damp. It's clinging. Stop being that guy.
"Are you thirsty?" I ask. "I am, after that run."
"A hot chocolate would be nice," she says.
Cute.
I raise my hand to get a staff member.
A girl with short black hair walks over.
Familiar.
Oh no.
It's her.
The girl from the auditorium.
The one who called me a weirdo.
Perfect. Just perfect.
My entire body tenses.
I glance at Mina.
She's still staring at me.
"So, what'll it be?" the waitress asks flatly.
I panic.
"A—hot—"
"We'll take two hot chocolates," Mina says calmly.
I blink.
She saved me again.
The waitress sighs and walks off.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
I look at Mina.
She's still staring.
"Do you… know that girl?" she asks gently.
Shit. She saw the panic. She knows something's up.
"Oh—yeah, I, uh… bumped into her earlier today," I lie again.
Terrible.
She doesn't call me out. Just watches.
Observes.
Quiet.
Patient.
The waitress returns, slams the mugs on the table.
"Creep," she mutters as she passes.
It stings.
Whatever.
I push a mug toward Mina and take a sip of mine. Burns instantly.
"Hot," I whisper, setting it down.
Mina sips hers and lets out a soft, warm sound of satisfaction .
Like she truly enjoys the taste.
Or the moment.
Something tightens in my chest.
Suddenly—
Pressure.
My bladder screams.
"I'll be right back," I say, standing quickly.
She nods, eyes following me all the way down the hall.
I finish, wash my hands, stare at my reflection.
"You're such an idiot."
I step back out.
When I return—Mina's eyes meet mine instantly.
Like she never looked away.
Like she was waiting.
I sit. "Didn't take that long," I joke nervously.
She nods again.
Outside, the rain has faded to a quiet drizzle.
Mom's probably worried. I left my phone at home.
I take another sip of my drink.
Strange.
It tastes…
lighter. Watery.
I shrug it off.
"Are you ready, Mina?"
"Yes," she whispers.
We head to the register.
"300 yen," the man says.
I reach for my pockets.
Left. Right. Back.
Nothing.
Fuck.
"I don't—"
Coins clatter on the counter.
Mina.
She paid.
Again.
The guilt hits hard.
Once we step outside, puddles reflect the gray sky around us.
"I'm sorry, Mina," I say, bowing. "I forgot my wallet."
She giggles. Soft. Sweet.
"It's fine, Haru… I had fun. Thank you. You can treat me next time."
Next time.
I look up slowly.
Her smile…her hair in the fading light…the soft glow in her eyes—
Beautiful.
Too beautiful.
Heat rushes to my face. I look down again.
"Y-yes. Of course."
I straighten myself.
She is tall. I'm literally at chest level.
She really looks like an elf from that old RPG I played. Beautiful, elegant, ethereal—
Stop. Brain. Stop.
"I should head home," I say quickly. "My mom's probably worried."
She nods. "Can I… have your Line ID?"
My heartbeat stops.
She wants my Line?
"Sure!"
Smooth. Or desperate. Who cares.
We exchange IDs. Her fingers brush mine.
A little spark shoots through my chest.
We part ways. She walks one direction .I walk home.
Before I know it, I'm at my front door.
Shoes off. Slippers on. Mom scolds. Usual stuff.
I go upstairs.
Grab my phone.
See her friend request.
Accept.
Shower.
Eat.
Return to my room.
Then—
Bzzzz.
A text.
From Mina.
"Hey 🐈⬛"
I stare.
My heart starts pounding again.
And I wonder—
What do I say back?
(End of Chapter 2)