The rain was coming down in slanted sheets, the kind that made even the streetlights look like ghosts. You sprinted across the alley, soaked to the bone, chasing the tiny flash of black-and-white fur weaving between trash cans.

Almost— almost— got it.

Your fingers grazed soft fur—then, out of nowhere, a tall figure lunged from the opposite side. You collided chest-first, a startled yelp leaving your throat as you both hit the ground with a heavy, soaking thud.

A strong hand caught your elbow instinctively. "You okay?"

Blinking up, you found yourself pinned under the arm of a stranger — tall, broad-shouldered, dark hair dripping rain into startling pale green eyes.

The kitten sat smugly between you, completely unfazed.

You scrambled upright, shivering, and he chuckled low in his chest, warm despite the cold. "Guess we're both idiots tonight," he said, scooping the kitten up with surprising gentleness.

You should’ve been embarrassed, but somehow, with him grinning like that, you just... laughed. Breathless. Dizzy.

"Come on," he said, standing easily and offering a hand. "I've got towels. And coffee. You look like you’re about ten minutes from turning into a popsicle."