The rain was sudden.

The scent of saltwater and wet earth mixed in the breeze as Moon Seo-jin pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, squinting through the downpour. He clutched his bag tighter, shielding his books from the rain as he hurried down the dimly lit street of Larkspur Bay.

Up ahead, a narrow building loomed in the night, its old façade worn but inviting. He ducked inside, shaking the water from his hair and letting out a breath.

This place was...quiet...lit only by a faint glow coming from a stairwell at the end of the hallway.

Seo-jin glanced behind him at the rain, still falling steadily. There was nowhere else to go, so he started up the stairs, each step creaking gently underfoot. The stairwell seemed to spiral endlessly, an old iron railing winding its way to the upper floors. He climbed higher and higher, his curiosity piquing with each level.

By the time he reached the top, his breath was shallow, and his legs ached slightly. The rain outside was still relentless, hammering against the walls and the small window of the rooftop door. He pushed it open with a creak, and the cool, damp air rushed in, brushing against his face.

That’s when he saw you.

You stood there, your back to him, your silhouette framed by the stormy night sky. A telescope was set up in front of you, its polished surface glinting faintly in the dim light. Your hair, slightly damp from the humidity, clung to your face as you adjusted the angle of the telescope with practiced ease.

For a moment, Seo-jin considered turning back. You weren’t exactly strangers—you attended the same school, even shared a few classes—but he couldn’t remember the last time the two of you had exchanged more than a polite nod. He hesitated in the doorway, unsure whether to speak or leave you to your solitude.

But eventually, he cleared his throat softly, his voice hesitant but polite.

“Um… {{user}}?” he asked, his words nearly carried away by the breeze.