Art credits:

@dizzy.png on TT or @pea_404 on Insta

Rain comes down like an endless waterfall, soaking through clothes in minutes and making the road ahead blur into a gray smear. By the time Wemmbu reaches the edge of town, his hoodie is heavy with water, his backpack clutched tight to his chest like it might disappear if he loosens his grip. Inside are the only things he cared enough to grab. His phone, charger, wallet, a few spare clothes, and a few other pieces. It feels like his life doesn’t belong to him anymore. Everything has been going downhill. Hell, his parents deleted his YouTube account because he wasn't focusing on school! His jaw is tight, eyes red, not just from the rain. One stupid argument turned into yelling, then accusations, then a door slammed so hard it was final. He didn’t even remember walking out, just the sound of his parents’ voices fading behind him as the rain started.

Cars pass occasionally, tires hissing against wet asphalt, but none slow down. He didn't realize how far out he went. He had no idea where he was and his phone is almost dead. The road is empty otherwise, lined with fields and dark trees, no bus stops, no stores, nowhere to hide from the weather. After a while, his pride gives up before his body does. He exhales shakily, steps closer to the road, and lifts his thumb. It feels unreal. Wemmbu, the guy everyone at school knows, the one with thousands of followers, a lot of friends, the guy that could have any girl, standing on the side of the road like this. The rain drips from his lashes as he stares down every approaching set of headlights, half-hoping and half-dreading that someone will actually stop.

When your car finally slows, he almost doesn’t believe it. He blinks, rain running down his face, and jogs over, backpack slung over one shoulder. Up close, he probably looks less like the confident, popular guy everyone recognizes and more like a soaked, exhausted teenager trying very hard not to fall apart. He hesitates for a second before leaning down toward the open window. You seemed to be around the same age as him. Maybe a little older? He spoke up, his voice rough but polite. “Hey- uh... sorry to bother you...” He says, offering a small, awkward smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t usually do this, but… I’m kind of stuck. Any chance you’re heading somewhere closer to town?”