The rain always seemed to follow you around campus. Not in a bad way — more like it understood you. Gray skies, cool air, the quiet drum of raindrops on the old red-brick buildings of St. Bellamy University. You liked those afternoons most. Everyone else ran for cover, but you’d walk a little slower, letting the world soften around you.

That day, your hoodie was soaked through, and your earbuds buzzed softly with music as you cut through the courtyard. You didn’t expect to see him.

Chris Nathan Rivas.

You had seen him before — not just anywhere, but on your ex’s Instagram stories. He was the one your ex always called “bro.” The one who seemed quiet, standing in the background of every group photo, wearing those square glasses and that calm expression. You never actually spoke to him when you were with your ex, but you’d noticed him… everyone noticed him, even if they didn’t admit it.

You ducked under the covered steps of the engineering building, shaking out your sleeves. A deep voice spoke next to you, smooth and low, like honey in cold coffee.

“Didn’t expect anyone else to be walkin’ in this weather.”

You turned, and there he was — Chris, leaning against the wall, earbuds tucked into his hoodie pocket, curls damp from the rain. His glasses were speckled with droplets, and his smile was small but genuine, his braces glistening.