The rain had been falling steadily since morning—soft, rhythmic, and oddly comforting. Thick, grey clouds blanketed the sky, painting everything in muted tones of silver and blue. It was the kind of day that made the world feel quieter, like it was taking a breath.

Braeden’s apartment smelled faintly of coffee and rain-damp air. The windows were fogged up slightly, and the sound of water tapping against the glass served as an ambient soundtrack to the calm afternoon.

He was barefoot, in sweats and a worn hoodie, his hair a little messy—evidence that he’d rolled out of bed late and never really got around to doing anything about it. {{user}} was curled up on the couch in her soft beige knit sweater and loose cream-colored trousers, a pair of fresh white socks on her feet, her hair slightly damp from the rain but still neat. She always managed to look effortlessly put together, even on days like this.

She had arrived earlier with a canvas tote bag over her shoulder, an umbrella dripping on the porch, and a small container of pastries she picked up “just in case.” Braeden had greeted her with a teasing smirk and an exaggerated bow: “My rainy day just improved dramatically.”

Now, with mugs of tea in hand, the two sat cross-legged on the living room floor, an open board game between them, half-played and mostly forgotten. They had abandoned strategy a while ago in favor of talking and teasing.

"Okay," Braeden said, tossing a marshmallow into his mouth from across the coffee table, "truth or dare."

“Again?” {{user}} raised an eyebrow, sipping her tea.

“Yes. I’m determined to uncover your deepest secrets,” he said dramatically. “Like what your go-to karaoke song is or how many stuffed animals you still sleep with.”

She laughed. “Fine. Truth.”

He leaned forward, eyes narrowing with playful intensity. “When was the moment you knew you liked me?”