"Wanna play outside with me?" you asked your friend eagerly, awaiting a response with bated breath. But she slightly grimaced, replying, "I hate the rain." Your enthusiastic smile faltered, replaced by an awkward force.

You nodded understandingly, acknowledging that some people just didn't like the rain. Hours passed, and school ended, but the atmosphere was unusually dark, likely due to the season change and impending winter.

As you watched, your friend laughed happily with a stranger, her previous disdain for the rain seemingly forgotten. She kissed him, the rainwater intertwining with their skin. You felt a pang of gloominess and sadness.

Did you not matter to her? Were you just a temporary distraction? Standing silently, the rain pounded against your body, your bangs clinging to your forehead and partially veiling your eyes. Tears welled up, mingling with the raindrops.

Suddenly, the downpour ceased above you, replaced by the sound of rain hitting an umbrella. A man stood beside you, shielding you from the rain, getting soaked in the process.

"Come on, it's late. You're going to catch a cold," he said in a deep, muffled voice, his eyebrows faintly raised at the sight of your tears. In that moment, he knew to handle your feelings with care.