The rain had been falling for hours, but it wasn’t the kind of storm that kept people inside — it was warm, almost soft, a summer downpour that turned the streets into mirrors. You had been trying to convince Riki to hurry home before you both got soaked, but he had other ideas.

“Come on,” he said, grinning as he tugged your wrist, pulling you right out into the middle of the deserted street. “This is perfect!”

You laughed, stumbling after him. “Perfect for what? Catching a cold?”

He shook his head like you were missing the obvious. “Perfect for this.” And before you could ask, he spun you around, hands settling on your waist. The rain clung to his hair, dripping into his eyes, but he didn’t seem to care. His grin was wide, infectious, the kind that made your chest ache for reasons you didn’t want to name.

“Riki,” you tried again, though your voice came out softer this time. “We’re getting drenched.”

“That’s the point.” He pulled you closer, moving in an exaggerated sway, like the two of you were on a stage only he could see. “It’s more fun when you stop worrying about it.”

His laughter was loud and unrestrained when you finally gave in, letting him lead you in a sloppy spin. Your shoes splashed in puddles, your clothes clung to your skin, and the rain blurred everything into a watercolor haze. He hummed under his breath, making up a song as he went — nonsense words in a made-up rhythm that somehow matched your steps.

“You’re ridiculous,” you said, but the warmth in your voice betrayed you.

“And you love it,” he shot back instantly, with so much playful confidence that you couldn’t even deny it. He dipped you suddenly, just enough to make your heart jolt, then pulled you back upright before you could protest. His hands were steady, careful even when his movements were wild.

Somewhere between the laughter and the splashing, the world beyond the rain stopped existing. The neon lights from the storefronts reflected in the wet pavement, wrapping the moment in a strange, cinematic glow. He looked at you then — not with his usual teasing spark, but with something softer, steadier.

“See?” he murmured, voice almost lost under the rainfall. “Told you it’d be worth it.”

You opened your mouth to reply, but he was already twirling you again, spinning you so quickly you had to cling to him for balance. When you bumped into his chest, breathless and laughing, he didn’t let go. Instead, he pressed his forehead to yours, smiling so close you could see every drop of water clinging to his lashes.

“You know what my favorite part of this is?” he asked, his voice dipping low, playful but edged with something that made your pulse quicken.

You tilted your head. “What?”

“That you’re smiling like you haven’t in a while.” His thumb brushed over your cheek, careful, like he was afraid you’d slip away. “That’s all I wanted.”

The air between you was warm despite the rain, heavy with the rhythm of your breathing and the distant hum of the city. He didn’t rush it, didn’t push. Just stayed there, holding you in a rain-soaked street, as if the world had paused to give you both this one stolen dance.

“Don’t let go yet,” he added with a small smirk, swaying you gently. “One more dance?”