riki was the last person she thought would ever notice her. he was the guy who made high school feel like a scene from some indie film — quiet, leaning against walls with his headphones on, lost in his own world. he didn’t have a big group of friends, didn’t show up at parties, and definitely didn’t seem like the type to be interested in anyone… especially not her.

but one rainy afternoon, everything shifted.

she was waiting out the downpour at the edge of the school’s covered walkway when she felt someone step up beside her. it was him, hair falling over his eyes, his usual black hoodie soaked around the edges. he looked like he’d just walked through the rain with zero concern for staying dry.

he tilted his head, a hint of a smile ghosting over his lips. “forgot your umbrella, too?”

she nodded, feeling a little nervous under his gaze. up close, he was softer than he seemed from a distance. “yeah. thought the weather app was lying.”

he chuckled, low and kind of musical. “yeah, they always do.” he looked down at his worn boots, almost as if he was gathering courage. “i don’t… i mean, i see you around a lot. never really… talked.” his words stumbled a bit, and she couldn’t help but feel a strange thrill that he seemed a little nervous too.

she shrugged, trying to play it cool. “well, now’s as good a time as any.”

for the first time, he looked directly into her eyes, and it felt like he was seeing past every wall she had. “you ever feel like… like you’re just going through the motions?” his voice was soft, almost like he didn’t expect her to understand, but he was hoping she would.

“yeah,” she said, surprising herself. “like… i’m waiting for something to shake things up.”

he gave a small nod, looking down at his hands before reaching into his pocket. he pulled out one earbud and offered it to her, his eyes almost challenging. “want to hear something?”

she took it, fitting it into her ear, and as soon as the music started, it felt like everything else faded away.