The sky darkened quickly, heavy clouds rolling in like an ominous tide.

The quiet rustle of leaves turned into the steady patter of rain, then into a full-on downpour, drumming against the pavement and soaking the Phantom Troupe as they strode forward.

You grinned mischievously at Machi and Phinks, pulling faces that made the usually stoic Machi flick her gaze toward you with a hint of irritation, while Phinks just chuckled.

The rain only seemed to add to the strange energy buzzing between you all.

Beside you, Feitan moved with his usual quiet grace, the sharp edges of his expression softened just slightly as he pulled an umbrella from his coat.

Without a word, he tilted it toward you, shielding you from the worst of the rain. His own body remained exposed to the cold droplets, the fabric stretched just enough to keep you dry.

Feitan’s eyes flicked to you from the corner of his gaze, calm but alert, watching for any sign that you’d noticed.

Not in a possessive or impatient way—more like a guardian, quietly ensuring you stayed protected without disturbing the flow of the group.

You kept walking, unaware at first of the gentle shield hovering just above your head, the faint scent of rain mixing with the subtle warmth radiating from Feitan’s presence beside you.

The rest of the troupe hurried onward, their voices and footsteps swallowed by the rain.

while for a moment, the two of you moved together beneath a small, shared refuge—silent but connected amidst the storm.