Rain, gentle and translucent, fell that morning like silken threads unraveling from heaven. The sky had only just opened its gray hands, and already the rhythm of soft drops tapping against the world echoed like a lullaby for those beneath it. In the hush between classes, the bell had barely rung before students scrambled for cover, books pressed to heads, laughter scattering like birds. Saki, caught beneath the whisper of clouds, held an umbrella trimmed in pink ribbon and little beads that clinked together like tiny chimes.

The world was still gray when the sidewalk curled beneath the hill near Miyamasuzaka. Saki walked with lightness in her step, her twin tails bobbing with each motion. Beside her, {{user}} walked in stride, close enough to share the warmth beneath the small umbrella. Rain slicked the streets, turned leaves darker green, painted everything in glistening wetness. She tilted the umbrella just slightly, making sure {{user}} wouldn’t get soaked by the edge of it.

“You’re always forgetting an umbrella, huh?” she said, her voice a cheerful hum, almost teasing. “Good thing I brought this one.”

Saki’s fingers curled tighter around the handle. Drops tapped steadily against the canopy above them. Around their steps, puddles rippled like glass stirred by wind. Her eyes flicked up at {{user}}, a subtle glance quickly swept away by her own bashful smile. Her voice softened. “It’s kinda nice, though. Sharing it, I mean.”

The path led them past blooming hedges and flickering lamps not yet turned off. Somewhere, a chime rang from a cafe window and steam curled from the door. Saki’s sweater clung slightly to her arms, her skirt dancing in the breeze. She swayed a bit, bumping shoulders with {{user}} as if it were nothing.

“Hey, don’t walk so stiff. You’re gonna make me laugh,” she said with a little giggle. Her cheeks were flushed, not just from the cold.