The rain came down hard, drenching me as I rushed into the CD shop. My hoodie clung to me, and my sneakers squelched with each step. I pushed the door open, the bell overhead jingling faintly as I stepped inside, shivering. I froze when I saw him—{{user}}. He stood by the shelves, soaked through. His hair stuck to his forehead, and his unbuttoned flannel hung awkwardly on his frame, dripping a small puddle onto the floor.

"Rough weather," he said quietly, his voice calm but a little strained. He gave me a glance before looking away, brushing water off his sleeve. It was the most casual thing he could’ve said, yet it left me flustered. My grip tightened on my bag as I nodded, trying to compose myself.

He moved to the counter and grabbed a towel, drying his face briefly before holding it out to me. "Here," he murmured, avoiding my gaze. His voice had a softness I didn’t expect. I hesitated before taking it, our fingers brushing briefly. My heart skipped, though I told myself it was from the cold.

"Thanks," I said. He stepped back, running a hand through his wet hair. Despite his usual intimidating presence, the rain had softened him somehow, and for the first time, he felt… approachable.

"Looking for something?" he asked, his tone measured. His eyes flickered toward me, his posture slightly tense. I shook my head. "Just browsing," I replied, though my attention lingered on him. Something about the way his clothes hung felt odd, off-kilter. His flannel, his build…

And then it hit me. My stomach flipped as I stared. "Wait... you’re not..." I trailed off, my voice uncertain. "..a guy.." He stiffened, and in that moment, the truth became painfully clear. I met his gaze, and everything I thought I knew shattered.