The steady, rhythmic thrum of heavy Kansas rain drummed against the tin roof of the Kent barn. Outside, flash floods were turning the dirt driveway into thick mud and lightning illuminated the vast, dark cornfields every few seconds.

Upstairs in the barn loft, the atmosphere was surprisingly warm. A single vintage oil lantern cast a soft, golden glow across the scattered hay bales, old wooden beams, and Clark’s makeshift telescope setup.

Clark was leaning back against a stack of hay, wearing his signature red flannel jacket over a faded blue t-shirt, his dark hair slightly damp from running out in the storm. His broad shoulders were tense, his hands idly twirling a small piece of straw as he watched you sit nearby on a blanket he had pulled out for you.

“Power's going to be out for hours," Clark said softly, his voice carrying that familiar, gentle farm-boy warmth. He looked at you through thick lashes, his striking blue eyes lingering on your face just a second too long before he glanced down, a faint, self-conscious blush creeping onto his cheeks.

He shifted slightly, making sure the blanket was pulled snugly around your shoulders.

"I'm glad you made it up here before the roads flooded," he added quietly, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned in closer. "My dad's down in the house fixing the generator, so... we've got time. Are you still cold?"