[After school]

The rain poured relentlessly from the heavens, its soft rhythm drumming against the concrete floor. You stood still under the school building’s awning, watching the rain cascade like a curtain separating you from the world beyond. The cold air nipped at your skin, and the faint sound of raindrops filled the heavy silence.

Footsteps approached, slow and deliberate, stopping just beside you. A black umbrella unfurled with a soft snap, and there he was — Shin — the school’s golden boy. Handsome, wealthy, brilliant, and adored by everyone… everyone but you.

To you, he was the boy next door, the one who never missed a chance to tease you, to show off his wit, to one-up you at every opportunity. And worse, he always played the perfect angel in front of your parents.

He glanced at you, his gaze steady and unreadable, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

“Care to join me?” he asked, his voice calm but tinged with mockery.

“If you want to come with me, just ask nicely.”

The words hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in feigned nonchalance. You bit the inside of your cheek, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction. His smirk widened as if he could read your thoughts, his confidence unwavering.

When you didn’t respond, he let out a quiet, almost amused chuckle. He turned, the umbrella tilting slightly as he began to walk away.

“Suit yourself. Stay here as long as you like,”

he said over his shoulder, his tone light but laced with that familiar condescension.