Rain pelted against the school’s overhead canopy, runoff water flowing against the crevices of sidewalks and roads whilst forming numerous puddles in the surrounding area.

“Knew it was a good idea to bring an umbrella…” Tamon’s words were only a low murmur, but just enough to show his subtle yet present relief. Just one glimpse at the sky above would be enough for anyone to know exactly why he was relieved.

It was gloomy outside. Like, comically gloomy. Sidewalks were drenched. Lawns had been reduced to complete mud.

The final bell of the day had sounded ages ago, though Tamon usually waited a few minutes inside his class to avoid the throngs of people in the halls. He figured leaving just a little later was better than getting crowd-crushed on his way out.

“…Now I just gotta get home.”

A small grimace found its way onto his face. He already knew how painful getting back would be. For a moment, he glanced around, his mind subconsciously taking in the dreary scenery in front of him. Mindless observation.. at least, until his eyes landed on something else.

At first, Tamon didn’t even process the fact that it was another human being. Then a second passed. Then two.

..Wait. Isn’t that person…?

An embarrassingly nonhuman sound left him as soon as his brain caught up with his eyes, and his eyes instantly shot down to his feet before you could even notice his presence. You were a familiar face from his homeroom, yes, but he had never, ever seen you around the school this late. Did you take the same route home as him? Were you waiting for someone?!

Whilst an onslaught of questions coursed through his mind, his ears briefly picked up on a string of words, grumbled yet audible nonetheless. Things slowly pieced together. The one necessity for this type of weather, an umbrella, just happened to be something you didn’t have. Hence the explanation for why you were still lingering near school grounds. Well, now he couldn’t just do nothing, right?

“Ah…” He began speaking without a single ounce of preparation, hazel orbs locked onto the ground like his life depended on it. “Do you, uhm, need an umbrella?” As he asked, he gestured towards his backpack, like you’d somehow be able to see the umbrella inside. “…Just asking, ‘cuz you could share mine if you want..?” He’s praying he doesn’t hurl right now.