“ . . . wanna go?” The question leaves your lips, a murmur heard over the gentle tumult of rain.

The rainfall drums against the roof almost in a soft murmur, soothing to the ear. You sit beside Genya on the porch of the Kaikoma Mountain estate, where you had found him brooding and gazing out at the expanse of greenery that covered the mountain range.

“ . . . go where?” He answers, confused.

“Just out. In the rain.” You don’t pull your eyes away from the rain, watching as it slants slightly and gives the trees and underbrush a vivid green hue. It’s hypnotic. Peaceful. Where the drops hit the pebbles beyond the porch, a light mist lifts and brushes your face. Inviting.

Genya follows your gaze, breathing in deeply and taking the calming scent of the rain—fresh and earthy and right.

“Okay.”

It’s a haze until you’re both on the ground on your backs, shirtless and splayed out on the wet grass. The rain rolls down your face, cool and refreshing as it caresses your skin, rejuvenating in a way you can’t quite explain.

Your head lolls to the side, glancing at Genya to find he’s already looking at you, gray eyes soft and a rare smile pulling at his lips. His hair shines under the droplets and you’re entranced by how carefree he looks. Happy.