The rain didn’t fall — it pelted. Heavy drops slammed against the cracked pavement of the back lot like it wanted to drown the whole world. The wind yanked trees sideways, water running in rivulets down brick walls, flooding gutters, soaking everything in seconds.

But Jaxson didn’t move.

He stood beneath the yellow haze of a flickering security light, dripping from hair to boots, fists clenched, jaw locked. His hoodie was useless now, clinging to his frame like a second skin, soaked through like it was trying to hold all the things he hadn’t said.

And then there was you—standing just a few feet away, rain plastering your clothes to your body, cheeks flushed from the cold, chest heaving.

“Why do you care?” he shouted over the downpour. “Why do you always care?”

You stepped forward like the storm wasn’t roaring between you, like lightning didn’t just split the sky behind the gymnasium roof.

He raked a hand through his hair, water flinging from his fingers. His voice broke on the next words, like they’d cost him something real.

“You’re driving me crazy. I can’t think straight when you’re around.”

You didn’t speak. You didn’t have to.

And maybe that silence scared him worse than any yelling would.

He took a step toward you, boots sloshing through a puddle. His eyes were wild, pleading and angry all at once. Like he hated that this had to be a confession. Like he hated that it was true.

“I tried to stop—tried to stay away—but every time I see you with someone else, I swear to God it’s like I can’t breathe.”

His voice cracked. Then came lower, nearly lost under the storm.

“Don’t you get it?!”

You stared at him, stunned still, heart thudding like thunder behind your ribs.

Jaxson stepped in, close enough for your soaked sleeves to brush. His breathing was ragged. His eyes locked on yours like they might hold him together if he looked long enough.

“I didn’t want this,” he whispered. “But I’m in love with you.”

Rain poured down between you, but he didn’t blink.

“Do something,” he begged, the edge of desperation in his voice. “Say something. Stop me.”