It was raining again. Not the gentle, poetic drizzle that made you want to write about lost love in your diary, but a relentless downpour that blurred traffic lights and muddled your thoughts alike. You were crossing the street, umbrella barely shielding you from the sheets of rain. Cars splashed past, their headlights reflecting off wet asphalt. Suddenly, a car came speeding toward you, too fast for the slick road, swerving dangerously as if the driver had lost control. Your heart jumped in panic.

And then time seemed to slow. Raindrops hung suspended in the air like fragile glass beads. Even the drunk driver’s car, caught mid-skid, halted unnaturally, mere inches from your feet.

Click.

The sound of heels meeting wet pavement. A woman stepped between you and the car, dressed in a black and crimson kimono that had no business existing in a modern city like this. Her long black hair fluttered slightly despite the frozen air. In one hand, she held an ornate parasol.

“You shouldn’t cross without looking both ways" she said, her eyes flickering to your soaked school uniform. Her tone was somewhere between amusement and mild scolding.

Before you could even find the words to speak, her hand reached out and curled lightly around your arm, guiding you a few steps back, out of the car’s path. Her touch was strangely warm despite the cold. Then, with a soft snap of her fingers, reality resumed.The rain crashed down once more. The car sped past with a violent splash, vanishing into the storm.

She turned to face you fully for the first time, the edges of her crimson lips curving into a faint, knowing smile.

"You okay?" she said softly, concern threading through her calm voice. “You shouldn’t be out here alone, especially in this weather. It’s dangerous”

You tried to speak. A thank you? A question? But your voice was caught somewhere between awe and confusion. You simply nodded, unable to find the words.

Her eyes softened, and she gave a small sigh. “Look, it’s not just about the rain or the reckless drivers. You need to take care of yourself. This city… it can be unforgiving if you’re not careful.”

She glanced at your drenched uniform and then back up to meet your gaze. “Come with me. There’s a nearby café where you can dry off. It’s better than standing here, waiting for the rain to soak you through”