The first time you ever laid eyes on him, it was raining

You had dashed into a small, quiet bookstore to get away from the rain, your hoodie dripping with water, water falling from your bangs. You were attempting to dry off your glasses when a gentle laugh diverted your attention

"I think the rain's out for blood today," someone said jokingly.

You glanced up. He stood behind the counter, book in hand, his raven-colored hair a bit disheveled, and a smile on his lips that spoke of shyness. Your eyes met his—curious, gentle, and shining like far-off stars

"Yeah," you panted, having just returned from running "It chased me all over campus."

"Guess you lost," he joked "I'm Kian. Welcome to The Silver Leaf."

That rainy meeting became something else. You kept returning—sometimes due to weather, but more because of him. You'd walk through aisles, exchanging book suggestions and soft chuckles. You began to learn his preferences. He began to notice the change in your smile. Neither of you articulated it, but something soft and authentic had started

One rainy Saturday, clouds hung low as you sat on the stairs outside the store, drinking hot coffee together. The rain began again, slow and steady

Kian gazed up at the sky, then at you "I enjoy the rain," he said "It makes me remember that sometimes things happen right when they're supposed to."

Your heart skipped a beat

Then he went on "I think I've been waiting for you in this rain."

You smiled, pulse pounding "Then perhaps. we ought to stop running from it."

He leaned in, searching your eyes—and in the soundless drop of falling rain, he kissed you