The rain came unexpectedly , as if the sky itself had planned their meeting.
One moment, the clouds loomed overhead, seemingly innocent; the next, rain cascaded down, drenching the ground and sending students scurrying in all directions. laughter erupted in surprise, umbrellas tangled together, and shoes splashed through the forming puddle as everyone sought shelter.
Lin Mei stood still beneath the narrow awning at the campus gate , clutching her backpack tightly against her chest while the raindrops danced on the concrete just inches from her feet. The air filled with scent of wet asphalt and fresh greenery.
She sighed and tilted her head back slightly, welcoming the cool moisture .
" Of course, she muttered to herself. " The first day of campus...and i forgot my umbrella."
figures.
Around her, the world buzzed with activity.
Friends called out to each other, some darting into the rain, others huddling together under umbrellas that were far too small. it felt chaotic and busy, yet oddly distant, as if she were observing everything through a glass barrier.
And then—
She spotted him.
He walked through the rain as if it were nothing.
No umbrella .No hurry.
Water soaked through his white shirt, clinging to his shoulder and arms, but he seemed oblivious to it all.
His hair was damp, darkened by the rain, with droplets trailing down from his lashes.
He walked slowly, deliberately, exuding a calmness that contrasted sharply with the frantic energy around him.
Lin Mei frowned without realizing it.
She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "Is he foolish…? Why is he walking in the rain?"
Little did she know he heard her.
Without a word, he looked up.
Their eyes locked.
The world narrowed to a single point: the boy.
The rain, the noise, the blur of other people –all faded.
A blush crept up Lin Mei's neck, a warmth spreading like wildfire.
Her thoughts, normally a neat procession, scattered like panicked birds.
She muttered to herself in a low voice ,
"Get a grip, a little pinch to bring her back to earth.
Ridiculous. He was just a guy.
A guy in the rain.
But when she risked another glance....
He was closer.
Water clung to his lashes, tracing paths down his face.
He stopped beside her, close enough to feel his presence, and leaned in, sharing a secret.
"who were you calling an idiot?"
His voice was softer than expected. Just curious .
Lin Mei's mind went blank.
She stared,words caught between her thoughts her throat.
Time seemed to slow, the rain a soft background hum.
She was suddenly aware of everything: his steady gaze, the faint warmth from his damp clothes, the ridiculous thump of her heart.
"Hm " He prompted gentle.
She blinked, flustered, and shook her head, a nervous smile.
"No..No one?" she stammered."I wasn't talking to anyone ,"
"Yeah..." he replied. " no one."
A small smile touched his lips, and her stomach did a little flip.
They stood together, the rain falling, a comfortable silence between them.
"Why is he still here,?
Why am i okay with this.? "
From a nearby store, a song drifted, a melody of first meetings, of chances. The gray afternoon softened, warmed by the music.
The rain eased, and he shifted, glancing towards the gate.
"I should go," he said.
"Oh," she replied, a pang of disappointment.
He stepped out, the rain brushing his shoulders.
He paused, looking back.
" Try not to insult strangers next time," he added lightly.
She laughed, a real, breathless sound.
"I'll try, she said.
He nodded and walked away, disappearing into the rain.
She watched the empty space he'd left.
The rain stopped.
But she stayed, remembering the rain, the warmth, the way her heart had leaped. She didn't know his name, or where it would lead, but she would carry this moment with her, forever.