like you a little (catnipz)

three

"you don't have an umbrella right? that's why you've been stuck here?" haerin continued

minji smiled softly at the shorter girl, "yeah... i'd love to share an umbrella together."

haerin stepped closer, their shoulders nearly touching as she extended her umbrella over both of them. as the raindrops drummed a lively rhythm on the canopy above, they ventured out of the school building and into the open air.

the schoolyard had transformed into a glistening landscape of wet asphalt and glistening leaves. the rain had cast a serene hush over everything, muffling the usual sounds of student chatter and footsteps. the world seemed to slow down as they walked side by side, finding a quiet connection in the midst of the downpour.

"thanks for this, haerin," minji said, breaking the comfortable silence. "i didn't want to get soaked on the way home."

haerin grinned, her eyes sparkling like rain-kissed petals. "no problem, minji. it's nice to share an umbrella with a friend."

friend. the word echoed in minji's mind.

i want to more than just a friend to you, kang haerin.

"i'll hold the umbrella, i am the taller one after all." minji offered with a sweet smile.

minji gently tugged at the wrist collar of haerin's uniform, pulling the shorter closer to her.

"you were getting wet." minji noted.

haerin chuckled, her laughter as melodious as the rain. "alright, minji," she agreed, letting minji take control of the umbrella. as minji held the umbrella higher, ensuring haerin stayed dry, their shoulders brushed against each other in the cozy shelter of the rain shield.

minji's heart raced at the closeness, and she couldn't help but steal a quick glance at haerin's face. haerin's cheeks were tinted pink from the cold and the raindrops that glistened in her hair like tiny jewels. she looked stunning, even in the midst of a downpour.

as minji adjusted the umbrella to shield haerin better, her own shoulder getting wet in the process. she felt a jolt of courage surge through her. maybe, just maybe, this was the perfect opportunity to share something more than an umbrella, maybe she could make up for the bake sale incident today.

"i'm really glad you caught me," minji said softly, her voice barely audible over the sound of the rain. "being stuck in the rain with you is much better than waiting alone."

haerin's gaze met minji's, and for a fleeting moment, it felt as though time had stopped. there was something in haerin's eyes, a warmth and a connection that minji couldn't ignore.

a smile tugged at the corners of haerin's lips, and she reached out to gently brush a rain-soaked strand of hair from minji's face. "i'm glad i found you too, minji," she replied, her voice equally soft.

the pair continued their journey in comfortable silence, the pattering rain creating a soothing backdrop to their shared solitude. eventually, they reached their bus stop just as the familiar sound of the approaching bus echoed through the rain.

minji stepped back and gestured for haerin to board the bus first with a polite smile. haerin nodded in appreciation and climbed aboard, finding an empty seat by the window. minji followed, taking the seat beside her, the rain-soaked world outside now viewed through the misty windows of the bus.

as they settled into their seats, minji couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. it was as though the rain had orchestrated this unexpected connection with haerin, and she was determined to make the most of it. she reached into her bag and pulled out her phone, scrolling through her playlist.