Felicity's POV.
It was induction week—a whole week of activities before classes officially began. A "0th week," they called it. It was a rainy Friday morning, and today we were going to the library for a subject-specific introduction, but honestly, it already felt like two weeks had already passed. It was both fun and stressful. Last night, I was so exhausted that I forgot to call Mom again. She didn't even call me either, so I decided to call her first. When we talked, she sounded so dull. I asked what was wrong, and she said she had a slight headache. I told her to take her medication and rest. She asked how school was going, and I told her it was a bit stressful but fun. She wished me a "stress-free day," and I returned the same before hanging up. I missed her so much. Visiting her would have to wait until vacation.
I quickly finished my morning routine and set out for college with my umbrella. It was still raining heavily. As much as I love the rain, I didn't want my clothes getting soaked before class. I bought a bicycle yesterday, but since it was raining cats and dogs, I waited for a taxi. Soon, I arrived at college. I went inside, but class hadn't started yet. Penelope came over and greeted me, then sat beside me. Of course, Chris wasn't there yet — he was probably still at the coffee shop. I wondered how he would make it through the heavy rain. Maybe he would catch a taxi too.
"So… tell me," I said, narrowing my eyes at her. "How do you know Christopher? Yesterday you said you two go way back. So explain."
Penelope froze for a split second.
"Hmm? Oh. I—uh—I…"
"Exactly." I crossed my arms. "You didn't say anything. What are you hiding? I mean, it's fine if you don't trust me yet… we barely even know each other. I get it. But still."
She sighed, rubbed her forehead, and looked everywhere except at me. She was clearly avoiding the question. But before she could even form a real answer, Chris walked in. I didn't notice him at first, but Penelope nudged me, then quick straightened up with this tiny, nervous smile—like she'd suddenly been caught doing something. A second later, she stood and quietly stepped aside.
"We'll… talk later," she whispered, slipping away just as Chris took the seat right beside me.
Chris sat beside me like nothing unusual had happened. Our first class was in the library, so we all packed our bags and headed there. After class, as Chris and I walked out the library doors, I noticed a senior guy walking straight toward us…
"Hey, Felicity," he greeted.
"Um, hi. How did you remember my name?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
"How could I forget the name of a pretty woman like you? Don't tell me you've forgotten mine," he teased.
Chris was still beside me. We'd grown close, and we were supposed to have lunch together.
"This looks like it's going to take forever. I'll get going — come find me later," Chris whispered in my ear and rolled his eyes.
I smiled. "I will." And he walked off.
"Is something wrong?" the senior wondered.
"No, nothing's wrong," I assured him.
"Alright then… do you remember my name?" he pressed.
"Alex, right?" I guessed, unsure.
"Yes, honey, you remembered! I'm glad," he beamed.
"Let's have lunch together," he suggested.
"I'm so sorry, but my friends are waiting for me. Maybe next time — rain check?" I offered.
He raised a brow. "Your friends, huh?"
"Yes," I said slowly. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
He let out a short, dry scoff. "Ah, right… friends first. Sure. Forget it. I'll see you around — till next time."
"Alright then. Have fun," Alex muttered, and I immediately walked off toward the cafeteria to meet Chris and Penelope.
"So," Chris said, wiggling his fingers in air quotes, "how was your little chat with Mr. Not Too Cool?"
I raised a brow. "You named Alex Mr. Not Too Cool? Seriously?"
Chris shrugged. "Well… you're way too cool for that guy. Just stating facts."
"Oh, come on, Chris. He's not that bad," I said. "Honestly? He's kind of fun."
Penelope gasped dramatically. "Ooooh, so you like him, don't you?"
"Eww, no! I literally just met him," I shot back. "How would I know? Besides, he's not my type, and I'm focusing on my studies."
"Huhh, yeah right," Penelope muttered with a smirk.
I rolled my eyes. "Anyway—Chris said, and I quote, 'You're too cool for that guy.' Is that jealousy I hear?"
Chris nearly choked. "What—no! Me? Jealous? Please. I'm just looking out for a friend. That's all."
"Uhh-huh. Right," I laughed.
It was still raining heavily when classes ended. Chris, Penelope, and I decided to wait a little longer for the rain to subside, but it didn't look like it would stop anytime soon. I got bored just sitting there, so I went downstairs and stood by the entrance. The view outside was beautiful. I reached out and let the rain touch my fingertips. A moment later, Chris and Penelope came down to join me.
"I love the rain," I said.
"Oh really? I'm shocked," Chris replied with obvious sarcasm.
"Oh, shut up," I said, giving him a playful push.
"I love the rain too," Penelope added, "but I definitely don't want to get wet."
I turned to face them and grinned.
"That's the best part."
Before they could say anything, I ran straight into the rain. It felt wonderful. I twirled and spun, laughing as the water soaked through my clothes, enjoying the feeling of getting wet.
"Felicity, come inside!" Chris called out. "If you catch a cold, you'll fall sick!"
"Yes! I agree with Chris!" Penelope shouted.
"No, this is fun! Come and join me!" I yelled back.
"No!" they both answered at the same time.
"Your loss! This is amazing!" I laughed.
I twirled slowly, arms spread wide, spinning like a ballerina until I almost lost my balance — but someone caught me. It was Alex. For a moment, I thought it was Chris, but what am I thinking, gosh, just stop it. I'd worked myself up for nothing and hadn't even noticed when he appeared.
I started to feel awkward under his stare, but thankfully Chris and Penelope came to my rescue.
"Are you alright?" they asked in unison.
"Yes, I'm fine, thanks," I said smiling, then turning to Alex. "And thank you. If not for you, I would have really hurt myself."
"It's no hustle, sweetheart," Alex replied.
I thought to myself, Was there ever a hustle? It must be his favorite phrase.
Chris stepped forward, frowning. "Thanks, but I'll take it from here."
"Oh, okay. Goodbye love! See you tomorrow," Alex replied, flashing that effortless smile before walking off.
"Goodbye," I murmured, watching him disappear.
Turning back to Chris, I couldn't resist teasing him. "Is that jealousy I smell?"
Penelope smirked and nudged me. "I think so."
"I am not jealous. He's just… annoying," Chris grumbled, trying poorly to hide it.
"Oh, okay," Penelope and I exchanged knowing looks, silently laughing at him.
"Goodbye, Penny. See you tomorrow," I said.
"Goodbye, Felicity," Penelope replied.
We hugged and she walked away. Once we were alone, the rain had slowed to a gentle drizzle, misting the air like a soft veil. I laughed softly and twirled in the puddles, spinning like a ballerina, letting the water soak my coat and hair.
Chris hesitated for a moment, shrugged off his coat, and draped it over my shoulders. "You know," he said, his voice low and amused, "you're completely insane."
"Insane? I call it living," I replied, grinning.
Chris shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips, amusement in his eyes. Rain soaked us both, but for a moment, nothing else mattered. We stood there, drenched and laughing, the world around us fading away. Then his hand moved gently, tucking a wet strand of my hair behind my ear. My heart skipped. In that instant, it felt like it was just him and me, against everything.
>>>>>>>>>>
Christopher's POV.
I woke up very early. My alarm didn't even ring. I went through my morning routine.
It was a rainy Friday, and I couldn't stop thinking about Felicity. I rushed off to work with my umbrella and hadn't even eaten yet. After work with my latte coffee, I boarded a taxi and headed straight to school. When classes ended, we waited because of the rain. While talking about the rain, without warning, Felicity ran outside into the rain, twirling and laughing. Beautiful, soaked, carefree.
In my mind: She's so beautiful when she's wet.
Then Penny asked,
"How are you doing? How are things going?"
"I'm well and fine. How's our family? Doing alright?" I asked.
"Yes, they are. Mother misses you a lot," she said.
"Yes, but I can't go back there — at least, not now," I replied.
Just then, Felicity almost slipped, but Alex caught her. I was furious. I ran out to meet her and took over from there. He left, and then Felicity and Penelope started teasing me. Later, it was just Felicity and me walking home and chatting.
"So, how's your mom?" I asked.
"She's fine," she replied.
"What about your parents? Are they alright?" she asked.
"Yes, they're fine. But I miss my mom, though," I said.
"Then you should visit or call her. My mom means the world to me," she said.
I stayed silent for a moment, then broke it.
"What about your dad?" I asked.
"I... I don't want to talk about him.
This is me. Goodnight, Chris," she said.
"Oh, okay. See you tomorrow, my love. Don't miss me too much," I teased, kissing her hand again.
"Oh my goodness, gross! Stop doing that, please," she said, laughing.
"Never, you can't make me. Goodnight," I replied.
And then we parted ways.
>>>>>>>>>>>
Noah's POV.
Evening came, and the rain was pouring so heavily like a river from the sky. I headed out to meet Felicity so we could walk home together—but when I reached the courtyard, I froze. I saw everything.
First, Alex caught her before she slipped, his hand around her arm, pulling her close.
Then Chris stepped in, calm and sure, draping his coat over her shoulders like she belonged there. And when he reached out and gently tucked a wet strand of her hair behind her ear… that was when my chest sank.
They didn't even notice me standing there in the rain. I watched them laughing softly, drenched, wrapped in a moment I had no place in. I should just give up, I thought. How am I supposed to compete with two people for Felicity's heart?