The first raindrop landed softly on Zhao Liyun's notebook, blurring the corner of a doodle she had been mindlessly sketching. She sat at the small wooden table on her family's balcony, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders, the scent of rain mixing with the faint aroma of jasmine from her mother's potted plants.
Summer showers were common this time of year, sudden bursts of rain followed by sweltering heat, but today the gray clouds lingered longer than usual.
The soft patter of rain was calming — at least until her brother's voice echoed from the hallway.
"Liyun! Help me carry this stuff to the living room!"
She sighed, folding her notebook closed and heading inside, where Yichen stood surrounded by bags of snacks and soda bottles.
"Are you feeding an entire army?" Liyun asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Close. Mingchen and the guys are coming over to watch the match," Yichen said with a grin. "And you know how much they eat."
Mingchen.
Liyun's heart did a familiar little flip at the sound of his name, but she forced her expression to stay neutral.
"They're always here," she muttered, even though she secretly didn't mind at all.
By the time the boys arrived, the rain had settled into a light drizzle, tapping gently against the windows. Liyun stayed in the background, helping her mom bring out plates of cut fruit and bowls of popcorn, though her eyes kept drifting toward the living room where Yichen, Mingchen, and Haoran sprawled across the couch, arguing over who would get the best seat.
Mingchen was in his usual spot — the corner of the couch closest to the window. He always chose that seat, even though it was slightly farther from the TV. Liyun wondered if he liked the view outside, or if the breeze from the window made it his preferred spot.
Or maybe — just maybe — he liked it because from there, he could see into the dining room where she usually sat.
It was probably just her imagination.
But it was a comforting thought.
"Xiao Yun, bring the watermelon!" her mom called.
Liyun grabbed the plate, her heart picking up speed as she stepped into the living room. The guys were already in the middle of a heated discussion over which team had the best goalkeeper.
"Thanks, Xiao Yun," Haoran said absently, reaching for a slice.
Mingchen glanced up, catching her gaze for just a moment.
"Thanks," he added, softer than Haoran, and just for her.
Liyun's face heated as she quickly set the plate down and scurried back into the kitchen.
---
Later that evening, after the match ended in a draw and Yichen declared it the worst game of the season, the boys sprawled lazily across the living room, half-asleep from too many snacks.
Liyun quietly slipped out onto the balcony again, the rain now just a soft mist in the air. She leaned against the railing, letting the cool breeze brush against her face, washing away the warmth of her earlier blush.
The sliding door opened behind her.
"You always sneak out here," came Mingchen's voice, soft and familiar.
Liyun turned, her heart doing somersaults. He stood there with his hands in his hoodie pockets, his hair slightly tousled, his expression calm but fond.
"It's quieter out here," she said.
Mingchen stepped closer, leaning against the railing beside her, their shoulders just an inch apart.
"You've always liked quiet spaces," he said, surprising her. "Even when you were little, you'd disappear with your books and sketchpads. Yichen used to freak out, thinking you'd run away."
Liyun laughed softly. "I didn't think you noticed."
"I notice more than you think," Mingchen said, his gaze drifting toward the dark sky.
The air felt heavier, the space between them charged with something unsaid. The rain had stopped completely, leaving behind the scent of wet earth and fresh leaves.
Liyun bit her lip, gathering her courage. "Do you—"
But her words stuck in her throat when Mingchen turned to face her fully, his eyes warm but unreadable.
"Do I what?" he asked gently.
"Do you… like rainy days?" she asked instead, the real question too terrifying to voice.
Mingchen's lips quirked into a soft smile. "They're not bad. Depends on the company."
Liyun's heart skipped painfully.
Before she could think of what to say next, Yichen's voice rang out from inside.
"Mingchen! Let's play another round!"
Mingchen straightened, his hand brushing briefly against Liyun's as he turned to go back inside.
"See you around, Xiao Yun," he said, his voice quiet, almost like it was meant only for her.
"See you," she whispered, her fingers curling around the place where his touch still lingered.
As the balcony door slid closed, Liyun stood there alone, the mist curling around her like a blanket.
Slowly, she exhaled, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
The little things — a glance, a touch, a soft-spoken word — were all she had.
And for now, they were enough.
(End of chapter)
Thank you for reading.
If you're enjoying the journey so far, your support truly helps this story grow.
— Author of 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡