"But why are you concerned?" Daisy asked, her voice softer now—careful.
Rain studied her for a long moment before answering. "Looks like Lara hasn't told you yet," he said quietly. "I'll let her speak to you first." He paused, then added, his tone steady, deliberate, "But let me be clear about one thing—I am concerned about you. Just like Zain is about Lara. We're making sure you're both safe. Without interfering in your work."
Daisy frowned. "So… you guys know what we are?"
He nodded. "Yes. We know you're agents. And we're the ones who've been helping you from the shadows. Not because you're incapable—you can handle yourselves. But because we chose to be your shadows."
Her arms folded instinctively as her thoughts raced. "Lara and Zain, I get," she said slowly. "They've known each other for years. But us?" Her eyes searched his face. "It's barely been a month. And you were protecting me even before we knew each other. Why?"
Rain's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile."Daisy," he said gently, "I've known you for years. You just don't remember me."
Her breath caught. "We've… met before?"
"Yes." His voice softened. "It was the worst time of my life. My dad—my only family—passed away. I was in City A for his funeral. His hometown."
He looked away briefly, then back at her. "You were there too. For your parents' funeral."
Something tightened in Daisy's chest.
"After the procession," he continued, "I was sitting alone. You noticed. You came and sat beside me. You didn't say much at first. Then you said—"His voice dropped, careful with the memory.'I know how you feel. But believe me, God gives His strongest warriors the heaviest pain. Don't worry—I'll stand beside you and fight.'
A faint smile touched his lips. "Then you hugged me."
Daisy stood frozen.
"You were the reason I survived that loneliness," Rain said quietly. "Years later, when I came back to City A after graduation, I learned the path you chose. And I made a promise to myself."
His gaze held hers—steady, sincere."That I'd stand beside you again. This time, not just with words—but fighting alongside you."
Daisy couldn't speak.
She remembered him then—not the man standing before her, but the boy. Small. Alone. Sitting with no one beside him. She remembered asking her grandparents if she could sit next to him, if she could mourn with him. They had nodded. She had gone anyway.
Now she looked into Rain's eyes—soft, achingly familiar—and smiled. Time folded in on itself. No words passed between them. They didn't need to. Their eyes carried years of grief, comfort, and quiet gratitude. Tears slipped free—shared, understood.
Daisy wiped her tears, grounding herself. "I'll be in the hall," she said lightly, changing the subject before her voice could break. "Come out once you've changed. And… let me know where I can sleep for the day."
"Sure," he nodded.
She walked out before he could see her unravel again.
Sitting on the sofa, she leaned back and exhaled slowly.How can I not fall for a man who's been protecting me all these years?A soft smile curved her lips. Rain… you're everything I ever dreamed of in my man.
Her gaze drifted to the table where a few board games were stacked. Curious, she picked one up—just as Rain stepped into the hall.
She held it up. "Want to play this?"
He raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes."Are you sure?" he said. "Once we start, there's no going back."