The sky was heavy with clouds, and a soft drizzle tapped against the classroom windows. Aiko gazed outside, watching the drops race each other down the glass. Today's club meeting had ended early, leaving her and Ren alone to walk home.
"Don't tell me you forgot your umbrella again," Ren teased gently as Aiko stepped out, hair slightly damp from the drizzle.
Aiko's cheeks flushed. "I didn't expect it to rain this much…" she muttered, tugging at her hood.
Ren handed her his umbrella, holding it above them. "Well, lucky for you, I always plan ahead." His grin was soft but teasing, and Aiko's heart fluttered.
They walked together down the quiet streets, the faint smell of rain in the air mixing with the warmth of their closeness. Aiko held onto the umbrella with one hand while the other occasionally brushed against Ren's as they fell into an easy rhythm.
"Your hands are cold," Ren said suddenly, noticing her fingers. Without hesitation, he slipped hers into his gloved hand, their fingers intertwining naturally.
Aiko felt warmth spread through her chest. "Yours aren't so bad either," she replied softly, squeezing his hand back.
A light puddle made her stumble slightly, and Ren caught her by the waist effortlessly. "Careful," he murmured, steadying her.
"Thanks…" Aiko whispered, her face turning bright red from both the attention and closeness.
They continued walking, sharing quiet laughter about small things—a leaf stuck in her hair, a bird flapping nervously in the rain, and Ren's exaggerated "heroic" umbrella maneuver. Each little moment felt intimate, a shared slice of comfort in an ordinary rainy day.
When they reached a small bridge overlooking the stream, Aiko leaned slightly against the railing, watching the ripples in the water. "It's kind of nice… this rain," she said softly.
Ren leaned beside her, their shoulders brushing. "Yeah… it makes the world feel quieter. Cozier," he added, glancing at her with a smile.
Aiko's heart skipped. "I like it… especially with you."
Ren's gaze softened. "I like it too. Being with you makes everything better."
For a few moments, they simply stood together, watching the raindrops create tiny ripples in the stream. The simplicity of the moment—the shared warmth, the soft sounds of rain, the closeness of their bodies—made Aiko realize just how comfortable she had become with Ren. It wasn't about grand gestures anymore; it was the little things that mattered.
"I don't want to let go of your hand," Aiko admitted quietly, leaning just a little closer.
Ren smiled, gently squeezing her hand. "You don't have to. We've got time."
The rain began to let up, leaving behind a faint rainbow stretching across the horizon. Aiko and Ren stood there for a moment longer, watching it together, their fingers still intertwined. The world around them felt peaceful, warm, and perfectly theirs.
By the time they parted at her doorstep, neither was in a hurry to let go. Ren bent slightly, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face. "Same time tomorrow?" he asked softly.
"Definitely," Aiko replied, smiling shyly. Her heart felt full, warmed by the steady rhythm of his presence beside her.
As she watched him walk away, the rainbow overhead mirrored the warmth she felt inside. Love didn't need to be dramatic or sudden. It was here—in shared glances, gentle touches, soft laughter, and quiet moments in the rain. And Aiko knew that as long as she had Ren by her side, every rainy day could feel like a little piece of magic.