The rain caught them by surprise.
They took shelter beneath the bridge, water drumming above like a countdown. Mira laughed once, startled by the sound of herself.
"I don't do this," she said.
"Do what?"
"Act like this," she said. "Unplanned."
Hiyoon watched her with an expression that felt dangerously close to affection. "Maybe that's why I can stay."
The rain grew heavier. Cold seeped into Mira's sleeves.
Without thinking, Hiyoon reached out—then stopped himself inches away.
"May I?" he asked.
She nodded.
His hand closed gently around hers.
The world sharpened.
Mira gasped as warmth rushed through her, sudden and overwhelming. Hiyoon's breath hitched.
"I can feel myself," he whispered, awed and afraid.
The rain slowed.
So did time.
Mira knew—instinctively—that this moment mattered more than it should.
She loosened her grip first.
Hiyoon faded, just a fraction.
They both pretended not to notice.