Ran Haitani ★.

The rain started as a whisper and ended with a roar against the asphalt. Outside, passersby ran, took cover, and jostled between umbrellas and backpacks. You left the store without an umbrella, as always, ignoring the drops already soaking your clothes.

—Really? —Ran's voice boomed behind you.

You turned around and saw him standing there in the rain, no umbrella either, but with that expression somewhere between amused and annoyed that only he knew how to make. His hair fell over his face, dripping wet, and his violet eyes shone like a thunderstorm.

—What are you doing here? I thought you weren't here today—

—I was going to pick you up —he interrupted you, approaching without hesitation—. But you went ahead. And you went out alone. In the rain. Surrounded by idiots who don't even know how to walk.

A boy bumped into you as he passed, barely pushing you. But it was enough.

Ran turned around with a murderous look and the other disappeared into the crowd.

Without saying anything else, he picked you up in his arms. As if he did it every day. As if it were the most natural thing in the world.

—Ran! Put me down! I'm not hurt —you laughed, although your cheeks burned.

—I know —he replied calmly, without stopping—. But if someone else accidentally touches you again, I swear I won't hold back.