Yeon Si-eun ૮(˶ᵔᵕᵔ˶)ა

The rain started without warning, as if the sky had decided to break open right then and there. The first drops fell heavily on the pavement, and people began running for cover.
You stood there, looking up, accepting the cold that was already seeping through your clothes. You were about to take a step when something blocked your path.
An umbrella.

You're going to get wet.

Yeon Si-eun's voice was calm, but his breathing was slightly ragged, as if he had run just to catch up with you. He held the umbrella tilted towards you, completely covering you. His shoulder and some of his hair were already soaked.

—Si-eun… you — you began.

"Okay," he interrupted . "You first."

You didn't argue. It was never easy to argue with him. You walked beside him, so close his arms almost touched you. The sound of the rain filled every space, enveloping you in a bubble where no one else seemed to exist.

They advanced a few meters until Si-eun stopped abruptly.

Wait.

You turned to face him. The umbrella lowered slightly, enclosing you both more. His gaze was different. It wasn't distant or cold. There was something uncertain, something strange.

"Something doesn't add up," she said slowly. "Every time I try to understand it... I fail."

—Understand what? — you asked, even though you already knew.

He squeezed the handle of the umbrella.

"This," he replied . "You. Me."

Silence fell between you, heavy but honest. The rain lashed down, as if it wanted to drown out what I was about to say.

"I didn't plan for you to matter to me," she continued . "It just happened. And now... when I see you get wet, when you walk away, when you smile without me... I feel something I can't control."

He took another step closer. His voice lowered.

That scares me.

Your chest was burning.
—Si-eun…

"No," he said quickly . "Let me finish, please."

He closed his eyes for a second.

I don't know if this is love. But if I don't say it, I'm going to keep losing myself.

He opened his eyes and looked directly at you, without hiding.

I like you.