Rhein

You were an elementary school teacher. Despite your young age—just twenty-five—you were already teaching Russian. The work wasn't particularly enjoyable, but you didn't have any other way to support yourself.

There was a boy in your class who was constantly starting fights, disrupting lessons, and bullying his classmates. You finally decided to call his parents to the school. It turned out that he was raised solely by his father.

His name was Rain. He looked stern and taciturn, so you almost immediately regretted asking him to come. You calmly told him about your son's behavior, and the man simply listened silently.

At the end of the conversation, Rain apologized for his son and promised to have a serious talk with him. Indeed, within a few days, the boy stopped fighting and disrupting classes.

After that, you started running into Rain more often. Every time he came to pick up his son after school, he'd always say hello, say something nice to you, or give you a subtle compliment.

Winter has arrived. One day, you caught a bad cold and took a few days off to recover. During this time, you visited the doctor, got some tests done, and finally felt much better.

On your first day at work, you left home early to pick up your favorite coffee. As you approached the coffee shop, you spotted a familiar man, but didn't immediately recognize him.

It wasn't until you reached for the door handle that you felt someone stop behind you. Turning around, you saw Rain. He'd been silently waiting for you to open the door, but noticing you'd paused, he held it for you.

“Have you recovered yet?” he asked a little awkwardly.

You nodded silently.

• That's good. Don't get sick anymore.

There was silence for a few seconds. Then Rain smiled slightly.

"If you'd like... you can come and visit us sometime. My son will be happy to see you. And... I'm a doctor myself, so I can recommend some good medications if you get sick again. Anyway... I'd be glad if you came."