Chapter 3: On A Rainy Day, You Need Something Warm And Sweet

It was now after school, and rain had started to pour down. Luckily I brought an umbrella with me, so there were no issues. And looking around me, I see other people heading home or to their clubs. Hmmm… maybe I should join one too?

No, I doubt… as there isn't anything that interests me. So I'll just pass. Thinking so, I spot a girl who seemed troubled. She doesn't seem to be wearing a uniform… transferring at the start of the year?

And I'd honestly say it's none of my business, but… *sigh, I live close by anyways, and I'm not bringing back textbooks today…

"You seemed troubled."

I asked in my usual voice. She looked my way and fidgeted a little, and then looked down.

"No… I forgot my umbrella," She said in a low voice.

"Wanna borrow mine?" As I said so, the girl looked at me, surprised.

"But… aren't you also in need of one?"

"Well, yes, but. I live close by, and I'll be fine. How about you?"

"I see, but…"

"Just take it. I'll see you then. Bye."

With all that said and done, I gave her my umbrella and ran back home.

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After the whole ordeal, I arrived at my house within 10 minutes. I unlocked the door and went straight to the shower. I wouldn't want to get sick, you know?

After that, I'd just spend time cleaning up the mess I left when I entered. Jeez, the floor is wet… Well, I might as well clean the while I'm at it…

As I was cleaning, I looked outside, and it was pouring down like crazy. Huh? What's this? There seems to be someone in the park. Looking closer, I could see that it was a girl wearing my school's uniform.

She was sitting in the swing, but at least she had an umbrella… well, I'm sure she's okay and likes the rain. So I will just go back to cleaning.

—::::—

After I finished cleaning, I went back to check on the girl. She was still sitting there and hadn't moved since. Is she fine? I mean, she's been there for quite some time… maybe I should see what's up.

Thinking so, I went to the entrance, grabbed my raincoat, and headed out. It took a minute or two to reach the park across the road, but here I am; in the park and in the rain.

As I walked closer to the girl, she looked at me. Oh? It was my classmate Lilly. Why would she be out here in the rain? And she is soaking wet too, despite having an umbrella. How come?

"Huh? Luke, why are you here?"

She looked at me with her eyes wide open. Despite this, her general facial expression was still and not expressive.

"I saw you from my window and got a little worried since you haven't moved for 30 minutes."

"... Is that so? I'm sorry for troubling you."

"No, that's... anyways, you're soaked. What happened?"

"I… a car drove past me and splashed all this water on me…."

She looked down as she said that, but why hasn't she gone back home to change if that's the case? If you want to swing that badly, at least get changed… Of course, she wouldn't be here if that was the case.

"Did you lose your keys?" I asked, but she shook her head.

"No, I forgot it in the classroom." She quietly said.

"Well, you can't stay here. How about coming to my place? I live over there."

I pointed at house I lived in and took her hand. Well, I know I might be a little annoying, but I'd feel guilty leaving her like this.

"Just you know, you can't refuse."

Her eyes widened. She then replied with a smile and firmly held my hand.

"... I wasn't going to."

—::::—

We were now at the entrance, and I told Lilly to wait as I did not want to get the floor wet again. I laid down some towels all the way to the bathroom.

"Oh, before you shower. Chocolate, tea, or coffee? Sweet? As is? Or anything else?"

She looked at me with innocent eyes and hesitated a little. She grabbed some of her hair and, as if hiding, held it in front of her face while looking shy.

"... Chocolate, sweet."

BAM, gosh, she is cute! What she did and the way she said it!

"Got it. I'll get you a towel and a change of clothes. Wait just a little longer."

—::::—

While Lilly was showering, I made some hot chocolate for us. I personally don't drink it sweet and like it the way it is. Anyhow, I finished making it for the two of us and was now waiting in the living room.

I had also prepared some cookies to go along with it. And put forth blankets. She may still be cold since she spent so much time outside in the rain…. Wait, I'm alone with a pretty girl… I know. Even I sometimes realize how slow I am, okay?

After finishing her shower, Lilly came out of the bathroom with a towel, wearing my clothes. Sweatpants and a hoodie to be precise. She looks cute in whatever she wears, doesn't she?

"Oh, you can come and sit here. I'll go get you a hairdryer."

She looked at me as her face was a little flushed.

"Okay."

I headed to my room to grab the hairdryer, and when I returned, I saw Lilly looking outside the window. It was still pouring down and hadn't calmed down at all.

"It sure rains heavily, doesn't it?"

"Yeah…"

I then told her I would go get the chocolate and cookies, and she nodded.

—::::—

Drinking hot chocolate while eating cookies, we sat in silence.

"... It's good," Lilly said.

"Glad you liked it."

"Did you make this?" She asked while tilting her head.

"Hm? Oh, it's not difficult at all, but I'm glad you liked it."

"The cookies too?"

"Huh? How did you know?" I was very surprised she knew.

"Just a feeling, that's all."

I looked at her as my heart skipped a beat. She then turned away from me, looking out the window. I could see that her ears were getting red as she then turned around and gave me a shy smile saying,

"It's warm and sweet… thank you."

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