Chapter 7

Ginny leaned against the awning, her breath forming misty clouds in the chilly air. The rain pounded on the pavement, creating a rhythmic melody that seemed to echo the turmoil in her mind. She watched as droplets slid down the plastic covering, each one a miniature cascade of her thoughts. How was she going to get home in this weather?

As Ginny's gaze shifted from the rain-soaked sidewalk to the bustling college campus before her, her thoughts turned to Persephone and their interaction with Reagan a while ago.

"Well, too bad. She's already taken." Persephone simply retorted, her possessive arms still wrapped around her torso, unconsciously giving her shivers.

"Geez. Alright, I'll stop." Reagan directed her attention to a confused Ginny. "My offer is still open. Call me if you change your mind." She winks.

There's absolutely no chance that she'll give this person a call. Ginny made a mental observation that her feelings toward Reagan are far from positive. As soon as Reagan disappeared from view, Persephone relaxed her hold around her waist.

"Apologies, darling." The latter apologised for her action. Ginny just nodded like it didn't bother her much. "Ginny... if you ever decide to take up Reagan's offer, please let me know?"

"I'd rather die." She scoffed in disbelief. "Compared to you, she seems insufferable." She didn't mean to say those words, and she's regretting now how it slipped.

Persephone's grin widened with radiating charm. "So, you're saying you enjoy my company more?" she teased. "Looks like I've won you over."

"Don't get ahead of yourself." Ginny averted her gaze, not in the mood to justify herself.

After that she went out of the room and went straight to her locker to get her stuff. Unfortunately, she got caught by the rain and has been waiting for it to stop for probably 10 minutes now. She burst out of her bubble when a familiar voice startled her, and Ginny just wanted to roll her eyes again. What are the odds?

"Caught in the rain, darling?"

♦

The rain fell in a gentle drizzle, casting a romantic ambiance over the college campus. The notable head girl, Persephone, with her vibrant energy and captivating smile, made her way through the wet pathways, turning heads and leaving a trail of whispers in her wake. Her steps were confident, her presence magnetic, and her eyes were like two sparkling blue gems that seemed to hold a secret just for a certain someone.

Persephone spotted Ginny, the apple of her eye, standing under the awning, her stoic expression seemingly unaffected by the rain. Undeterred by Ginny's apparent indifference, Persephone sauntered over with a confident grace, her every movement deliberate and enchanting.

"Caught in the rain, darling?" Persephone purred, her voice a melodious blend of playfulness and charm.

Ginny arched an eyebrow, her expression remaining impassive. "Persephone. You again?" She silently mumbles under her breath.

Persephone's chuckle danced on the rain-scented breeze. "You know, most people run for cover when it rains. But here you are, embracing the elements like a mysterious protagonist in a novel."

A corner of Ginny's lips twitched, a subtle acknowledgment of Persephone's words. "I'm just waiting for the rain to wash away the chaos." She replied, playing along.

Persephone leaned in, her proximity creating a charged atmosphere between them. "Chaos can be beautiful too, you know. Just like the rain. And speaking of beauty, it's a shame to see you standing here, getting wet."

Ginny's stoic facade faltered for a split second, her gaze meeting Persephone's with a flicker of amusement and annoyance. "And what would you suggest?"

Persephone's smile widened, her eyes holding a mischievous glint. "How about a ride? My car's nearby, and I promise it's warm and dry."

Ginny hesitated, her guarded demeanour warring with the allure of Persephone's proposition because she was that desperate to go home.

"I can handle a little rain." She stubbornly replied.

Persephone's laughter tinkled like a wind chime in a summer breeze. "Stubborn as always. But why suffer needlessly when you can have comfort?" She proposes yet again, baby blue eyes twinkle, never leaving her.

With a graceful motion, Persephone held out her hand, an unspoken invitation dancing in her eyes. Ginny regarded the proffered hand, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions (mostly annoyance.) Eventually, she placed her hand in Persephone's, allowing herself to be led toward a sleek, parked car.

Persephone's car interior was indeed a haven of warmth and luxury. Ginny settled into the passenger seat, her gaze lingering on Persephone as the latter slid into the driver's seat.

"See, isn't this better?" Persephone's voice was a velvet caress, laced with playful triumph.

Ginny nodded, her lips curving into a rare smile. "I suppose it is."

Ginny is truly grateful, and even though she doesn't have romantic feelings for Persephone, she recognizes Persephone's genuine kindness. That's why Ginny never believed those untrue rumours about her having a bad personality.

"Thank you," she said with genuine sincerity.

In response, Persephone smiled and replied, "You're welcome."

The soft hum of the car's engine filled the air as Persephone skillfully navigated the rain-kissed streets. Ginny sat beside her, her gaze drifting out of the window, lost in thought. Persephone stole occasional glances at her, a playful smile playing on her lips.

"So, Ginny," Persephone began, her voice a lilting melody, "where exactly is your dorm street?"

Ginny turned her attention to Persephone, her stoic expression unwavering. "It's on Elmwood Avenue."

Persephone's lips curled into an amused grin. "Elmwood Avenue, huh? That sounds like a street straight out of a mystery novel."

Persephone had never ventured on the other side of the campus simply because she doesn't have any reason to, but it seems like it's going to change soon.

"It's just a street," Ginny replied, her tone neutral.

Persephone chuckled, undeterred by Ginny's cool demeanour. "Well, maybe it'll become more exciting now that it's associated with our little rainy adventure."

Ginny's gaze flickered, the hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. "I doubt the rain will grant it any dramatic transformations."

Persephone's laughter was a symphony of delight. "Ah, you have a way of taking the romance out of things, darling. But who needs rain when you have a charming chauffeur, right?"

Ginny's eyebrow arched slightly, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Is that what you consider yourself now? A charming chauffeur?"

Persephone winked playfully. "For today's purposes, absolutely. Besides, it's not every day I get to rescue a damsel in distress from the clutches of a rainstorm."

Ginny's lips quirked into a faint smile, a rare acknowledgment of Persephone's banter. "I hardly qualify as a damsel in distress."

Persephone leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Ginny. Everyone has a bit of damsel in them, waiting to be rescued."

Ginny's gaze held steady, her expression unyielding. "I don't need rescuing, Persephone."

Persephone's smile remained undiminished, her eyes dancing with playful determination. "Perhaps not, but a little company during the storm can't hurt, can it?"

Ginny's response was a noncommittal shrug, her attention returning to the rain-dappled scenery outside. Persephone's attempts at charm and flirtation might not have succeeded in cracking Ginny's stoic facade, but they did create an atmosphere of camaraderie and shared amusement.

As they continued their journey through the rain, Ginny couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Persephone's persistent efforts to brighten her day, even if it meant facing the rain with a charming smile and a dash of playful banter.