THE LOVE AND ART OF LETTING GO

The spring rain poured softly on the quiet city. Ren was drenched in thought, the muted hum of raindrops echoing his own loneliness. He hurried through the crowded street, pulling his umbrella close. Then he saw her—a girl standing in the middle of the pavement, her camera tilted up toward the gray sky, utterly focused.

The rain streamed down her face as she snapped a photo, the flash bright against the dim evening. Her determination made Ren pause, a feeling he couldn't quite place settling in. Despite the drizzle, he walked over, shifting his umbrella to shelter them both.

"Hey," he murmured, uncertain, "you're getting wet out here."

She looked at him, surprised but grateful. "Thanks... but I think the rain adds something to the shot. Makes it feel alive." Her voice was soft, but there was a light in her eyes, bright and fierce.

Ren cleared his throat. "You're… different." He instantly regretted his choice of words, but she just laughed, her gaze lingering on his.

"Aren't we all?" She offered her hand, fingers cold but firm. "I'm Aiko."

"Ren," he replied, noting the way her name felt as light as the drizzle that fell between them. They exchanged a few more words, tentative yet open, until the train arrived, whisking Aiko away and leaving Ren alone. For the first time in a while, though, he didn't feel lonely.