The Day We Danced In The Rain

The umbrella above them was only just doing its job. It wasn’t built for two, but neither of them cared. Their hands overlapped on the handle, fingers brushing with every step. The drizzle wasn’t heavy enough to soak them, not with their jackets, but the umbrella gave them something better than shelter - it gave them an excuse to stay that close.

They talked in half-laughs and half-glances, trading little pieces of themselves.

“I really want to finish my studies and get into visual effects,” she said at last, breaking the rhythm of their footsteps.

He raised his eyebrows. “Visual effects? That’s… kind of amazing, actually. Why?”

Her smile turned dreamy. “Imagine watching a movie, or a game cutscene, and thinking I made that magic happen. That’d be the coolest thing ever.”

He grinned, no hesitation. “Then I’ll watch everything you ever make.”

She tilted her head, eyes sparkling. “You better. I’ll even get you into every premier.”

The rain tapped against the umbrella, soft percussion to their conversation. Puddles broke beneath their shoes in tiny ripples as they walked through the quiet park. The playground, strangely silent without children, was dripping with rainwater. Rivulets ran down the slide, pooling at the bottom. She pointed with a mischievous grin.

“If we were still little, I’d splash you by jumping in that.”

He laughed. “And I’d retaliate.”

She smirked. “You’d never catch me.”

“Oh really?” He arched an eyebrow.

“Yup.” She looked smug. “Fastest sprinter in primary school.”

He blinked. “You?”

She put on a mock glare. “Yes, me. The same me who now apparently can’t walk a few kilometers without your help.”

He shook his head in disbelief. “What happened to you, track star?”

Her expression softened. “I got sick.”

He nodded, the weight of that word falling between them. “I know. But… how did it change you so much?”

She shrugged lightly, as if to brush away the heaviness. “No idea. Just kept getting weaker. But the doctor says he’s seen it before. Says I’m not in much danger.” Then, with a bright smile: “So you’re stuck with me a little longer.”

Something unclenched in his chest. He smiled back. “Good. I was starting to think I’d have to chase you down myself.”

Their path curved into a more secluded spot, hidden by trees, the world hushed except for rain on leaves and the steady tap of drops against the umbrella. He stopped walking, a mischievous light in his eyes.

“Hey. Let’s dance.”

She blinked. “Dance? Out here? In the rain?”

He nodded, already grinning. “Yeah. Always thought it was kind of romantic.”

Before she could protest, he snapped the umbrella closed. The soft drizzle immediately kissed their hair and cheeks. He tossed the umbrella aside and caught her hands, pulling her into a spin.

She gasped, then burst out laughing as their jackets squeaked against each other, too stiff for grace. Their shoes splashed in puddles, their hands tangled, her hair whipping against his face as he spun her clumsily.

“You’re ridiculous!” she cried between peals of laughter.

“And you’re still dancing!” he shot back, breathless.

Their movements slowed, steps falling into a clumsy rhythm of closeness. Her laughter softened into giggles, then into silence as they stopped, pressed against each other. His arms slid around her waist; hers curled around his shoulders. They were breathing hard, their foreheads almost touching.

The rain traced cool paths down their temples. Her hazel eyes glistened, wide and uncertain, and for a moment neither moved. Then, as naturally as breathing, they leaned in together.

Their lips met, tentative at first - warm, soft, trembling with the weight of everything unsaid. A few seconds stretched into eternity before they drew apart again, eyes searching, rain-slick hair plastered to their skin.

In that instant, he knew: he would give his whole life to her.