Chapter 24 : Rainy drive

The same dayAfter the meeting, rain starts pouring like earth owed it moneyAyase grabbed her bag and slipped on her coat. The studio was finally empty, and all she wanted was home, a hot bath, and a quiet evening.She pushed open the studio door—and immediately froze.Rain poured down in heavy sheets, bouncing off the umbrellas of late commuters. Her heels clicked on the wet pavement, and the hem of her coat was already soaked.“Great,” she muttered under her breath. “Perfect timing.”A voice called out behind her. “Heading somewhere?”Ayase turned. Ren was standing under his umbrella by the curb, a small smile tugging at his lips. Beside him was a sleek black car, headlights on, windshield wipers swishing rhythmically.“You didn’t have to—” Ayase started, but he cut her off.“Come on,” Ren said, opening the passenger door. “You’re not walking home in this storm. Hop in.”She hesitated for only a moment, then accepted the offer. Stepping into the car, she felt a sigh of relief escape her lips as the warm air hit her chilled skin.Ren settled in behind the wheel, hands steady, and glanced at her. “Better?”“Much better,” Ayase admitted, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face. She couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly calm he looked, even in the pouring rain.The car pulled away, the city lights reflecting off the wet streets. The sound of rain on the roof created a soft, intimate rhythm inside the vehicle. Ayase stared out the window, lost in thought—but she was keenly aware of Ren beside her, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.“You’re quiet,” Ren said after a moment, glancing at her.“I’m just… thinking,” she murmured. “About work, the designs, this weather…” A small laugh escaped her.Ren’s hand brushed against hers as he shifted gears. “And me?”Ayase looked at him, surprised, and felt heat creep up her cheeks. “I...I,” she panicked.Ren gave a small, satisfied smile, "I'm kidding" then he turns his attention back to the road. The car glided through the rain-soaked streets, the soft hum of the engine blending with the patter of raindrops.Ayase felt safe, warm, and a little… fluttery.When they finally reached her building, she lingered at the car door. “Thank you… for this,” she said softly.Ren tilted his head, hand still resting casually near hers. “Anytime. Rain or shine. And hey… maybe next time we can grab coffee instead of driving in a storm?”Ayase smiled, a mix of shyness and amusement. “what's going on with you ?.”Ren blushes."I'm just trying to be nice, you're working so hard."Alright, let's go out, but It'll be my treat ok ?"As she stepped out and waved, the rain seemed almost less dreary. The storm had brought her closer to him than she had expected and somehow, the ride felt like the start of something more.End of chapter 24