Under the Rain

"Thanks, and be careful on your way home!" Yvienna said, flashing an uncharacteristically warm smile at her driver. The man froze, stunned, before muttering a bewildered "You're welcome." His reaction made her chuckle. Perhaps it was the first time she'd thanked him so sincerely.

Yvienna was in an unusually good mood. As she walked through the campus halls, she even smiled at the students who stared at her—a stark contrast to her usual aloof demeanor. Was this the same brat everyone whispered about? Had she been enchanted by some spell?

"You're in a good mood today, Yvi," a familiar voice said, snapping her out of her thoughts. She turned and saw Nico falling into step beside her.

"Oh, hi, Nico! Heading to your room too?" she asked.

"Not quite. I'm on my way to a council meeting," he replied casually.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you're on the council?"

Nico grinned. "Guilty as charged. Maybe you could join the campaign next year?"

"What? No way!" Yvienna shook her head vehemently. "I'm not cut out for that. People think I'm a brat, remember?"

"Don't sell yourself short," Nico said with a wink. "I'll help you if you're interested."

They both laughed, but Yvienna's smile faded when she noticed the locker area ahead. Leaning against the lockers was Kyle, his posture casual but his presence commanding. Her gaze unwillingly traced his figure—the crisp button-down shirt slightly open at the chest, a silver necklace catching the light, his tousled hair, and the single piercing on his right ear. He looked effortlessly good, and Yvienna hated how her heart raced.

"Long time no see, Kyle," Nico greeted, but Kyle barely acknowledged him, his eyes fixed on Yvienna.

"We're going to be late. Let's go," Kyle said brusquely, reaching for her wrist.

"Hey, easy," Nico interjected, his tone sharp. "You'll hurt her."

Yvienna quickly pulled her hand free, forcing a laugh to lighten the tension. "Our room's just nearby, Nico. We'll get going. See you later!" She waved hurriedly and tugged Kyle along.

Kyle pulled his arm away as soon as they were out of Nico's sight. Crossing his arms, he walked ahead of her without a word.

"What's his problem?" Yvienna muttered under her breath.

They were almost at their classroom when Tiffany sprinted toward them, panting. "I thought I was going to be late!" she gasped, sweat beading on her forehead.

"Tiff, what's that on your neck?" Yvienna asked, pointing at a reddish mark.

Tiffany's hand flew to the spot. "Oh, uh, mosquito bite," she said, laughing nervously.

Yvienna raised a brow but let it slide. "Come on, let's get inside."

As the class began, Yvienna noticed Kyle's behavior growing stranger. He ignored her completely, even moving to a different seat when she tried to sit beside him.

When the lesson ended, Tiffany grabbed her things in a rush. "Bestie, I'll see you later. I need to take care of something important," she said, her tone clipped as she hurried out of the classroom.

Yvienna frowned, watching her best friend disappear. "What's going on with her?" she murmured.

Turning back, she saw Kyle still at his desk, resting his head on his arms. Yvienna sighed, walking over to him. "Hey, class is over. Someone else needs this room."

Kyle groaned in response, refusing to budge. Frustrated, Yvienna grabbed his arm and pulled with all her strength until he finally stood, slinging his backpack over his shoulder and leaving without a word.

"Unbelievable," she muttered, chasing after him.

Kyle walked faster, ignoring her calls. Annoyed, Yvienna took off her shoe and hurled it at him.

"Hey! What the—" Kyle turned, rubbing his shoulder where the shoe hit.

"Why are you ignoring me?" she demanded. "Are you regretting what you said yesterday?"

Kyle's expression softened, guilt flickering across his face. "No. That's not it."

"Then what is it?" Yvienna pressed, crossing her arms.

He hesitated. "I was just... jealous."

Yvienna blinked, caught off guard. "Jealous? Of who? Nico?"

Kyle nodded, looking away. "It's stupid, I know. But I hated seeing you with him."

"You're ridiculous," she said, though her cheeks betrayed her with a faint blush. "I'm not even yours."

Kyle winced at her words, but before he could respond, raindrops began to fall.

"Come on," he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward a large tree for shelter. He shrugged off his shirt, draping it over her head.

"What are you doing?" she sputtered.

"Relax. I'm wearing an undershirt," he said with a chuckle.

Yvienna muttered something under her breath, hiding her face as the rain poured harder. Exhaustion crept over her, and before she knew it, she'd fallen asleep against his shoulder.

Kyle glanced down at her, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "I'm sorry, my Luna. If I hadn't been so childish earlier, we wouldn't be here," he whispered, pulling her closer to shield her from the cold.