Fate Under the Rain

Yvienna lay on Kyle's bed, wrapped in the comforting stillness of the room, as the rhythmic patter of rain on the window lulled her into a long nap. Time slipped by unnoticed until the sharp trill of her phone cut through the quiet. Groggily, she reached out with half-closed eyes and answered it.

"Where are you, Yvienna? It's already 8 PM. Why didn't you text your driver to fetch you?" her mother's concerned voice rang through the line.

Yvienna took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I'm sorry, Mom. I-I have a fever and took a nap. Don't worry, I'll come home," she said, her voice heavy with exhaustion.

Her mother gasped audibly on the other end. "No, stay there. I'll come fetch you—"

Before Yvienna could protest, a hand shot out from nowhere and snatched the phone from her grasp.

"Hello, Ma'am," Kyle's calm, confident voice replaced hers. "I'm Kyle—the one who drove Yvienna home before. Don't worry, I'll take her home now, too."

Yvienna shot him a sharp glare. "N-no need—"

Her mother's voice interrupted her protest. "Okay, Kyle. I trust you. Just be careful on your way home."

Kyle smiled, his tone soothing as he replied, "Rest assured, Ma'am. I'll get her home safe and sound."

Her mother thanked him before hanging up. Yvienna groaned, her glare now aimed squarely at Kyle. "You didn't have to do that—"

Kyle cut her off with a wave of his hand. "I said I'd take responsibility for your fever. I'm the reason you caught one, after all. Now, take this." He handed her medicine and a glass of water, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Yvienna rolled her eyes but complied, downing the medicine. Kyle hid a chuckle as he glanced out the window. The rain had stopped, leaving the streets glistening under the faint glow of streetlights. He grabbed a black hoodie and cap from a nearby hook before turning back to her.

"I'm ready," Yvienna muttered as she stood, wobbling slightly. Kyle was at her side in an instant, steadying her.

"Be careful," he murmured.

The two made their way to his car. Kyle helped her into the passenger seat, carefully buckling her seatbelt before lowering the air conditioning. "You can take a nap," he said as he started the engine.

Bored, Yvienna tapped at the car's touchscreen, pulling up a Spotify playlist. "Is it okay if I play these relaxing songs?" she asked, pointing at the screen.

Kyle glanced over briefly and nodded. The soft, soothing melodies filled the car, and Yvienna felt herself relax. Before long, the music and gentle hum of the engine lulled her back to sleep.

At a red light, Kyle stole a glance at her. Her face, peaceful in sleep, looked almost angelic. "So beautiful," he whispered, reaching out to gently brush a stray strand of hair from her face.

The light turned green, and Kyle continued driving. When they arrived at her house, Yvienna's mother was already waiting outside, worry etched on her face. Kyle parked and stepped out, greeting her politely before opening the car door to retrieve Yvienna.

Still fast asleep, she didn't stir as Kyle carefully unbuckled her seatbelt and carried her inside. Her mother led the way to her room, whispering her gratitude.

"She has a fever," Kyle explained softly as he laid Yvienna down on her bed. "I'm sorry I didn't let you know sooner."

Her mother smiled kindly. "It's alright. You're Kyle, right? Here, let me give you my number, just in case something like this happens again."

Kyle saved her number, nodding gratefully. "Thank you, Ma'am."

Before he could leave, she added with a teasing smile, "By the way, are you and my daughter…together?"

Kyle froze, his eyes widening in surprise. Her mother chuckled at his reaction. "Don't worry. I approve. Be patient with her. I can see you're sincere."

Kyle stammered out a polite goodbye, but the sudden downpour outside halted his departure.

"It's dangerous to drive in this weather," her mother said firmly. "Stay in the guestroom for the night. I'll show you the way after you eat."

Kyle found himself nodding, unable to refuse her maternal insistence. After a quick meal and a brief chat, she handed him a pair of pajamas and guided him to the guestroom.

"Make yourself at home. Don't forget to let your mother know you're staying here," she said before closing the door.

But sleep didn't come easily. Kyle's thoughts kept drifting back to Yvienna. After an hour of tossing and turning, he decided to check on her. Quietly, he crept to her door and opened it.

To his surprise, she was already awake, rubbing her eyes as she stepped out of the room. She blinked at him groggily, her expression shifting from confusion to recognition. "Kyle? What are you doing here?"

"Are you feeling better?" he asked, placing a hand on her forehead. Her fever had gone down, but she was still warm. "You should rest."

Yvienna squinted at him, then pinched his cheek. "This is real? Why are you here at this hour?"

Kyle winced. "Aw! Your mom made me stay because of the rain. Now, eat something, take your medicine, and go back to sleep."

She glanced back into her room, noticing the food her mother had left on the side table. "It's too much… Can you help me finish it?"

Kyle hesitated. "I don't think—"

"Come on!" she insisted, grabbing his sleeve and pulling him into the room.

With a resigned sigh, Kyle sat beside her. She pushed a sandwich and salad into his hands. "Eat. I don't have the appetite for those."

Kyle hesitated again, but the sight of her pout made him relent. "Fine," he muttered, taking a bite. Under his breath, he murmured, "Cute."

"What did you say?" Yvienna asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Kyle replied quickly, focusing on his food. But the small smile on his lips betrayed him.