Episode 17: Umbrella 1

I stepped out of the convenience store that is somehow close to our school. I did not have breakfast at home as we don't have anything at home. And so, after eating a delicious breakfast of Kariman, I decided to head to class.

I'd have to at least walk for 5 minutes to reach the school. During this time, I reflect on everything I've done in my life. Although that rarely happens, mostly, I think of the activities and the deadlines that I have to pass for every subject that I have.

The sky is somehow dark, although because it's seven in the morning, it is still unusually dark. I looked around and a gust of wind managed to topple over a trash can. In a matter of seconds, that breeze felt through my skin which made me shiver. As a counter, I brushed both of my arms alternatively with my hands.

And then there comes the bombshell of a sound. It made me jump that my soul almost left my body. I regained my composure and reached for my bag. With these incidents happening around me, there's one certain thing that's about to happen.

Rain slowly poured, I still continued to walk whilst searching for my bag. Before it had become stronger, I managed to pull it out. The protector of humans to a hostile rain: Umbrella! And yeah, I pushed the button, nothing happened. I spammed as if I'm pushing buttons in a fighting game, nothing happened. With that, the protector has gone haywire without even confronting its nemesis, the rain.

I ran with my bag covering my head. The floor is slippery, I know, but what'd you expect me to do? Take shelter somewhere and wait for the rain to stop? Wait, yeah. That's a good idea. Oh, wow, maybe I should stay outside that store.

The rain continued to pour, and here I am standing, watching it all go. I sighed and looked to see if the store was open. "CLOSED" is handwritten on a signboard. I took another sigh and rested my back on the wall.

Vehicles passed by, pushing off the rainwater that accumulated on the road onto the sidewalk. I tried to whistle only to remember that I can't. It has been 20 minutes already, I think. There are other students that walk by the sidewalk, with their umbrellas properly working. Somehow, I saw my classmates but didn't have the courage to ask them a favor. I should probably wait for her, although she might have gotten inside already.

10 minutes passed, nothing happened. It's 5 minutes before classes start. I have no choice now, but to get through this monster called the rain. With everything I got, I ran. In the depths of wetness, I simply smiled… awkwardly.

Unexpectedly, someone tapped my back. A shining flash of hope, in her steel armor, golden hair, and a shield that protected both of us. Although those are exaggerations, it's just her wearing her typical school uniform, tied black hair into a ponytail, and a dark umbrella.

"Yo, seems like you're stuck awhile ago?" she said, while we both walked under the same single umbrella. Our pace adjusted, with her slowing down a bit.

"So you've seen me earlier?" I looked at her.

"Well, well, that's perspicacious of you." She slightly lifted her chin up proudly.

"'Perspicacious'? Where'd you even find that word?" I looked ahead. Students have flocked together walking through the gate.

"Word of the day, duh." she nudged me.

Well I guess, when it comes to the hostile rain, a wielder of the protector is needed. And yeah, there she is, walking side by side with me. I stared at her. She looked serious, although I think that was just a front. Maybe I should…

"Ah… Such a strong rain it is." I rubbed both of my hands together.

"Yea-"

"Thanks, I love you."

She stared at the horizon for a second, until realization kicked in. I smiled as she looked at me, shocked with widened eyes.

"He-hey, don't do that." She's fuming; her face is beet red. "Don't say that lightly."

"I mean it."

"You know that I've been watching you get tortured by waiting for the rain to stop, right?"

I laughed a little and said, "Yeah, I know you too much already."

"Uh… I guess, I love you too." She looked away.

We continued to walk, with a single shield from the rain. Today, even though it's dark, everything's vibrant into my eyes. I mean, whenever she's around, it has always been like that. Well, it's time to take priorities. It's schoolin' time!