First Rain

Kiara, feeling the weight of the unspoken tension, decided to break the silence.

"I don't think I can stand working with you for the second time" she shrugged.

"I appreciate the opportunity to work together again, but I don't think it's gonna work out.

Caught in her gaze after her awe-inspiring statement, Darren felt a flicker of irritation at her audacity, her attempt to assert importance evident.

"Tsk! I just wanted to believe in your capabilities, and I thought this project would be great for the company's growth.

"We handled the first one that's why I feel we'll handle this smoothly too, don't feel like I'm glad to make this decision too! he replied, his eyes going back to the screen of his laptop.

"Fine! Then find someone else to work with you, I only allowed the last one because it was the CEO's demands," she said as she made her way out of the office.

As Kiara left the office, Darren's gaze finally lifted fully from his computer screen. His heart raced, and a perplexed expression adorned his face.

"What the f**k is she trying to make herself?" She isn't even that important. He bragged.

"But why couldn't I look into her eyes? Trying to make sense of the situation, Darren shook off the disconcerting feelings that lingered.

His internal turmoil was palpable, and he couldn't quite comprehend the sudden change in perspective.

He whispered to himself, "What just happened?" The unexpected surge of emotions left him questioning the boundaries between professionalism and personal feelings causing ambiguity.

Entering her office, Kiara settled into her chair with a sigh, she pulled out the bottle of water in her bag and took a sip.

"I thought he said it was unfortunate working with me? Why's he trying to work with me for the second time?" she silently mused, her brow furrowing in confusion.

_ _

The evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, Nolan, Kiara, and Kayla made their way home together.

Nolan, intentionally leaving his car behind, relished the opportunity to spend some time alone with Kiara. With Kayla's home farther away, she often left them midway, opting for a cab ride instead.

"The sky looks beautiful tonight, doesn't it?" Nolan remarked, stealing a glance at Kiara.

"Yeah, it is," Kiara replied, her gaze fixed on the ever-changing canvas above.

"Kiara, there's something I need to tell you," Nolan began, his heart pounding with anticipation.

"I'm all ears, Nolan," Kiara responded, turning to face him.

Nolan felt a surge of nervousness as he prepared to confess his feelings, emotions he had harbored for far too long, Nolan finally found the courage to express his feelings.

"We've known each other for a while now, and you've always been an amazing person. I want to appreciate you, and... I also have something important to tell you."

"I…."

But before Nolan could finish his confession, a car pulled up beside them, interrupting their moment. To Nolan's dismay, it was Darren behind the wheel.

"Hop in, let me drop you off," Darren offered, rolling down the windows with a charming yet mischievous smile.

Kiara opened her mouth to decline, but before she could utter a word, Darren interrupted.

"Ah ahn, he shook his head, "it's an offer you shouldn't decline.

She reluctantly accepted the offer, leaving Nolan to concur as she took the front seat.

As they drove on, Nolan's frustration bubbled beneath the surface. Watching from the backseat, he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he observed Kiara and Darren sitting together.

"Why does he always have to interrupt us?" Nolan's thoughts seethed with resentment.

The journey continued in uncomfortable silence, punctuated only by the hum of the engine and the soft strains of music.

Darren's effortless charm and the cool blast of air conditioning only served to deepen Nolan's disgust.

When they finally arrived at Nolan's place, Nolan forced a smile and bid them goodnight, his heart heavy with disappointment.

Deciding to escort Kiara to her apartment since it was close by, Darren left his car parked on the street.

As they strolled down the street, Darren's voice broke the silence. "You know what? Let me give you some advice," he began, his hands sliding into his pockets, signaling the start of a conversation.

"You should learn not to act proud and feel too important sometimes, especially when around me. It'll help you a lot," he advised.

Quizzical about the statement, Kiara defended herself, "What do you mean?"

"I see. Let me break it down for you," Darren scoffed, his tone tinged with exasperation. "For a start, I have said it and will say it again, it's quite unfortunate I get to see you almost every day. So when it comes to me, I do not feel important. You're giving yourself high standards that aren't there."

"Here you go again, doing what you love best," Kiara exclaimed, her frustration evident. "Did you offer me a ride just to prove a point again? How absurd!"

"It's clear you really don't have anything to do," Kiara stated bluntly, her tone firm. "I have something more important to do at home, so please, you need to leave now. I'm not interested in this conversation nor your company."

Her words were accompanied by a thunderstorm.

"It looks like the rain is about to start," Kiara observed, her expression tinged with concern.

"Another sign you are not needed here," She retorted, her tone laced with arrogance.

"I didn't want to stay in the first place," Darren muttered, his words carried away by the wind as he turned on his heel, ready to depart followed by the rain drizzling.

The rain began to intensify, Darren trudged through the downpour heading towards where he parked his car, each step slightly drenched by the relentless onslaught.

Observing him from afar, Kiara swiftly darted indoors, determined to fetch an umbrella to shield him from the deluge.

As Kiara sprinted toward him, Darren spun around, startled by the approaching footsteps. With a swift motion, she reached for the umbrella, but the slick mud beneath her betrayed her footing, sending her crashing to the ground.

Reacting on instinct, Darren's hands shot out, encircling Kiara's waist just in time to prevent her fall. Their eyes met, and in that fleeting moment, vulnerability and connection intertwined as seamlessly as the rain streaming down their faces.

Time seemed to stand still as they held each other, the intensity of their gaze speaking volumes.